SAM MOORE FURNITURE INDUSTRIES



JOHN K. BOARDMAN, JR.
PRESIDENT
[address redacted]
BEDFORD, VIRGINIA 24523
703-[phone number redacted]


November 23, 1983


Dr. John D. Wilson
President
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia 24450

Dear John:

Thank you for sending me an advance copy of your
paper discussing coeducation at Washington and Lee.

It is a clear and studied analysis of the situ-
ation that defines the problems and addresses all of
the issues, yet carefully avoids creating an atmos-
phere of panic. Your deference to the traditions and
history of W & L is both considerate and thoughtful.

Not long ago I mentioned these deliberations to
the president of another college here in Virginia and
he said he did not feel it was "the answer to W & L's
problem". By both his attitude and the way he worded
his response I knew right then you were on the right
track. It was clear he realized that at present we
were not competing for his best new students, but if we
became coed, we would be.

John, I feel it is the right move at the right time
for Washington and Lee and I will support it in any way
I can. Please let me know how I can help.

Kindest personal regards and best wishes for a
joyous Holiday season.

Cordially yours,

[John]


[pb]

November 30, 1983



Mr. John K Boardman, Jr.
President
Sam Moore Furniture Industries
[address redacted]
Bedford, Virginia 24523

Dear John:

Thanks for your note. It is most helpful to have your view to
share with the Board.

I think the people at Davidson have concluded that if we admit
women we will "once again be in competition" with them. Sam Spencer
has passed this along to me. I think Norm Fintel, an old friend, also
hopes we will not.

Whatever we do, we must protect our ability to choose our class
with care. We have always been selective, choosing various talents
from a broad geographic spread. I do hope we do not lose this special
character. It makes us the respected national institution we have
become over the years.

Anyway, John, thanks very much for your helpful observations. They
will be most useful to the board.

Sincerely,



John D. Wilson
President

JDW/bcb

bcc: Mr. Hotchkiss w/enclosure