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Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic Achievement The university’s Educational Grant Program supported 16 Spring 2025 graduates from accredited institutions of higher learning.

This spring brings special reason to celebrate as 16 remarkable graduates complete their undergraduate studies at institutions of higher learning across the country. These accomplished students share a meaningful connection to Washington and Lee University — they are the children of our dedicated faculty and staff members who have helped make W&L the exceptional institution it is today.

Each of these graduates represents years of hard work, determination and family support. Their achievements also reflect the value of W&L’s Educational Grant Program, which helps make quality higher education accessible to the children of employees. The program provides substantial tuition assistance, allowing families to pursue educational opportunities that align with their goals and interests.

Those who have agreed to be recognized publicly for their significant milestones include:

Daniel Cunningham
The son of Susan Wood, vice president for university advancement, Daniel graduated from Denison University with a bachelor’s degree in global commerce with a minor in economics. He was a member of the varsity football team, earning the North Coast Athletic Conference’s Special Teams Player of the Year award.

Daniel-Cunningham-350x350 Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic AchievementDaniel Cunningham

Maya Humston
The daughter of Robert Humston, John Kyle Spencer Director of Environmental Studies and professor of biology, and Lisa Greer, Harry E. and Mary Jayne W. Redenbaugh Term Professor of Earth and Environmental Geoscience, Maya graduated from New York University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and minors in cybersecurity, environmental studies and mathematics.

Maya-Humston-350x350 Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic AchievementMaya Humston

Maren Jetton
The daughter of Peter Jetton, assistant dean of communications and marketing strategy for the Law School, and Jennifer Andrews, assistant director of law admissions, Maren graduated cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology.

maren-jetton-350x350 Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic AchievementMaren Jetton

Claire Kosky
The daughter of Jeff Kosky, professor of religion, Claire graduated from Bard College with a bachelor’s degree in photography and a concentration in environmental studies. Her senior photography exhibition received awards for excellence from both the environmental studies and photography departments.

Claire-Kosky-copy-350x350 Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic AchievementClaire Kosky

Riley Kuehner
The son of Joel Kuehner, professor of physics and engineering, Riley graduated with bachelor’s degrees in dance and East Asian studies from Oberlin College. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and received Oberlin’s Dance Summer Engagement Prize.

Riley-Kuehner-350x350 Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic AchievementRiley Kuehner

Julian Macalister
The son of Wythe Whiting, professor of cognitive and behavioral science, and Heather Macalister, visiting assistant professor of cognitive and behavioral science, Julian graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in design.

Julian-Macalister-350x350 Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic AchievementWythe Whiting and Julian Macalister

Molly McCabe
The daughter of Gene McCabe, head men’s lacrosse coach and assistant director of athletics for compliance, Molly graduated magna cum laude from Drexel University with a bachelor’s degree in fashion industry and merchandising.

mccabe-350x350 Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic AchievementMolly McCabe

Izzy Pfaff
The daughter of Julie Woodzicka, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science, and Dave Pfaff, senior academic technologist and director of the IQ Center, Izzy graduated from Oberlin College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a minor in studio art. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and was a member of the varsity swimming and diving team, earning the Gertrude E. Moulton Award for excellence in academics, athletics and character.

Izzy-Pfaff-350x350 Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic AchievementIzzy Pfaff

Michael Shires
The son of Alicia Shires, a recent retiree as information desk supervisor and classroom technology analyst, Michael graduated from Johnson & Wales University (Charlotte) with an associate in applied science in baking and pastry arts.

Michael-Shires-350x350 Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic AchievementMichael Shires

Charlie Smith
The son of Elizabeth Knapp, Professor of Earth and Environmental Geoscience and Director of the Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity, Charlie graduated cum laude from Whitman College with a bachelor’s degree in geology-environmental studies and a minor in Japanese.

Charlie-Smith-Family-350x292 Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic AchievementJenner Smith, Elizabeth Knapp, Chuck Smith and Charlie Smith

Numerous full-time employees have utilized the Educational Grant Program over the years to subsidize a portion of their dependent’s college educational expenses across eight semesters or 12 trimesters of undergraduate study at an accredited institution of higher education.

To be eligible for the Educational Grant Program, employees must be employed by the university for five consecutive years of full-time service at the time the benefit is to be received. The term “dependent” is defined by the IRS code and verified through five years of employee tax records. Employees hired after June 30, 2006, receive a grant comprising 50% of the tuition of the institution the child is attending or 50% of W&L’s current undergraduate tuition. For employees hired before June 30, 2006, and who have remained full-time since that date, the university pays 90% of the tuition of the institution the child is attending or 90% of W&L’s current undergraduate tuition. The benefit may be reduced by additional scholarship and grant assistance received outside of W&L’s grant without exceeding the total value of tuition, room and board of the child’s institution.

Employees wishing to pursue the Educational Grant Program should contact Lori Oliver in the treasurer’s office.

W&L employees eligible for the Educational Grant Program also have access to a tuition exchange program through the Associated Colleges of the South (ACS) and the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GCLA).

The ACS tuition exchange offers 100% of the host institution’s tuition and fees. Each school has a limited number of openings and applicants are encouraged to contact the schools to determine how many openings they have. The assistance could end up being greater than the W&L Educational Grant benefit if the cost of attending a particular school is more than the cost of attendance at W&L. However, it should be noted that participants must pay a $2,000 annual participation fee, which is matched by W&L.

The GCLA tuition exchange offers 90% of the host institution’s tuition and fees. There are no limits on the exchanges available, and if a student receives acceptance, they automatically qualify for the exchange.

For additional information on applying for the ACS or GCLA tuition exchange programs, contact Martha Rowsey or James Kaster from the Office of Financial Aid.