W&L Alumni Magazine - Fall 2023 by Washington and Lee University

Fall 2023

LOOKING BACK & GROWING FORWARD Kevin and Amanda Green (’07 and ’06) forge a path l A handwritten draft from James Madison rediscovered l 155 Years in University Chapel l

One of the gardens at Belfield offers a peaceful respite. The guest house is the former home of Dean Frank J. Gilliam, Class of 1917, and his wife, Louise. It dates to 1929; the original gardens were designed by famed landscape architect Charles Gillette. The Gilliams were keen gardeners themselves, and their pride and joy underwent restoration after W&L acquired the home in 2010.

IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES

10 Growing a Greener Future

The Rockbridge Baths business of alumni Kevin and Amanda Green takes a thoughtful and sustainable approach to farming.

18 Full Circle

A Spring Term course at W&L challenged students to think critically about democracy—and reconnected colleagues and classmates.

20 Lost & Found

The Special Collections and Archives Department has uncovered an important handwritten draft by James Madison.

24 155 Years of Evolution The University Chapel reopened its doors on Sept. 6 with the Board of Trustees promised renovations completed.

DEPARTMENTS

3 Columns 26 Office Hours Aliaa Bassiouny, Lawrence Term Associate Professor of Finance 28 Lives of Consequence Chrishon McManus ’14L Mary Hipp ’90 32 Alumni 52 Chronicles This page: Belfield Gardens. Photo by Shelby Hamelman Cover: Yonderyear Farm. Photo by Kevin Remington

SPEAK CONGRATULATIONS

Best wishes to Louise Uffelman, editor of this magazine since 2018, who retired after 30 years at W&L. She began as assistant director of the Lenfest Center and finished as university editor. Over the years, she had a hand in most every publication. Thank you, Louise, from your readers and colleagues.

A Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Washington and Lee University Volume 100, Number 2 Fall 2023 Julie A. Campbell Guest Editor Sara Butler Assistant Editor

On May 23, 2023, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) added a star to its Memorial Wall to honor my grandfather, Dr. Jon Evans ’37. He served as an Army physician during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Among his assignments was medical officer for the CIA. He retired as a colonel in 1967 and became the State Department’s Southeast Asia medical officer, based in Thailand. On Jan. 5, 1969, he was traveling on official orders tO Laos, when his airliner crashed in northeast Thailand while trying to make an emergency landing. My grandfather and three others were killed. My grandmother, with whom he had two grown daughters, survived the accident. I wanted W&L to know about this development, and my grandfather’s ultimate sacrifice so we can all live a free life.

FRIENDS OF W&L Martha Lou and Buddy Derrick, who died in 2022 on Aug. 19 (Martha Lou) and Sept. 5 (Buddy), made a lasting impact on Lexington, and had many, many friends in the W&L community. They employed students in their businesses like the College Town Shop. They were regular attendees of alumni travel programs. Buddy received an honorary degree from W&L in 2001. Many alumni and trustees considered the Derricks as close friends. How lucky I was to have seen them in March 2022 at my reunion. —GERRALD GIBLIN ’81

—RICK ST. JOHN

Lamar Cecil, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of History Emeritus, died on July 16. We will run a full obituary in the next issue. To read it online, visit go.wlu.edu/lamar_cecil.

A NEW FAN

REMEMBERING LEN

As a law school alumna, I only rarely read the W&L Magazine, preferring the Law School publications. But the Winter 2023 issue had not only an eye-catching cover photo of Kenny Sharp ’12 but also a number of interesting profiles of mostly recent alumni leading constructive lives in some nonconventional fields. Most memorable were the two bookending shorts on Tahri Phillips ’23, co-chair of the Senior Gift Committee, Rhodes Scholar and Johnson Scholar. Kudos for a publication that was beautifully crafted in both content and presentation. —ANGELICA DIDIER LIGHT ’75L

Thank you so much for writing such an insightful, knowing remembrance of my late husband, Len Jarrard—everything was absolutely correct! We appreciate all you have done so much—and think many of Len’s students through the years will see it and, perhaps, respond to the endowment. The whole publication looked really terrific. —JAN JARRARD

PLEASE NOTE

The Winter 2023 issue mistakenly included an obituary for William B. Chappell Jr. ’94. Bill is alive and well, and we regret the error.

Jamie Lipps Director of Design Billy Chase Emmaline Nelsen Designers Sara Jamison Class Notes Shelby Hamelman Kevin Remington University Photographers Barbara Elliott Jim Farrar ’74 Jeremy Franklin ’04 Kelsey Goodwin Rick Haithcox Jeff Hanna Emily Innes Beth JoJack Patrik Svensson Contributors Jessica L. Willett ’95 Vice President of Communications and Strategic Initiatives Drewry Sackett ’93 Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs Published by Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450. All communications and POD forms 3579 should be sent to Washington and Lee University, Alumni Magazine, 7 Courthouse Square, 204 W. Washington St., Lexington VA 24450-2116. Periodicals postage paid at Roanoke, VA.

Hello again—I’ve enjoyed returning to the magazine as guest editor, especially working with alumni and staff, friends old and new.” —Julie A. Campbell

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY EMMALINE NELSEN

HONORING EVANS ’37

Columns NOTEWORTHY NEWS AND IDEAS

MOCK CON COMMENCES W&L’s Mock Convention hosted its Spring Kickoff— a moderated discussion with former Vice President Mike Pence and Bret Baier, chief political anchor of

Fox News—on March 21. The occasion also launched the Mock Con Meets Main Street initiative, which highlights the area’s local businesses, along with

student entrepreneurs. The convention takes place on Feb. 8–11, 2024. For updates, please visit mockconvention.com MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 3

NEW JOHNSON PROFESSOR Jayson Margalus is the new Johnson Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and director of the Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship. He comes to W&L from DePaul University’s Idea Realization Labs. A CELEBRATION

3. RUNAWAY SUCCESS

The upcoming Lindley Center for Student Wellness will remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Lindley Spaht Dodson ’99. The building will grace East Denny Circle in the wooded area between the lower tennis courts and the steps that lead from the Woods Creek Apartments to Sydney Lewis Hall.

A member of the cross country and track teams, Charles Scharf ’25L ran school-best times in the 5K and 10K, all while dealing with his first year of law school. He’s the first law student at W&L to run for the program in more than 20 years.

6. FACULTY PUBLICATIONS a)

NEW TRUSTEES

W&L is happy to welcome Cynthia Cheatham ’07

(managing director, Industry Programs and DEI Initiatives, Biotechnology Innovation Organization), Kelly Golub ’93 (co-founder with husband Greg Golub ’94 of Sequoia, which helps clients tie their overall people investment to business results), Jim Lawson ’77 (co-founder, Lincoln Partners, now Lincoln International, a global mid-market investment bank) and Nathan Urquhart ’01

(president of Coatue Management).

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a Jonathan Eastwood, (professor of sociology), Robin LeBlanc (professor of politics) and Zoila Ponce de León (assistant professor of politics) published the fourth edition of “Comparative Politics: Integrating Theories, Methods, and Cases.” The textbook was originally authored in 2012 by Eastwood and the late J. Tyler Dickovick, Grigsby Term Professor of Politics. Dickovick and Eastwood produced the first three editions, and LeBlanc and Ponce de León joined the project for the fourth edition. b Hongchu Fu, professor of Chinese language and literature, published “Three Yuan Plays by Yang Zi” (Lexington Books), an English translation of three plays written by Yang Zi, the Yuan dynasty playwright, court official and ocean-shipping tycoon. c James Moliterno, W&L Law professor, published the third edition of his casebook “Experiencing Civil Procedure” (West Academic); with Katerina Lewinbuk, the third edition of his eBook “Global Issues in the Legal Profession” (West Academic); and with Frederic Lederer, the fourth edition of a 1991 book, “An Introduction to Law, Law Study, and the Lawyer’s Role” (Carolina Academic Press).

IN THE NEWS

Sharing Stories Rob Fure and Tom Camden ’76, who both retired in June, opened new doors to intellectual discovery for the W&L community. BY KELSEY GOODWIN

Rob Fure (left) and Tom Camden ‘76 (right)

“W

hen you take

a trip with someone, it’s not like a visit to your office on campus,” said Rob Fure, director of the Office of Lifelong Learning, of his 45-year career. “You are having a life experience.” Fure joined the faculty in 1977 after earning his M.A. and Ph.D. in English and American literature from the University of California at Berkeley. In 1981, he designed an administrative structure for nontraditional education programs and was asked to oversee its implementation by then-president Robert E. R. Huntley ’50, ’57L. In 1982, Fure established the Alumni College, thoughtful and immersive summer programming on

campus for W&L alumni and parents. In 1985, he began the W&L Traveller Program, wherein alumni travel the world and learn from W&L faculty along the way. “Over the years, our program has been distinguished by the level of client service we provide,” Fure said, “and by our collaborative approach to working with faculty in developing our programs both on campus and abroad.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led Lifelong Learning into new terrain by developing virtual experiences, including online webinars on current issues; “After Class” podcast interviews with faculty; live-streamed talks by Alumni College faculty and distinguished visitors;

a virtual book club; and “Sheltering in Place,” a reading list recommended by W&L faculty. “W&L at Home” continues to offer virtual lifelong learning. W&L is now widely recognized for its robust array of lifelong learning programs, and Fure is consulted regularly by other universities with educational travel programs. He attributes this to a commitment to authentic, lasting relationships. “Everybody has a story, and you’re giving people a chance to share their stories while you explore the world together,” he said. “And that leads to a kind of affection that you don’t often see in normal university-alumni relations. I’ve made so many friends, and that’s what I will miss most.”

“S

pecial Collections

does not operate in a vacuum,” said Tom Camden ’76, who retired from W&L after 10 years. “Collaborative efforts with other units on campus have yielded greater visibility, as well as increased engagement and support.” Camden, who was an associate professor and head of Special Collections and Archives, thinks of both

himself and Fure as ambassadors at large for W&L. A Rockbridge County native who majored in religion and double minored in art history, and sociology and anthropology, Camden also earned an M.L.S. from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He served as director of special collections at the Library of Virginia for 12 years before returning to his alma mater. Over the years, he served on the university’s working group on the history of African Americans at W&L, as co-chair of the Native American and Indigenous Cohort, on the University Museums Committee, and on the Commission on Institutional History and Community. Camden taught courses and workshops in everything from W&L’s digital culture and information minor to Alumni College. He has also overseen the digitization of the collection. Camden looks forward to traveling and continuing to serve as his class agent. After beginning his tenure at W&L: “I remember telling some of my colleagues (at the Library of Virginia), ‘I’ve won the lottery.’ And I can say to you that 10 years later, I still feel that way.” MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 5

NOW HEAR THIS

“[The pandemic] was definitely not a time that anyone wants to remember, but it is something we will not forget. Our college experience was in part very different from the experiences of students before us, but that’s what makes our class unique.” James Torbert ’23, president of the Executive Committee

“ SSA (SCIENCE, SOCIETY AND THE ARTS) SERVES AS THE CULMINATION OF THE LIBERAL ARTS EXPERIENCE.” Brad Singer ’24, The Columns, April 14, 2023

“Leave the earbuds behind next time you walk to class. You might hear the blue jay chirping.” Will Pittman ’24, Ring-tum Phi, April 11, 2023

“My experience was that W&L is a place you can really make yours, while still feeling that you are a part of the whole. It was where I started to develop confidence in myself and my capabilities.” Morgan Hill ’07, The Columns, August 21, 2023

“ You know you’ve been living in Lexington for a while when you start pronouncing Buena Vista* the way local residents do.” (It’s Be-you-nuh.)

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@wlulex

“We are delighted to welcome [125] outstanding new community members to W&L Law. Their potential is limitless, and I look forward to watching them develop intellectually, personally, and professionally with the guidance of our exceptional and talented faculty and staff.” Law Dean Melanie Wilson, The Columns, August 23, 2023

IN THE LEAD

Step Away from Your Screen Katie Yurechko ’24, president of the Nabors Service League, blends her studies in computer science, philosophy, and poverty and human capability to make technology more equitable—and to connect communities.

Katie Yurechko ’24

I DELETED MY SOCIAL media at the age of 16. Today, informed by my history with addictive and exploitative social media algorithms, I am passionate about eradicating algorithmic injustice. This led me to major in computer science and philosophy, with a minor in poverty and human capability studies. I believe that to address the harms propagated by technologies, we must analyze them from interdisciplinary lenses. Last summer, I conducted research at Carnegie Mellon University. Interviewing TikTok creators with marginalized identities, I helped show how they felt forced to erase their identity-based language by, for example,

changing “lesbian” to “le$bean” to avoid algorithmic suppression of their content. After talking with people exhausted by fighting invisible algorithmic harms, my colleagues (Carnegie Mellon professor Daniel Klug and Gordon College student Ella Steen) and I published an academic paper and presented it this spring at the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Web Conference in Austin, Texas. Uplifting technologically silenced voices brought me to reflect on my experiences with the Shepherd Program. As president of the Nabors Service League, co-president of Volunteer Venture, vice president of the Campus Kitchen, and a Bonner Scholar at the Community Foundation for

Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany (CFRBA), I have striven to weave together the worlds of computing and social justice. I have interned at the Campus Kitchen, reorganizing its online file storage to improve the volunteer experience. I redesigned CFRBA’s website to better connect donors with community-led initiatives. And I spearheaded Tech Equity thematic programming for Nabors and worked with co-leaders to combat technological injustices amongst students and faculty. I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in social or societal computing. Until then, I am eager to continue stepping outside of often-isolating screens and engaging with others in the Rockbridge community.

GRACE AND GOOD HUMOR: JIM FARRAR ’74 ON FARRIS HOTCHKISS ’58 Straight out of central casting, Farris Hotchkiss ’58 arrived on W&L’s doorstep in 1966. He was an early example of something President Robert E. R. Huntley ’50, ’57L called “The Guardian Angel Theory of History.” When circumstances required, a guardian angel delivered to the university’s doorstep that which was required to carry the institution to new heights. Farris remains one of the best examples. President Huntley got it right when, in 1968, he named Farris director of development. Farris barely had time to find his office before he was faced with a

fundraiser’s most daunting challenge: raising a lot of money—in a short period of time—from a constituency that did not have a good understanding of institutional need. Circumstances were dire; W&L periodically had to take out loans to pay salaries until it deposited tuition revenue. From that challenging start in 1968 to his retirement in December 2001, Farris and his team steadily managed the growth of what would become a nationally known, award-winning advancement program that other institutions admired and sought to emulate. Farris was its heartbeat.

His personal values and W&L’s institutional values of honor, civility, scholarship and community aligned perfectly, and he immediately became one of the chief transmitters of those values. I attribute much of Farris’ success to his character, personality, and the way he led his life. He was a kind and thoughtful man, interested in others, unfailingly polite, and utterly devoted to his family, church, university and community. Farris modeled a life of service and commitment with grace, good humor and a twinkle in his eye. My wife, Kitty, and I are forever grateful that Farris (and Dick Sessoms) hired

SALUTE

me in 1986. I admired his style and always felt that life slowed down a bit when I spent time with him. I came away from our meetings and conversations inspired and determined to be a better person.

Jim Farrar ’74 Farris Hotchkiss ’58, former vice president of university relations and secretary of the university, died on June 21, 2023. See p. 43 for his obituary. His friend and colleague Jim Farrar ’74, former secretary of the university and senior advisor to the president, retired in 2021 after 35 years.

Farris Hotchkiss ’58 MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 7

DISTINCTIVELY W&L

THE QUALITY OF A W&L EDUCATION

BY WILL DUDLEY, PRESIDENT

The quality of a Washington and Lee education is reflected in the enthusiasm of current and prospective students.” BY ANY MEASURE, THE 2022–2023 academic year was remarkable, as we continued to provide our students with exceptional opportunities. Even a partial account of these opportunities is as impressive as it is varied, ranging from Spring Term courses in Ireland, Greece, Ghana, Japan, Morocco, Austria and the Czech Republic to community-based courses with local partners, including the Augusta Correctional Center, Rockbridge Area Relief Association and Kendal at Lexington. Law students gained invaluable experience in our legal clinics, assisting individuals with housing, employment, tax, immigration, criminal and civil matters, and advocating for disabled coal miners and their widows. Between the Science, Society and the Arts program and

the Spring Term Festival, students displayed remarkable original research on topics including history and neuroscience, poverty studies and literature, and psychology and economics. Throughout the year, the community enjoyed wonderful artistic performances and exhibitions while also cheering the success of our varsity athletic teams, who won conference titles in 11 sports and qualified 10 teams and 13 individuals for national competition in NCAA postseason events. We also hosted an exciting lineup of speakers. They included former Vice President Mike Pence (p. 3), bestselling

8 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

author Amor Towles at our 18th annual Tom Wolfe ’51 weekend, and ice cream entrepreneurs Ben (Cohen) and Jerry (Greenfield). Judge J. Michael Luttig ’76 discussed his pivotal role in the congressional investigation of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol (p. 18), and David Scheffer, the first U.S. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues, was the featured speaker for the Institute for Honor, which examined the role of corporations and businesses during wartime. The quality of a Washington and Lee education is reflected in the enthusiasm of current and prospective students.

The last two years have seen more undergraduate applications than ever before. The engaged, thoughtful men and women of the undergraduate Class of 2027 will be among the most selective classes in university history. At the same time, the academic credentials of our incoming law classes are the strongest they have been in at least a decade. And our student body continues to become increasingly diverse. We are eager to welcome these students and excited for the 2023–2024 academic year, which will be highlighted by the 28th Mock Convention in February.

DUBYUHNELL DAY

A SUMMER OF STUDY ABROAD The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, named for retired congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, seeks to diversify which students study or intern abroad, and the countries and regions they visit, by offering up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education. Six W&L recipients spent the summer on their Gilman projects. (The seventh recipient, Trip Wright ’25, will be studying during the fall term.) For more on the students’ projects, visit go.wlu.edu/gilman.

ABOVE:

A DESIRE TO PAY IT FORWARD

1 Brandon Bishop ’26: Study of Arabic in Jordan 2 Daxon Citron ’26: Study in Austria 3 Mariam Drammeh ’25: Internship at refugee organization in Germany 4 Sean Lee ’24: Internship for American football team in Austria 5 Taylor Graham ’24: Study of Russian in Kazakhstan 6 Irelyn Michiels ’26: Internship at medical facility in Mexico 7 Creighton (Trip) Wright ’25: Study of politics, economics and culture in Argentina, Spain and South Africa 8 Matthew Loar ’07, W&L’s director of fellowships

Matthew Loar ’07, director of fellowships at W&L, holds a bachelor’s degree in classics; a master of studies from Kellogg College, University of Oxford; and a Ph.D. in classics from Stanford University. In 2006, he was a Beinecke Scholar. “I was drawn to the work of fellowship advising by a desire to pay it forward—to provide

future Washington and Lee students with the same support and guidance that I had received from faculty and staff members throughout my own academic and professional journey,” said Loar in 2022, when he was appointed to head the Beinecke Scholarship, a program of the Sperry Fund.

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 9

For W&L alum ni Kevin and Amanda Green, natu re and nurt ure (and fami ly) go hand-in-hand

10 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

Growing a Greener Future BY KELSEY GOODWIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN REMINGTON

spring is a time Of renewal, when mOst Of us can’t wait to get outside and enjoy nature emerging from winter. For Kevin Green ’07 and Amanda Green ’06 , it’s also an exciting time—signaling a fresh start as their business ramps up again for the new year. In 2015, the couple returned to Rockbridge County from Seattle, Washington, and founded Yonderyear Farm, a 30-acre farm in Rockbridge Baths specializing in certified, naturally grown cut flowers and grass-fed lamb. The Greens’ journey into entrepreneurship and establishing the farm began with the broad liberal arts education they received at Washington and Lee and was further inspired by their varied professional experiences. Amanda double-majored in business administration and environmental studies. After graduation, she volunteered for the Peace Corps, then moved to the United Kingdom to study rural agricultural development. “Food, agriculture and sustainability were always central to my interests, but it wasn’t really until after those initial professional experiences that I decided to focus on pursuing them in a physical, creative sense rather than in the abstract,” Amanda said. That decision led her to work in kitchens with chefs such as James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson and others in Seattle and Washington, D.C., as the couple’s professional lives moved them around the country.

12 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

Below: Yonderyear Farm nurtures a connection to the land, with its gifts of food and flowers. Opposite: L. to r.: Nellie, Amanda, Kevin and Cyrus Green show off their bounty.

“Food, agricu lture and sustainability were always central to my interests.”

Kevin Green tends to Yonderyear Farm’s flock of sheep. “We’ve been very encouraged by the interest in what we’re doing here with high-quality, grass-fed lamb,” he reported.

“Producing the

“I got to learn so much more about what it takes to prepare a meal that is both delicious and good for the land,” Amanda continued. “A great chef is only as good as the quality of their ingredients. Producing the highest-quality food in a way that improves the land is as important as anything that happens in the kitchen.” Kevin majored in philosophy, sociology and anthropology, and East Asian languages and literature at W&L. Since graduation, he has worked for an international environmental non-governmental organization for the past 12 years in addition to managing Yonderyear Farm’s growth. “We both grew up here in Virginia, and after graduating from W&L, our interests took us all over the world,” Amanda said. “We lived on four different continents before realizing it was right back here in Rockbridge County where we wanted to build a life, raise a family and support the community. It’s not always in a straight line, but the farm has grown out of our

highest-qualit y food in a way that improves the land

is as important as anything that happens in the kitchen.” interests—working together, being creative, using our bodies and learning new things. The rest is just about figuring it out as we go.” While sustainable food is a passion for the Greens, the property also provided a unique opportunity to enter the cutflower market, as flowers allow for a higher density of product on a smaller amount of acreage than grazing animals. “So much of what we love to do is to take the things that we produce and be creative with them, and flowers allow for that— as well as supporting our rotational grazing system with the animals,” Amanda said. The Greens were also interested in breaking into an emerging market for environmentally friendly f loral arrangements. Conventional f lower farming relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, which can contaminate water and soil and ultimately harm biodiversity. The demand for cut f lowers has also led to unsustainable practices such as air-freighting f lowers long distances, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable cut-flower farming seeks to reduce negative environmental impacts by reducing energy consumption and waste, relying on organic and regenerative farming practices and focusing on seasonal flowers that are native to the local area. The bourgeoning wedding and events industries in the region have helped the farm’s growth. The farm also specializes in what the Greens call “100% grassfed, grass-finished” lamb, a program they plan to expand in the coming years. “In our region, lamb has been relegated to a few holidays and special occasions, but that seems to be changing quickly as folks are getting more interested in experimenting with different local and sustainable meat options,” Kevin said. “I think the pandemic may also have led to people branching out more to break up the monotony.” MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 15

Top: Amanda Green and W&L intern Clara Ortwein ’24 tend to the irrigation system. Middle: The Silver Laced Wyandottes earn their keep. Bottom: Nellie and Cyrus survey the crops. Opposite: Pollinators find plenty of sustenance at Yonderyear Farm.

the flOck is rOtated regularly thrOugh yOnderyear’s pastures and orchards, providing fresh grass for the animals to eat and improving soil health by mimicking natural processes. “Not only are they producing superior meat, but they are also restoring and building soil on parts of the farm that will eventually produce more flowers and fruits for our customers,” Amanda said. The Greens take a thoughtful approach with every aspect of the farm, right down to their chickens, a crew of Silver Laced Wyandottes the Greens chose because their foraging aids in pest control. They also provide the family with fresh eggs. “Everything is geared toward the purpose of supporting the whole system,” Kevin said. “So, we rotate the chickens around behind some of the livestock because they consume things like fly larvae in the manure that break up pest cycles, which then turn into eggs for us. Everything has a job on the farm, even the cats.” The Greens credit their time at W&L with providing a foundation for their multi-layered career paths by sparking their curiosity and confidence to try new things. “It’s a bit of a circuitous journey, but really all of our experiences feel very formative in leading us to where we are now,” Amanda said. “The advice that Kevin and I both give to undergraduates and young alumni is that it’s very unlikely that your career is going to be as linear, or even as intentional, as you might expect at the start, and it definitely helps to be open to that as early as possible. I didn’t know 15 or 16 years ago that we’d end up farming like this, but it makes perfect sense in hindsight. It combines all the things we love and care about and constantly keeps us learning, challenging ourselves and growing together.” n

“It’s a bit of a circuitous journey, but really all of our experiences 16 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

CAMPUS GARDEN Seeing Life Grow By Sara Butler

ILLUSTRATION BY EMMALINE NELSEN

t may be a hike to get there—literally, on a dirt path through the woods— but if you trek to Washington and Lee’s back campus, you will be rewarded with an oasis: the Campus Garden. Covering half an acre, it is a dedicated space growing organic produce for both the campus and local community. The garden is sectioned off into different plots that are planted, maintained and harvested by Nicole Poulin, Campus Garden manager, along with W&L students. Each year, it provides approximately 1,500 pounds of food for various campus groups, including Dining Services, Campus Kitchen and the Student Food Pantry. “I’m interested in the future of public health and environmental health work, and I think food is kind of at the crux of how we engage in the well-being of both people and the environment,” said Allie Stankewich ’23, a garden volunteer who also served on the leadership team of Campus Kitchen. Mindful of sustainability, Campus Garden is resourceful in its methods. In addition to its composting program, the garden uses water-conservation techniques and experiments with plant-growing methods. Instead of striving for the pristine aesthetics of a traditional landscaped space, Poulin and the volunteers focus on cultivating a healthy and natural ecosystem. “The approach encourages beneficial insects and soil health, cuts down on the use of valuable resources, and eliminates the need for inorganic pesticides and herbicides—while still keeping our crops beautiful and viable,” Poulin said. “Sometimes that can look a little wilder compared to your traditional garden.” Overall, Campus Garden has created an environmentally conscious, cyclical system that encourages education, provides nutrition and connects the community. “I think the most philosophically engaging aspect of Campus Garden was how self-sustaining it is,” said Jerónimo Olmedo Reyes ’21, who volunteered in the garden for four years. “Seeing the life grow in front of me—and knowing that life would feed my peers, mentors and community—was extremely rewarding.”

feel very formative in leading us to where we are now.”

Below: Mike Luttig ’76 (left) and Ken Ruscio ’76 (right). Opposite page: Bob Strong

A Spring Term course challenged students to think critically about democracy—and reconnected former W&L colleagues and classmates. BY SARA BUTLER PHOTOS BY KEVIN REMINGTON 18 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

shOuld Our cOuntry be pessimistic about the future of democracy? That is one of many questions that Threats to Democracy, a 2023 Spring Term course, posed to W&L students. Co-taught by Ken Ruscio ’76, W&L president emeritus, and Bob Strong, William Lyne Wilson Professor in Political Economy, the class examined democracy by reviewing current critiques, key historical periods, and central philosophical principles. “The topic is so big, and we didn’t do it all—we just raised questions about threats to democracy and then introduced students to some of the people who have thought carefully about them,” Strong said. “I think it does a good job of giving students access to those important ideas and individuals, so that their own thinking about those threats is more sophisticated.” The professors modeled the course after Ruscio’s full-semester course, The Democracy Prospect, which he taught at the University of Richmond as a distinguished lecturer. The 15-person class at W&L largely focused on the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and the hearings that followed. The course also allowed Ruscio and Strong, former W&L colleagues, to finally teach a class together. “Co-teaching with Bob is like playing basketball with LeBron James,” Ruscio said. “If he has the ball, your job is not to stand in the way. If you find yourself with the ball, your job is to find him and pass the ball. I knew working with Bob would be great, especially on this subject.” The course, which incorporated numerous guest speakers, served as an opportunity to connect alums to current students, the campus community and one another. Among them were Judge J. Michael Luttig ’76 and Mike Missal ’78, W&L trustee emeritus and current inspector general for the Veterans Administration. Luttig, a longtime friend of Ruscio’s, played a key role in the events of January 6. The conservative retired judge, who served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 1991 to 2006, helped convince Vice President Mike Pence not to follow the advice of President Donald Trump to reject

legitimate electoral votes and overturn the 2020 election. Subsequently, Luttig gave compelling testimony to the House Select Committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol. In May, Luttig visited campus to engage students in a classroom discussion, as well as participate in a public talk at the University Chapel. Topics included his career, Jan. 6 involvement, and views on the current U.S. political state, emphasizing the importance of a W&L education. “My entire life over the past two years has come full circle back to Washington and Lee,” Luttig said. “What you learn at W&L—if you have not been taught it long before—is truth and honesty. Since Jan. 6, 2021, I have had to speak the truth to a nation that didn’t know what the truth was, because so many others weren’t speaking it. It’s been a great honor for me, and I felt I had an obligation to do it.”

The format of the public talk was a “deeply personal conversation” between Luttig and Ruscio, who, despite their different political leanings, have remained close friends since meeting as W&L first-year students. “Mike is a smart, ethical person with deep integrity,” Ruscio said. “I hope students took away not just a further understanding of democracy, but what you should do when you’re faced with a choice that calls upon your integrity.” Luttig noted that Ruscio is “a model of everything W&L stands for.” He was reassured that the values held by their class were just as strong among the current student body, who “believed the same things about honor, integrity, truthfulness and leadership.” For Ruscio, reconnecting with alums and faculty was a wonderful reminder of the strength of W&L. While he was

thrilled to return, his rationale for bringing this specific class to W&L went beyond personal reasons. “This is such an important time for this student generation—it is their political coming of age,” Ruscio said. “It’s the time in their lives when they’re creating the prism through which they’re going to view politics for the rest of their lives. So, I wanted to be sure that they were doing so with a deep appreciation of what democracy is, and how fragile— and strong—it can be.” n Watch the talk at livestream.com/ wlu/ruscio-luttig.

The CARTER CONNECTION By Sara Butler

ob Strong introduced the conversation between Luttig and Ruscio. In 1992, as it happens, he was tasked with another high-profile introduction on campus—for President Jimmy Carter. Carter’s visit was a big deal, as he had invitations to speak at almost any school he wanted. However, with the help of Lanny Butler ’63, Carter’s deputy chief of staff from 1977 to 1981, Carter agreed to come to Lexington. “We had to put him over in the gym to get enough seats, because everybody wanted to go to his talk,” Strong said. Like Luttig, Carter wanted to engage with students. Strong picked approximately 20 students and prepared them for a classroom discussion with the former president. To craft knowledgeable and meaningful questions, they read numerous pieces, listened to guest speakers, and studied his presidential policies. “When President Carter got to the room and found out this was not an average group of college kids who didn’t know who he was—they had good questions—he did a fabulous seminar,” Strong said. “Carter just lit up when he had people around him who knew what they were talking about.” Strong (who retires from W&L at the end of 2023) worked at the Miller Center of Public Affairs from 1981 to 1982 as a research associate and assistant director of the Carter Presidency Project. Along with articles and essays about Carter, he’s penned the 2000 book “Working in the World: Jimmy Carter and the Making of American Foreign Policy.” In addition to his 1992 visit, in 1972 the then little-known Jimmy Carter, as governor of Georgia, gave the keynote address at Mock Convention. Learn more at columns.wlu.edu/ mock-convention-a-historyof-excellence. MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 19

Lost

Found

James Madison’s handwritten draft of one of the most significant defenses of religious freedom

W&L’S SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVES DEPARTMENT

is an impressive landscape of rare books, manuscripts, photographs and personal paper collections, something Tom Camden ’76, who recently retired as associate professor and head of Special Collections and Archives, takes great pride in. “I think very few people would assume or even know that a small liberal arts college like this one would have treasures that rival some of the major universities,” he said. One of those treasures is a handwritten draft of James Madison’s 1785 “Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments,” recently uncovered among the papers of Zachariah Johnston. Madison (1751–1836) served as the fourth president of the U.S., advocated for religious liberty, wrote the Bill of Rights, helped create the U.S. Constitution, and wrote 29 essays of “The Federalist Papers.” ➤

BY EMILY INNES ILLUSTRATIONS BY PATRIK SVENSSON

20 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

in American history was rediscovered — right here at W&L.

yrOn faidley, special cOllectiOns assistant, made the discovery while sorting through Johnston’s papers as part of an ongoing audit of the library’s entire collection. The “Religious Freedom” heading on the acid-free folder in which the document was kept caught Faidley’s eye, and upon further inspection he realized the handwriting did not match the other pieces in the collection. Faidley researched the title written across the top of the document and determined he was holding an unsigned copy of Madison’s “Memorial,” likely handwritten by Madison himself. Fortunately, the special collections staff knew they had their very own Madison acolyte on campus and quickly contacted Lynn Uzzell, visiting assistant professor of politics. “I mean, if this was his laundry list, I would be interested in it, but this is a really important document,” Uzzell said. She contacted the experts at the Papers of James Madison, who then analyzed the document and confirmed it to be Madison’s handwriting. “Their response was immediate, that this was a major find,” Camden said. “People at various institutions make it their work to track down every draft, everything ever handwritten by these individuals, and according to them, this one has not ever been recorded.”

22 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

A Community Connection hOw this cOpy Of One Of madisOn’s mOst prOfOund writings on the source and defense of religious freedom came to be in W&L’s library is as much a local history as it is a national one. Zachariah Johnston and his family are deeply woven into the history of Lexington and Rockbridge County. Born in 1742 in Augusta County, Virginia, Johnston attended Liberty Hall Academy and was later a trustee of Washington College (both previous iterations of what is now W&L). He represented Augusta County in the Virginia House of Delegates 1778–1791, then moved to Rockbridge County in 1792 and represented that county in 1792 and 1797–1798. While residing in Rockbridge County, Johnston and his family lived at Stone House in Lexington, which remained occupied by his descendants, the Paxton family, until 2008. The Paxtons continue to be a pillar of Rockbridge County, as four generations of Paxtons have owned the Lexington NewsGazette—dating back to 1887—and several family members are W&L alumni. When Matthew Paxton, Class of 1918 and 1920L, gave Johnston’s family papers to W&L in 1977, it underscored the tightly intertwined relationship between his family, the city of Lexington and W&L. “It made very good sense for Paxton to give this material to the school because it had a direct connection to the community, as well as to the institution,” Camden said. “Here you have this family history represented in this collection—and a family that’s still very active and very entrenched in this community right now.” A Rediscovery with National Implications it is difficult tO Overstate the histOrical significance of this manuscript. It is a central document to understanding the issue of freedom of religion and the role it played in the creation of the American republic. Furthermore, having an early draft of the document provides unique insight into Madison’s understanding of this freedom as a natural right of the American people to be explicitly protected in the Bill of Rights. “Madison is important in a lot of ways, most commonly for being known as the Father of the Constitution and the architect of the Bill of Rights. But he’s also important because he had groundbreaking things to say about religious freedom,” Uzzell said. “And the most important document he wrote on that subject was the ‘Memorial.’ ” Madison wrote the “Memorial” when he was a member of the General Assembly of Virginia in response to a bill proposed by fellow assembly member Patrick Henry to establish religious assessments, which would collect money to fund religious instruction within the state. Madison penned the document anonymously, and the printed broadsides were distributed across the state to garner enough support to defeat the assessment bill. While most Virginians would have seen the “Memorial” in its printed form, Zachariah Johnston was given a handwritten draft from Madison himself—a clear indication that Johnston, a zealous advocate for religious freedom serving

as chair of the committee on religion in the Virginia General Assembly, was a natural ally for Madison. “I don’t think there’s any correspondence between them, but the fact that Johnston had a copy of the ‘Memorial’ in Madison’s handwriting shows that they were working together closely,” Uzzell said. “Madison handed him his own copy so that he could take it back with him, and this shows what Madison’s political networks were and how he communicated with them.” This specific draft is what scholars call a “fair hand” copy, which means Madison took care to make his handwriting legible because he was close to a finished draft, but there were still revisions to make before it would be printed and distributed. Those annotations are present in the Johnston copy. “We can tell it’s an earlier copy because you can see revisions on it which were integrated into the copy that the Library of Congress has. So you can see a little something about the thought processes that went into the composition. That’s one of the reasons why this discovery can break new ground.” Stewards of History, Not Unmindful of the Future the manuscript is a great tOOl fOr understanding the discourse guiding the creation of the American republic and the shape and scope of its government. Uzzell, who has assigned the “Memorial” in several of her classes, looks forward to bringing her students to Special Collections to examine the draft itself and spark conversations about the Virginian roots of religious freedom in the United States. “We’re living through a very partisan age, and that is unfortunate. But at the same time, we can celebrate the things that unite us,” Uzzell said. “This Madisonian principle of religious freedom is something that makes us uniquely American and, even though we still disagree about the extent of religious freedom, as we always have from the beginning, we also have this fundamental agreement about the value of religious freedom. And that is what makes this document so important.” For Camden and Faidley, the rediscovery of Madison’s “Memorial” in Johnston’s papers confirms not only the importance of W&L’s Special Collections to campus and the Lexington-Rockbridge community, but also the collection’s capacity to facilitate wide-reaching discussions about our national history and the legacy of the founders. “This university is small, but its roots are deep—both in Rockbridge County and in the national fabric—and this document shows that connection directly,” Faidley said. The legacy of the “Memorial” continues to shape American understandings of rights and freedoms, and to find a handwritten draft of such a significant document in the archives of W&L speaks to the town and university’s long history of civic and political engagement. “It’s a Lexington story, but this collection has national and international ramifications,” Camden said. Rediscovering treasures like the “Memorial” only further solidifies W&L’s role in leading influential conversations about our nation’s history and future. n Read the handwritten manuscript in its entirety online at go.wlu.edu/madisonmanuscript .

Back at home Peale’s iconic Washington portrait returns to W&L By Sara Butler

he notable portrait “George Washington as Colonel in the Virginia Regiment” by Charles Willson Peale, which W&L loaned to George Washington’s Mount Vernon in 2018, has returned to Washington and Lee University. It is now displayed in a new exhibit, “Parlor Portraits: George and Martha Washington,” which opened in the university’s Reeves Museum in May 2023. The famous painting is the first of seven portraits of Washington by Peale and the only portrait of Washington by any artist that predates the American Revolution. It belongs to a set of historic portraits donated to W&L in the 19th century by the children of Mary Custis Lee and Robert E. Lee. The collection includes over two dozen portraits of the Custis and Lee families, both significant in the history of Virginia, as well as Peale’s portraits of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. The loan was part of a temporary exchange that brought Mount Vernon’s portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, one of the artist’s own replicas of his famous “Athenaeum” version, to W&L in 2018. The original impetus for Peale’s portrait of Washington was an earlier portrait of his wife, Martha Custis, painted in 1757 by John Wollaston, which is also part of the W&L collection. Following her marriage to George Washington, that portrait of Martha, along with portraits of her children from her first marriage, to Daniel Parke Custis, hung in the front parlor of Mount Vernon. Noting Washington’s absence from the display, Martha commissioned his portrait from Peale to add to the parlor walls. The new exhibit honors and recreates that history, displaying a replica of the Wollaston portrait alongside the Peale portrait, until the original Wollaston portrait returns to W&L from Mount Vernon in 2025. Learn more at go.wlu.edu/peale-portrait. MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 23

The Wake for Robert E. Lee, Oct. 15, 1870. This photo, the earliest on record of the College Chapel, was taken two years after the building’s completion. It depicts the original design of the chapel, which included a large three-panel leaded glass window, flanked by two narrower ones, that served as the only decorative elements on the stage. These windows were removed when the annex was added in 1883. Photograph by Michael Miley; courtesy of Special Collections and Archives, Leyburn Library

155

T YEARS

President Will Dudley welcomed

the undergraduate Class of 2027 on Aug. 27 with his traditional

address in University Chapel— the first event to be held there

since renovations were completed.

The class’s Honor System Orientation was held there on Sept. 7.

24 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

EVOLUTION

HE RENOVATION WORK FULFILLS the Board of Trustees’ June 2021 commitment to physically separate the original 1868 chapel from the 1883 annex containing the Lee memorial sculpture and family crypt, creating two distinct spaces: a simple, unadorned chapel for university gatherings and the Chapel Galleries, including the statue chamber on the upper level of the annex. In a message to the W&L community on Aug. 25, Rector Mike McAlevey ’86 announced the completion of the work on behalf of the Board of Trustees, noting that “we have approached this work and the changes we have made with a deep devotion to our core values of civility, honor, and mutual respect and to our responsibility always to serve the best interests of the university.”

The 2023 design was inspired by the original design of the College Chapel, emulating the window placement while providing a visual separation between the original auditorium and the 1883 annex that contains the statue chamber. Photograph by Kevin Remington, University Photographer

U NIVERSIT Y

McAlevey said that the Board has “sought to portray the notable contributions of [George Washington and Robert E. Lee] accurately and to expand our presentations of the university’s rich and complicated history in the service of our educational mission. Our approach is grounded in the Board’s view that Washington and Lee University is an educational institution whose campus is not a museum or an appropriate repository for Confederate artifacts. We have outstanding museums and exhibit spaces where these artifacts are being placed in context and contribute to a fuller understanding of the history that gave rise to them.” The chapel reopened for visitors on Sept. 6. Work on museum spaces, including the development and installation of new exhibits in the Chapel

Galleries and the development of the future Museum of Institutional History, is ongoing. Exhibits will include many of the historical plaques that were relocated from the chapel auditorium and other locations on campus. The development of these museum spaces will be led by a working group of trustees, administrators, faculty and alumni, which was formed in 2022 and is co-chaired by Trustee Bill Payne ’88, chair of the Board’s Capital Projects Committee, and Vice President for Finance Steve McAllister. The working group selected architectural firm Quinn Evans and museum consultant Gallagher and Associates to assist with its work. They will solicit feedback from external historians and W&L community members beginning in early 2024.

CHAPEL

“When complete,” McAlevey said, “our museum spaces, including the Chapel Galleries, the Museum and other spaces, will include exhibits about the contributions of George Washington and Robert E. Lee to the institution; the history, evolution and uses of campus buildings; artifacts, like the plaques and paintings that have been relocated from the chapel auditorium and other locations on campus; and many other topics, including notable contributions of alumni, students, staff, workers, administrators and benefactors—all of whom have contributed to making Washington and Lee the esteemed university that it is today.” n Read more about the Board of Trustees’ commitments at go.wlu.edu/board. MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 25

UNIVERSITY CHAPEL

F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Is the Recumbent Lee statue still on view to the public? Yes, the statue chamber opened to the public when the chapel reopened to visitors in early September. The partition acts as a visual separation between the statue chamber and the auditorium while allowing for freedom of movement between them. Will any of these changes impact the inclusion of the building on the register of National Historic Landmarks? No. The university worked with federal and state agencies to ensure that the architectural modifications do not affect the chapel’s national historic landmark status. What has become of the portraits of George Washington and Robert E. Lee that hung in the chapel? Four portraits hung in the chapel auditorium at various times from 1963-2021. All continue to be on display on campus:

Four portraits hung in the chapel auditorium at various

l The Charles Willson Peale portrait of George Washington

as a Colonel in the Virginia Regiment is on display in a new exhibit in the Reeves Museum. It was featured prominently

UESTIONS

at Mount Vernon from 2018-2023.

l The 1903 Theodore Pine portrait of Robert E. Lee in his

Confederate uniform and the 1796 Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington are on display in the “Setting the Stage” exhibit in the galleries on the lower level of University Chapel. l The 1866 J. Reid portrait of Robert E. Lee as the president of Washington College is on display in Lee House. Are there still references to George Washington and Robert E. Lee on campus? In addition to the name of the institution, George Washington’s contributions are acknowledged in the name of Washington Hall, the statue atop that building, the gallery in its lobby, and on the university’s Honored Benefactors Wall. A contemporary copy by William Winstanley of Gilbert Stuart’s 1796 full-length portrait of Washington (Lansdowne version) hangs in Leyburn Library. Robert E. Lee’s contributions are acknowledged in the name of the institution, in the president’s home, which was built for Robert E. Lee when he was president of Washington

1 l

2 l

3 l

In 1875, Dr. William N. Mercer bequeathed several paintings to Washington and Lee University. This donation may have been the catalyst for using the chapel’s stage as a portrait gallery, which continued for almost a century, until 1961.

In this photograph, taken before the renovation that began in 1961, the curtains separating the auditorium from the statue chamber are closed and secured with a piece of cloth featuring the W&L trident and a banner that reads “Washington & Lee University.” Additional school pennants criss-cross the ceiling. The two other banners affixed to the curtain read “Harry Lee” and “Albert Sidney,” a reference to dueling boat clubs that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Starting with the centennial of Lee’s birthday in 1907, the United Daughters of the Confederacy (U.D.C.) became increasingly involved in the maintenance and running of the chapel. In October 1930, the U.D.C. presented several Confederate flags to W&L to be placed near the statue. When the display was introduced, the flags were placed on either side of the entrance to the statue chamber. Later, they were moved into the chamber itself. The number of flags increased over the next eight decades until the original flags were removed and returned to the Museum of the Confederacy in 1994. At that time, the originals were replaced with replicas, which remained until 2014.

26 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

Confederacy to commemorate Lee’s horse Traveller— will be also installed in future exhibits. Traveller’s remains were untouched, and a new grave marker in keeping with the style of the markers in the Lee Family crypt was installed at the same location. A new interpretive marker relating to Traveller’s history will replace the current interpretive marker at the gravesite this fall, and a nearby plaque dedicated to former W&L First Lady Anne Wilson will be updated and moved to a new location in consultation with the Wilson family. A new marker designating Traveller’s final home in the Lee House stable will be installed this fall.

College and continues to bear the name “Lee House,” and in the Chapel Galleries, where Lee’s memorial statue, former office and family crypt remain open to the public. Portraits and busts of both men are also included in the “Setting the Stage” exhibit in the Chapel Galleries. What happened to the plaques that were relocated from the chapel and other locations on Washington and Lee’s campus?

All of the plaques have been preserved. Most of the plaques removed from the chapel auditorium, including the one dedicated to the Liberty Hall Volunteers that once hung in the entry, will be installed in galleries within the chapel itself or in the history museum, where they can be displayed with historical context. Three plaques—two honoring World War I veterans and one honoring a Vietnam War veteran—have been moved to the Memorial Gate at the Jefferson Street entrance to campus, where they are displayed with other plaques honoring U.S. veterans. Four other plaques—two related to Lee that hung in Payne Hall and two dedicated by the United Daughters of the

Will there be other changes to campus buildings, signage, etc.? With the addition of the new exhibits in the Chapel Galleries and the Museum of Institutional History, the Board will have fulfilled all of its commitments related to campus buildings, symbols and practices that it announced in June 2021. n

VIDEO EXTRA See more online from the newly renovated University Chapel and adjacent statue chamber: go.wlu.edu/chapel-renovations

CREDITS: 1) Art Gallery, 1888. Michael Miley, photographer

ILLUSTRATION BY EMMALINE NELSEN

2) Art Gallery, undated 4 l

5 l

3) Statue Chamber circa 1930

In 1961, President Fred Cole partnered with the Henry Ford Motor Company Fund to solicit a $370,000 gift to conduct much-needed work on the building’s infrastructure. A new interior design accompanied large-scale structural repairs. When the building reopened in 1963, two “namesake” portraits replaced the art gallery.

In 2018, portraits of George Washington and Robert E. Lee during their periods of direct involvement with the school were hung in the chapel. Gilbert Stuart’s Athenaeum portrait of George Washington dates to 1796, toward the end of his second term as president of the United States, when Washington gave the struggling school, Liberty Hall Academy, a valuable gift of canal stock. Lee’s portrait was painted in 1866 by J. Reid and depicts him as president of Washington College.

4) Auditorium Stage circa 1988. Patrick Hinely ‘73, photographer 5) Auditorium Stage circa 2019. Kevin Remington, photographer Photographs 1-4 courtesy of Special Collections and Archives, Leyburn Library

Read more about the history of University Chapel at go.wlu.edu/university-chapel.

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 27

OFFICE HOURS

Aliaa Bassiouny The Lawrence Term Associate Professor of Finance uses her expertise in financial training and emerging markets to simulate real-world settings in the classroom. BY JEREMY FRANKLIN ’04 • PHOTO BY KEVIN REMINGTON 28 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

“There’s a lot of science in finance and in business in general. But a lot of it is arts, which comes from the liberal arts.” FINANCE & LIBERAL ARTS

Imagine if you are just in a silo of studying one specific discipline without being able to access the knowledge from the other classes. You can’t be in finance and manage your money—or someone else’s money—unless you really understand how businesses work. You need to understand how psychology works. You need to understand how the economy works, but you also need to understand specific things about history. There’s a lot of science in finance and in business in general. But a lot of it is arts, which comes from the liberal arts—this way of appreciating how everything is connected, so that you are able to make decisions and evaluate and solve problems. I’m very passionate about this. I think it’s very important, because it creates this well-rounded individual, regardless of whether they end up in a professional career like finance.

SAVVY STUDENTS

This has to be one of the highlights of the job here: I love working with the Williams Investment Society.

They are a very driven, motivated group of students who are very accountable for managing part of the endowment. My only role is an advisory role. The entire recruitment process is student-driven; the entire investment process is following the constitution of the society, but it’s also student-driven. You get a group of students every year, they haven’t yet taken classes in finance; some of them haven’t even taken accounting or economics—but they are driven by self-learning. You have a group of students who are willing to do that all by themselves. They are going to end up taking classes in economics and business. But throughout their tenure in the society, they’re learning on the job, learning by doing.

CASE STUDIES

I teach a course in multinational business finance. This is directly related to my own area of research: international financial markets, with a focus on emerging markets. I had my students do a joint assignment with students at The American University in

Cairo. It’s 2016. You are an American company in Egypt, and then you suddenly have a currency crisis and a capital control crisis. You can’t get your money out of Egypt, so what do you do? They start discussing it with students in Egypt, because they were there, and they were living through it. You get this cultural appreciation; you get this business appreciation just through the context. They could have read about that in a paper, but how do they appreciate that? Working in emerging markets is not just about the science, or the textbook, or the models. It’s also about human interaction: managing crises, and politics, and language barriers, and time barriers, and so on. It gives a very different perspective.

SMALL SCHOOL, BIG REACH

We love Lexington and the university so much. I came for one semester as a visiting professor, but I already knew I wanted to move to the tenure track. Our best friends live in Vietnam. We hadn’t seen them since COVID, and one time when we were catching up, they

told us, “We were in the pool near our house in Vietnam. We bumped into someone and we were chatting. We were like, ‘Where did you go to college, was it American?’ He said it was a small university in Virginia. Our friends asked, “Was it Washington and Lee?” And he was blown away. W&L continues to surprise us. It’s a very small institution, but with a very big reach.

TRAINING & TEACHING

Executive education is when you work with professionals to train them. I’ve done that in Egypt every summer. A lot of the material that I’ve developed in my training is what I bring back to my classroom. The first course in finance is called Managerial Finance. Anyone who wants to understand the basics of finance will take that class. I have a project in that course where I work with them on something that I developed while I was doing the training, which I call my “super-simple startup models.” OK, so you have this business idea. What could go wrong, and how are you going

to deal with it? A lot of that stuff is not in textbooks, except in a very abstract term. I continue to have a lot of involvement outside W&L. This involvement is always something that’s enriching. I always bring examples from that to the classroom.

MORE ABOUT ALIAA CORE FACULTY

She is the Lawrence Term Associate Professor of Finance; Middle East and Southeast Asia Studies Program affiliate faculty; and a faculty advisor for the Williams Investment Society.

CAIRO TO LEXINGTON

Bassiouny joined W&L as the Griffith Distinguished Visiting International Professor of Business Administration before accepting her current role. She previously served on the faculty of the American University in Cairo.

OFF CAMPUS

Her experiences range from working as a finance trainer for Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women program in Cairo to delivering a lecture series on investments as part of Kendal at Lexington’s Kendal College program.

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 29

LIVES OF CONSEQUENCE

From Big Law to Foreign Assets Chrishon McManus ’14L—attorney and competitive swimmer— radiates calm when it counts. BY JEFF HANNA • PHOTO BY RICK HAITHCOX

30 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

“I’ve focused on finding projects that will target the city’s poor areas.” If he weren’t a lawyer, Chrishon McManus ’14L thinks he’d probably be a fighter pilot. That was at the top of the list of what he wanted to be when he was growing up in a single-parent household with his mother and younger sister in Charlotte, North Carolina. Why a fighter pilot? “Well, it’s cool,” McManus said. “So there’s that.” But there’s more. McManus is not only a self-professedthrill-seeker but also somewhat of a lone wolf. And then there’s the Chuck Yeager factor. As a member of Air Force JROTC at North Mecklenburg High School and a Civil Air Patrol cadet, McManus heard the stories about Yeager, the record-setting test pilot who first broke the sound barrier. “Everyone on the ground kept remarking how insanely calm Yeager was even as he was going that fast,” McManus said. “I aspire to display that kind of calm even when everything is moving fast or going crazy around me.” Ultimately, McManus chose a career in law, where he’s found such preternatural calm can both help and hinder. “Although I can

get a little anxious when confronting a new or completely novel issue, I’m able to set that aside to focus on solving the problem in situations where I see others freeze up as the problem grows,” McManus said. “On the other hand, sometimes these displays of calm can come across as cavalier or disengaged,” he added. “I’ve had more than one boss describe me as ‘laid back,’ and I still don’t know if that was a compliment. Clients can be surprised when I don’t display the level of panic, confusion or frustration that they are exhibiting at that moment.”

SPEAKING TRADITION

McManus is currently counsel for Charlottebased Allspring Global Investments. He majored in political science at George Washington University and was choosing between Wake Forest and W&L for law school. During his visit to W&L, McManus was startled when a young woman waved and said hello as they passed on the campus. “I was in my D.C. mentality and was taken aback,” he said. “I won-

dered why this person was talking to me. What did she want?” Then he remembered reading about W&L’s Speaking Tradition. “I thought, ‘Oh, wow, that actually is a thing.’ ” McManus said W&L Law prepared him better than he even realized at the time. He was among the first dozen students in the D.C. Externship program, and his placement with the Securities Exchange Commission has been pivotal to his career. “The program exposed me to an esoteric area of law in investment management. Not a lot of people practice this kind of law or even understand it,” he said. “My SEC experience provided not only knowledge others didn’t have but also important contacts.”

OPENING DOORS

After three and a half years in Los Angeles as associate counsel for Cetera Financial Group, McManus and his wife, Claire, wanted to return to the East Coast. He knew he needed experience in Big Law— a blanket term for large, prestigious firms—to open doors, and spent

three years as an associate with firms in Washington, D.C., and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, before landing the in-house position with Allspring. Among McManus’s current challenges at Allspring is serving as the primary attorney to deal with complex issues created by sanctions placed on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. He advises the firm’s chief anti-moneylaundering officer and team on the disposition of securities, which includes determining the correct valuation methodology of Russian securities. “It’s an unprecedented situation, which has been very difficult to unwind,” he said.

PRO BONO

McManus recently created Allspring’s first pro bono program from scratch. He wants to make the company’s attorneys and staff aware of opportunities to serve disadvantaged clients in the cities where the company has offices. He also has a personal stake in launching the program in his hometown of Charlotte.

“As someone who grew up in a singleparent household and with no money here in Charlotte, I’ve focused on finding projects that will target the city’s poor areas,” he said. “I didn’t want to do only 20 hours of pro bono a year; I wanted to get 200 hours done, even if I was cobbling it together with other people.”

MORE ABOUT CHRISHON WINNER

In April 2023, McManus was named one of Charlotte Business Journal’s rising stars in its annual 40 Under 40 Awards.

COLLECTOR

McManus collects political campaign buttons. His most cherished is a 1960 JFK button, and he also likes the “In Perot We Trust” button from Ross Perot’s 1992 third-party campaign for the presidency.

SWIMMER

McManus has competed in both a U.S. Masters Swimming Meet and a 2.4-mile open-water swim, the Lowcountry Splash in South Carolina. (Not bad for someone who didn’t learn to swim until he was 30.)

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 31

LIVES OF CONSEQUENCE

Empathy & Compassion In May, Mary Hipp ’90 said being a member of the second class of women undergraduates at W&L taught her a lot— although she didn’t realize it at the time. BY BETH JOJACK • PHOTO BY KEVIN REMINGTON 32 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

“My life has not been a straight line. None of it was planned or predicted. I’ve just been along for the ride.” Mary Hipp ’90 didn’t picture working in the uber-competitive San Francisco food scene back when she was studying theater at W&L. But after graduation, she found she loved the city’s cultural diversity, its numerous restaurants and the variety at the food markets. An instructor at a cooking school, Hipp also worked as a chef for caterers and restaurants. She held onto her passion for food, but the work itself lost some of its shine. “I was living paycheck to paycheck,” Hipp said. “I was working nights, weekends and holidays. I had no medical insurance.” And so, in 2005, Hipp returned to her native Greenville, South Carolina. Her parents, Anna Kate Hipp, a philanthropic and community service leader, and William Hayne Hipp ’62, a business and civic leader and a W&L trustee emeritus, still lived there. (Hayne Hipp died in 2020.) Mary planned to stay in Greenville long enough “to figure out where I was going to live in the Southeast, which was not going to be Greenville.”

Almost two decades later, Hipp still hasn’t left. “I saw how much Greenville had grown, and then I started getting involved with the community and kind of got myself entrenched.”

VALUES

That community involvement led to Hipp’s co-founding of Feed & Seed Co., a nonprofit with a mission to build a sustainable local food system. She also serves as board chair. Feed and Seed’s aim is to close distribution gaps that make it hard for regional farmers to get their food into the community and, in particular, into food deserts, where it’s nearly impossible to buy fresh, nutritious produce. “Considering how much growing we have going on here,” Hipp said of upstate South Carolina, “it’s sad there are deserts.” Such areas lack grocery stores, so people must shop at gas stations or places like Dollar Tree. “That’s all packaged, preserved foods,” she noted. The origins of Feed & Seed date back to 2012, when Hipp was named a Liberty Fellow, joining a network of values-based

leaders committed to improving opportunity for South Carolinians. Her parents founded the organization. “When you are a Liberty Fellow, you have to come up with the project,” Hipp explained. “And my project was to improve the nutrition and flavor of school lunches.” Her partner for that work was a former school employee who was excited about getting local produce into school lunches. That got Hipp thinking about how to connect food growers with people who need food.

LEAP

In 2022, Feed & Seed took a giant leap with the opening of its Food Innovation Hub: part retail store, part classroom, part food-processing and storage facility. It’s in the Judson Mill neighborhood, Greenville County’s most food-insecure ZIP code. The organization received a $250,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to help get the hub up and running. “Their work serves as a model for ways organizations across Appalachia can address

In May, she told the community needs while seniors at Baccalaureate growing a vibrant local about what she gained food economy,” said from W&L: “Learning ARC Federal Co-Chair how to stand up for Gayle Manchin. what I believe in, Folks from all walks politely demanding of life, including those respect, and having who use SNAP/EBT empathy and compassion assistance, shop at the for a rapidly changing Feed & Seed Green world are tools I Market & Café, which learned here and still sells fresh produce use in my life.” along with foods made at the facility. It also provides produce for other local nonprofits. Additionally, farmers in the region can sell their produce through A MATTER OF DEGREE FoodShare. Hipp majored in theater, specializing Hipp has developed a in technical production, better understanding of and learned skills she the community’s needs. now uses regularly: leadership and creative Some Feed & Seed problem-solving. customers live in motels without kitchens; DOG DAYS others are seniors who She has fostered over can no longer safely 20 Great Danes. operate a stove. To accommodate them, CAREER MOVE “we’re doing research Her senior year, and development on Hipp lived in the same freeze-dried soup mixes. apartment building as nine members of And then you’ve got a Sigma Alpha Epsilon. healthy soup made Tired of the men from local produce with bumming food, she began cooking nothing in it that you them simple meals— can’t pronounce.” “nothing fancy,” like tacos and Reflecting on her roast chicken. career, she mused, “I can’t decide if I’m stupid or stubborn. You have to be flexible and agile. More often than not, the first idea is not going to be the right idea.”

MORE ABOUT MARY

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 33

CLASS UPDATES AND SUCCESS STORIES

CHAPTER CORNER

FIVE-STARS AND LAW GRADS VISIT CAMPUS

On March 2–4, we celebrated our Five-Star undergraduate alumni of the classes of 1972 and earlier, featuring the 55th, 60th and 65th reunion classes of 1968, 1963 and 1958. The Distinguished Alumni Awards honored Buddy Atkins ’68, Mike Spector ’68 and Lanny Butler Jr. ’63. And on April 14–16, more than 300 Law School alumni and guests returned for this year’s reunion celebration. Law awards went to Outstanding Alumnus/a David “Freedi” Friedfeld ’83L; Volunteer(s) of the Year Nan Hannah ’93L and Tom Mitchell ’93L; and Young Volunteer of the Year Kit Thomas ’18L. To read more, visit go.wlu.edu/law-alumni-awards-2023 and go.wlu.edu/five-star-2023.

EVENTS YOUNG ALUMNI WEEKEND NOV. 3–5, 2023 We will celebrate the fifth and 10th reunions for the classes of 2013 and 2018, and we invite all alumni from 2013 to 2023.

ALUMNI WEEKEND MAY 2–5, 2024 Spring in Lexington is a great time for reunions.

SEND US UPDATES 2

Use magazine@wlu.edu to send: • Wedding and other photos • Changes of address/ subscription questions • Letters to the editor Magazine Washington and Lee University 7 Courthouse Square 204 W. Washington St. Lexington, Virginia 24450-2116

STAY IN TOUCH 1

1. Outgoing Law Alumni President Kristin Ray ’96L passed the gavel to her successor, Corinne Hufft ’00L. 2. W&L Law Class of 1973 and Legal Legacies received their medals 50 years after graduation at the meeting of the Law Alumni Association. 3. Five-Star alumni gathered in University Chapel.

34 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

Submit a class note: colonnadeconnections. wlu.edu or magazine@wlu.edu

FRIENDS WITHOUT BORDERS BY BARBARA ELLIOTT

1967

1974

Christopher F. “Kip” Armstrong retired from teaching in June 2022, after half a century in the classroom as a professor of sociology. His career began when he was recruited by Dr. Leyburn to attend the sociology banquet after his sophomore year in 1965.

Joseph P. McMenamin joined the broad-based civil law firm of Christian & Barton, L.L.P., in Richmond, Virginia, where he will continue his legal practice focused on digital health law and distance care matters.

1973 George B. Wolfe was awarded the Columbia, South Carolina, World Affairs Council Global Vision Award for his contributions to international economic development in South Carolina.

1977 The paintings of Stephen Mangum were recently featured in the two-person social justice exhibition “Bending the Arc,” at the Pendleton Art Center Annex Gallery, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His award-winning series of paintings, “Illusions of My Childhood,” was shown in a solo exhibition at the Rosa Parks Museum in

SENG-KAH “HENRY” BAEY ’83 and Dan Einstein ’83 can’t remember exactly how they met, but both agree that the connection they made during their sophomore year led to a friendship that has endured. Baey (at right in photo), a native of Singapore who is group managing director of American International Industries Pte. Ltd., was one of only five international students at W&L when he enrolled. He had never seen the campus, or even visited the U.S., before his arrival as a freshman. Although he spoke fluent English, he definitely found some cultural differences to overcome. For one thing, the food in the cafeteria was so bland, he brought his own hot sauce to meals. For another, everyone kept asking, “What’s up?” Fortunately, he found both the students and faculty welcoming, especially Einstein (at left in photo), Jim Humphreys ’84, ’87L and his dorm counselor, Jed Dunn ’82. “Dan was always there. He was kind, helpful all the time, very caring,” Baey recalled. “These people extended a hand and were attentive and interested in where I came from and what I did.” After two years of focusing on his studies and adapting to American ways, Baey decided to become more active in

campus life, starting the International Club and helping establish the first International House. Einstein, now business insurance division leader of the Marsh McLennan Agency in Greenville, South Carolina, invited him to join his fraternity and helped with the International Club. Their parents even had lunch together after graduation, leading to a lifelong friendship between their extended families. Einstein encouraged Baey to return for their 25th reunion. “He said if we don’t make the effort, we may not be around to get another chance,” recalled Baey, who won the inaugural award for traveling farthest to attend a reunion. He won again this year at their 40th. The friendship between the classmates has deepened as they have supported each other through tough times. They communicate several times a week. “He is one of my friends who is very present, even though he is not physically here,” Einstein said. “We have just shared our lives over 40 years, although we have only seen each other four or five times. There’s something special about W&L. Students who go there tend to have common values. Even in the midst of varied interests, our values are the same.”

Montgomery, Alabama, in summer 2023.

department’s Tax Policy and Research Division.

1978

1983

Curtis Stewart was named the new ABC administrator by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. Stewart comes to the helm of ABC from the Alabama Department of Revenue, where he most recently served as deputy commissioner. During his 10-year tenure there, he remained a steady leader at the department during a change of administration, as well as change of leadership at the Department of Revenue. Since 1991, he has held a variety of roles at the Department of Revenue, including director of the

John Vlahoplus continues to publish articles on constitutional law and legal theory. With his latest, “Living Recipes… And Constitutions,” he had the unexpected pleasure of working with another W&L alum, Josh Paldino ’15, the executive online editor of the “Notre Dame Law Review.”

1990 Todd Peppers completed his 20th year of teaching full-time at Roanoke College and his 14th year of teaching part-time at the W&L School of Law. In the early stages of

working on a biography on former Chief Justice Warren Burger, he has recently co-authored “Crossing the River Styx: The Memoir of a Death Row Chaplain” (University of Virginia Press) with the Reverend Russ Ford and with his son Charles Peppers.

1992 J. Kent Gregory published his first book, “Sanctuary” (Authorhouse), a collection of short stories and two novellas filled with images of the beauty of nature, that explore the human yearning for peace and healing found in the natural world.

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 35

NOMINATING CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JOHN JENSEN ’01 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND CAREER SERVICES

WE ARE PLEASED to tell you that all alumni will once again have a more direct voice in the election of a trustee. As was the case two years ago, the revised approach will broaden the pool of potential candidates and invite all alumni to vote. Over the years, a high percentage of university trustees have been alumni. Currently, that number is 28 of 29. Their institutional knowledge has served the university well. See p. 4 for more about the most recent alumni to join the Board of Trustees: Cynthia Cheatham ’07, Kelly Golub ’93, Jim Lawson ’77 and Nathan Urquhart ’01. By the time you read this column, you’ve probably received an email about the nuts and bolts of the process, as well as the Alumni Association’s formal call for nominations. All alumni will be able to nominate someone. We will contact nominees and direct them to documents on the Alumni Engagement website. They will also be permitted to submit a statement in support of their own candidacy. After appropriate due diligence, the Alumni Board will place three alumni on an electronic ballot sent to every alumna and alumnus for whom we have an email address. The elected individual is scheduled to take office in May 2024, and the process will be repeated at regular intervals in the future. We encourage your participation and look forward to many more qualified alumni becoming trustees. Thanks in advance for your support of this approach. ◗ For more about the nomination process, see www.wlu.edu/alumni/alumni-volunteers.

DANA BOLDEN ’89 CHAIR, TRUSTEESHIP COMMITTEE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

1993 Jeremy Meadows has assumed a new position as the director of USAID, Indonesian Office of Democratic Resilience and Governance.

1994 Dan Katzenbach was listed among the 2023 Business North Carolina Legal Elite.

1999 Laura (Knapp) Chadwick was selected to be the president and CEO of the Travel Technology Asso-

◗ For more about the Board of Trustees, see www.wlu.edu/the-w-l-story/leadership/board-of-trustees.

ciation, based in Washington, D.C. The association brings together the leading online travel agents, short-term rental companies, travel management companies and global distribution systems to advocate for public policies to support innovation and consumer choice. Chadwick previously worked for the XR Association, the National Restaurant Association, the Consumer Technology Association and on Capitol Hill. Erika A. Woodson relocated to San Diego, California, to accept the job of principal neurotologist and skull-base surgeon

36 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

for Kaiser Permanente Southern California. In her new role, she treats complex ear and innerear diseases and tumors. Previously, she lived in the Midwest and worked at the Cleveland Clinic. She and her husband have three children: Colin, Molly and Fionnula. Maciej B. Golubiewski has returned to Brussels with his wife, Agata, and son, Konstanty, working as the head of cabinet of commissioner responsible for agriculture at the European Commission.

2002 Ben Johns is a co-founding partner of the class action firm Shub & Johns LLC, in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. In the past few years, Johns has argued in both the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

2006 Matt Lawless was promoted to vice president–general counsel of Roseburg Forest Products, a timber company with $2.5 billion of annual revenues. His

wife, Jessica Lloyd ’06, maintains a busy practice as a pelvic floor surgeon. The couple, along with children Abe and Anika, reside in Eugene, Oregon.

2007 Michael M. Wagoner published “Interruptions in Early Modern English Drama” (Bloomsbury/ Arden Shakespeare). The book explores interruptions as a formal device in the plays of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries Ben Jonson and John Fletcher. Wagoner is an assistant professor of

English at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he resides with his wife, Sara Duckworth Wagoner ’06, and their children, Lucy and Rowland.

has received praise from people in the horror vanguard like Kim Newman and Kier-La Janisse.

Stephanie Wiechmann was promoted to managing editor of Indiana Public Radio, part of Ball State Public Media in Muncie, Indiana. Since 2007, she has reported for the NPR affiliate and hosted the local broadcast of “All Things Considered.” In her new role, she will manage the news department and news culture, and help grow the presence of public media in east central Indiana.

Alexander G. Maragos was promoted to weekday anchor of the 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. newscasts at WMAQ-TV, the NBC affiliate in Chicago, Illinois.

2008 After COVID delays, Lauren (Sapikowski) Barnett is pleased to announce the publication of her first book, “Death Lines: Walking London’s Horror History” (Strange Attractor Press). It is the first walking guide to London’s role in the evolution of horror cinema and

2013

2016 Thomas Geeker (’20L) joined Quinn Emanuel’s Miami office as an associate.

2018 Pearce Embrey (’22L) joined the U.S. District Court in Buffalo, New York, as a judicial law clerk.

2020 Bethany Reitsma joined the Travel Technology Association as its manager of industry relations.

BIRTHS Parker Sheppard ’08 and Kelly Sheppard ’08, a daughter, Claire Alice, on May 2, 2022. She joins sister Margaret. Eric Richey ’02 and his wife, Mary Richey, a daughter, Poppy, on Nov. 10, 2022. Jeremy Meadows ’93 and Ronen Capelouto, a daughter, Sydney Lucienne “Lulu” Meadows-Capelouto, on Feb. 2, 2022.

▼

Todd Peppers ’90 CROSSING THE RIVER STYX

Greer Uptegraft ’05 and Colby Uptegraft, a son, Cannon Louis, on Aug. 2, 2022. Cannon is the grandson of Bonnie and Pegram Johnson ’66. Scott Whatley Morris ’99 and his wife, Lee Morris, a son, Wilson Whatley, on Feb. 7, 2023. He joins sister Louise. Elena Dorogy Berger ’15 and Alex Berger ’14, a son, Andrew Barnes, on Feb. 10, 2023.

▼

J. Kent Gregory ’92 SANCTUARY

Alex Cummings ’13 and Jordan Moore, their first child, on Jan. 27, 2023. Monica Devlin Organ ’14 and Al Organ ’15, a daughter, Elizabeth Alexandra, on Nov. 30, 2022.

CELEBRATING A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER

▼

Michael M. Wagoner ’07 INTERRUPTIONS IN EARLY MODERN ENGLISH DRAMA

All revenues from the University Store support W&L A.

A. Peter Millar Hales Stripe Performance Polo – $110 B. Julie Gash Canvas Apron – $28.99 C. YETI Rambler 35oz Mug (Navy and/ or White) – $52

▼

Lauren (Sapikowski) Barnett ’08 DEATH LINES

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY STORE CONTACT US AT 540-458-8634 VIEW OUR ONLINE CATALOGUE AT GO.WLU.EDU/STORE MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 37

WEDDINGS

4 1. Drew Carlos ’15 to Stephen Moore ’15 on Sept. 3, 2022, at the Atlanta History Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Alumni in attendance included (from l. to r.): Morgan Moskal ’15, Albert Civitarese ’15, Wayde Marsh ’13, Alex Cram ’15, Daniel Raubolt ’15, Matt Bartini ’12, Nicholas Biumi ’15, Warren Berenis ’15, Conor Duffey ’15, John Hillman ’15, Matthew Howell ’15, James Quigley ’15, Andrew Redman ’15, Peter Kelly ’15, Michael Agrippina ’15, Thomas McThenia ’15, Elizabeth Elium ’15, Madeline Maguire ’15, Wendi Gill ’15, Samantha Sisler ’15, Kate Reynolds ’16, Eleanor Bold ’15, Cam Philpott ’15, Will Mooney ’15, Daniel Pesin ’16, Stephanie Banning ’15 and Mary Margaret Weatherly ’15. 2. Andrew Conlon ’16 to Sequoya Bua-Iam ’17 on Nov. 11, 2022. Alumni in attendance included (from l. to r.): Dana Lee ’17, Batsheva Honig ’17, Sequoya Bua-Iam ’17,

38 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

5 Andrew Conlon ’16, Madeleine Gee ’19, Maya Epelbaum ’16, Abigail Duemler ’17, Jennifer Zachry ’17, Tessa Keiser ’18, Ben Gee ’18, Ben Whedon ’18, Dannick Kenon ’19, Nathan Brewer ’19, Josh Duemler ’17, Hannah Falchuk ’18, Matt Mesisklis ’18, Atticus Doherty ’14, Prakhar Naithani ’17 and Chris Kirkland ’17.

’09, Blake Cranor ’17, Devin Kearns ’19, Catherine (Hoy) Murtha ’19, Clayton Murtha ’18, Benjamin Soullier ’19, Andrew Kim ’18, Daniel Mitchell ’20, Kevin Dennin ’20, Alison MacQueen ’20, Michael Hegar ’18, Michelle Dreimann ’19, Harry McBride ’19, Rebecca (Dunn) Piatt ’16 and Austin Piatt ’17.

3. Catherine Hoy ’19 to Clayton Murtha ’18 on July 23, 2022, in Lexington, Virginia. Alumni in attendance included (from l. to r.): Alex Starr ’19, Hayden Johnson ’18, Katherine Lambrechts ’19, Ryan Brink ’18, Mary Hampton McNeal ’19, Viktor Dolberg ’19, Andrew Kleinlein ’17, Jalen Twine ’17, Mason Grist ’18, Catherine Peabody ’19, Stephen Himmelberg ’17, Samuel Knapke ’18, Roy McMillan ’19, Andrew Coats ’18, Elle Chancey ’19, Findley Bowie ’18, Nicholas George ’18, Maggie Seybold ’19, Shapley Davis ’18, Mark Croughan ’20, Julia Poppenberg ’19, Christopher McHugh

4. Andrew Gavlin ’18 to Parker Butler ’18. Alumni in attendance included the bride’s father, Warren Butler ’89; grandfather, Judge Charles Randolph Butler ’62; and brother Danner Butler ’21. 5. Leilani Bartell ’20L to Chris Messersmith on Aug. 15, 2020, in Round Hill, Virginia. They reside in Richmond, Virginia.

9 6. Alex Cummings ’13 to Jordan Moore on Feb. 19, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia. The two met at the wedding of mutual friends and alumni Elizabeth Bucklee Peacher ’13 and Nicky Peacher ’15. Alumni in attendance included the bride’s father, Benjamin Cummings ’67, ’70L, and Kerry Cotter ’13, who served as maid of honor. The couple resides in Washington, D.C. 7. Marie Baldwin ’19 to Corbin Lee on Jan. 7, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. Alumni in attendance included Mike McColloch ’76, Randall Mann ’77, Jim Baldwin ’83, Mike Drinkwater ’83, Dwight Emanuelson ’84, Jim Murphy ’87, Tommy McBride ’88, Davin

10 Hunt ’07, Caroline Mann ’08, Anne Lindsey Hunt ’09, Elizabeth Rhodes ’10, Catherine Bennett ’12, Randall Mann ’12, Cole Peck ’18, Owen Brannigan ’18, Mason Grist ’18, Julia Gsell ’18, Katie Murphy ’19, Marie Baldwin ’19, Charlotte Rolfe ’19, Heather Lee ’19, Lilian Peck ’19, Josie Hurst ’19, Aspen Moraif ’19, Caroline Klinedinst ’19, Elizabeth Camerota ’19, Clara McCollam ’19, Rebecca Wellford ’19, Eliza Spratt ’19, Ginna Wallace ’19, Caroline Schraibman ’19, Rebecca Harbison ’19, Kate Hudson ’19, Lucy Wolter ’19, Miller Townes ’19, Cordelia Peters ’19, Sarah Thompson ’19, Brantley Sanders ’19, Davis Straske ’19, Layne Nalty ’19, Anna Still ’19, Sarah Dyer ’19, George

Frank ’19, Zack Ely ’19, Sam Bush ’19, Lauren Engelbrecht ’19, Luke Barnard ’19, Kate Lesch ’19, Peter Blair ’19, Charlie Snedaker ’19, Marshall Wallace ’19, Emily Cleveland ’19, Stephen McCaffery ’19, Harris Clark ’20, Lexie Gottsegen ’20, Andy Smithey ’20, Greer Gorden ’20 and Ally Gsell ’20.

’15, Charlie Gentry ’15, Matt Hedberg ’15, Meredith Hoffman ’15, Christopher Moore ’15, Alex Garcia McLendon ’15, Elise Petracca Nelson ’15 and Peter Schubert ’15, with many more Generals in attendance. Mary’s family also includes grandfather Spencer Frantz Sr. ’56 and uncle Robert Frantz ’81. The couple resides in Austin, Texas.

Audrey Kerr Youngman ’13 to Tyler Youngman on April 9, 2022, in Dallas, Texas. Audrey’s father, Guy Kerr ’75, was in attendance.

8. Tricia Bates ’10 to Adam Boyle on Dec. 31, 2022. 9. Megan Marks ’13 to William Sayre in September 2022. 10. Maddie Hawkins ’18, ’23L to Witt Hawkins ’18 on Aug. 6, 2022, in Lexington, Virginia.

NOT PICTURED: Mary Frantz ’15 to Andrew Roberts ’15 on July 9, 2022, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The wedding party included Mary’s father, James Frantz Jr. ’79; brother, Spencer Frantz ’12; and sister-in-law, Claire Higginbotham Frantz ’14. Additional members of the wedding party included Eleanor Haeg Addison ’15, Kate Pflager Pettit ’15, Brady Bates ’15, Caroline Andress Byrne ’15, Julia Gaede

Zeke Tobin ’19 to Angelena Williams on Nov. 5, 2022, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with many W&L classmates in attendance.

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 39

ALUMNI SCRAPBOOK

1. In January 2023, the men’s and women’s basketball teams welcomed back their program alumni.

’73, Ron Sklar ’70, Art Fuhrman ’72, Walter Sales ’70, Mark Evans ’70, Lanny Levenson ’73 and Scott Rickoff ’73.

5. Several classmates from the Class of 1980 got together in Point Clear, Alabama, on April 1, 2023.

2. Shane Wilson ’08 ran into Phil Tissue ’70 and his son, John Tissue ’97, hiking at the New River Gorge National Park on Thanksgiving.

4. In March 2023, Chris Tutor ’09, Shane Wilson ’08, Jock Pflug ’10 and Joey McDonald ’10 got together in Brooklyn, New York, for a delicious Thai dinner. After dinner, there were a few bar stops in Williamsburg, which ultimately concluded with a weirdly good time at a Bushwick warehouse party that was reminiscent of Chi Psi Late Night parties.

6. Henry C. Leventis ’03L (center) was sworn in as U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Alumni who attended his investiture included (from l. to r.): Clarke Morrison ’12, Emily Morrison ’12, Kelly Jones Leventis ’03L, Christina Leventis Slate ’07L and Drew Phillips ’03L.

3. Eleven Generals had dinner at Frank’s Restaurant in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Back row, l. to r.: Henry Fleishman ’70 and Stuart Porter ’70. Middle row, l. to r.: Gary Herman ’70 and Kenny Murov ’72. Front row, l. to r.: Robert Silverman

40 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

ALUMNI EVENTS

Alumni Weekend • May 4-7

Dr. Rebecca L. Bagdonas ’98 is tapped into ODK

The Class of 1973 50th Reunion Welcome Reception

The traditional illumination to start the festivities

WE WELCOMED MORE than 940 alumni and guests from the classes of 1973 through 2008 for the annual spring reunion festivities. Participants traveled from 39 states and two countries. The Alumni Association elected Jane Ledlie Batcheller ’03, ’08L as incoming president and Sandy Hooper ’98, ’03L as vice president, as well as six new members of the Alumni Board of Directors: Andy Folsom ’03, Julia (KJ) Hallett ’15, Quiana McKenzie ’08, Bert Ponder ’83, Jessica Taylor White ’04 and Charlie Yates ’06, ’10L. Omicron Delta Kappa welcomed honorary initiates Ernest U. Conrad III ’73, Victoria Kumpuris Brown ’98 and Daniel W. Lee III ’98. The Distinguished Alumni Award went to Don Eavenson ’73, Craig Jones ’73, Dr. Rebecca Bagdonas ’98 and Andrew Tate ’98. The success of the weekend was underscored by the class reunion gifts. Collectively, this year’s reunion classes raised more than $1.4 million for the 2022-23 Annual Fund and committed a total of $5.3 million in current gifts and future pledges to the Annual Fund. “Congratulations to the Class of ’93 for setting a 30th reunion attendance record, to the Class of ’98 for setting records with the class gift and Annual Fund support, and to the Class of ’73 for its generosity and near-record attendance numbers,” said Tom Jennings, vice president for University Advancement. For more about this event, visit go.wlu.edu/alumni-weekend-2023.

REUNION GIVING HIGHLIGHTS ◗ The Class of 1973 raised the second-largest Annual Fund gift for the 50th reunion ($664,323). ◗ The Class of 1998, celebrating its 25th reunion, became the first class ever to raise more than $1 million in commitments for both the Annual Fund and their Class project (Williams School) in its reunion year ($2.5 million). For three years in a row, records were set for the total contributions by women in the 25th class. This year reached the significant milestone of surpassing $1 million in contributions by women. ◗ The Class of 1988 raised the second-largest gift for the 35th reunion ($859,923). ◗ The Class of 1993 raised the second-largest gift for the 30th reunion ($896,481). ◗ W&L’s Senior Class (2023) and the Class of 1998 (25th reunion) competed in the inaugural Senior Class vs. 25th Reunion Class Participation Challenge. The two classes faced off to see who would have the highest participation in the Annual Fund by Alumni Weekend; 1998 won the challenge (4 percentage points ahead of the senior class).

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 41

OBITS 1940s James C. Larsen ’41, of Harlingen, Texas, died on Nov. 14, 2022. He belonged to Pi Kappa Phi. Donald S. Hillman ’46, of Scarsdale, New York, died on Jan. 19, 2023. He was a board member of Chapter Volunteers and belonged to Omicron Delta Kappa. Granville S. R. Bouldin ’49, ’51L, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, died on March 7, 2023. He was chair of his Reunion Class Committee and belonged to Omicron Delta Kappa. Carroll L. Thoms ’49, of North Chesterfield, Virginia, died on Dec. 26, 2022. He belonged to Pi Kappa Phi.

1950s Dr. Howard L. Steele ’50, of Fairfax, Virginia, died on May 11, 2023. He was a member of his Reunion Class Committee and belonged to Sigma Nu. William N. Weaver Jr. ’50, of Orlando, Florida, died on March 18, 2023. He belonged to Beta Theta Pi. Dr. Herbert A. Lubs Jr. ’50, of Towson, Maryland, died on Feb. 10, 2023. He was a member of his Reunion Class Committee. He was on the soccer team, and belonged to Beta Theta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Eta Sigma. The Rev. Marion Gordon “Pat” Robertson ’50, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died June 8, 2023. He belonged to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Eta Sigma. In addition to founding the Christian Coalition and the Christian Broadcasting Network and hosting “The 700

Club” TV show, he ran for president in 1988. George M. Persinger ’51, of Millboro, Virginia, died on Feb. 13, 2023.

Dr. William C. Branscome ’54, of Staunton, Virginia, died on May 31, 2023. He belonged to Phi Kappa Sigma, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Eta Sigma.

California, died on May 18, 2022. He belonged to Phi Kappa Psi.

George M. Allen Jr. ’57, of Webster Groves, Missouri, died on May Thomas C. Damewood ’51, 26, 2023. He was on ’53L, of Charleston, West the volleyball team and George S. Denning Jr. Virginia, died on Dec. 14, ’54, of Norwich, New York, belonged Delta Tau Delta. 2022. He belonged to Phi died on March 23, 2023. Dr. Edward K. Martin Delta Phi (Law) and Phi He was on the track and Jr. ’57, of Kingwood, Beta Kappa. field team, and belonged Texas, died on March 16, Joseph J. Eisler ’52, of to Phi Kappa Psi. 2023. He belonged to Pi Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Kappa Alpha. Gordon M. Taylor ’54, of died on Feb. 27, 2023. Frankfort, Kentucky, died Donald S. Luria ’57, He was a member of his on Feb. 15, 2023. He was of Tucson, Arizona, Reunion Class Committee a member of his Reunion died on Dec. 25, 2022. and belonged to Phi Class Committee. He was He belonged to Phi Kappa Sigma. on the baseball and footEpsilon Pi. Richard M. Nichols ’52, ball teams, and belonged John F. Arnold ’57, of Gainesville, Georgia, to Phi Kappa Psi. of Pinehurst, North died on Jan. 20, 2023. Lawrence A. G. Johnson Carolina, died on Dec. Calvin Cafritz ’52, of ’55, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2, 2022. He was on the Washington, D.C., died died on Jan. 2, 2023. He cross–country team. He on Jan. 12, 2023. He was AAP chair of Chapter belonged to Pi Kappa belonged to Delta Upsilon. Volunteers and belonged Alpha, Omicron Delta to Sigma Chi. Richard A. Denny Jr. Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa, ’52, ’54L, of Atlanta, Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Gerard W. C. Fee ’55, Georgia, died on Dec. 19, Epsilon Delta. of Lexington, Kentucky, 2022. He was director died on Nov. 1, 2022. He H. Preston Pate ’57, of of the Alumni Board, an belonged to Kappa Sigma Joplin, Missouri, died on undergraduate class and Phi Beta Kappa. Nov. 19, 2022. He was agent for the Annual Donald E. J. Stewart ’55, on the football team and Fund, and co-chair of his belonged to Sigma Chi. of Coral Gables, Florida, Reunion Class Committee. died on Nov. 1, 2022. Campbell C. Hutchinson He belonged to Phi Delta He was an undergradIII ’58, of New Orleans, Phi (Law). uate class agent for Louisiana, died on Jan. James G. Luttrell Jr. Annual Fund. He was 23, 2023. He was a ’52, of Carmel Valley, on the soccer team and member of his Reunion California, died on Oct. 13, belonged to Kappa Alpha. Class Committee. He was 2022. He belonged to Phi on the track and field and Thomas M. Wade Gamma Delta. cross-country teams, and IV ’56, of Rockville, Samuel K. Patton ’53, of belonged to Beta Theta Maryland, died on Jan. Hopewell Junction, New Pi and Pi Sigma Alpha. 14, 2023. He belonged to York, died on April 5, Delta Upsilon. Robert C. Pearson ’58, 2023. He was a member of Louisville, Kentucky, J. Richard O’Connell ’56, of his Reunion Class died on Nov. 6, 2022. of Albany, Georgia, died Committee. He belonged to Pi on Oct. 31, 2022. He was J. Edward Wise ’53, of Kappa Alpha. past president of the Germantown, Tennessee, Alumni Board, a board Frederick M. Henschel died on Nov. 4, 2022. member of Chapter ’58, of Rehoboth Beach, He belonged to Zeta Volunteers and a member Delaware, died on Nov. 2, Beta Tau and Phi Delta of his Reunion Class 2022. He belonged to Phi Phi (Law). Committee. He was on Kappa Sigma. the lacrosse team and R. Gallatin Paxton ’53, J. Robert Hanson ’58, of was an All-American of Santa Rosa Beach, Staunton, Virginia, died athlete. He belonged to Florida, died on Oct. 7, on Oct. 26, 2022. He Beta Theta Pi. 2022. He belonged to belonged to Phi Beta Kappa Alpha. Dr. A. Owens Jones Jr. Kappa, Phi Eta Sigma ’56, of Rancho Mirage, and Psi Chi.

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James L. Whitlock ’58, of Farmville, Virginia, died on Oct. 10, 2022. He belonged to Phi Kappa Sigma. Michael A. Norell ’59, of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, died on May 12, 2023. He belonged to Kappa Sigma and Sigma Delta Chi. James A. Wood ’59, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on March 28, 2023. He belonged to Lambda Chi Alpha.

1960s Robert O. Wilbur ’60, of Birmingham, Alabama, died on Dec. 27, 2022. He belonged to Phi Delta Theta. E. Peter Litton Jr. ’60, of Bristol, Virginia, died on July 28, 2022. He belonged to Kappa Alpha. Henry H. Harrell ’61, of Richmond, Virginia, died on May 30, 2023. He was a member of his Reunion Class Committee. He was on the lacrosse team and belonged to Sigma Chi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Eta Sigma. James K. Randolph ’61, ’63L, of Bradenton, Florida, died on March 20, 2023. Dr. William N. Offutt IV ’61, of Georgetown, Kentucky, died on Feb. 19, 2023. He was on the football and track and field teams, and belonged to Phi Delta Theta. Joseph A. Mayfield ’61, ’63L, of Little River, California, died on Feb. 9, 2023. C. Bowman Mapes II ’61, of El Paso, Texas, died on Feb. 1, 2023. He belonged to Kappa Sigma. Dr. John C. Dumler Jr. ’61, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, died on Jan. 9,

DAVID PETERSON, PROFESSOR OF HISTORY EMERITUS David Peterson, professor of history emeritus, died on Feb. 25, 2023. He was 71. Peterson held a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of William and Mary and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He earned a master’s degree from Edinburgh University, and both a master’s and a doctorate in history from Cornell University. Peterson joined the W&L faculty as an assistant professor of history in 1999. He was promoted to associate professor in 2002, and to full professor in 2009. Peterson served as chair of the history department 2013–2017. He was also the head of W&L’s Medieval and Renaissance program 2003–2012 and returned as the program’s acting head 2013–2014. He retired from W&L in 2020.

2023. He belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon.

belonged to Delta Tau Delta and Phi Eta Sigma.

Michael P. Keating ’62, of Easton, Maryland, died on April 29, 2023. He was on the soccer team and belonged to Pi Kappa Alpha.

Thomas M. Keesee Jr. ’63, of Memphis, Tennessee, died on May 11, 2023. He was a board member of Chapter Volunteers and a member of his Reunion Class Committee. He was on the football team, which was inducted into the W&L Athletic Hall of Fame. He belonged to Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

George M. Peters ’62, of Portland, Oregon, died on Jan. 31, 2023. He belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon. Gerard L. Ouellette ’62, of Sarasota, Florida, died on Jan. 29, 2023. Michael N. Herndon ’62, of Columbus, Georgia, died on Dec. 22, 2022. He was AAP chair of Chapter Volunteers. He belonged to Pi Kappa Phi. N. Rickard Frisbie ’62, of Kilmarnock, Virginia, died on Nov. 5, 2022. He belonged to Kappa Sigma. Thomas G. Luthy ’62, of Peoria, Illinois, died on Oct. 10, 2022. He

David H. Nelson ’63, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on April 18, 2023. He belonged to Pi Kappa Phi.

Peterson’s research focused on the relationship between religion and politics, church history and political thought, especially in medieval and Renaissance Italy. He taught courses in European medieval, Renaissance and Reformation history; European medieval and Renaissance church history and political thought; Dante; and Machiavelli. Prior to W&L, Peterson was a teaching assistant, lecturer and visiting assistant professor at Cornell University; lecturer at Stanford University; and assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, he worked as a National Endowment for the Humanities research fellow and scholar in residence for the Newberry Library. Throughout his career, Peterson received numerous grants, fellowships and prizes. Among his many accolades were the National Humanities Center’s Mellon Fellowship in 1987, and the National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship in 1998 and 2007. He was also a three-time recipient of W&L’s Lenfest Sabbatical Fellowship. From 2016 to 2019, Peterson was a board member of the W&L Friends of the Library. He is survived by his brothers, John and Matt.

was on the soccer team and belonged to Phi Kappa Sigma. Jonathan N. Gillett ’63, of Winter Park, Florida, died on Dec. 24, 2022. He belonged to Pi Kappa Alpha. Walter B. Selman ’63, of Atlanta, Georgia, died on Dec. 14, 2022. He belonged to Pi Kappa Alpha. Allan J. Brinton ’64, of Newark, Delaware, died on Feb. 27, 2023.

James H. Wallenstein ’64, of Dallas, Texas, died on Feb. 18, 2023. E. Preston Lancaster Jr. He was on the swim’63L, of Farmville, Virginia, ming and diving teams, died on March 25, 2023. and belonged to Zeta Dr. John A. Kiely ’63, of Beta Tau and Alpha Lutherville-Timonium, Epsilon Delta. Maryland, died on Feb. E. Cotton Rawls ’64, 8, 2023. He belonged to of Darien, Connecticut, Phi Kappa Sigma, Alpha died on Nov. 12, 2022. Epsilon Delta and Psi Chi. He belonged to Delta The Rev. George M. Tau Delta. Chapman Jr. ’63, of West Frederick A. Casto Roxbury, Massachusetts, ’65L, of Walnut Creek, died on Jan. 18, 2023. He

California, died on Jan. 1, 2023. He was a law class agent for the Annual Fund, a member of the Law Council, and a member of his Reunion Class Committee. He belonged to Sigma Nu. E. Robert Elicker II ’65, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, died on Oct. 13, 2022. He was a board member of Chapter Volunteers. Philip H. Miller ’66L, of Staunton, Virginia, died on Dec. 1, 2022. Harry Dennery ’66, of Jupiter, Florida, died on Nov. 20, 2022. He was a member of his Reunion Class Committee. He belonged to Zeta Beta Tau. Roger A. Milam ’67, of Nashville, Tennessee, died on Jan. 17, 2023. He was on the football team, and belonged to Delta Tau Delta and Pi Sigma Alpha.

James F. Douthat ’67L, of Roanoke, Virginia, died on Jan. 12, 2023. Dr. William H. Sledge ’67, of New Haven, Connecticut, died on Dec. 20, 2022. He was a member of his Reunion Class Committee. He was on the football team, and belonged to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Alpha Epsilon Delta and Phi Beta Kappa. Robert J. Smith ’68, of Birmingham, Alabama, died on March 23, 2023. He was on the soccer team and belonged to Phi Kappa Psi. Henry R. Gonzalez Jr. ’68, of Jupiter, Florida, died on Feb. 1, 2023. He was president of Chapter Volunteers. He was on the lacrosse team and belonged to Sigma Alpha Epsilon. William H. Norcross ’68, of Boyne City, Missouri, died on Dec. 7, 2022. He belonged to Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 43

1970s The Hon. B. Waugh Crigler ’70, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on April 26, 2023. He was president of Chapter Volunteers and a member of his Reunion Class Committee. He was on the wrestling and football teams. Mel I. Cartwright ’70, of Woolwine, Virginia, died on April 26, 2023. He was an All-American athlete and was inducted into the W&L Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball. He belonged to Pi Kappa Alpha. The Rev. Harry H. Hill III ’70, ’74L, of Lynchburg, Virginia, died on March 26, 2023. He was a board member of Chapter Volunteers. Louis W. Rieder III ’71, of Milton, Delaware, died on March 21, 2023. He belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon. H. Drake Leddy ’71, of San Antonio, Texas, died on Jan. 15, 2023. He was director of the Alumni Board, an undergraduate class agent for the Annual Fund, a board member of Chapter Volunteers and chair of his Reunion Class Committee. He belonged to Sigma Nu. W. E. Quisenberry Jr. ’72L, of Calhoun, Kentucky, died on March 19, 2023. Lawrence W. McDaniel Jr. ’73, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, died on Feb. 17, 2023. He belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon. Gregory W. Smith ’73, ’76L, of Madison Heights, Virginia, died on Dec. 8, 2022. Douglas A. Forsyth ’73, of Saint Louis, Missouri, died on Nov. 6, 2022. He belonged to Phi Kappa Psi. Kevin M. Twillman ’74, of Washington, D.C.,

JOHN DAVID PARKER, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY EMERITUS John David Parker, associate professor of history emeritus, died Nov. 23, 2022. He was 78. Parker grew up in Chile and graduated from Kent High School in Santiago in 1961. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy, English and history from Baylor University. After a brief stint working in Texas as a counselor with underprivileged high school students, he earned his master’s in Latin American history from the University of Texas and was awarded

died on Jan. 25, 2023. He belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon. Dr. D. Keith Payne ’74, of Shreveport, Louisiana, died on Jan. 9, 2023. He belonged to Alpha Epsilon Delta and Phi Beta Kappa. Christopher D. Conant ’74, of Gig Harbor, Washington, died on Dec. 11, 2022. He was on the soccer team. Thomas O. Rainey III ’75, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, died on Feb. 16, 2023. He was a member of his Reunion Class Committee. He was on the football and wrestling teams, and belonged to Lambda Chi Alpha, Omicron Delta Kappa and Pi Sigma Alpha. Robert M. Lander II ’75, of Wurtsboro, New York, died on Oct. 7, 2022. He belonged to Lambda Chi Alpha. Joseph D. Dubuque II ’77, of Saint Louis, Missouri, died on Oct.

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29, 2022. He was on the cross-country team. J. Michael Flippen ’78L, of Richmond, Virginia, died on Feb. 11, 2023. Richard P. Goddard ’79L, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, died on March 9, 2023. He belonged to Omicron Delta Kappa.

1980s Benjamin B. Newsom Jr. ’80, of Crofton, Maryland, died on April 13, 2023. He belonged to Pi Kappa Phi. James K. Falk ’81, ’84L, of Charleston, South Carolina, died on May 9, 2023. He was a law class agent for the Annual Fund Law, president of Chapter Volunteers, and a member of his Reunion Class Committee. Bruce R. Walker ’81L, of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, died on Jan. 21, 2023. Eric M. Sevdy ’81L, of Lexington, Kentucky, died on Nov. 21, 2022.

a Fulbright to research bishops and the politics of Brazil in the Arquivo Nacional in Rio de Janeiro. He then attended the University of Washington, graduating with a Ph.D. in Latin American history. Parker joined the faculty in 1982 and taught courses on U.S. and Latin American history. He received a Fulbright to Santiago, Chile, where he taught at Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación. He also spent the summers of 1985 and 1986 conducting research in the secret archives at the Vatican. He retired from W&L in 2005. As well as serving as president of the Southwest Conference of Latin American Studies, Parker was involved with the United Way. Parker is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his children, Anson, Nealin and Laura; and six grandchildren.

Theodore M. Galanides ’83, of North Chesterfield, Virginia, died on Jan. 2, 2023. He belonged to Lambda Chi Alpha. Andrew J. Dewing ’84, of Suffolk, Virginia, died on April 22, 2023. He belonged to Chi Psi. Gerard F. Biedronski Jr. ’87, of Belcamp, Maryland, died on Nov. 13, 2022. He was on the football and lacrosse teams, and belonged to Phi Gamma Delta. Wayne O. Withers Jr. ’88L, of Collinsville, Virginia, died on April 26, 2023.

1990s William R. McLean ’90, of Manhasset, New York, died on May 29, 2023. He belonged to Chi Psi. Anne Lamkin Durward ’91, of Birmingham, Alabama, died on May 27, 2023. She was a law liaison for Chapter Volunteers and a member

of her Reunion Class Committee. She belonged to Kappa Alpha Theta. Tyler P. Suiters ’91, of Arlington, Virginia, died on Jan. 24, 2023. He was a member of his Reunion Class Committee. He played on the football and baseball teams, and belonged to Phi Gamma Delta. Dr. Megan A. Fairlie ’96L, of Weston, Florida, died on Dec. 29, 2022.

2000s Shauna Wickham Kossoff ’05L, of Laguna Hills, California, died on Nov. 27, 2022. She was the social events chair of Chapter Volunteers.

2010s Gregory M. Ussery ’12, of Dumfries, Virginia, died on April 26, 2023. He was on the baseball team and belonged to Kappa Alpha.

FARRIS HOTCHKISS ’58, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND SECRETARY OF THE UNIVERSITY Farris Pierson Hotchkiss ’58 died in Lexington on June 21, 2023. He was 86. Hotchkiss received a B.S. in economics from W&L in 1958. He served as president of the Student Service Society, as editor of the Calyx and as editorial advisor for the Ring-Tum Phi, and belonged to Beta Theta Phi, Phi Eta Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa. In 1966, after a business career, Hotchkiss returned to W&L to serve as assistant dean of students and director of financial aid and scholarships. In 1968, he became the first director of development, presiding over the first official capital campaign and two subsequent campaigns. He served as vice president of university relations from 1987 to 2001. From 1987 to 1999, he was secretary of the university and a senior advisor to four presidents.

He retired as university secretary in 1999 and retired fully from W&L in 2001. Under his leadership, the university’s endowment grew from $18 million when he arrived to more than $400 million when he retired. He has been credited with building a thriving development department at W&L. In 2002, W&L awarded Hotchkiss an honorary doctorate of letters. He and his wife, Judy, were lifelong W&L ambassadors. After retiring, Hotchkiss volunteered for W&L and was a class agent for more than 20 years. The Class of 1958 raised $1 million to rename the Alumni House, now known as Hotchkiss House, in the couple’s honor. Hotchkiss is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Pierson (Ellen), Julie ’89L and Cliff; and his grandchildren, Millie, Pierson III and Jackson ’24. For the full obit, visit go.wlu.edu/hotchkiss-obit. For a salute to Hotchkiss, see p. 7.

ROBERT SWINARTON ’50, TRUSTEE EMERITUS Robert “Bob” Swinarton ’50, trustee emeritus of Washington and Lee University, died on March 25, 2023. He was 96. After graduating from Rutherford High School in New Jersey, Swinarton served in the Army Air Force, as a bookkeeper and snack bar manager in France and Germany, from 1944 to 1946. He attended W&L on the G.I. Bill, graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. During his college years, he was captain of the tennis team, played in intramurals, and belonged to Delta Tau Delta fraternity and Beta Gamma Sigma. He worked at Dean Witter & Co. from 1950 until his retirement in 1980, starting as a sales trainee and ending as vice chairman of the board of the second-largest securities firm. Among his recognitions were the Wall Street Journal Award (1950) and the Delta Tau Delta Karnea Award for

distinguished achievement (1976). He was also a member of the National Market Advisory Board, the 15-member group created by Congress to advise SEC and Congress in matters relating to the changes mandated in the Securities Amendments Act of 1975. In May 2017, Swinarton, who served as a trustee from 1979 to 1981, wrote an article for The Columns in which he fondly recalled his years at W&L. “The environment at W&L was transformative in the sense that everything you did was governed by the Honor System,” he said. “You were your own disciplinarian. I had never experienced anything like this, and it made an impact that stayed with me throughout my business and personal life. I attribute my success in business to this.” He said that his positive W&L experience made him feel indebted to the school for what it had provided him. To give back, Swinarton and his wife, Roddy, created charitable remainder unitrusts to provide unrestricted gifts to W&L upon their deaths. In 1982, he donated $50,000 to Newcomb Hall; his gift was recognized with a plaque dedication and a classroom named after him. Swinarton is survived by four children, Patrice, Robert Jr., Susan and Scott. His wife, Rosamond “Roddy,” died in 2016.

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 45

WILLIAM MCHENRY ’54, FORMER ATHLETIC DIRECTOR William Dunlap “Bill” McHenry ’54, former W&L athletic director, chair of the department of physical education, football coach, student athlete and member of the W&L Athletics Hall of Fame, died Jan. 4, 2023. He was 90. A native of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, McHenry earned a B.S. from W&L and an M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. A Delta Tau Delta, he was an accomplished football and lacrosse player. He was the captain of the last subsidized football team (1953) and twice named to the United Press International All-America team. McHenry was also a three-year letterman in lacrosse. He was a sixth-round National Football League draft pick of the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) but entered the Army instead. He then had successful careers at Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University), Williams College and Lebanon Valley College.

McHenry returned to W&L in 1971 as athletic director and head of the physical education department. He coached W&L’s football team from 1973 to 1977, enjoying his best year in 1976, when W&L won four of its final five games to finish 5–5. He also guided the development of sports for women during the early years of coeducation. He hired Cinda Rankin as the first woman administrator; they started the first women’s athletic teams and increased staffing for expansion into women’s varsity sports and education. He served as president of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, while also serving on the NCAA Division III Football Committee. McHenry helped to create the W&L Athletics Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the National Athletic Directors Hall of Fame (NACDA), Lebanon Valley College Hall of Fame and State of Pennsylvania Hall of Fame. W&L’s top scholar-athlete awards bear his name. McHenry finished his career by serving as the athletic director at the College of Wooster from 1991 to 1996. McHenry is survived by his wife, Joan, son, Robert, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and son-in-law, Patrick Hennis (Melissa). He was predeceased by his brother J. Robert McHenry ’56. For the full obit, visit go.wlu.edu/mchenry-obit.

AL GORDON, PROFESSOR OF FINE ARTS EMERITUS Albert C. Gordon, professor of fine arts emeritus, died in Lexington on May 30, 2023. He was 89. Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, Gordon had a passion for educational theater. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. from Tulane University. He taught at Armstrong College (now Armstrong University) in Savannah, Georgia, and the University of Toledo in Ohio. He joined the faculty in 1974 as professor of fine arts. At that time, the university’s main stage was the Troubadour Theatre, a small, 19th-century building on Main Street. In 1990, W&L opened the Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts, and Gordon served as the head of the Department of Fine Arts. During his tenure, he directed well over 50 plays

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and taught courses primarily in theater history and directing. He retired in 2001. Gordon was a talented actor, and he used the summer months to appear in theaters across the country, including Mill Mountain Theatre, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, The Croswell and the Westport Country Playhouse. Gordon also generously shared his talents with the local community. In 1978, he formed the Henry Street Playhouse and Stock Company in Lexington. It entertained audiences for 11 years, featuring area talent and offering a mix of period and contemporary plays and musicals. Gordon stayed active in retirement. His wife, Rose, also retired from W&L in 2001. Together they enjoyed traveling, gardening and theatergoing. Gordon also served as president of the English-Speaking Union, and was a past member of That Club and the Southeastern Theatre Conference. He is survived by his wife, Rose; son, Stephen Gordon (Heidi); daughter, Suzannah Vess (Bobby); granddaughter, Brook Vess; and grandson, Jason Vess.

VIRGINIA HOLTON, TRUSTEE EMERITA Virginia Holton, trustee emerita and former first lady of Virginia, died in Irvington, Virginia, on Dec. 16, 2022. She was 97. Born in Roanoke as Virginia Harrison Rogers, affectionally known as “Jinks,” she attended Stuart Hall School in Staunton and earned a B.A. in French from Wellesley College. After graduating, Holton worked for the American Embassy in Brussels and the Central Intelligence Agency. She was married to A. Linwood Holton Jr. ’44, who served as Virginia’s governor from 1970 to 1974. The two were staunch supporters of desegregation and enrolled their children in predominantly Black public schools in Richmond, a decision that received national media attention. Holton was active with the Right to Read Program, which was sponsored by the Department of Housing, Education and

Welfare, and served on the Steering Committee of Virginia’s first Governor’s Conference on Reading in 1974. The first lady was also a celebrated host who famously offered public tours of the governor’s mansion, as well as provided education about nutrition to low-income families. She was an advocate for fine arts, performing arts, corporate-sponsored day care, programs for the learning disabled, and higher education. Holton served on W&L’s Board of Trustees from 1986 to 1995 and was a member of the Academic Affairs, Nominating, and Planning and Development Board committees. In the ’90s, she served on the cabinet for the On the Shoulders of Giants Campaign. Holton was named a trustee emerita in 1996. Holton’s commitment to education included serving as a trustee at the University of Virginia Medical School Foundation, and as a member of the University of Virginia board of visitors. She was also president of the Virginia Environmental Endowment, a board member of Voices for Virginia’s Children, and a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Holton is survived by four children, Tayloe Loftus, Anne Holton, A. Linwood Holton III and Dwight Holton; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and extended family, including nephews Frank Rogers III ’79, ’84L and Edwin Vaden ’69. Her husband died in 2021.

JERRY SOUTH ’54, TRUSTEE EMERITUS Jerry South ’54, trustee emeritus of Washington and Lee University, died on Dec. 29, 2022. He was 90. Born in Frankfort, Kentucky, South attended W&L on scholarship and graduated cum laude in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. While in college, he was secretary of the Student Executive Committee, played on the lacrosse team, and was a member of the Graham Lee Washington Literary Society. He belonged to Phi Delta Theta fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa. South spent a year at the Washington and Lee School of Law before joining the U.S. Navy and serving a tour of duty in the Mediterranean during the Korean War. After retiring

from the Navy, he completed his legal education at Stanford Law School, graduating in 1958. He worked in the legal department of Bank of America in San Francisco, practicing civil law and specializing in bankruptcy and trial work. South was later offered a job as corporate secretary for Bank of America, where he served for the next 30 years in a variety of roles, including assistant to the president, head of corporate communications, and president of B.A. Mortgage and International Realty Corporation. South was an active W&L volunteer and, during his time on the Board of Trustees (1979–1990), was instrumental in the university’s transition to coeducation. He served as director of the Alumni Association Board and chair of the Area Campaign Committee; he was also a member of his Reunion Class Committee and the George Washington Society. In 1997, he established the Jerry G. South Scholarship. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; three daughters, Lindsay, Alison and Marian; and their families.

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 47

TODD LOWRY, PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS EMERITUS Stanley “Todd” Lowry, professor of economics emeritus, died in Lexington on April 10, 2023. He was 95. Born in Laredo, Texas, Lowry experienced an accident in childhood that left him legally blind. However, he did not let the disability keep him from continuing his education. He left home at age 15 with a seeing-eye dog and received a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a law degree from the University of Texas. He then attended Louisiana State University, earning a master’s degree and a doctorate in economics. Lowry began his career in 1958 at East Carolina University, where he taught for one year. He joined the W&L faculty as an assistant professor of economics in 1959. He was promoted to associate professor in 1967 and to full professor in 1974. He retired in 1995. He conducted research under grants from the Ford Foundation, the American Philosophical Society, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Virginia Endowment

for the Humanities, among others. His research interests included the influence of ancient, medieval and Renaissance thought on modern economics. Lowry wrote numerous articles on environmental and natural resource economics, business law, and early economic thought. He was also the author of “The Archaeology of Economic Thought: The Classical Greek Tradition” and the editor of “Pre-Classical Economic Thought: From the Greeks to the Scottish Enlightenment.” Lowry was the book review editor for the History of Political Economy, a quarterly professional journal, for more than 20 years. He was also a member of three professional societies, including the History of Economics Society, for which he served as president 1990–1991. In 2001, the society named Lowry a distinguished fellow. Lowry stayed active even in retirement. In 2009, he delivered a paper at the international Workshop on Mathematical Economics at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan. Along with economics, forestry was both a professional and personal interest for Lowry. In addition to publishing his research on the topic, he planted 95 acres with trees on his farm near Rockbridge Baths. Lowry is survived by his daughter, Lynn Lowry Leech, and son, Timothy Cole Lowry; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. His wife, Faye Cole Lowry, died in 2018.

JOSEPH THOMPSON, PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY EMERITUS Joseph Thompson, professor of psychology emeritus, died on Jan. 20, 2023, in Lexington. He was 85. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Thompson held a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Earlham College, and a master’s degree and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Wisconsin. Thompson joined the faculty as an assistant professor of psychology in 1966. He was promoted to associate professor in 1974, and to full professor in 1975. Prior to W&L, he was a teaching assistant at the University of Wisconsin and a National Institute of Health (NIH) fellow. He retired from W&L in 2000.

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Thompson’s research focused on the functional contributions of the central nervous system to behavior (physiological psychology). He taught courses in physiological psychology, psychological statistics and experimental psychology emphasizing perceptive facilities, along with introductory courses. Thompson was a screening board adviser for the local Big Brother Program and a participant in the Southern Seminary Spring Musical. He also served on the board of directors for several mental health associations in Rockbridge County. His other interests included music and tropical fish. Thompson is survived by his wife, Beth, and son, Ross.

Commencement 2023 “Engaged citizenship—your citizenship—begins with the traits of intellect and character that are cultivated by a good liberal arts education,” President William C. Dudley told the Class of 2023 on May 25. “Your education has prepared you to assess what can be improved, and to have the courage to speak up about it.”

At the 236th Commencement, W&L conferred degrees upon 453 seniors. The Class of 2023 earned degrees in 52 majors, with nearly 30 percent of the class completing more than one major. Fifty-three percent of the class completed at least one minor. The valedictorians were Walter Henry Barden, Anna Elizabeth Blackburn, Mary Elaine Graham and Jason Gu. Each earned a final grade point average of 4.0. James Torbert, president of the Executive Committee of the Student Body from 2021 to 2023, spoke on behalf of his class. To read more about the big day, visit go.wlu.edu/commencement-2023.

BACCALAUREATE

On May 24, the Baccalaureate service featured speaker Mary H. Hipp ’90 (see pp. 28–29 for a profile) and this year’s recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, Tahri Phillips ’23. Phillips was selected by the faculty as the individual who best demonstrates high ideals of living, spiritual qualities and generous service to others.

SCHOOL OF LAW

On May 12, the School of Law awarded 106 juris doctor degrees. “This class exhibits a rare community spirit mixed with kindness and tenacity that has allowed you to traverse three really tough years under unusual conditions,” said Dean Melanie D. Wilson. Justice Cleo Powell, the first Black woman elected to the Virginia Supreme Court, addressed the graduates. MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 49

COMMENCING TO CELEBRATE

Graduates and their alumni families commemorated the day with a photo.

1. Dave Dietz ’89 and Audrey Dietz ’23

6. Jay Darden ’93, Harper Darden ’23, Elise Bryant Darden ’92 and Corbet Bryant ’68

11. Jonathan Thornton ’87 and Ellie Thornton ’23

16. Stewart Long IV ’23 and Stewart Long III ’93

7. Jacob Cirrincione ’23 and Brian Butcher ’93

12. Richard Sherrill ’94, Mimi Sherrill ’23 and Lisee Sherrill ’94

17. Clayton Johnston ’85 and Margaret Johnston ’23

3. Ben Harrington ’23 and Matt Harrington ’88

8. Clay Torbert ’87, James Torbert ’23 and Bo Torbert ’20

13. Carolyn “Bitsy” Young ’89 and Carolyn “Elle” Young ’23

4. Chris Miyamoto ’92 and Alexandra Miyamoto ’23

9. Cecily Stern ’23 and Jim Stern ’83

14. Gregory Adler ’79 and Kaylann Adler ’23

5. Lucas Roberton ’23 and Rob Roberton ’91

10. Eric Kallen ’90 and Claire Kallen ’23

15. Frank Rooney ’88 and Patrick Rooney ’23

2. John Henry Sorrells ’74, John Henry Sorrells III ’23 and John Henry Sorrells Jr. ’94

50 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

18. Jennifer Burns O’Leary ’92 and Casey O’Leary ’23 19. Maria Rachal ’18, Trey Rachal ’23 and Bill Rachal ’82 20. Price Blackford ’73, Todd Echols ’23 and David Geer ’65

40 36. Clara Cochran Lee ’22 and Jennifer Lee ’94 37. Caroline Boone Mitchell ’89 and John Mitchell Jr. ’23

21. Bob Wittpenn ’82 and Sarah Wittpenn ’23

26. Rob Fenstermacher ’85, Reeve Fenstermacher ’23 and Lowell Fenstermacher ’26

31. Ellen Dulin ’23 and Susan Dulin ’92

22. Ashley Wilks ’90, Eliza Wilks ’23 and Sophie Wilks ’21 23. A.C. Hubbard ’59, ’62L, Hadley Cashman ’23 and Taylor Cashman ’21 24. Will Tucker ’19, Jimmy Tucker ’87, Katie Tucker ’23, Chris Tucker ’23 and Jonathan Tucker ’21 25. Rick Sorenson ’91L and Sallie Sorenson ’23

27. Tierney Harmon ’23 and Marty Harmon ’84 28. Rebecca Hagigh ’23 and Dave Hagigh ’83 29. Jon Kelafant ’83 and Gerritt Kelafant ’23 30. W. Kirk Ogden ’93 and Jessica Ogden ’23

32. Sarah Hayne ’23 and Jaimie Hayne ’86 33. Betsy Driscoll ’23 and Charles Driscoll ’89 34. Thomas O. Lawson ’56, Carter Lawson ’15, Brantley Lawson ’18, Caroline Lawson ’23, Katheryne Lawson ’12 and Ty Lawson ’83

38. Taylor Williams ’89, Sam Williams ’23 and Kathryn Williams ’21 39. David Seifert ’87 and Nicholas Seifert ’23 40. Chason Harrison ’88 and Virginia Harrison ’23 41. Joel Smith ’90 and Sellers Smith ’23 42. Aidan Lotruglio ’23 and Mark Lotruglio ’91 43. Hannah Dewing ’19, Kate Dewing ’23 and Henry Dewing ’85

35. David Connor ’85 and Finn Connor ’23

MAGAZINE.WLU.EDU 51

CHRONICLES

PHOTOS BY SHELBY HAMELMAN AND KEVIN REMINGTON

Sculptor Jocelyn Russell created this statue of Secretariat and jockey Ron Turcotte. During a road trip that included all of this year’s Triple Crown racetracks, she made a brief stop in Lexington at the Virginia Horse Center on April 27. The statue will find a permanent home in Ashland, Virginia, where Christopher Chenery (Class of 1909) grew up. In 1936, he established the nearby farm that produced Secretariat.

RACING INTO HISTORY BY JULIE CAMPBELL

T’S BEEN 50 YEARS since the and served on the university’s Board of Trustees great racehorse Secretariat won from 1950 to 1970. the Triple Crown (the Kentucky When he wasn’t presiding over boardrooms as a CEO, Chenery could be found at his Derby, the Preakness Stakes and Thoroughbred operation in Virginia, The the Belmont Stakes). And so it’s fitting that this Meadow, having bought in 1936 the Caroline spring, a statue of the Virginia-born racehorse County farm that had belonged to his kin. His made a stop in Lexington, as the man whose blue-and-white racing silks nodded to his dream produced Secretariat and many other top alma mater of W&L. He owned, bred and raced Thoroughbreds was a W&L alumnus and trustee such famed horses as Riva Ridge, winner of emeritus: Christopher Chenery, Class of 1909. the 1972 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Chenery (1886–1973) grew up in modest By 1968, Chenery, suffering from Alzheimer’s circumstances in Ashland, Hanover County, disease, had turned the business over to his Virginia. He rode horses belonging to a daughter Penny Chenery Tweedy. She arranged cousin in next-door Caroline County. Before the pairing of the famed racehorse Bold Ruler entering W&L in 1907, he attended Randolphand The Meadow’s broodmare Somethingroyal. Macon College and surveyed for a railroad. The result: Secretariat, born at The Meadow on He graduated with a B.S. in engineering and March 30, 1970. even taught the subject at W&L. The big red horse became a worldwide celebrity. He started his engineering career in Alaska The 1972 and 1973 Horse of the Year, he took the and the Pacific Northwest. During World War Triple Crown, set speed records, triumphed at the I, at Camp A. A. Humphreys (later Fort Belvoir), Belmont by 31 lengths, and won 16 of 21 total races. Virginia, he taught riding to cavalrymen. After The charismatic stallion was synthe war, he held various engineering dicated to stud for the then-record posts until 1926, when he embarked sum of $6.08 million. In late 1973, on a long corporate career that Secretariat retired to Claiborne included the creation of the Federal Farm, in Paris, Kentucky, where he Water and Gas Corporation, the lived until his death on Oct. 4, 1989. Southern Natural Gas Company, Chenery died on Jan. 3, 1973, four the Southern Production Company months before his most famous Inc., and the Offshore Company. For horse won the Kentucky Derby and W&L, Chenery chaired the bicenChristopher Chenery rocketed into history. tennial celebration in 1948–1949

52 THE WASHINGTON AND LEE MAGAZINE

Continuity Matters.

Students in Professor of Physics David Sukow’s Spring Term Stellar Evolution and Cosmology class stargaze at Peniel Farm.

Consistent annual giving year after year is crucial to continuing W&L’s legacy of exceptional liberal arts education. Nothing speaks more highly of a school than when they have a strong, supportive alumni base. So much of our experience was because of those who came before us. JOSEPHINE SCHAEFFER COVINGTON ’96, P’24 ANNUAL FUND CHAIR

Each year, on July 1, a new Annual Fund campaign begins. Just as a new academic year brings fresh energy and excitement to campus, consistent giving to the Annual Fund creates opportunities for students to reach their full potential. Your annual support, this year and every year, is a vital component of W&L’s success.

$10.29M raised from

More than

7,050

650

members of the W&L community in FY22-23 for the Annual Fund

alumni and parent volunteers helped make last year a success

Thank you to every graduate, parent and friend who donated to the 2022-2023 Annual Fund. Because of you, Washington and Lee will continue to develop students who lead lives of consequence.

CONTINUE YOUR SUPPORT WITH A GIFT TO THE 2023-2024 ANNUAL FUND TODAY. GO.WLU.EDU/GIVE

W&L Magazine 204 W. Washington St. Lexington, VA 24450-2116 www.wlu.edu

SCENE ON CAMPUS

1. Shannon Tozier ’25 and Madison Shelton ’26 dig a space for porch stairs in front of one of the two houses Rockbridge Area Habitat for Humanity is building in the Greenhouse Village neighborhood. 2. Students enjoy themselves at Fancy Dress 2023: The Greatest Show.

3. John Ryan Sedovy ’24, Brynn Martinson ’24, Catherine McKean ’24 and Liz Sullivan ’24 cheer on racing first-graders while doing nutrition outreach at Central Elementary School as part of Associate Professor of Biology Sarah Blythe’s Food for Thought Spring Term class. 4. Darnell Pelzer ’25, Sarai Warrick ’23 and Isis Keneah ’26 enjoy authentic African food at the Sankofa House’s Reggae Festival. (Photo by Bella Ferrate ’26)

5. Students from Instructor of Art Leigh Ann Beavers’ Eco Art course march through Wilson Hall wearing insect masks that they created. 6. On the evening of Commencement, Matt Majoy ’23 and Sean Doherty ’23 were commissioned into the U.S. Army, and Henry Holliday ’23 was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps, during a private ceremony in University Chapel.