Celebrating Spring: Outing Club’s Top Five Hikes
Spring Term and Alumni Weekend reunions are the perfect times to experience the outdoors that hug Washington and Lee.
Student Organizations
Meet Emma Scott ‘26
Scott’s passion for the environment carries over from the classroom to opportunities on campus and beyond.
Student Organization Spotlight: GAB
Washington and Lee's Generals Activities Board has taken a dynamic approach to bringing the student body together through live music.
Meet Sydney Fleming ’27
The first-year student says the Outing Club and W&L's proximity to great hiking and kayaking spots were a big draw.
Meet a Colleague: Peter Grajzl
Peter Grajzl is the John F. Hendon Professor of Economics.
In Case You Missed It
An Extraordinary Combination
Laura Murambadoro ’26 brings varied interests, a collaborative leadership style and a passion for community engagement to W&L’s campus.
Meet a Colleague: Mauricio Betancourt
Mauricio Betancourt is an assistant professor of environmental studies.
Meet a Colleague: Michael Rhodes
Michael Rhodes is the manager of copying services.
Meet a Colleague: Anna Billias
Anna Billias is a lecturer in music and collaborative pianist.
Meet a Colleague: Bryan Snyder ’95
Bryan Snyder ’95 is the head volleyball coach and associate director of athletics for finance.
Student Organization Spotlight: Remote Area Medical
Washington and Lee’s chapter of Remote Area Medical takes students to remote rural areas to provide medical services and gain valuable practical experience along the way.
Meet a Colleague: Sascha Goluboff
Sascha Goluboff is a professor of cultural anthropology and serves as director for both the Community-Based Learning program and the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty.
Meet a Colleague: Ryan Connell
Ryan Connell is the athletics broadcaster and athletics multimedia creative specialist.
Meet a Colleague: Susan Wager
Susan Wager is the assistant director of the Lenfest Center.
Meet a Colleague: Meghan Ferguson
Meghan Ferguson serves as the financial aid coordinator for the university.
Meet a Colleague: Suzannah Vess
Suzannah Vess is a systems administrator in human resources.
Greek Councils Connect Campus Through Fun and Philanthropy
Washington and Lee’s Interfraternity Council, National Panhellenic Conference and National Pan-Hellenic Council focus on community-building, education and fundraising throughout the year.
United in Service
Washington and Lee students are making a dynamic impact in the community through National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations.
Meet a Colleague: Ben Schlief
Ben Schlief is the associate director of recreation.
Soaking Up the Sun
W&L’s new offsite solar array, now fully operational, represents the university’s biggest leap to date toward an energy-independent future.
Campus Garden Fosters Community, Sustainability and Healthy Living
The university’s Campus Garden is a dedicated space growing organic produce for both the campus and local community.
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.
Student Organization Spotlight: Fancy Dress
The Fancy Dress committee works year-round to ensure this cherished campus tradition continues.
Mock Convention’s Spring Kickoff Features Former Vice President
Mock Convention made its Spring Kickoff event an informative preview of upcoming convention conversations.
Mock Convention Presents Spring Kickoff with Mike Pence and Bret Baier
The W&L community event will be held on Tuesday, March 21, at 6 p.m. in W&L’s University Chapel.
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.
Student Organization Spotlight: English for Speakers of Other Languages
For more than 20 years, ESOL volunteers have participated in language and literacy work in the Lexington-Rockbridge area and beyond.
W&L’s Greek Leadership Institute Returns for Its Second Year
Washington and Lee’s second annual Greek Leadership Institute provides students with foundational leadership skills and a chance to connect before formal recruitment begins.
W&L Appoints Laura Ulmer Director of Student Activities
Ulmer previously worked as director for the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity at Old Dominion University.
Building Her W&L Experience
Sadie Charles Calame ’23 has built a well-rounded college experience through campus and community involvement.
ESOL Hosts Holiday Gathering
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) invites the community to a holiday gathering on Dec. 5.
From Screen to Square Film Screening: Hidden Figures
The upcoming screening is the second installment in the DeLaney Center's ongoing film series.
Building ‘Comunidad’
The Nuestro Hogar Latino theme house's new location accommodates more students and offers expanded space for programming.
New Spaces in Elrod Commons
The recent renovation of the second and third floors of Elrod Commons has provided staff and students with new and improved workspaces.
‘Welcome to the Rock Wall’
The Outing Club debuts two new climbing structures on campus.
Rain or Shine, W&L’s Community Comes Together for Parents and Family Weekend
The annual event brought 1,800 people to campus.
W&L Choral Program to Hold Parents and Family Weekend Concert
Join members of the W&L choral program for a Parents and Family Weekend choral concert on Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. in Wilson Concert Hall.
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.
Making Space for Mindfulness
Washington and Lee students can now explore the Headspace app’s mental health and wellness features thanks to the generous support of alumni Greg and Kelly Golub.
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.
Pass the Plate Celebrates Cultural Heritage Through Food
The Weinstein Scholar annual program invited students to take a culinary trip around the world without leaving the Washington and Lee campus.
Students Get Ready to Say Thanks
A group of W&L students plan a week-long series of events dedicated to philanthropy education and sharing gratitude.
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.
W&L Hosts Inaugural Greek Leadership Institute
The two-day training provided leadership development opportunities designed specifically for W&L’s Greek community leaders.
‘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.
In the Zone
In addition to pursuing a double major at Washington and Lee, Jackson Hotchkiss ’24 is a competitive cycler who just placed fourth in his age group in a national cycling championship.
Dedicated to Listening
At W&L, student volunteers in the peer counseling program, Washingtonian Society and Active Minds supplement University Counseling Center services by offering a caring ear to fellow students.
W&L Marks 20th Anniversary of 9/11 with Campus Events
The Washington and Lee University community this year will remember the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, with a memorial ceremony, prayer vigil and placing of 2,977 American flags.
Appreciating Lexington’s Location
W&L's students and visitors will find lots to explore in and around Lexington this year.
W&L’s Student Activities Treats Students to Local Adventures
Reimbursable experiences include the Virginia Safari Park, Natural Bridge, Hull's Drive-in, and coffee and a pastry at Season's Yield Farm.
W&L’s Asian and Pacific Islander Community Pulls Together to #StopAPIHate
Washington and Lee University’s Office of Inclusion and Engagement recently released a video featuring members of W&L’s Asian and Pacific Islander community, calling on the world to notice, and end, incidents of hate.
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.
New Walls Bring Climbers Together Again
COVID-19 distancing made it difficult for climbers to meet at the Outing Club Barn, but three new climbing walls inside the Pavilion mean students can get together to train once again.
Black Poetry Reading Kicks Off Black History Month at W&L
The Student Association for Black Unity will hold the online event, which is free and open to the public to watch online.
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.
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.
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.
Back-Campus Trails Better Than Ever
Volunteers have expanded and improved the system of trails on Washington and Lee University’s back campus, making them easier to navigate and convenient for users with different interests and abilities.
W&L Presents an Evening with Comedian Fortune Feimster
The virtual Q&A is open to the W&L community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
W&L LEAD Banquet Award Nominations Recognize Student Leadership
Nominations for W&L’s LEAD Banquet Awards allow any member of the university community to recognize a student or group’s outstanding contributions in one or more of 23 areas.
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.
Leading Edge Program Adds Freedom Ride Trip
The popular pre-orientation program for first-year students at Washington and Lee University this year added a trip dedicated to black history and the civil rights movement.
‘The Sport We Love’
Screaming Minks rugby, the oldest sports club at W&L, this year capped a season of hard work and camaraderie with a trip to the national championship.
Women in the Outdoors Month
For Women's History Month, the W&L Outing Club hosted a series of events to highlight and encourage female participation and leadership in outdoor adventure.
Appalachian Trail Becomes Interdisciplinary Classroom
The Geology and Archaeology departments collaborated with W&L's Outing Club to create a fun, educational hike just a short drive from Lexington.
Learning to Lead
Garrett Clinton '20 says attending W&L is "like being dropped into a pool of opportunities.''
‘You Won’t Want to Leave’
At W&L, a combination of incredible courses, extracurricular opportunities and a warm community made for an experience Will Shannon '19 calls "uniquely mine."
VIDEO: From Seed to Table
At W&L, sustainability starts with a seed and blossoms into sea change. Take a peek inside our gardening and composting effort to see how it's impacting our community — and the future.
Finding the Spice in Campus Life
Becoming a part of the Outing Club at Washington and Lee completely changed Matt Richards's college experience. "My time with the Outing Club has without a doubt had the biggest impact on my time here," he said.
Postcards From Washington Break
Washington Break at W&L is about exploration, whether that discovery involves Texas mountaintops, Japanese culture or career opportunities in New York.
A Platform for Divergent Perspectives
Andy Smithey '20 is editor-in-chief of a new student publication, founded by Liv Cooper '20 and Genna Feirson '20, that aims to amplify unheard voices on campus.
Honoring a Legacy
The Office of Inclusion and Engagement planned a host of events to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Take our slideshow for a quick spin to relive the excitement.
Passion Points to the Perfect Profession
Hannah Denham '20 has combined business journalism with women and gender studies at W&L to create a liberal arts education that suits her interests and ambition.
Grand Slam for Little Hands
What A Racket, a nonprofit community service organization founded by Catherine Savoca '19, teaches Rockbridge-area kids the fundamentals of tennis and fitness.
Decoding Technology, Opening Doors
Women in Technology workshops introduced Ruopeng Zhang '21 and Caroline Blackmon '19 to basic web development in a collaborative and fun environment. They urge other students to take advantage of the next round of workshops.
No Stone Unscrubbed
Members of the W&L Outing Club spent a recent Saturday cleaning graffiti from rocks at Devil’s Marbleyard.
On Numbers and Notes
Whether he's working with the Williams Investment Society or playing jazz guitar, Joe Wen '19 makes the most of his W&L experience.
Quick Hit: Friday Underground Gets Spooky for Halloween
The weekly coffeehouse event took a chilling turn to celebrate All Hallows' Eve.
‘Fight for Change and Progress’
Dannick Kenon '19, who plans to attend law school and devote his career to positive social change, has co-founded a new student publication at W&L called The Vigil.
Sustainability House Peddles Green Transportation
The house's new Bike Shop offers free and low-cost rentals, lessons on bike maintenance, and opportunities for exploring the outdoors on two wheels.
‘College is More Than Earning a Degree’
Whether she's leading the Student Association for Black Unity, acting in a play or volunteering in the community as a Bonner Scholar, Sasha Edwards '20 is ever mindful that education can happen anywhere.
Scaling the Entrepreneurship Summit
Jesse Evans '20 spent his summer ensuring that this year's summit, which took place Sept. 21-22, would be a success.
Habitat Hotel Takes on Lexington’s Housing and Hotel Shortage
A philanthropic twist on AirBnB, W&L's Habitat Hotel raises thousands for much-needed affordable housing in Rockbridge.
Quick Hit: Employee Paddleboarding
Paddling excursions hosted by W&L's Outing Club this summer gave employees and families a chance to play while students were away.
Opting for the Unknown
Bob Chandler ’92 charts his own course as co-owner of omnichannel retailer Tactics.
‘Let’s Imagine’
As the incoming EC president, Elizabeth Mugo ’19 wants to make all students feel that they, too, have a place at W&L.
An Outing in Italy
W&L Outing Club's latest international trip took 15 cyclists on a bike tour through Italy.
The Value of Wandering
More than any other experience at W&L, the Outing Club has taught Bowen Spottswood '18 about living life joyfully.
No Longer a ‘Reluctant Leader’
Truth Iyiewuare '18 looks back at his growth as a member—and then president—of the Student Association for Black Unity at W&L.
Breaking Through Financial Barriers
Senior Stephanie Williams '18 says W&L's First-Generation Low-Income Partnership (FLIP) gave her support to overcome obstacles and mentor other low-income students.
The Path to Publication
Matthew Rickert '18 completed the daunting task of updating the "Outing Club Guidebook."
Working for Unity and Change
Ayo Ehindero ’21 and Julia Habiger ’21 created an initiative to bridge the gap between Greek life and minority students.
‘We Decided to Be Proactive’
Reese and two friends brought the First-Generation Low-Income Partnership to W&L, where it provides resources and a voice for students.
New Group Supports First-Generation, Low-Income Students
The FLIP program at W&L was proposed by students who saw a need for more resources on campus.
Washington Break: More than a Vacation
Washington Break gave students a chance for learning and personal development, as well as all-out fun.
2018 LEAD Banquet Recognizes Leadership Across Campus
The event celebrated many individual and student accomplishments.
Quick Hits: Crux Climbing Competition
Students gathered at the bouldering wall in the Outing Club Barn to reach new heights in a friendly competition.
W&L Women Mentor the Next Generation
Women in Technology and Science gives girls from local middle and elementary schools an opportunity to perform science experiments in all disciplines during the academic year.
Video: MLK Basketball Tournament
Washington and Lee students took to the court on Jan. 14 to raise money for a local nonprofit and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
Money Matters Week Aims to Raise Class Awareness at W&L
Money Matters Week, sponsored by the First-Generation Low-Income Partnership at W&L, runs Oct. 1-6.
VIDEO: Packing for Appalachian Adventure
Check in with head sherpas as they pack for Appalachian Adventure, one of W&L's Leading Edge pre-orientation programs for first-year students.
What a Trip
For many students at Washington and Lee, the Outing Club is about more than outdoor adventure — it’s about finding a place that feels a little bit like home.
Step Away from the Books
Washington and Lee students are on the move thanks to a robust collection of club sports, intramurals and exercise classes.
W&L Mock Trial Team Takes Sixth Place at National Mock Trial Championship
W&L's undergraduate mock trial team is now ranked 16th nationally.
Smiles for Miles
Brett Becker '18 and the W&L Pre-Dental Club teamed up with Rockbridge Area Health Center to distribute dental supplies to more than 700 local children.
Corey Guen ’17: At Home in a ‘Stellar Community’
Guen splits his time between hiking the mountains of Rockbridge and traveling the world.
2017 LEAD Banquet Recognizes Leadership Across Campus
Many individual and student accomplishments were recognized at this year's LEAD Banquet on April 2.
From Volunteering to Mountaineering
Whether they were doing service work in Birmingham, touring firms in NYC, or climbing an ice-encrusted mountain in New Hampshire, Washington and Lee students made the most of Washington Break.
Ulemj “Lenny” Enkhbold: Always a Reason to Smile
Meet Lenny Enkhbold '17, a computer scientist with a passion for the outdoors, who isn't afraid to have a good laugh.
Meet the Johnsons: Harry Lustig ’17
Meet Harry Lustig ‘17, a scholar-explorer who’s hiked everywhere from the Blue Ridge to Alaska.
Student Leaders: Taylor Gulotta ’17
Taylor Gulotta '17 discusses the challenges and rewards of stage managing the fall 2016 Bentley Musical "The Theory of Relativity."
Now Playing: Theory of Relativity
The new musical, inspired by the actual stories of the millennial generation, celebrates the connections that unite and define us. .
Student Leaders: Edward Stroud ’17 and Carley Sambrook ’17
Co-directors of W&L Student Consulting keep their teams organized to deliver for the client.
International Outing : Hiking the Himalayas
Washington and Lee's Outing Club travels to Nepal for eight-day Khumbu trek.
Got Soup?: Brooke Peccie ’17
Accounting and Business Administration major lends her planning skills to the annual Souper Bowl benefit for the Campus Kitchen Backpack Program.
In Depth: Water Work
A group of Washington and Lee students spent February break constructing a bio-sand water filter for a school in Belmopan, Belize.
Design/Build/Fly: High Flyers
The General Flyers club draws on engineering skills and IQ Center resources to design and fabricate an unmanned, electric-powered, radio-controlled aircraft.
My W&L: Austin Pierce ’15
"It is the strength of community and society that really makes W&L more than simply another great university."
My W&L: Madeleine Boireau ’17
"One of my goals is to bring Hillel to the students — to show them that we're here, and that we're here for everyone. ".
My W&L: Luke Quigley ’16
"My W&L experience is defined by a multitude of activities, academics, and opportunities."
My W&L: Turner Meeks ’15
"At W&L you learn so much more in your interactions with others than what you see in the classroom."
In Action: The Compost Crew
Student Group Gets Messy for the Environment.
My W&L: Austin Piatt ’17
"This university can open many doors for its students, most of them unexpected."
The Pre-Dental Club: Encouraging Smiles
Sophomore Brett Becker has started the Pre-dental Club for Washington and Lee students who want to study dentistry and to volunteer in the community.
My W&L: Ferrell Carter ’16
"Both my academic and extracurricular involvement have fostered an interest in entrepreneurship, which has led me to work for a startup through Venture for America next year."
Looking for older stories? See the complete Student Organizations archive.
