News & Events
Read the full third issue of the Leading Lives of Consequence newsletter here.
This issue was originally published in March 2025.
In this issue:
Preserving Excellence: Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee Officially Launches
Billy Webster ’79, chair of Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee, spoke at the campaign’s kickoff event on Oct. 25, 2024, emphasizing W&L’s enduring faculty-student relationships, evolving traditions and commitment to excellence. He calls on alumni and supporters to ensure future generations receive a transformative education.
From Lectures to Legacies: Faculty Who Invest in Students
Washington and Lee University faculty go beyond teaching, investing in students through mentorship and philanthropy. Since 2020, 67 professors have donated more than $200,000 to the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign. Notable gifts from faculty like Elizabeth Oliver and Helen I’Anson, along with her husband, Jeff Turner, support STEM research and business education, enhancing student opportunities.
Parents Find Lifelong Connections Through W&L Leadership Council
Richard and Wimberly McPhail P’24 found lifelong friendships through W&L’s Parents Leadership Council. As co-chairs, they championed parent giving and campus engagement, supporting their son and W&L’s mission. Their philanthropy and involvement highlight the university’s strong sense of community.
Parents Leadership Council Welcomes New Co-Chairs Anne Faircloth and Fred Beaujeu-Dufour P’26
Fred Beaujeu-Dufour and Anne Faircloth P’26 began their term as Washington and Lee’s Parents Leadership Council chairs in 2024, promoting parent engagement and philanthropy. Passionate about W&L’s mission, they strengthen the university’s community while supporting its academic excellence.
Learning Environments
John McDaniel ’64 and his wife, Nell, have shaped generations of W&L students through the A. Paul Knight Internship Program and a growing archaeology endowment. Their legacy, strengthened by alumni support, enhances hands-on learning, technology and research opportunities in anthropology.
International Exposure
Chris Busbee ’85’s transformative international experiences inspired his $500,000 gift to W&L’s study abroad program. A dedicated philanthropist, he also leads experiential learning trips for underserved students, emphasizing cultural awareness and leadership. His journey underscores the lifelong impact of global education.
W&L Law Increases Campaign Goal After Record-Breaking Fundraising Year
Washington and Lee University School of Law surpassed its $40 million campaign goal early, prompting a new $55 million target. A record $12 million was raised in 2023-24, with more than $10 million for scholarships.
A Virtuous Circle: The Collective Power of Giving Back
Washington and Lee’s Classes of 2014 and 2019 made history by establishing scholarships through reunion giving, funding seven students for four years. Surpassing goals, they raised more than $327K, primarily for financial aid. Their efforts highlight W&L’s strong alumni network and commitment to supporting future generations.