Stories of Consequence
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.
Reagan Radocesky ’26
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee; Major: Global Politics; Minor: Poverty and Human Capabilities Studies
Radocesky is co-chair of the Senior Class Gift Committee at Washington and Lee University. She is a Johnson Scholar, serves as the vice president of operations for Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, is a member in the Student Health Committee and is fundraising co-chair for the Fancy Dress Committee.
What inspired you to co-chair the Senior Class Gift Committee?
I was inspired to co-chair the Senior Class Gift Committee because I wanted to be a part of a meaningful impact. The past four years have truly been some of the most formative and influential years of my life. I really do not know what I would do without W&L, so I wanted to extend that meaning and feeling for future classes. I know that W&L can provide them the same influence, and I want to contribute to help make that possible.
How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?
I hope my support can provide students with the opportunities that alumni support provided me. Throughout my time at W&L, I have had the chance to participate in so many activities and experiences that I did not think were possible. I have had the chance to go rock climbing with the Outing Club, visit Special Collections and Archives with my politics class and even take fun workout classes (that would cost a lot more somewhere else). Whatever the experience may be, I am immersed into a world of activities that are in some way supported by the W&L Fund. These experiences have meant so much to me, and I know they mean so much to other students. If I can support these endeavors, then I feel like I have left my mark.
“I am immersed in a world of activities that are in some way supported by the W&L Fund. These experiences have meant so much to me, and I know they mean so much to other students.” - Reagan Radocesky ’26
Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that plays a meaningful role in your decision to give back?
There are two programs that encapsulate this feeling: the London Internship Program and Washington Term. In each, I was able to explore my interests through an immersive experience. I was able to live, work and study in new cities — all because of W&L's generosity. In participating in these programs, I was able to find my passions in life and to pursue them. Without help from the W&L Fund, I would not have been able to afford these programs. I am extremely thankful for these experiences, and I do not know where I would be without them. I want to ensure that future students like me have these opportunities.
How has your W&L experience taught you to lead a life of consequence?
W&L has shown me what it is like to live in an invested community. Every time I walk on campus, I am surrounded by friends and professors who push me to be the best version of myself. They genuinely want me to succeed, and they share my joys and heartbreaks. To me, leading a life of consequence means taking these values of care and community with me wherever I go. Whether it is in my personal or professional life, I want to show people that I care about them. Through promoting these values, I will lead a life that is representative of Washington and Lee University.
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William Knight ’26
Hometown: Durango, Colorado; Major: Economics; Minor: Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Knight is co-chair of the Senior Class Gift Committee, captain of the varsity football team and a member of the men's track & field program at Washington and Lee University. He is also a member of the Williams Investment Society, a Career Fellow, a Fly-Fishing Club member and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity social chair.
What inspired you to co-chair the Senior Class Gift Committee?
My primary motivation was to give back to W&L. This university has opened many doors for me, and I know my peers feel the same way, so this was a small way I could show my appreciation to the generous alumni who have made my experience here possible.
How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?
I hope our support, along with our committee’s, inspires our peers to reflect on their time in Lexington and acknowledge what has made these precious moments possible. Undoubtedly, our experiences were made possible by generous alumni, and it's our turn to provide for future students. I hope that our class demonstrates our gratitude with this senior gift.
“Our experiences were made possible by generous alumni, and it’s our turn to provide for future students. I hope that our class demonstrates our gratitude with this senior gift.” - William Knight ’26
Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that plays a meaningful role in your decision to give back?
It's impossible to pinpoint one experience, faculty member or program at W&L that has made my time here special. There are so many individuals and opportunities. I am enormously grateful for my continual access to professors who have pushed my interests and skills while offering invaluable guidance; coaches whose exceptional management of their programs has given me teams that I'm proud to have belonged to; and the countless other faculty members who ensure that every aspect of the W&L experience is excellent for their students.
How has your W&L experience taught you to lead a life of consequence?
I have been privileged with a plethora of unique opportunities at W&L. In each one of these involvements, I have had a peer, coach, alumnus and teacher open doors for me and encourage me to walk through them. This has made my time here special. I now know these gifts must be passed along. I will lead a life of consequence by working to open these doors for others, as they have been provided for me.
Read more from the Why I Give series.