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 values.
"I hope our support helps current and future generations of W&L students to be free, independent thinkers who use a critical mind to discern what they view as the truth; to come up with creative solutions to problems that face our society, our country and our world; and to leave society better off because of their W&L experience." - Geordy Johnson '05
What inspired you to make your first gift to Washington and Lee University, and what motivates you to continue giving?
My first gift to Washington and Lee was May of 2005 at our senior class picnic at Liberty Hall Ruins. I gave to the annual fund then and have given to it every year since, serving as a class agent and in other volunteer positions. I gave to W&L because there had been 250-plus years of philanthropy that enabled the experience that I had as a student and that shaped my sister and me and the people we are today. It was the most formative place in my life. W&L has given me so much, and I continue to give because I want future generations of students to have the same incredible opportunities that I had as a student.
How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?
I hope our support helps current and future generations of W&L students to be free, independent thinkers who use a critical mind to discern what they view as the truth; to come up with creative solutions to problems that face our society, our country and our world; and to leave society better off because of their W&L experience.
Is there a particular experience, a faculty member or a program at W&L that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?
I was an English major at W&L, and I love the liberal arts. I came here to be a liberal arts major, but I had the opportunity to take finance and accounting classes as a senior and then pursue a career in investment banking after graduation. There's tremendous demand on our C-School today, so my wife, Carter, and I made a gift to the Williams School expansion to ensure there's enough space for all students — whether they're C-School majors or liberal arts majors — to have the opportunity to take electives in business courses.
Read more from the Why I Give series.