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.
Drawing on his own unconventional career path, Hollis Taggart ’71 encourages W&L students to find what brings them joy.
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.
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.
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.
For more than 40 years, Kathekon has connected Washington and Lee students and alumni through service, mentorship and campus traditions.
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.
"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
Washington and Lee University’s library system celebrates a quarter millennium of scholarship.
With four generations at Washington and Lee University — and counting — the Ball family is invested in the institution in every sense.
Professor Brian Murchison will retire from full-time teaching at the end of the academic year.
Washington and Lee University students have spent more than 100 years turning gratitude into generosity and inspiring future generations to do the same.
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.
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.
“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.”
Phil Marella '81 is the founder of Dana's Angels Research Trust, an organization dedicated to funding research on Niemann-Pick disease type C.
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.
The W&L network is perhaps most illustrative in the early-career assistance and opportunities our alumni provide to current students.
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.
Now in his second year, Mouton’s W&L experience has fostered his self-assurance, adaptability and global awareness.
The Bolands have dedicated their time and energy to building a more equitable economic system.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster bestowed Folsom with the state’s highest civilian honor.
Allison Glover ’28 did not have a high school counselor to help her research colleges.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Sam Tannahill ’91, W&L provided a foundation of integrity, leadership and intellectual curiosity that have guided his personal and professional life.
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.
Kate LeMasters ’15 cultivated a career of addressing public health inequalities with marginalized societies.
I’m absolutely convinced that all my classmates from the Class of 1998 are leading, in one way or another, lives of consequence.
"Ralph commented when he made his gift that he hopes it will inspire others to follow suit."
Inspired by Washington and Lee University while still in high school, Frankie Maloof ’25 embraced his W&L experience through leadership, honor and integrity.
Wilson Hallett ’15 and Jillian Katterhagen ’15 will be recognized during Young Alumni Weekend.
Lauren Morina serves as director and corporate counsel for Hibbett Retail, a leading athletic fashion retailer.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Charles Frankum ’90 lays claim to being one of the few surgeons in the country who flies himself to appointments at rural hospitals.
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.
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.
Founding alumni launch challenge gift and campaign to support Huntley Hall and student experience.
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.
Tolu Olubunmi ’02 has made her journey to citizenship an opportunity to inspire and serve others.
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
Richard And Wimberly McPhail P’24 share their journey of giving, leading and forming bonds at Washington and Lee.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alumnus Bill Miller donates $132 million to expand access and affordability.
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.
Alexis Yee-Garcia ’01 leads the way in generating greater diversity, equality and engagement in Big Law firms.
Hardin Marion and Carter Chandler discuss their experiences as W&L students.
Bill Benson ’92 worked on NASA’s Space Launch System which will enable astronauts to begin their journey into deep space.
How one W&L graduate empowers women farmers in Africa.
A passionate conservationist, Niquole Esters ’04 has crafted complex approaches encompassing multiple countries to improve ocean health and benefit local communities.
Craig Jones has been an active volunteer in his community, particularly the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools.
In 1971, Black students founded the Student Association for Black Unity, launching a 50-year tradition of advocacy on campus.
Looking for older stories? See the complete Stories of Consequence archive.
