Alumni Association
Former students who were enrolled in a degree-seeking program, 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. There are also a limited number of honorary alumni.
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 engagement with W&L is cultivated through varied educational, cultural, and social programs on and off campus.
The association is managed by a board of directors consisting of 24 alumni who serve staggered four-year terms. The president of the association for 2011-2012 was James R. Small, Class of 1981, from Midland, Texas. The president for 2012-2013 is Jane Brodie Gregory, Class of 2003, from Arlington, Virginia. The board and the Alumni Affairs office operate under a written strategic plan, with emphasis on supporting the organization and activities of 87 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. The board is also responsible for the Distinguished Alumni Awards.
The Alumni Affairs office is a division of University Advancement. 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. Alumni Affairs has primary responsibility for Alumni Weekend, Young Alumni Weekend, Five Star Festival, and various other special events on campus for alumni and guests. The office manages Kathekon, the student alumni leader group. It manages the alumni dashboard at alumni.wlu.edu, and is the primary administrator of Colonnade Connections, Washington and Lee’s online community. It assists the Career Development Center with the Alumni Career Volunteer Program, Admissions with the Alumni Admissions Program (AAP), and Athletics with the Hall of Fame.
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 2011-2013 is T. Hal Clarke, Undergraduate Class of 1973 and Law Class of 1976. 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. |