Newsletter | Issue 4
A Year of Extraordinary Momentum BY BILLY WEBSTER ’79, P’20, P’22 CHAIR, LEADING LIVES OF CONSEQUENCE CAMPAIGN
As we welcome 2026, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude and pride on all that we have achieved together since publicly launching the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign just over a year ago. What a remarkable journey this has been, and what remarkable momentum continues to carry us forward. The past 15 months have been defined by milestones that will shape Washington and Lee University for generations. Bill Miller’s historic $132 million commitment to establish need-blind admissions represents a transformational leap toward ensuring that W&L can continue attracting the most promising students, regardless of financial circumstances. His extraordinary generosity encapsulates the spirit of this campaign: bold, forward-thinking and grounded in our unifying goal to create opportunities for exceptional students. We also celebrated the establishment of the Lettie Pate Evans Society, honoring one of W&L’s most influential benefactors. Today, the society includes 263 members, each demonstrating the powerful role women play in advancing philanthropy at W&L. Collectively, they have given $100 million since the beginning of the campaign — a testament to the leadership, vision and generosity of our alumnae, parents and friends. Our volunteers continue to be the heart of our success. Thanks to the tireless efforts of class agents, reunion leaders, parents and dedicated partners across the university, the W&L Fund reached a record $10.9 million in fiscal year 2025. As the campaign’s second-largest initiative, the W&L Fund has raised nearly $70 million since 2020, strengthening every facet of the university.
Billy Webster ’79, P’20, P’22