Read about important Commencement information and student accolades.
 
Family Connection: April 2025
 
Students enjoy the beginning of Spring Term on the Front Lawn.
Scene on Campus
Every week during the academic year, university photographers Shelby Hamelman and Kevin Remington capture the scene on campus through their lenses. In the most recent edition: Students complete their Winter Term exams; faculty and staff participate in the Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk; W&L hosts Admitted Students Day; and Spring Term officially kicks off.
View Photos
 
Commencement FAQs
The big day for the Class of 2025 is almost upon us! Washington and Lee's 238th Undergraduate Commencement will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 29, on the Front Lawn. Graduates will receive their diplomas and throw their caps in the air, marking an end to their transformative years at W&L and the beginning of their exciting next chapters.
As you make final plans to celebrate the success of your student, make sure to check our commencement info webpage that answers everything from what to do if it rains (fingers crossed!) to where to park the day of the event, as well as the background on some W&L traditions.
Important Dates:
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, May 26: Regalia pickup at Elrod Commons, Career and Professional Development Office
- 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 26: Senior class photo taken at Liberty Hall Ruins
- 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28: Baccalaureate Service (graduates line up at 9:30 a.m. at Stemmons Plaza)
- 10 a.m. Thursday, May 29: Undergraduate Commencement (graduates line up at 9:15 a.m. at Stemmons Plaza)
Read through all the events surrounding commencement, including specific program receptions and more.
 
Student Accolades
Phi Beta Kappa Initiates New Members During 2025 Convocation Ceremony
The Phi Beta Kappa chapter at Washington and Lee University welcomed 47 students into the prestigious honor society.
ODK Holds Spring Initiation for W&L Honorees
Dean Tamara Futrell addressed new members of ODK during their spring induction ceremony.
Two W&L Students to Study Abroad with Critical Language Scholarship
The Critical Language Scholarship Program funds a summer of overseas language and cultural immersion.
W&L Holds 2025 Leadership Excellence Awards
The annual banquet recognizes the many individual and group accomplishments of W&L students within the past year.
W&L Student Accepted into Expanding Discovery in Economics+ Summer Institute
Charlie Salome Sabines ’28 will participate in the program this summer at The University of Chicago.
W&L’s Jack Evans ’25 Named a Grand Strategy Fellow by the Hertog Foundation
Evans will spend four weeks in an intensive learning experience focused on the most pressing national security challenges facing the U.S.
 
Newsworthy
Spring 2025 Update on Campus Construction Projects
The Williams School and Lindley Center remain on schedule for completion before Fall Term 2025, while several campus improvement projects will begin this summer.
W&L Student-Run Investment Fund Ranks Among Nation’s Largest
The Williams Investment Society’s $25.5 million assets under management rank sixth nationally according to a survey conducted by the Center for Investment Research.
Washington and Lee University to Renovate Special Collections Space
The research and reading room for the Special Collections and Archives will be updated and renamed in honor of Tom Wolfe ’51.
Meet: Elizabeth Marshall '25, AJ Thomas '26, Weyimi Agbeyegbe '25 and Nona David '26. 
Read more stories on the W&L student experience
 
Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign For Washington and Lee
Looking Forward and Giving Back
The Class of 2025’s Senior Gift Committee co-chairs have already sailed past their monetary goal as they look toward Commencement.
 
Parents Find Lifelong Connections Through W&L Leadership Council
Richard and Wimberly McPhail P’24 expected their son, Walker, to make lifelong friends when he joined the Washington and Lee Class of 2024. They did not expect that they would do the same.
 
Distinctly W&L
The Ultimate Teammate
Four sets of twins on W&L varsity sports teams share what it’s like competing side-by-side with their siblings.
 
Office Space: Jay Margalus
The Johnson Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and director of the Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship gives us a tour of his office.
Read more about the Science, Society and the Arts Conference "Unlikely Pairings," students in W&L's Bonner Program creating a digital map of health care networks, the W&L International Student Mentors Program and Beth Staples' episode of the "W&L After Class" podcast.
 
Washington and Lee Athletics
The W&L Athletics spring season has already brought a multitude of team success, highlighted by the women's outdoor track & field and women's golf teams both winning ODAC championships. This is the first title for women's outdoor track & field since 1995 and the program's first-ever triple crown.
Top-ranked men's golf is at the ODAC Championship tournament this week, led by No. 1-ranked Jonathan McEwen '27, while men's and women's lacrosse and men's and women's tennis all begin their conference tournaments this week as top seeds as well. Finally, baseball concluded its season with a 13-17 overall record; riding wrapped up its season at the IHSA Zone 4 Championships; and men's track & field took second at the conference meet.
Stay connected with the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com, signing up for Generals Sports emails and following social media channels at @WLUGenerals.
 
Lifelong Learning for W&L Parents
Summer Explorations
Join the Office of Lifelong Learning on campus for the Summer Explorations series. The program launches July 6-11 with Summer Explorations I, "Discover the Middle Ages: A Week of Exploration, Connection and Insight." The following week, from July 13-16, Summer Explorations II, "Questions of Ownership: Ethical and Legal Concerns Related to the Treatment of Cultural Heritage Objects" takes place.
Reserve your space
 
From the Canals of Venice to the Ancient Monuments of Athens
The Dalmatian Coast, the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, is one of the most intriguing destinations in the Mediterranean. The region offers spectacular scenery; ancient, medieval and Renaissance history and art; and charming towns and villages. Join us as we sail from Venice, Italy, to Athens, Greece, and discover the rich culture and history of this majestic corner of the world.
Reserve your space
 
Save the Date
05-24
Spring Term Examinations
The last day of Spring Term classes is Friday, May 23. Spring Term examinations are held at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24.
05-25
Housing Closes for Undergraduates
All students, except for graduating seniors and approved extended stays, must vacate housing at this time. Students will receive closing information at the beginning of May. Graduating seniors or approved extended stays not transitioning to summer housing will need to vacate spring housing by no later than Saturday, May 31. Students must submit all extended stay requests via eRezLife and are only reviewed case-by-case for extenuating circumstances. The extended stay request will close on May 16.
Learn more
05-29
Commencement
The 238th Undergraduate Commencement is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, May 29 on the Front Lawn of the main campus. The Baccalaureate Service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, also on the Front Lawn. Commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live for those unable to attend.
Learn more
07-06
Summer Explorations I "Discover the Middle Ages: A Week of Exploration, Connection and Insight"
This program, held on campus July 6-11, invites you to journey through the vibrant heart of the Middle Ages, where city-states in Italy flourished, national monarchies consolidated power and the Caliphates emerged in the Muslim world. Explore the dynamics of religious and cultural exchange between Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists and learn how these interactions, often contentious, fueled lasting conflicts — and enduring legacies.
Register now
07-13
Summer Explorations II "Questions of Ownership: Ethical and Legal Concerns Related to the Treatment of Cultural Heritage Objects"
Cultural heritage objects are powerful artifacts to own, display and even destroy. The three-day seminar on campus, held July 13-16, will examine recent cases of repatriation and ongoing demands that will allow participants to think about the layered and complex realities these objects represent.
Register now
07-20
Summer Explorations III "Digging into History: A W&L Family Adventure in Archaeology"
Join us from July 20-23 to enjoy the Washington and Lee college experience as a family. Families are invited to discover the methods, technologies and sources archaeologists use to “see” things that are no longer visible.
Register now
 
Follow @wluresidencelife on Instagram
The official Instagram account for the Office of Housing & Residence Life provides information on educational and social programs throughout the year that support academic initiatives and foster positive relationships.
Additional Social Media Accounts to Follow
Follow along with all of campus' social media channels with the W&L social media directory! Click here for a full list.
 
Be sure to add families@wlu.edu to your address book or safe senders list so our emails get to your inbox. 
 
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