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Why I Give is a series that celebrates the generosity of Washington and Lee University alumni, students, faculty and parents. Discover the many reasons the W&L community supports Leading Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for Washington and Lee and how philanthropy shapes the university’s future while honoring its enduring value.

“My hope is that exposing students to the outdoors will open horizons for them. I hope they will get some real, practical skills they can take with them and use all their lives.” - Phil Hanrahan '76, '86L

What inspired you to make your first gift to Washington and Lee University, and what motivates you to continue giving?

I had a really enjoyable experience at W&L, and I wanted the students who came after me to be able to have a similar experience.

For my 50th reunion gift, Jacqueline Painter, director of gift planning, and I came up with a creative gift. I wanted to do something that had a direct impact on students. So, working with Jacqueline and James Dick [director of outdoor education and recreation], we crafted an outdoor leadership program. It's a four-year program to train students to be outdoor leaders. I'm excited about that and looking forward to seeing the outcome of that process.

How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?

I was exposed to a lot of outdoor experiences through ROTC when I was at W&L and then during my years in the military. My hope is that exposing students to the outdoors will open horizons for them. I hope they will get some real, practical skills they can take with them and use all their lives.

What does it mean to you personally to lead a life of consequence?

A life of consequence means, “Have I made a difference in the world?” You can make a difference in a profession. You can make a difference in a church. You can make a difference in a community. It’s raising a successful family; making a difference as a volunteer in your community. At the end of the day, it's not about money, it's not about fame. I can't take credit for this, but somebody said the most important thing on a tombstone is the little space between the day you were born and the day you die. That's a life of consequence.

Watch Phil Hanrahan's video interview.

Read more from the Why I Give series.