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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.
Melanie Wilson is dean of Washington and Lee University Law School and Roy L. Steinheimer Jr. Professor of Law.
"We are fortunate to have dedicated and talented faculty and staff, as well as highly engaged alumni, who together create an exceptional law school experience for each student." - Melanie Wilson, dean of Washington and Lee University Law School
What inspired you to make your first gift to W&L School of Law, and what motivates you to continue giving?
W&L Law offers every law student an opportunity for an extraordinary education. I wanted to ensure that qualified law students who need financial support to attend W&L Law are able to access that opportunity. Scholarship support allowed me to attend college and law school. I am grateful for that help, and I wanted to give others similar support.
How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L law students?
I hope that current students are able to enjoy all of the outstanding offerings and resources, academic and otherwise, available at W&L. I hope that students are not limited or distracted by their financial challenges. And, I hope one day, when they are wildly successful, they pay their success forward with their own philanthropy.
As a faculty member, is there a particular student, colleague or moment at W&L School of Law that reaffirmed your decision to give back?
There is not a single moment. There have been numerous incredibly talented, smart and hardworking students who have confided in me about their financial challenges. Some have young brothers and sisters whom they care for; many are the first in their family to attend college and law school. A few have worked and saved for years to attend law school. All of these students deserve a chance to pursue their career dreams and become outstanding lawyers. We are fortunate to have dedicated and talented faculty and staff, as well as highly engaged alumni, who together create an exceptional law school experience for each student. I’m proud to play a part in supporting students who choose this special W&L Law experience.
Read more from the Why I Give series.