Does the Lee in W & L ruin it?

[Anonymous]

My husband went to W & L and loved it. My DS could consider applying but I wonder if, now that more of the country recognizes we shouldn’t venerate confederate generals, W & L will look bad to potential employers.

I know it is highly ranked but I can see the big Lee aspect of the campus and history being a turn off more and more as time passes. Would they ever change their name?

[Anonymous]

You are kidding yourself if you don't think the W will be seen as spoiling it too in another couple of years.

[Anonymous]

Not as much as the drunken frat life that seems to dominate the school.

[Anonymous]

While you're at it, better change your names too if your last names are Washington or Lee.

[Anonymous]

My husband went there and admits you need to like frat bro life to like it there. It’s a shame that such a beautiful campus with great resources and professors has a few very real downsides.

[Anonymous]

Or if you were in a frat.

[Anonymous]

It depends entirely on what your DC wants to study. Business school, law school, medical school, journalism, etc., it will not be a problem.

If you want to work in a more liberal field like education or marketing, yes, it will affect your employability in certain parts of the country.

[Anonymous]

It doesn’t ruin it, but when I encounter a white, male (and some females but not all) W&L grad I do make certain assumptions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It depends entirely on what your DC wants to study. Business school, law school, medical school, journalism, etc., it will not be a problem.

If you want to work in a more liberal field like education or marketing, yes, it will affect your employability in certain parts of the country.

It’s one of the best liberal arts schools in the country. No, it is not going to affect your employability.

But by all means, tell yourself your child’s Radford degree is more valuable because it’s not racist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t ruin it, but when I encounter a white, male (and some females but not all) W&L grad I do make certain assumptions.

It is very challenging to overcome the assumptions in the northeast including DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband went to W & L and loved it. My DS could consider applying but I wonder if, now that more of the country recognizes we shouldn’t venerate confederate generals, W & L will look bad to potential employers.

I know it is highly ranked but I can see the big Lee aspect of the campus and history being a turn off more and more as time passes. Would they ever change their name?

No. They won’t.

[Anonymous]

Is this entire thread a Redoubter troll?

They are in the minority now so they are louder but less influential.

[Anonymous]

My DD has been selected as a Johnson scholarship finalist. If DD wins the scholarship, it is a free ride for all 4 years, plus additional opportunities. While we are able to afford to send our DD to college, saving this much money on their education would be incredibly beneficial.

We have been concerned about the stereotypes of the school and told our DD that if she is accepted to a college she prefers more, she should go where she wishes.

Due to covid, we have been unable to visit W&L (or pretty much any colleges). But a visit will be imperative before DD decides.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are kidding yourself if you don't think the W will be seen as spoiling it too in another couple of years.

This times a million.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD has been selected as a Johnson scholarship finalist. If DD wins the scholarship, it is a free ride for all 4 years, plus additional opportunities. While we are able to afford to send our DD to college, saving this much money on their education would be incredibly beneficial.

We have been concerned about the stereotypes of the school and told our DD that if she is accepted to a college she prefers more, she should go where she wishes.

Due to covid, we have been unable to visit W&L (or pretty much any colleges). But a visit will be imperative before DD decides.

I was a Johnson Scholar and graduated a few years ago.

It’s an opportunity that I would not pass up. Many students are there for the quality education, not for the fraternities. The professors are mostly excellent and the opportunities on a campus of its size are unparalleled.