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1 week ago | 
columns.wlu.edu | Laura Lemon
Opening the Notes app on her iPhone, Aby Joyner ’28 typed D-R-I-P. Having just finished Erin Crosby Eckstine’s “Junie,” Joyner transferred all of her circled words from Eckstine’s book, like “drip,” “tangles” and “ember,” to a list that unfurled thoughts in her brain. “It made me think of many things I could write about,” she said. “The way the rain dripped on the lake — how it sounded and how calming it was – when I was hiking and watched the creek.
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2 weeks ago | 
columns.wlu.edu | Laura Lemon
Most people are terrified of uncertainty, but that’s where all the good stuff happens.”~ Jay Margalus, Johnson Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and director of the Connolly Center for EntrepreneurshipStarting at 5 years old, students’ brains start thinking in terms of answers. What are the right answers to ace this test? What classes are preferred to get into the best college? What major will lead to the most successful career?
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1 month ago | 
chronofhorse.com | Laura Lemon
With the recent news that Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, will again host Olympic equestrian events at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, we’re looking back at the 1984 Olympic Games, a highlight for the U.S. Equestrian Team, with riders earning multiple show jumping and eventing medals in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Among the Games’ equestrian highlights were the performances of the U.S. show jumping squad, which earned its first team gold medal.
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1 month ago | 
columns.wlu.edu | Laura Lemon
Taking in the 360-degree view at 29,032 feet above sea level, Brandon Chalk ’00 realized the horizon didn’t just wrap straight around him like a stretched string. Instead, at the top of Mount Everest, he noticed a gentle bend. The curvature of the world was revealing itself. “Seeing the curvature of the Earth, I just sort of couldn’t believe it,” Chalk said. “I had these plans [to hike Mount Everest]. It was always a dream – I’m living it.’”The view looking west from Mount Everest’s summit.
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1 month ago | 
columns.wlu.edu | Laura Lemon
Everyone has an imagination. Everyone has an inner emotional life. And so, art classes tell them that that matters and that should matter their whole life. They need to take the time to listen to it.
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1 month ago | 
columns.wlu.edu | Laura Lemon
Billboard named Ainsley Daigle ’13 to its 2025 Women in Music list in the multisector category. Daigle, of Los Angeles, works as vice president of Firebird Artist Management at Firebird Music, an artist partnership company.
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2 months ago | 
columns.wlu.edu | Laura Lemon
Given only seven times since its creation, the Washington Award acknowledges those individuals who have exemplified profound philanthropy to Washington and Lee University and greater service to the nation. Approved by the Board of Trustees on Feb. 10, 2001, the award was established as the university’s highest accolade. Recipients receive a small copy of an 1826 sculpture of George Washington made by British sculptor Sir Francis Chantrey for the Massachusetts State House.
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2 months ago | 
columns.wlu.edu | Laura Lemon
Students danced to the 1948 theme of “Hampton Court under Charles II.”What do Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, a Trojan horse and medieval attire all have in common? They make up the eclectic fabric of Fancy Dress history. On the night of Feb. 12, 1907, the Washington and Lee University gymnasium first transformed for the Bal Masque-themed gala event, with evergreen hangings, Japanese lanterns, the VMI orchestra and silver urns of coffee and chocolate.
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Feb 18, 2025 | 
columns.wlu.edu | Laura Lemon
Studying the liberal arts, it’s like turning you into a Swiss Army knife. You can do so many different things.”~ Matthew Loar, director of fellowships and student researchFor the 2023-2024 academic year, a record number of 57 Washington and Lee University students were awarded nationally competitive fellowships — with the university seeing its first Marshall Scholar and Knight-Hennessy Scholar as well as continuing to be a top producer of Fulbright U.S. students.
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Feb 11, 2025 | 
columns.wlu.edu | Laura Lemon
The Roanoker Magazine highlighted Meg Smith ’12 on its “40 Under 40” list for 2025. The annual list acknowledges the young professionals and leaders who are making an impact in Virginia’s Roanoke Valley and shaping the future landscape of the region. Smith, who grew up in Roanoke, works as the chief operating officer for MKB, Realtors, which is the largest independent brokerage company in Southwest Virginia with 215 Realtors, seven offices and approximately $450 million in annual sales.
