Reunion Giving Recap 2021 Reunion classes reached goals and set records.

Office of Annual Giving
May 11, 2021

The 25th reunion class (1996) and 50th reunion class (1971) contributed more than $5 million toward various university priorities.

Reunion classes ending in ones and sixes celebrated fundraising and participation achievements and their connection to Washington and Lee during the university’s first Virtual Alumni Week. On May 1, alumni connected via Zoom for an awards ceremony recognizing winning classes.

Reunion trophies were presented during the live event.

• The Class of 1996 received the John Newton Thomas Trophy as the reunion class with the largest percentage increase in Annual Fund commitments over the previous year. The class boasted an impressive 65% upsurge and was also recognized with the Trident Trophy for having the highest percentage of classmates make gifts to the Annual Fund.

• With 77% of its registrants participating in the Annual Fund, the Class of 1981 claimed the Reunion Chairs Bowl.

• The Colonnade Cup is awarded to the reunion class with the largest gift to the Annual Fund, including current gifts and future pledges. The Class of 2001 earned this significant honor for contributing more than $902,000, setting a new multiyear 20th reunion gift record. The title was held previously by the Class of 2000 for raising a total of $821,000.

Four reunion classes — 1986, 1996, 2001 and 2006 — reached notable milestones by exceeding their own past class totals for money raised in a single year for W&L’s Annual Fund. Together the reunion classes raised more than $1.3 million for the 2020-21 Annual Fund and $3 million in future Annual Fund support. The 25th reunion class (1996) and 50th reunion class (1971) contributed more than $5 million toward various university priorities — including the Student Health and Counseling Center, scholarships and student research — with fundraising efforts going strong through the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Reunion committee members showed remarkable dedication and drove impressive class efforts during a difficult year. The following reunion chairs led the charge: Buddy LeTourneau ’71, Bill Garrison ’76, Harold Howe ’76, Gary Seldomridge ’76, Chip Nunley ’81, Randy Ellis ’86, Lee Hollis ’86, Susan Reil Bria ’91, Rob Aliff ’91, Josephine Schaeffer Covington ’96, Russell Croft ’96, Crystal Simpson McElwain ’01, Will Baker ’01, Rachel Turner Weingartner ’06, and Robert Decosimo ’06. The reunion volunteers’ tireless work and the resulting gifts will enhance the university in numerous ways, benefiting every W&L student.

Make a Gift
There is still time to commemorate your reunion by participating in your class’s gift effort. Class gifts are an impactful way for alumni to express their gratitude for their education and to invest in W&L students, today and tomorrow. Make your gift to the Annual Fund online or call 540-458-8420.

More Information about Reunion Giving

• Reunion giving accounts for approximately 65% of the total given by undergraduate alumni annually.
• Almost 40% of reunion donors make a five-year pledge to the Annual Fund.
• More than $42 million has been committed to the Annual Fund from reunion alumni over the past 10 years.
• Reunion gift totals for each class (except the 25th and 50th reunions) reflect the total amount committed to the Annual Fund in the current year and the next four fiscal years.
• Multiyear reunion pledges can be made through W&L’s online reunion pledge form.