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.
“In a world where so many parts of life are impacted by negatives, W&L — and in my case specifically W&L Law — remains a bastion of honor, integrity, collegiality and professionalism.” — Nan Hannah ’93L
What inspired you to make your first gift to Washington and Lee School of Law, and what motivates you to continue giving?
I am a product of my parents. I was taught early in life to give back, and I do so with almost too many places where I dedicate my time. If I give time, I try to also provide financial support. What drives my continued giving is the school’s strong commitment to the Honor System, combined with my experience on the Law Council and my initial reasons for giving. In a world where so many parts of life are impacted by negatives, W&L — and in my case specifically W&L Law — remains a bastion of honor, integrity, collegiality and professionalism. I feel a true sense of duty to offer a hand up to the next generation of W&L lawyers so they might continue to inject those traits into the legal profession. I am able to do what I can now in part because of my professional success and as a legacy of my father's, so it is important to support the students now and in the future.
How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L Law students?
Advanced education has gotten prohibitively expensive for too many in our current world. Whatever I can do that serves to allow the best and brightest to experience the W&L tradition, I am happy to do it. My hope is that if students arrive in Lexington ready to be sponges, then they will absorb and ultimately share those values that set W&L apart from other institutions.
Is there a particular experience, faculty member or program at W&L that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?
My family history with W&L (both sides of the bridge) is important. I don't hold it against the school that they would not consider me for undergraduate admission in 1977. I think about Professor [Roger] Groot, who I never had the privilege of having as a teacher, but who I first met when I was about 11 years old and played in a pickup softball game at an alumni gathering in Lexington and with whom I later played in a law school league. I think about Professor [Brian] Murchison, who called on me first in not one but both classes I had with him (he, too, interacted with me at alumni events I attended with my parents). I think about Professors [Ann] Massey and [Sally] Wiant who mentored me and taught me, then ultimately fed me as a result of the first-ever Phi Alpha Delta (service fraternity) auction. And, then Professor [David] Millon who referred a wonderful client to our firm more than 20 years after I graduated. I could go on, but the point is W&L has an amazing ability to build connections that last for years and years. The alumni network reinforces those connections across generations. I trust any W&L lawyer to whom I refer a client or another lawyer. That is a bond that is not replicated anywhere and one that is well worth supporting.
Read more from the Why I Give series.