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.

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

I gave the first gift because I graduated from Washington and Lee. I got a very valuable education and was hired before graduation by IBM as systems engineer in Roanoke. Since I wanted to be closer to family, IMB transferred me to New York City. W&L did a good job contacting me each year to give, so I did; I had good experiences there.

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

My favorite teacher/class was John Harvey Wheeler who taught economics and marketing; he wrote the book “Fail Safe” in the 1960s.

I had a radio program once a week as a senior at a small AM station in Lexington. The Department of Journalism also had a nightly news station, and I served one night a week as a Kaleidoscope producer and at 8 p.m. as a radio talk show host. I also did one-hour radio dramas with the W&L Troubadours — a theater group that performed minstrel shows.