Notable Alumni of Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University (W&L), founded in 1749, is a private liberal arts college located in Lexington, Virginia. Renowned for its outstanding liberal arts education, W&L has produced numerous accomplished graduates in various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most distinguished alumni, showcasing their contributions to business, law, politics, media, and more.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence
Washington and Lee University is one of the oldest colleges and universities in the United States. It is known for its outstanding liberal arts education. It has produced numerous, illustrious graduates primarily in the professions - business, law, education, medicine, etc. W&L consistently ranks among the top liberal arts schools in the United States. It has been ranked #9 by US News and World Report in Best Small Colleges in America and #9 for best liberal arts colleges.
The university's motto, "Non Incautus Futuri" ("Not Unmindful of the Future"), reflects its commitment to preparing students for leadership and service in a rapidly changing world. With a strong emphasis on academic rigor, ethical leadership, and experiential learning, W&L provides a transformative educational experience that empowers graduates to make a meaningful impact on society.
Prominent Alumni in Various Fields
Washington and Lee University has a long and distinguished history of producing leaders in various fields. Some of the notable alumni include:
Law and Politics
Lewis F. Powell Jr.: An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1972 to 1987. He graduated from W&L Law in 1931. In 1992, the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Wing was added to Sydney Lewis Hall and the Wilbur C. Hall Law Library.
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John W. Davis: A prominent lawyer and politician who served as the Solicitor General of the United States under President Woodrow Wilson and as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He was the Democratic nominee for president in 1924. Davis is the named partner in the international law firm of Davis Polk & Wardell, LLP, a law firm formed in 1849. He argued 140 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, 73 cases as Solicitor General, and 67 cases as a private lawyer.
Joe Wilson: A U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 2nd congressional district since 2001. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University in 1969.
John Otho Marsh, Jr.: Secretary of the Army (1981-1989 under President Ronald Reagan). He is a United States Congressman.
Linwood Holton, Jr.: The 61st governor of Virginia, from 1970 to 1974, and was the first elected Republican governor of Virginia of the 20th century, as well as the first Republican governor since the Reconstruction era. He was known for supporting civil rights, integration, and public investment.
J. Bennett Johnston: A retired American attorney, politician, and later lobbyist from Louisiana who served in both chambers of the Louisiana State Legislature and as a member of the United States Senate from 1972 to 1997.
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Business and Entrepreneurship
Robert Mosbacher: An American businessman and politician who served as Secretary of Commerce under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1992.
Matt Bevin: An American businessman and politician who served as the 62nd governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019. He is currently the CEO of Neuronetrix Solutions, LLC.
Media and Journalism
Tom Wolfe: A best-selling author and journalist, pioneer of the “New Journalism” movement. (Class of 1951). Thomas Kennerly Wolfe Jr. was an American author and journalist widely known for his association with New Journalism, a style of news writing and journalism developed in the 1960s and 1970s that incorporated literary techniques. Much of Wolfe's work is satirical and centres on the counterculture of the 1960s and issues related to class, social status, and the lifestyles of the economic and intellectual elites of New York City.
Roger Mudd: An Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist. (Class of 1950). Roger Harrison Mudd was an American broadcast journalist who was a correspondent and anchor for CBS News and NBC News. He also worked as the primary anchor for The History Channel.
Mike Henry: An American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He is known for his work on the animated sitcom Family Guy, where he was a writer and producer, as well as the voice of Cleveland Brown (until 2021), Herbert, Bruce, Consuela, the Greased-up Deaf Guy, among others.
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Michael Allen: An American political journalist. He is the co-founder and executive editor of Axios and the former chief political reporter for Politico.
Philippe Labro: A French author, journalist and film director. He has worked for RTL, Paris Match, TF1 and Antenne 2.
Other Notable Alumni
Pat Robertson: An American media mogul, televangelist, political commentator, presidential candidate, and charismatic minister. Robertson advocated a conservative Christian ideology and was known for his involvement in Republican Party politics. He served as head of Regent University and of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Enrolled in Washington and Lee University and graduated with Bachelor of Arts.
Marc Short: An American political advisor who served as chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence. Prior to holding this role, Short was the director of legislative affairs at the White House from 2017 to 2018.
Rebecca Makkai: An American novelist and short story writer. She is best known for writing The Great Believers (2018) and I Have Some Questions for You (2023), which have been positively received by critics and won awards such as the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction, the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and the Libby Book Award.
Joseph L. Goldstein: An American biochemist. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1985, along with fellow University of Texas Southwestern researcher, Michael Brown, for their studies regarding cholesterol.
Gilbert Shelton: An American cartoonist and a key member of the underground comix movement. He is the creator of the iconic underground characters The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, Fat Freddy's Cat, and Wonder Wart-Hog.
Sarah Feinberg: An American civic employee who previously served as the Interim President of the New York City Transit Authority from 2020 to 2021, and a former Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. She was nominated for the role of MTA Chairperson but was ultimately not selected for the position. Enrolled in Washington and Lee University In 1999 graduated with Bachelor of Arts in politics.
Rob Ashford: An American stage director and choreographer. He is a Tony Award, Olivier Award, Emmy Award, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner.
Athletics
While Washington and Lee University is not primarily known for producing professional athletes since dropping subsidized athletics in the early 1950s, there was a period from the late 19th century until the early 1950s when several professional baseball and football players came out of the school.
John Haldeman: Class of 1876, was the first W&L alum to play in the major leagues.
Dan McFarlan: The second W&L alum to play in the majors. Born in 1873, he played in the minors in 1892 at the age of 18.
Thomas Edward "Lefty" George: Pitched professionally for at least 32 years, from 1904 until early 1944, when he was 57 years old!
Charles "Chuck" Tompkins: 1913 Law.
Mark Stewart: 1915.
Harry Moran: 1914 Law.
Al Pierrotti: 1923 BA, was one of the most remarkable athletes in the history of the university.
Washington and Lee University School of Law
W&L Law is fortunate to be honored by many notable alumni. Graduates of W&L Law include two Justices of the United States Supreme Court, seven presidents of the American Bar Association, two Solicitors General of the United States, Presidential Cabinet members, as well as numerous state governors, and United States Senators and Representatives.
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