50th Reunion

50th Reunion Giving Overview

The 50th reunion classes look forward to continuing a longstanding 50th-reunion tradition of generously giving back to Washington and Lee. While reunions are often associated with looking back, the 50th milestone enables the class to look forward. Inspired by W&L's motto Non Incautus Futuri, each class leaves a legacy that will benefit the university for years to come. Nothing embodies the spirit of W&L nor demonstrates alumni loyalty more than the 50th reunion giving campaign.

Class Project

The Class of 1974 James D. Farrar Sr. Scholarship

The Class of 1974 James D. Farrar Sr. Scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership potential, integrity, academic promise, and a zest for life as exhibited through varied extracurricular interests.  The scholarship was created by the members of the Class of 1974 on the occasion of their 25th reunion to honor the memory of James D. Farrar Sr., a member of the Class of 1949, long-time dean of admissions, and a lifelong friend to generations of W&L students. The award is made without geographic restriction to a student with financial need.

50th Reunion Gift Participation Challenge

April 17 Update: CHALLENGE MET — NEW CHALLENGE EXTENDED!

Challenge Met & Another Challenge Accepted! In only one month, more than 50 classmates generously gave to our 50th Class Gift — meeting the participation challenge that was extended to us by one of our classmates.  Thank you to all 111 of our classmates who helped us reach this milestone. Our total gift stands at over $3,000,000 with the seven-figure challenge gift included! 

Because of our swift success, our generous classmate has put forward another challenge – add 22 more new donors (60% participation) for an additional six-figure gift!  

Be a part of the collective gift total. Read below to “Make Your 50th Reunion Gift.”

March Challenge Announcement:  

A generous classmate has offered a seven-figure gift to be added to our overall 50th reunion total and has issued it as a challenge to help us reach the highest number of donors our class possibly can. He asks us to join him in giving to any area of our choice, including the Annual Fund, the Class of 1974 James D. Farrar Sr. Scholarship Endowment (our class project), planned gifts, and any other area of personal interest.

With early support and momentum, we already have 61 donors. Your support is needed in our rally to achieve at least 50 more donors in honor of our 50th reunion—and we will reach 50% participation from our classmates. 

Your participation is what will help us unlock this generous gift and leave a lasting legacy for our class. 

Let's come together as a class and make our 50th reunion gift truly special. We want everyone represented in the collective total printed on our “big check” that we present at the Generals Assembly during Alumni Weekend.  

Joe Leary, Hap Stein, Matthew Towns and Bill Wallace
Class of 1974 50th Reunion Committee Chairs

Make Your 50th Reunion Gift

• Give Now (If your collective 50th gift includes areas in addition to the Annual Fund, please choose "OTHER" for the designation on the first page. On the second page, please enter how you wish to designate your gift in the "W&L Class and Comments" box, including how much should go to the Annual Fund.)
• You may make your comprehensive 50th reunion pledge through downloading and filling out the pledge and bequest forms or by contacting Erin Stringer, director of reunion giving at estringer@wlu.edu. Please return completed forms via mail to Washington and Lee University, 204 W. Washington Street, Lexington, VA 24450. Questions about your gift or pledge may also be directed to Erin.

What Counts?

50th Reunion Staff Contacts

Erin Stringer
Director of Reunion Giving
estringer@wlu.edu

Jacqueline Painter
Associate Director of Gift Planning
jpainter@wlu.edu
540-458-8429

Michelle Jones
Director of Alumni Reunions and Events
mjones@wlu.edu
540-458-8886

Largest 50th Reunion Gift Totals

1. Class of 1969: $ 13,267,448.88
2. Class of 1968: $ 11,115,427.28
3. Class of 1967: $ 9,893,952.12
4. Class of 1964: $ 8,828,845.83
5. Class of 1962: $ 8,537,870.39