Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts college in Lexington, Rockbridge County, Virginia, located very close to Virginia Military Institute. The preparatory school from which it is descended was founded in 1749 as "Augusta Academy" and was renamed "Liberty Hall" in 1776. The academy moved to Lexington in 1780 and built its first building near town in 1782.

Related Topics:
Liberal arts - Lexington - Rockbridge County - Virginia - Virginia Military Institute - 1776

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The academy became a college when it granted its first bachelor of arts degree in 1785, making it one of the oldest universities in the country. George Washington gave the school its first significant endowment in 1796, at the time the largest gift ever given to an educational institution in the United States, which continues to provide nearly three dollars toward each student's tuition to this day. The board of trustees changed the name of the school to Washington Academy, and later Washington College, to honor him. After the American Civil War, General Robert E. Lee reluctantly accepted the post of college president because he felt that it was somewhere he could make a difference after losing a war against the United States. An educational innovator, he established the first school of professional journalism education in the country and added both a business school and law school to W&L's curriculum. He also implemented an Honor System and Speaking Tradition that continues to the present time. The school's name was changed to honor President Lee after his death, giving W&L one of the most incongruous names of any college in the country. His son, George Washington Custis Lee followed as the school's next president.

Related Topics:
George Washington - Endowment - 1796 - American Civil War - Robert E. Lee - George Washington Custis Lee

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A brief chronology of the University appears at .

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Washington and Lee University also has a top-tier law school, Washington and Lee University School of Law which offers Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degrees.

Related Topics:
Juris Doctor - Master of Laws

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The University admitted its first African-American student when John Chavis, a free Negro, enrolled in 1795. Chavis accomplished much in his life including fighting in the American Revolution, studying at both Liberty Hall Academy (now Washington and Lee University) and the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), becoming an ordained Presbyterian minister, and opening a school which instructed white and poor black students in North Carolina. He is believed to be the first black student to earn a degree in the United States. Washington and Lee would not admit its next African-American student until 1966.

Related Topics:
African-American - John Chavis - American Revolution - Princeton University - North Carolina - First black student - 1966

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Washington and Lee was all-male until 1972, when women were admitted to the law school; the first female undergraduates enrolled in 1985.

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The University prides itself on both strong academics and active social life. 25% of undergraduates participate in varsity athletics, 75% in the club sport and intramural program. Over 120 student organizations and publications operate every year, and approximately three-quarters of undergraduates belongs to a fraternity or sorority.

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W&L is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South.

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