Washington and Lee University (W&L) is a private liberal arts university located in Lexington, Virginia, United States. It was established in 1749 as the Augusta Academy and later renamed as Liberty Hall Academy. The university has a long and rich history and is known for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and beautiful campus. The university is named after George Washington, who endowed the school with a gift of stock in the James River Company.
W&L is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of around 22%. The university has a student body of around 2,200 undergraduate students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, which ensures small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members. The university offers a wide range of majors and minors in fields such as business, economics, politics, international studies, law, journalism, and many more.
One of the unique aspects of W&L is its Honor System, which dates back to the late 19th century. Under the Honor System, students are trusted to behave honorably in all aspects of their academic and social lives. This includes taking unproctored exams, writing and signing an honor pledge on all academic work, and reporting any violations of the Honor System. The Honor System is a defining feature of the W&L community and creates a strong sense of trust, integrity, and responsibility among students.
W&L has a beautiful campus that blends historic and modern architecture. The university has over 50 buildings on its campus, including the iconic Colonnade, which is a row of neoclassical buildings that houses the university’s administrative offices, classrooms, and library. The campus is also home to a number of athletic facilities, including a golf course, tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Overall, Washington and Lee University is a highly respected institution that provides its students with a challenging and rewarding educational experience in a supportive and inclusive community.
Washington and Lee University (Wikimedia)
Here are 26 interesting facts about Washington and Lee University to know more about this private university.
- Washington and Lee University is named after George Washington and Robert E. Lee, both of whom are important figures in American history.
- The university was originally founded as Augusta Academy in 1749 and was later renamed Liberty Hall Academy in 1776.
- In 1796, George Washington made a substantial donation to the school, which helped to keep it afloat during difficult times.
- Robert E. Lee served as president of the university from 1865 until his death in 1870.
- The university has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and is consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States.
- The university is home to the only undergraduate business school in the country that is accredited by both the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
- Washington and Lee University is one of the few colleges in the United States that still requires students to take a comprehensive exam in their major field of study.
- The university is also known for its Honor System, which allows students to take unproctored exams and write honor pledges on their academic work.
- The Honor System has been in place at the university since the 19th century and is considered to be a defining feature of the school’s culture.
- The university has a strong athletics program, with 24 NCAA Division III varsity teams.
- The university’s campus is located in Lexington, Virginia, which is a small town with a rich history.
- The campus is known for its beautiful neoclassical architecture, including the iconic Colonnade.
- The Colonnade is a series of buildings that runs along the length of the campus and is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of neoclassical architecture in the United States.
- The university is home to the Lee Chapel and Museum, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of Robert E. Lee.
- The chapel contains a number of important artifacts, including Lee’s office and a marble statue of Lee by sculptor Edward Valentine.
- The university’s library is home to a collection of rare books and manuscripts, including an original copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln.
- The university’s art museum is home to a collection of more than 4,000 works of art, including pieces by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Warhol.
- The university is home to the Reeves Center for International Studies, which offers students the opportunity to study abroad in more than 40 countries.
- The university is also home to the Johnson Scholarship, which is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the United States.
- The Johnson Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, room, and board for four years of study at the university.
- The university is home to the only fully accredited journalism program at a liberal arts college in the United States.
- The university is also home to the only accredited undergraduate accounting program in Virginia.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of green initiatives, including the installation of solar panels and the use of geothermal energy.
- The university’s mascot is the Generals, and the school colors are blue and white.
- The university has a number of active student organizations, including a student-run radio station, newspaper, and yearbook.
- The university is known for its strong sense of community and its emphasis on personal relationships between students and faculty.
Washington and Lee University is a highly respected liberal arts institution that is known for its academic excellence, strong sense of community, and unique traditions. With a beautiful campus, a commitment to sustainability, and a wide range of academic programs, the university provides students with an exceptional educational experience. The school’s Honor System and Mock Convention are just a few examples of the unique opportunities that are available to students at Washington and Lee. Whether you are interested in pursuing a degree in business, journalism, or the arts, or you simply want to be part of a supportive and engaged community of learners, Washington and Lee University is an excellent choice.
