1. Preserving a Tradition

Preserving a Tradition Tom Millhiser '81L and his wife Shelly have established an endowment to fund the purchase of the W&L Law walking sticks.

By Law Communications
March 9, 2026

The W&L Law walking stick is among the law school's most distinctive traditions. Carried by generations of graduates during commencement, the walking stick is a symbol of great accomplishment and an important physical reminder of the bond that connects our nationwide community of legal professionals.

Now, thanks to one of the law school's most generous benefactors, this tradition is sure to continue. Tom Millhiser '81L and his wife Shelly have established an endowment to fund the purchase of the walking sticks going forward.

As alumni well know, the tradition of the walking sticks dates back to the early 20th century, when third-year law students carried these canes as a mark of their status when only two years of law school was required. This practice lapsed in the early '60s but was resurrected by Millhiser's class and has been spearheaded in recent years by his classmate David Weaver '81L. Apart from the Class of 1990 - the year the then-supplier went out of business - every class since has carried walking sticks at commencement with brass name plates, bearing the W&L seal.

The Millhisers were inspired to create the walking stick endowment in part because they recognized the financial burden law students carry in obtaining their degree.

"When Sarah Hughes approached Shelly and me about endowing the walking sticks, we thought that it was a marvelous way to perpetuate an important and distinctive law school tradition reestablished by my class," said Tom. "One of my law partners told me that he deeply regrets not purchasing a walking stick, even though his dire financial situation at graduation prevented him from doing so. I understand that his circumstance is not unusual. Now, all future law school alums will enjoy and be part of the walking stick tradition."

Over the years, Tom Millhiser has remained deeply engaged with Washington and Lee. He served for a decade on the Law Council, including a term as president, and has been a member of the George Washington Society, the Richmond area campaign committee, and the Richmond Law Chapter. He has strengthened the W&L network as a law firm liaison and a career mentor for law students. In 2011, he received the law school's Outstanding Alumnus Award in recognition of his service and professional accomplishments.

Tom and Shelly Millhiser have demonstrated extraordinary generosity to the law school and were recently honored by the university with the addition of their names to the Benefactor's Wall in Washington Hall. The Millhisers' philanthropy includes loyal annual giving, the Class of 1981 Law Memorial Scholarship, the renovation of the Millhiser Moot Court Room, the Thomas McNally Millhiser Law Scholarship, and the Rochelle and Thomas McNally Millhiser '81L Professorship of Practice - an endowed professorship that supports distinguished practitioners who teach in the experiential third-year curriculum, with a preference for those focusing on trusts and estates.