Alumni

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.

In Memoriam: John McKenzie Gunn Jr. '45, The Lewis Whitaker Adams Professor of Economics Emeritus, read more about John and his legacy at Washington and Lee University. A memorial service will be held at University Chapel on the W&L campus on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m.
In-person chapter events are back!!! Keep an eye on your email and check the Chapter Events page often for opportunities to see your fellow Generals without a screen!
June 4, 2021: Washington and Lee University will continue under its current name following a 22-6 decision by the Board of Trustees. The board also decided to expand diversity and inclusion initiatives and make changes to campus buildings, practices, and governance. Read the full statement. These FAQs are also helpful.

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

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.

Beau Dudley Executive Director of Alumni Engagement

P: 540-458-8470 E: wdudley@wlu.edu

Beau Dudley is W&L class of 1974 and 1979 law, when he was president of the student body executive committee. He was the president of the Alumni Association 1992-1993, and a University Trustee 1998-2006. He came to W&L in 2006 from a distinguished legal career as a business litigation partner with McGuire Woods, LLP in the Washington, D.C. area offices.

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.

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

Tom Lovell Senior Associate Director of Alumni Engagement

P: 540-458-8467 E: tdlovell@wlu.edu

A member of the W&L Class of 1991, Tom Lovell was drawn to serving the University professionally through service as co-president of the San Diego and Northeast Ohio W&L alumni chapters. Prior to returning to Lexington, he was vice president of sales and marketing at VRC Manufacturing Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio, and an analyst with SAIC in San Diego, CA.

Kelly Martone Administrative Assistant for Alumni Engagement

P: 540-458-8468 E: kmartone@wlu.edu

Kelly is the Administrative Assistant for the Alumni Engagement Office. She is the primary point of contact for external parties calling the office, liaison for the Alumni Board, and performs numerous clerical and administrative tasks.

Kristy Speers Senior Chapter Coordinator for Alumni Engagement

P: 540-458-8472 E: kspeers@wlu.edu

Kristy graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BA in Geography. She spent several years throughout the west working with the National Park Service before moving to Lexington in 2008 with her husband and two children. She has been with Washington and Lee since 2011. Prior to her role as senior chapter coordinator, she has worked in Development, Athletics, and the Outing Club.