Stories of Consequence

Introducing Why I Give—a new series celebrating the generosity of Washington and Lee alumni 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 values.

The notion of ‘giving back’ as well as ‘paying it forward’ has always been a subtle part of its message to most of us.

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

My respect, gratefulness and even love for W&L as an institution has always been there, especially given that it made possible my undergraduate education. The notion of ‘giving back’ as well as ‘paying it forward’ has always been a subtle part of its message to most of us.

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

Going to W&L with a very strong love of studying politics of other countries, I greatly enjoyed the liberal arts tradition. I took Introduction to Comparative Politics with Mike Pinney and stayed with him for most of my classes for the politics major.

Being mentored by Buck Buchanan regarding future graduate and all of my W&L studies excellently prepared me for graduate school and my future professional direction.

The one other most meaningful class I talk about in advising my Emory students is the sculpture (studio arts) class I took with Joe Blough. What he taught me is something I have treasured ever since... that I have absolutely no talent for sculpture or any of the visual arts!