Lives of Consequence
Non in Cautus Futuri
W&L’s motto, “not unmindful of the future,” underlies the University’s commitment to providing an education that is vital and relevant in the 21st century. Our students are nurtured in our community of trust, grounded in the liberal arts, exposed to emerging technologies and interdisciplinary perspectives, and encouraged to explore their passions and find their purpose. They head into life after college equipped with the habits of mind, strength of character and essential knowledge they need to pursue personal and professional lives of consequence.
Prepared to Lead
A W&L education equips students to assume leadership roles in college and beyond. Students interested in fostering their leadership skills will find countless opportunities on campus.
LEAD Program
The Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program is a multi-year, comprehensive leadership program purposed to empower students to discover their potential and develop their skills as leaders. The program aims to enhance student learning and development in areas of self-knowledge and leadership competence through various workshops, teambuilding exercises, roundtable discussions, reflective activities, and service.
Student Government
W&L takes the concept of student self-governance seriously. The student Executive Committee is entrusted with the administration of the Honor System and is responsible for allocating funds to student organizations. The Student Judicial Council investigates and acts upon student misconduct on and off campus that is not governed by the Executive Committee or other conduct boards. And students are appointed to serve on a variety of campus committees, taking part in both discussion and decision-making on academic, administrative and programmatic issues.
Greek Life
Fraternities and sororities promote the personal development of their members through scholarship, leadership, friendship and service. Students in fraternities and sororities have ample leadership opportunities in their chapters as well as on the Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Interfraternity Council.
Residence Life
Residence life leaders perform many roles, such as Resident Adviser or Community Assistant, living with and providing programming for students in on-campus housing. Leadership opportunities are also available on the First-Year Orientation Committee, which helps to prepare campus for the next incoming class, and on Leading Edge orientation trips.
Signature Programs
At W&L, leadership and integrity go hand in hand. The University sponsors a variety of programs designed to encourage new generations of outstanding scholars, leaders and ethical citizens.
Leadership Potential
The Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity
The Johnson Program furthers W&L’s mission to prepare graduates to meet the challenges and opportunities of a global and diverse society, offering a competitive, merit-based scholarship to 10% of each incoming first-year class, plus programming, faculty support, and summer enhancement funding to encourage students to employ their talents worldwide.
Ethical Reasoning
The Mudd Center for Ethics
The Mudd Center, established by a gift from the distinguished, award-winning journalist Roger Mudd, Class of 1950, provides a forum for dialogue, teaching and research about important ethical issues in public and professional life among students, faculty and staff.
Ethics in Practice
The Institute for Honor
The Institute for Honor is focused on honor as a core value in personal, professional, and community relations. Each year, it hosts a symposium featuring a speaker and panel discussions on a timely theme. Recent topics have included corporate responsibility and sustainable development, corporate responsibility in times of armed conflict, and civility and public discourse.
Prepared to Succeed
The skills and values that Washington and Lee students learn here prepare them well for success in their personal and professional lives.
Graduate Outcomes
94%
of the Class of 2024 was employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Rhodes Scholars
#1
Producer of Rhodes Scholars among all liberal arts colleges over the last decade.
Years Running
7
W&L was named a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. students for the seventh straight year in 2024-25 -- ranking sixth among baccalaureate institutions.
Leadership Honors
Omicron Delta Kappa
The first national college honor society to recognize leadership and extracurricular service, Omicron Delta Kappa, was founded and continues to thrive at W&L, and has spread to more than 300 other campuses.
Making a Difference
662
students engaged in community-based learning in 2023-24.
In Your Corner
25,000+
W&L’s dedicated alumni network connects students to internship and career opportunities in 77 chapters around the world.
Graduate Outcomes
94%
of the Class of 2024 was employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Rhodes Scholars
#1
Producer of Rhodes Scholars among all liberal arts colleges over the last decade.
Years Running
7
W&L was named a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. students for the seventh straight year in 2024-25 -- ranking sixth among baccalaureate institutions.
Leadership Honors
Omicron Delta Kappa
The first national college honor society to recognize leadership and extracurricular service, Omicron Delta Kappa, was founded and continues to thrive at W&L, and has spread to more than 300 other campuses.
Making a Difference
662
students engaged in community-based learning in 2023-24.
In Your Corner
25,000+
W&L’s dedicated alumni network connects students to internship and career opportunities in 77 chapters around the world.
The Campaign for Washington and Lee
Leading Lives of Consequence
Leading Lives of Consequence celebrates Washington and Lee’s ideals and represents a powerful investment in current and future students who will carry those values forward. This campaign funds critical priorities that will allow the transformative power of a W&L education to endure for generations to come.
Who Will You Become?
American Dream: Tolu Olubunmi ’02
Tolu Olubunmi ’02 has made her journey to citizenship an opportunity to inspire and serve others.
Employers share what makes W&L graduates stand out among their peers.
Burr Datz ’75 has been a pillar of support – and supplier of stories and songs – to the W&L community for five decades.
From rehabilitating its finances to reviving endangered species, Keith Sanford ’80 transformed the Tennessee Aquarium’s future.
Dr. Matthew Sackett ’90, P’18 is on the cutting edge of cardiac treatments.
Brett Strohsacker ’06 Gives a Bird’s-Eye View of Super Bowl Victory
The vice president of football communications for the Philadelphia Eagles enjoys his team’s second Super Bowl victory.
Continuing a Legacy of Philanthropy
Hank Ingram ’13 recently established the Ingram Family Student Opportunity Endowment to further community-based learning opportunities for W&L students in Rockbridge County.
After 38 years in the federal government, Mark Bradley ’78 has made sure to think beyond himself and serve the greater good.
For Dr. Kelli Jarrell ’12, a multidisciplinary approach is foundational to her career in social emergency medicine.
Meg Smith ’12 Named a ‘40 Under 40’ by The Roanoker Magazine
The chief operating officer for MKB, Realtors was recognized for her significant impact on the real estate industry and community in Southwest Virginia.
Whether he is trying a case or drumming with a jazz band, Curtis Joseph ’93, ’96L doesn’t miss a beat.
Bill and Wendy Payne Champion W&L’s Institutional History Museum with $3.5M Gift
Trustee issues challenge for support of the project.
Appreciating the Sweetness of Life
As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Olivia Claire Ball ’09 cherishes the humanity and connection she cultivates with her patients.