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.
"At each stage of my life, professionally and personally, I've come to appreciate all the ways that W&L formed who I am, and, as a response to that, it's been an honor and privilege to give back." - John Comly '01
What inspired you to make your first gift to Washington and Lee University, and what motivates you to continue giving?
W&L was an incredibly transformative experience for me. I began to appreciate just how transformative when I left campus, and that manifested itself in career opportunities through the amazing alumni network. What I think is even more special is how my appreciation continues to grow. At each stage of my life, professionally and personally, I've come to appreciate all the ways that W&L formed who I am, and, as a response to that, it's been an honor and privilege to give back.
I also think back to freshman year, when we had a really special experience learning about the Honor System. It was about teaching us that the community was ours, and with that comes a responsibility to mold it into what you want it to be. I think taking ownership of what the institution is and taking responsibility for shepherding it really starts with orientation and continues through graduation as alumni, and that manifests itself in supporting the school financially.
How do you hope that your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?
I think a liberal arts education is as important now as it's ever been. Teaching people how to think and teaching people how to navigate uncertainties and ambiguities is critical. The world is changing, and it's changing faster than ever. The W&L experience of being challenged academically in a lot of different ways, and learning how to find success through those challenges, is as applicable now as it has ever been. I hope that the gifts I make, in conjunction with everyone else’s’ gifts, allow that to continue.
Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?
The first person who comes to mind is my adviser and Professor of Economics Jamie Casey ’91, and I am filled with appreciation for him. I probably lacked the appropriate amount of maturity at the time, and Jim was someone who stood by me and inspired me to take academic rigor seriously. Without his friendship and support, I’m not sure my W&L experience would have been what it was for me.
What does it mean to you to lead a life of consequence?
As I get older, it has become increasingly clear to me that we have an obligation to make the world a better place. The people we interact with on a day-to-day basis — whether that be through work, church, sports, school — everyone is carrying something. Every interaction we have with them can be an opportunity to lift them up and support them or not, and I think, foundationally, leading a life of consequence is about seeing that opportunity and building real relationships that are supportive of the people around us.
Watch John Comly's video interview.
Read more from the Why I Give series.