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Why I Give is a series that celebrates the generosity of Washington and Lee University alumni, students, faculty and parents. Discover the many reasons the W&L community supports Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee and how philanthropy shapes the university’s future while honoring its enduring value.

Billy Webster is chair of Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee.

“I’m hopeful that future generations — maybe my grandchildren — will benefit, not only from what I do for the university, but what others do.” - Billy Webster ’79, P'20, P'22

What inspired you to make your first gift to Washington and Lee University, and what motivates you to continue giving?

I was fortunate to have a very singular experience when I was a freshman with former Dean Frank Gilliam, who was a very close family friend. Before he passed away, he impressed upon me, in no uncertain terms, that it was my obligation to support the university in every way I could. And when a man like that, with a stature like that, with a history at Washington and Lee like that, urges your participation and support, it’s not easily forgotten. So, I’ve supported the university every way I could since that experience.

How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?

I had the good fortune that two of my children, my son, Will, and my daughter, Lily, went to W&L. It was thanks to the generosity and philanthropy of many people that gave them the experience they had and, for generations before, people who gave me the experience that I had. So, I'm hopeful that future generations — maybe my grandchildren — will benefit, not only from what I do for the university, but what others do.

What does it mean to you to lead a life of consequence?

I think a life of consequence is defined by everybody differently. For me, it's being the best person that I can be every day — being a good dad, a good husband, and trying to leave the world a better place than I found it. And with respect to Washington and Lee, it really means what Dean Gilliam asked of me that December morning in 1975, which is: When the university calls upon you to help, that's your obligation.

Watch Billy Webster’s full interview.

Read more from the Why I Give series.