Welcome to the Storage Scholars Spotlight series! Every week, we highlight a different school in our network of college storage locations. This week, we're talking about Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Read on to learn more about this historic institution and why it's the perfect place for your summer storage needs! 

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About Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University is a liberal arts university located in Lexington, Virginia. Established in 1749, it is one of the oldest learning institutions in the United States. Having an undergraduate population of about 2,000 students on its picturesque campus spanning 325 acres, the school offers a variety of majors ranging from politics to engineering. The university has consistently been praised for its impressive academics and skilled faculty. Many graduates go on to successful careers in their chosen fields.

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What W&L is Best Known For

Washington and Lee University is especially renowned for its strong undergraduate business programs, which draw students from all over the world to study and experience the unique atmosphere at this private institution. W&L is also known for its highly regarded School of Law and is the only small liberal arts university to have nationally accredited programs in business and journalism and one of just a few that offers an engineering program.  

Established over 270 years ago, W&L is known for its rich historical background and ties to our first president, George Washington, and General Robert E. Lee, the university's two namesakes. 

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History of W&L

Washington and Lee University is named after two of America's most influential leaders—former President George Washington and General Robert E. Lee. The university was founded in 1749 as Augusta Academy before being renamed Liberty Hall Academy in 1776. In 1813, George Washington's former home was acquired by Liberty Hall Academy. The name changed again to Washington College when George Washington bequeathed 50 shares of the James River Company stock to the school (a unique offering then). After the Civil War, Robert E. Lee became president of the college, which was then renamed Washington and Lee University in recognition of both men's contributions to American history. 

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Famous Alumni

W&L is well-known for its strong academics and beautiful campus, but many people don't know that the university's alum list is full of esteemed leaders and lawmakers. That's right—despite its small size, Washington and Lee is home to some of the country's most successful and influential people. 

US Supreme Court Justices- Both Lewis Franklin Powell, Jr., Class of 1931, and Joseph Rucker Lamar, Class of 1878, were Washington and Lee University graduates. They served their country as Justices of the Supreme Court, appointed by the President of the United States. Lamar was one of the first Justices appointed by a president of the opposite party.

US cabinet members, Senate, Representatives - It's impossible to list them all, but W&L has been home to many influential political leaders throughout the years.

Distinguished Prize recipients- W&L is also home to a Nobel Prize laureate, Pulitzer Prize recipient, Tony Award, and Emmy Award winners.

As you can see, Washington and Lee University can boast some impressive alumni! From military leaders to academic and military leaders to influential politicians, W&L students have gone on to do amazing things all over the world. 

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Life On Campus

In 1926, poet John Drinkwater described the university as "one of the loveliest spots in the world." Almost 100 years later and his words still hold true. It's a unique campus because within its 325 acres are two designated National Historical Landmarks: The Lee Chapel and the university's central core, which consists of a row of brick buildings that form the Colonnade.

Recently, there have been many upgrades and expansions to the facilities on campus, making for an even more exciting experience for students on campus. There are over 100 clubs and organizations in which students can participate, including an active Greek life. 

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Life Off Campus

Lexington, Virginia, is a quaint town filled with a rich history, positioned cozily within the Shenandoah Valley. There is so much to do and see in Lexington for students who live at the university! Students and locals have fondly nicknamed the town "Lex-Vegas," and it is often voted the "best mid-Atlantic" small town to visit.  

For history buffs, there are many places to visit. The Virginia Military Institute, also located in Lexington, offers student-led tours through the historic school and a chance to view over 15,000 artifacts from American history. Stonewall Jackson's home, located in Lexington, is also open for tours. It has been restored over the years and is the perfect opportunity to learn about Jackson's early life and role in the Civil War. 

Lexington is also minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive that starts at the Shenandoah National Park and ends at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is also minutes from the famous Appalachian Trail, a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to embark on world-renowned and scenic hikes.

And if you're willing to travel a bit further or looking for more of a city getaway, Lexington is only two hours from the busy city of Richmond and 3 hours from Washington, DC.

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Favorite Traditions

Undoubtedly, a school with so much history will also have some great traditions! Washington and Lee University has an abundance of traditions that students look forward to year after year. It's part of what makes the university so unique.

The Fancy Dress Ball is the university's yearly black tie event, started by the school's librarian over 100 years ago. Equipped with a high budget, this event is one that all students are eager to attend. 

Rooted in American Politics, W&L holds its "Mock Convention" every four years to coincide with our presidential election, similar to the Republican or Democratic National Conventions. The goal of the actual convention is to determine who will be the nominee for president of the United States. Oddly enough, the Mock Convention has been pretty accurate in its predictions. News outlets have often looked to W&L for its prediction since it has only been incorrect twice since 1948! There are famous speakers during the event, too, drawing in crowds and getting high student participation. "Mock-Con" has been a beloved tradition for well over 100 years. 

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Storage Scholars and Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University has partnered with Storage Scholars since its early days. It is one of the schools with which Storage Scholars has key access to provide top-notch service to its customers. It means they've teamed up with W&L Residence Life and can access the dorms before students move in at the start of school and after they move out at the end of the year. The campus is run by Campus Co-Founders alongside Marketing Managers for a more tailored and personalized experience. 

     Over the summer of 2022, Storage Scholars rolled out its brand new "Ship to School" Program, and Washington and Lee University was one of six campuses able to test it out. Students received shipping boxes and supplies at their homes, filled them with their belongings, and shipped them to the Storage Scholars warehouse (located near campus), where they stayed until a week before college move-in. At that time, the team used their key access to drop off those boxes before students arrived on campus. In addition to shipping boxes from their home, Students could order items from online retailers and have those dropped off. Students and parents raved about the convenience of the program and the efficiency with which it was executed. Kudos to all the student movers for launching a successful Ship-To-School program. To learn more about Storage Scholars and secure your spot for an upcoming campus move, visit www.StorageScholars.com.

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Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_and_Lee_University

https://www.wlu.edu/campus-life/

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