Stories of Consequence

“I felt from Washington and Lee a spirit of gratitude, like the school was happy you decided to join their community.”

—Mary Choksi P'11

Mary and Armeane Choksi ’P11 knew nothing about Washington and Lee University until their son, Nico, visited during high school.

“He immediately said, ‘I really like this place,’ which was surprising to us because boys don’t say much about their college campus visits,” Mary said, laughing.

When Nico became a General, Mary and Armeane realized what makes W&L special.

“I felt from Washington and Lee a spirit of gratitude, like the school was happy you decided to join their community,” Mary said. “Whether you were a student, parent or donor, there was gratitude for your willingness to get involved.”

Mary and Armeane helmed the Parents Leadership Council as class co-chairs in 2009–2010 and chairs in 2010–2011. Their university involvement continued even after Nico graduated; in May 2012, Mary was sworn in as a trustee and served on the board for 10 years.

Through her work with the board, Mary became aware of the Advanced Research Cohort (ARC), a summer program that pairs incoming students with professors and current students for original research projects. In addition to helping students get a head start in the classroom, Mary noted that the program also gives them a window into campus life and university resources.

“The program just seemed to me well-thought-through and a way to position students for success,” she said. “It focused on not only academic success but also social and emotional success — all those things that you need to have for a great college experience.”

ARC was renamed the Advanced Immersion and Mentoring (AIM) Program in 2018.

Following their immersive summer program, all AIM students participate in FYE 100: General Success, a course that assists with the transition from high school to college. The class is designed to give first-year students the best chance of success from the beginning of their W&L journey.

According to Mary, AIM successfully demonstrates how exposing incoming students to community engagement, leadership education and career and professional development fosters a sense of confidence and belonging. In 2021, Mary and Armeane established The Choksi Endowment for the AIM Program with a $500,000 pledge.

“It’s a wonderful program — especially for those who may not have had much opportunity earlier in their lives to be on college campuses,” Mary said.

“AIM gives these students a chance to get their bearings, have a great research experience, and kick off the year with a running start.”

Read more about the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign.