Schedule of Events

Parents and Family Weekend: October 24-26, 2025

Students with their families on campus

Home Campus Life Student Engagement and Leadership Student Activities and Programs Annual Student Events Parents and Family Weekend Schedule of Events
Campus Life

Registration

Online registration is now closed. If you haven’t already signed up for Parents and Family Weekend 2025, please visit the registration table in the Evans Hall Lobby when you arrive on campus. We’ll be happy to assist you with in-person registration.

Attire for the weekend is informal.

The Parents and Family Weekend Schedule of Events is subject to change. Please check back often for updates and upon arriving to Lexington, please check in at the registration table in the Evans Dining Hall Lobby to receive your name tag and any special notices.

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Time Event Location Description
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. DeLaney Center Spotlight James G. Leyburn Library, Northen Auditorium

Washington and Lee’s DeLaney Center encourages civic excellence through the study of Southern race relations, culture, and politics.

Over our first three years, we have enabled individuals on and off campus to develop intellectually, socially, and as citizens.

Join us for this program that features testimonials from students who are involved with our endeavors. While listening, you will be buoyed, and your support will be catalytic.

Light refreshments will be served.
5:30 - 8 p.m. New Exhibition Opening Reception and Talk - Moffat Takadiwa: Recoded Memories Ruscio Center for Global Learning, Atrium

Join the Art Museum and Galleries for an artist talk with Moffat Takadiwa in the atrium of the Center for Global Learning at 5:30 p.m. to learn more about his artist residency and the latest exhibition of his work, Moffat Takadiwa: Recoded Memories, on view in the Watson Galleries from October 23, 2025 - May 31, 2026. The talk will be followed by a reception from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., where food and drinks will be provided; a valid ID is required.

The event is free and open to all. Seats are limited and pre-registration is required. RSVP here. Overflow seating and remote viewing access will be available at the Reeves Museum of Ceramics.
7:00 p.m. W&L’s Contact Committee Presents An Evening with Shark Tank’s Daymond John Grace Episcopal Church, 123 W. Washington Street, Lexington

Washington and Lee’s Contact Committee welcomes Daymond John, star of ABC’s Shark Tank and founder of FUBU, for Parents and Family Weekend. John will share insights from his entrepreneurial journey, branding expertise, and leadership experience. The event is free and open to students, parents, families, and the W&L community. Tickets are required and may be picked up at Contact Committee’s tabling sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Please direct all questions to Contact@mail.wlu.edu.

Friday, October 24, 2025

Time Event Location Description
8 a.m. Classes Begin Parents and family members who wish to join their student in classes during Parents and Family weekend should check with their student to find out which classes are open to visitors. Invitations to attend classes are issued at the discretion of the faculty and students will be informed by their professors if parents and family members are invited to attend.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration Evans Dining Hall, Lobby Pick up your registration packet and name tags. Your student may pick up your packet for you.
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. World Languages and Cultures at Washington and Lee Ruscio Center for Global Learning Languages do have meaning! Take a pen and receive some facts about World Languages and Cultures study at Washington and Lee. It pays to be globally minded!
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Financial Aid in-person appointments Office of Financial Aid, 23 University Place Appointments will be available on Friday for any parent or student who needs to meet with a member of the Financial Aid staff. A 25-minute appointment in the financial aid office can be scheduled for the morning or afternoon of Friday, October 24 using this link. These appointments are for parents and/or others who are attending Parent and Family Weekend and who need to meet with Financial Aid. Please do not sign-up for an appointment if you are not attending. If you are not able to attend Parents and Family Weekend but need to speak with Financial Aid, please contact Martha Rowsey at 540-458-8717 or email merowsey@wlu.edu. Martha can arrange an appointment by phone for another date and time.
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Harte Center Open House The Harte Center for Teaching and Learning, Leyburn 128 Visit the Harte Center for a tour of all the innovative support we provide to students, faculty, and staff. Meet the Harte Center director, JT Torres, as well as students who work at the forefront of peer education and academic success.
10 a.m. Library Student Advisory Board Book Sale Leyburn Library, Main Floor

The Library Student Advisory Board (LSAB) is holding its biannual book sale! Books on sale are donated by our patrons and friends. Shop for your new favorite book and do so sustainably! All proceeds go to the initiatives of LSAB. Event runs throughout Parents and Family Weekend. Learn more about LSAB. Event ends, Monday, October 27, 5 p.m. 
10:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Physics and Engineering Department Physics Fest Science Center, Howe 204 and Howe 208 Come see students demo awesome Physics experiments!
Sessions run 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 - 1:45 p.m.
10:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Physics and Engineering Department Open House Science Center, Great Hall Meet and greet with Physics and Engineering Department Faculty and Staff
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Children of Alumni Luncheon  Hotchkiss Alumni House The W&L Alumni Association invites you, your student(s) and your family to a casual lunch at Hotchkiss Alumni House on Friday, October 24 any time between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Please RSVP for the Luncheon
12:45 - 1:45 pm Global Learning at W&L Elrod Commons, Stackhouse Theater Learn more about semester, summer, and faculty-led study abroad opportunities with the Center for International Education staff
1 - 2 p.m. Data Science Open House Science Center, Great Hall Come meet some of the Data Science faculty and learn more about the DS minor and what the program has to offer!
1 - 2 p.m. Middle East and South Asia Studies Program Open House Outside in front of Ruscio Center for Global Learning (CGL)

MESA Program will host a meet-and-greet.

Inclement weather - Event held inside Atrium
1 - 2:30 p.m. German Department Info Table Ruscio Center for Global Learning, Atrium Meet with German Department faculty and students to find out more about German Studies and internship, fellowship, scholarship, and study abroad opportunities for students of German!
1 - 2:30 p.m. Law, Justice, and Society Open House Elrod Commons 114 Come meet and talk with faculty in the Law, Justice, and Society Program.
1 - 3 p.m. History Department Open House Outdoor Tent, beside Newcomb Hall Come have refreshments with the faculty of the History Department.

Inclement weather - Event held inside Newcomb Hall
1 - 3 p.m. Education Studies Meet & Greet Outdoor Tent, beside Newcomb Hall The Education Studies Program will host a meet-and-greet outside under a tent, beside Newcomb Hall.

Inclement weather - Event held in Newcomb Hall, First Floor
1 - 3 p.m. Sociology and Anthropology Meet & Greet Outdoor Tent, beside Newcomb Hall

The Sociology and Anthropology Department will host a meet-and-greet outside under a tent, beside Newcomb Hall.

Inclement weather - Event held in Newcomb Hall, First Floor
1 - 4 p.m. Special Collections and Archives Open House Tom Wolfe Reading Room, First Floor of Leyburn Library Special Collections and Archives houses primary source materials that cross multiple disciplines. We invite parents and students to attend our open house in our newly renovated reading room. On display will be rare books, manuscripts, and photographs that highlight the many different subject areas we support across the curriculum. All are welcome, but we do ask that you leave food and beverages outside the reading room.
1:30 - 3 p.m. Shepherd Program Open House Mattingly Living Room, Mattingly House Visit the Shepherd Program to learn about coursework, community engagement, and summer internships.
1:30 - 3 p.m. Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Open House Science Addition Third Floor Lounge, Science Center Join us for cookies and a chance to meet the department.
1:30 - 3 p.m. Department of Philosophy Washington Hall Third Floor, Philosophy Department Hallway Philosophy faculty welcome students and their families to a reception.
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Pre-Health Professions Open House Science Center, Great Hall  Stop by to meet W&L’s lead pre-health advisor, Brittany Carr, M.Ed., and enjoy a cupcake!
1:40 - 3 p.m. Department of Mathematics Reception and Student Summer Research Presentations Chavis Hall 208 The Department of Mathematics will host a reception from 1:40 to 2:00 p.m. Following the reception, beginning at 2:00 p.m., students will share presentations of their summer research with faculty, parents, and family members.
2 - 2:45 p.m. Fraternity Information Session Hillel House, Multipurpose Room 101 Members of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) will discuss information on fraternity life at Washington and Lee, including the recruitment/new member intake process for IFC and NPHC, eligibility requirements, new member education, housing, and financial obligations. There will be a Q&A portion at the end.
2 - 2:45 p.m. Sorority Information Session Elrod Commons, Stackhouse Theater Members of the Panhellenic Council (PC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) will discuss information on sorority life at Washington and Lee University, including the recruitment/membership intake process for each council, eligibility requirements, new member education, housing, and financial obligations. There will be a Q&A portion at the end.
2 - 3 p.m. Biology Department Open House Science Center, Howe Hall, Third Floor Stop by the Science Center to chat with Biology Department Faculty!
2 - 3 p.m. Environmental Studies Open House Tucker Hall 022 (Tucker Hall Basement) Please join us in the basement of Tucker Hall to meet and talk with Environmental Studies faculty and staff.
2 - 3 p.m. Johnson Program Open House Stemmons Plaza Program Director Elizabeth Knapp and Senior Program Coordinator Haley Richard invite Johnson parents and family to the Johnson Open House to meet, talk about their scholars, and answer any scholarship questions. Light refreshments available.

Inclement weather - Event held in Washington Hall Lobby
2 - 3 p.m. Religion Department Open House Outside of Tucker Hall (Library Side)

The Religion Department will host a meet-and-greet.

Inclement weather - Event held in Tucker Hall Lobby
2 - 3 p.m. Classics Department Open House Outside of Tucker Hall (Library Side)

The Classics Department will host a meet-and-greet

Inclement weather - Event held in Tucker Hall Lobby
2 - 3:30 p.m. Journalism and Mass Communications Open House Reid Hall, Second Floor Rowe Lounge Journalism and Mass Communications Department Parents and Family Open House
2 - 4 p.m. Neuroscience Program Open House Hotchkiss Alumni House, Porches Come have refreshments with the members of the Neuroscience program.
2 - 4 p.m. Student Summer Research Poster Presentation Leyburn Library, Main Floor Come hear from W&L students who participated in independent or faculty-mentored research this past summer.
2 - 5 p.m. Lifelong Learning Open House Early Fielding, Room 129

Your student is not the only one that can take advantage of W&L’s educational programs! Join us for a special Lifelong Learning Open House during Parents Weekend. Stop by to explore the wide range of educational programs we offer for parents, alumni, and friends of the university. Whether you’re interested in personal enrichment, educational travel, continuing education, or socializing with a community of lifelong learners, we have something for you.

Come meet our team, ask questions, and discover how you can stay engaged with the university-while your student is here and long after graduation.
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Meet the Romance Languages faculty and staff Tucker Hall, Third Floor Hallway Romance Languages welcomes you to Tucker Hall, third floor, to meet the faculty and staff. Light refreshments provided.
3 - 4 p.m. Panhellenic Sorority Open Houses Frank Parsons Way Parents and families are welcome to visit the Panhellenic sorority houses as they will be open for visitors.
4 - 5:30 p.m. Parents and Family Weekend Lee House Open House Lee House, Patio President Dudley and Carola Tanna look forward to meeting you and your families and invite you to join them for cookies and punch on the Lee House Patio.
4 - 6 p.m. Sips n’ Sees at the Watson Galleries Watson Galleries As part of Parents and Family Weekend, we invite the community to join the museum staff for drinks, gallery strolls, and a casual evening at Watson Galleries. Enjoy the work of Zimbabwean artist Moffat Takadiwa (b. 1983), whose expansive sculptural installations repurpose discarded materials into intricate, tapestry-like forms in the exhibition Moffat Takadiwa: Recoded Memories (October 24 - May 31, 2026).

The events are free and open to all, valid ID required.
5 - 6 p.m. East Asian Languages & Literatures Taste of Asia Open House Ruscio Center for Global Learning, Atrium Come join the East Asian Languages and Literatures Department for conversation and Asian snacks.
5 - 7 p.m. FILM PREMIERE of Documentary Films Made in Ghana by W&L Students Keller Theatre, Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts Film Screening of two documentary films shot in Ghana during the Spring term 2025. Students will be there to discuss their work.
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony for the new Williams School building 216 West Washington St. Grand opening for the new Williams School building. Self-guided tours will follow the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Please RSVP for the Open House  
6 p.m. Women’s Swimming Natatorium, 113 Lewis John Ave. Women’s Swimming vs. University of Lynchburg
6 p.m. Men’s Swimming Natatorium, 113 Lewis John Ave. Men’s Swimming vs. University of Lynchburg
6 - 8 p.m. Parents & Family Weekend Shabbat Hillel House W&L Hillel is here to provide meaningful Jewish experiences to your students and the campus community! We would like to invite the parents and families of our students to join us for Shabbat dinner. Make a plate, meet our leadership team, and learn all about Jewish life in Lexington!
8 - 9 p.m. Parents and Family Weekend Choral Concert Wilson Concert Hall, Wilson Hall, Lenfest Center for the Arts

Join the Department of Music to kick off the 2025-26 choral season with the University Singers, Glee Club, and Cantatrici during the Parents and Family Weekend Choral Concert on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:00 p.m.

Showcasing Lacey R. Lynch, conductor of Cantatrici, along with members of the Choral Conducting Mentorship Program (CCMP), the first half of the program highlights modern a cappella fun, with a broad variety of works from around the world.

The University Singers, conducted by W&L alumna and former CCMP member Olivia Arnold ’17 during Shane Lynch’s fall sabbatical, will then perform a rigorous set centered around the heavens and stars, opening with Iuppiter by the modern composer Michael Ostrzyga before moving on to additional compositions through the prism of the universe. Traditional favorites will round out the evening, finally closing with James Erb’s Shenandoah.

The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. in Wilson Concert Hall, within Wilson Hall at the Lenfest Center for the Arts. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

A reception in Lykes Atrium will immediately follow the concert.

Tickets are free, but required, and are available only to current W&L students and families. Tickets become available on Monday, September 8, 2025. Please visit the Lenfest Center’s Buy Tickets Now webpage to purchase tickets, or email boxoffice@wlu.edu for queries, updates and changes.

Performance will be livestreamed
8 - 11 p.m. FUDG (Friday Underground) Basement of ARC House, 205 E Washington Street Stop by the basement of the Arts, Recreation, and Culture (ARC) house and hang out at Friday Underground (FUDG)!

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Time Event Location Description
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Liberty Hall CrossFit Rec Gym located on the ground floor of Duchossois Athletic Recreation Center Come join Washington and Lee’s CrossFit affiliate on Saturday and Sunday, 7:30-8:30 a.m., no prior experience needed, all fitness levels welcome.
8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Back Campus Walk Back Campus Trails Meet and depart from the OC pavilion, coffee and tea provided. Expect a 2-3 mile walk on our back campus trails. This is a light rain or shine event. Heavy downpour cancels.
9 a.m.- 12 p.m. Registration (continues) Evans Dining Hall, Lobby
10 - 11 a.m. RUF Parents’ Brunch Village Pavilion  Students and their families are invited to enjoy a delicious brunch catered by Seasons’ Yield and meet the RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) staff, Willis and Caroline. At 10:30 a.m., Willis will briefly share what God is doing through RUF at Washington and Lee.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstrations by the W&L Chanoyu Tea Society Watson Galleries, Senshin’an Tearoom

Did you know W&L has a traditional Japanese Tearoom? Sign-up for a moment of peaceful reflection in a beautiful setting.Observe a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony by the W&L Chanoyu Tea Society students and enjoy special sweets and a bowl of whisked “matcha” tea. We will be using tea bowls from our extensive collection.

The Senshin’an Japanese Tearoom is located in the Watson Galleries next to Tucker Hall at the end of the Colonnade.

Three 30-minute demonstrations will be held: 10:00-10:30, 10:45-11:15, 11:30-12:00. Each session is limited to 20 participants, and sign-up is required. Since seating is limited to 20 participants per session and there is no automated wait list, be sure to cancel your reservation if your plans change.

Sign up at this Calendly link.
Questions about the tea event? Contact Professor Ikeda at ikedaj@wlu.edu

Questions about making or cancelling a reservation? Contact Robert Forsberg at rforsberg@wlu.edu
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Campus Visit Experience Gilliam Admissions House, 126 Letcher Ave. The Campus Visit Experience entails a 45 minute general information session with an Admissions Officer followed by an hour-long student-led campus walking tour.
10 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. Brunch in the Marketplace Elrod Commons, Marketplace No tickets are necessary. Guests can pay at the register.
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. President’s Address Keller Theatre, Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts President William C. Dudley
11 a.m. Volleyball Holekamp Gym, Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center Volleyball vs. Shenandoah University
12 p.m. Field Hockey Turf Field Field Hockey vs. University of Lynchburg
1 p.m. Women’s Soccer Alston Parker Watt Field Women’s Soccer vs. Averett Univeristy 
4 p.m. Men’s Soccer Alston Parker Watt Field Men’s Soccer vs. University or Lynchburg
4 p.m. Football Wilson Field Football vs. Bridgewater College
5 - 6 p.m. Parents and Family Weekend A Cappella Concert Cohen Amphitheater General Admission a cappella hosts JubiLee and the Washingtones in their annual Parents and Family Weekend concert. The groups will perform familiar favorites and newer pieces, from Michael Jackson to Harry Styles, including songs from General Admission’s International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella set.
6 - 8 p.m. Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) Reception Evans Dining Hall Parents and family members of W&L students are welcome to join members from the Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) team for light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres during P&FW.
8 - 9 p.m. Parents and Family Weekend Instrumental Concert Wilson Concert Hall, Wilson Hall, Lenfest Center for the Arts

Don’t miss the Parents and Family Weekend Instrumental Concert! Join the Department of Music for an unforgettable evening of live music on Saturday, October 25, 2025, featuring the University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Terry Vosbein, the University Orchestra, and the University Wind Ensemble led by Chris Dobbins.

The combined concert begins at 8:00 p.m. in Wilson Concert Hall, located in Wilson Hall at the Lenfest Center for the Arts. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and no tickets are required. Come experience the powerful sound of our talented student musicians in action!

Performance will be livestreamed

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Time Event Location Description
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Liberty Hall CrossFit Rec Gym located on the ground floor of Duchossois Athletic Recreation Center Come join Washington and Lee’s CrossFit affiliate on Saturday and Sunday, 7:30-8:30 a.m., no prior experience needed, all fitness levels welcome.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Parents and Family Weekend Hillel Brunch Hillel House W&L Hillel is here to provide meaningful Jewish experiences for our students and the campus community! For anyone who could not join us for Shabbat, or for anyone who would like to stop by again, we invite the parents and families of our students to join us for a bagel brunch at the Hillel House! Schmooze, nosh, and refuel for your trip back!

Special Events and Exhibits

Staniar Gallery, Wilson Hall

Art Exhibit: Locating the Law

Explores the places where Germany’s constitutional identity has taken shape-from medieval cathedrals and Enlightenment-era town halls to postwar courthouses and modern office buildings. Additional information can be found on the Locating the Law: Place of German Constitutional History exhibit page.

University Store

Located in the Elrod University Commons 

Special Parents and Family Weekend Hours of Operation:

  • Friday, October 24, 2025: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 25, 2025: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 26, 2025: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.