Fall lingers on campus.
November 2025
 
A Note From Campus
With the start of Thanksgiving Break, the campus begins its slow goodbye to Fall Term. Students are looking toward final exams, and our busy schedule, including on-campus alumni programs and regional campaign events (save our last one of the year in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 11), pauses until the start of the new year. In the spirit of the holiday, I'm extremely thankful for you and your support of Washington and Lee. Our alumni base is like no other, and I'm proud of all it has done, and continues to do, for the campus and for future generations of students.
We have also started the nomination process for an alumnus/a to the university's Board of Trustees. For the current election cycle, nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (EST) Jan. 9, 2026. You should have recently received an email outlining the process, but we also have all the information detailed below. The nomination and election will be conducted through our new version of Colonnade Connections, so be sure to activate your account today so that you can have a voice in this important process.
John Jensen '01
Executive Director
Alumni and Career Services
 
Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign For Washington and Lee
W&L Class Agents Demonstrate School Spirit in Action
For nearly 100 years, W&L has benefited from engaged alumni volunteering to connect with their classmates.
 
The Gift That Changed Everything
From first-generation college student to legal and civic leader, Robby Aliff ’91, ’97L has built a life inspired by the kindness that made his education possible.
 
Regional Campaign Events
Join fellow alumni, parents and friends to celebrate Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee at special receptions across the country. Enjoy campus updates from President Will Dudley and other campus leaders and hear the latest news about W&L's historic campaign. Learn more and see photos from our recent New York City event.
Next up:
Dec. 11 | Jacksonville, Florida | 6:30 p.m. – The River Club
Learn more about the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign
 
OPEN – Alumni Nominations for Election to the W&L Board of Trustees
The Alumni Association Board of Directors has opened the nomination process for election of an alumnus/a to the Washington and Lee University Board of Trustees. For the current election cycle, nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (EST) Jan. 9, 2026, and all candidates must provide the required information for consideration by 11:59 p.m. (EST) Jan. 14, 2026.
To ensure security, accuracy and administrative efficiency, the Trustee nomination and election process by alumni will be conducted through Colonnade Connections, W&L's online alumni community. Alumni must be logged into Colonnade Connections to nominate a candidate, to accept a nomination and to vote.
W&L recently launched a new version of Colonnade Connections. If you have not had a chance to activate your new account, it only takes a few minutes:
  1. Visit the Colonnade Connections login page.
  2. Under First time users, select the blue "click here" link.
  3. Complete and submit the brief activation form.
  4. Once verified, you will receive an email with your login credentials for your new account.
To submit a nomination: Once you enter Colonnade Connections, search the directory for the alumnus/alumna you wish to nominate and select the nomination icon beside their name. You will then be prompted to complete and submit a brief nomination form.
 
Newsworthy
Paul Youngman '87, P'27 Named Dean of the College at Washington and Lee University
Youngman, associate provost for academic development and operations and professor of German at W&L, has been serving as interim dean of the College since July 1, 2025. He begins his new role on Dec. 1.
Washington and Lee Commemorates Veterans Day
The W&L community gathered to honor the military service of current and retired members of the staff, faculty and student body.
The Language of Humanity
Professor of French Mohamed Kamara describes his interconnected teaching, scholarship and service.
Read more university news on the Columns
 
Alumni in Action
John Folsom ’73, P’03 Receives the Order of the Palmetto
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster bestowed Folsom with the state’s highest civilian honor.
Leading by Example
For Capt. Michael Holifield ’89, being a career public servant is about lifting and supporting the people around him to the best of his ability.
The Mudd Center Hosts a Leadership Lab with Judge Michael Luttig ’76, P’14 and Lewis Powell III ’74, P’18, P’20
The two alumni led an on-campus discussion on power and accountability on Nov. 13. Click the link to watch a full recording of the event.
Alumni Spotlight: David Thompson ’19L
Thompson is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and currently serves as an instructor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
 
Stay Connected
Ace Your W&L Fund Gift This Year
Planning to make your W&L Fund gift via an IRA this fiscal year? With upcoming tax law changes, it may be more advantageous to donate before Dec. 31. Study up on giving on our website.
 
Pacific Northwest Discovery — The San Juan Islands, Whales, Wildlife and Coastal Culture
Join W&L travelers on an adventure to the San Juan Islands, an archipelago of more than 170 islands in Washington’s Salish Sea. Renowned for their awe-inspiring beauty and atmosphere, these islands offer a place where time slows down.
 
In Memoriam
Sidney J. Williams Jr., Professor of Romance Languages Emeritus
Williams taught Spanish at Washington and Lee University for 40 years.
Delos D. Hughes, Professor of Politics Emeritus
Hughes served as professor at Washington and Lee University for 33 years.
 
Alumni Events
Holiday Alumni Chapter Events
W&L alumni chapters across the country — and even abroad — are bringing the holidays to life. More than 20 events have already been planned, including one in the United Kingdom, with more expected throughout December. We’re grateful to our dedicated hosts and chapter leaders for creating these opportunities for our alumni to gather and celebrate.
 
Greece Through the Ages
Explore Athens, the birthplace of democracy and a thriving modern capital, before journeying to the captivating islands of Santorini and Crete on this custom Washington and Lee program. From ancient monuments to vibrant contemporary culture, you’ll experience Greece’s rich history, stunning landscapes and the warmth and hospitality that define its people.
 
Save the Date
12-02
Holiday Pops Concert 2025
Washington and Lee University presents its annual Holiday Pops Concert at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 in Wilson Concert Hall in the Lenfest Center for the Arts. The performance will also be streamed online.
Learn more
12-04
Annual Holiday Candlelight Service
Washington and Lee University’s annual Christmas Candlelight Service featuring the University Singers will be held at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4. The performance is free and open to the public; no tickets are required. The event will also be streamed online.
Learn more
03-20
Entrepreneurship Summit
Join alumni and guests for two days of learning, networking and inspiration at the W&L Entrepreneurship Summit. This event is designed to encourage innovative business ideas and strategies, perfect for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. It is a special opportunity to connect, learn and grow in the world of entrepreneurship.
Learn more
03-20
Institute for Honor Symposium
The 2026 Institute for Honor Symposium, sponsored by the Class of 1960, will host several speakers, workshops and conversations that promote the understanding and practice of honor as an indispensable element of society March 20-21.
04-17
Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar
The 2026 Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar, sponsored by the Class of 1951, will bring in a major American writer for its 21st annual event April 17-18. This year, the program, speaker and book will be presented in collaboration with The Roger Mudd Center for Ethics. Stay tuned for the unveiling of the author and title of the event.
04-30
Alumni Weekend
Calling all Washington and Lee alumni from the classes ending in 1 and 6! Get ready to reconnect and relive your cherished moments at Alumni Weekend 2026.
Learn more
 
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