Stories of Consequence

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 values.

The college experience I was able to have at Washington and Lee would not have been possible without the support of our alumni. - Alexis Park '25

Hometown: Centreville, Virginia

Mathematics major (B.S.), Data Science and Music double minor

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

I always thought about giving back to Washington and Lee since learning about the generous support from our alumni. Thankfully, at the beginning of my senior year, the opportunity to join the Senior Gift Committee was offered to me, which I gladly accepted. The college experience I was able to have at Washington and Lee would not have been possible without the support of our alumni. To be able to provide at least some support to future students at Washington and Lee, just as many others before me have, motivates me to continue giving.

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

I hope my support can bring more students with ambitious goals to represent W&L across the world. Whether that representation comes from studying abroad or being employed in large, international firms, I hope current and future generations can proudly represent our school.

Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?

The most obvious would be the Johnson Program. I was able to take two different Spring Term Abroad courses through this program, one during my first year to Copenhagen, Denmark, and the other my senior year to Vienna and Prague. Additionally, I was fortunate to be able to study at the University of Oxford for an academic year through the financial support of the Johnson Program. Being able to graduate without worrying about any financial burden has been a blessing to both me and my family, and I wish that more students can be provided the same ease of comfort through giving back.

I also want to highlight the Career and Professional Development Office. I have worked in the office as a Career Fellow since my sophomore year, which provided the opportunity for multiple interactions with alumni. From networking calls for guidance on finding a career path in data science to conversations about campus renovations, the CPD Office helped me put a face behind the names of our alumni. The dedication and willingness from our alumni to help W&L students is not unseen — I am truly grateful for the time, enthusiasm and friendliness from each and every alum have met. I hope to do the same for future W&L students.