Dear Fellow Members of the Class of 1968: As your Class Agent I have often spoken to you about the important role the Annual Fund plays in the financial life of Washington and Lee: it provides our alma mater crucial unrestricted support that is used in many ways to “keep the lights on” (and buy new ones). Because it is expended rather than invested, as in the case of endowment funds, Annual Fund receipts have had the effect, in each recent year, of the income that would have been generated by well over $100 million in endowment. In these uncertain economic times the Annual Fund is even more important because the decreased value of the endowment has reduced the income it generates. I am a firm believer in the Annual Fund because it gives me an opportunity to repay some fraction of my indebtedness to Washington and Lee for the education and growth it gave me over 40 years ago. My Washington and Lee years prepared me well for law school and a legal career. However, what I have appreciated perhaps even more is that my course work with great teachers you remember such as Dean Pusey and Professors Coulling, Colvin, Futch, Dickens, Youngblood, Stewart, and many others too numerous to mention instilled in me a lifelong interest in learning about history, political systems, languages and music. Although I will never be able to fully repay the debt I owe for these benefits that are dear to me, I will continue to give back by supporting the Annual Fund as strongly as I am able. Another reason why I like to participate in the Annual Fund is that because I know the kind of things the Annual Fund is spent on, such as lab equipment, new computers (and keeping them in good repair), classroom supplies, creating and maintaining databases, new library books (and preserving old ones), I feel a strong sense of connection to and participation in the life of the University. I expect many of you feel the same too. I know that each of you, like myself, have your own particular reasons for treasuring Washington and Lee. If we love our special school in Lexington we should provide the financial support needed to preserve and improve its financial health. To my mind the Annual Fund is one of the most effective ways to do so. You may already have heard me refer to this year as a “year of participation.” This means that every gift to the Annual Fund is welcome, even if you are not able to give at the level you would like. So, in these tough economic times, I ask only that you give as generously as you can. This year how much you give really isn’t the only important thing; equally important is that you give to the Annual Fund at some level. Thanks very much. And, as usual, I am happy to hear from you about anything on your mind, at jasper2745@hotmail.com. With my best regards,
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Spring 2009 Report
May 5, 2009 Dear Members of the Class of 1968: Washington and Lee University has entered the second half of its 259th academic year with some notable accomplishments but also not unmindful of the problems and concerns which face so many people and organizations in these difficult times. Prudent leadership and conservative financial management have helped W&L avoid the worst effects of the current economy and build confidence that progress in meeting its strategic goals is possible. Class of 2012 One important achievement has been the 16-percent increase in the financial aid budget, which now stands at $22.7 million. With tuition at $36,525 this year and the average for all costs of attendance at $49,950, the ability to provide financial awards to 42% of the entering class is important. With the increased attention generated by the first year of the Johnson Scholars program, 6,386 young people applied in 2008 for admission, by far the highest total ever. The first-year class consists of 225 women and 231 men who continue the trend of steady improvement in the measurements of academic talent while also excelling in leadership, service to others and extra-curricular activities. They come from 39 states and 15 other countries. In addition to the 41 Johnson Scholars in this class, there are many other students, as there are in all of the classes, who rely upon financial aid to be able to attend Washington and Lee. Through the wonderful resources provided by the Class of 1968 Scholarship and others like it, the university is able to meet these needs. Class of 1968 Scholarship The Washington and Lee community is certainly grateful for the Class of 1968 Scholarship and the gifts which established it. We are proud to celebrate its contributions to the community by recognizing the wonderful young people it has brought and will bring to W&L. In the 2008-09 academic year, the recipient of this scholarship is again Samantha M. “Sam” Jimenez. As you know, Sam, Class of 2010 from Charlotte, North Carolina, is a sociology and German major. She is receiving this honor for the third year in a row. Please know how much the Class of 1968 Scholarship is appreciated here. You may have had an opportunity to meet Sam before. If you would like to meet with her again, or for the first time, please let me know with a few days notice of your plans to be on campus and I will do my best to arrange a meeting. Click here to continue reading about financial performance and related matters
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