International Students Bond Over Unusual Term
At the start of the academic year, 17 first-year international students began their W&L experience in Scotland. Today, they are taking courses in Lexington as a unique group of friends.
Culture
‘Giving Everyone an Opportunity’
Hannah Freibert '21 interviews Mike White '10, program associate for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a nonprofit that works to improve health care in America.
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.
In Case You Missed It
W&L’s Hillel House Marks 10 Years as a Space Celebrating Jewish Life
A decade after the building's dedication, W&L Hillel shines brighter than ever.
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.
Together in Spirit for Veterans Day
Although W&L's annual Veterans Day gathering won't take place this year because of COVID-19, the university would like to salute all veterans.
Student Social Media Team Takes On Campus Happiness
The students in charge of Washington and Lee University’s WLULEX social media accounts are taking on an unusual challenge in 2020: finding ways to increase campus happiness during a pandemic.
Classmates Lead Fundraising Effort to Remember Kathy Boozer Boone ’95
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.
W&L Hillel Wins Election Contest
Hillel International’s civic engagement initiative challenged campuses across the country to get students engaged in the presidential election, and W&L Hillel led the way.
Minority Student-Athletes Form New Campus Group
The Perry Minority Athlete Coalition aims to boost the W&L community.
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.
Boneyard Becomes Improvised Training Ground
W&L’s strength and conditioning program adapts to the COVID-19 era.
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.
Student Life on ‘Mars’
The challenges of student life during the COVID-19 pandemic are pervasive, but students—and the W&L staff supporting them—are rising to the occasion.
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.
‘Preserving as Much as We Can’
The Washington and Lee University library is working to preserve documents relating to COVID-19 and diversity and inclusion discussions.
W&L Hosts Public Panel as Part of Yearlong ‘Activism and Black Life’ Series
The panel discussion, titled "Antiracism, White Activists, and Black Freedom," is free and open to the public to watch virtually.
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.
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.
Update on the Work of the Special Committee of the Board of Trustees
This letter serves as an update on the special board committee formed in July to review issues relating to diversity and inclusion on campus, including the university's name.
President’s Welcome for Fall 2020
Returning to campus in these circumstances will challenge us all, but teaching and learning together is what we do best, and it has never been more important.
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.
Prepping for a Safe Return
From installing hand sanitizer stations to adjusting HVAC systems, University Facilities staff have played an essential role in preparing the W&L campus for Fall Term 2020.
Language Academies Adjust to Virtual Summer
The Virginia Governor's World Language Academies this year celebrated the 10th year at W&L and adapted to virtual programming in light of the global pandemic.
Jewish Fellowship Thrives in Virtual Times
With help from Hillel International, Director of Jewish Life Maggie Shapiro Haskett has been able to successfully adapt programming to suit the new normal.
W&L Football Raises Funds for NAACP’s DeLaney Grant
The team organized a 5K in response to racial injustice and to benefit an NAACP grant named for professor of history emeritus Ted DeLaney.
‘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.
Facilitating Community-Driven Communication
The ESOL program at W&L, founded in 2001 to facilitate communication in the local community, now serves dozens of non-native English speakers each year with teaching, tutoring, translation and interpretation services.
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.
‘A Real Justice Issue’
Bridget Bartley '21 interviews Shiri Yadlin '12, director of Just Homes, a nonprofit that helps faith communities address homelessness in D.C.
Seeing Students Through Uncertain Times
Washington and Lee University’s Student Affairs staff worked tirelessly to support students through the COVID-19 pandemic and the move to virtual instruction.
Supporting Campus Online
W&L was well prepared for the switch to virtual instruction, thanks to investments made long ago and the people of its Information Technology Services office.
Career Planning During a Pandemic
Career and Professional Development Dean John Jensen '01 and his staff are busy providing career advice for Generals navigating a tricky economic landscape.
A Place to Call Home
Washington and Lee University matches incoming students to halls and roommates by hand to create communities in which students can thrive.
Gunn International Scholarship Expands Worlds
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.
W&L Women’s Lacrosse Organizes Run for RARA Virtual 5K
The virtual 5K will benefit the Rockbridge Area Relief Association.
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.
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.
Bridging the Distance
W&L’s admissions office is replacing in-person events canceled due to COVID-19 with personalized online outreach.
Stepping Up to Help Out
During the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Washington and Lee University community are finding ways to lend a hand with community relief efforts.
‘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.
A Letter to the Class of 2020
"The loss we felt at the suspension of campus life confirmed our love for this community. Our response was inspiring."
W&L Donates PPE to Local Providers
Amid a national shortage of PPE, W&L employees put the IQ Center’s 3D printers to work making face shields and mask strap holders for local health care workers.
Meals4Meds
Amanda Basham Atkinson '04 is supporting local restaurants and health care professionals in Fort Worth, Texas.
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.
Black FLEX Conference Brings W&L Alumni Back to Mentor Region’s Students
W&L’s first Black Future Leaders Experience (FLEX) conference brought alumni and staff together to mentor students from across central Virginia on how to thrive in white spaces, navigate politics and serve as leaders.
W&L Students Raise Money for Coronavirus Relief
In February, students from PAACE and SAIL raised over $650 from around 50 donors to support coronavirus relief in China.
Poetry Night Kicks Off Black History Month at W&L
A student-led annual celebration of black literary culture opened the Student Association for Black Unity’s programming for Black History Month at Washington and Lee University.
‘Passion for Service’
Working with Campus Kitchen at Washington and Lee has made Hannah Witherell '20 determined to continue helping others after she leaves W&L.
W&L Honors Veterans at Annual Event
Veterans gathered in front of Lee Chapel on Veterans Day to share details of their service and join in a prayer for all service members.
New Group Celebrates Native Americans at W&L
The Native American Cohort, which was created by faculty and staff with native heritage, aims to illuminate Native American history and culture, beginning with special events for Native American Heritage Month in November.
W&L Updates Climate Action Plan
Washington and Lee University has already exceeded carbon-reduction goals for 2013 and 2020. The latest updates keep the university on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Lessons Learned on the Mat
Washington and Lee University Wrestling has teamed up with a nonprofit called Beat the Streets to educate and empower young men and women through the sport of wrestling.
Lunch with a Side of Love
Through coursework and connections, Hannah Archer '20 helped to create a school food service program to ensure that local children have enough to eat during the summer.
Community-Based Learning Tackles Food Insecurity
W&L courses in economics and biology used community-based learning to engage in partnerships and make an impact on food insecurity at a local level.
The Power of Change
The W&L Village PowerDown Challenge called for students to reduce electricity consumption for a month, and they came through with energy and creativity to win a grand prize that included a therapy dog visit.
Sankofa House: A Place of Belonging
Community and social support form the heart of W&L's newest theme house.
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