When David Peterson, professor of history emeritus, died in 2023, he left a bequest to Washington and Lee University’s History Department. The unrestricted gift allowed the department to utilize the funds as it determined would best serve today’s students.
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.
Washington and Lee University has announced a $30 million anonymous gift to create Founders Hall, a new state-of-the-art building that will bring together the offices of Admissions, Financial Aid and the Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity.
The former provost at Southern Virginia University begins his W&L appointment on July 1.
Alumni returned to campus to celebrate W&L’s annual spring Alumni Weekend.
Tolu Olubunmi ’02 has made her journey to citizenship an opportunity to inspire and serve others.
Following Washington and Lee University School of Law’s record-breaking fundraising year, the Board of Trustees approved a new goal of $55 million for the school last October for Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee.
If I can create opportunities for people the way W&L created opportunities for me, I’m happy to do it.
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.
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.
Burr Datz ’75 has been a pillar of support – and supplier of stories and songs – to the W&L community for five decades.
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
Robert Balentine '79 and his wife, Betty, are recipients of the 2025 Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal from the Garden Club of America for their preservation work at the Southern Highlands Reserve.
Richard And Wimberly McPhail P’24 share their journey of giving, leading and forming bonds at Washington and Lee.
The Class of 2025’s Senior Gift Committee co-chairs have already sailed past their monetary goal as they look toward Commencement.
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.
Washington and Lee University’s faculty are dedicated to helping their students reach their potential.
The Williams School and Lindley Center remain on schedule for completion before Fall Term 2025, while several campus improvement projects will begin this summer.
Alumni from the classes of 1975-2010 are invited to return to campus May 1-4 for a weekend of celebration and the presentation of the 25th and 50th reunion gifts.
The research and reading room for the Special Collections and Archives will be updated and renamed in honor of Tom Wolfe ’51.
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.
Washington and Lee University celebrated its third annual Philanthropy Education Week (PEW), March 10-13, highlighting the transformative impact of philanthropic contributions on the student experience.
Stephen Welker ’05 honors his past by shaping the future.
Cory Allison '94, P'26 hopes to change the way hospitals and doctors approach surgical prep.
From rehabilitating its finances to reviving endangered species, Keith Sanford ’80 transformed the Tennessee Aquarium’s future.
Dr. Matthew Sackett ’90, P’18 is on the cutting edge of cardiac treatments.
The four-day event emphasizes the vital role of philanthropic contributions in enhancing the student experience at W&L.
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.
Hank Ingram '13 recently established the Ingram Family Student Opportunity Endowment to further community-based learning opportunities for W&L students in Rockbridge County.
After 38 years in the federal government, Mark Bradley ’78 has made sure to think beyond himself and serve the greater good.
Whether he is trying a case or drumming with a jazz band, Curtis Joseph ’93, ’96L doesn’t miss a beat.
The program offers staff a 30-day leave, with full pay, to advance some aspect of their career and work at the university.
Trustee issues challenge for support of the project.
Past presidents of Washington and Lee University’s Executive Committee reflect on how it prepared them for a life of values-driven leadership.
As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Olivia Claire Ball ’09 cherishes the humanity and connection she cultivates with her patients.
As founder and president of Wilderness Leadership and Learning, Abraham has impacted hundreds of youths in the D.C. area.
When Nathan Urquhart ’01 visited with some W&L professors on campus, he saw the need for the Williams School facilities expansion firsthand.
The importance of philanthropy is a value that Billy Webster ’79 instilled in his children from a young age.
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.
Washington and Lee University announced on Friday, Oct. 25, the launch of a $650 million comprehensive capital campaign, Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee.
Alumnus Bill Miller donates $132 million to expand access and affordability.
Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend a free luncheon Oct. 24 on Cannan Green to celebrate the campaign’s kickoff.
Pat and Marshall Nuckols’ estate gift supports scholarships and student opportunities.
The James D. Farrar Jr. ’74 and Katharine Capito Farrar Endowment supports the Athletics Hall of Fame and will help fund athletics-related student opportunities.
Anne Faircloth and Fred Beaujeu-Dufour share their thoughts as Parents Leadership Council (PLC) chairs.
The Jeffrey G. Lawson ’68 Endowment funds leadership roles in the DeLaney Center.
The enduring legacy of W&L's Class Agent volunteers.
Continued support from the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation demonstrates the power of endowed giving.
Clarke family's gift to support Law School financial need
The society amplifies women's philanthropic power.
Matching challenge aims to help alleviate student debt.
The Brian C. Shearer Scholarship Endowment provides opportunities for future generations.
The Matelich Endowment enhances Outing Club experiences.
Washington and Lee's new student wellness center has inspired generous support.
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.
The second annual Philanthropy Education Week highlighted the impact donations have on the undergraduate experience.
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.
“I felt from Washington and Lee a spirit of gratitude, like the school was happy you decided to join their community.”
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.
Dyson Foundation endows director position at the DeLaney Center.
W&L’s Class of 2027 takes part in orientation experiences at no additional cost.
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.
Chrishon McManus ’14L—attorney and competitive swimmer—radiates calm when it counts.
Total giving to all areas reached an impressive $73.9 million, the second highest total in W&L history.
Alexis Yee-Garcia ’01 leads the way in generating greater diversity, equality and engagement in Big Law firms.
Laura Adelman Philipson ’01 and Hayley Huber ’23 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
The campus-wide initiative highlights the relationship between university donations and the undergraduate student experience with a week-long series of events, March 6-9.
Joe Framptom '66 and Nate Unger '24 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Caroline Boone Mitchell ’89 and Peyton Tysinger ’23 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Tracey Thornblade Belmont '92 and Posi Oluwakuyide ’24 discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Hardin Marion and Carter Chandler discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Missy Witherow moves on while Sydney Cross is promoted to Director of Annual Giving.
Molly Myers serves as associate director of annual giving.
What started as a “Tale of Two Evans” 33 years ago has sparked a new friendship for first years Max Patterson and Spratt Allison.
Endowment Remembering Jack Vardaman ’62 Will Support W&L Golf Teams
Sanchez plans to pursue graduate study in public policy after graduation.
Bill Benson ’92 worked on NASA’s Space Launch System which will enable astronauts to begin their journey into deep space.
Schwartz hopes to enter the medical field to continue helping people.
Brinker makes her mark on Florence, Italy’s digital history.
The annual event brought 1,800 people to campus.
Wimberly and Richard McPhail P’24 share their thoughts on the W&L Experience, community and the Parents Leadership Council
W&L Library and Institutional History staff joined Mellon-funded initiative On These Grounds with several partner universities to catalog events in enslaved people’s lives.
How one W&L graduate empowers women farmers in Africa.
Kenny Melvin was elected by his peers to serve a two-year term.
A passionate conservationist, Niquole Esters ’04 has crafted complex approaches encompassing multiple countries to improve ocean health and benefit local communities.
The STEM-focused endowment will support internships, research opportunities, academic conference costs and other student experiences.
James Torbert ’23 interviewed Cynthia Cheatham ’07 to learn more about her dedication to Washington and Lee.
Kaylin Jury ’24 interviewed Phifer Helms ’74 to learn more about his service and commitment to Washington and Lee.
Max Weaver ’23 interviewed Andrew Tate ’98 to learn more about his service and commitment to Washington and Lee.
Will Bou ’24 interviewed longtime volunteer Farris Hotchkiss ’58 to learn more about his service and dedication to Washington and Lee.
Smith O’Leary ’23 interviewed Bowen Spottswood ’18 to learn more about her dedication to Washington and Lee.
Margaret Thompson ’24 interviewed Maurice “Moe” Cole ’94 to learn more about his service and commitment to Washington and Lee.
Alex Petras ’24 interviewed Julia Gsell ’18 to learn more about her dedication to Washington and Lee.
Kailyn Jury ’24 interviewed Nelson Bunn ’08 to learn more about his service and commitment to Washington and Lee.
A group of W&L students plan a week-long series of events dedicated to philanthropy education and sharing gratitude.
Mitchell Salvino ’23 is spearheading a fundraiser with his W&L baseball teammates to benefit the Angel Fund.
Johansen plans to head to Eastern Europe after graduation to serve Ukrainian refugees.
Sam Hollis ’51 and Jimmy Gallivan ’51 met at W&L, sparking a friendship spanning 75 years.
Craig Jones has been an active volunteer in his community, particularly the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools.
John Adekola ’24 sees his role with Phonathon as a chance to make a difference at W&L.
AJ Mabaka '22 plans to attend a graduate program in marine science and conservation policy.
In 1971, Black students founded the Student Association for Black Unity, launching a 50-year tradition of advocacy on campus.
Young alumnus Alden Schade shares why he gives back to W&L.
Young alumna and current law student Cat Spencer '20, '23L shares her perspective on W&L and giving back.
Kevin Batteh '95, '98L is W&L's first Bitcoin donor.
From serving on his 10th reunion committee to establishing a scholarship, Yuan Liu '11 proves that W&L ties span continents.
Dick Stuart '37 celebrated his 88-year relationship with W&L by making his leadership gift to the Annual Fund.
When Bette Lathrop named Washington and Lee as one of the beneficiaries of her charitable remainder trust, bridges were on her mind, and one in particular.
Jay Thomas '03 was able to attend W&L with the help of a scholarship, and now he and his wife are paying it forward.
Jamaal Jones '16 shares how his W&L education has shaped his life.
Susan Wood Cunningham, director of leadership giving at Washington and Lee, has been selected as the university’s executive director of university development, effective December 1, 2020.
The Board of Trustees approved renaming CARPE in memory of Houston H. Harte '50.
A decade after the building's dedication, W&L Hillel shines brighter than ever.
Junie Bishop '41 created a fixed-term charitable trust 20 years ago that will make a significant difference at W&L in 2020.
For Su and Rob Minor '71, planned giving is not about the past; it’s about building a better future.
Helen and Bob Cairns '57 created two gift annuities to express their love and appreciation for W&L.
In honor of what would have been her 25th reunion, Boone's family and friends celebrated her legacy through gifts that will have a tangible impact on W&L.
A group of dedicated alumni took action to leverage meaningful changes on campus to increase inclusion and diversity.
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.
Jennings will start on August 10 and will succeed Dennis Cross, who is stepping down at the end of the calendar year after serving 16 years as W&L’s V.P. of university advancement.
Recipients of the John M. Gunn International Scholarship met with its namesake in February and shared how the program has made a difference in their lives.
The Kauders family talks about their experience joining the W&L Community.
Leadership donors Anne and Tom MacCowatt P'18, '22 share why they continue to invest in W&L and why they chose to support CARPE.
Dennis W. Cross, vice president for university advancement at Washington and Lee University, has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2020.
Jim Early ’59 and his husband Garland Tillery established the James R. Early ’59 Endowment for LGBTQ Programming to help W&L's LGBTQ students engage fully with the wider university community.
With a Nod to the Future, Preston C. Manning '52 Gives Back to Honor a Long and Rewarding Life Shaped Immeasurably by W&L.
W&L's March 14 Give Day began at midnight and ended 24 hours later with more than 2,500 donors choosing to support Washington and Lee University. From coast to coast, first-years to Five-Stars, the W&L community stepped up in a big way on Give Day to put students on a path to success.
Reid Calhoun ‘17 shares how his vision for the future inspires his annual giving.
Late professor emeritus Harry Pemberton is the first W&L faculty member to be recognized as an Honored Benefactor.
Three donors have recognized the role coaches play in educating and mentoring W&L students, both in the competitive arena and in the classroom.
When Tyler Lenczuk ’08 married Danielle Galanti in July 2014, they were given a gift like no other — a named scholarship fund to benefit future Washington and Lee students with financial need.
As construction continues on W&L's new, state-of-the-art Richard L. Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center, we offer a virtual tour—no hard hat required!
The Benjamin Borden Grant, the original grant for the land on which W&L now sits, turns 279 this month. It has been conserved and is stored in W&L's Special Collections.
The 25th reunion committee chose to name the office, with a fundraising goal of $1 million, to help all W&L students thrive.
W&L welcomed more than 800 families to campus for Parents and Family Weekend 2018.
Friends and classmates of Jeanne de Saussure Smith ’08 have dedicated an E. E. Cummings painting to W&L in her memory.
Watch the short video about our Phonathon team to find out who’s on the other end of the line here at W&L.
Ed Spencer ’53, who has made plans to support a scholarship fund at W&L, is still a cornerstone of the university 17 years after his retirement.
The Professor Sidney M.B. Coulling ’46 Scholarship Endowment.
Charles Philip Blackledge ’38 gifted an important and fascinating collection of Roman coins to Washington and Lee Special Collections.
Washington and Lee has received a $2.5 million gift from Hal F. and Barbra Buckner Higginbotham to endow the university librarian position.
Kathelen and Daniel Amos made the gift in memory of her son, John Kyle Spencer, a 2013 graduate of W&L. Professor Robert Humston (pictured) will be the new director.
When he arrived on campus in 1954, it would have been hard for Farris Hotchkiss ’58 to imagine celebrating his upcoming 60th reunion.
W&L will name its new indoor athletics and recreation facility for Duchossois '44 in recognition of his leadership support of the project.
His generous gift will help deserving young scholars, who might come from less fortunate circumstances, be able to attend W&L.
Washington and Lee University celebrated the classes of 1962 and 1957 during the Five-Star Festival November 2 – 4, 2017. In honor of its 55th reunion, the Class of 1962 met recipients of The Class of 1962 Faculty Fellows Fund, an endowment that the class established in 1987 during its 25th reunion.
As we near the end of 2017, Washington and Lee reunion classes are preparing not only for a festive and memorable Alumni Weekend, but also for making a significant impact on current students.
Ethiopia Getachew '19 always had an interest in science, but working in the biochemistry lab and volunteering with local EMTs helped her future plans take shape.
The gift supports the education — both theoretical and practical — of budding journalists.
The scholarship honors his "father and mother who made a real sacrifice so that I might be able to go to W&L."
Annual Fund Sets New Record in 2016-17
Receiving a thunderous standing ovation after performing in the Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall in New York was “truly one of those great life events” for the University Singers, according to Director Shane Lynch.
Washington and Lee University’s new natatorium is open!
The Ruscio Center for Global Learning has brought to life the vision of the many donors and advocates who wanted to see global learning elevated at W&L.
The environment at W&L was transformative in the sense that everything you did was governed by the Honor System. You were your own disciplinarian. I had never experienced anything like this, and it made an impact that stayed with me throughout my business and personal life. I attribute my success in business to this.
One sign that the 2017 PLC Spring Weekend was a smash hit: parents concluded the weekend asking “How soon can we book our hotel rooms for next year?”
“What makes the 25th and 50th reunion gifts special is the opportunity for the classes to decide what their collective legacy is going to be to W&L,” says Jessica Cohen, W&L’s 25th reunion gift officer, who has overseen the 25th reunion gift campaign since 2006.
Every once in a while someone comes along who reminds us that philanthropy is both profoundly creative and simpler than we think. For Eileen Small ’15, being a philanthropist is as simple as taking the ideas you have for how things could be better and doing something about them.
Roy Matthews's shaky start at W&L did not hint at his future career as a successful university professor. During a recent telephone conversation from his home in Washington, D.C. he described his journey from struggling during his first term at W&L to being a history scholar and author. He also talked about his decision to support the W&L History Department, where his journey began, through his IRA.
When Lou Hodges died in February, the W&L community mourned for an educator and proponent of social justice whose impact on the campus still looms large. But now the community can celebrate because Lou's name is permanently memorialized at the school he served for 43 years.
Dr. Robert (Bob) L. Holt '67 adeptly leveraged the IRA Charitable Rollover provision to establish an endowment on the occasion of his Class of 1967 50th Reunion that also honors two admired W&L mentors, the late Chemistry Professor Keith Shillington and History Professor and friend Ted DeLaney.
Ben Cummings '67, '70L is honoring his 50th reunion with a generous gift benefiting the Class of 1967 Scholarship.
Dennis Cross, vice president for university advancement, noted that fundraising is just one aspect of the division's mission to connect, involve, and gain the support of W&L's alumni, parents, and friends.
In the year following the wildly successful conclusion of Honor Our Past, Build Our Future: The Campaign for Washington and Lee, alumni and parents once again gave more to the Annual Fund than ever before.
James N. (Jim) Paradies '51 has established a new scholarship endowment for W&L students with financial need.
Over 150 PLC families attended Parents and Family Weekend on September 30 - October 2, 2016.
The special PLC events during the weekend provided a deeper level of connection with the administration and fellow families.
