Closing the Books on a Successful Year

2008-09 was another outstanding year in Advancement for W&L, despite what was likely the most difficult economic and philanthropic environment since the Great Depression. Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of non-profits, awarded Washington and Lee its highest 4-star rating in 2009. The rating reflects W&L's ability to manage and grow its finances efficiently, effectively and with accountability and transparency.

Highlights of 2008-09 include:

• 655 alumni attended their 15th through 50th reunions, with new special campus events planned for young alumni and 5-Star Generals in the fall
• More than 300 chapter events took place. Twenty-two chapter leaders participated with the Alumni Board in a Chapter Leadership Conference
• Since its launch in March, 2009, 3,000 alumni have logged into Colonnade Connections
• The new campaign, Honor Our Past, Build Our Future: The Campaign for Washington and Lee, concluded its first year with $236.9 million committed. The seven-year campaign is expected to have a goal of at least $400 million when announced in the fall of 2010
• The University implemented new technologies into Web and other communications, including more video in electronic communications, formal resources for reporters on the University's Web site, a Twitter presence, and the new W&L YouTube Channel to show and archive increased videotaping of campus events and talks
• W&L received $61 million in new gifts and pledges, including three of the top ten individual commitments in the University's history and the second largest gift from a living donor to the Law School. More than half of the new gifts and pledges will help build W&L's endowment
• The Annual Fund received $6.5 million, the second best year ever in the Annual Fund. As part of the Trustees Annual Fund Challenge, members of the Board of Trustees increased their support of the Annual Fund by 40 percent, or more than $310,000. Even though the number of alumni supporting the Annual Fund declined, the average gift from alumni increased. More parents made gifts in 2008-09 than in the previous year. Reunion gifts and pledges benefiting the Annual Fund increased by more than $1 million
• A family-oriented Alumni College program focused on science sold out at more than 60 registrants

"Washington and Lee is blessed to benefit from the involvements, connections and support of alumni, parents and friends, stated Dennis W. Cross, Vice President for University Advancement. "Their response to W&L in challenging times reflects their affection and appreciation and their desire that today's students benefit from the outstanding Washington and Lee education they cherish and desire to see flourish in today's world and marketplace. We are fortunate to have remarkable alumni and parent zeal, generosity and volunteer leadership."