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 value.
What inspired you to make your first gift to Washington and Lee University, and what motivates you to continue giving?
My wife and I spent our first year of married life in married student housing at W&L. We felt it was important to make a contribution every year. Both of our children went to Princeton, and we advised them to do the same thing, even if it's $5 — just get in the habit of making a contribution every year. And so, we've done that.
"Even if it's $5 — just get in the habit of making a contribution every year."
- Blaine Brownell '65
How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L students?
I think one thing that most people don't realize is that, regardless of the tuition students pay, it costs more than they are paying into the institution. I spent all my working life in public institutions, which were competing for these contributions. You have to have sources of external funding to supplement the monies you receive from tuition if you want to be competitive.
Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?
Dean and sociology professor James Leyburn, of course, is an iconic faculty member. I took three of his classes, and it was the non-academic discussions with him that I found most rewarding. He was a wonderful mentor. Ollinger Crenshaw ’25, chair of the history department, was my history mentor and helped arrange for a fellowship. Harry Pemberton, professor of philosophy emeritus, had a very gentle presence, but a very powerful intellect.
In my freshman year, I started a band. I played the bass guitar, and we called ourselves The Sabers. My last year, I was the business manager for the band, so I was writing contracts, and we were going as far as Seattle. We played Spring Fling at Johns Hopkins University two years in a row.
What does it mean to you to lead a life of consequence?
As a historian, I realize it will be 50 years from now before anybody will be able to tell if I've led a life of consequence. What I have left is my wife, and we've had two wonderful children, and we have five fantastic grandchildren. That’s the most important thing we've done. All I know is that I've tried to do the best I could.
Watch Blaine Brownell's video interview.
Read more from the Why I Give series.