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.
Hometown: Henrico, Virginia
Majors: Global Politics and Cognitive and Behavioral Science
Minor: Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
What inspired you to make your first gift to Washington and Lee University, and what motivates you to continue giving?
As a QuestBridge scholar, I recognize the privilege and mobility that graduating debt-free gives you. Outside of financial assistance, I have been able to explore opportunities that I never imagined, such as working in a research lab, going on a career trip, leading W&L's Ethics Bowl team and, most importantly, studying abroad. I have been fortunate to study abroad three times over the past four years and visit countless countries through the university’s assistance. All of these opportunities were made possible through the W&L community. I made my first gift to the W&L Fund as a thank you to the institution for all it has done for me, and I will continue making my gift as a promise to future students that I am invested in their prosperity and success.
How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?
I hope that my gift will be a small piece in a larger puzzle of helping students pursue their passions freely, without financial limitations. As W&L continues to become more diverse in its student body, I find it is my obligation to help lessen the financial burden of higher education on students from marginalized backgrounds like mine. I hope that current and future students know they more than deserve to occupy the space they are in and that alumni like myself are invested in helping them pursue the opportunities and experiences that will help them succeed in their future endeavors.
Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?
There are more professors and faculty who have greatly impacted my experience than I have space to name. The fact that so many people came to mind when reading this question only reinforces my decision to give. W&L has amazing faculty who have impacted my life in unimaginable ways — through their courses, their interest and, truthfully, just their kindness.
There are very few professors I have met here that I haven't loved. I want to extend my greatest thanks to Julie Woodzicka [William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science], Erin Taylor [associate professor of philosophy], Seth Cantey [associate professor of politics], Tamara Futrell [dean of student engagement and leadership] and Ronda Bryant [associate dean of students] for shaping my W&L experience. These five faculty members have been integral in my growth, not only as a student but as I navigate young adulthood, and I can’t thank them enough.
Read more from the Why I Give series.