2023-24 Annual Fund Letter

Dear Friends,

Greetings from The Generals Redoubt. We hope this message finds you well, in good health, and enjoying the splendors of Springtime!

As we reflect on the past year, The Generals Redoubt is filled with gratitude for your continued support of our mission to advance the unique history and traditions of Washington and Lee University.  Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and impacted the W&L community in countless ways.

We are excited to share with you our latest Annual Report, which highlights the incredible progress we have made, thanks to generous contributions from supporters like you. In this report, you’ll find the many ways in which we are working toward restoring the values and traditions of Washington and Lee’s long history.  Here are a few highlights of the work we have accomplished thanks to your support:

1. Fancy Hill: The Generals Redoubt’s beautiful new landmark home in Rockbridge County is currently undergoing extensive renovations with an estimated completion date in early 2025. We are looking forward to conducting public outreach work with students on campus and our alumni supporters and offering virtual educational programs there beginning next year to advance our mission.
2. Founders’ Day Celebrations: In the unfortunate aftermath of W&L’s decision to discontinue this long-standing tradition, TGR supported several unsanctioned Founders’ Day events around the country to commemorate George Washington, Robert E. Lee and other key figures whose legacies we strive to maintain.
3. Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA): TGR, as a founding member of AFSA, has worked to support freedom of speech and thought on universities across the country. AFSA has now established fellow organizations on twenty-five universities in an effort to counter the suppression of free speech in higher education.
4. Mock Convention 2024: TGR provided a significant boost for Mock Con, starting in the spring of 2023, by financially supporting the appearances of several renowned speakers.  Included were former VP Mike Pence, Fox News’ Bret Baier, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany.  Further, we recommended NYU Professor Jonathan Haidt, an expert on Gen Z and the downside risks of DEI, to the Mock Con Student Committee and helped arrange his participation.  The 2024 Mock Con was a smashing success, and TGR is proud to have been sought to participate in this significant educational event.
5. Center for American Ideals (CAI): As a TGR Director, Jeff Southmayd raised substantial funding for the Center of American Ideals (CAI).  It provided important support for speakers over the past few years.  Jeff has recently created the Southmayd Center for American Ideals, and TGR looks forward to joining with him on future projects.
6. Support of The Washington & Lee Spectator: TGR has provided essential financial support for The Spectator, which has emerged as a free-thinking and non-woke publication on campus. With TGR’s support, The Spectator has quadrupled its staff to ten writers (including six freshmen) and sponsored a major event in Lee Chapel with Matt Walsh speaking to over 400 attendees.
7. “Un-Cancel Robert E. Lee, An Open Letter to the Trustees of Washington and Lee University” is an upcoming book written by TGR board member Gib Kerr and published by Bombardier Books. The book, which is a defense of Robert E. Lee and a critique of modern cancel culture, is scheduled for release next month. TGR is purchasing several thousand copies of the book for distribution to our supporters. More to come soon!

As you see, we have been very active and are making steady progress to make your voices heard on the campus of W&L. We hope you enjoy reading about the many ways we are using your thoughtful gifts.

But our work is far from over, and as we look to the future, we are faced with new challenges and opportunities to make an even greater impact. That’s why we are reaching out to ask for your continued support. Your donation, no matter the size, will help us. 

Please take a moment to review our Annual Report and consider making a contribution today. Together, we can create positive change and build a brighter future for all who honor the legendary history of two great men, and all who value their influence and significance at Washington and Lee University. 

Please see attachment.

Thank you for your unwavering support. Please help us to save the W&L we all knew and loved bycontributing via credit card https://www.thegeneralsredoubt.us/support or check per information initalicsbelow.  WE NEED YOUR HELP!

 The Generals Redoubt

The Generals Redoubt (TGR) is a non-partisan 501 (c) (3) organization that is not aligned with, nor supports, any political party, individual, or organization. 

To donate by check please make payable to: 

The Generals Redoubt and mail to: The Generals Redoubt, P.O. Box 1097, Lexington, VA  24450.  Thank you.