Meriwether Lewis isn’t just a name you learn in school—he was a pioneer, an explorer with grit and curiosity. Born i... View More

Meriwether Lewis isn’t just a name you learn in school—he was a pioneer, an explorer with grit and curiosity. Born in 1774, he led the Lewis and Clark Expedition under President Jefferson’s direction. Their mission: map the uncharted American West, establish relations with Indigenous tribes, and expand the young nation’s reach. After that, Lewis became the Governor of Upper Louisiana. His life was as dramatic as his accomplishments—he died young in 1809, under uncertain circumstances. What’s real cool is how a W&L alumnus became a national symbol of exploration and ambition View Less

Pat Robertson was the kind of guy whose presence stretched far beyond Lexington. Born in 1930, he became a media powerho... View More

Pat Robertson was the kind of guy whose presence stretched far beyond Lexington. Born in 1930, he became a media powerhouse: Southern Baptist minister, broadcaster, political commentator, and founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). He also launched Regent University and even ran for president. His influence in evangelical circles was huge. Whatever you think of him, Robertson didn’t play small—he changed the conversation in religion and media for decades View Less

Here’s the writer who made people look twice at journalism. Tom Wolfe was part of the “New Journalism” wave—he i... View More

Here’s the writer who made people look twice at journalism. Tom Wolfe was part of the “New Journalism” wave—he injected storycraft and flair into reporting. He wrote classics like The Right Stuff and The Bonfire of the Vanities, and sure, his opinions stirred the pot, but there was no denying his talent for capturing the moment. With his trademark white suit and prose that looked like Jazz on paper, Wolfe rewrote how stories could be told View Less

John Warner was the sort whose name you hear when politics meet integrity. He served as U.S. Secretary of the Navy in th... View More

John Warner was the sort whose name you hear when politics meet integrity. He served as U.S. Secretary of the Navy in the early '70s and then stayed on as a U.S. Senator from Virginia for five terms. Known for his measured voice and aiming-for-the-middle approach, Warner chaired key Senate committees and balanced patriotism with principle. He passed in 2021, and left behind a reputation for steady leadership View Less

Matt Bevin’s career swings from entrepreneurship to politics. He graduated early 2000s, built businesses, then took of... View More

Matt Bevin’s career swings from entrepreneurship to politics. He graduated early 2000s, built businesses, then took office as Kentucky’s governor (2015–2019). A Republican in a competitive political landscape, he put business-first ideas into action—even when it meant locks on budgets and pushing against unions. A figure who divides opinion, but no doubt someone who went from W&L to Kentucky Governor and left his mark. View Less

If you’ve watched Family Guy, you’ve heard Mike Henry. He lent his voice to Cleveland Brown, Herbert, Bruce, and oth... View More

If you’ve watched Family Guy, you’ve heard Mike Henry. He lent his voice to Cleveland Brown, Herbert, Bruce, and others. He also co-created and starred in The Cleveland Show. That means he didn’t just act—he shaped characters who became part of pop culture. W&L grads aren’t just in politics and law—they’re behind the jokes too View Less

Cy Twombly blended graffiti and grandeur in his art. Graduating around mid-20th century, he grew into a sculptor, photog... View More

Cy Twombly blended graffiti and grandeur in his art. Graduating around mid-20th century, he grew into a sculptor, photographer, and painter known for large-scale, expressive works. His style wasn’t always easy on critics, but fast-forward to today, and his pieces line museum halls—from the Tate Modern to MoMA. W&L was an early stop on his path to international artistic impact View Less

Roger Mudd answered the “how” and “why” every night. He was a respected journalist—anchor, correspondent—for... View More

Roger Mudd answered the “how” and “why” every night. He was a respected journalist—anchor, correspondent—for CBS and NBC, and even hosted Meet the Press. His storytelling came with gravitas, from the Oval Office to the newsroom. Awards like the Peabody and Emmys followed. When news needed clarity, people turned to Mudd View Less

History remembers him as the first modern-era Republican governor of Virginia (1970–1974). Lin Holton was a liberal-mi... View More

History remembers him as the first modern-era Republican governor of Virginia (1970–1974). Lin Holton was a liberal-minded, moderate leader who pushed for desegregation in schools at a time when many resisted. He built bridges—figuratively and literally—between communities. Born at W&L, his leadership came to define a turning point in Virginia’s social and political landscape View Less

Scott Glenn graduated in the 1960s, and then carved a path as an actor in Hollywood. You’ve seen him in The Right Stuf... View More

Scott Glenn graduated in the 1960s, and then carved a path as an actor in Hollywood. You’ve seen him in The Right Stuff, Silence of the Lambs, Hunt for Red October—roles that run deep and get under your skin. From serious drama to sharp storytelling, he brought a kind of grounded gravitas to every part. W&L isn’t just about policy and prose—it’s produced actors who make us feel View Less