Alumni Association
Former students who completed and received grades for at least one term and who left the University honorably and without any unresolved disciplinary matters, are defined as alumni of the University.
The first meeting of the Alumni Association is believed to have taken place on or about June 20, 1840. The association was incorporated under the laws of Virginia on June 29, 1910. There are approximately 25,000 living undergraduate and law alumni.
Operating within University Advancement, the association seeks to involve as many alumni as possible in satisfying experiences with W&L. The Association communicates alumni views to the University and keeps alumni informed of University issues, events and policies. A greater understanding of and affection for W&L is cultivated through varied educational, cultural, and social programs on and off campus.
The association is managed by a board of directors, 24 alumni who serve staggered four-year terms. The president of the association for 2011-2012 is James R. Small, Class of 1981, from Midland, Texas. The executive director of alumni affairs is senior university administrator Waller T. Dudley ‘74, ‘79L, former president of the alumni association and former University trustee.
The Alumni Association and the Alumni Affairs Office encourage and support the organization and activities of 88 local alumni chapters located throughout the country and in London. These chapters are the primary vehicle for alumni engagement, through a variety of programs and activities.
Alumni Affairs has primary responsibility for Reunion, Homecoming, and various other special events for alumni and their families returning to the campus. The office assists the Communications Office in publication of the Alumni Magazine, manages the alumni dashboard on the website, and is the administrator of Colonnade Connections, Washington and Lee’s online community. It assists with the Alumni Career Mentor Program (ACMP), the Alumni Admissions Program (AAP), and various events sponsored by the Office of Special Programs.
The Alumni Affairs Office is located in the historic Hotchkiss House at the northern end of the Colonnade. It is a former faculty residence which was renamed in 2008 to honor longtime University official Farris Hotchkiss. This graceful facility also hosts campus social events for faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Law Alumni Association
Alumni of the Washington and Lee University School of Law created the Law Alumni Association in 1953 in order to support and promote the School of Law as an institution of service to its students, the legal profession, the judiciary and the general public. The association assists the School of Law in pursuing the goals of academic excellence, protection of its heritage and traditions, and development and maintenance of close and continuous relationships with its alumni. The association assumes a leadership position in supporting the School of Law in its fund raising efforts, in each case by initiating, promoting, and sponsoring programs consistent with the attainment of the School’s goals. The association serves as an important link between the School of Law and its alumni.
The Law Alumni Association is governed by the Law Council. The president for 2011-2012 is Jim Ferguson, Law Class of 1988. The Council consists of 24 elected members who serve staggered four-year terms, plus three officers who serve ex officio and are elected for a term of one year. After serving the four-year term, Law Council members are asked to serve for an additional four years as emeriti members of the Council. The Law Council advises the Dean of the School of Law on matters related to law student placement, admissions, curriculum, alumni relations, and fund-raising. The council undertakes special projects from time to time. In addition, the council plays an active role in encouraging admitted law students to enroll at W&L, and members often assist with law-oriented alumni programs in various alumni chapters. |