2024-2025
Lifelong Learning Programs
Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends, It has been said that the most important outcome of a liberal arts education is the capacity for lifelong learning. John Dewey famously posited a similar idea in his 1893 essay, “Self-Realization as the Moral Ideal.” He said that society must
“cease conceiving of education as mere preparation for later life, and make it the full meaning of the present life.” Washington and Lee University centers this notion in its mission statement by embracing the idea that, while students learn and grow in exceptional ways during their time in Lexington, this institution instills the “capacity to think freely, critically, and humanely and to conduct [oneself] with honor, integrity, and civility” in preparation for “lifelong learning, personal achievement, responsible leadership, service to others, and engaged citizenship in a global and diverse society.” Our mission statement is not just empty rhetoric. This community embraces the challenge that there is always something new to learn, leading our alumni to be adaptable in a rapidly changing world and to remain mentally flexible enough to see the world from different perspectives. In the spirit of this commitment to ongoing personal growth, W&L operates one of the most respected lifelong learning programs in the nation. This catalog describes many exciting educational travel opportunities, campus seminars, and virtual programs that we’ll deliver for you in 2024–2025. Of course, these programs are not the only way to continue your lifelong learning journey, but we like to think they are some of the best options around. Where else can you interact with world-class scholars, artists, and practitioners in the good company of your W&L friends and family? Our programs will provide insights on current events and emerging trends; challenge you to discover new topics; and invite you to be an active participant in unique learning experiences. No matter where you are in your life, there are options here to fit your lifestyle. We’re sure something will pique your interest as you explore this year’s offerings. We look forward to welcoming you to the next chapter in your lifelong learning journey! Sincerely, Gary Kirk Director
Ruth Candler
Associate Director
Phone: 540-458-8723 Email: lifelong@wlu.edu Follow us on social media @wlulifelonglearning
Lisa D’Amelio
Program Coordinator
Program Calendar 2024–2025
Jan. 20–27, 2024 Cuba: From Revolution to Evolution
July 14–19, 2024 Wonderweek: A W&L Family College Adventure
Oct. 2–10, 2024 Flavors of Provence: A River Cruise
February 6–20, 2024 New Zealand’s Great Outdoors
July 20–29, 2024 Italian Biking Adventure: Dolomites to Venice
November 1–2, 2024 Law & Literature Seminar Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins–Valdez
March 8–9, 2024 The Institute for Honor Symposium: Addiction and Alienation in America April 19–25, 2024 Six–Day Getaway to Istanbul April 26–27, 2024 Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar Tess Gunty, The Rabbit Hutch May 24–June 1, 2024 Flavors of Northern Italy June 6–15, 2024 Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords with President Will Dudley and Dr. Carola Tanna June 12–22, 2024 Land of the Ice Bears June 21–29, 2024 Flavors of Northern Italy (2nd departure) July 7–12, 2024 Alumni College The Imitation Game: Artificial Intelligence and the Human Position
July 26–Aug. 3, 2024 National Parks and Lodges of the Old West July 30–Aug. 10, 2024 Western Europe’s Historic Coastal Cities and Art Centers
Jan. 22–29, 2025 Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage Feb. 22–March 10, 2025 Mystical India
September 2024 Ice Melt in Antarctica Webinar
April 22–May 1, 2025 Undiscovered Italy II
September 14–25, 2024 Wonders of Slovenia and Croatia
April 28–May 8, 2025 Treasures of Greece: A Cultural and Culinary Journey
Sept. 27–Oct.3, 2024 Weeklong Getaway to Vienna
May 4–15, 2025 South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, and Safari in Kruger National Park
Sept. 30–Oct. 10, 2024 Walking in Tuscany and the Italian Riviera October 2024 Scholarly Explorations: A Faculty Webinar Series Professors Henryatta Ballah, George Bent, Jamie Casey, Mark Drumbl, Josh Fairfield, Mark Rush, and Erich Uffelman
June 4–12, 2025 Secrets of Peru: Machu Picchu July 13–21, 2025 Great Pacific Northwest: Columbia and Snake River Cruise
Campus and Virtual Programs 2024
March 8-9, 2024
The Institute for Honor Symposium Addiction and Alienation in America
April 26-27, 2024
Tom Wolfe Seminar Tess Gunty, The Rabbit Hutch
July 7-12, 2024
Alumni College The Imitation Game: Artificial Intelligence and the Human Position
July 14-19, 2024
Alumni College Wonderweek: A W&L Family College Adventure
September 2024
Ice Melt in Antarctica Webinar Featuring a partner scientist from National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions
October 2024
Scholarly Explorations: A Faculty Webinar Series Professors Henryatta Ballah, George Bent, Jamie Casey, Mark Drumbl, Josh Fairfield, Mark Rush, and Erich Uffelman
November 1-2, 2024
Law & Literature Seminar Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez Visit our website wlu.edu/lifelong for additional programming throughout the year.
Institute for Honor 2024: Addiction and Alienation in America MARCH 8 – 9, 2024
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he 2024 Institute for Honor (IFH) symposium will consider “Addiction and Alienation in America: Corporate Responsibility and the Opioid Crisis.” Exacerbated by the pandemic, recent estimates indicate that over 1 million people have died from opioid overdoses in the U.S. since 2000, prompting experts to declare a public health emergency. This crisis has had a profound impact on society, affecting individuals from all socioeconomic and racial groups but disproportionately impacting communities with limited access to healthcare and support systems. Fueled by over-prescription and misuse of painkillers, the opioid crisis has prompted urgent discussions on policy reform, equitable treatment access, and greater awareness and education about opioids. This year, the IFH symposium will explore a range of ethical considerations, from pharmaceutical company culpability to physician prescribing practices. The 2024 IFH keynote address, “Raising Lazarus: The Search for Solutions—And Hope—To Addiction, The No. 1 Destroyer of Families in Our Lifetime,” will be delivered by journalist Beth Macy. Macy is the bestselling author of multiple books, including two critically acclaimed and incisive works addressing the opioid epidemic, Dopesick and Raising Lazarus. She was also a writer and executive producer for “Dopesick,” the Emmy award-winning Hulu series based on her book. Macy will be joined by a range of experts including Tammi Etheridge, visiting professor of law at W&L; R. Edward Freeman, University Professor and academic
Beth Macy KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Tammi Etheridge
director of the Institute for Business in Society at the University of Virginia; and Kate Nicholson, founder and executive director of the National Pain Advocacy Center. The symposium is directed by W&L’s Class of 1960 Professor of Ethics and Law, Kish Parella, who will engage each panelist in a ranging discussion about the ethical considerations inherent in the opioid crisis and its consequences. Established in 2000 at Washington and Lee by a generous endowment from the Class of 1960, the Institute for Honor includes an array of initiatives and specific programs designed to promote the understanding and practice of honor as an indispensable element of society. The Institute for Honor Symposium is dedicated to the advocacy of honor as the core value in personal, professional, business, and community relations. W&L’s weekend seminars offer participants a getaway in Lexington coupled with unique lifelong learning and social networking opportunities. Participants stay in local inns and hotels, while the program, receptions, dinner, and lunch are on the W&L campus. Programs begin on Friday afternoon and conclude after lunch on Saturday. *Five-Star Festival participants are automatically registered for this symposium.
Program Cost: $245 per person
R. Edward Freeman
Kate Nicholson
Kish Parella
The W&L Virtual Book Club LAUNCHING IN FEBRUARY 2024
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e invite you to join this dynamic literary community, a unique space for bibliophiles and casual readers alike. Take a deep dive into a wide-ranging selection of exciting books with insights from W&L faculty, students, and alumni. Engage in dialogue through facilitated reading groups and discussions. Access curated reading guides and supplementary materials. Join live, online lectures and webinars featuring faculty and other experts. Share your own book recommendations and reviews and get recommendations from your W&L family. Take advantage of in-person events in Lexington and other cities around the U.S. We are pleased to announce that our first book selection will also be featured during the Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar. In fact, your free book club membership will allow you to participate in an on-campus pre-seminar discussion with our student moderators. The Rabbit Hutch (2022) by Tess Gunty follows Blandine Watkins and an ensemble of characters in fictional Vacca Vale, Indiana as they grapple with the angst of young adulthood, the consequences of trauma, the awkwardness of young love, and the epidemic of loneliness. Winner of the 2022 National Book Award, this novel captures the zeitgeist of middle America with clever insight and rich narrative. A SNEAK PEEK AT UPCOMING BOOK CLUB SELECTIONS Harlem Shuffle (2021) by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead (Nickel Boys, The Underground Railroad) gives life to a cast that is somehow both farcical and relatable. A crime novel on its surface, the underlying narrative reveals a deep study in character development and an exposition on race in 1960s New York City.
Liberation Day (2022) by George Saunders, whose previous novel, Lincoln in the Bardo, won the 2017 Booker Prize, is a collection of short stories. Like many authors of dystopian fiction, Saunders challenges his readers to consider the irrationality of our collective current reality by extending our moral, social, and political trajectories to the extreme. Saunders excels in the ability to build these futures around individual characters with varying levels of agency, often highlighting the prospect that we may not be in control of our own destinies and that these futures may not be far off. Prophet Song (2023) by Paul Lynch recently won the Booker Prize for its chilling, provocative portrayal of a fascist insurgence in Ireland and a mother’s struggles to protect her family. Praised by critics equally for its ability to evoke terror and its extraordinary writing, Lynch’s latest novel will be hard to put down and even harder to forget. Take My Hand (2022) by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a fictionalized account of a heartbreaking true story of forced sterilization and eugenics in post-segregation Alabama. The book follows a family and their nurse affected by racist government practices and the legal battles that ensue. Winner of the 2023 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work-Fiction. This book club selection will coincide with the 2024 Law & Literature Seminar in Lexington. To register for our new book club, please visit our webpage go.wlu.edu/LL-bookclub or send us an email at lifelong@wlu.edu.
BREAKING NEWS:
After a brief hiatus, the W&L Virtual Book Club is scheduled to re-launch in February 2024! Below is a sample of our upcoming book club selections.
SCAN TO JOIN THE VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
PHOTO BY LAUREN ALEXANDRA
Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar:The Rabbit Hutch Featuring Author Tess Gunty APRIL 26 – 27, 2024
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he 2024 Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar highlights author Tess Gunty and her debut novel, The Rabbit Hutch, which offers readers a raw look at the angst of young adults, the consequences of trauma, and the epidemic of loneliness in American life. Gunty is the newest participant in this series, which has included literary luminaries such as Amor Towles, Geraldine Brooks, Jennifer Egan, Jesmyn Ward, and Delia Owens. This year will be the 19th annual Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar. Sponsored by the W&L Class of 1951 in honor of their late classmate Tom Wolfe, the program honors a distinguished writer and observer of the American scene. In The Rabbit Hutch, Gunty weaves a tapestry of characters living in Vacca Vale, Indiana, a Midwestern city in decline. The novel focuses on four young adults sharing an affordable housing unit after aging out of the foster care system. As the central characters contend with their nascent adulthood and the challenges of cohabitation, Gunty introduces other residents of The Rabbit Hutch, whose adjacent stories underscore the anxiety and hopelessness that permeate the book. The novel highlights the oppressive nature of modern life and coping mechanisms that range from the mundane to the eccentric, challenging readers to consider the consequences of capitalism, environmental degradation, and sexual power dynamics. Gunty has received numerous accolades for The Rabbit Hutch, including the 2022 National Book Award, the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize, and the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize. The book was also a finalist for National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Prize and the British Book Award for Debut Fiction. In 2023, it was named to the short list for the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award. Gunty’s debut was on nearly every best book list in 2022-2023.
Critics and reviewers have praised the virtues of this New York Times bestseller. • Kirkus Reviews called The Rabbit Hutch, “A stunning and original debut that is as smart as it is entertaining” and a “darkly funny, surprising, and mesmerizing novel” that captures “what it means to be awake and alive in a dying building, city, nation, and world.” • The Guardian said, “It’s a story of love, told without sentimentality; a story of cruelty, told without graciousness. Gunty is a captivating writer…” • The New York Times Book Review noted that Gunty “has a way of pressing her thumb on the frailty and absurdity of being a person in the world; all the soft, secret needs and strange intimacies.” Gunty will be joined in the seminar by two W&L faculty members. Genelle Gertz, the Thomas H. Broadus, Jr. Professor of English, will discuss women mystics and the role of Hildegard von Bingen in the novel. While Diego Millan, assistant professor of English and core faculty in Africana studies, will deliver a talk entitled, “Laughter, Transcendence, and the Ties that Bind Us in Tess Gunty’s The Rabbit Hutch.”
Program Cost: $245 per person
Genelle Gertz
Diego Millan
ALUMNI COLLEGE
The Imitation Game: Artificial Intelligence and the Human Position JULY 7-12, 2024 “It’s quite conceivable that humanity is just a passing phase in the evolution of intelligence.” X GEOFFREY HINTON
Emeritus Professor, University of Toronto and former VP at Google
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rtificial intelligence (AI) has moved out of the realm of science fiction to become a pervasive element of modern life. From digital home assistants to self-driving cars and chatbot customer service agents, AI is not just transforming the lives of early adopters—it is affecting everyone. Businesses are swiftly adopting a host of AI tools to optimize their processes, reduce labor costs, and increase profits. Governments are not far behind, as federal agencies are already integrating AI into nearly every function, from increased surveillance by facial recognition technology to analysis of regulatory policy proposal comments via natural language processing. Educational institutions, too, are grappling with AI’s ubiquity. Beyond growing academic integrity concerns posed by widely accessible generative AI models, like ChatGPT, predictive modeling facilitated by AI has shown early promise as a way to improve student learning and outcomes by identifying students who would benefit from additional services. With rapid advancements in hardware and software capabilities, along with a proliferation of large data sets to fuel complex machine learning algorithms, questions invariably arise about the capacity for AI to perform functions previously believed to be solely in the human domain. Philosophers and scientists alike have been considering this possibility for longer than we might expect. In the 17th century, René Descartes famously
made the distinction between humans and automata based on the duality of body and mind, and more than 300 years later, British mathematician Alan Turing proposed a method to assess a machine’s ability to exhibit human behavior. Comforting refrains such as, computers are only as intelligent as the people who program them, may have carried some weight in the past, but, as we build systems capable of unsupervised learning, it is easy to imagine a scenario where AI outpaces human capacities and begins to act autonomously. In fact, some futurists have predicted this exact outcome as soon as later this decade. In this Alumni College program, we will explore the current state of AI and consider the likely futures for this technology and its possible impact on humanity. Professors Simon Levy (Computer Science) and Jeff Schatten (Business Administration) will be joined by other experts to lead our summer program. We are excited to bring together the disciplines of cognitive science, economics, philosophy, and information technology in a timely conversation about AI and how it will affect you. No prior knowledge of AI is required for this program, but there will be a test to verify you are human.
Program Cost: $900 per person On-Campus Housing in Semi-Private Townhouse or Apartment: $125 per person
ALUMNI COLLEGE
Wonderweek: A W&L Family College Adventure JULY 14 – 19, 2024
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he W&L campus and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley serve as our classrooms while we explore the liberal arts and sciences under the mentorship of a cadre of leading educators. Join us for a week to remember and experience college as a family. Building on Lifelong Learning’s tradition of highquality, family-oriented programming, Wonderweek will introduce W&L’s next generation to the breadth of a liberal arts education. A week of carefully selected workshops and activities will encourage youth (ages 8-16) to challenge themselves in a variety of settings and fields, boosting self-confidence and expanding horizons in a supportive and safe space. Did we mention that it is fun, too? Our participants love getting to know each other, talking to our current college student mentors, and using W&L’s excellent recreational and educational facilities. Parents and grandparents report that they have a great time interacting with their families in new ways while reliving their own college glory days. With over 20 different sessions, there is sure to be something for everyone—from budding writers to scientists, physicians to humanitarians, academics to attorneys. You can look forward to: • Engaging with W&L’s distinguished journalism faculty as you learn the tricks of the trade, from news writing to interviewing. Producing your own news story for the “Wonderweek Evening News.” • Walking through history hearing local legends, ghost stories, and college traditions, while also
learning the history of W&L and Lexington along with its connection to U.S. history. • Sharpening your acting and improvisation skills and practicing the scenic arts under the guidance of W&L’s theater faculty. • Paddling through serene waters while absorbing important geological and ecological concepts. • Stargazing, culinary adventures, virtual reality, and more to supplement this incomparable educational adventure. With an emphasis on experiential and active learning, the program will keep both youth and adults engaged throughout the week. In addition to an exciting lineup of academic courses, youth and adult participants will have the opportunity to take advantage of abundant recreational opportunities, including swimming, hiking, yoga, and open gym time. While Lexington offers many attractive lodging options for families, a limited number of shared residence hall spaces are available at an additional charge for families wishing to extend their college experience beyond the academic program. All youth must be accompanied by a registered family member for the duration of the program. Space is limited. Register today!
Program Cost: $400 per person On-Campus Housing in Semi-Private Townhouse or Apartment: $125 per person
A SAMPLE OF WONDERWEEK CONTRIBUTING FACULTY
Mark Coddington Associate Professor of Journalism & Mass Communication
Owen Collins Professor of Theater
Jemma Alix Levy Associate Professor of Theater
Inside the News: How to Write a News Story Like a Pro
Discover the Magic of Scenic Art
Acting and Improvisation
Janet Ikeda Associate Professor of Japanese
Toni Locy Professor of Journalism & Mass Communications
Jeff Schatten Associate Professor of Business Administration
A Window on Japan: Art, Crafts, Language and Customs
Journalistic Interviews and Confidential Sources
Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT
Holly Shablack Assistant Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science
Judy Strang Writing Center Consultant
The Cognitive Science of Emotions
The Joys of Journaling
Lifelong Learning Webinars REKINDLE THE WONDER OF DISCOVERY—ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
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et expert perspectives on current events, timely topics, and interesting subjects from W&L faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. Lifelong Learning webinars are the perfect meeting place for W&L faculty, alumni, parents, and friends to gather for informed discussions of today’s issues. Our webinars provide access for all members of the W&L community to participate from the comfort of their homes or offices. Enjoy them live or watch archived versions at your convenience. FALL 2024 WEBINARS • Ice Melt in Antarctica featuring a partner scientist from National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions • The Larger World with Professors Mark Drumbl and Mark Rush • A Day in the Italian Renaissance with Professors George Bent and Erich Uffelman • Race and Poverty with Professor Henryatta Ballah
Our webinars are free, but live events require registration. To register for webinars and to find out about additional opportunities, visit our webpage at go.wlu.edu/LL-webinars From this site, you’ll also be able to access recordings of our previous webinars, including: • Ukraine, Russia, EU, and Vladimir Putin featuring Professors Rich Bidlack and Krzysztof Jasiewicz • The Black Vote and Representation in Congress featuring Professor Bob Strong and UNC Professor of Political Science Christopher Clark • Equality of Opportunity, Race, and Life Outcomes in the U.S. featuring Professors Art Goldsmith and Howard Pickett • The News Yesterday and Today featuring Professor Kevin Finch and Alex Jones ’68, director emeritus of the Shorenstein Center on the Media, Politics, and Public Policy at Harvard University
• Rethinking Economics Education for the 21st Century with Professor Jamie Casey • Our Planet Ourselves with Professor Josh Fairfield
SCAN TO REGISTER FOR THESE WEBINARS
Law and Literature Weekend Seminar: Take My Hand NOVEMBER 1 – 2, 2024
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he Law and Literature Weekend Seminar is a beloved tradition at Washington and Lee, showcasing the very best of the liberal arts by bringing together faculty and participants to study a single work of literature from legal, ethical, and literary perspectives. Our 31st program will consider Take My Hand (2022), a novel by Dolen Perkins-Valdez recognized with the 2023 Prize for Fiction from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, the 2023 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work-Fiction, and the American Bar Association’s Silver Gavel Award, which is awarded to “an outstanding work that fosters the American public’s understanding of law and the legal system.” Perkins-Valdez is a New York Times bestselling author and associate professor of literature at American University. She previously served as board chair for the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. Her previous novels were widely acclaimed, including Wench (2010), which explores the dilemmas faced by four enslaved Black women as they contemplate a risky flight to freedom, and Balm (2015), a novel that follows three Black women in the aftermath of the Civil War. Perkins-Valdez’s ability to craft compelling narratives that capture problematic episodes of American history is on full display in Take My Hand. Take My Hand is a fictionalized account of the events behind a federally funded program that led to the sterilization of over 100,000 women, most of whom were poor and Black or Latina. Often, consent for these procedures was obtained from guardians who were functionally illiterate, or it was collected through coercion. Relf v. Weinberger was filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center in response, which eventually led a federal court
to acknowledge and condemn the practice of involuntary sterilization. The novel paints a similarly compelling and tragic legal narrative. Perkins-Valdez chronicles this saga from the perspective of Civil Townsend, a Black nurse in post-segregation Alabama charged with birth control administration for two young girls, India and Erica Williams. After tubal ligation was performed on the Williams sisters at the direction of Civil’s employer, she struggles to reconcile her own moral obligations, her professional responsibility, and her burgeoning sense of regret. Issues of medical ethics, informed consent, reproductive rights, and eugenics abound, providing many important opportunities for discussion. This year, our Law & Literature Seminar will be guided by Allison Weiss, professor of practice. Weiss teaches legal writing and prison litigation in W&L’s School of Law. She will be joined by a team of experts as we consider this outstanding novel. This program is open to everyone interested in literature—you do not need to be an attorney to attend.
Program Cost: $275 per person
Alison Weiss
W&L After Class: The Lifelong Learning Podcast CONVERSATIONS WITH W&L’S RESIDENT EXPERTS
after class PODCAST
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n our podcast, W&L After Class, we invite you to join conversations with faculty who share their experiences, insights, and expertise. From accounting to the theatre to cybersecurity to the arts, listen to W&L’s resident experts in a casual, candid conversation as though you are strolling with them along the Colonnade. Intellectual curiosity is the core value behind our After Class podcast. This ongoing series of conversations with W&L faculty and staff provides an opportunity for lifelong learners, like you, to broaden your scholarly horizons, deepen your understanding, listen to a different perspective, or trace someone else’s personal and professional journey. After Class offers expert insights on an extraordinary variety of subjects that span law and the liberal arts and sciences.
In each episode, you will get to know a W&L community member on the leading edge of their scholarly disciplines and practical pursuits. Meet new members of the W&L community and reconnect with your favorite professors and mentors. After Class invites you to listen in on the discussions that remain vital to the W&L experience. Join the host of After Class, Ruth Cleaveland Candler, as she brings W&L’s world-class experts to you. Access the first four seasons and follow W&L After Class to be the first to hear new episodes on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, find every episode on our website at go.wlu.edu/LL-podcast.
FOR A SAMPLE OF OUR OUTSTANDING CONTENT consider these thought-provoking episodes: Find Your People—Absolut(e) W&L Amanda Bower, Charles C. Holbrook, Jr. ’72 Professor and Head of Business Administration, discusses the value of studying and teaching advertising in a liberal arts setting.
Into the Vault—Exploring Washington and Lee’s Special Collections and Archives Tom Camden, W&L’s retired Head of Special Collections and Archives, takes us on an audio tour of the university’s extensive catalog of unique and significant items.
She’s Got Game! A Conversation About All Things Athletic Jan Hathorn, W&L’s Athletic Director, discusses the distinction between athletes and student-athletes, the changes to make W&L’s renowned swim test more equitable, and what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated profession.
Accountant or Detective — A Credit to Her Profession Megan Hess, Associate Professor of Accounting, talks about what it’s like to investigate corporate fraud, how she grew up to love accounting, and her passion for teaching.
Paying It Forward—Exploring Black Identity, Family, and Southern-ness in the 21st Century Michael Hill, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies and Director of the DeLaney Center, discusses how his formative experiences shaped his path as a scholar.
The Nose Knows—The Science of Smell Tyler Lorig, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science describes his research to understand the olfactory system and its impact on everyday life.
Real World Solutions—Connecting Conversations in the Classroom to Human Rights and Corporate Accountability Kish Parella, Class of 1960 Professor of Ethics and Law, explores corporate accountability and consumer education.
SCAN TO ENJOY ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES
Lifelong Learning Reviews CAMPUS PROGRAMS We both delight in attending the summer Alumni College. Living on the W&L campus in comfortable accommodations, attending stimulating lectures by talented professors, enjoying delicious meals, and having meaningful conversations all make for a great week. Alumni College is the best college experience—all the fun of learning with no exams. We love meeting new and interesting acquaintances, catching up with friends from past events, and sitting out on our porch at night to enjoy the ambience and companionship. X LINDA REYNOLDS AND ROSCOE REYNOLDS ’67L
Last summer two of my grandkids and I attended the Lifelong Learning Outdoor Science Program. What a wonderfully informative four days. My granddaughter
and grandson loved the field specimen collection activities and the laboratory follow-up studies. The accommodations and food were great, and both grandkids got to experience the W&L campus, faculty, and staff in a very personal way. I highly recommend it! X ALAN S. NEESE ’72
We loved every minute and would love to come back! A brilliant exploration of technology and science that was easily digestible for children yet captivating for adults! Genius staff and professors, engaging students, and FUN parents and alums made this program the gem of our summer! X GRAHAM SMITH ’02 AND SONS, COHEN & PATTON
TRAVEL PROGRAMS The Travel Program offers a wonderful way to stay connected with W&L. Not only are the trips first class but the educational component incorporated into each itinerary makes them that much more enriching. Our visit to Cuba in January 2024 was our sixth tour, and we could not be more enthusiastic about the people we have met and the sites we have visited. I highly recommend joining one of W&L’s excursions. You will not be disappointed. X JOHN EMBREE ’79
I have had the pleasure of being part of four W&L tours, and they have all been great fun. The educational content has always been stimulating, the food excellent, the drink plentiful, and the camaraderie the best. Traveling with a group of friends is sweet indeed. Do it. X ALEX S. JONES ’68
For the past two decades, my husband Tommy and I have experienced the extraordinary as we traveled the globe with the Lifelong Learning Program at W&L. From our first journey, a cruise of the Baltic in 1998, to our most recent trip (our 15th!) through the Panama Canal, we have been treated to rich learning opportunities that brought a whole new level of understanding and appreciation. Thank you for this amazing program! Everyone who traveled with us in the past continues to look forward to joining another W&L adventure! In fact, we’ve already registered for our next two! X MARGARET ANN BLAIR, P’99, ’06
W&L Travel Program May 2024 – June 2025
Flavors of Northern Italy MAY 24 – JUNE 1, 2024
Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords with President Will Dudley and Dr. Carola Tanna JUNE 6 – 15, 2024
Land of the Ice Bears JUNE 12 – 22, 2024
Flavors of Northern Italy (2nd departure) JUNE 21 – 29, 2024
Italian Biking Adventure: Dolomites to Venice JULY 20 – 29, 2024
National Parks and Lodges of the Old West JULY 26 – AUGUST 3, 2024
Western Europe’s Historic Cities and Art Centers— Amsterdam to Lisbon JULY 30 – AUGUST 10, 2024
Wonders of Slovenia and Croatia SEPTEMBER 14 – 25, 2024
Weeklong Getaway to Vienna SEPTEMBER 27 – OCTOBER 3, 2024
Walking in Tuscany and the Italian Riviera SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 10, 2024
Flavors of Provence OCTOBER 2 – 10, 2024
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage JANUARY 22 – 29, 2025
Mystical India FEB 22 – MAR 10, 2025
Undiscovered Italy II APRIL 22 – MAY 1, 2025
Treasures of Greece: A Cultural and Culinary Journey APRIL 28 – MAY 8, 2025
South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, and Safari in Kruger National Park MAY 4 – 15, 2025
Secrets of Peru: Machu Picchu JUNE 4 – 12, 2025
Great Pacific Northwest: Columbia and Snake River Cruise JULY 13 – 21, 2025
Stay Active. Learn Outdoors.
What happens when two respected and creative Washington and Lee programs collaborate? If you guessed, “a 300-kilometer bike trip through the idyllic Italian countryside ending in Venice,” you were correct!
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e are excited to announce that Lifelong Learning and the Outing Club have joined forces to offer our first collaborative, active educational adventure. This alliance brings together W&L’s strengths in educational travel and outdoor education to offer a unique program specifically designed for members of the W&L family who want to combine their love of physical activity with their quest to travel and learn. This new type of trip features significant time outdoors, and participants should expect several hours of moderate physical activity each day. We have designed a program that strives to be affordable while maintaining many of the hallmark elements of W&L tours. Accommodations will be comfortable and will highlight options that cater to active travelers. Mealtimes will provide opportunities to sample locally produced specialties and nourishing fare all while engaging with fellow adventurers. Educational opportunities throughout the journey will combine self-guided tours and expert interpretive guides.
Italian Biking Adventure: Dolomites to Venice JULY 20 – 29, 2024
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or our inaugural trip, we invite you to join us on a bike tour through some of the most beautiful countryside in Northern Italy. Our 300 kilometer journey will begin near the Austrian border in the northeastern Dolomites (southern Alps). You will ride through the Höhlensteintal Valley below the spectacular Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) to the Olympic city of Cortina d‘Ampezzo. Here we’ll make our first stop to climb a via ferrata built by soldiers during World War I or, for those who prefer it, a brisk hike to Monte Faloria. While in Cortina, we’ll also visit Hotel de la Posta where Ernest Hemingway lodged during his time in Italy and was reportedly inspired to write Across the River and Into the Trees. On the railway line of the former Dolomites Railway, we will continue to Pieve di Cadore, the birthplace of legendary Renaissance painter, Titian. The path continues through the valley to the Dolomite town of Belluno, famed for its tradition of making fine quality gelato.
Our trek continues through the foothills, heading first to Feltre and then on to Bassano del Grappa, where you can sample the bracing spirit that shares a name with its village of origin. Then, we’ll take a short detour to Asolo, the “city of a hundred horizons,” before we reach the plains and head to Treviso, known for its decadent tiramisù and as an Italian fashion center. Along the River Sile, we will cycle to our magnificent final destination, La Serenissima (aka Venice). The Floating City is ours to explore as we unwind before our final dinner together. The option to stay in Venice after the tour is a great way to take in the canals, piazzas, museums, palaces, and cathedrals that make this one of the world’s great cities. Join us for this inaugural program offered in partnership with the Outing Club. Participants should be prepared to bike between 45-80 kilometers per day, including moderate elevation changes. Space on this tour is extremely limited, so reserve your spot today.
Price: $1,875 from Venice; bike rental included. Operator: Funactive Tours
TRAVELING WITH YOU
JAMES DICK, Director of Outdoor Education James is a legend, having served as an educator and mentor for thousands of students at Washington and Lee. He has directed the university’s Outdoor Education department for 22 years and has led backcountry expeditions and adventure programs on four continents. He is also a frequent host for Lifelong Learning tours, including recent trips to the Galapagos Islands and the National Parks of the American Southwest. James graduated from the University of New Mexico.
National Parks and Lodges of the Old West JULY 26 – AUGUST 3, 2024
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he national parks of the American West are a trove of natural wonders and significant human history. Here, where the buffalo roam and the great mountains rise into snow, where rivers thunder into rapids and the eagle soars, you can find breathing space and glimpse the mythic grandeur of these national treasures. Over the years, W&L has traveled to these parks many times. We’ve been careful to include overnight stays in several historic park lodges that are, in our opinion, essential to the national parks experience. We are pleased to offer once more a package that combines several of our most beautiful and historic parks—Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Custer State Park—with accommodations at Spearfish Canyon Lodge, the state game lodge that served as the summer White House for Calvin Coolidge, and the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park.
In addition to the abundant natural splendor we will encounter, our tour includes introductions to the legends of the Old West in such places as Cody and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We’ll witness one of the world’s largest freeroaming bison herds and enjoy a chuckwagon cook-out. We’ll visit the world’s largest mammoth fossil site, where scientists are excavating remains of woolly mammoths. Our guides are specially trained in wildlife ecology, as well as history and lore, so this will be an educational adventure and a terrific holiday. With beautiful scenery, abundant flora and fauna, hiking, storytelling, and historic lodges, this trip will be unforgettable.
Price: $5,395 from Rapid City, South Dakota Operator: Orbridge
Western Europe’s Historic Coastal Cities and Art Centers: A Voyage from Amsterdam to Lisbon JULY 30 – AUGUST 10, 2024
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or centuries, Western Europe’s coastal cities have served as important centers for cultural and artistic exchange, bringing together traders, pilgrims, artists, and explorers. On this meticulously curated 12-day journey, including nine nights aboard the well-appointed Swan Hellenic Diana, you’ll visit 10 enchanting European cities in six countries along the Atlantic seaboard. This incredible opportunity to travel with W&L will be both educational and inspirational. Our adventure will begin in Amsterdam amid picturesque canals, iconic Dam Square, and the treasures of the Dutch Golden Age. The grandeur continues as we board the Diana to embark on the voyage of a lifetime. Over the next several days, we’ll uncover the secrets of Bruges’s medieval charm, explore Normandy’s historic sites in Honfleur, France, and bask in the beauty of St. Malo and the magnificent views from Mont-St.-Michel. The Abbey Gardens in the Isles of Scilly in Cornwall, England will enchant you, and the fortifications of Brittany’s Ville Close de Concarneau will transport you back to the 15th century. Our journey will continue with an excursion to Santiago de Compostela, the purported burial site of St. James. We’ll spend the final days of our tour in Portugal, sampling the sought-after wines of Amarante and the Duoro River region before we disembark in Lisbon, departing with cherished memories of an extraordinary European odyssey.
Our vessel for this exceptional journey is a state-ofthe-art, new generation expedition ship, launched in April 2023. With 96 beautifully appointed staterooms and balcony suites, the Diana features a spacious observation lounge, a restaurant, an outdoor café/bar, a spa and sauna, and a library. The Diana is equipped with the latest safety equipment and environmentally friendly technology. Experience the epitome of luxury and culture on this splendid tour. Reserve your place today for an unforgettable journey through Europe’s treasures.
Price: From $8,590 from Amsterdam, Netherlands Operator: Thalassa Journeys
TRAVELING WITH YOU
ELLIOTT KING, Associate Professor of Art History Elliott teaches courses in modern American and European art. A native of Colorado, he received his B.A. from the University of Denver, his M.A. from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, and his Ph.D. from the University of Essex. His research focuses on post-war surrealism, with publications that include Radical Dreams: Surrealism, Counterculture, Resistance (co-edited with Abigail Susik, 2022), which was shortlisted for a Modernist Studies Association book prize. He currently serves as Vice President of the International Society for the Study of Surrealism.
Wonders of Slovenia and Croatia SEPTEMBER 14 – 25, 2024
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oveted by the ancient Greeks and Roman emperors alike, the coastline of Croatia and Slovenia along the Adriatic continues to entice modern explorers with its many riches—stunning natural beauty, significant history, and cultural jewels. Sun-dappled islands and well-preserved medieval towns dot the coast, each retaining its own authentic character and showcasing the idyllic marriage of land and sea. We begin our tour in Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, and discover magical Lake Bled before continuing to Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s largest national park. We’ll admire the park’s beautiful lakes, caves, and waterfalls before heading to Zadar to begin our 7-night Adriatic cruise aboard the spectacular Queen Eleganza. Launched in 2018, this beautiful 18-cabin yacht features a casual ambiance and the ability to call at small islands and ports not accessible to large cruise ships. We will sail along the Croatian coast from Istria to Dubrovnik, disembarking at charming cities such as Split, Hvar, and Korčula. As our ship approaches these ancient ports, we will be greeted by fortified walls rising from the water’s edge to protect towns that seem to belie a tumultuous history of two millennia. The dramatic stone buildings with distinctive tiled roofs and cobblestone streets are among the most picturesque in the world. In the distance, mountain peaks frame distinctive period architecture and untold archaeological treasures. Our leisurely pace allows ample time in port to sample regional cuisine and mingle with locals. This special program aboard the Queen Eleganza has very limited space. Reserve your cabin today to ensure you are part of this program exclusive to W&L travelers.
Price: From $7,990 from Ljubljana, Slovenia Operator: Criterion Travel
Vienna Weeklong Getaway: Discovering Austria’s Capital City and the Danube Valley SEPTEMBER 27 – OCTOBER 3, 2024
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ith its breathtaking architecture, iconic landmarks, and abundant cultural heritage, Vienna has inspired countless artists and intellectuals throughout history. Musical luminaries from Mozart and Beethoven to Mahler and Strauss walked these streets, as did artists and intellectuals as recognizable as Klimt and Freud. Today, Vienna boasts vestiges of the Habsburg Empire, including the opulent Belvedere, Hofburg, and Schonbrunn Palaces, plus artistic treasures beyond compare. The historic city center is home to the celebrated Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Musikverein, while modern Vienna has developed a world-renowned coffee house culture and a culinary scene supported by abundant cafés, restaurants, and taverns serving delicious food and wine. Our itinerary includes visits to notable landmarks, including the Vienna Ring Road, Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna Opera House. We will attend a performance by the Vienna Boys Choir before taking a day away from the city in the Danube and Wachau Valleys, where we will visit historically important trade route towns, Dürnstein and Krems. Our trip includes a stop in Melk, known as the “Cradle of Austria” and home to a Benedictine abbey in operation since 1089. An optional boat tour explores the Seegrotte, Europe’s largest underground sea grotto. Vienna’s rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality offer an unforgettable travel experience for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of one of Europe’s most beloved cities.
Price: From $3,695 inclusive of airfare from Washington, D.C. Operator: Jet Vacations
Walking in Tuscany and the Italian Riviera SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 10, 2024
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he enthusiastic reviews of our Italian walking tour in the fall of 2022 have convinced us to offer it again in 2024. The magnificent landscapes of Tuscany and the Italian Riviera continue to inspire us to slow down, take deep breaths, and fully immerse ourselves in a distinctive cultural experience. This tour offers a unique way to explore major cities, lesser-known Tuscan villages, and the coastline of the Ligurian Sea. From delectable cuisine, wines, and cheeses to stunning cathedrals and medieval walls, we will uncover the hidden treasures of this beloved corner of Italy through a series of guided walks in Florence, Montalcino, Siena, Colle di Val d’Elsa, and more. We’ll rise each day to the murmur of local life in picturesque Italian towns before we stroll along lightly traveled, cypress-lined byways. As we make our way from Florence to Genoa, we will visit significant historical sites and architectural treasures, such as the village of Pienza, the Abbey of Isola, and the cliffside villages of the
Cinque Terre. Each day will offer the opportunity to dine in charming trattorias and ristorantes off the beaten path. Carefully selected small hotels and inns, where hospitality flourishes, will ensure that our group is well rested for daily walks of three to six miles. Our walking tours are perfect for those seeking an unparalleled sensory experience and a more active itinerary. With expert guides, wine with every dinner, and transportation for those who wish to rest between destinations, the Walking in Tuscany program promises an unforgettable adventure in central Italy. This private W&L tour is limited to just 26 travelers, so be sure to reserve your spot quickly for this highly soughtafter departure. Options to extend your tour include a pre-trip program in Florence and a post-trip program in Rome.
Price: $6,590 from Florence, Italy Operator: Royal Adventures
Flavors of Provence: A River Cruise OCTOBER 2 – 10, 2024
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rance’s storied southeastern region is known for its fields of olive trees, vineyards, seasonal sunflowers and lavender, medieval architecture, and French markets. The sum of these glorious parts creates an inspiring setting for discovery along the scenic Rhône and Saône rivers heightened by an embarrassment of culinary riches. Your palate will delight in regional delicacies from bouillabaisse and ratatouille to pastis and rosé; you will visit an artisanal olive oil mill, witness a truffle hunt, and experience the art of French cheesemaking; and you will channel your inner baker when you craft a baguette under the tutelage of a master. Beneath the azure Mediterranean sky, ignite your curiosity ambling through the traboules, a network of mysterious passageways in Lyon. Soak in historic Avignon, home to the Palais des Papes, or Palace of Popes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Delight in the
quaint village of Les Baux-de-Provence perched in the picturesque Alpilles mountains. Culture, history, and natural beauty stimulate the mind and satisfy the soul on this journey. Cabins aboard the Amadeus Provence, our home base for seven nights, are the perfect place to unwind after immersive shore excursions. Broad windows, stylish furnishings, and attentive room service complement the vessel’s five-course evening menus and spacious public areas. Flavors programs are among W&L’s most popular tours, so spaces are expected to sell out quickly. Since W&L pricing reflects a discount of more than $1,000 per couple, we urge you to reserve your spot without delay.
Price: From $4,795 from Lyon, France Operator: Orbridge
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage JANUARY 22 – 29, 2025 Exhilarating. Inspiring. Remote. Spectacular. Antarctica! Bypass the Drake Passage Crossing with a Rare Opportunity to Fly Directly to and from the Antarctic Peninsula
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oin us for an amazing adventure to the least visited continent. On this exciting new itinerary, we will fly from Puerto Natales, Chile, directly to King George Island off the coast of Antarctica, eliminating the long journey across the Drake Passage by sea. Research scientists from around the world share this island with abundant wildlife, including giant petrels and elephant seals. It is here we’ll board the National Geographic Explorer to discover the tranquility of the Antarctic Peninsula. Witness massive glaciers and endless white mountains rolling to the horizon. Enjoy the amusing antics of Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins in their rookeries, bobbing by on an ice drift, or catapulting onto the shore. Watch for whales off the bow of our ship; glide around enormous icebergs in nimble Zodiacs; and kayak in complete stillness, venturing into channels and coves framed by soaring peaks. Our partnership with Lindblad Expeditions gives our travelers access to a team of renowned, passionate experts who will illuminate each alluring aspect of Antarctica. A dedicated undersea specialist will help you identify the abundant marine mammals, and expert naturalists will identify birds that frequent this distinctive ecosystem. Onboard photography experts will assist as you capture these amazing experiences for posterity. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime, a well-deserved massage, or
shipboard camaraderie. National Geographic Explorer is the quintessential luxury expedition ship with a fortified hull and advanced navigation equipment. You will benefit from over 50 years of polar experience. This is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and it should not be missed! Take the plunge with W&L by registering today. Space is limited.
Price: From $9,878 from Puerto Natales, Chile Operator: Lindblad Expeditions
BANNER: ANTARCTICA BOURGEOIS FJORD AA336 | PHOTO BY MICHAEL S. NOLAN THUMBNAIL: ANTARCTICA CUVERVILLE ISLAND AA580 | PHOTO BY RALPH LEE HOPKINS
Mystical India FEBRUARY 22 – MARCH 10, 2025
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ystical and spiritual, chaotic and confounding, India overflows with riches. Travel the classic Golden Triangle in northern India, visiting the bustling capital city of Delhi; Agra, home of the sublime Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, the historic home of the Rajput warrior caste. We begin our journey touring the important sights of both Old and New Delhi, including a rickshaw ride through colorful Chandni Chowk market, where vendors hawk everything from spices to sweet confections and
saris to jewelry. In Jaipur, dubbed the Pink City for its signature architecture, we will visit the stunning Hawa Mahal palace and the hilltop Amber Fort before dining in the home of a Rajasthan family. Our tour continues in Ranthambore National Park, a former royal hunting preserve and the current home to a diverse ecosystem supporting its apex predator, the Bengal tiger. En route to the ancient Mughal stronghold of Agra, we visit Chand Baori, a ninth century stepwell descending nearly 100 feet into the ground via 3,500 steps. Few sights will compare to the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of undying love for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. We will wrap up our time in Agra with an Indian cuisine cooking lesson. Our journey ends with three nights in Varanasi, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. Cruising on the Ganges, we will experience life along the sacred river and witness a traditional aarti ceremony. We will also visit nearby Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites, and the Sarnath Museum, which houses a superb collection of Buddhist artifacts. Our small group, limited to 24 travelers, will stay at well-appointed hotels and dine in a variety of traditional venues. In-country transportation is provided via a combination of motorcoach and domestic flights. An optional post-tour extension offers the chance to absorb the beauty of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal.
Price: From $6,387; airfare included from Boston or New York Operator: Odysseys Unlimited
Undiscovered Italy II APRIL 22 – MAY 1, 2025
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he gentle breezes off the Mediterranean in central Italy are balmy and fragrant in April, creating an idyllic setting for exploration and adventure. On the latest incarnation of our popular Undiscovered Italy series, we will take advantage of the vast store of art, culture, and history in Italy’s Umbria and Le Marche regions. The lovely towns and cities we will visit are celebrated for their warm hospitality and abundant sunshine as well as town squares dominated by Romanesque and Baroque cathedrals and monuments offering clues to Italy’s storied past. Our journey begins along the shores of Lake Trasimeno, where the medieval town of Passignano awaits with its impressive fortifications and spectacular views. A short boat cruise to Isola Maggiore reveals extraordinary 14th and 16th century architecture and paintings. We will explore the hillside town of Spello; Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis; and Perugia, Umbria’s capital city and a gastronome’s paradise. Later, in Bevagna, Montefalco, and Spoleto, our journey includes an abundance of Roman monuments, renowned wines, and medieval wonders.
As we continue on to Le Marche, we will discover the secrets of Urbisaglia, Macerata, Ascoli Piceno, and Ripatransone, including a 12th century Cistercian abbey, the local delicacy called olive all’Ascolana, a city center built of ivory-white travertine, and a fifth-generation winery with panoramic views. Our visit to this beautiful region also includes time in Recanati, the birthplace of Italian philosopher and poet Giacomo Leopardi, and Serra San Quirico, known for its small “coppertelle” arches that run along the city walls. We will conclude our tour of Undiscovered Italy with a drive along the Conero Riviera, basking in stunning coastal vistas. Sought-after W&L faculty host George Bent will accompany this tour. His incomparable knowledge of medieval and Renaissance art and architecture makes this tour a rare opportunity to combine central Italy’s breathtaking natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history with a remarkable learning experience. Register today as we expect this tour to fill quickly!
Price: From $4,995 from Washington DC and other gateways Operator: Jet Vacations
TRAVELING WITH YOU
GEORGE BENT, Sidney Gause Childress Professor in the Arts George teaches medieval and Renaissance art and architectural history with a specialization in the visual culture of Italy. His research explores Florentine painting, manuscript illuminations at the end of the fourteenth century, and the digital reconstruction of early modern architecture using LiDAR scanners to produce point clouds of structures. He holds a B.A. in history from Oberlin College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in the history of art from Stanford University.
Treasures of Greece: A Cultural and Culinary Journey APRIL 28 – MAY 8, 2025
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oin us in spring 2025 for a visit to Naxos, Santorini, and Crete—three of the most picturesque islands in the Aegean Sea—on a journey exploring amazing archaeological sites and monuments that speak to Greece’s enduring influence on Western culture. We will immerse ourselves in the discovery of another Greek gift to the world—the cuisine that forms the basis of the celebrated Mediterranean diet. We will begin in Athens, where we will combine tours of the iconic Parthenon and ancient Agora with visits to the city’s main food markets and meals in award-winning restaurants serving traditional Greek fare. We will sail on to Naxos to explore the island’s Venetian heritage, impressive Byzantine churches, and quaint villages. We will stop to enjoy the fruits of Naxos’s flourishing agricultural economy at restaurants dedicated to locally sourced organic produce, and we will visit an artisanal dairy farm that produces famous Naxian cheeses. On Santorini, we will focus our attention on the remarkable Bronze Age site of Akrotiri, preserved in volcanic ash and pumice nearly 4,000 years ago. Our group will also spend time in the village of Fira with its iconic whitewashed cubic houses. The island of Crete, which gave birth to Europe’s first civilization—the Minoan—is also one of the world’s great garden spots, home to an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Here we will combine traditional touring with activities that focus on healthful cuisine. We’ll explore the Minoan palaces of Phaestos and Knossos and the excellent Heraklion Museum, stopping frequently to enjoy meals in authentic restaurants, visit markets and artisanal food workshops, and meet with local people engaged in preserving centuries-old culinary traditions.
This unique journey takes place in the spring when Greece is carpeted with a profusion of wildflowers and aromatic herbs. This tour was specially crafted for Washington and Lee travelers. We hope you will join us!
Price: From $6,980 from Athens, Greece Operator: Thalassa Journeys
South Africa: A Discovery Journey to Cape Town, the Winelands, and a Safari in Kruger National Park MAY 4 – 15, 2025
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he allures of South Africa are many: incredible natural beauty, superb vineyards, and a fascinating and complicated political and cultural history. This distinctive tour combines it all in a package designed for W&L’s discerning travelers. Our journey begins in Cape Town, which offers access to the incomparable Cape Peninsula. We will marvel at the diverse wildlife of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Preserve, including mountain zebras, grysbok, and foxes native to Cape Point plus the jackass penguins of Boulders Beach. In the neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, we will see the colorful architecture of Signal Hill and visit a local resident to learn Malay cooking secrets and share a traditional meal. The imposing form of Table Mountain will call us to ascend its heights via cable car to capture extraordinary views. We will leave Cape Town en route to South Africa’s spectacular winelands region. Our tour includes cellar tours and guided tastings in the acclaimed vineyards of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. Our wine tastings will be paired with a farm garden tour and a cheese tasting.
A highlight of our time together will undoubtedly be our safari in Kruger National Park. This expansive park covers nearly five million acres and is home to a remarkable number of animal species, including Africa’s Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—and over 500 bird species. Our open-vehicle game drive will provide clear views of this iconic landscape. Our tour will conclude in Johannesburg, where we will reflect on the fight for racial equality in South Africa by visiting the Mandela Family Museum, the Apartheid Museum, Hector Peterson Square, and Soweto, site of a massive uprising led by Black students in 1976. This bucket list opportunity combines the charm of South Africa with extraordinary educational adventure. Reserve your spot today to ensure you are part of this private W&L experience with limited space.
Price: $10,695 from Cape Town, South Africa Operator: Classic Escapes
Secrets of Peru: Machu Picchu JUNE 4 – 12, 2025
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eru’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes offer travelers an awe-inspiring experience that stretches from the majestic Pacific Ocean to the towering Andes Mountains and on to the verdant Amazon. Our tour will focus on exploring the country’s legendary archaeological sites, diverse wildlife, and tantalizing culinary traditions at iconic destinations, including Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, and Paracas. An optional post-tour in the Amazon should not be missed! We will begin our Peruvian adventure by visiting the crown jewel of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu, in the Sacred Valley. Nestled high in the Andes, this ancient citadel unveils its secrets amid stunning mountain scenery. Our group will arrive on the Vistadome train before touring this UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoying lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, which offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu. On our city tour of Cusco, we will see further evidence of the engineering prowess of the Incans when we explore the mighty stronghold of Sacsayhuamán and the Temple of the Sun at Qoricancha, which blends Incan and Spanish cultures. We will transition from ancient marvels to modern Cusco as we explore the colorful stalls of local produce, textiles, and traditional crafts in the San Pedro Market. We will share a meal at Villa Tipón complemented by an ancestral tribute to Mother Earth and a live musical archaeological performance. Heading south to the coastal oasis of Paracas, a hidden gem along the Pacific Ocean, we will discover the otherworldly beauty of the Paracas National Reserve, where crimson cliffs meet the cerulean sea. Here we will pause to learn about the area’s unique wildlife before heading to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, penguins, and myriad bird species. An optional mid-afternoon excursion offers a dune buggy ride and sand boarding for the adventurous. Our group will
delight in the dramatic landscapes of the nearby desert dunes as we partake in a beach picnic at sunset. Finally, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of Lima, Peru’s bustling capital, where Spanish colonial architecture meets a burgeoning contemporary art scene. Lima’s renowned culinary scene will be on display as we embark on a city food tour to sample Peruvian delicacies. We will have the opportunity to see pre-Columbian treasures at the Museo Larco and an active pre-Incan archaeological excavation at the Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary & Museum. Embark with us on this tour of the Secrets of Peru, where ancient wonders, metropolitan delights, and coastal treasures converge to create an unforgettable educational adventure for avid historians, food enthusiasts, and nature-lovers alike.
Price: $5,495 from Lima, Peru Operator: Orbridge
Great Pacific Northwest: Columbia and Snake River Cruise JULY 13 – 21, 2025
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scape to the rugged coastlines, majestic mountains, and vibrant cities of the Pacific Northwest on a seven-night river cruise. Follow the Columbia and Snake rivers through areas inhabited by humans for at least 12,000 years, supported largely by the bounty of fish, birds, and mammals in this productive ecosystem. Treat yourself to breathtaking natural wonders and scenic landscapes. From lush, forested mountains to magnificent waterfalls and desert canyons, the terrain here changes rapidly, unlike anywhere else in America. Experience a front-row seat as we navigate through the famed lock and dam system, an awe-inspiring testament to human engineering. We’ll embrace the pioneering spirit of Lewis and Clark as we immerse ourselves in the history of the American West. After arriving in Portland, Oregon, we’ll spend an evening in Vancouver, Washington on the north bank of the Columbia. The next day we will embark on our journey aboard the American Empress, a venerable river boat outfitted with its own collection of regional and global art and artifacts. As we make
our way upriver, we will stop in Astoria, Oregon, a city purported to be the oldest settlement west of the Rockies, with its captivating Victorian architecture. We’ll also stop in Stevenson, Washington to marvel at the historic Bonneville Dam, a Depression era project that is one of the largest hydroelectric generators in the U.S. In The Dalles, we will learn about gold miners and gunslingers that transformed this remote area, and in Richland, we will visit a community shaped, in part, by its association with the Manhattan Project. Before our journey ends in Spokane, we will spend a day in Clarkston tracing the path of Lewis and Clark and enjoying inviting shops and cafes. For many, the evergreen beauty and dramatic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest approach a spiritual level. We hope that you will join us on this relaxing and informative adventure.
Price: From $4,999 from Portland, Oregon; economy, roundtrip airfare from $499 Operator: American Queen Voyages
Lifelong Learning Program Information Lifelong Learning at W&L inspires alumni, parents, and friends of the university to nurture their own intellectual curiosity and pursue ethical global engagement. Our unwavering commitment to a lifetime of learning, adventure, reflection, and personal growth is reflected in our portfolio of innovative educational programs and grounded in the liberal arts tradition. Lifelong Learning makes leading scholars, artists, and practitioners available to our constituents in Lexington and around the world. TRAVEL PROGRAMS Our programs are designed to provide enriching educational travel opportunities for W&L alumni, parents, and friends. All participants should enjoy traveling as part of a group and, as such, can anticipate the many advantages of group travel along with occasional delays or minor mishaps that occur with individual and group travel alike. The Lifelong Learning staff works closely with carefully vetted tour operators to minimize unexpected inconveniences. Neither Washington and Lee University nor the Office of Lifelong Learning will be held liable for any failure by tour operators to uphold contracted services or to meet the expectations of our travelers. Dates, schedules, program details, and costs (based on information available and in force by January 1, 2024) are subject to change and revision. Please note that all tour prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted. Single occupancy, when available, is limited and typically will be assessed a supplemental fee. Deposits are requested at the time of tour reservation and indicate your acceptance of the final terms of the tour package. Balance of payment is due upon receipt of the final invoice. Payment due dates, cancellation, and refund policies are set by individual tour operators. Refer to the tour brochure terms and conditions for specific information about each tour. Refunds are not available for unused meals, accommodations, or other included features. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers, and trip cancelation insurance should be considered. CAMPUS PROGRAMS On-campus program fees typically include instructional costs, meals, and program materials. Lodging is not included in the program fee. We encourage seminar and virtual book club participants to purchase their books from local book sellers or borrow from your local library. For summer programs, W&L has reserved a limited number of on-campus townhouses and apartments located in the Village. These accommodations provide semi-private lodging, often with shared bathrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, and sitting rooms. All on-campus lodging is equipped with Wi-Fi and is a short walk to free parking. These accommodations are a 10-15 minute walk to main campus, where most programming will occur. Residents must provide their own linens and towels. Residence hall space is not available during the academic year. For information about off-campus lodging options, please consult the Visitor Center of Lexington website: www.lexingtonvirginia.com. On-campus programs include a light breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the hours of the program along with special receptions and themed meals specific to each event. Dietary restrictions and preferences will be accommodated whenever possible. REGISTRATION AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Registrations for all Lifelong Learning programs are honored in the order of receipt. To register, visit our website at wlu.edu/lifelong and select the program you want to attend. For assistance or additional information about any of our programs, contact us at (540) 458-8723 or lifelong@wlu.edu. Phone: 540-458-8723 Email: lifelong@wlu.edu Follow us on social media @wlulifelonglearning
Lifelong Learning Archives
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ver more than four decades, Washington and Lee University’s Alumni College has explored a wide range of topics. A quick scan of our physical archives on campus reveals the program’s multidisciplinary roots, its occasionally playful approach to learning, and a subset of topics that foreshadowed the complex world of the 21st century. A sampling includes 1983’s Japan: Beyond the Headlines, 1990’s Our Global Environment: Can We Save the Future?, 1995’s Baseball and American Culture, 1996’s Computer Workshop focused on the Internet, 1999’s The Jazz Age, 2002’s The Life and Times of Napoleon, 2010’s Native American History and Culture, and 2023’s America in the 1960s. While these materials are not all available online, W&L has, since 2013, captured the opening lecture and select keynote addresses from many Lifelong Learning programs on video. We think this is an underutilized resource, so we would like to highlight a few of the fascinating lectures available in our online archive and encourage you to peruse the full list.
The Soil and Seeds of Harlem Renaissance Art (2022) Lena Hill, University Provost and Professor of English and Africana Studies, presents the first session from the Alumni College’s Literature, Music, and Art of the Harlem Renaissance.
Perspectives on the Middle East (2022) Seth Cantey, Associate Professor of Politics and core faculty member in the Middle East and South Asian Studies programs, presents the first session from the Alumni College’s Perspectives on the Middle East.
Lowering the Temperature, and the Stakes, of Politics (2019) George F. Will, Pulitzer Prize winning columnist for the Washington Post, presents the keynote address for the Institute for Honor Symposium, Civility and Public Discourse.
From Breughel to Steen: The Painting of Everyday Life (2017) George Bent, Sidney Gause Childress Professor of Art, presents the first session from Alumni College’s Rembrandt and the Dutch Golden Age.
The Speech: Goldwater, Reagan & the Origins of Modern American Conservatism (2016) Molly Michelmore, Associate Professor of History, presents the opening lecture from Alumni College’s The Presidency of Ronald Reagan.
The Road to War: 1914-1917 (2014) Barry Machado, retired Professor of History, presents the opening lecture from Alumni College’s The Great War.
Ideas of Honor and Virtue among the American Founders (2014) Craig Bruce Smith, Instructor of American History at Brandeis University, presents at the Institute for Honor Symposium, George Washington: Leadership with Honor.
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Dear W&L Family, The Washington and Lee classroom is a magical place. Expert faculty welcome students into realms of discovery that enchant not merely through the transfer of knowledge but through relationships shaped by the learning process. Our Lifelong Learning program extends this unique educational space beyond the undergraduate and law school years. I am grateful for this extension as both a faculty member who teaches in these programs and a student enriched by these offerings. Alumni College delivers a symphonic learning experience as instructors join forces to produce exceptional intellectual and artistic explorations. I treasure the lunch and dinner conversations, campus field trips and concerts, and intimate receptions at local homes woven throughout the program. These sites spark fresh ideas and new melodies that occasionally catch us by surprise, even the faculty. At the conclusion of our Harlem Renaissance program in 2022, one participant thanked the faculty with tears in his eyes. Our weeklong study was intensely moving. Shorter campus programs featuring visiting scholars and experts prove similarly stimulating. The Institute for Honor Symposium and the Law and Literature Weekend Seminar inspire and provoke. It is difficult to describe the high of listening to renowned authors give the opening address of the Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar and then discuss their own work alongside talented W&L faculty. Exploring novels like Where the Crawdads Sing and The Lincoln Highway—with the author joining a deeply invested audience for the discussion—has made for truly spectacular classroom experiences. There is also the sheer wonder of learning through educational adventures with the W&L Travel Program. These intriguing itineraries through majestic lands create lasting memories. Yet, when I reconnect with my fellow travelers in Lexington, I am reminded that the best part of my journey down the Rhine River and across Switzerland returned across the ocean with me: new friends. People make W&L special. Participants bring warmth, graciousness, and an authentic love for learning to these varied programs. How fortunate that our gifted Lifelong Learning team makes these extended and engaging classrooms available to the W&L community—I hope to meet you in one of these magical spaces soon. Warmly,
Lena Hill Provost and Professor of English and Africana Studies