Measuring Success by the Decibel
A first-generation college student, Woodson was introduced to Washington and Lee University through the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO Talent Search Program
Stories of Consequence Archive (93 Stories)
Washington and Lee University Expands Tuition-Free Pledge to Families Earning up to $200K
The expanded W&L Promise means new students entering W&L in fall 2027 whose families earn less than $200,000 will pay no tuition, and those whose families earn less than $75,000 will pay no tuition, room or board.
Leading With Trust
Graham Frankel Smith ’02 never dreamed of a career in public service. She wanted to study journalism in college, which brought her to Washington and Lee University.
Raising the Bar
Three W&L alumni are continuing their dedication to public service as presidents of their respective state bar associations.
Cultivating Communities of Trust
For Washington and Lee University students, the Honor System is more than a set of expectations to live by throughout their four years on campus — it is a symbol of the values of trust, honor and integrity graduates develop and carry throughout their lives.
Seeing the Whole Picture
Drawing on his own unconventional career path, Hollis Taggart ’71 encourages W&L students to find what brings them joy.
The Cadaver Society Pledges Largest Gift in its Long History of Philanthropy
The Cadaver Society’s commitment to the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign will name the new terrace at Founders Hall and bolster the W&L Fund.
From the Trading Floor to the Classroom
Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, Bill Crawford ’76 liked math and the outdoors but didn’t yet know how far either of those things would take him.
Intellectual Scaffolding
As his 50th reunion weekend at Washington and Lee University School of Law approached, Jon Spear ’76L reflected on how his three years at W&L shaped his personal and professional life.
‘An Ethos of Caring’
For more than 40 years, Kathekon has connected Washington and Lee students and alumni through service, mentorship and campus traditions.
Answering the Call
The Reverend Dane Boston ’08 can pinpoint the exact moment he found his calling in the church, and it was in Fletcher Otey Thomas Professor in Bible Alexandra Brown’s New Testament 101 class at Washington and Lee University.
Where Passion Meets Purpose
"Not only has my perspective evolved, but I feel encouraged to pursue my passions to help others and make a lasting impact." - Allison Young ’28
250 Years of Learning
Washington and Lee University’s library system celebrates a quarter millennium of scholarship.
Generations Bound in Blue and White
With four generations at Washington and Lee University — and counting — the Ball family is invested in the institution in every sense.
Murch Exits the Stage
Professor Brian Murchison will retire from full-time teaching at the end of the academic year.
A Century of Giving Back
Washington and Lee University students have spent more than 100 years turning gratitude into generosity and inspiring future generations to do the same.
Shining Light
Light’s recent $100,000 commitment to establish the Henry D. and Angelica Didier Light Law Scholarship, along with her planned gift and decades-long support of the university, reflects what she describes as a lifelong responsibility to give back.
On Our Honor
In the intricate network that ties W&L graduates together in business and in friendship, the Honor System acts as a uniting thread long after the last non-proctored exam.
Kreitler Scholarship Honors a Life Well-Lived Through a Legacy of Opportunity
“There was never any question that Dick’s legacy would go to W&L,” said Robin Kreitler. “He loved W&L and began giving back at an early age.”
Finding the Why
Phil Marella '81 is the founder of Dana's Angels Research Trust, an organization dedicated to funding research on Niemann-Pick disease type C.
A Foundation for Leadership
For Thomas “T.” ’99 and Tasha ’00 Blair, leadership has always been a shared pursuit, rooted in intellectual curiosity, steady integrity and a drive to give back.
Career Connections
The W&L network is perhaps most illustrative in the early-career assistance and opportunities our alumni provide to current students.
Refining an Industry
Eric Herrera ’20 was recently named to the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for his work with chemical manufacturing startup MaverickX, which he cofounded with Jesse Evans ’20.
From Chance Encounter to Purposeful Path
Now in his second year, Mouton’s W&L experience has fostered his self-assurance, adaptability and global awareness.
Brian ’96 and Katie ’95 Boland on Building a Well-Being Economy
The Bolands have dedicated their time and energy to building a more equitable economic system.
John Folsom ’73, P’03 Receives the Order of the Palmetto
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster bestowed Folsom with the state’s highest civilian honor.
A First-Generation Leader
Allison Glover ’28 did not have a high school counselor to help her research colleges.
Leading by Example
For Captain Michael Holifield ’89, being a career public servant is about lifting and supporting the people around him to the best of his ability.
Beacon of Light
Over 200 people gathered Oct. 18 for the official dedication of the Lindley Center for Student Wellness, which honors the legacy of Dr. Lindley Spaht Dodson ’99.
Gratitude Through Giving
Nick Peacher ’15 and Elizabeth Bucklee Peacher ’13 strive to give back through volunteering and philanthropy to ensure others have access to the formative W&L experience they cherish.
The Gift That Changed Everything
I know I would not have had the richness in my life and the opportunities without Washington and Lee. So, it only made sense that I paid that back.
A Marriage of Minds Continues a Legacy of Giving
I feel very fortunate and honored that my parents found a way to go more than the extra mile to give back to a place so special to our family and to make this gift in a way that celebrates different pieces of our W&L experience.
Blending Passion with Integrity
For Sam Tannahill ’91, W&L provided a foundation of integrity, leadership and intellectual curiosity that have guided his personal and professional life.
Thomas Grove ’02 Wins a Pulitzer Prize with Wall Street Journal Team
The Central and Eastern European correspondent’s article was a part of a Wall Street Journal series investigating Elon Musk that won best national reporting.
Bringing Humanity Into The Conversation
Kate LeMasters ’15 cultivated a career of addressing public health inequalities with marginalized societies.
Building Global Bridges
I’m absolutely convinced that all my classmates from the Class of 1998 are leading, in one way or another, lives of consequence.
A Natural Segue
"Ralph commented when he made his gift that he hopes it will inspire others to follow suit."
From Mentee to Mentor
Inspired by Washington and Lee University while still in high school, Frankie Maloof ’25 embraced his W&L experience through leadership, honor and integrity.
W&L Announces 2025 Distinguished Young Alumni Award Winners
Wilson Hallett ’15 and Jillian Katterhagen ’15 will be recognized during Young Alumni Weekend.
Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Morina ’20L
Lauren Morina serves as director and corporate counsel for Hibbett Retail, a leading athletic fashion retailer.
Defining Success Through Values
“I want to use my education to uplift others,” she said. “It’s about making my corner of the world better, no matter which direction my career path takes me.”
Team Player
When Jackson Stokes ’25 walked across the stage in May to accept his Washington and Lee University diploma, he was certain that while he was leaving the campus behind, the community would travel with him for the rest of his life.
Fundraising Records Shattered as Campaign Momentum Builds
The W&L Fund, the university’s annual giving program, reached new heights, surpassing its $10.65 million goal with $10,891,247 — the largest amount in W&L’s history and marks a 4.4% increase over last year.
Tackling the Bucket List
Students in the Outing Club’s new pilot Spring Term program had the chance to step outside their comfort zones one more time before Commencement.
Best Practice
Dr. Charles Frankum ’90 lays claim to being one of the few surgeons in the country who flies himself to appointments at rural hospitals.
Remarkable Women
At the 2025 undergraduate Commencement, Barbara Jenkins ’92L, Kate Jenkins Howard ’99 and Kylie Therrien ’25 became the first female triple generation legacy at Washington and Lee University.
Teeing Up for the Next Shot
Washington and Lee University and Lexington Golf and Country Club (LGCC) are collaborating to undertake a complete renovation of the club’s golf course and ancillary facilities, which will support W&L’s top-performing golf teams and revitalize LGCC — Virginia’s second-oldest country club — to benefit the Lexington-Rockbridge community.
Williams Investment Society Grows Dividends for Long-Term Success
Founding alumni launch challenge gift and campaign to support Huntley Hall and student experience.
A Courageous Step
As Yuchen Qian ’25 prepares to graduate with degrees in politics and philosophy and a minor in German, he reflects on the many facets that shaped his Washington and Lee University experience and on his less-than-linear path to get here.
American Dream
Tolu Olubunmi ’02 has made her journey to citizenship an opportunity to inspire and serve others.
An Uplifting Legacy
If I can create opportunities for people the way W&L created opportunities for me, I’m happy to do it.
International Exposure
Studying abroad was the best and most impactful educational experience I had. The person I am today was forged in the experiences I had abroad.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Brandon Chalk '00 followed his love for the outdoors all around the world, summiting the highest peaks on each of the seven continents with his wife, Kristine Chalk.
Noteworthy Impact
Burr Datz ’75 has been a pillar of support – and supplier of stories and songs – to the W&L community for five decades.
Learning Environments
We’re so grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support that recognizes what John, Nell and others built and helps ensure that top-notch archaeological work will continue at W&L in the years to come
Parents Find Lifelong Connections Through W&L Leadership Council
Richard And Wimberly McPhail P’24 share their journey of giving, leading and forming bonds at Washington and Lee.
Bridging College and Career
As Andrew Barnett ’02 and his wife, Tori, contemplated how they could play a role in the lives of future Washington and Lee University students, they knew they wanted to make a gift that exemplified their values.
From Lectures to Legacies
Washington and Lee University’s faculty are dedicated to helping their students reach their potential.
Preserving Excellence
On Oct. 25, 2024, Billy Webster ’79, chair of Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee, addressed alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends during the campaign launch celebration on campus. Below is an excerpt from his remarks.
Healthy Focus
Cory Allison '94, P'26 hopes to change the way hospitals and doctors approach surgical prep.
Charting New Waters
From rehabilitating its finances to reviving endangered species, Keith Sanford ’80 transformed the Tennessee Aquarium’s future.
Heart of the Matter
Dr. Matthew Sackett ’90, P’18 is on the cutting edge of cardiac treatments.
Bedrock Values
Howard Capito ’68 established the Christopher D. Connors Endowment for Earth and Environmental Geoscience to honor the “living legend” and support student internships in geology and related fields.
Continuing a Legacy of Philanthropy
Hank Ingram '13 recently established the Ingram Family Student Opportunity Endowment to further community-based learning opportunities for W&L students in Rockbridge County.
Living a Legacy
After 38 years in the federal government, Mark Bradley ’78 has made sure to think beyond himself and serve the greater good.
High-wire Act
Whether he is trying a case or drumming with a jazz band, Curtis Joseph ’93, ’96L doesn’t miss a beat.
On Our Honor
Past presidents of Washington and Lee University’s Executive Committee reflect on how it prepared them for a life of values-driven leadership.
Appreciating the Sweetness of Life
As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Olivia Claire Ball ’09 cherishes the humanity and connection she cultivates with her patients.
Steve Abraham ’80, ’83L Named a Washingtonian of the Year for 2024
As founder and president of Wilderness Leadership and Learning, Abraham has impacted hundreds of youths in the D.C. area.
An Evergreen Gift
In 2018, Kathelen and Dan Amos established the John Kyle Spencer Endowed Directorship for Environmental Studies — the first of its kind for an interdisciplinary program at Washington and Lee University.
Historic Gift Allows Washington and Lee University to Adopt Need-Blind Admissions Policy
Alumnus Bill Miller donates $132 million to expand access and affordability.
Trust in W&L
Continued support from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation demonstrates the power of endowed giving.
The Privilege of Service
Clarke family's gift to support Law School financial need
W&L Establishes Lettie Pate Evans Society for Women Donors
The society amplifies women's philanthropic power.
Anonymous Donor’s $2.5M Gift Propels Law School Scholarships
Matching challenge aims to help alleviate student debt.
A Final Act of Generosity
The Brian C. Shearer Scholarship Endowment provides opportunities for future generations.
Legacy of Outdoor Exploration
The Matelich Endowment enhances Outing Club experiences.
Lindley’s Legacy Lives On
Washington and Lee's new student wellness center has inspired generous support.
W&L Annual Fund Soars to $10.4M; Overall Giving Exceeds $66.4M
Generous alumni, parents and friends contributed more than $10 million to W&L’s Annual Fund in the 2023-24 fiscal year, achieving the largest Annual Fund in five years.
W&L Students Learn the Importance of Paying it Forward
The second annual Philanthropy Education Week highlighted the impact donations have on the undergraduate experience.
The Business of Giving Back
Expanding and enhancing the Williams School’s facilities is a priority of the university’s strategic plan, which calls for strengthened interdisciplinary programs like Entrepreneurship as well as increased offerings for non-majors in the Williams School.
Choksi Family Endowment
“I felt from Washington and Lee a spirit of gratitude, like the school was happy you decided to join their community.”
A Fortunate Obligation
Billy Webster ’79 has worn many hats at Washington and Lee throughout the years: student, alumnus, parent, supporter, Trustee and volunteer, to name a few. The stalwart graduate is now taking on, arguably, his most significant role to date — chair of Leading Lives of Consequence, the university’s comprehensive capital campaign.
Honoring a Mentor’s Legacy
Dyson Foundation endows director position at the DeLaney Center.
Giving All Students a Leading Edge
W&L’s Class of 2027 takes part in orientation experiences at no additional cost.
Empathy & Compassion
In May, Mary Hipp ’90 said being a member of the second class of women undergraduates at W&L taught her a lot— although she didn’t realize it at the time.
From Big Law to Foreign Assets
Chrishon McManus ’14L—attorney and competitive swimmer—radiates calm when it counts.
Lives of Consequence: Allyship in Action
Alexis Yee-Garcia ’01 leads the way in generating greater diversity, equality and engagement in Big Law firms.
Leading Lives of Consequence
Hardin Marion and Carter Chandler discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Bill Benson ’92: Rocketman
Bill Benson ’92 worked on NASA’s Space Launch System which will enable astronauts to begin their journey into deep space.
Under the Baobab Tree
How one W&L graduate empowers women farmers in Africa.
‘Save the Whales’
A passionate conservationist, Niquole Esters ’04 has crafted complex approaches encompassing multiple countries to improve ocean health and benefit local communities.
Community Foundations
Craig Jones has been an active volunteer in his community, particularly the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools.
