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.

Oliver is associate dean of the Williams School and the Lewis Whitaker Adams Professor of Accounting.

“If we simply rely on others to provide all the funding, it becomes much harder to achieve our goals.” – Elizabeth Oliver

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

Having amazing colleagues and alumni who support W&L made me realize that I needed to step up as well. If we simply rely on others to provide all the funding, it becomes much harder to achieve our goals. I’m excited to play even a small part in W&L’s continued growth.

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

One thing I’ve learned from the new Williams School building and the planning for Huntley Hall’s renovation is that if we only maintain our facilities, we fall behind. Students change, teaching changes, and needs change. To prepare students for the future, we need spaces designed for today’s learning — not for classrooms of the past.

As a faculty member, is there a particular student, colleague or moment at W&L that reaffirmed your decision to give back?

I feel privileged to run the W&L London Summer Internship Program each year. When I read the students’ final journal entries, so many of them describe the experience as life-changing. Knowing that financial support makes it possible for every student to participate — regardless of background — inspires me to keep contributing.

Read more from the Why I Give series.