Transforming Knowledge into Impact: How Lectures Shape Lasting Legacies

Amanda Minix
April 11, 2025

At Washington and Lee University, faculty members go beyond teaching. They are fully invested in their students’ success, wearing many hats including that of a mentor and sometimes a philanthropist. Since the start of the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign in 2020, 67 faculty members have donated over $200,000 to support various initiatives. This financial support greatly enhances educational experiences that would otherwise be difficult to offer.

Take, for example, Helen I’Anson, a biology professor who, along with her husband Jeff Turner, established the STEM Student Opportunities Endowment in 2020. This fund aims to assist students in attending academic conferences to showcase their research. “These conferences are crucial for students,” I’Anson explains. “They attract thousands of scientists, allowing students to understand how their work fits into the larger scientific community.”

Attending academic conferences can be expensive, covering both registration and travel. But these events offer immense value. Students not only present their findings but also network with experts and learn more about diverse scientific fields. “Research experience and presentation skills are key for good graduate or medical school applications,” I’Anson highlights.

I’Anson, a first-generation college student, knows the struggle of financing education firsthand. She wants current students to have better opportunities. Turner, who is a retired partner at a law firm, shares this vision. “Seeing students thrive at these events is inspiring. We need more professionals in the sciences now more than ever,” he remarks.

I’Anson joined W&L in 1995 and has held numerous roles, including department chair and co-director of the Advanced Immersion and Mentoring Program. Recently recognized with an Outstanding Faculty Award, she continues research with students on childhood obesity, even after her official retirement.

Similarly, Elizabeth Oliver, a professor in the Williams School, has been dedicated to her students since she joined the faculty in 1991 as its first female professor. She teaches accounting and corporate responsibility, runs internship programs, and provides guidance to student-led consulting groups. Her philanthropic spirit is evident in her commitment to initiatives like the Lettie Pate Evans Society. “Contributions allow us to offer unique experiences. They enable students to excel, especially those who rely on financial aid,” she says.

Oliver has supported multiple projects at W&L, including expansions and renovations to the Williams School, all aimed at creating better learning spaces. “Expanding facilities will be a game-changer for everyone at W&L,” she explains, highlighting the importance of providing a nurturing environment for learning.

Both I’Anson and Oliver display a deep commitment to their students and to the university. They embody the sense of community that defines W&L. “Being part of this supportive network is incredibly rewarding,” Oliver states, capturing the essence of what makes Washington and Lee a special place for education and growth.

Interestingly, a recent survey by the National Center for Education Statistics reported that philanthropy in higher education continues to rise, with many universities seeing faculty donations as pivotal in enhancing student services and resources. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the role educators play in shaping not only academic excellence but also student life experiences.

As I’Anson and Oliver demonstrate, the impact of dedicated faculty goes beyond classrooms and textbooks; it’s about opening doors to new opportunities for future generations.

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