Leading By Example
Ben Bankston ’25 is finding opportunities at W&L to challenge himself in and out of the classroom.
Academics Archive (258 Stories)
Shared Language
Anthony Edwards, professor of Arabic, brings his boundless energy to his teaching, research and mentorship of students.
CBL Faculty Collaborative Generates New Community Connections
The 2023-2024 academic year at W&L saw the proliferation of several new course offerings for students through a new faculty development initiative offered by the Office of Community-Based Learning (CBL).
Unearthing History
Students, faculty and alumni gathered April 12-13 to recognize the archaeological evolution of W&L’s back campus.
Solving Career Dilemmas
The “Dilemmas” podcast, hosted by two W&L seniors, connects students to the university’s Office of Career and Professional Development.
Exploring Careers in the Big Apple
W&L's Office of Career and Professional Development gave students the opportunity to network and explore potential career paths over Washington Break.
W&L Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Wythe Whiting
"W&L After Class" invites listeners to join W&L faculty to discuss their teaching, research and passion projects.
Voices from the Generals
The Harte Center for Teaching and Learning is bringing student voices to a new podcast designed to share perspectives on transitioning to college life.
W&L’s Librarians Recommended Library Finds
Washington and Lee’s library staff share their recommendations for your next trip to the University Library.
An Extraordinary Combination
Laura Murambadoro ’26 brings varied interests, a collaborative leadership style and a passion for community engagement to W&L’s campus.
W&L After Class Podcast Begins its Fifth Season
“W&L After Class,” now entering its fifth season, invites listeners to join conversations with W&L’s expert faculty about their teaching, research and passion projects.
Alumni and Students Connect Through Choreography
The W&L Repertory Dance Company’s alumni-student dance performance in New York City’s Center for Performance Research returned after a four-year hiatus.
VITA Program Returns
Washington and Lee students are applying their accounting skills in the community as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Mock Con Math
Washington and Lee University’s 2024 Mock Convention political team has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to crunch the numbers for the latest presidential nominee prediction.
Special Collections Exhibit Showcases Mock Convention Memories
Washington and Lee University’s Special Collections and Archives has been working with the 2024 Mock Convention to debut an exhibit showcasing extraordinary items from past conventions.
W&L Student Consulting Group Makes Connections on Campus and in the Community
Students in the Williams School consulted on a number of projects including marketing, research and social media strategy for businesses and organizations.
Mock Con’s Presidential Gala Creates Convention Buzz
The 28th Mock Convention’s Presidential Gala on Nov. 12 offered the campus a glimpse of the upcoming excitement for the 2024 mock presidential convention.
The Space to Be Brave
W&L’s recent staging of ‘Speech & Debate’ brought its cast, crew and audience an opportunity to engage with an innovative, collaborative approach to theater.
Emerging into Leadership
Hamza Zia '26 is using his leadership skills to make a global impact.
W&L Students Curate Fall Art Exhibition
“Mohammad Omer Khalil: Musings,” co-curated by four Washington and Lee students as part of a seminar course in museum studies, will be on display in the Watson Galleries Sept. 28, 2023 through June 1, 2024.
Giving First-Year Students An Edge
Washington and Lee's Leading Edge program welcomed the Class of 2027 to campus with dynamic programs designed to build community.
Students Realize Dreams Through Innovative Summer Internships
Grant funding through W&L's Johnson Program allows student recipients to pursue passion projects and career development around the world.
W&L Welcomes New Faculty
A total of 20 new faculty are joining the university this year.
W&L Welcomes New Visiting Faculty, Professors of Practice and Postdoctoral Fellows
A total of 25 new instructors join the W&L community.
Lending a Helping Hand
Washington and Lee students gain new perspectives after internships through the Shepherd Program.
W&L Around the World
Washington and Lee students explored the world this summer thanks to grant funding opportunities through the Center for International Education.
Across the Pond
This summer, Washington and Lee students experienced life in London as part of an immersive program offered through the Williams School.
‘After Class’ Podcast Features Tom Camden
"W&L After Class" invites listeners to join conversations with W&L's expert faculty about their teaching, research and passion projects.
W&L After Class Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Rob Fure
"W&L After Class" invites listeners to join conversations with W&L's expert faculty about their teaching, research and passion projects.
Collection Connections
Washington and Lee’s Museum Artist-in-Residence Program welcomed photographer Stephanie Shih to campus in May to create new work based on the Museums’ art collection.
Live from Sweden
W&L students in this Spring Term’s “Swedish Theater” course were immersed in culture during their three weeks in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Road Less Traveled
Washington and Lee’s Class of 2023 includes nine recipients of the Certificate of International Immersion awarded by W&L’s Center for International Education.
Haunted History
Professor of History Mikki Brock’s Spring Term course explores our fascination with the supernatural.
W&L Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Jeff Schatten
"W&L After Class" invites listeners to join a conversation with W&L’s expert faculty on their teaching, research interests and passion projects.
W&L’s DeLaney Center Launches Research Project on Black Women and Desegregation
The DeLaney Center’s latest research project connects current students with a rich legacy.
Opening Minds Through Art
W&L neuroscience students recently partnered with an innovative art-making program offered at Kendal at Lexington.
Future by Design
Sharon Mendieta Ramirez ’23 has designed her W&L experience to prepare her for her career as an educator.
Office Hours with Rebecca Harris
As well as operating her own farm, Professor Harris teaches American politics, public policy and food policy.
Staniar Gallery Presents Delilah Montoya: Contemporary Casta Portraiture
The solo exhibition will run from April 24 to May 25 in Staniar Gallery inside Washington and Lee University’s Lenfest Center for the Arts.
W&L Recognizes Student Leaders in Annual Leadership Excellence Awards
The Leadership Excellence Awards give recognition and thanks to nominated students and organizations for their many efforts on W&L’s campus.
W&L Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Michael Hill
"W&L After Class" invites listeners to join conversations with W&L's expert faculty about their teaching, research and passion projects.
Jackson Flower ’25 to Present at the 16th Annual Government, International, and Public Affairs Student Research Conference
Jackson Flower will share his research at The Virginia Commonwealth University on April 7.
Mock Convention’s Spring Kickoff Features Former Vice President
Mock Convention made its Spring Kickoff event an informative preview of upcoming convention conversations.
Annie Thomas ’24 Earns Prestigious Beinecke Scholarship
The Beinecke Scholarship Program provides funds for post-graduate study to students of unusual promise.
Lighting a Fire
The Museums at W&L invites visitors to reflect on “Born of Fire: Contemporary Japanese Women Ceramic Artists,” on display through April 29.
Community Conversations in Glasgow
Community-Based Learning’s collaboration with Concerned Citizens of Glasgow during Winter 2023 offer students an opportunity to help a community find its voice.
Bishop ’26 and Gibbons ’26 Awarded CIE Arabic Summer Scholarship
Washington and Lee's Center for International Education awarded two students funding to study Arabic at the University of Jordan this summer.
Museums at W&L Expands Its Collection
W&L’s most recent museum exhibition, “Mother Clay: The Pottery of Three Pueblo Women,” brought new artists into the university’s collection and connected the campus community in unexpected ways.
Ehsan ’13 to Give Public Lecture on the Algorithmic Imprint
Washington and Lee’s Philosophy Department will host a talk by Upol Ehsan ’13 on Monday, March 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Northen Auditorium, Leyburn Library.
CBL’s Faculty Collaborative Creates Connection Across Campus
CBL’s new initiative is an opportunity for faculty development, student collaboration and deepening partnerships with the surrounding community.
Student Organization Spotlight: Mock Convention
Mock Convention is gathering steam as the organization prepares for its Spring Kickoff event on March 21.
Learning to Swim
Tetiana Kozachanska ’26 is taking full advantage of her first year at Washington and Lee.
W&L Dialogues on the Future of AI
Faculty and staff dive into conversation and collaboration in response to ChatGPT and other emerging technologies.
Community Voices
Students in Professor Marisa Charley’s POV102 course helped local elementary school children tell stories this fall through photovoice research.
Maximizing Her Network
Avalon Pernell ’23 credits the mentorship she received on campus as she launches her career in business journalism.
Finding Their Passions on the Podium
W&L’s choral conducting mentorship program helps students find and follow their passions through music and mentorship.
W&L After Class Podcast Begins Its Fourth Season
The monthly podcast explores Washington and Lee faculty's research, teaching and passion projects.
Community-Based Learning’s Fall Term Collaborations
Community-Based Learning’s collaborations this fall offered students an opportunity to deepen community connections.
Helping a Local Business Bloom
This fall, Washington and Lee Student Consulting tackled a new project for a local business with a sustainability focus.
Building Her W&L Experience
Sadie Charles Calame ’23 has built a well-rounded college experience through campus and community involvement.
Electric Mondays
Students in Jon Erickson's Electrical Circuits course are learning through teaching local elementary school students.
Washington and Lee’s DeLaney Center Builds Momentum During Fall Term
Center announces new personnel, supports research opportunities and introduces programs for the campus community.
W&L Presents DeLaney Center’s Film Series
The first From Screen to Square event will take place on Monday, Nov. 7.
The FYE 100 Advantage
Students in FYE 100 benefit from collaboration from faculty, staff and students.
‘To Learn and Serve’
Ahmad Ohmid Arman ’23 arrived on campus as a Gunn Scholar in 2021 and is making the most of his long-awaited W&L experience.
Marcais Presents Nobel Prize Symposium Talk
Tom Marcais, senior technology integration specialist, will present this year's Nobel Prize for Physics on Wednesday, Oct. 26.
W&L’s Bonner Program Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Alumni and friends of the Bonner Program are invited to a reception in Mattingly House during Young Alumni Weekend.
W&L Welcomes New Faculty
Combined, the College, the Williams School and the Law School have hired 23 Faculty Members.
Author Malika Booker to Give Glasgow Endowment Reading at W&L
Booker will give a lecture on Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. in in Leyburn Library’s Northen Auditorium.
Summer Opportunities: Off the Beaten Path
Washington and Lee students blazed their own trails this summer to pursue their passions.
Just Food: Food and the Carceral System (2022-2023)
Campus Kitchen’s annual event series examines the many ways in which the food system interacts with issues of justice.
Washington and Lee Welcomes the Class of 2026
The university’s first-year class represents 26 countries and 43 U.S. states.
Summer Opportunities: Internships Abroad
Despite challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, many students were able to travel this summer for valuable professional experience in other countries.
Summer Opportunities: Summer Research Scholars and the Office of Community-Based Learning
Student participants stay in Lexington to develop research techniques and obtain valuable work experience.
Paul Hanstedt elected to new role in Virginia Educational Development Collaborative
Hanstedt has been elected the at-large representative for private liberal arts colleges in the Virginia Educational Development Collaborative (VEDC).
Summer Opportunities: The Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty Internship
SHECP internships provide work experiences that are impactful for both the students and the communities they serve.
Stepping Stones in STEM
Bonner Kirkland '23 conducted biomedical research this summer in the Children’s National Hospital’s Department of Genetic Medicine.
Pursuing Her Passions
Aishwarya Vemagiri '25 hopes her summer research experience on diet-induced obesity will lead to a career in the medical field.
Rooted in Justice
Kiera Stankewich ’25 tackled food justice in Louisville, Kentucky this summer through the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty.
Moving Fast with Meta
Collin Frazey ’23 spent his summer working for Meta's intellectual property team in the heart of Silicon Valley.
AIMing High
Washington and Lee University’s Advanced Immersion and Mentoring (AIM) Scholars Summer Program offers a residential and virtual format to meet students’ needs.
Levelling Up in London
Brendan Smith ’24 worked in the British House of Commons as a parliamentary research intern in London.
Finding Her Calling
Kristina Ayers '25 is interning at a medical clinic for the homeless in Washington, D.C. through the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty.
Summer in the City
Margaret Witkofsky '24 is researching grants for the city of Lexington, Virginia through her internship with the Office of Community-Based Learning.
Becoming a Better Scientist
Lucy Worthy ’24 is conducting clinical research and shadowing a physician at the Mayo Clinic.
‘Digging’ into a Summer Opportunity
Marcus Payne '25 is spending his summer doing geology research with Professor of Earth and Environmental Geoscience Jeffrey Rahl.
Classically Liberal Arts
Kayla Monaghan ’24 is collaborating on a Summer Research Scholars (SRS) project to enhance resources available through Leyburn Library.
W&L ESOL Hosts Summer Enrichment Program
Programa SOL, a three-week program for local bilingual youth, focused on language and literacy development, swimming lessons, active games and visits with community partners.
Adding Value
Diwesh Kumar ’24 is developing investment banking expertise at his summer internship at Boxwood Partners in Richmond, Virginia.
W&L Celebrates Another Year of Fellowship Success
Another record-setting year for nationally competitive fellowships at W&L can be attributed to forward-thinking educators, hard-working students and an encouraging fellowships director.
Kish Parella Named Class of 1960 Professor of Ethics and Law
Parella, a professor in Washington and Lee’s School of Law, will hold the position for a three-year period.
Exploring the Media Landscape
Lily Mott '23 is interning this summer at News Over Audio in Dublin, Ireland, where she is finding fulfillment at the intersection of politics and journalism.
‘One Step Closer’
Sarah Burd ’24 is spending her summer working for a medical technology company in Vienna, Austria, that specializes in prosthetic limbs.
W&L Outcomes: Kristen Xu ’22
Kristen Xu ’22 worked diligently during her time at W&L to accomplish her dream of working with a beauty company after graduation. Currently, she is a global marketing coordinator at NARS Cosmetics in New York.
Making Meaningful Impact
Eric Bazile '25 is interning with the Austin Greater Chamber of Commerce through the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP).
W&L Outcomes: Riwaj Shrestha ’22
Shrestha worked with the Office of Career and Professional Development at W&L to "engineer" the perfect career after graduation.
Summer of Hands-On Research
Bridget Osas ’25 is researching behavioral impacts on the development of metabolic syndromes like obesity.
W&L Outcomes: Rob Rosen ’22
Rosen utilized summer internships to help land his current role as an analyst at SVB Securities.
W&L Outcomes: Natalie Burden ’22
Burden is taking her talents to New York City to work in strategic planning at advertising agency BBDO.
Into the Wild
Caroline Wise '23 is spending her second summer working as an alpine guide in Alaska.
W&L Outcomes: Jamie Spanfeller ’22
Spanfeller will be applying her studies in sociology and strategic communication to her new role as an editorial assistant for Women's Health magazine.
Matt Tinsley ’22 Awarded U.S. Teaching Assistantship to Austria
After his USTA program orientation in September, Tinsley will teach in a secondary school in Austria through May 2023.
W&L Outcomes: Jackson Sharman ’22
Sharman will put his degrees to use in a position on Capitol Hill.
W&L Outcomes: Madelyn Sheridan ’22
Sheridan, a business administration and studio art major, will be joining the wealth management team at UBS in New York City.
W&L Outcomes: Coby Kirkland ’22
At W&L, Kirkland discovered that his two passions, sports and engineering, could be combined into one fulfilling pursuit. He's going to intern at a sports equipment company before heading to grad school at Purdue.
W&L’s Graham Kingwill ’22 Awarded Fulbright to Uzbekistan
Kingwill has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to teach English in Uzbekistan. He will depart in September 2022 for his 10-month program.
W&L Outcomes: Esther Assenso ’22
Assenso, a neuroscience major, is heading to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, where she will be a clinical research coordinator.
W&L’s Dickinson ’22 Awarded U.S. Teaching Assistantship to Austria
After her USTA program orientation in September, Joey Dickinson will be teaching in a secondary school in Austria through May 2023.
The Williams School Congratulates Class of 2022 Award Winners
The Williams School congratulates the Class of 2022 graduates who received awards and honors for academic excellence during their time at W&L.
New International Finance Peer Tutors Program Enhances Learning Experience for Students
Launched this year, the ECON 271 Peer Tutors program is a weekly drop-in option for students looking for a deeper understanding of course material through interactions with their peers.
Science Advisory Board Funds New Student Opportunities Endowment
The STEM-focused endowment will support internships, research opportunities, academic conference costs and other student experiences.
Washington and Lee Graduates 444 Students at 235th Commencement
In his remarks, President Will Dudley urged the Class of 2022 to carry forward the lessons they’ve learned and make a positive impact in their future communities.
Three W&L students Awarded Positions in the Teaching Assistant Program in France
Three members of the Class of 2022 will spend seven months in the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) teaching English to public school.
Four W&L Students Awarded Gilman Scholarships to Study Abroad
The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.
Art in the Right Place
Students in Elliott King’s Spring Term class, “Modern Art in Barcelona,” are being steeped in Spanish art, history and architecture during an unforgettable educational trip to Barcelona and Madrid.
Finding the Allure of Paris
Students in Michael and Lena Hill’s Spring Term course are discovering what inspired writers of past generations.
Life on Two Legs
In this Spring Term course, Washington and Lee students are making data science look like a walk in the park.
Spring Term Course Brings CSI To Life
CSI: W&L students are learning forensic science with the help of a real FBI evidence response team.
Community Cupboards Collaboration Addresses Food Insecurity
The recent Community Cupboards collaboration with the Virginia Cooperative Extension offered students the opportunity to tackle food insecurity from a cross-disciplinary perspective.
Connecting the Dots
Bri Mondesir ’22 has found her purpose through volunteer work in the Rockbridge area community as a scholar in the Bonner Program at W&L.
W&L Celebrates Brain Awareness Week with Local Elementary School Students
Students from W&L’s Neuroscience Program hosted an event for local elementary students on March 18.
The Flow of Influence
After receiving a great deal of support from upperclassmen at Washington and Lee University, Hannah Puckett ’23 pays it forward by dedicating her time to mentoring and counseling first-year students.
Meet a W&L Scholar: Lane Johansen ’22
Johansen plans to head to Eastern Europe after graduation to serve Ukrainian refugees.
A World of Possibility
Between the classroom and her community volunteer work, Katherine Ho '23 has built a W&L experience that is already paying off in the career world.
W&L Community Reacts to Invasion of Ukraine
Members of the Washington and Lee University community are responding to last month’s incursion by offering educational opportunities and raising funds for relief efforts.
Students Create Positive Sexual Culture Workshop
As part of a community-based learning class in the Sociology and Anthropology Department, students worked with community partners to create a workshop about positive sexual culture for first-year students.
Historians for a Day
A class of history students from Powhatan High School spent a day in Washington and Lee Special Collections and Archives, where they got to work with original materials from the vault.
Take It to Harte
W&L’s new student and faculty resource center, located within Leyburn Library, opened this fall.
Khan Talks Computer Security in New Podcast Episode
Taha Khan, assistant professor of computer science at W&L, offers insights and advice about cyber security in the latest episode of "W&L After Class: The Lifelong Learning Podcast."
W&L Students Form Blue Ridge Mile Clinic
The clinic is a Lexington-based program run by W&L students that partners with Virginia's Drive to Work initiative to help low-income or previously incarcerated individuals gain or restore their driving privileges.
Meet the Professor: Lynn Uzzell
Lynn Uzzell is a visiting assistant professor of politics at Washington and Lee University.
Success Off (and On) the Field
Nick Mosher '22 always finds support at W&L, whether he's writing a thesis on Russian politics, starting an online human rights newspaper or helping the football team win ODACs.
W&L’s Casey Publishes Chapter in ‘Teaching Environmental and Natural Resource Economics’
The book will prove invaluable in helping students gain a better understanding of the theory and practice of environmental and natural resource economics.
Roundtable with Dean Chawne Kimber
The new dean of the college invites vigorous discussions about interdisciplinary solutions to 21st-century issues.
Creating Community
As part of its 2021-22 lecture series on daily ethics, the Roger Mudd Center for Ethics at Washington and Lee University partnered with Staniar Gallery and invited community members to participate in a collaborative art project called the Daily Ethics Mosaic, which is now on display in Wilson Hall's Lykes Atrium.
Meet the Professor: Akiko Konishi
Assistant Professor Akiko Konishi joined the Music Department in 2021.
‘What I Love About the Liberal Arts’
Amelia Lancaster '22 has used her W&L experience to explore a number of interests, ultimately finding a passion in museum studies and Chinese that has allowed her to co-curate a museum exhibition on campus.
Meet a W&L Scholar: AJ Mabaka ’22
AJ Mabaka '22 plans to attend a graduate program in marine science and conservation policy.
Meet the Professor: Todd Rutkowski
Todd Rutkowski joined the Physics Department in the summer of 2020.
W&L’s Ponce de León Presents Research to Health Ministry Officials in Peru
Among different research findings, this study shows that there are still enormous barriers to healthcare access in Peru.
Meet the Professor: Bonnie Davis
Bonnie Davis is a visiting professor of journalism at Washington and Lee University
‘The Honor of Learning’
Lauren Hoaglund '22 has parlayed her passion for medieval and Renaissance history, literature, classics and theater into a busy but rewarding four years at W&L.
Meet the Professor: Hulya Dogan
Hulya Dogan, visiting assistant professor of anthropology, joined W&L this fall.
New Podcast Episode Explores ‘Florence As It Was’
The latest episode of W&L's Lifelong Learning podcast takes listeners to Italy with George Bent, who describes his remarkable digital history project.
Meet the Professor: Jayne Reino
Jayne Reino is a visiting assistant professor of Spanish at Washington and Lee University.
Jules Seay ’24 Wins Fall Student Pitch Competition
Seay's business, GOES, involves using specialized greenhouses as a form of carbon capture technology.
DeLaney Fellows Bring Passion, Diversity to W&L Faculty
Under the Ted DeLaney Postdoctoral Program, Washington and Lee University is welcoming new faculty each year from underrepresented groups.
Meet the Professor: Fernando Zapata
Fernando Zapata joins W&L as a DeLaney Postdoctoral Fellow in Philosophy.
Meet the Professor: Daniel K. Afosah
Daniel K. Afosah, assistant professor of chemistry, joined the Washington and Lee University faculty in 2021.
‘Chasing After Curiosity’
Allie Stankewich '23 spent summer 2021 learning about public health in Uganda and green roofs in New York City.
Meet the Professor: Bethany Dannelly
Bethany Dannelly is the associate director of athletics and assistant professor of physical education at Washington and Lee University.
W&L’s Thakur-Wernz Publishes Article in Journal of Business Research
The article examines the impact of a stronger intellectual property rights (IPR) regime through the adoption of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) on innovation by Indian firms in the bio-pharmaceutical industry.
Program Spotlight: The University Library
At the heart of campus, both physically and virtually, is the University Library.
Meet the Professor: Sakshi Upadhyay
Sakshi Upadhyay joined the Economics Department as a visiting assistant professor in fall 2021.
Washington and Lee University Selected as SHECP Academic Home
Washington and Lee has been selected as the new academic home of the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP) following a competitive application process. Tim Diette has been named executive director of the consortium.
Meet the Professor: Robert Elder
Visiting Assistant Professor Robert Elder joined Washington and Lee University's Physics and Engineering Department in fall 2020.
W&L’s Ponce de León Publishes Journal Article on Healthcare Reform
Ponce de León's peer-reviewed journal article focuses on the impact of political parties on healthcare reform in Peru.
Meet the Professor: Caleb Miller
Caleb Miller joined the Washington and Lee University Politics Department as a visiting assistant professor in fall 2021.
Meet the Professor: Mario Negrete
Assistant Professor of Economics Mario Negrete joined the W&L Economics Department in fall of 2021.
Meet the Professor: Mengying Liu
Mengying Liu is an assistant professor of engineering at W&L.
Meet the Professor: Lingshu Hu
Assistant Professor Lingshu Hu joined the Business Administration Department in September 2021.
Washington and Lee Honors Class of 2020 at Belated 233rd Commencement
The undergraduate and law classes of 2020 got a chance to return to campus, experience a traditional in-person ceremony, and celebrate their graduation with friends and family at an event that had been postponed for more than a year amid a pandemic.
Meet the Class of 2025!
Washington and Lee's newest class moves in, talks about why they chose W&L, and gets ready to rock this academic year.
Meet the Professor: Andi Coulter
Andi Coulter joined the Business Administration department as a visiting assistant professor in fall 2021.
An Advocate for Recovery Resources
Katana Evans '22 used summer enhancement funds to intern with Rep. Julia Brownley's office and Recovery Organization Resources.
Meet the Professor: Camilo Alvarez
Camilo Alvarez joined Washington and Lee University as the Ted DeLaney Postdoctoral Fellow in Economics in fall 2021.
W&L’s Recipe for Fellowship Success
A record-setting year for nationally competitive fellowship awards at Washington and Lee University can be attributed to forward-thinking educators, hard-working students and a persistent, encouraging fellowships director.
Meet the Professor: Chantal Smith
Assistant Professor Chantal Smith joined the Economics Department in fall 2021.
Welcome to the New Harte Center!
Come along for this photo tour of the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning, which is now open for collaboration.
The Bluebird of Happiness
Chris Tucker '23 spent the summer researching Western Bluebirds in Missoula with a biology professor from the University of Arizona.
‘One More Song’
Paige Anderson '22 is spending the summer recording an album of classical violin music in memory of her grandmother.
W&L to Name New Center of Southern Race Relations, Culture, and Politics in Honor of Ted DeLaney
Washington and Lee University will name a new interdisciplinary academic center for teaching and research on Southern race relations, culture, and politics in honor of late professor of history emeritus Theodore “Ted” Carter DeLaney Jr. '85.
Lost and Found
Two presenters who met at a 2017 conference at Washington and Lee joined forces to repatriate a stolen Nepali deity.
Office Hours with Jeff Schatten
The assistant professor of business administration combines philosophy and finance to examine organizational behavior in all kinds of business settings.
Supporting Excellence
W&L’s new provost, Lena Hill, aims to support the university’s initiatives in interdisciplinary work, diversity, equity and inclusion, and more.
‘A Serendipitous Experience’
Everything has fallen into place at W&L for Alankrit Shatadal '21, who complemented her academic experience with research, peer counseling and membership in University Singers.
Student Business Links Farmers and Buyers
W&L seniors Will Gentry and Gray Carlton started Lexington Harvest Haul to deliver local food to consumers. They’re now looking to sell the successful business before they leave Lexington after graduation.
Mapping the Past
As part of a community-based learning course in collaboration with Rockbridge Regional Tourism and the Rockbridge Historical Society, Washington and Lee University students researched and mapped Black-owned businesses that thrived in Lexington during the Jim Crow era.
New Exhibit Illustrates Perilous Path to Opportunity
Hostile Terrain 94, a global pop-up exhibit that takes a powerful look at the human cost of undocumented migration at the U.S. southern border, opened at W&L this week after years of planning and collaboration.
Immerse Yourself in Spring Term!
It's the most wonderful term of the year, so keep an eye on @wlunews social media and this post for a daily dose of W&L's deeply engaging four-week term.
Meet the Professor: Emily Filler
Filler, an assistant professor in the Religion Department, joined the W&L faculty in fall 2020.
Faculty-Student Documentary Earns Festival Laurels
"Intimate Violence," a documentary about domestic violence by W&L professor Stephanie Sandberg and junior Nolan Zunk, has been recognized by three film festivals.
A Place That Checked All the Boxes
Rafay Hassan '22 was looking for a liberal arts university that would give him individualized attention and put his critical thinking skills to the test. He found that and more at W&L.
Escape to “Inscapes” in Watson Galleries
The exhibit of paintings by Evelyn Dawson, which includes student reflections and a student-curated playlist, is part of Museums at W&L's new Mindfulness Initiative and the 20th anniversary of the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program.
Reliving Constitutional History in the Classroom
Twelve students at W&L are creating their own version of the U.S. Constitution in Professor Lynn Uzzell’s politics course.
Meet the Professor: Taha Khan
Taha Khan joined W&L's Computer Science Department this year as an assistant professor.
The Show Must Go On Camera
The cast and crew of W&L’s upcoming Bentley Musical, “Little Women,” tackled a host of pandemic-related challenges to produce a film version of the show that will be screened for audiences March 30-April 2.
Love at First Sight
Lucas Flood '21 fell for W&L when he saw it for the first time on a family road trip, and he's found it an ideal place to study history and German.
Banding Together
Students and faculty in the W&L Music Department refused to let COVID-19 silence them, instead embracing creative protocols to continue making music together in person.
Meet the Professor: Nneka Dennie
Nneka Dennie, a new member of the History Department faculty, has already participated in a number of thought-provoking panel discussions at W&L.
New W&L Podcast Episode Features Lenfest Director Rob Mish
In the latest episode of the Lifelong Learning podcast, Mish talks about his passion for theater, how musicals can be reinvented to account for changing times, and his experiences connecting students and alumni.
Blending the Past and the Present to Produce Stimulating Art
In a recent in-class project, seven W&L students used materials found around campus to discuss a broader historical narrative and create a piece now on display in Staniar Gallery.
‘Pay Forward the Kindnesses’
Melissa Yorio '21 has received support from many corners during her college career, so when the pandemic broke out, she found a way to give back within her hometown community.
Meet the Professor: Sybil Prince Nelson
One of Washington and Lee's new faculty members for 2020-21 is mathematics professor Sybil Prince Nelson, a 2001 graduate of W&L.
An Affection for Connections
W&L has allowed Christopher Watt '21 to meet other members of the community and find a future career where three of his passions converge.
Set in Stone
Debris from the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing found its way to W&L’s Special Collections, where it heightened one class’s understanding of a powerful Japanese novel.
A Taste of China
When her Critical Language Scholarship to China went virtual because of COVID, Kisker '21 got a six-week sampler of the country and its language through her computer screen.
W&L Graduate Returns to Teach Dance Master Class
Elliot Reza Emadian ’17 will teach a virtual master class in screendance, a form that merges cinematography and choreography.
W&L Introduces Minor in Religion
The university’s new religion minor requires completion of six courses and complements any major.
Turning Interests Into Opportunities
Bo Garfinkel '21 talks about the experiences she's been afforded recently as a recipient of a Public Policy and International Affairs fellowship and a Gilman Scholarship.
ODK to Initiate Three Honorary, 50 Student Members at 2021 Convention
New members will be inducted into the national leadership honor society at W&L’s Founders Day/ODK convention, which will take place in a virtual format on Jan. 19 at 5 p.m.
Community-Based Learning Thrives Amid COVID-19
The pandemic has presented challenges to working and learning within the community, but virtual and distanced projects have allowed those partnerships to continue to bear fruit this year.
‘A Sense of Meaning’
At W&L, Lorena Terroba Urruchua ’21 found her purpose — helping people with disabilities — at the intersection of psychology, Romance languages and poverty studies.
W&L Students Partner with Project Horizon to Make Life Skills Book
Students in Professor Dayo Abah’s Principles of Public Relations class worked with a Lexington nonprofit to make a life skills book for clients who are trying to get back on their feet.
Finding Ways to Give Back
Jerónimo Reyes '21 says he is so immensely grateful for the gifts in his life, including a QuestBridge scholarship to W&L, that he wants to become a doctor and devote his career to helping others.
W&L First Year Participates in Forbes Hackathon
Natalie McCaffery ’24, of Santa Barbara, California, was recently invited to participate in the Forbes Under 30 AgTech+ Hackathon.
Courting Success
Erin Hughes '21 wants to use lessons learned in the classroom and on the basketball court to fight for systemic change in the world.
W&L Hosts Successful Virtual Entrepreneurship Summit
This year, 222 people tuned in to watch and participate in the annual summit.
A Rewarding Experience
Enuma Anekwe-Desince '22 has found her niche at Washington and Lee University through her involvement in the Advanced Immersion and Mentoring Program, leadership roles in student organizations, and work as a research assistant in the sociology and psychology departments.
W&L Faculty Embrace Hybrid Instruction
The COVID-19 pandemic has failed to hinder Washington and Lee University professors, who have adapted creatively to teach both in person and virtually this term.
No Limits
At W&L, Mary North Jones has been able to pursue interests in both European history and medicine as she builds a foundation for her career.
Annual Artist Series Honors Diversity in Dance
Six accomplished artists will give virtual master classes for the Washington and Lee community this academic year, covering a wide range of dance styles, from hip-hop to K-pop.
A Little Book with Big Contents
An extremely rare printing of the U.S. Constitution has been restored and returned to Washington and Lee Special Collections just in time for Constitution Day.
Mudd Center Announces 2020-21 Lecture Series on Global Ethics
“Global Ethics in the 21st Century: Opportunities and Challenges,” a collaboration between the Mudd Center for Ethics and the Center for International Education, kicks off Sept. 24 with a keynote address by former U.S. ambassador and Sewanee University President Reuben E. Brigety.
W&L Professor, Student Co-Direct Domestic Violence Documentary
Professor Stephanie Sandberg and Nolan Zunk ’22 co-directed “Intimate Violence,” which will be screened at Hull’s Drive-in to raise money for Project Horizon.
W&L Welcomes New Faculty for 2020-21
Twenty-four new full-time professors have joined the faculty this year.
AIM Summer Program Doubles in Size
Forty incoming first-year students participated in this year’s virtual Advanced Immersion and Mentoring (AIM) Scholars Summer Program, giving them an auspicious start to their W&L careers and a chance to help their peers this fall.
Africana Studies Program Launches Yearlong Series
The Africana Studies Program at W&L, in partnership with the Rupert H. Johnson Jr. Program in Leadership and Integrity, will host a series of events focused on activism and Black life. It kicks off Aug. 26 with a panel discussion featuring three W&L faculty members.
‘Committed to Supporting and Listening’
As Executive Committee president for the 2020-21 school year, Chase Calhoun '21 hopes to protect the Honor System and make a positive impact in areas of racial inequality and systemic racism.
Becoming a Global Citizen
Studying philosophy and Arabic, traveling to Morocco and Beirut, and working with Professor Anthony Edwards to translate a Beiruti book have helped Tanner Hall '21 understand and appreciate other cultures.
In Service to Health
After the pandemic canceled his original internship, Blake Sanchez '23 went to work for the Virginia Department of Health and the Campus Kitchen at W&L.
Using Machine Learning to Track COVID-19
Moataz Khalifa, assistant professor and director of Data Education, is collaborating on a non-invasive, early detection system of the virus.
Parsing a Pandemic
Fifteen W&L faculty members and two alumnae have signed on to help teach a Fall Term course that will cover multiple aspects of the COVID-19 crisis.
‘There’s Nothing Like Art’
A generous donation of art last year from Rick Kramer '69 includes three works by Sam Gilliam, one of the most significant living artists of our time.
W&L Professors Receive Grant for Chemistry Tutorial
A $27,600 grant from Associated Colleges of the South will allow for the development of phase two of ChemTutor, a tutorial system for students new to college-level chemistry.
‘The Labor of Liberty’
Five professors from Washington and Lee University held an online panel offering “Perspectives on Black Protest: Comprehending the Current Crisis.”
W&L Welcomes Students Back to Campus for Fall Term
This message summarizes the critical elements of our plan.
Summer of Service in Lexington
When her summer research trip to Nepal was canceled because of COVID-19, Danika Brockman went to work for the Rockbridge Area Relief Association, where she helps with the food pantry.
W&L Celebrates Reversal of ICE Guidelines
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement guidelines announced in July would have required international students to leave the U.S. if they were forced by COVID-19 to take only online courses.
Tackling Social Issues
Nick Watson '22 is spending the summer working on housing issues as part of his Shepherd internship with the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity in Vermont.
W&L Student Appears on “Meet the Press”
Avalon Pernell, a rising sophomore from Alabama, appeared on a “College Roundtable” segment that featured college journalists interviewing the mayor of Pittsburgh.
Internship Honors Dickovick’s Profound Legacy at W&L
A group of his former students and colleagues established the James Tyler Dickovick Internship in International Affairs, Global Political Economy and the Public Interest Endowment in his memory.
Hannah Denham ’20 Wins National Journalism Award
The recent graduate of Washington and Lee University won a combined scholarship of $8,500 for her second-place win and article of the year award in the 60th Annual Hearst National Writing Championship.
Gateway to the World
Julia Hernandez took a Spring Term class in Ghana and studied abroad in France and Morocco, proving that W&L is a gateway to opportunities all over the globe.
‘You Won’t Want to Go Anywhere Else’
At W&L, Eric Herrera did field work in Ghana, created a biotech startup, and discovered the original location of the Alamo.
An Intersection of Interests
At W&L, Katherine Ingram '20 found a research interest—and a future profession—where environmental studies meets economics.
Spring Term Goes Virtual
Spring Term courses aim to provide innovative, one-of-a-kind educational experiences to W&L students. Online instruction during COVID-19 led to many new opportunities.
W&L’s Caroline Rivers ’20 Awarded Fulbright-García Robles Grant to Mexico
Rivers has received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Mexico starting January 2021.
The Beat Goes On
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, some Washington and Lee University journalism students learned that the news stops for nothing — not even a global pandemic.
The Creative Type
Working in Italy, starring in theater productions and being involved in Generals' Unity are just a few of the experiences that have made W&L a great fit for Win Gustin '20.
Bo Garfinkel ’21 Awarded Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship
Garfinkel will attend the PPIA Junior Summer Institute at Princeton
Finding Her Community
When Kara Lough '20 found W&L, she found a supportive environment that allowed her to lead a magazine, study in Italy, work as a photographer and plan a career.
Roll-Up Pianos Help Seniors Graduate
Eight of the 23 students enrolled in music instructor Shuko Watanabe Petty’s Piano I and II classes had no piano at home. When instruction went online, she found a way to help.
Social Distancing on Ceramics
A new gift to the Reeves Museum of Ceramics documents how one artist is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘EVERYBODY’
Despite a COVID-abbreviated run, the cast of W&L's "EVERYBODY" celebrates the "positive, self-affirming experience" of putting on the show.
Thinking Outside the (Gallery) Box
“To See Color First,” the first comprehensive study of Louise Herreshoff Eaton’s bold and expressive watercolors, opens April 27 as a virtual exhibition.
United by Dance
When the 25 members of W&L’s Repertory Dance Company were dispersed by COVID-19, director Jenefer Davies found a creative way for them to perform together again.
‘It’s OK to Be You’
Final performances of "Considering Matthew Shepard" had to be canceled because of COVID-19, but the University Singers will never forget the powerful experience of telling Shepard's story.
‘Singapore in a Blink’
Internship and Study Semester in Asia-Pacific student Sam Smiley '21 reminisces about his stay in Singapore, which was cut short because of COVID-19.
How W&L Prepared for Online Success
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Washington and Lee University’s CARPE and Academic Technologies offered expertise and resources to faculty preparing for online courses.
Community Projects a Win-Win for Lexington and W&L
Washington and Lee University's Office of Community-Based Learning has partnered with Lexington on projects that provide real-world learning experiences for students while also advancing the city's goals.
Will Power
Will Bolton '20 has made the most of his college years by serving as president of the Executive Committee, doing ROTC training at VMI, traveling to Germany and interning for a U.S. Senator.
From Lexington to Capitol Hill
Want to work for the U.S. Congress? Judging by past successes, earning a degree from Washington and Lee University is a pretty good start.
Timely Course Tackles Impeachment
Professor Bob Strong’s Fall Term course on presidential impeachment borrowed lessons from real events in Washington.
W&L’s Rossella Gabriele Among 2020 Class of Rhodes Scholars
Gabriele, a 2019 graduate, is the university’s 17th Rhodes Scholar.
Conductors of Knowledge
Students in Washington and Lee University's Electrical Circuits class sparked interest in local elementary students through a Community-Based Learning project that partnered with the Rockbridge Area YMCA after-school program.
Lessons from Lenfest
Allie Jue '20 has learned how to keep her studies in music and pre-med in perfect harmony with a job and extracurricular activities at W&L.
W&L Introduces Minor in Legal Studies
The Law, Justice, and Society Program offers an interdisciplinary approach to legal studies that draws from faculty and resources in all three schools at Washington and Lee University.
