By Amanda Minix
Rob Minor ’71 may have graduated from Washington and Lee nearly 50 years ago, but he and his wife Su’s move to Lexington in October 2019 proves that W&L ties run deep. Minor is serving on his 50th reunion committee, and he and Su have already established a charitable remainder trust to honor the milestone. “It’s hard to believe this anniversary of 50 years since graduating is coming up, but I definitely think it’s worth celebrating and reflecting on what has changed over time and what has remained constant,” he said.
The Minors have been loyal donors to W&L over the years, generously supporting the Annual Fund and Mock Convention, among other priorities. The couple decided to make this next step in their philanthropic journey after their move to Lexington using stock options from Minor’s previous employment. They will enjoy significant tax benefits and receive annual income, all while supporting an institution they love. “We decided that a charitable remainder trust under the stewardship of the university would be an ideal way for us to support the students, faculty and staff now and in the future,” Minor said.
After living in Nashville, Tennessee, for a number of years, the couple is relishing small-town living in close proximity to Minor’s alma mater. “We love the relaxed atmosphere, as well as the welcoming and diverse community, surrounded by the beautiful Shenandoah Valley,” Su Minor said. “There are many educational and cultural opportunities, and absolutely no traffic congestion, too.” They dove right into university life, and before the COVID-19 pandemic closed the W&L campus, they attended Founders Day Convocation, the Campus Kitchen Souper Bowl, and what they deemed an “impressive and unparalleled” 2020 Mock Convention. Rob Minor also attended the Institute for Honor Symposium in early February.
Before relocating from Nashville, Minor served for 15 years as the vice president for development with the Behavioral Health Division of Universal Health Services, where he facilitated mergers and acquisitions totaling more than $6 billion, as well as the development of new hospitals. Currently, he is a consultant serving in the health care field. He also holds a law degree from Cumberland Law School.
Minor looks forward to his 50th reunion celebration in spring 2021 and has many fond memories of his time at W&L, from the close relationships with professors and fellow students to the Honor System and Speaking Tradition. For him, these core aspects live on and have combined with more recent advantages.
“As W&L navigates the issues of the past and the complex social concerns of today, I believe the university and its students are stronger for a myriad of reasons, such as integrity and civility for one another in all areas of university life, the almost equal number of men and women learning together, and the generous financial assistance programs, including Johnson Scholars,” he said.
Nostalgia is an important part of the human experience, but for the Minors, giving back is not about the past; it’s about building a better future. “Over the years, through continued friendships and new ones with other alumni, I’ve valued not only the education I received but the close-knit W&L community that has had lifelong benefits,” he reflected. “Su and I wanted to provide the opportunity for other students to experience W&L and the positive impact it offers for their lives.”