In 1993, Washington and Lee founded the Doremus Society to celebrate donors who choose to make legacy gifts to the university through a bequest, retirement plan, life insurance policy or through a life income gift that will benefit W&L in the future.
The Society’s namesake, Robert Parker Doremus was a founder of the New York City stock brokerage firm DeCoppet and Doremus, one of the largest firms on Wall Street, handling almost 50% of odd-lot transactions at the time. During his business career, Doremus served as governor of the New York Stock Exchange for many years.
Doremus began his association with the university shortly before his death in 1913. While visiting southern universities with the intention of making an estate gift to honor his mother, Doremus fell in love with Washington and Lee because of the friendly, warm and welcoming community. That auspicious visit resulted in an estate gift valued at $1.5 million, realized in 1936 upon his wife Jessie Raymond Doremus’ death.
Mrs. Doremus also developed a profound appreciation for W&L and made an additional gift in memory of her husband, allowing the university to build the beloved Doremus Gymnasium, completed in 1915. She was known to visit the school on occasion.
The Doremus gift is now a W&L legend — a point of pride that showcases the traditions and values uniting generations of alumni and shaping today’s students.
Our donors are key to ensuring the best W&L experience for future generations of Generals. Doremus Society members show a special level of devotion through their foresight to support the university in the years ahead. Members enjoy benefits including an annual luncheon, invitations to special events and the gift planning newsletter.
Questions? Jacqueline Painter, Director of Gift Planning, will be glad to work with you and your financial advisors to develop a philanthropic plan that meets your needs. Contact our Office of Planned Giving at 540-458-8429 or email jpainter@wlu.edu.