Engaged Community
A Place Like No Other
When students and alumni describe what makes Washington and Lee special, they invariably mention the community. They don’t mean just a friendly campus; they’re referring to a culture that shapes character as much as it sharpens minds. The Speaking Tradition sets the tone, creating a campus where friendliness is second nature. The Honor System builds trust that deeply influences how students live and learn together. Students engage fully in service, in nature, and across campus, because four years at W&L are designed to nurture the whole person. Conversations continue beyond the classroom, and the university’s size ensures that every interest — academic, athletic, or creative — receives support. The bonds formed here endure for a lifetime.
Auspicious Beginnings
First-year programming at W&L encourages students to bond before they ever step into the classroom. Memorable activities introduce them to new friends, faculty mentors, student organizations and educational resources that make them a part of the community from day one.
Head Start
The AIM Program
Incoming first-year students may apply to participate in the Advanced Immersion and Mentoring (AIM) Program, a five-week residential experience or one-week virtual experience where students discover academic opportunities and resources, develop their leadership potential, and learn tips and tools increase their sense of belonging and overall well-being at W&L.
Rite of Passage
The Leading Edge
All first-year students at W&L participate in The Leading Edge, a small-group orientation program that provides students with the opportunity to begin their college careers with new friends, enhanced teamwork skills, and a memorable, challenging experience. Students can choose from a range of experiences focused on leadership, community service, outdoor adventure, sustainability, history and culture.
Diving In
Orientation Week
First-Year Orientation introduces new students to the traditions that are central to the University. The progam takes place over several days and introduces students to The Honor system, the Speaking Tradition, student self-governance, the undergraduate curriculum, and student organizations. Students also explore downtown Lexington and learn about campus resources to help them navigate their first year of college.
Strong Start
FYE 100: General Success
All first-year students are eligible to enroll in FYE 100: General Success, a one-credit course designed to assist with the transition from high school to college. The course aims to foster a sense of belonging, articulate the expectations of the University, empower students to solve problems with maturity, introduce them to resources and opportunities, and guide them as they clarify their direction in college. It teaches healthy habits that will help them both during their time at W&L and after graduation.
Community Matters
W&L is defined by an uncommon sense of community that begins with the Speaking Tradition, becomes ingrained through our Honor System, and pervades every part of campus life.
Just Say “Hey”
The Speaking Tradition
Our longstanding Speaking Tradition encourages people to greet each other in passing, fostering a friendly atmosphere and sense of community from the moment you set foot on campus.
One Golden Rule
The Honor System
W&L’s Honor System is simple: any action that violates the community’s trust may be considered an Honor Violation. The consequence is serious — dismissal — but the result is profound. Because trust is the norm, students enjoy rare freedoms: self-scheduled exams, open dialogue, and a campus culture rooted in respect, not rivalry.
Multi-Faceted
Campus Life
The beauty of a small campus is the wealth of opportunities to explore your interests. W&L students are never one-dimensional. They are artists and athletes, makers and explorers, fraternity and sorority members and community volunteers. With over 100 student clubs and organizations to choose from and plentiful resources to start something new, you’ll find countless ways to discover “your W&L.”
Off-Campus
Community Engagement
Opportunities to get involved don’t end at the edge of campus. Our students are active in the Lexington and Rockbridge County community as well, through Community-Based Learning courses, the Burish Internship and Bonner Leaders programs, and student organizations like the Nabors Service League, Remote Area Medical, and Campus Kitchen.
Many Parts, One Whole
The Washington and Lee experience extends far beyond the classroom, and focuses on the development of the whole person. Students have endless opportunities to explore their interests, develop their passions, and find community on campus.
Greek Life Participation
>70%
The popularity of the Greek system at W&L is a testament to both the camaraderie and the breadth of opportunities that they provide.
Community Service
28,465
hours of service to the local community logged by the W&L community in the 21-22 academic year.
On Stage
100+
annual theater, dance, and musical events in the Lenfest Center for the Arts, including student ensembles and internationally renowned performers.
New Outing Club Members
300+
Over 300 new members each year take part in Outing Club trips and activities, including backpacking, fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, caving and skiing.
Varsity Sports
24
The Generals field 24 varsity athletic teams in the Division III Old Dominion Athletic Conference, along with 20 club sports and a wide range of intramurals.
Student Organizations
100+
clubs and organizations, ranging from leadership and service to recreation and fitness, arts and culture to religious and spiritual life
Greek Life Participation
>70%
The popularity of the Greek system at W&L is a testament to both the camaraderie and the breadth of opportunities that they provide.
Community Service
28,465
hours of service to the local community logged by the W&L community in the 21-22 academic year.
On Stage
100+
annual theater, dance, and musical events in the Lenfest Center for the Arts, including student ensembles and internationally renowned performers.
New Outing Club Members
300+
Over 300 new members each year take part in Outing Club trips and activities, including backpacking, fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, caving and skiing.
Varsity Sports
24
The Generals field 24 varsity athletic teams in the Division III Old Dominion Athletic Conference, along with 20 club sports and a wide range of intramurals.
Student Organizations
100+
clubs and organizations, ranging from leadership and service to recreation and fitness, arts and culture to religious and spiritual life
My W&L
Whatever your passion, you’ll find a way to pursue it and a community to share it with at Washington and Lee.
Will Joseph ’26
Wilmette, Illinois
MAJOR: Accounting and Classics
“Being a DIII athlete is amazing. First, my academics are prioritized at the top, which is the most important thing. Within the realm of DIII, I got the chance to become an impact player as a freshman, and after two very successful seasons, I am now one of the captains of the men’s soccer team, which is an opportunity I’m beyond excited about. In addition to academics and athletics, I’ve had the chance to join a fraternity and have a rich social life outside those two obligations.”
Elizabeth Barr ’27
Greenville, South Carolina
MAJOR: Biology and German
“The Outing Club has made getting outside so easy, and it has been a space in which I can push myself outside of my comfort zone alongside others who love to do the same. I have had many “firsts” with the Outing Club (received my scuba certification, co-led a camping trip, bouldered and climbed outdoors, to name a few), and each new experience builds my confidence in myself, which translates to all areas of my life.".”
Zanita Akinkugbe ’25
Lagos, Nigeria
MAJOR: Neuroscience
MINOR: Education Policy and Poverty and Human Capability Studies
“Having founded my own nonprofit, Education4Tomorrow, in my home country, I had been searching for a college deeply committed to service. I hadn’t found one that truly aligned with my passion until Washington and Lee.”
Riley Mitchelson ’27
Greene County, Virginia
MAJOR: Political Science and Environmental Studies
“One of my biggest hobbies is dancing. However, when coming to college, I wasn’t sure there would be an outlet for this passion. Despite my doubts, W&L delivered with the Around the Globe club, an extracurricular that appreciates dances of different cultures and works to teach them to the student body. Through Around the Globe, I have had the honor of performing salsa for school events like Parents and Family Weekend and Baile. I have also been entrusted with teaching salsa workshops to interested students, which has been so much fun.”
Sophia Soderberg ’26
Skaneateles, New York
MAJOR: Accounting
MINOR: Studio Art
“Coming from a small town in Upstate New York, I appreciated the appeal of W&L’s close-knit community and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with my professors and peers. I am involved in the Dance Company and Connolly Entrepreneurship Society and serve as the vice president of finance for Alpha Delta Pi. W&L has supported my growth in every area, which I know would have been hard to find elsewhere.”
Sofia Iuteri ’27
Greenwich, Connecticut
MAJOR: Economics and Environmental Studies
MINOR: Entrepreneurship
“One of my favorite pastimes is both analytical and creative writing. I’ve channeled this passion into The Experience Exchange, a student-run print magazine dedicated to reconnecting the W&L and local communities with nature. I founded The Experience Exchange as a way to combine my love for writing and environmental advocacy in a structured, impactful way.”
Nolan Rickett ’27
Urbana, Ohio
MAJOR: Neuroscience
MINOR: Philosophy
“I love spending time in nature, surrounded only by the noise of the world around me. W&L has that unique geography that you are able to explore the beautiful nature of Virginia, whether on a walk through the woods on the back campus trails, spending a fall afternoon playing a round of disc golf or sitting in a hammock reading.”
Emma Marvelli ’27
Barrington, Rhode Island
MAJOR: Earth and Environmental Geoscience
“I have been fortunate enough to have the privilege of being a Resident Advisor (RA) for an amazing group of first-years in Graham-Lees Hall. People say that RAs play such an important role in helping first-years to acclimate to college, but we learn just as much from them as they do from us. When I get to finally come home from practice every day, seeing my residents happy to see me reminds me of why I became an RA: to build a campus community and make people feel welcome and happy.”
Isabel Duarte ’26
Washington, D.C.
MAJOR: Music and Biology
“Having been in a band back home, I really wanted to keep making music with others. I’m so grateful for the amazing people I get to play with now. We’ve had the opportunity to perform at many campus events, including FUDG and multiple Battle of the Bands competitions. We’ve written a lot of music together, which is always a really exciting experience, and getting the opportunity to share our own creations with others is very special.”
Madison Lilly ’25
Narrows, VA
MAJOR: Neuroscience
MINOR: Poverty and Human Capability
“I joined the Repertory Dance Company at the beginning of my sophomore year, and I love being able to meet and perform with so many talented people from all corners of campus. I have met so many people I never would have crossed paths with due to different class years, majors or Greek life affiliations.”
A Culture of Community
