Washington and Lee University Families Celebrate Academic Achievement

By Brian Laubscher
June 9, 2026

Every spring brings special reason to celebrate the culmination of academic achievement. This year, 13 graduates completed their undergraduate studies at institutions of higher learning across the country. These accomplished students share a meaningful connection to Washington and Lee University as dependents of employees who have helped make W&L the exceptional institution it is today.

Each of these graduates represents years of hard work, determination and family support. Their achievements also reflect the value of W&L's Educational Grant Program, which helps make quality higher education accessible to the dependents of employees. The program provides substantial tuition assistance, allowing families to pursue educational opportunities that align with their goals and interests.

Those who have agreed to be recognized publicly for their significant milestones include:

Danny Carter
The son of Jessica Willett, vice president for communications and strategic initiatives, Carter graduated magna cum laude from Davidson College with a bachelor's degree in computer science.

Arden Courtney Collins
The daughter of Owen Collins, professor of theater, and Ann Courtney, adjunct instructor of theater, Collins graduated cum laude from Occidental College with a bachelor's degree in diplomacy and world affairs and minors in religion and art. While attending Occidental, she participated in the Kahane Internship at the United Nations, serving in the Costa Rica Mission.

Gabriela Eastwood
The daughter of Jon Eastwood, William P. Ames Jr. Professor of Sociology, Eastwood graduated magna cum laude from Smith College with a bachelor's degree in statistical and data sciences and Italian studies. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and received the Italian studies' Michele Cantarella Memorial "Dante Prize."

John Gregory
The son of Paul Gregory, professor of philosophy, and Molly Michelmore, professor of history, Gregory graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from Virginia Commonwealth University. The title of his capstone exhibition was "There is Shadow Under This Red Rock," a reflection on self, struggle and meaning via unorthodox black and white photographic processes.

Braden Hamilton
The son of Bill Hamilton, John T. Perry Professor of Biology, Hamilton graduated from Longwood University with a bachelor's degree in communications studies. He received a regional Emmy for outstanding non-fiction, long form for the documentary "Dr. Yemaja Jubilee: Hardships and Triumphant Joy."

Parizad Irani
The daughter of Afshad Irani, professor of accounting, Irani graduated magna cum laude from the University of Richmond with a bachelor's degree in psychology and leadership studies.

Will Murdock
The son of Karla Murdock, Jo M. and James M. Ballengee Sr. Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science, Murdock graduated cum laude from Haverford College with a bachelor's degree in physics. He received departmental honors and took engineering courses at the University of Pennsylvania where he will continue working toward a master's degree in mechanical engineering this fall. He was also captain of the Haverford ultimate frisbee team and was nominated for the Donovan Award, which recognizes the Division III ultimate frisbee player of the year.

Karena Richmond
The daughter of Sally Stone Richmond, vice president for admissions and financial aid, Richmond graduated cum laude from the College of William & Mary with a bachelor's degree in public policy and religious studies, earning honors in the latter.

Ingrid Sukow
The daughter of David Sukow, Robert Lee Telford Professor of Physics, Sukow graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor's degree in biology. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

Layla Todd
The daughter of Michael Todd, technical operations manager in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications, Todd graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in creative writing and minors in film and television and Farsi (Persian). A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she is a Gilman Scholar and a recipient of the Aurelie Sheehan Memorial, Dave and Tory Schechter, Elaine A. Bychinsky, Bill & Jane Spain and Jack Huggins awards for excellence in creative writing. She will continue her education at Brown University where she will pursue an MFA in fiction.

Program Benefits
Numerous full-time employees have utilized the Educational Grant Program over the years to subsidize a portion of their dependent's college educational expenses across eight semesters or 12 trimesters of undergraduate study at an accredited institution of higher education.

To be eligible for the Educational Grant Program, employees must be employed by the university for five consecutive years of full-time service at the time the benefit is to be received. The term "dependent" is defined by the IRS code and verified through five years of employee tax records. Employees hired after June 30, 2006, receive a grant comprising 50% of the tuition of the institution the child is attending or 50% of W&L's current undergraduate tuition. For employees hired before June 30, 2006, and who have remained full-time since that date, the university pays 90% of the tuition of the institution the child is attending or 90% of W&L's current undergraduate tuition. The benefit may be reduced by additional scholarship and grant assistance received outside of W&L's grant without exceeding the total value of tuition, room and board of the child's institution.

Employees wishing to pursue the Educational Grant Program should contact Lori Oliver in the treasurer's office.

W&L employees eligible for the Educational Grant Program also have access to a tuition exchange program through the Associated Colleges of the South (ACS) and the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GCLA).

The ACS tuition exchange offers 100% of the host institution's tuition and fees. Each school has a limited number of openings, and applicants are encouraged to contact the schools to determine how many openings they have. The assistance could end up being greater than the W&L Educational Grant benefit if the cost of attending a particular school is more than the cost of attendance at W&L. However, it should be noted that participants must pay a $2,000 annual participation fee, which is matched by W&L.

The GCLA tuition exchange offers 90% of the host institution's tuition and fees. There are no limits on the exchanges available, and if a student receives acceptance, they automatically qualify for the exchange.

For additional information on applying for the ACS or GCLA tuition exchange programs, contact Megan Hobbs, associate director of financial aid.