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A Letter from President Ruscio

Although I recognize these are uncertain times, I must nonetheless write to you with an important request from Washington and Lee.

I recently reported on the University's finances in light of the global economic crisis. We count ourselves fortunate that the University remains stable and on course. I am confident Washington and Lee can weather severe storms, as it has before. We must, because Washington and Lee matters extraordinarily to a great many people, especially the students I see every day when I walk the campus.

Still, the year ahead will be challenging, and the years beyond contain unknown challenges. We are tightening our belts in the face of financial losses and an 17 percent endowment reduction, and preparing for what could be a very different environment for higher education in the future.

An alumnus recently commented, upon making a gift to the University, "W&L was there for me when I needed it.  Now, I need to be there when the school needs me."  This year, your school does indeed need you.  Supporting the Annual Fund is the most crucial thing we alumni do to make sure today's students receive an education every bit as good as we received.  Do not underestimate the role your support plays.  In a year like this, endowments produce much less revenue to operate the University.  The Annual Fund was always important. This year it matters more than ever. 

Before I request your support, I am compelled to share with you heartening news of a recent action by Washington and Lee's Board of Trustees, whose members have, like all of us, been affected significantly by the economic downturn. Even in these uncertain times, and especially because of these uncertain times, they have collectively stepped forward and substantially increased their Annual Fund gift. 

Like the trustees, I too have increased my support of the Annual Fund.  They and I see clearly that this year the Annual Fund will have a greater impact on this school than ever.  We are completely committed to Washington and Lee's students, who trust they will continue their education on a campus that remains just as vital as it was the day they arrived.  We are also committed to retaining our faculty and staff, whose loyalty and devotion have added immeasurably to this place.

Trustees cannot carry the burden alone, but they can inspire others, like you and me, to join them.  To that end, they have issued the Trustee Annual Fund Challenge, which works as follows: 

• If you did not make a gift to the Annual Fund last year, this is a great time to contribute, because for every dollar you give, the trustees will increase their gift by a dollar. 
• If you did support Washington and Lee last year, please renew your gift now, and if possible, consider joining the trustees and me in adding to what you gave last year.  For every dollar you increase your gift, the trustees will increase their gift by a dollar. 
• If half of Washington and Lee's alumni support the Annual Fund this year with gifts of any amount, the trustees will add another $50,000 to the Annual Fund.  That would be equivalent to providing tuition, room and board for one student for one year.

You know best the value of what occurs here.  As a student, you were immersed in Washington and Lee's core values of honor, personal integrity and civility.  I would venture that these are still the bedrock of your life and professional career. Making a gift to the 2008-09 Annual Fund, this year especially, is a strong affirmation of those values.  Please visit go.wlu.edu/trusteechallenge to make your gift.

As a fellow alumnus who understands the duty I have to you, to our students, and to students who will be here in the years to come, I remain deeply appreciative of all that you and others do on our behalf.  I thank you for considering this request.

Sincerely,
Kenneth P. Ruscio