The 2019-20 fiscal year ended in a way none of us expected with a global pandemic, turbulent financial markets, an empty campus, virtual classes taking the place of in-person seminars and lectures, and social and racial unrest in our country. The events required this community to apply its learned critical, ethical, and humane reasoning skills to ask and answer fundamental questions about our institutional values. Through it all, alumni, parents, and friends have remained passionate supporters of and advocates for W&L's distinctive education.
W&L concluded the 2019-20 Annual Fund with the fourth-highest total ever. The total number of new gifts and pledges to the university was the second-highest since the last campaign ended in 2015. Thank you for your generous support.
To better reflect the importance of choice in financial support from alumni, parents, and friends, Washington and Lee's annual giving program will be expanded to allow directed giving to key areas of the university. Operating on a fiscal year encompassing the academic year -- from July 1 to June 30 -- our annual giving program provides direct support to students, faculty, departments, and opportunities. In the past, you were able to support W&L through unrestricted giving. While undoubtedly still important, we want to expand your ability to give to the areas of the university that had the greatest impact on you. In recognition of the people and programs that make this place distinctive, you may now direct your giving to the following areas:
Although we are not physically in the office we are still answering the Annual Fund line at 540-458-8420.
You can also make a gift from your IRA: Learn More
W&L's recognition club honoring our most outstanding donors to the Annual Fund. Leadership gifts, those of $2,500 or more, typically account for close to 80% of the Annual Fund. Membership is available to any donor who gives $2,500 or more per year to the Annual Fund, or at tiered giving levels for younger alumni.
The 1749 Circle is a special philanthropic society recognizing and honoring the loyal alumni, parents and friends who support the university consistently over time. This society is not about how much you give; it's about the simple act of giving year after year. Membership in the 1749 Circle begins after three consecutive years of giving to W&L.
The Honor Roll celebrates the many people who made gifts to W&L during the prior year as well as the volunteers who helped support the university, both on and off campus.
