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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.

"A life of consequence is having as much of a positive effect on institutions and people as you can within your means and your influence because that provides continuity across generations, and that's what builds great families and great communities." - Mike McAlevey ’86, P’17, P’20

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

I made my first gift to Washington and Lee 25 or 30 years ago. When I was a student, I said to myself that if I ever got into a position where I could help the university for what it had given me, I was going to do it. I started small, but I got started. What motivates me to continue giving is what Washington and Lee gave to me, gave to my family and, more broadly, what it gives to the country, which is an education that is so well rounded that it spreads goodness around communities and the world — and we need more of that these days.

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

The kind of experience that Washington and Lee provides is not inexpensive. It requires a lot of resources, people, infrastructure, time, money and commitment. My family’s giving to Washington and Lee puts students in a position where they can get the best out of this experience, and that's really what this is all about. I like that Washington and Lee has a commitment to educating children across the income spectrum. I was a first-generation student. My folks didn't have much money, and somebody before me gave generously to the university, and they allowed me to take advantage of everything here. So, it's simple — just passing it along, paying it back and paying it forward.

Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?

I was an English major with a minor in philosophy. My adviser was John Evans, who was a professor in the English Department for many years, and I began as his advisee when I was a freshman. He was with me throughout my journey here, and we became very close friends. He was a mentor — not just teaching me about literature but teaching me a lot about being a better person. He and I have remained friends until this day. We have a 30- or 40-year age gap, and, nonetheless, we've stayed in touch. I've probably never gone a month without talking to him since I graduated. He's as much a part of my family as anybody.

I was a track & field athlete, and one of the great things about Washington and Lee is that you can compete if you're an average or above average athlete. The connection that I had to the Athletics Department and the entire athletic community was a really important part of my life as a student. I spent a lot of time in Doremus Gymnasium and the Warner Center (now part of Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center), and those relationships have been some of the most enduring.

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

First is identifying that there's something more to this journey than just getting out of it what you can and making it more meaningful for other people. A life of consequence is having as much of a positive effect on institutions and people as you can within your means and your influence because that provides continuity across generations, and that's what builds great families and great communities.

Watch Mike McAlevey's video interview.

Read more from the Why I Give series.