Events Archive
Did you miss one of our virtual events? Don't worry, we've got you covered!
Previous Events
Beyond the Classroom: Frontiers of Faculty Research
How do W&L faculty spend their summers and sabbaticals? Many of them pursue tough questions in hopes of saving our planet, promoting world peace, improving our health, and enhancing our understanding of history. Join us for an inside view of ongoing research into issues that sooner or later will affect us all.
Coffee with the Coaches
Wondering what's going on with W&L Athletics? We've got you covered! Starting in January, 2021, join us on our Facebook page for Coffee with the Coaches - short conversations with coaches from various sports about what's happening with practices, games, and much more!
Tales from Sea and Sky
Behind the Scenes at the National Naval Aviation Museum
Welcome aboard as we journey into Naval Aviation history with Hill Goodspeed, W&L class of 1992. As the Historian of the National Aviation Museum for almost 30 years, Hill will bring to life a few of his favorite heroes, historic moments, and artifacts.
W&L Lore: The Dorms
Over the last two centuries our student housing has ranged from the Blue Hotel to the Pole Houses and from Liberty Hall to Woods Creek. These venues became our home away from home for many generations. Lynn Rainville, Director of Institutional History and Museums, will offer a peek into the history and stories within the walls of W&L residential living.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
Looking into the Future of Macbeth
What does Shakespeare mean now? How do we approach Shakespeare’s language? What is the future of Shakespeare? We'll talk about all these topics and more with W&L professors Jemma Levy and Holly Pickett!
Fellowships in the Time of Covid-19
Even as a global pandemic has brought the world to a standstill, Washington and Lee students and alumni have been receiving and completing nationally competitive fellowships. Come hear from three current and former students about their experiences taking up fellowships in the time of COVID-19: Rossella Gabriele ’19 (Rhodes Scholarship), Maria Kisker ’21 (Critical Language Scholarship), and Bo Garfinkel ’21 (Gilman Scholarship and Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute). The conversation will be facilitated by Dr. Matthew Loar ’07, Director of Fellowships and Assistant Professor of Classics, by courtesy.
College and Country: Parallel Histories
Tom Camden ’76 loves to point out, through the myriad documents and artifacts housed in the W&L collection, that the university’s history, in many ways, mirrors the history of our nation. As Associate Professor and Head of W&L’s Special Collections and Archives, Tom literally has the keys to the University vault (yes, it is an actual vault) and all that it contains and he is passionate about sharing some of those stellar pieces, their backstories, and the parallel histories they represent, with us.
W&L Lore: The Colonnade
Just like everyone has a story to tell, so does our beloved Colonnade. Learn how these five historic buildings came to symbolize the academic center of the institution, and about the three-toed sloths, ghosts, and other forgotten features within their walls. Vignettes from past faculty, students and laborers will be shared. Lynn Rainville, Director of Institutional History and Museums, reviews this Historical National Landmark.
Bitcoin, Blockchain and Beyond
How Digital Assets are Regulated and What it All Means
Have you ever wondered what crypto currency is, how it works, how it is regulated, and if it is here to stay? Then this session is for you. Kevin Batteh ’95, ’98L, a seasoned financial services lawyer, will take us on a digital asset journey into the world of Bitcoin and Blockchain.
A Conversation with President Dudley
President Will Dudley talks with members of the W&L Alumni Association about the campus and COVID-19, the Trustees' work and upcoming decisions, admissions, various highlights of the academic year to date, strategic priorities, and the outlook for next year.
Truth, Opinion, and the News Media
A Five-Part Series of Interactive Discussions by W&L Faculty, Guest Faculty, and Alumni on the News Media Today, the Evolution and Diversity of Its Platforms, the Rise of Advocacy Journalism, and the Evolving Role of Journalists in the Pursuit of Truth.
Going Beyond the Balance Sheet: Accounting at W&L
There is more to accounting at W&L than just debits and credits. Professors Jack Bovay ’79, Megan Hess ’97, and Colin Reid took us beyond the ledger into tax policy and legislation, corporate governance, and corporate sustainability.
Music in the Time of Covid
Teaching and performing music in a socially-distanced climate has been a challenge, but our music faculty and students have risen to meet it. Tune in to hear more about how instrumental and vocal performance has been reimagined and how you can catch upcoming live concerts! Greg Parker, Professor of Music and Music Department Chair will moderate a panel of Chris Dobbins, Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Instrumental Activities; Shane Lynch, Associate Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities; Terry Vosbein, Professor of Music, Composition, Music Theory, University Jazz Ensemble; Caleb Peña ‘21; Carissa Petzold ‘21; Hyun Song ‘21 and Leslie Sparling ‘22.
African Americans at the Heart of Institutional History
The Alumni Engagement Office celebrated Black History Month with Lena Hill, Dean of the College and Professor of English and Africana Studies and Lynn Rainville, Director of Institutional History & the Museums and Professor of Anthropology. The two scholars discussed how one goes about the important work of finding the often hidden histories of African Americans in higher education and gave us stories of Black excellence among students, faculty and staff throughout W&L's history.
Using the W&L Network to Open Doors
Is it possible to ensure professional success post W&L? The answer may largely depend on the steps you take while at W&L. John Jensen ’01, Dean of Undergraduate Career and Professional Development, and Cliff Jarrett ‘91Law, Assistant Dean of Law Career Strategy, discussed their offices and the resources available to help make the transition from student to professional as seamless as possible.
Conscious Consumption: Does it Spark Joy?
Life is short, do what Sparks Joy. Christina Cheadle ’16 learned, and taught Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method and in 2019 received her masters degree in Anthropology from University College London where she specialized in Material Culture. Christina offered her thoughts on the theory of organization, her research findings, and provided five helpful take-aways for you to immediately begin decluttering your life and Spark Joy.
All-Alumni Presidents' Day 2021
From Ordinary to Extraordinary - Selections from the Special Collections Vault
How much stuff have you accumulated during your life, regardless of your age? And what stories do those items tell? This is what Tom Camden ’76 thinks about on a daily basis for Washington and Lee and her 272 years. As Associate Professor and Head of W&L’s Special Collections and Archives, Tom literally has the keys to the University vault (yes, it is an actual vault) and all that it contains and he is passionate about sharing some of the W&L treasures, and their backstories, with us.
Moving Into 2021, GENERALly Fit!
We're heading into a brand new year, let's do it actively! In January, Holly Snyder, CSCS, CPT, led a three-part series, GENERALly Fit. Holly walked us through creating a fitness plan, putting that plan into action and how to build on that plan to take it to the next level.
Care and Maintenance of the Human Brain
Strategies for Staying Mentally Fit in a New Year
Our brains have had a lot to process during these trying times! It is more important than ever to nourish ourselves with habits that preserve our sense of stability, agency, and hope. Professors Karla Murdock and Ryan Brindle of the Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Science discussed empirically-supported practices for managing stress, maintaining a healthy perspectives and habits, keeping our bodies refreshed, and nurturing the social relationships that give our lives meaning.
A Charlie Brown Religion with Stephen Lind
On December 16, we enjoyed a holiday-themed evening with Charlie Brown biographer and W&L Associate Professor of Business Administration, Stephen Lind. Lind shared behind-the-scenes insights into A Charlie Brown Christmas and other Peanuts classics from his book, “A Charlie Brown Religion.” Lind authored this biography of Charles Schulz with the support of the Schulz family and Peanuts franchise.
Morning Yoga with Wendy Orrison
Local yogi, Wendy Orrison, gave us all-levels yoga class that was accessible for those that don't have a regular practice and modifications will be offered for the more experienced yoga practitioner. Yoga is a wonderful way to destress and treat yourself to a little self-care.
How Soon Before I Can Buy a Ticket to the Moon?
Alumni and friends had a chance to talk to a real rocket scientist, Bill Benson '92, NASA Flight Design Expert. Bill shared his more than twenty years of industry experience in GN&C (Guidance, Navigation and Control), flight controls, trajectory analysis and missile guidance. We learned all about recent and upcoming missions and the economy of space exploration including public-private partnerships, space tourism and “new space."
University Update - Fall 2020
President Will Dudley and V.P. for Finance Steve McAllister gave alumni a University update. President Dudley shared his insights on our Strategic Plan, built on themes of community, curriculum, citizenship and campus. Mr. McAllister discussed W&L's financial status, endowment, staffing, spending per student, and how we compare to peer institutions on key metrics.
Prejudice, Discrimination & Anti-racism
Lifelong Learning hosted a five-part discussion series led by W&L Faculty, Guest Faculty, and Alumni on Challenges Facing Racial Relations in American Society Today.
Building Connections: W&L Student Life in 2020
We learned how the Student Affairs and Campus Activities teams are working with engaged students to provide resources and activities to keep students active and involved on campus. Panelists included: James Dick, Director of Outdoor Education and Recreation; Kelsey Goodwin, Director of Student Activities; and Margaret McClintock, Associate Director of Intramurals and Adventure Programs.
Student Choral, Music and Dance Performances - 2020 Style!
Virtual Young Alumni Weekend 2020 included recordings of student musical and dance performances. Relive them here!
Cooking Class with Chef John Stallard
As part of Young Alumni Weekend, Chef John taught our young, burgeoning kitchen connoisseurs how to make a basic chicken and pasta meal, complete with a few varieties of the classic cream sauce.
VirtuaLEX: Main Street Walkabout with Mayor Frank Friedman
Lexington's Mayor, Frank Friedman P'21 joined us for a walkabout tour of Main Street, bringing everyone’s favorite Virginia town to you since we can’t have visitors to campus. It was so fun to have a chance to hear about the latest hamlet hotspots and to catch a glimpse of favorite Lexington haunts.
Meet Tom Jennings, W&L's new VP for University Advancement
Tom Jennings, W&L's new Vice President for University Advancement discussed his vision, the University’s current (2018) strategic plan, and took questions. As vice president, Tom reports to the president, sits on the administrative cabinet, and oversees 66 staff members in the departments of Alumni Engagement, University Development, Advancement Operations, Advancement Communications, Law Advancement, and Special Events.
Stretch & Breathe with Will Thomas ’92 of Yoga House Miami
Will Thomas '92 treated us to a whole body stretch following a 45-minute 26-position program adapted by Will himself. The session was accessible for anyone with an injury or an awareness of the need for more flexibility – from Beginner to Advanced.
Election 2020: A Look Back at History as We Look Forward
Bob Strong, the William Lyne Wilson Professor of Political Economy, and Brian Alexander, Assistant Professor of Politics, and current sophomore Avalon Pernell ’23 discussed the upcoming presidential and congressional races and helped put this election in context for the audience.
Virtual Learning: Voices from the Field
Haley Sigler, Professor and Director of W&L Education Studies, and Layne Setash '19, Fairfax County Public Schools teacher and a recipient of the Virginia Colleges of Teacher Education Distinguished Student Teacher Award, joined us for a conversation about virtual learning during the 2020-2021 academic year. Haley shared her current research about the teaching of writing and Layne shared experiences from her virtual first grade classroom and tips for parents for keeping their child engaged in a virtual setting.
A Bartending Blueprint
Trevor Stores from The Southern Inn taught us how to stock the perfect home bar; mix, garnish, and serve our favorite cocktails/mocktails and showed off his mixology trade secrets!
Making it Work: Re-Opening W&L
We hosted an alumni town hall with faculty and administrators to talk about how W&L is re-opening safely this school year. For those who missed it, we've posted a recording of the discussion.
Alumni Events
Office of Alumni Engagement
- P: 540-458-8464
- F: 540-458-8473
- E: alumni@wlu.edu
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Hotchkiss House
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA 24450