Alumni Engagement

You’re Always Welcome

Alumni Engagement’s mission is to connect alumni with each other, with W&L, and to provide interesting avenues for lifelong learning.

Image of W&L flags on event tents

Image of W&L flags on event tents

On Campus Or In Your Hometown

Let’s Celebrate Together

Alumni Engagement creates memorable reunions and destination events on campus and around the country.

Image of Travel Program attendees looking at pyramids

Office of Lifelong Learning

Education for Life

The best way to celebrate W&L’s enduring commitment to lifelong learning is by experiencing it personally. Share in the life of the University with an educational adventure on campus, around the world or online.

Image of Travel Program attendees looking at pyramids

W&L's motto, Non Incautus Futuri, not unmindful of the future

W&L's motto, Non Incautus Futuri, not unmindful of the future

Colonnade Connections

Your W&L Online Community

From career networking to finding long-lost friends, Colonnade Connections is the university’s online database.

Alumni Engagement

The staff of the Office of Alumni Engagement provides programming and support for W&L alumni.

John A. Jensen III ’01
John A. Jensen III ’01

John A. Jensen III ’01

Executive Director of Alumni and Career Services

John was appointed executive director of Alumni and Career Services at Washington and Lee University in July 2022. In this role, he leads a combined team consisting of the offices of Alumni Engagement, Career and Professional Development, and Lifelong Learning. Working together, his team engages and supports students, alumni and parents throughout their W&L experience, from the first year on campus to graduation and beyond.

Hillary Cocke

Hillary Cocke

Director of Alumni Engagement

Hillary is the director of alumni engagement at Washington and Lee University, where she leads the Alumni Engagement team, overseeing chapter programs and on-campus alumni events. She joined W&L at the end of 2024, bringing extensive experience in alumni relations and development.

Hillary earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and American studies from the University of Virginia and a Master of Science in social work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Before joining W&L, she worked in alumni relations and development at the University of Virginia and the University of Richmond.

Katharine Farrar '11
Katharine Farrar '11

Katharine Farrar ’11

Director of Alumni Chapter Programs

Katharine serves as director of alumni chapter programs, overseeing more than 75 alumni chapters across the country and abroad. She provides creative and structural vision for chapter programming, ensuring alumni stay connected to W&L no matter where life takes them. A proud General with deep ties to the university, Katharine loves helping alumni keep W&L a steady and meaningful part of their lives.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking and baking, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and seeing live music.

Michelle Jones
Michelle Jones

Michelle Jones

Director of Alumni Reunions and Events

Michelle “MJ” joined Washington and Lee University in January 2018, first serving as associate director, leading W&L Fund alumni volunteers. She now serves as director of alumni reunion and events as part of the Alumni Engagement team.

Before W&L, MJ spent seven years as director of public relations and development for Connections+ (formerly Rockbridge Area Hospice). On campus, she can often be found taking early morning walks along the Colonnade. Off campus, she enjoys tending to her flower garden, spending time with family and friends, and reading a good mystery novel.

Ruth Candler
Ruth Candler

Ruth Candler

Associate Director of Lifelong Learning; Host, Executive Producer for W&L After Class Podcast

Ruth joined Washington and Lee’s Office of Lifelong Learning in April 2019. Prior to this position, she managed the Class Secretary Program for University Development. She has held a number of marketing and managerial positions in the publishing and graphic arts industries.

Taylor Meeker
Taylor Meeker

Taylor Meeker

Associate Director of Alumni and Career Services Operations and Marketing

Taylor is the associate director of alumni and career services operations and marketing at Washington and Lee University. In this role, she leads a team dedicated to showcasing W&L’s robust offerings in career development, alumni engagement and lifelong learning.

Taylor first joined W&L in 2016 as a communications associate in the Williams School before transitioning to career development and, ultimately, the combined Alumni and Career Services office. With a passion for storytelling and strategic communication, she works to connect students and alumni with meaningful opportunities and resources.

Lisa D’Amelio
Lisa D’Amelio

Lisa D’Amelio

Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning

Lisa joined the Lifelong Learning office in 2021, driven by her passion for education and travel. She supports the travel program, manages the virtual book club, and oversees campus programs. Before coming to W&L in 2018, Lisa spent over 20 years in various educational roles, including teaching ESOL in Rockbridge County, providing Spanish enrichment at local elementary schools, and teaching English in Mexico. She holds a master’s in education from Wilmington University in Delaware.

Bridgett Zitmore
Bridgett Zitmore

Bridgett Zitmore

Assistant Director of Alumni Chapter Programs

Bridgett joined the Alumni Engagement team as assistant director of alumni chapter programs in April 2023. In this role, she works with chapter volunteers to plan engaging events that promote networking and help alumni stay connected to the W&L community.

Before W&L, Bridgett spent more than a decade in the consumer packaged goods industry, focusing on client relations. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College and a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University.

Melissa Sizemore
Melissa Sizemore

Melissa Sizemore

Assistant Director of Alumni and Career Services Marketing

Melissa is the assistant director of alumni and career services marketing at Washington and Lee University. She has more than eight years of experience in marketing, social media and content strategy, helping organizations improve engagement and brand visibility.

Before joining W&L, Melissa worked as a multimedia content specialist and marketing associate, developing digital strategies and content for a variety of businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and photography from Southern Virginia University.

Shaun Soman

Shaun Soman

Alumni and Career Services Fellow

Shaun joined Alumni and Career Services in October 2024 after previously working at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. They graduated from W&L in 2017 with a major in philosophy and minors in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and film and visual culture studies.

Katie Harlow
Katie Harlow

Katie Harlow

Alumni Engagement Operations Coordinator

Katie joined Washington and Lee in October 2023 and is responsible for Alumni Engagement operations and event logistics. Prior to W&L, Katie was in healthcare as a certified dementia practitioner. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Radford University. Katie is a “Lexintonian” and is raising her family here as well.

Katharine Farrar '11
Michelle Jones
Ruth Candler
Taylor Meeker
Lisa D’Amelio
Bridgett Zitmore
Melissa Sizemore
Katie Harlow
John A. Jensen III ’01

Alumni in the News

W&L alumni are leaders in their professions and communities. Read on to see who is making news today.

W&L Welcomes New Trustee Joelle James Phillips ’95L

Joelle James Phillips ‘95L joined the Washington and Lee University Board of Trustees on Feb. 7, at the board’s winter meeting in Lexington, Virginia.

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High-wire Act

Whether he is trying a case or drumming with a jazz band, Curtis Joseph ’93, ’96L doesn’t miss a beat.

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On Our Honor

Past presidents of Washington and Lee University’s Executive Committee reflect on how it prepared them for a life of values-driven leadership.

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Appreciating the Sweetness of Life

As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Olivia Claire Ball ’09 cherishes the humanity and connection she cultivates with her patients.

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Steve Abraham ’80, ’83L Named a Washingtonian of the Year for 2024

As founder and president of Wilderness Leadership and Learning, Abraham has impacted hundreds of youths in the D.C. area.

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Warren Stephens ’79 Selected for U.K. Ambassadorship

Stephens, CEO of financial services firm Stephens Inc., is an emeritus member of the Washington and Lee University Board of Trustees.

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Pete Abitante ’78 to Receive 2025 Award of Excellence from the Pro Football Hall of Fame

The former vice president of special projects at the NFL enjoyed a 46-year career in communications at the organization.

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Lily Webster ’22, Billy Webster ‘79, and Will Webster ’20

Generations of Generosity

The importance of philanthropy is a value that Billy Webster ’79 instilled in his children from a young age.

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W&L Launches $650 Million Capital Campaign

Washington and Lee University announced on Friday, Oct. 25, the launch of a $650 million comprehensive capital campaign, Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee.

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Historic Gift Allows Washington and Lee University to Adopt Need-Blind Admissions Policy

Alumnus Bill Miller donates $132 million to expand access and affordability.

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The Game of Storytelling

The two W&L alums driving the content for Golf Digest share how the sport lends itself to unexpected stories and why it’s important to take big swings editorially.

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