W&L’s Legendary Volunteers: Bowen Spottswood ’18 Smith O’Leary ’23 interviewed Bowen Spottswood ’18 to learn more about her dedication to Washington and Lee.

By Amanda Minix
April 29, 2022

W&L alumni give their time to their alma mater in many ways, including serving as class agents, on reunion committees, as chapter leaders and on advisory boards. This winter, the Development Ambassadors, Annual Giving’s student volunteers, interviewed some of the university’s longtime, high-achieving, legendary volunteers.

Smith O’Leary ’23 interviewed Bowen Spottswood ’18 to learn more about her dedication to Washington and Lee.

Volunteer Roles: Spottswood began working as a class agent during her senior year at W&L and has continued in the role ever since, connecting with her classmates on the importance of the Annual Fund.

W&L Background: She majored in religion and earned a minor in Poverty and Human Capability Studies. Spottswood also served as a trip leader and later as key staff for the Outing Club. Spottswood was a peer counselor for three years, which helped inspire the trajectory of her career. In addition, she was an Owings Fellow and a member of both Reformed University Fellowship and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

Career: A licensed master social worker, Spottswood earned a master’s degree from the Columbia University School of Social Work and was a fellow in the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Training Program. She works as a staff clinician at the Center for Anxiety, LLC, where she provides therapy with a focus on intensive outpatient treatment.

“I love being part of the work that invests in the welcoming and communal atmosphere that exists at W&L, even in a small way.”

~ Bowen Spottswood ’18

Q: How did you first get involved in volunteering for W&L as an alumna?

I was a member of the Senior Gift Committee and wanted to continue to support W&L beyond my senior year. I love being part of the work that invests in the welcoming and communal atmosphere that exists at W&L, even in a small way.

Q: What inspired you to become a volunteer?

I feel compelled to give back; I continue to reap the benefits of W&L’s investment in my learning. The university prepares students for life after graduation, both socially and academically. I hope to play my role in ensuring such investment continues.

Q: When were you last on campus?

I came back for a visit in December. I caught up with professors, friends in the community, and students that I led on a Moondance Adventures trip a few years ago. As a New York City dweller, I am always glad to return to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a quieter town.

Q: Why should alumni consider giving their time as a volunteer for W&L?

Alumni volunteers play a key role in securing and improving the W&L experience they had for future students. Volunteering time also opens doors for more ways to connect with current students and alumni of all years in meaningful ways.