The Columns Weekly - Thursday, May 21, 2026 From The Columns Washington and Lee University to Celebrate 239th Commencement, Baccalaureate W&L celebrates its 239th undergraduate Commencement at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 28. School of Law Honors Graduates at 2026 Commencement Ceremony The School of Law celebrated its 171st commencement on Friday, May 15, recognizing 119 graduates earning Juris Doctor degrees. Going Global Since its inception in 1971, the university's Spring Term Abroad program has taken countless students around the world with unique classes focused on immersive learning. The Cadaver Society Pledges Largest Gift in its Long History of Philanthropy The society’s commitment to the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign will name the new terrace at Founders Hall and bolster the W&L Fund. Students Continue to Secure Prestigious Grants and Scholarships Sarp Sahin ’26 was named the ODK National Leader of the Year in academics and research, Molly Biggs ’26 earned a Fulbright to Germany and Tom Finnegan ’26 was awarded a U.S. Teaching Assistantship (USTA) to Austria. Read More W&L News on The Columns Employee Accolades Wan-Chuan Kao Receives Fellowship at the Suzy Newhouse Center for Humanities The associate professor of English will perform research leading to a new monograph at the Wellesley College-based academic center next year. Elizabeth Oliver to Receive Award from the American Accounting Association The associate dean of the Williams School will receive the 2025 Accounting Historian’s Journal Award at the organization’s annual meeting in August. Erin Ness Earns Old Dominion Athletic Conference Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year Award Generals mentor garners the award for the fifth-straight year and 10th time overall. David Detwiler Earns Old Dominion Athletic Conference Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year Award Detwiler garnered the award for the seventh time in his 25 seasons. Maureen Edobor Quoted By NPR Edobor contributed to a story about local impacts of recent voting rights cases. Want to be recognized for your work or do you have a colleague who should be recognized for their accomplishments? Simply use the employee accolade submission form. Meet a Colleague Meet a Colleague: Chris Link Chris Link serves as a Public Safety officer. Learn more about Chris in our "Meet a Colleague" feature series. Mark Your Calendars Scene On Campus Rowe Professor of Law Brian Murchison gives a law commencement address on the Front Lawn. View Photos Upcoming University Store Sales! Featured Social Media Site Visit the University Store's Instagram page for more information about upcoming sales! Make sure to follow all the university's social media channels for more information about happenings on our campus! Twitter/X - @wlunews | @wlulex | @wlulaw Facebook - Washington and Lee University | Working at W&L Instagram - @wlunews | @wlulex | @wlulaw Upcoming Events Spring Term Classes End The last Spring Term classes will be held on Friday, May 22. Spring Spotlight 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Leyburn Library W&L will hold its annual Spring Spotlight on Friday, May 22 at several locations within Leyburn Library. The event, traditionally held on the final day of Spring Term, is free and open to the W&L community. More Info University Singers Commencement Concert 8-10 p.m. Lenfest Center/Wilson Concert Hall Join The University Singers under the direction of Shane M. Lynch for one final concert performance of the year featuring favorite works from throughout the 2025-26 season selected by the seniors. The concert is free and open to the public. More Info Baccalaureate Service 10 a.m. University Front Lawn The baccalaureate service will be held at 10 a.m. on the front lawn. More Info Undergraduate Commencement 10 a.m. University Front Lawn The 239th undergraduate commencement ceremony will be held Thursday, May 28 at 10 a.m. Speakers include W&L President Will Dudley and Meaghan Endres '26, Executive Committee President. More Info Employee Appreciation Picnic - Finale 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Cannan Green The Finale Employee Appreciation Picnic will be held May 29 on Cannan Green. Families are encouraged to participate and the university will close following the event. More Info University Holiday W&L employees will observe the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, June 2.

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