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.

Stay Connected with W&L Alumni Engagement

Colonnade Connections Chapter Events Calendar Reunions: On Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions Tours Changes to University Chapel Board of Trustees' June 2021 Decisions

Contact Us

P: (540) 458-8464

F: (540) 458-8473

E: alumni@wlu.edu

Office of Alumni Engagement
Hotchkiss House
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA 24450

Lexington is Calling

No matter how far you go, W&L will always be here to welcome you home.

Class of 1977 Photo - Alumni Weekend 2022

Class of 1972 Gift - Generals Assembly - Alumni Weekend 2022

President's Champagne Breakfast - Alumni Weekend 2022

Let's Celebrate Together

On Campus or in Your Hometown

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

Reunion Events Affinity Events Chapter Events

Education for Life

Office of Lifelong Learning

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.

Campus Programs Travel Programs Virtual Programs

Your W&L Online Community

Colonnade Connections

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

Update Your Contact Information Manage Email Preferences Search the Directory

Alumni Engagement

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

John Jensen Executive Director of Alumni and Career Services

P: 540-458-8593 E: jensenj@wlu.edu

Kelley Melvin Director of Alumni Engagement

P: 540-458-8122 E: kmelvin@wlu.edu

Michelle Jones Associate Director of Alumni Engagement

P: 540-458-8886 E: mjones@wlu.edu

Rob Fure Director of Lifelong Learning

P: 540-458-8724 E: rfure@wlu.edu

Robert Fure, director of lifelong learning, joined the W&L faculty in 1977 after earning his M.A. and Ph.D. in English and American literature from the University of California, Berkeley. In 1981, he designed an administrative structure for non-traditional educational programs at W&L and was soon asked to oversee its implementation. In 1982, he established the W&L Alumni College and in 1985 the W&L Traveller program

Ruth Candler Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning

P: 540-458-4866 E: rcandler@wlu.edu

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. From 2004 to 2011, she was director of marketing for Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers, an award-winning literary magazine. Ruth and her husband John Paul reside in Lexington and have two grown children.

Lisa D’Amelio Lifelong Learning Program Coordinator

P: 540-458-8916 E: ldamelio@wlu.edu

Lisa joined the Office of Lifelong Learning in August, 2021. During her tenure at Washington and Lee, she worked in the Law School as Administrative Assistant and Recruitment Coordinator. Prior to her arrival at W&L in 2018, she worked in varied capacities in the field of education for more than twenty years. These experiences included teaching ESL for Rockbridge County Public Schools, Spanish at Waddell Elementary School, and English as a Second Language at Instituto Tecnologico in Chetumal, Mexico. Lisa also spent many years as the Director of a local preschool. She earned her M.Ed. from Wilmington University in 1996.

Taylor Meeker Assistant Director of Alumni and Career Services Marketing – Programs Lead

P: 540-458-8228 E: tmeeker@wlu.edu

Pilar O’Valle Assistant Director of Alumni and Career Services Marketing – Social Media Lead

P: 540-458-8469 E: povallemartinez@wlu.edu

Alumni in the News

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

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