1. Generations of Generosity

Generations of Generosity Will Webster '20 and Lily Webster '22 pledge $50,000 to Leading Lives of Consequence campaign in honor of their father, Billy Webster '79

By Julie Jackson
December 12, 2024

The importance of philanthropy is a value that Billy Webster '79 instilled in his children from a young age. Webster, who is chairing the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign, also passed down the love of his alma mater to his children, Will Webster '20 and Lily Webster '22. This combination of generosity and passion for their shared university culminated in October when Will and Lily surprised their father with a combined $50,000 gift to the campaign in his honor.

"This gift recognizes everything our dad has done for W&L, and we are honored to celebrate that moment," said Will.

Half of the Websters' gift supports the W&L Fund-directed to financial aid-to help ensure that future students have the resources to thrive. Contributions to the W&L Fund allow the university to be proactive, agile and responsive in meeting evolving priorities and unexpected needs as they arise. Will hopes the gift will also encourage his classmates to support the campaign during their fifth reunion in 2025.

The second half of their gift is directed to the John M. Evans Fund for International Student Experiences. Established in 2010 by their father on behalf of himself and other alumni and friends of retired professor John Evans, the endowment enables W&L students to take advantage of international experiences regardless of financial circumstances. Will and Lily say this fund is especially meaningful to their dad, as he has always believed in the educational importance of broadening horizons and meeting people from different backgrounds. By supporting the Evans Fund, they are helping to continue their father's commitment to making life-changing opportunities available to W&L students by allowing them to engage with the world beyond Lexington.

"This joint gift is our way of saying thank you for showing us what it means to give back and to take care of this place for future generations, just as you have," said Lily during the gift announcement. "The future is bright, and we are proud to play our part-not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come."

In addition to their philanthropic support, Will is currently serving on the Class of 2020 5th reunion steering committee, and Lily is volunteering as a Class of 2022 class agent. They have both taken inspiration from their father's dedication to W&L and giving back to the university in meaningful ways.

"He gives back to the things he cares about through his time, through his energy and through his love," said Will. "He's been a great steward of the university and its values, ensuring the values that were important to him were around when we came and will be around for those who come after."