Washington and Lee University
History
The history of Washington and Lee University dates back to its establishment in 1749 as Augusta Academy. It underwent several name changes, becoming Liberty Hall in 1776 and then Liberty Hall Academy in 1782. In 1796, George Washington gifted the school with $20,000 worth of James River Canal stock, which was the largest gift ever given to an educational institution at that time. In gratitude, the trustees renamed the school Washington Academy.
In 1865, after the end of the Civil War, Robert E. Lee was invited to become the president of the then struggling Washington College. Lee accepted the position and served until his death in 1870. During his tenure, he introduced several innovative educational programs, including the first journalism courses in the United States. After his death, the college was renamed Washington and Lee University in his honor.
Academics
Washington and Lee University offers a wide range of academic programs. The university is divided into three schools: The College, the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, and the School of Law. The College is the largest of the three and offers degrees in the arts, sciences, and humanities. The Williams School offers degrees in business administration, accounting, and economics, while the School of Law offers a Juris Doctor program.
The university is known for its rigorous academic standards, with a student to faculty ratio of 8:1. It also offers a unique Spring Term, where students take a single intensive course over a four-week period. This allows students to engage in experiential learning opportunities, such as travel abroad programs, internships, and research projects.
Campus
The Washington and Lee University campus is located in Lexington, Virginia. It spans over 430 acres and includes both historic and modern buildings. The campus is home to the Lee Chapel, which houses the office and burial place of Robert E. Lee. The campus also features the Colonnade, a row of brick buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The university also has several state-of-the-art facilities, including the Lenfest Center for the Arts, the Reeves Center, which houses a renowned collection of Chinese ceramics, and the Watson Pavilion, which contains Japanese tea room.
Student Life
Student life at Washington and Lee University is vibrant and diverse. The university offers over 120 student clubs and organizations, including academic clubs, service organizations, and cultural groups. Greek life is also a significant part of the university culture, with approximately 75% of the undergraduate student body involved in fraternities or sororities.
In addition to extracurricular activities, the university also has a strong athletic program. The Washington and Lee Generals compete in the NCAA Division III Old Dominion Athletic Conference.