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Independent student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

Independent student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

Independent student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

Donning of the Stoles has been a tradition at W&L for nearly two decades to celebrate the achievements of African American students and others of marginalized backgrounds. Photo courtesy of the university's 2024 recorded livestream of the Donning of the Stoles ceremony.
University ends identity-based graduation events amid federal DEI crackdown
Students say changes to commencement programming impact marginalized communities
May 19, 2025
The endowment's returns aren't keeping pace with the S&P 500. Graph by Josh Darrow, '26. Endowment return data from university financial statements.  S&P 500 data from multpl.com
W&L tuition is growing while endowment returns are falling short
The university’s endowment has had less than expected returns for three years, while tuition jumped by nearly 10% in the same span
May 19, 2025
Over 45% of Washington and Lee’s annual endowment payout funds student scholarships. Photo by Melos Ambaye ‘25
University enlists D.C. lobbying firm to oppose proposed increase in endowment tax
The move marks the first time the university has hired an outside lobbying firm, according to lobbying disclosures
May 19, 2025
An out of order blue light is located near Reid Hall. Photo by Joshua Davidson ‘28
A third of blue light systems are out of order
Of the 18 Help Systems on campus, six lack working communication features, and signs cover the call buttons
May 19, 2025
Country artist Marcus King plays a set at Lex Fest, a country music festival for W&L students, on May 2. The event received funding from the Southmayd Center for American Ideals, a controversial conservative nonprofit. Photo by John Little, ’26
Conservative group funded Lex Fest venue, but GAB says programming was student-led
May 19, 2025
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University Singers Sopranos and Altos venture to an island off of the Adriatic Sea during their time in Dubrovnik. Photo courtesy of Meredith Harron ’26
University Singers perform across Croatia and Slovenia
May 19, 2025
Juniors Devlin Daugherty, left, and Mateo Moss, right, volunteer at a Tennis for Fun event. The club’s leaders plan to host bi-monthly tennis clinics for individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. Photo courtesy of Devlin Daugherty, ’26.
New club makes tennis accessible to all
May 19, 2025
Students and community members dance to Taylor Swift songs played by Midnight Rain.
Taylor Swift tribute band performs for Lexington
April 7, 2025
Sarah Eaton, ’25, created a interactive cardboard train made to look like a dragon for her thesis.
Work of senior artists culminates in Staniar Gallery exhibit
April 7, 2025
Emma Malinak, ‘25, decorates Ring-tum Phi newsstands. Photo by Michael Todd of the Journalism and Mass Communications Department
Letter from the editor: in defense of independence
May 19, 2025
The Trump administration has largely sidelined soft power, writes columnist John Milas, ’28. Photo by Ava Tallat-Kelpsa, ’28
America’s soft power is disappearing. We need to get it back
May 19, 2025
The plausibility of the American Dream in our modern age is coming back into question. Photo by Ava Tallat-Kelpsa, ’28
Can the American Dream be more than a phrase?
May 19, 2025
Two young lovers embrace in Thomas Rowlandson’s 1785 etching entitled “Love.” Photo courtesy of The Met under use of the Public Domain.
We are all becoming lonelier
May 19, 2025