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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

A group of W&L seniors studies and does homework together.

W&L students thrive post-pandemic, professors say

Amid nationwide pandemic learning loss, the resilience and drive of W&L students allows them to succeed
Julianna Stephenson, Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2025
Students walk through the streets of New York City to a meeting during last year’s finance trip.

February Break career trips become increasingly selective

The Office of Career and Professional Development required students to interview for spots on trips for the first time in 20 years
Ava Tallat-Kelpsa, General Assignment Staff Writer
February 17, 2025
2024 Washington Term Students worked in internships in every corner of the nation’s capital. 2025’s cohort will have more limited choices.

Federal hiring freeze creates new challenges for students’ internship, job searches

Although Washington, D.C. is 200 miles away from Lexington, W&L students are feeling the effects of executive orders in their own backyard
Emma Malinak, Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2025
The Office of Inclusion and Engagement is headquartered in Elrod Commons.

W&L administration won’t speculate on the future of DEI. Students have opinions.

New federal policies put diversity, equity and inclusion programs on the chopping block
Aiden Kelsey, Local Editor
February 17, 2025
Alden Wicker’s talk about her book, “To Dye For,” was set to be held in Northen Auditorium but was moved to Zoom following the winter storm.

W&L alum discusses the effect of fast fashion on human health

Alden Wicker, ’09, spoke to university professors and students about how toxic chemicals in clothes make us, and the environment, sick
Erika Kengni, News Editor
February 17, 2025
Gerard Baker addresses a crowd of almost 200 in University Chapel.

Wall Street Journal leader examines Trump’s revolution

The Journal’s Editor-At-Large, Gerard Baker, told a crowd in University Chapel that the new president may struggle to keep up the momentum of his first week in office
Josh Darrow
February 3, 2025
Melissa Harris-Perry, the presidential chair of Wake Forest University’s department of politics and international affairs, spoke at Washington and Lee on Jan. 20.

MLK keynote speaker takes stock of American politics on Inauguration Day

“Jackson-Lee, King, Trump day feels like the most American day ever,” Melissa Harris-Perry told a crowd in Keller Theatre
Shay Bowman
February 3, 2025
Pronto employee makes drinks at Pronto Café & Gelateria in downtown Lexington.

Local cafés raise prices as global coffee bean costs increase

Shops such as Pronto are seeing the effects of global climate change in their budgets and on their menus
Emily Scaff
February 3, 2025
Nneka Dennie, right, takes students, left, to St. Nicholas Abbey, a historic site in Barbados, on a Spring Term Abroad trip in 2022.

Washington and Lee history professor founds organizations to foster Black studies

Within seven years, Professor Nneka Dennie has established two organizations that support research into Black feminism and teach Black history
Erika Kengni, News Editor
February 3, 2025
Sigma Nu moved out of its house in 2020 when no new members joined. They will move back into the house for fall 2025.

W&L’s Latinx community moves again as Sigma Nu reclaims house

Nuestro Hogar Latino, a Latinx theme house, has been based in three different buildings in its six-year history. It’ll jump to a fourth location in September when Sigma Nu returns
Emma Malinak, Editor-in-Chief
February 3, 2025
Past clients send thank you notes to the Law School’s tax clinic.

W&L students provide lifeline of free tax services to low-income families

As tax season begins, the Williams School’s VITA program and Law School’s tax clinic are giving Rockbridge residents free resources to file taxes and resolve problems with the IRS
Emma Malinak, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 20, 2025
In December, 24 QuestBridge finalists were matched with Washington and Lee University. They will arrive on campus next fall as members of the class of 2029.

QuestBridge endures amid admissions changes

QuestBridge offers opportunities to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds, in alignment with W&L’s new need-blind policy
Julianna Stephenson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 20, 2025
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