Class Agent Program

The university’s Class Agent Program plays a key role in the success of the W&L Fund, which accounts for nearly 8% of W&L’s operating budget.

Without our alumni volunteer efforts, the university would not have this essential annual source of unrestricted gifts.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Connect with friends, teammates, sorority sisters, and pledge brothers from your class to encourage support of the W&L Fund by demonstrating the value of philanthropy and serving as a bridge between your class and the university.

A History of Support

Since the first reunion in 1924, the importance of the W&L Fund has only grown. President Gaines felt that our graduates should be influential champions of their alma mater. Washington and Lee’s Class Agent Program began as a class secretary program in the 1930s. A few alumni were responsible for collecting and distributing news among classmates, and by 1934, the alumni office had located over 90% of living alumni. Today, we continue to call upon volunteers- from each undergraduate class to reach out on behalf of the W&L Fund to maintain and strengthen alumni connections

Annual Giving Office Pledge

We’ll provide you with:

• Regular training and ongoing support from an assigned Annual Giving staff liaison.
• Monthly newsletters featuring behind-the-scenes updates and direction from the Office of Annual Giving.
• Updated reports on classmate giving via the Volunteer Management System
• Help with production and mailing of Class Agents’ personalized communications to classmates

Time Commitment

We know your time is valuable. Class Agents are asked to complete outreach during 3-5 key periods.

Each outreach window comes with a set of talking points, sample messages, and outreach tips to keep your efforts streamlined and efficient. The goal is to reach out to all of the classmates assigned to you during each window. How you do that — and how much time it takes — depends on your outreach style and preferences.

Your Role as a Class Agent

You will:

• Make a gift to the W&L Fund each fiscal year.
• Be willing to solicit your classmates for gifts to the W&L Fund.
• Act as a campus liaison, helping the Office of Annual Giving share updates about the W&L Fund, campus, and campaign events.
• Track outreach in our Volunteer Management System.
• Share feedback with the Office of Annual Giving and keep us informed on classmate updates.
• Sign a confidentiality statement to protect the sensitive nature of records.

Why I’m a Class Agent

"My liberal arts education and well-rounded student experience shaped who I am both personally and professionally. As a Class Agent, I have the opportunity to encourage others to reflect on their experience and give back to W&L in meaningful ways."

Meghan Hayde Bollens ’04

"Having been involved with Advancement in a few different capacities as a student, I found the Class Agent role as an ideal opportunity to preserve that connectivity. I love W&L and I’d do anything to contribute towards the continued success of the school and its students."

Rex Riefler ’23

"Everyone has different reasons for why they give. And I like to ensure my classmates feel great about giving back to W&L. Enabling alumni to target their gifts is a terrific way for them to participate in the futures of our current students."

Julian Good ’78

Questions?

Reach out at annualgiving@wlu.edu or call us directly at 540-458-8420.