W&L's commitment to lifelong learning extends long after graduation.
"I looked forward to this week from the moment the list of programs arrived and wasn't disappointed. A week such as this is the high point of the year."
We join you in anticipating a resumption of on-campus educational programming at W&L in late 2021. We are encouraged by the dispersal of the COVID-19 vaccines and optimistic over the re-opening of our beautiful campus. We will continue to monitor developments, mindful that your safety and comfort remain our paramount concerns.
Campus Programs
Frederick Douglass and the Ethics of Historical Memory
Institute for Honor Symposium
March 5, 2021, 2:15 PM - VIRTUAL EVENT
Law and Literature Weekend Seminar
Russel Banks' "The Sweet Hereafter" November 5 - 6, 2021
Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar
"The Great Believers" with the author Rebecca Makkai '99 April 8 - 9, 2022
Family Adventure in Science
July 6 - 9, 2022
Perspectives on the Middle East
July 10 - 15, 2022
The Harlem Renaissance
The Literature, Music, and Art July 17 - 22, 2022
Three Great Russian Composers
and the Russian Revolution July 24 - 27, 2022
Poets of the Neighborhood
Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost July 27 - 30, 2022
Office of Lifelong Learning
Washington and Lee University
204 W Washington Street
Lexington, Virginia 24450
Accommodations and Dining
Home Away From Home
Enjoy the beautiful environs of Lexington and Rockbridge County. Participants in summer Alumni College programs stay on campus. Participants in weekend seminars stay in local inns, with meals and programming on campus.
As many participants testify each year, the Alumni College remains a bargain vacation. Our comprehensive fee, designed merely to recover W&L's costs, includes 10 meals, all instruction, books, films, performances, and incidentals.
"We were first time attendees, and our expectations (which were high to begin with) were exceeded!"
"Another magnificent revisiting of this great university town!"
"I was pleasantly surprised that such a broad swath of history could be adequately covered in a one-week Alumni College. Every lecture brought fresh insights about Rome's role in history and impact on civilization."
"What a joy to see people so knowledgeable and at ease with their subject matter. The high energy, enthusiasm, and sense of humor of the faculty was contagious. They are a credit to W&L."
"We had a wonderful time in every way. You nourished us: heart, mind, body, and soul. Thank you so very much."
"As a first-time participant, this program was a wonderful introduction to the Alumni College. I was very impressed by the format, staff, and amenities. Would definitely return."
"This is a high-quality program in content, teaching, and facilities."
"The quote by President Dudley comes to mind. I'll paraphrase: 'Awareness of one's ignorance is a virtue.' The value of the course was not so much what I did learn but what I now want to learn.
