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Women at Washington and Lee have shaped history since the first coed Law School class graduated in 1975. Today, alumnae lead through philanthropy, mentorship and service—supporting W&L’s exceptional liberal arts education and empowering future generations. The Lettie Pate Evans Society celebrates the university’s largest donor and encourages women to realize their potential as philanthropic leaders who will carry forward an impactful legacy at W&L.
"It is tied back to our school's motto — ‘not unmindful of the future.’ The ability to mentor current students and young alumni has helped me live that motto in a way I find very inspiring." - Mai Spurlock Sykes ’94
What inspired you to become a member and co-chair of the Lettie Pate Evans Society, and how does it reflect your values and connection to Washington and Lee University?
I was thrilled to be asked to join the Lettie Pate Evans Society (LPE) when it started. I was in one of the first co-ed classes at W&L, and I've slowly seen the network of alumnae grow over the years. When I was asked to join LPE and help mentor the group — to see women of all ages who are now alumnae and how many more women are in all of the classes — it just seemed like such a great way to network in a way that I hadn't been able to before. It is tied back to our school's motto — ‘not unmindful of the future.’ The ability to mentor current students and young alumni has helped me live that motto in a way I find very inspiring.
How do you hope your support through the Lettie Pate Evans Society will empower future generations of W&L students and alumni?
The Lettie Pate Evans Society is a great way to inspire future generations because of the opportunity to mentor. I think it’s invaluable to meet with young people and give them actionable steps they can take now, whether it's giving in small amounts, giving their time, volunteering or helping them raise money towards a need on campus — that is a really good way to give them the foundational skills to build the habits of philanthropy now, on which they will hopefully expand and build upon as they get older.
What does it mean to you to be part of a growing network of women who are helping shape Washington and Lee’s future through both leadership and philanthropy?
I think older and younger generations of women have a lot to learn from each other — older generations from a mentorship perspective and a bit of well-earned wisdom to help guide students and young professionals. And I think students help us to know what the current campus needs are and the challenges of their generation. If we sit and listen to them, I think it helps us understand the university as it evolves and changes as we get further away from our own experiences as students.
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.
Read more from the Why I Give series.