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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.
“We all have a small impact on the world, but cumulatively, we can have a major impact.” - Chip Schooley ’70, P’96
What inspired you to make your first gift to Washington and Lee University, and what motivates you to continue giving?
My first gift was probably given back in the 1970s when I had finished medical school and was beginning my postgraduate training. I realized how well prepared I had been at W&L to get to medical school and to begin the early phase of being a doctor. I had a great science education [at W&L], but what has had a bigger impact on me was the liberal arts education.
How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?
Without universities we wouldn't have science — we wouldn't have civil discourse. My entire career has been spent at universities. I spent time at Harvard, the University of Colorado and, more recently, the University of California, San Diego, where I've done medical research; I've taught; and I've taken care of patients. Giving to universities is a way of showing support for something that really is what has made this a great country.
Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?
The person who made the biggest impact on me was Keith Shillington, my organic chemistry professor. He was my adviser as a freshman, and when I first met him, I was trying to figure out how to be a college student. My grades by spring semester freshman year were not distinguished, and he pulled me aside during finals week and said, “You're going to come and do research with me every Monday afternoon next year.” I started working with him every week and got very excited about medical and scientific research. From that point on, I really jumped into my studies, and my performance turned around. That encounter really changed my trajectory, and it’s something I'll never forget.
What does it mean to you to lead a life of consequence?
Leading a life of consequence is thinking about what's going to be here when you aren't, and by that I mean what have you contributed to the people who are left behind; who has learned from what you've done; what knowledge have you created that has made the world a better place? How have you strengthened the institutions that craft the civilization in which we live? We all have a small impact on the world, but cumulatively, we can have a major impact. And I think trying to figure out what we can do to leave behind something that makes it easier for other people to succeed and to thrive is something that, to me, defines people's success in life.
Watch Dr. Schooley’s video interview.
Read more from the Why I Give series.