![President Will Dudley will enter his eight year in his role this fall.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screen-Shot-2024-06-19-at-1.49.38-PM.png)
Q&A with President Dudley: Looking at the year ahead
President Will Dudley discusses the institution's silence on Israel and Palestine, how he navigates alumni blowback and plans for the upcoming year
![Photo courtesy of Washington and Lee University](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Student_work_1_Cropped.jpg)
Mental health and media intimidation
The occasional dehumanization journalists face can clash with the modern sentiment that we should preserve our mental health
![Students can now opt to meet in-person at the University Counseling Center. Photo by Stefani Chiguluri, 24.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_0358-900x600.jpg)
Students receive less care from short-staffed university counseling center
The counseling center is down three providers, leaving students with longer wait times between appointment
![WikiCommons](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CourtGavel.jpg)
W&L senior acquitted of stalking charge
Judge Christopher Billias warned Brandon Konlian, ’24, that further contact with the victim in the case would result in jail time
![Ricardo Vergara will spend six years in prison and five on probation.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HELLVERGARA-1200x900.jpg)
Washington and Lee senior charged with stalking
Brandon Konlian, ’24, a top leader for Mock Convention, received the criminal charges a day after the event
![The GoFundMe campaign for the family of Mohammed Mourtaja, 25, reached its $30,000 in a matter of days. Photo courtesy of Mourtajas GoFundMe](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mourtaja.png)
GoFundMe campaign for Palestinian student’s family raises $30,000 in four days
Within hours of the start of a social media campaign, Washington and Lee community members raised over $18,000 for a family of Palestinian refugees
![Donald Trump addresses students and praises Washington and Lee in a pre-recorded video.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9396.jpeg)
Donald Trump wins Mock Convention’s GOP nomination
Trump’s win was no surprise, students said. But the speakers sparked disagreement and conversation
![Mock Conventions Instagram story Saturday night called Trump our next president.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Controversy-proof_Muckle-e1707873728532-591x1200.jpeg)
Critical comments removed from Mock Con Instagram
Young alumni slammed convention leaders for describing Trump as the “next president,” rather than the GOP nominee. Then their comments were hidden from public view
![Students call for a ceasefire in Gaza at the CARE Rockbridge Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in
January.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Israel-Palestine.jpg)
Campus is quiet but not silent about Israel and Palestine
Students personally impacted by the conflict say their biggest struggle is getting an activism-shy campus to keep talking
![Photos courtesy of Wiki Commons](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blank-3-Grids-Collage-1-1200x1200.png)
Students react to Mock Con speakers
Donald Trump Jr., Charlie Kirk and Candace Owens are all part of the lineup
![This photo, from Mock Convention 2020, shows students celebrating after announcing Mock Conventions nomination of Sen. Bernie Sanders as the Democratic Partys presidential candidate in 2020. A similar process will happen for the GOP presidential nominee this year. Photo by Lilah Kimble](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/87289451_2477132262392556_3741939335507738624_o-900x600.jpg)
Mock Convention 2024 announces speaker lineup
Donald Trump Jr., Glenn Youngkin, Candace Owens and other faces will appear on campus in less than two weeks.
![Annual course loads for the 2023-2024 academic year at peer liberal arts schools. Graphic by Shauna Muckle, ‘24](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Teaching-load-graphic.png)
Class sizes will increase as faculty teach fewer courses next year
The change came abruptly after years of professors’ discontent with teaching requirements
![Kayla Richardson, a first-year student, had her first month of college turned upside down when this video was posted on YouTube, and a wave of death threats started. (Screenshot courtesy of Young Americas Foundation YouTube)](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Kayla-Richardson.jpg)
She challenged Matt Walsh on gender-affirming care. Then the death threats started.
Kayla Richardson had her first month of college disrupted after a video of her was posted to a right-wing YouTube account
![The Republican Party logo is projected on the wall as students dance nearby. The Presidential Gala happens only once in every four years. Photo by Shauna Muckle, ’24](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Republican-Party-logo-is-projected-on-the-wall-as-students-dance-nearby-2.jpg)
From Town to Gown: portraits of the Mock Convention’s Presidential Gala
The Gala happened on Nov. 11 at the Richard L. Duchossois Tennis Center
![A law enforcement officer carrying a rifle leaves a room in the Center for Global Learning, amid an hours-long campus search yesterday.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/F94NLcQXEAA5Ooz-e1698873905115-1200x931.jpg)
Washington and Lee community still shaken one day after lockdown
Students came in close proximity to rifles after a 'disjointed' threat was emailed to university officials
![Left to right: Professors Bob Strong, Emily Filler, Seth Cantey and Mohamed Kamara discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before a packed Stackhouse Theater on Wednesday.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Panel-panel.jpg)
Faculty discuss Israeli-Palestinian conflict
A panel of faculty members accepted questions from students on a variety of topics related to violence in the Middle East
![Parked cars line the grass outside of third-year parking, a result of overflow.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231008_095448-1200x900.jpg)
Students slam campus parking enforcement
Students report a greater prevalence of parking tickets this year. What’s to blame?
![Phi Zeta Delta’s letters have been scrubbed from the group’s former house, which has been converted to over-flow housing. Photo from September 2023.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_7351.jpg)
Phi Zeta Delta suspended for 5 years
It’s unclear how the fraternity plans to move forward from last spring’s verdict
![A whiteboard with writing on it in red marker that reads: Shauna + Bri were here until 1:24 am #RTPismylife and we did not finish help us](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_9790-rotated-e1683594119696-900x879.jpg)
Editorial: W&L needs to reconsider its relationship with the press
Administrators don’t respond. Students only respond after a piece is published. And us? Well, we respond with this.
![The front of the Pi Beta Phi chapter house, a building at least three stories tall with white columns and a brick first story with several columns and archways between them.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_0371-675x900.jpg)
Pi Beta Phi placed on probation until 2024
One hazing report set off an investigation, an appeal and backlash
President announces campus absence
His departure raises questions about who will preside over major events
![A photo shows multiple signs and papers. The focus is a yellow and black sign reading What is a Fallacy? with Matt Walsh.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/what_is_a_fallacy_-900x889.jpg)
Petition opposing Matt Walsh visit nets over 600 signatures
Students, alumni, faculty and staff supported a petition asking the administration to disallow Walsh's visit
![Sorority houses, red brick buildings with white columned porches, seen through trees.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Copy-of-LMK_1298-900x600.jpeg)
Greek organizations battle hazing charges
Confidential investigations spark campus-wide rumors with no clear answers
Behind W&L’s sexual misconduct processes
Unpacking the university's reporting routes and outcomes
![Vergara direct messaged one of his victims and apologized after he assaulted her Oct. 1. (Screenshots shared by victim)](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Image-1.jpeg)
First-year student arrested on sexual assault charges
One victim said she reported Ricardo Vergara, ’26, to the Title IX office in October for a separate offense of sexual assault—but he faced no disciplinary action
University vows to fight wrongful termination suit
A former fraternity house director is suing Washington and Lee for $1 million
![Selby jumps on a car hood as a bystander urges him to stop. Photo courtesy of Dec. 2, 2021 video obtained by the Phi from an anonymous source](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Image-1-683x900.jpeg)
Selby had history of “vindictive, destructive” behavior before sexual battery charge
University administration failed to protect community from Selby, even after reported incidents
UPDATE: Student charged in sexual battery case no longer enrolled at W&L
Daniel Selby, a former member of the Class of 2025, left campus by Feb. 7, sources say
![The Lexington Police Department, a brick one story building with a white columned porch.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PXL_20211209_180632345.MP_-900x675.jpg)
W&L student pleads guilty in sexual battery case
A Lexington court lowered a felony charge against Dan Selby, ’25, to a misdemeanor in a Feb. 3 trial
![A crowd of people stand in a circle holding flashlights and signs. Behind them are lit up buildings with tall columns.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AE46AF7B-F1C8-48A5-81F7-256DDAE2C31C-900x675.jpg)
Students protest University Chapel speaker in lead-up to MLK Day
Over 100 students staged a silent walkout during a speech by Rodney Mims Cook Jr., '78, honoring Robert E. Lee
![A group of people carrying Confederate flags and symbols are assembled in a cemetery.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AnyConv.com__IMG_9149-900x675.jpg)
Local MLK and Lee-Jackson Day festivities clash
Both parades in downtown Lexington boasted the largest crowds they've seen since 2020
![Cadets march outside in front of onlookers on VMI’s campus. This year’s incoming class is composed of 375 cadets, a steep drop from the typical class size of roughly 500.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/LMK_0046-900x600.jpg)
After VMI enrollment plummets, admissions tests new tactics
Virginia Military Institute is wrestling with how to recruit more students after a bruising admissions cycle
![The exposed ceiling on the left side of Newcomb 122 on Dec. 1. The left portion will remain exposed until the ceiling gets fully replaced over winter break.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_4194.jpg)
Ceiling portions collapse in Newcomb Hall
Newcomb 122 was taken offline
for days after one-third of the ceiling fell
![Police posted at Washington and Lees Natatorium after the bomb threat was reported Dec. 1.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_4198.jpg)
Disciplinary routes unclear after bomb threats
Police began investigations at W&L and VMI after students posted
anonymous threats online
![Students sit on concrete stairs with grass in between, holding candles. In the background, there is a lit W&L building.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7164-2-900x675.jpg)
University of Virginia shooting inspires grief, evaluation of emergency protocol
Washington and Lee held a candlelight vigil in the wake of a shooting at U-Va. that left three dead and two wounded
![Pi Kappa Alpha house, a brick building with many windows, sitting on a tilted grassy hill.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pike-by-jess-kishbaugh6-900x675.jpeg)
New hazing training calls Greek initiation practices into question
Common initiation practices meet Virginia’s definition of hazing, new university training reveals
High faculty teaching load at Washington and Lee affects hiring and student registration
Faculty said the standard teaching load is one of multiple barriers to hiring additional professors - which also affects which courses students can take.
![Proposed woods creek bridge from remodeled Leyburn. Photo courtesy of the master plan.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Proposed-woods-creek-bridge-from-remodeled-Leyburn-courtesy-of-master-plan.jpg)
Major changes in store for campus infrastructure
Senior housing, a Williams School expansion and a new museum on Lee Avenue are planned for the coming years.
![The potential for additional traffic on roads like Nelson Street has been a focal point in past public debates regarding housing development on Spotswood Drive. Developers have contended that the uptick in traffic will be minimal. Photo by Jess Kishbaugh, ’24.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/spots-wood-street-sign-by-jess-kishbaugh-or-shauna-muckle_-900x488.png)
Development talk for Spotswood re-launch
Two competing proposals to build multi-family housing in Lexington have been submitted to City Council
![Owner Trevor Stores was born and raised in Lexington. Though this is his first time owning a business, he brings years of bartending experience to the venture. Photo by Jess Kishbaugh, ’24.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/sky-bar-by-jess-kishbaugh-2-900x600.jpg)
SkyBar brings a new aesthetic to Lexington
SkyBar, a speakeasy-style bar in the basement of Blue Sky, opened to the public Feb. 18.
Mask mandates in question at local schools
A controversial executive order has school districts defending their decisions to keep mask mandates in place.
![Organizer Mansi Tripathi, ’22, gave opening remarks about the prevalence of sexual assault at Washington and Lee in front of a banner signed by students to show support for survivors. Photo by Shauna Muckle, ’24.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-01-at-8.04.59-PM-900x558.png)
SPEAK hosts sexual assault awareness event
Anonymous stories written by survivors described a culture of self-blame, doubt and social stigma surrounding speaking out about sexual violence
![Sydney Brun-Ozuna, ‘24L, plays Eighteen Wheeler American Pro Trucker at Tommy’s Arcade. She visited the arcade for the first time to compete in a Smash Bros. tournament. Photo by Shauna Muckle, ’24.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-01-at-8.01.24-PM-900x671.png)
Downtown Lexington gains its first arcade
Lexington’s newest entertainment option offers a community spot to play retro and modern games
![Youngkin will be Virginia’s first Republican governor in eight years. He, Sears and Miyares are the first Republicans elected to statewide office since 2014. Photo by Shauna Muckle, ’24](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Screen-Shot-2021-11-09-at-5.36.57-PM-900x671.png)
Republicans make major gains in Virginia elections
Glenn Youngkin and other down-ballot Republicans defied Virginia’s leftward trend Nov. 2, declaring victory in their competitive races.
![Glenn Youngkin spoke in Buena Vista Oct. 28, a few days before the Virginia gubernatorial election. Photo by Shauna Muckle, ’24.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Screen-Shot-2021-11-09-at-5.31.33-PM-900x671.png)
Youngkin fires up Buena Vista in campaign’s final stretch
Glenn Youngkin, Virginia’s newly elected governor, held a rally in Buena Vista days before his electoral victory
Campus organizations receive additional dollars from the EC
The Executive Committee invited student organizations across campus to apply for funding and recognition by Oct. 6.
![Burns reads a Veterans Day prayer at the annual Veterans Day event on campus. Photo courtesy of The Columns.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/paul-berns-900x600.jpg)
“A very cheerful, uplifting person with a heart of gold:” Paul Burns dies at 72
Burns, a longtime W&L Facilities staff member and Army veteran, died from COVID-19.
![Pilates students use a reformer, an appara-tus with tension pulleys meant to challenge the body. Photo courtesy of Kevin Remington.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Pilates-pic-2.jpg)
New Pilates studio offers hot-powered approach
A new business in Lexington brings a blend of Pilates and heated yoga to the workout scene.
![Street names associated with the Confederacy were a topic of heated debate at a recent City Council meeting. Photo by Lilah Kimble, ‘23](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/LMK_1555-900x600.jpeg)
The possibility of city council renaming Lexington streets looms
A new policy might let Lexington leaders change the names of streets, but residents are not so keen on it
![Spotswood Drive decision delayed](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/LMK_1485-2-900x600.jpeg)
Spotswood Drive decision delayed
An offer to buy property on Spotswood Drive has raised concerns for Lexington residents, leading to another hearing to be held on March
VMI COVID cases are coming down since mid-February spike
The cases at VMI reached 190 active cases on Feb. 16, but the cases dropped to 89 on Feb. 23.
Sixth District race nears its close as early voting ends
Cook Political Report rates Virginia’s Sixth District as “solid Republican” this election cycle
Project Horizon handles increased domestic violence reports
The Rockbridge nonprofit did not close its doors during the worst of the pandemic
Civic groups orchestrate non-partisan voter education
Virtual events prove successful for 50 Ways and Rockbridge Justice Coalition
Rockbridge-area schools reopen virtually
City and county schools tout new resources for students
![Local political organizations have pivoted their campaign tactics due to the coronavirus pandemic and connecting with voters virtually.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20200902-EKC_2850-900x601.jpg)
Local candidates pivot campaign tactics amidst coronavirus pandemic
Local Republicans and Democrats are using different strategies than usual to reach voters