The University is named for two of the most influential men in American history: George Washington, whose generous endowment of $20,000 in 1796 helped the fledgling school survive, and Robert E. Lee, whose presidency and innovative leadership brought the University into the national limelight.
W&L’s students live in 48 states and the District of Columbia and hold citizenships in 47 other countries. 14 percent of undergraduates come from Virginia, with large numbers of students calling Maryland, Texas, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania and California home.
