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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
Erika Kengni, News Editor
May 19, 2025
Michael McLaughlin, ’23, and Sellers Smith, ’23, enjoy exploring Lexington. Photo courtesy of McLaughlin and Smith

Washington and Lee graduates find opportunities to stay in Lexington

Some students are choosing to stay in Lexington after graduation, embracing the town’s professional and personal possibilities
Amelia Lanier, General Assignment Staff Writer
May 19, 2025

President announces campus absence

His departure raises questions about who will preside over major events
Shauna Muckle, Editor-in-Chief
April 11, 2023
Class of 2022 graduation takes place at the end of May. Photo by Jess Kishbaugh, ’24.

I don’t know, yet

I am months away from being a real adult in the real world, and I don’t know what I am doing, yet.
Mary Alice Russell
April 12, 2022
Most of the Class of 2020 returned for a belated graduation ceremony. Photo by Lilah Kimble, '23.

Better late than never: Class of 2020 returns for commencement

Alumni and their families return to campus for a belated commencement ceremony
Grace Mamon
September 28, 2021
From left to right: Elizabeth Thompson, '20, Kathryn Gerbo, '20, and Elizabeth Underwood, '20 pose for early graduation photos on the Colonnade. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Underwood.

Washington and Lee pushes back graduation ceremonies to spring 2021

Undergraduate and law classes of 2020 are scheduled to walk the stage nearly a year after virtual graduation
Hannah Denham
May 1, 2020
The Class of 2020, during their first-year orientation week in August 2016. 
Photo by Kevin Remington.

Letter to the editor: To the class of 2020

Executive Committee President Will Bolton, '20, addresses the class of 2020
Will Bolton
April 13, 2020

Stress of post-graduation plans starts settling in

Upperclassmen face challenges in securing jobs, graduate school acceptances
Callie Ramsey
February 1, 2016
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