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.
"My academic experience in Lexington was as close to perfect as I could imagine, and when I give, it is with the knowledge that my gift will make it easier for a student to choose W&L." - Anna Daccache ‘19
What inspired you to make your first gift to Washington and Lee University, and what motivates you to continue giving?
My first gift to W&L was a contribution to the class gift my senior year; a friend of mine who was a class agent asked if I would donate. My motivating factor for continued giving is to help W&L students receive their education without financial burden. My academic experience in Lexington was as close to perfect as I could imagine, and when I give, it is with the knowledge that my gift will make it easier for a student to choose W&L.
How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?
I hope my support contributes to easing any financial burden a student may incur while attending W&L. More specifically, I hope it allows for students from different walks of life, with varied interests both academic and extracurricular, to not only consider but easily choose to attend W&L if accepted. I am steadfast in my belief that everyone deserves access to an academic experience like the one Washington and Lee provides.
Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?
If I had to pick one experience, it would be my time with Beth Staples, associate professor of English and editor of Shenandoah, W&L’s literary magazine. It was so fulfilling to learn about and participate in the editorial process for the magazine. It made me fall in love with reading and writing in ways I had not fathomed. This experience definitely plays a role in why I give back; I want students to be able to have their own Shenandoah experience.
Read more from the Why I Give series.