<p>As our son's W&L days dwindle, and he is apartment hunting in preparation to start his dream job, I want to thank everyone who has helped make his four years in Lexington so transformative and successful. We loved W&L when he chose it, but that was "puppy love" compared to the deep bond we have developed. And it pales in comparison to how our son feels about his alma mater. </p>
<p>In this last and crucial phase -- the great job hunt -- we cannot say enough about how well W&L has prepared and supported our son. Despite the scary economy featuring disappearing entry level positions, we have been merely an interested and not too anxious audience through all of it. The W&L professors, staff, and alumni network have simply amazed us. Our son targeted two employers, worked with -- well, I'm really not quite sure who all the W&L people were -- to land interviews and ended up with offers from both. </p>
<p>Through all of this, he worked hard and played hard. He made friends -- really great friends -- from every corner of the US and far beyond its borders. He's a W&L "frat boy" for sure, but he shares that same intense comraderie with members of his many extracurricular adventures, regardless of Greek affiliation, gender, race, economic background, or sexual orientation. Or better yet, because of those differences -- that diversity (you know, that thing W&L gets criticized for not having!) has been such an integral part of his college life. What a blessing to have the time and place to meet such interesting new people and try things he never imagined when he and W&L picked each other. In fact, he started out with a passion for a certain sport and academic field, then developed passions that took him in completely different extracurricular, academic, and career directions -- ones that fit his talents far better. For example, he started a new performance group at W&L, which the University embraced and grew and will continue after he leaves. At the same time, he immersed himself in some of W&L's best traditions in student-run affairs, learning how to run a big budget business and a roster of employees along the way. And, fortunately for him, he also fell in love -- with a young lady who is just as involved, smart, and happy at W&L as he is. </p>
<p>So it's no surprise that we feel the opportunities and challenges our son has encountered at W&L have prepared him well for what lies ahead in his life. Thanks. Well done, W&L.</p>