Washington and Lee University
Named for the reigns of the four Hanoverian monarchs known as George I, II, III, IV, George IV’s brother, William IV, the Georgian era in England began in 1714 and concluded with the ascension of Victoria to the throne in 1837. In politics, the Georgian era marks the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England. It was an age of tempestuous revolution in Europe, but England survived, first through a merger with Scotland in 1707 as Great Britain and then, through its merger with Ireland in 1801, as the United Kingdom. These political organizations were never entirely accepted by the Irish and Scots, and for all its liberality Great Britain still lost the American Colonies. The Georgian era was an age of political argument, on the floor of parliament and in tracts and philosophical works that to this day are regarded as foundation stones of political science.#10: Education is healthy. People with active minds live longer, happier lives. Mental fitness is as important as physical fitness, for the mind is like a muscle—use it or lose it!
#9: You’ll rediscover the beauty and the marvelous resources of the W&L campus, not just on paper or in the abstract, but in the present tense as a campus resident.
#8: You’ll also rediscover the W&L “brain trust” by getting to know the W&L faculty. You find that they are not only smart but friendly, dedicated, and colorful people with lots to say, the skill to say it well, and a professional ability to listen carefully.
#7: You’ll meet new friends, people like you who enjoy unusual vacations, people with active minds and a sense of adventure, but with one important thing in common: a bonding affection for W&L.
#6: A refreshing escape from routines at home and at the office has a wonderfully clarifying effect on the mind and soul. New and unusual activities will stimulate your mental acuity, reanimate your personality and help you to rediscover who you are and what you truly enjoy in life.
#5: The subjects taught at Alumni College are not only interesting but valuable. It is important to know what is going on in Europe today, or what Shakespeare had to say about taking “arms against a sea of troubles,” or what special qualities lay behind Teddy Roosevelt’s extraordinary political career.
#4: You’ll have an excellent opportunity to get to know W&L students, who as resident assistants take care of your accommodations and dine with you every day. They are eager to get to know you and to share with you their experience of W&L today.
#3: The amenities are surprisingly good: great meals prepared exclusively for you by a creative chef devoted to flavor, variety, and heart-healthy menus. Also, you’ll have all the privacy you need in our campus hotel, as each couple is assigned a private suite in Gaines Hall with daily housekeeping service.
#2: The price is right. At $895 per person per week, you get 14 meals, five cocktail receptions, private, air-conditioned accommodations, books, evening entertainment, as well as a full program combining leisure with learning. You’d spend that in a day and a half at resort hotel and still have to come up with your own amusement.
And Finally...
#1: At the Alumni College, you can pass a W&L course without writing a single paper or taking an exam! And at 10 courses, you get a free polo shirt!
“I loved the classes. The lectures were superb as were the discussions that followed. It was a thrill to part of such a great class. The campus is so lovely, steeped in history, and the meals were superb, as were the receptions.”
“Driving home, my husband and I reflected on the China program. We both agreed that we were proud and impressed by the ‘homegrown wisdom’ of the W&L faculty. Congratulations for putting it all together!”