Campus Correspondence [File]

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY
TO: President Wilson

FROM: J. D. Farrar DATE: May 18, 1984


1. In my memo of May 10 to you, I reported on 13 letters sent to you
or the Board which were written on, or after, April 23 and made
reference to the authors' future giving plans. Nine letters
(two from Lee Associate parents of alumni) indicated withdrawal
of financial support, and four indicated continuing support.

2. Between May 7 and May 17, you or the Board have received 9
letters written on, or after, April 23 which make reference to
giving plans of the authors.


Non-Alumnus, Lee Associate Parent of Alumnus.

Fangboner, John S., Cleveland, OH (5/11/84) (1p) P
Parent of J. S. Fangboner, Jr., deceased. "If coeducation
is carried out, Mrs. Fangboner and I will not contribute
anything further to the University and will change our
wills excluding some gifts we had planned to leave for it."


Alumni Indicating Withdrawal of Financial Support

Blair, C. Edward, '40 BA, Fla. Keys (4/27/84) (1p) BT
"If this threat to our historical values and concepts
succeeds, I could no longer contribute to the financial
support of the University."

Boyd, Edgar M., '42 BA, Baltimore, MD (5/7/84) (1p) P
"I know that my personal support would be lessened, although
I would not remove it entirely.

Gooch, Claiborne W., III, '50 BS, Easton, MD (5/8/84) (2pp) BT
"If W&L implements coeducation, I would have to re-think my
position and plans for future financial support."

Sloan, Richard I., '42 BS, Harrisonburg, VA (5/8/84) (11/2pp) BT
"I have provided substantial financial support to the University
in an on-going 'Unitrust'. My continued suuport for W&L may
not be continued at the levels it has in the past."

Wolfe, Frank B., III, '61 BS, JD Tulsa, OK (5/4/84) (1p) P
"I will continue making annual contributions only so long
as they both (i.e. Honor System and all-male) shall exist."

[pb]

President Wilson -2- May 18, 1984


Alumni Whose Support Will Continue

Hurxthal, Richard A., '50 BS, Sarasota, FL (4/24/84) (11/2pp) P
An R. E. Lee Associate. "I assure you that regardless of
the decision made, I will continue to financially support
W&L at the level I have been able to sustain recently."

Thalheimer, Lee S., '73 BA, Little Rock, Ark. (5/8/84) (11/2pp) P
Ambivalent on the issue. "Clearly my support of W&L does
not depend upon the coeducation question."

Weinberg, J. Albert, Jr., '31 BA, Wash., DC (5/7/84) (1p) BT
This is a copy of a letter to J. W. Warner. "We must not
try to continue as an anachronism. Yes, a few contributors
could well discontinue, but new ones should more than make
up the loss."

4. I believe the following percentages are most Significant:
A. With reference to the table totalling all 388 letters
to date under the CO-EDUCATION STUDY, of the 144 alumni
writing, who graduated before 1950, 18(12%) support
coed, 115(80%) are opposed, and 11(8%) are ambivalent.

B. Of the 244 alumni writing, who graduated after 1949, 82 (34%)
support coed, 127(52%) are opposed, and 35(14%) are
ambivalent.

C. Of the 135 alumni writing, who graduated between 1949 and
1960, 45(33%) support coed, 65(48%) are opposed, and
25(19%) are ambivalent.

D. Graduates of the 1950's and 1960's are the alumni with
children of college, or near-college, age. Those who
support coed in this group (33%) and those who are
ambivalent on the issue (19%) represent 52% of the 135
alumni who responded from 1950's and 1960's group.

E. Following this reasoning, of the 244 alumni who graduated
after 1949, the 34% supporting coeducation and the 14%
ambivalent on the issue represent 48% of the entire group.
A very close vote under any circumstances.

5. If I may, I should like to add my personal belief. I am absolutely
convinced of the need for, but more importantly, the rightness of
coeducation-and its acceptance by the majority of Washington and
Lee's constituencies.


JDF:czf

[pb]

CO-EDUCATION STUDY


Subject: Analysis of Alumni Coeducation Letters
Prepared by: J. D. Farrar


1. Letters as of February 1, 1984
A subjective count of 181 letters received indicated that 53(29%) favored
coeducation, 104(58%) opposed coeducation, and 24(13%) were ambivalent
on the issue, expressing confidence in leadership and the Board.

2. Letters between February 1 and March 26, 1984
A subjective count of 114 letters indicated that 28(25%) favored
coeducation, 75(66%) were opposed, and 11(9%) were ambivalent on the
issue.

3. Letters between March 27 and May 7, 1984
The count of 74 first-time opinion letters revealed that 16(22%) favored
coeducation, 51(69%) opposed, and 7(9%) were ambivalent.

4. Letters between May 8 and May 17, 1984
Of 19 first-time opinion letters, 3(26%) favored coeducation, 12(62%)
opposed, and 4(12%) were ambivalent.

5. All letters to May 17, 1984
The results of 388 letters received have been totalled by decades and
include a subjective count of "pros", "cons", and "middle".

DECADES PRO CON MIDDLE

Teens: 5(1%) 5
20's: 32(8%) 4 24 4
30's: 63(16%) 7 51 5
40's: 44(11%) 7 35 2
50's: 67 (18%) 24 33 10
60's: 68 (18%) 21 32 15
70's: 78(20%) 29 42 7
80's: 31 (8%) 8 20 3

388 100 242 46
(26%) (62%) (12%)


These 388 letters represent 2.4% of our approximately 16,000 alumni.

The opposition to coeducation is overwhelming from those who graduated before
1950, but the division lessens among those who graduated after 1949.


J. D. Farrar
5/18/84

[pb]

ALUMNI COEDUCATION CORRESPONDENCE


1. As of February 1, 1984, 181 alumni had written letters expressing their
opinions on coeducation.

2. Between February 1 and March 26, 1984, 114 alumni had written their
opinions on coeducation.

3. Between March 26 and May 7, 1984, 81 alumni wrote their opinions on
coeducation.

4. Between May 7 and May 18, 1984, 24 opinion letters were received, 5 of which
were from alumni who had earlier expressed their opinions. All 24 letters
are summarized below. These letters were directed to either President Wilson
(P) or the Board of Trustees (BT).


Baker, W. Nat, '67BA, San Francisco, CA (5/7/84) (2pp) BT
Wrote Pres. Wilson, 11/4/83, urging coeducation. Now writes Board of Trustees
in a response to a letter from John A. Williamson, II, '56BA,JD, to selected
Trustees about Pres. Wilson's visit to the San Francisco Chapter on 2/15/84.
As Pres. of the S.F. Chapter, Baker commends Pres. Wilson on his talk that
evening, "a credit to Washington and Lee." Goes on to describe the
embarrassment caused everyone by John Williamson's leaving the dining room
midway through the talk and the support demonstrated by the alumni for
Pres. Wilson during this humiliating instance.

Blair, C. Edward, '40BA, Florida Keys (4/27/84) (1p) BT
Wrote Alumni Board 12/26/83 opposing coed. Agreed with J. Warner letter.
Now writes Board of Trustees stating that "if this threat to our historical
values and concepts succeeds, I could no longer contribute to the financial
support of the University."

Boyd, Edgar M., '42BA, Baltimore, MD (5/7/84) (1p) P
Opposes coeducation. Would remove a great tradition. "I know that my
personal support would be lessened, although I would not remove it entirely."

Burton, Calvin T., '21-'23, MD, Roanoke, VA (5/8/84) (1p) P
Ambivalent on coed issue. "Whatever is done, I hope will be best for
the University."

Daniel, William H., '33-'38, Rogers, Ark. (5/5/84) (1p) BT
Opposes coed. Fears cost of change, feels there should be an all-male
college for those who want it. Feels parental influence gaining, and
they will tell their children where to attend college.

Dawson, James J., '68BA, '71 JD, Lawrenceville, NJ (5/2/84) (1p) P
Enjoyed Pres. Wilson's visit to Jersey Chapter on 4/13/84. Believes we
have the leadership strength to see us through these difficult years. Offers
to assist in any way he can. Would like to create a Princeton area
Alumni Chapter. States no preference on coeducation.

[pb]

Ellis, Joseph F., Jr., '43BA, Clarksdale, MS (5/7/84) (1½p) BT
Wrote to Alumni Office, 3/5/84, opposing coed. Now writes Board opposing
coed again. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Does say that "I shall
continue to support it (i.e., W&L) with my resources and respect regardless
of your decision in this matter."

Gooch, Claiborne W., III, '50 BS, Easton, MD (5/8/84) (2pp) BT
"Adamantly opposed" to co-education. Completely agrees with J. W. Warner's
letter. Cites A-AP in DelMarva where "the local leaders in this effort
have created a demand for W&L. If W&L implements coeducation, I would
have to re-think my position and plans for future financial support."

Hennett, Deane A., '83BA, Richmond, VA (5/11/84) (1½p) P
Opposes coed which would "totally destroy what is unique about W&L."
Feels that "the loss of intangibles will be sadly missed."

Hurxthal, Richard A., '50BS, Sarasota, FL (4/24/84) (1½p) P
"My heart tells me that W&L should remain all male, but my judgment is that
her highest priority should be academic excellence. I assure you that
regardless of the decision made, I will continue to financially support
W&L at the level I have been able to sustain recently." Is an R.E. Lee
Associate.

Johnston, Henry P., '29 BA, Birmingham, AL (5/8/84) (1p) P
Wrote Development Office, 1/13/84, opposing coeducation. Now writes
Pres. Wilson opposing coed. "Once you scramble an egg, you can never
unscramble it."

Lawson, L. James, III, '77BS, Chicago, IL (2pp) P
Wholehearted support of coeducation. Refutes J. Warner's letter in
Alumni Magazine. Makes very telling points about the changing scene in
America. "I believe the world is changing and the future is with coed-
ucation; the past is Jack Warner's views."

Lee, Leroy M., Jr., '33 BA, Richmond, VA (5/14/84) (1½p) BT
Opposes coed. Feels we're taking the easy way out to get students. Proud
of W&L as oldest men's college. "The newest coed school in the country
is of no interest to me."

Martin, Lewis W., '35BS, '38JD, Richmond, VA (5/7/84) (1p) BT
Opposes coeducation. "The University should not be pressured by outside
forces to break the traditions that have made it unique."

Nichols, Shuford R., '30BA, Little Rock, Ark. (5/14/84) (1p) P
Opposes coeducation. Decries demographics; decision is irreversible.
Urges "tabling."

Robinson, John W., IV, '72BA,JD, Tampa, FL (5/9/94) (4½pp) BT
This is a letter to J. W. Warner with a copy to the President and, I
believe, the Board. Supports coeducation. Does not feel all-male is a
distinction. In his experience as A-AP Chairman, he knows many parents
and students would be interested in W&L "except for the fact it is all
male." He does not feel "there would be any violation of trust to donors
or alumni should W&L go coed." Believes "faculty support is genuine and
unaffected." Feels that "tabling the issue is decision by default."


-2-

[pb]

Sloan, Richard T., '42BS, Harrisonburg, VA (5/8/84) (1½pp) BT
Opposes coed. Agrees with J. W. Warner. Fears losing uniqueness. "I
have provided substantial financial support to the University in an
on-going 'Unitrust'. My continued support for W&L may not be continued
at the levels it has in the past."

Smith, Richard A., '41AB, Staunton, VA (5/11/84) (2pp) BT
With reference to coed, he states that "if this proposal is adopted, that
is the end of W&L." Thinks conservatism is returning and those who
want all-male will increase. Applauds the "Great Cravat Controversy."

Sutherland, Perry H., '81BA, Kansas City, MO (5/8/84) (1½pp) P
Strident opposition to coed. Demographic trend will abate. Coeducation
will alienate alumni. Wonders if new administration is qualified so quickly
to recommend such dramatic change.

Taylor, William G., '78BS,MBA, Chicago, IL (4/19/84) (1p) P
Opposes coed. Discounts demographics. Fears "this issue is being rail-
roaded by a few individuals."

Thalheimer, Lee S., '73BA, Little Rock, Ark. (5/8/84) (1½pp) P
Thanks Pres. Wilson for his visit to Little Rock in April. Ambivalent
on issue. "I want what is best for W&L", but he requests a professional
marketing survey funded by alumni. "Clearly my support of W&L does not
depend upon the co-education question."

Weinberg, J. Albert, Jr., '31BA, Wash., DC (5/7/84) (1p) BT
This is a copy of a letter written to J. W. Warner, 5/7/84. "Regardless
of your, or my, or others' approval or disapproval, our society has
changed and male-female relations constitute a basic part of change.
We must not try to continue as an anachronism. Yes, a few contributors
could well discontinue, but new ones should more than make up the loss."

Weinberg, Manuel M., '31JD, Frederick, MD (5/11/84) (1½pp) BT
Wrote Pres. Wilson, 12/12/83, opposing coed. Agreed with J. Warner's
letter. Now writes Board still opposed. "Should coeducation become
factual, how would I be able to ask friends and clients regarding a gift
to our University."

Wolfe, Frank B., III, '61BS, JD, Tulsa, OK (5/4/84) (1p) P
Strongly opposes coeducation. Is still angry about changes in dress code
since his graduation. "I will continue making annual contributions only
so long as they both (i.e. the Honor System and all-male) shall exist."






-3-

[pb]

Campus Correspondence

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY
TO: Farris Hotchkiss

FROM: J. D. Farrar DATE: May 22, 1984


1. Jack Warner's second letter was dated April 20, 1984. The earliest
letters received by the President, the Board, or the Office of
Development which referred to Warner's April 20 letter were dated
April 23.

Between March 27 and May 17, 93 first-time opinion letters had
been received. Of these 93 letters, 64 were dated April 23 or
after. We cannot assume that all of these 64 letters were stimu-
lated by J. W. Warner's April 20 letter, but 22 of the letters
do make direct reference to their authors' giving plans, and we
can assume they were written in response to Warner's letter. In
addition to these 23 letters from alumni, 3 letters came to us
from non-alumni, Lee Associate parents of alumni. [(Threatening no support)]

2. The names and addresses of alumni parents and the names and classes
of alumni are listed below under the appropriate category.
Synopses of their letters can be found in my third and fourth
reports of Alumni Coeducation Correspondence, dated May 10 and
May 18, respectively.

Non-Alumni Lee Associate Parents of Alumni - (3)

Buckthal, W. P., Amarillo, TX
Downing, Ben R., Jr., Baton Rouge, LA
Fangboner, John S., Cleveland, OH

Alumni Indicating Withdrawal of Financial Support - (13)

Baird, Jerry M., '78BS Miller, Edgar B., '29-'31
Blair, C. Edward, '40BA Minniece, Houston M., '31BS
Boyd, Edgar M., '42BA Senders, Paul E., '43BS
Dietler, Courtland S., '41-'42 Sloan, Richard I., '42BS
Dunn, Melville I., Jr. '19-'23 Wolfe, Frank B., III, '61BS
Gooch, Claiborne W., III, '50BS Wood, James A., '59BS
Martin, Everett A., Jr., '74BA,'77JD

Alumni Whose Support Will Continue - (9)

DeJarnette, J.H., '65BS Read, William M., '40BA
Ellis, Joseph F., Jr., '43BA Thalheimer, Lee S., '73BA
Holton, A. Linwood, Jr., '44BA,JD Weinberg, J. Albert Jr., '31BA
Hurxthal, Richard A., '50BS . Williamson, Adrian, Jr., '50BS
Morse, Clinton S., '67BS


JDF:czf