Schedule of Events Parents and Family Weekend: Oct. 24 - Oct. 26, 2025
Explore the 2024 schedule of events for an overview of weekend activities. Check back soon for an updated 2025 schedule.
Attire for the weekend is informal.
The Parents and Family Weekend Schedule of Events is subject to change. Please check back often for updates and upon arriving to Lexington, please check in at the registration table in the Evans Dining Hall Lobby to receive your name tag and any special notices.
Thursday, October 3, 2024
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Delaney Center Spotlight |
Watson Pavilion |
The DeLaney Center strives to build community at and around W&L by studying Southern race relations, culture, and politics. During this program, you can hear from students who participated in Freedom Ride, a pre-orientation trip that launches the Center's programming each year. You can also meet the Delaney Center team and learn about our exciting plans for 2024-2025. Please join us for fellowship and light refreshments. |
| 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Contact Committee Presents: An Evening with Meghan McCain | University Chapel |
The Washington and Lee Contact Committee is excited to be hosting American television personality, columnist, and political commentator Meghan McCain on Thursday, October 3rd at 7pm in University Chapel for a conversation about the state of politics in America against the backdrop of the 2024 presidential election. This event is free but tickets are required. Reserve your tickets here: https://wlucontactpfw2024.eventbrite.com/ |
Friday, October 4, 2024
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Classes Begin | Parents and family members who wish to join their student in classes during Parents and Family weekend should check with their student to find out which classes are open to visitors. Invitations to attend classes are issued at the discretion of the faculty and students will be informed by their professors if parents and family members are invited to attend. | |
| 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Registration | Evans Dining Hall, Lobby | Pick up your registration packet and name tags. Your student may pick up your packet for you. |
| 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Financial Aid in-person appointments | Office of Financial Aid, 23 University Place | Appointments will be available on Friday for any parent or student who needs to meet with a member of the Financial Aid staff. A 25-minute appointment in the financial aid office can be scheduled for the morning or afternoon of Friday, October 4 using this link: https//access.wlu.edu/portal/parentwknd_finaid. These appointments are for parents and/or others who are attending Parents and Family Weekend and who need to meet with Financial Aid. Please do not sign-up for an appointment if you are not attending. If you are not able to attend Parents and Family Weekend but need to speak with Financial Aid, then I encourage you to contact Martha Rowsey at (540) 458-8717 or email her at merowsey@wlu.edu. Martha can arrange an appointment by phone for another date and time. |
| 10 a.m. | Library Student Advisory Board Book Sale |
Leyburn Library's Main Floor | The Library Student Advisory Board [LSAB] is holding its biannual book sale! Books on sale are donated by our patrons and friends. Shop for your new favorite book and do so sustainably! All proceeds go to the initiatives of LSAB. Event runs throughout Parents & Family Weekend. Event ends, Sunday, October 8th.
Learn more about LSAB at https://library.wlu.edu/library-student-advisory-board/ |
| 10:20 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. | Achieving Career Stability and Personal Fulfillment in the Arts and Humanities - The Best of Both Worlds | Leyburn 128 | Student panel followed by breakout discussion groups for parents and students dedicated to specific industries. Career and Professional Development Advisors will be at each discussion table.
Light Refreshments |
| 10 a.m. - 12p.m. | Law, Justice, and Society Program Open House |
Elrod Commons 114 | Talk with professors and students involved in the Law, Justice, and Society Program to learn what this valuable interdisciplinary program has to offer. |
| 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | World Languages and Cultures at Washington and Lee | Ruscio Center for Global Learning | Take a pen and receive some facts about World Languages and Cultures study at Washington and Lee. It pays to be globally minded! |
| 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Physics Fest | Science Center, Howe 204 and Howe 208 | Come see some cool physics demos! Sponsored by the Physics and Engineering Department Sessions run 10:00 am - 11:00 am and 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm |
| 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Physics and Engineering Department Open House | Science Center, Great Hall | Come and meet members of Faculty. |
| 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Children of Alumni Luncheon |
Hotchkiss Alumni House | The W&L Alumni Association invites you, your student(s) and your family to a casual lunch at Hotchkiss Alumni House on Friday, October 4. Join other alumni families any time between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for a buffet of assorted sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, chips, dessert, water, and sodas. If you will attend, please use this link to register by Friday, September 27 so we can order the right amount of food. |
| 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | First Friday - Parents and Family Weekend Edition |
Leyburn 119 | Join us for the inaugural First Fridays lunch, a special event series dedicated to first-generation college students! Our first gathering will be held during Parents and Family Weekend, and we warmly invite parents to attend. This session will focus on the important transition from high school to college, offering valuable insights and strategies to help both students and their families navigate this new chapter. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and build a supportive community as you embark on this exciting journey together! |
| 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Neuroscience Program Open House | Parmly Hall 305, Science Center | Come have refreshments with the members of the Neuroscience program. |
| 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Global Learning and Study Abroad at Washington and Lee | Elrod Commons, Stackhouse Theater | This session will provide an overview of opportunities for global learning and how it may relate to a student's overall W&L education. A student panel will share what they gained through their experiences abroad. |
| 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | German Department Info Table | Kenneth P. Ruscio Center for Global Learning, Atrium | Meet with German Department faculty and students to find out more about German Studies and internship, fellowship, scholarship, and study abroad opportunities for students of German! |
| 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Cognitive and Behavioral Science Department Open House | Parmly Hall 225, Science Center | Come meet CBSC faculty and hear about what the department has to offer. |
| 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | History Department Open House | Newcomb Hall |
Come have refreshments with the faculty of the History Department. Inclement weather-Event held inside Newcomb Hall |
| 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Africana Studies Meet & Greet | Tucker Hall, Room 101 |
The African Studies Department will host a meet-and-greet. |
| 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Education Studies Meet & Greet | Outdoor Tent, beside Newcomb Hall |
The Education Studies Department will host a meet-and-greet outside under a tent, beside Newcomb Hall. |
| 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Sociology and Anthropology Meet & Greet | Outdoor Tent, beside Newcomb Hall |
The Sociology and Anthropology Department will host a meet-and-greet outside under a tent, beside Newcomb Hall. Inclement weather - Newcomb Hall, First Floor |
| 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Special Collections and Archives Open House | Special Collections and Archives Reading Room on the first floor of James Graham Leyburn Library |
Special Collections and Archives houses primary source materials that cross multiple disciplines. We invite parents and students to our open house where we will have rare books, manuscripts, photographs, etc. on display that highlight the many different subject areas we support across the curriculum. All are welcome, but we do ask that you leave food and beverages outside on the tables provided. |
| 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Journalism and Mass Communication Open House | Reid Hall 2nd Floor Room 207 Rowe Lounge | Welcome Students Family and Friends Please join the Journalism Department for refreshments and conversation. |
| 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Philosophy Department Open House | Washington Hall, 3rd floor | Please come and chat with the faculty of the Philosophy Department. |
| 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Chemistry and Biochemistry Open House | Science Center, Science Addition 3rd floor Lounge | Come have a cookie and meet the department! |
| 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Shepherd Program Open House | Mattingly Living Room | Join us in the Mattingly House to meet the Shepherd team. |
| 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Pre-Health Professions Open House | Science Center Great Hall | Meet Brittany Carr, Coordinator of the Health Professions Advisory Committee and Assistant Director of Pre-Health Professions, CPD & chat about all things pre-health! Yay! |
| 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Fraternity Information Session | Hillel House, Multipurpose Room 101 | Members of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) will discuss information on fraternity life at Washington & Lee, including the recruitment process, eligibility requirements, new member education, housing, and financial obligations.
There will be a Q&A portion at the end. |
| 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Sorority Information Session | Elrod Commons, Stackhouse Theater | Members of the Panhellenic Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council will discuss information on sorority life at Washington & Lee including the recruitment process, eligibility requirements, new member education, housing, and financial obligations.
There will be a Q&A portion at the end. |
| 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Biology Department Open House | Science Center, Howe Hall, 3rd Floor | Stop by the Science Center to chat with Biology Department Faculty! |
| 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Religion Department Open House |
Outside of Tucker Hall (Library Side) |
The Religion Department will host a meet-and-greet. |
| 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Johnson Program Open House |
Washington Hall Lobby |
The Johnson Program welcomes our Scholars' friends and family for Parents and Family Weekend. Director of the Johnson Program, Elizabeth Knapp, and Senior Program Coordinator, Haley Culbertson will be available to answer questions about the Johnson Scholarship and Program.
Refreshments provided. |
| 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Classics Department Open House |
Outside of Tucker Hall (Library Side) |
The Classics Department will host a meet-and greet |
| 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Meet your Romance Language's Faculty |
Tucker Hall 3rd Floor Hallway |
Meet your Romance Language's Faculty from 2-3pm at Tucker Hall on the third floor. Light refreshments provided |
| 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | A Celebration of Shenandoah |
First Floor of James Graham Leyburn Library |
Students share the history of Shenandoah magazine on its 75th anniversary. See Leyburn's new Shenandoah exhibit, enjoy refreshments, and chat with English and Creative Writing faculty and students. |
| 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Summer Research Scholars Student Presentations and Poster Session | Leyburn Library, Main Floor | Washington and Lee students who participated in the 2024 Summer Research Scholars program will present their work and answer your questions. Come hear about all the incredible things they've been researching! |
| 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Asian Ceramics: New Exhibits & Fresh Perspectives at the Reeves |
Reeves Museum of Ceramics |
Stop by the Reeves Museum of Ceramics to explore two exciting exhibitions "Stephanie Shih: LONG TIME NO SEE (好久不見)" and "Points of Exchange: Asian Ceramics in the Reeves Collection." Enjoy mini-tours led by students and museum staff from 2 to 5 PM. The museum will be open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM. (museums.wlu.edu/shih) |
| 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Impossible Garden (Exhibition Opening) | Watson Galleries | Stop by the Watson Galleries to explore the fantastical world of "Impossible Garden: Dusk & Dawn" by artist and W&L professor of art Emma Steinkraus. Enjoy mini-tours led by students and museum staff from 2 to 5 PM. (museums.wlu.edu/dusk) |
| 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Sorority Open Houses | Frank Parsons Way | Parents and families are welcome to visit the Panhellenic sorority houses as they will be open for visitors. |
| 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Environmental Studies Open House | Tucker Hall 019 (Basement) | Please join us in the basement of Tucker Hall to meet and talk with Environmental Studies faculty and staff. |
| 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Williams School Open House | Terrace in front of Huntley Hall | Stop by the front steps of Huntley Hall to chat with Williams School faculty! Refreshments will be provided.
In the event of inclement weather, the open house will be moved to the Larry and Fran Peppers Room inside Huntley Hall. |
| 3:50 p.m. - 5 p.m. | The Department of Mathematics Reception and Student Summer Research Presentations | Chavis Hall | Enjoy refreshments with the faculty in the main foyer of Chavis before student presentations of their summer research projects at 3:50 p.m. in Chavis 105. |
| 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Department of Art and Art History Open House |
Lykes Atrium, Wilson Hall | Come meet faculty and staff in the Department of Art and Art History! There also will be the opportunity to visit two special art exhibits: "Where We Meet," by Liz Liguori in Staniar Gallery, and "Bridget Conn: Foveal Relay" in the Lykes Atrium of Wilson Hall. |
| 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Parents and Family Weekend Lee House Open House | Lee House, Patio | President Dudley and Carola Tanna look forward to meeting you and your families and invite you to join them for cookies and punch on the Lee House Patio. |
| 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. | East Asian Languages & Literatures Taste of Asia Open House | Kenneth P. Ruscio Center for Global Learning, Atrium | Asian Snacks and Conversation |
| 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Open House | Outing Club (Student Activities Pavilion) | Open climbing and bouldering walls at the Outing Club. Come look at the Outing Club and all it has to offer. |
| 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | W&L Hillel Parents and Family Shabbat Dinner | Hillel House | Everyone is welcome to join the W&L Jewish community for a brief Shabbat service followed by dinner. Please RSVP for the event at Hillel@wlu.edu |
| 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Parents and Family Weekend Choral Concert | Wilson Concert Hall, Wilson Hall, Lenfest Center for the Arts |
Come kick off the 2024-2025 choral season with The University Singers, The Glee Club and Cantatrici. Showcasing Lacey R. Lynch, conductor of Cantatrici, and members of the Choral Conducting Mentorship Program (CCMP), the first half of the program will feature modern a cappella fun, with a broad variety of works from around the world. The University Singers, conducted by Shane M. Lynch, will then perform a rigorous set centered around Heinrich Schütz's Singet dem Herrn and the music of Slovenia, one of the destinations of the 2025 tour. Traditional favorites will round out the evening, finally closing with James Erb's Shenandoah. There will be a reception to follow in Lykes Atrium immediately following the performance. Tickets are free, but required, and are available only to current W&L students and families. Tickets become available on Monday, September 9, 2024. Please visit https://wlu.edu/lenfest-center/buy-tickets-now to purchase tickets, or email boxoffice@wlu.edu for queries, updates and changes. Performance will be streamed at go.wlu.edu/livestream |
| 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. | FUDG (Friday Underground) | Basement of ARC House, 205 E Washington Street | Stop by the basement of the Arts, Recreation, and Culture (ARC) house and hang out at Friday Underground (FUDG)! |
Saturday, October 5, 2024
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. | A Stroll through Downtown Lexington | Office of Community-Based Learning at the corner of Washington Street and Lee Avenue (in front of the Early-Fielding Building) |
Enjoy a leisurely walk and learn about innovative student and faculty partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits. We will walk up Washington Street, to Main Street, to Randolph Street, to East Preston Street, and back down Main Street. This is a shine or light rain event. Heavy downpours cancel. Please fill out this form to sign up: https://forms.gle/NX2BsoaXZfnGkwaW6 Hosted by the Office of Community-Based Learning |
| 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Harte and Center Meet and Greet | Leyburn 128 |
Come and meet the Harte Center team supporting students and faculty along their learning journeys. |
| 9 a.m - 10:30 a.m. | RUF Parents' Brunch | Village Pavilion |
Join Reformed University Fellowship students, staff, and parents for brunch, fellowship, and a brief update of how we're seeing God at work on campus, from the Campus Minister, Rev. Willis Weatherford. |
| 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Outing Club Back Campus Hike | Outing Club Pavilion |
Go on a leisurely hike on Back Camps trails with an Outing Club staff representative. This is a light rain or shine event. Heavy downpour cancels. |
| 9 a.m. - Noon | Registration (continues) | Evans Dining Hall, Lobby | |
| 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstrations by the W&L Chanoyu Tea Society | Watson Galleries | Observe a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony by students of the W&L Chanoyu Tea Society in our own Senshin'an Tearoom (http://tearoom.wlu.edu) in the Watson Galleries, located adjacent to Tucker Hall at the end of the Colonnade. Enjoy traditional sweets and a bowl of whisked ""matcha"" tea. Three demonstrations will be held: 10:00-10:30, 10:45-11:15, 11:30-12:00. Each session is limited to 20 participants and sign-up is required. Since seating is limited to 20 participants per session and there is no automated wait list, be sure to cancel your reservation if your plans change.
Sign up at this Calendly link: https://calendly.com/mwlu/pfwtea2024 Questions about making or cancelling a reservation? Contact Robert Forsberg at rforsberg@wlu.edu |
| 10 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. | Brunch in the Marketplace | Elrod Commons, Marketplace | No tickets are necessary. Guests can pay at the register. |
| 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | President's Address | University Chapel | President William C. Dudley |
| 12 p.m. | Field Hockey | Turf Field | Field Hockey vs Eastern Mennonite University |
| 1 p.m. | Women's Soccer |
Alston Parker Watt Field |
Women's Soccer vs Randolph-Macon College |
| 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Student Affairs Sponsored Tailgate Party | Law School Lawn | Stop by the tailgate party on the Law School Lawn to visit with other families from your area and beyond! |
| 4 p.m. | Men's Soccer | Alston Parker Watt Field | Men's Soccer vs Averett University |
| 5 p.m. | Football | Wilson Field | Football vs Averett University |
| 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | A Cappella Concert | University Chapel |
A Cappella Concert featuring Washington and Lee's student-run a cappella groups, General Admission, JubiLee, and Southern Comfort. |
| 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Parents and Family Weekend Instrumental Concert | Wilson Concert Hall, Wilson Hall, Lenfest Center for the Arts |
Join the University Jazz Ensemble, University Orchestra, and University Wind Ensemble as they perform a combined concert as part of Parents and Family Weekend 2024. Performance will be streamed at go.wlu.edu/livestream |
Sunday, October 6, 2024
| Time | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | Sunday Events TBD |
Special Events and Exhibits
Staniar Gallery, Wilson Hall
Art Exhibit: Liz Liguori: Where We Meet
Liz Liguori (b. 1979) is a contemporary New York-based artist whose work explores the infinite expressions of light. With process and experimentation as her touchstones, her work blends traditional art-making methods with original technologies developed by the artist. Since first developing her art-making process in 2011, Liguori has been using light and photochemistry to challenge the assumptions and conventions of art. Comprising all new works, Where We Meet explores light as painting and sculpture. Where We Meet is curated by Annabelle Rinehart (NYC).
Liguori's work has been presented in New York City at the La Mama Galleria, 222 Bowery Art, Lazy Susan Gallery, Haven Arts, and Fridman Gallery. Other selected exhibits include Abakus Projects (Boston, MA), The Taubman Museum of Art (Roanoke, VA), Reynolds Gallery (Richmond, VA), Jordan Faye Contemporary (Baltimore, MD), The Gallery at Serenbe (Palmetto, GA), Science Museum of Western Virginia, and The Armory Gallery (Blacksburg, VA). Liguori's artwork is highlighted in the book The Mountain Lake Symposium and Workshop: Artists in Locale, to which she also contributed an essay on her process. She holds an MFA in Creative Technologies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a BA in Studio Art from Drew University.
Visit the artist's website: https://www.lizliguori.net/
University Store
Located in the Elrod University Commons
Special Parents and Family Weekend Hours of Operation:
- Friday, October 4, 2024: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 5, 2024: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Sunday, October 6, 2024: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.