Marrying Research and Public Service
Zainab Abiza '19 interviews Morten Wendelbo '12 about his research focusing on economic development, humanitarian aid and food security.
Alumni in Action
By Land, Sea and Air
Marc Nichols ‘98L oversees legal functions at Saab to assure safety of domestic travelers and the military.
Please, to the Table
What’s for dinner? Entrepreneurs Emily Golub ’06 and Mary Drennen ’02 have the answer: online food kits.
W&L Alumnae Recognized for M&A Work
Three Washington and Lee alumnae and lawyers, two from the law school and one from the college, have been recognized for their work in the legal field of mergers and acquisitions.
Donors Fund Named Athletics Positions
Three donors have recognized the role coaches play in educating and mentoring W&L students, both in the competitive arena and in the classroom.
In Case You Missed It
Setting Goals, Improving Lives
At the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, Zabriawn Smith ’14 helps others regain a focus on their futures.
‘A Big Optimist’
Lewis Perkins '93, the self-described “liberal arts kid” who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award at his 25th reunion in April, nurtured his creative spirit at W&L. Now he brings that spirit to a nonprofit that encourages sustainability.
Women Watching Wall Street
Alumnae business reporters recently visited W&L to offer advice and invite students to lean in and learn.
Santa’s Helper
Ron Ginder '75 isn't one of Santa's elves; he's a thoughtful alumnus who makes 800 wooden toys each year for Rockbridge-area children.
Bridge Dedicated to W&L Veteran
A bridge in Maryland has been named for Cpl. Chris Coffland ’88, who died in Afghanistan in 2009.
The Art of a Second Shot
Max Adler ’04, editorial director at Golf Digest magazine, used golf and art to facilitate the release of a wrongfully convicted man.
The Art of ‘Survivance’
Joel Bernstein ’57 brings his passion for Native American art to W&L with a groundbreaking new exhibition.
W&L Law Alumnae Honored for Pro Bono Work
Amy Conant Hoang ‘13L and Krystal Swendsboe ‘15L were recognized for their efforts in pro bono work.
A Poetic Conversation on Women’s Health
Sarah Helms '15 shares her documentary on the beauty and hardships of rural Nepal at the 14th National Symposium of Theater and Performance Arts in Academe.
A World of Knowledge
Peter Strasser '79L brings a wealth of government and international experience to his new position as U.S. Attorney.
Two Distinguished Alumni to Receive Awards at Five-Star Festival
Washington and Lee University is proud to announce this year’s Distinguished Five-Star Alumni Award winners. The recipients will receive their awards during this weekend's Five-Star Festival.
Rebecca Makkai ’99 Produces Another Page-Turner
Join her on Oct. 18 for a reading from her latest novel, "The Great Believers," which is a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction.
Debbie Tang ’03L Named to Washington Business Journal 40 under 40
Tang is a partner in minority-owned executive search firm Bridge Partners where she works to increase diversity in executive positions and on company boards.
What’s a YAC and How You Can Be One Too
If you are a younger member of our alumni community and wondering how you can get involved with the law school, our Young Alumni Council, or YAC, is the answer.
A Natural Inclination
As a senior ecologist with Trihydro Corp., Jana Heisler White '98 works on environmental protection and remediation.
Charles Grant ’91L Named Board President of Tennessee Legal Aid Society
Grant will serve as board president of Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, the state’s largest nonprofit law firm.
Two Law Alumni Named 2018 Leaders in the Law
Channing Martin '75, '79 and Marie Washington '03L have been named to the 2018 class of Leaders in the Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
Championing Land Conservation
A passion for the outdoors led Taylor Cole '75 to launch a second career as co-founder of Conservation Partners in Lexington.
Into the Storm
Caroline Schmidt '13 volunteered for the Red Cross during 2017's horrific hurricane season.
Three W&L Law Alumni Make Listing of Most Influential Black Lawyers
Savoy Magazine’s list of Most Influential Black Lawyers of 2018 includes Kevin Clunis '93L, Ashley Taylor '93L and James Williams '98L
From Politics to Park Ranger
Studying the unlikely combination of geology and politics prepared Nova Clarke ’96 for a career as an award-winning environmental educator.
Going Toe to Toe with Monsanto
As an attorney with the Miller Firm L.L.C., Timothy Litzenburg '04 is representing more than 1,000 clients across the country in litigation against agri-business giant Monsanto.
State Bar of Michigan Names Katie Abplanalp Brown ’05, ’11L Outstanding Young Lawyer
The award recognizes a lawyer under the age of 36 who has demonstrated an overwhelming commitment to public service, service to the bar and exceptional leadership.
Gear Up
Gonz Ferrero ’04 and Lenny Enkhbold ’17 blend their shared concern for the environment with a dash of business savvy to promote eco-friendly outdoor wear.
Opting for the Unknown
Bob Chandler ’92 charts his own course as co-owner of omnichannel retailer Tactics.
Designing for the Future
For award-winning San Francisco architect Olle Lundberg ’75, sustainability is no trend — it is intrinsic to his profession.
From the Heart
Mary Celeste Beall ’99 combines traditions of Southern hospitality with locally sourced foods.
What Makes A Great Leader?
As a Presidential Leadership Scholar, Dana Bolden '89 discussed effective leadership styles with Presidents Bush and Clinton.
A Powerful Connection
Gerry Barousse '80 helped found the Bayou District Foundation, which is developing a community that replaced a flooded housing development in New Orleans.
A ‘Dream Act’
Tolu Olubunmi ’02 speaks up for immigrants and refugees.
Helping Kids Bounce Back
Dr. Daniel “Trey” Lee ’98 leads groundbreaking research and clinical trials of immunotherapy treatments to fight pediatric cancers.
Friends of the Library
Washington and Lee has received a $2.5 million gift from Hal F. and Barbra Buckner Higginbotham to endow the university librarian position.
Making Space for Women
Ali Greenberg ’13 has opened a flexible workspace and social club in Richmond that emphasizes community for women and gender minorities.
A Leap of Faith
Ollie Cook '60 and wife, Sharon, discover the rewards of adopting a senior dog.
Chip Mahan ’73 Recognized for Business Acumen
Mahan, CEO and chairman of Live Oak Bank, was recently profiled in the Wilmington, North Carolina-area media.
Law Alumni Honored by Anti-Defamation League
Washington and Lee law graduates Chris Wolf ‘80L and Joe Brown ‘68L have been honored for their work by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
Authenticity in Leadership
A conversation with W&L trustee Brodie Riordan '03 about leadership, and the importance of diversity on the board and in the student body.
The Defender: Dan Goldman ‘11L to Lead Northern Virginia Capital Defense Office
Goldman is the first W&L alumnus to lead one of Virginia's four regional capital defense offices.
W&L Law Presents Alumni Awards during 2018 Reunion Celebration
Parker Denaco '68L, Howard Wall '83L, and Matney Rolfe '14L were honored for their contributions to the law school.
Greg Hunt ’97 Honored for Counterterrorism Work
The FBI agent credits his father, the Honor System and his W&L education with shaping his career.
A Voice for the Homeless: Sam Petsonk ’13L in the Spotlight for Advocacy Work
For those who remember W&L Law alumnus Sam Petsonk '13L, they will not be surprised by the recent feature in WV Living detailing his work for the homeless population of Charleston.
‘I Have Been a Very Lucky Man’
John Gulick '63, who served as a Navy SEAL in Vietnam, was on the wrong end of an ambush about one week after his arrival in country.
A Time to Heal
Bruce Rider '66, who served as an Army intelligence officer in Vietnam, was moved to write this essay on the occasion of his 20th reunion.
Alumni Weigh in on Vietnam Anniversary
Alumni who served react to the Fall 2017 alumni magazine article about the war, and share some of their thoughts about that time.
Breaking the Rules in Journalism
In a recent visit to campus, Alisha Laventure ’09, a television news anchor in Dallas, told journalism students about how a national story became personal.
Kenn George ’70 Named Ambassador to Uruguay
George served in the Texas state house from 1999 to 2003.
Off the Beaten Path
From corporate big-law to outdoors gear connoisseurs, Ferrell & Koral Alman (‘12L) demonstrate the versatility of a W&L legal education.
Character Counts
Austin Brown '13L shares the real secret to success as a player-agent with Creative Artists Agency.
Sculpting a Business
Sloan Evans ’99 and Rhett McCraw ’07 credit their liberal arts education with helping them build a strong foundation for their careers.
Strohsacker ’06 Leads Eagles PR Team into Super Bowl LII
Brett Strohsacker ’06, who played soccer and majored in mass communications at W&L, has worked his way to the top of the Philadelphia Eagles PR team.
W&L’s Repertory Dance Company to Perform in NYC
Students and alumni members of the award-winning W&L Repertory Dance Company will perform in NYC the last weekend in Jan.
Hot Soup for a Cool Cause
Through her catering business, Jenny Elmes '91 has supported the Souper Bowl fundraiser for Campus Kitchen at W&L since 2013. This year's event is Jan. 28 in Evans Dining Hall.
Finding Her Niche
Kelly Douma ’16 is on track to complete her doctorate in early modern German history and women’s studies by 2021.
Curiosity Leads to Passion
The Shepherd Poverty Program put Brent Beshore '05 on a different career path than the one he imagined.
Taking Flight
As public information specialist for the airport in Austin, Texas, Kaela Harmon ’05 combines data analysis with creativity for the aviation industry.
A View from the Cockpit
Capt. Clay Shaner ’04 left investment banking to fly the unfriendly skies as a combat pilot.
Made to Order
Ledbury co-owner Paul Trible ’03 designed a hunting shirt that's made to last.
Social Responsibility
Kate Donnelly ’11 is using her education and Shepherd experiences to improve her local community.
She Talks to Animals
For Christine Starer-Smith ’99, a love of animals led to a veterinary career and volunteer service at a remote Dakota reservation.
Outperforming Expectations
Ansel Sanders ’04 seeks innovation in solving public schools’ challenges.
W&L Law’s Stroud Makes Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy
Hernandez Stroud, a visiting assistant professor at Washington and Lee University School of Law and a 2015 law graduate, has landed on Forbes' 2018 list of the top 30 Under 30 in Law & Policy.
Classic Designs
Julie Lawrence '92 mixes old and new materials in her furniture designs.
An Event That Benefits Both Alumni And Students: The 2017 Entrepreneurship Summit
Q&A with Professor Jeff Shay and Matthew Rickert '18 about the 2017 Entrepreneurship Summit.
Bob Trotman ’69: Business As Usual
The sculptor's latest exhibit runs through Dec. 8 at Davidson College’s Van Every/Smith Galleries.
Leadership Informed by Empathy
David Foster ’98 values W&L and the Shepherd Program as a training ground for the country's future leaders
Crystal Doyle ‘09L Promotes Access to Justice with Global Firm DLA Piper
As pro bono counsel, Doyle develops national and international pro bono projects focused on assisting immigrants, promoting women’s rights and combating domestic violence and human trafficking.
Running for Office
If elected, David Thomas ’15 hopes to focus on making local government more responsive to the needs of his community
Ryan Decker ‘09L Helps Empower Entrepreneurs with Airbnb’s Legal Team
Catch up wth Ryan Decker '09L, from post graduate law fellow in Liberia to payments counsel for Airbnb.
Portrait of a Doctor
Dr. George J. Dover '68 was recognized by Johns Hopkins University for his contributions to the field of sickle-cell disease
A Focus on Future Professionals
Alumni Wali and Wendy Bacdayan created scholarships to benefit students in business, nursing and allied health.
If the Shoe Fits
As head of brand communications for Adidas, Alegra O’Hare ’94 advises young women to 'break barriers.'
Long Live the Glossies
Jeff Hamill ’81 has built a global career in advertising with popular Hearst magazines.
John D. Klinedinst ’71, ’78L Named Winner of 2017 Most Admired CEO Award
John D. Klinedinst, Founder and CEO of Klinedinst PC, was named winner at 10th Annual Most Admired CEO Awards by the San Diego Business Journal.
Andrew Niblock ’97: Living and Working with ALS
His efforts to inspire and educate his community were featured on ABC's "Good Morning America"
Taking Flight
Kaela Harmon ’05 makes the case for airports to by combining data analysis with creativity
Joelle Phillips ’95L: From Acting to Law, to the Head of AT&T Tennessee
Joelle Phillips '95L, president of AT&T Tennessee, talks about her journey from the stage to law school and beyond to become head of a 6000-person division of the telecom giant.
Licensed to Hack
Cory Walker ’15, who graduated from James Madison University with her master’s in computer science and digital forensics, works in cyber security with the government.
Pulitzer-Winning Team Includes Two W&L Alumni
Michael Hudson '85 (pictured) and Scott Bronstein '93 both worked on the Pulitzer-winning Panama Papers investigation, which relied on the collaboration of some 400 journalists around the world.
Civility and Opinion in a Polarized America
Tyler Grant ’12, a graduate of Washington and Lee University and the University of Virginia School of Law, is a regular editorial contributor to several national publications.
In Her Natural Habitat
As director of Iowa State University's conservation camp, Jennifer Schieltz ’08 follows the lives of elk, deer, moose, bears, wolves and mountain lions.
From Army Ranger to Chick-fil-A Owner
Quincy Springs ’02 didn't think college was in his future — until he spent a summer at W&L.
The Art of Philanthropy
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.
At Home in LaLa Land
Marquita Robinson ’10 loves the uncertainty of life as a sitcom writer for “New Girl.”
Bren Flanigan, World Ambassador
Bren Flanigan ’16 shares his economic skills and American culture as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Roy Matthews ’54 Used His IRA to Help History Professors at W&L
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.
‘Matching a Person to a Role’: Jeb Brooks ’05
The CEO of a top sales-training company says everyone is in sales.
Win-Win Giving with the IRA Charitable Rollover
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.
Is a Charitable Gift Annuity Right for You?
Ben Cummings '67, '70L is honoring his 50th reunion with a generous gift benefiting the Class of 1967 Scholarship.
Sebghatullah Ebrahimi ‘10L: Compliance Officer with Relief International
Sebghatullah Ebrahimi was one of two Afghan law students who came to W&L Law in 2009 to complete a Masters in U.S. Law degree. Now he is back in the U.S. working for an international humanitarian organization.
The Voice of the Maritime Aquarium
Marketing maven Tina Tison ’95 is inspired by tradition and innovation.
On Capitol Hill: Marc Short ’92 to Join Trump’s Staff
President Donald Trump has picked Marc Short '92 to lead his legislative efforts in Congress.
The Intersection of Art and Science: Lauren Sturdy ’11
Finding answers in the space where science and art intersect.
From Craft to Career
As a student at Washington and Lee, Noelani Love ’05 made jewelry for fun and extra income. Today, she has turned that hobby into a thriving business.
‘A Better World’
Kara Karcher '11 is parlaying her studies in poverty and women's and gender studies into a law career dedicated to helping women and children.
David Chester’s Excellent Adventures
David Chester '78 sets intense physical challenges that take him on epic hikes and rides.
Dedicated to Dickey
Ward Briggs ’67 has memorialized his longtime friend, writer James Dickey, with a large donation of Dickey materials to Washington and Lee Special Collections.
A Dream Job and a Landmark Case
As the Secular Society Women’s Rights Legal Fellow for the ACLU of Virginia, Gail Deady '11L works on issues related to gender equality, reproductive rights and LGBT discrimination.
Perks of the Parks
As superintendent of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Sula Jacobs ’00 enthusiastically promotes the virtues of the National Park Service, which turned 100 years old this year.
New Yorker Website Features Film by Lorena Manríquez ’88
A short film by Manríquez has been featured on the magazine's website.
Nominate Your Fellow Generals
The selection committee of the alumni board is seeking confidential nominations from alumni for this year's Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Reading Music
John Donaldson ’92, who returns to campus next week as executive-in-residence at the Williams School, is helping to map the future of the music industry at Pandora Internet Radio.
Slow Down
After the death of his brother, Pierce Owings '06 and his family have lobbied to limit the speeds of heavy trucks on highways.
W&L Connections at Work
Andrew Elliott ’07 used networking with W&L alumni and professors to pursue a career in real estate management and strategy.
Crisis Responder: David Sugerman ’99
David Sugerman '99 combines medicine with social service, responding to crises around the world and training those on the front lines of disease control. He will give a public talk on his career in public health on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 5:30 p.m. in Science A214. .
One Fish, Two Fish
Above or below the water, Sasha Doss '13 studies and connects with fish and their environment.
Crisis Responder
David Sugerman '99 combines medicine with social service, responding to crises around the world and training those on the front lines of disease control.
W&L Campus Kitchen turns 10
Ingrid Easton Wilson '06 started W&L's Campus Kitchen, and university employees and volunteers have kept it thriving for a decade.
Annual Law and Literature Seminar to Explore Shakespeare’s “King Lear”
Now in its 24th year, the seminar on Oct. 14-15 will focus on the Shakespeare classic “King Lear.”
Bebe Goodrich ’07
Bebe Goodrich '07 doesn't own a drip coffee maker, but she has built a fast-growing business cold brewing coffee in the tradition of her native New Orleans.
W&L Law Review's Corporate Law Symposium to Honor Professors Johnson and Millon
The Lara D. Gass Symposium will focus this year on corporate law and governance, honoring the scholarship of two of the law school’s longest-serving faculty members, Lyman Johnson and David Millon.
David Hanson ’00
A double major in English and geology, plus a curiosity about the world around him, led Hanson to a career as a freelance writer, photographer and videographer. He is the author of "Breaking Through Concrete: Building an Urban Farm Revival" and producer of the documentary film "Who Owns the Water."
Sherry A. Fox ’06L Named a Leader in the Law
Sherry Fox, an attorney with ThompsonMcMullan, has been named to the 2016 class of Leaders in the Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
Putting Words into Action: The Rev. John Cleghorn '84
In his 2014 Baccalaureate address at Washington and Lee University, “Community and the Common Good,” the Rev. John M. Cleghorn told the graduates: “This place and the people who give it life have prepared you for life beyond the comforting lap of Lexington. More than that, they have given you a rare advantage and a set of privileges that call on you to live and lead extraordinary lives, lives that reach beyond yourselves.”
Over There: Kiffin Rockwell, W&L’s French Fighter Pilot
One hundred years ago this month, Sept. 23, 1916, a young man named Kiffin Rockwell became the first alumnus of Washington and Lee University to give his life during World War I — not as an American doughboy, as you might expect, but as a founding member of the French air squadron known as the Escadrille Americaine, or the Lafayette Escadrille.
Museum of the American Revolution Honors Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest
On Sept. 15, Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest joined hundreds of friends and neighbors at a ceremony for the official opening of the Museum of the American Revolution’s outdoor plaza and the unveiling of the plaque naming the recently completed museum building in the Lenfest’s honor. The museum officially opens to the public on April 19, 2017.
Paten Hughes: Lights, Camera, Action!
Actress and producer Paten Hughes’ dream role would be to play Hillary Clinton. “I find her incredibly interesting,” she said in an interview with The Tulcan Times. In the meantime, the recent W&L French and theater graduate has another project that launched Sept. 9 — “Heirloom,” the debut of a nine-part rom-com web series on Vimeo.
Jon Philipson ’06 Encourages Dads to Lean Out
When Jon Philipson, a top-billing associate at the Carlton Fields law firm, decided to take paternity leave, his "friends questioned my sanity and told me I was committing career suicide," he said in an essay published on the Motto website (Time Magazine). "One asked: 'How do you go from law review editor in chief to tummy time connoisseur?' "
Marine Corps to CEO: John Warren ’03
Lessons learned from W&L and the Marine Corps helped John Warren ’03 create Lima One Capital to make positive impact on neighborhoods.
Matt Simpson ’12 Represents the U.S. at the 2016 Paralympics
Matt Simpson, a 2012 graduate of Washington and Lee University, posted a photo of himself and the U.S. men’s goalball team decked out in their Team U.S.A. uniforms just before the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which runs Sept. 7 – 18.
Matt Simpson '12: The Road to Rio
When Matt Simpson '12 rang in the new year of 2016, he knew it was going to be one that would change his life. "It's a big year; it's really here," he said. Simpson has been working toward this year since he was 10 years old and joined his first goalball team. In September, he […]
Flood Relief: James McCullum ’15 Lends a Hand
When the floodwaters from the August storms in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, finally receded, James McCullum was one of many volunteers to head to the devastated region. A member of the Maryland-based Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team, he connected with the St. Bernard Project to help gut homes damaged by the flooding.
Food for Thought: Robyn O’Brien ’93 on #epigate
“Food allergies are not a niche,” said Robyn O’Brien, a 1993 graduate of Washington and Lee University and founder of the AllergyKids Foundation. “It is a growing epidemic that is challenging how we think about our food and how it is made. Genetic factors don’t change this quickly, environmental factors do. Are we allergic to food or to what’s been done to it?”
Unleashing the Girl Effect: Stuart Hogue ’96
Stuart Hogue '96 believes in the power of girls to end global poverty.
International Health Care: Nicole Gunawansa ’14
Nicole Gunawansa ’14 is passionate about delivering health care to marginalized patients.
Advocating for Opportunity: Cynthia Cheatham ’07
Cynthia Cheatham '07 finds purpose in a variety of settings as she advocates for underrepresented communities.
Young Alumni at Work: Thomas Day ’15
After majoring in biochemistry, religion and music composition at W&L, Thomas Day took his skills to help people at their most vulnerable point in life. .
A Tale of Two Cities: Kristine Kilanski ’07
Kristine Kilanski ’07 looked at the "invisible" side of Austin through the eyes of another to contribute to a book about inequality in the city.
Returning Home: John X. Miller ’77
John X. Miller '77, managing editor of Winston-Salem Journal, adds his name to the city's list of 'firsts.'
Venture Forth: Mike Wilner ’13
Mike Wilner '13 is on the fast track as a young entrepreneur.
Trail Blazer: Gabrey Means ’92
Experiential marketing puts Gabrey Means '92 and her clients in unexpected places.
Ready for Launch: Elizabeth Robertson ’01
Elizabeth Robertson '01 takes childhood fascination with space to a career creating parts for rocket engines.
Inspired by Creativity: Amber Cooper ’12
Amber Cooper '12 brings her passion for creativity and communications to her marketing career.
Teacher and Entrepreneur: Cliff Holekamp ’96
Through teaching and practice, Cliff Holekamp '96 is reinventing St. Louis with entrepreneurship.
More than Numbers: Amy Bohutinsky ’97
Zillow COO Amy Bohutinsky '97 shares her expertise with students at AdLib 2016.
Producing News: Maggie Voelzke ’15
Maggie Voelzke '15 gets her start in television as a news associate in CNN's Washington, D.C. Bureau.
Alumni at Work: Christine Balistreri ’11
The Long Road to Facebook.
Paying it Forward: Katie Baird ’10
Katie Baird '10 connects with students interested in consulting careers.
Tom Wolfe ’51 on the Gift of Gab
Tom Wolfe poses an interesting question in his newest book, “The Kingdom of Speech”: Why can’t science explain the origins of human language?
Looking for older stories? See the complete Alumni in Action archive.
