The Richard B. Sessoms Fund for Student Experiences

Endowment Description

The Richard B. Sessoms Fund for Student Experiences is a permanently endowed fund established by Claire and Dwight Emanuelson ’84 at Washington and Lee University dedicated to encouraging and enabling students majoring, minoring or actively participating in the performing arts to take advantage of off-campus departmental career exploration experiences regardless of financial circumstances. The fund will be administered by the Chair of the Department of Theater, Dance and Film Studies in consultation with the Dean of the College.

History

The Richard B. Sessoms Fund for Student Experiences was established by Dwight H. Emanuelson and his wife, Claire Emanuelson, in October, 2011, to honor their friend, Dick Sessoms, for his outstanding service to Washington and Lee from 1980 to 2004. Mr. and Mrs. Emanuelson have established The Richard B. Sessoms Fund for Student Experiences to recognize the accomplishments of Dick Sessoms during his service to W&L as associate director of development, director of alumni programs, and senior director of major gifts.  In these roles Sessoms was admired by alumni, parents and students and known for his good cheer, wit, and tireless efforts on behalf of the University. Sessoms was so highly-regarded within the W&L community that in 1990 he became only the second person ever to be named an Honorary Alumnus by the W&L Alumni Association. The establishment of the Richard B. Sessoms Fund for Student Experiences also recognizes Sessoms’ love of music and theater performance. Throughout his New

New York City Trip 2023: February Break Theater Trip
In February of 2023, the Richard B Sessoms Fund for Student Experiences subsidized a trip for eight W&L students to NYC. Over the course of five days and four nights in New York, the students saw four Broadway and Off-Broadway shows; NYC Ballet; and museums.

New York City Trip 2020: February Break Theater Trip
In February of 2020, the Richard B Sessoms Fund for Student Experiences subsidized a trip for 12 W&L students to NYC. Over the course of five days and four nights in New York, the students saw six shows, went to museums and met with Will Cantler '77, a Casting Director with Telsey + Company and Artistic Director MCC Theater. 

Washington, DC Trip 2019: February Break Theater Trip
In February of 2018, the Richard B Sessoms Fund for Student Experiences subsidized a trip for five W&L students to go to Washington, DC for four nights to see six plays, visit three museums and visit with alumnus actor, Matt Amling ’2007.

Chicago Trip 2018: February Break Theater Trip  #thtrbinge 2018!
In February of 2018, the Richard B Sessoms Fund for Student Experiences subsidized a trip for 12 W&L students to go to Chicago for four nights to see HAMILTON and PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY, as produced by the award-winning theater company StrawDog; an improv workshop, masterclasses; and face time with industry professionals. 

New York Trip 2017: February Break Theater Trip
In February of 2017, the Richard B Sessoms Fund for Student Experiences subsidized a trip for eight W&L students to New York City. Over the course of five days and four nights in New York. The students saw five shows, went to museums and galleries, toured three other theater facilities, met with more than 14 working theater professionals, met with the Dramatists Playwright Guild, and met with Will Cantler ’77—a Casting Director with Telsey + Company and Artistic Director MCC Theater.

2015-2016 Academic Year
The Richard B Sessoms Fund, originally designed for a Visiting Artist Fund, was re-purposed for student experiences off-campus, thereby enabling contact with alumni professionals for career development purposes.

2014-2015 Academic Year
The Richard B Sessoms Fund supported a staged reading of a new work based on the music of Larry Wynn ’34 was planned, but eventually deemed "not ready" for production.

October 2015
The Richard B Sessoms Fund supported a visiting director, Kate Powers, to direct Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paula Vogel.

November/December 2014
The Richard B Sessoms Fund supported visiting artist Grant Aleksander ’82 as he starred in George Bernard Shaw's play, Mrs. Warren's Profession.