Chip Skinner ’84
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ames “Chip” Skinner is a self-proclaimed double major: in economics and in his fraternity. The former has paid off with a career in finance, where he is a mutual fund portfolio manager at Royce & Associates, in New York. Skinner has put the latter major, earned at Phi Delta Theta, to use as a volunteer for the University. “I was an average student Chip Skinner ’84 who had a fantastic four years at W&L, but in hindsight was more of a recipient of the W&L community and experience than a contributor,” said Skinner. “Getting involved in the alumni chapter network seemed like a good way to give back something to a university that still means as much to many of us today as it did some 20 or 30 years ago.” Skinner served as social chairman for the Middle Tennessee Chapter following graduation, helped Ben Grigsby ’72 found the United Kingdom Chapter when they worked in London in the 1990s, and served on his 25th-reunion committee. He’s been president of the Westchester-Fairfield (Ct.) Chapter since 2003, and he and his wife, Lisa, often host the chapter’s annual yield party at their home in Greenwich. “Volunteering is a great way to work with terrific alumni of all ages who share a common passion for W&L,” said Skinner. “I enjoy spreading the W&L message to local students, parents and high schools and keeping abreast of goings-on in Lexington. Being involved has helped me maintain and build great friendships with other alumni, members of the administration and faculty, trustees and students—oh, and did I mention we have a lot of fun at our events?”
Bob Priddy ’67
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s class agent for the Class of 1967, Bob Priddy sets a high goal for participation in the Annual Fund. His class is pretty good at reaching that goal—76 percent in 20082009—and many on and off campus attribute Priddy’s success to keeping in touch. “Fellowship with my classmates drives my work as a class agent,” said Priddy, a vice president with Scott & Stringfellow L.L.C., in Richmond. “I enjoy contacting my classmates for 20
the two newsletters we do each year. Last year I put out a call for information on how people serve in their communities, and it was wonderful to see what I uncovered.” Priddy’s volunteer contributions don’t end with W&L. He’s an elder at First Presbyterian Church and is in line to serve as president of the Kiwanis Club of Richmond in 2011. Prior to serving his class, Priddy and his wife, Barbara, belonged to the Parents Council. All their children— Brackett ’00, Caroline Priddy Habenicht ’02 and Kendall ’05—attended W&L. “Having a son and two Bob Priddy ’67 daughters at W&L ensured my love of the University,” said Priddy. “Not only did I benefit from a W&L education, but I got to witness what my children all got out of it, too.”
D a v e We a v e r ’ 6 0
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very Wednesday morning, Dave Weaver shares his knowledge of birding at the Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport, Mass. It’s the ideal opportunity for a biologist who spent most of his career in wildlife management. “My passion is birds, and it’s fun to get a brand-new person interested and excited about these critters and the environment,” said Weaver. “It’s the volunteers who have helped this organization grow.” Fortunately for W&L, it’s not the only place he helps. Weaver’s wife, Kitty, isn’t quite as passionate about birding, but the Hollins alumna does share his love of W&L. And that’s a good thing, because he spends lots of time volunteering for the Dave Weaver ’60 University too: Class agent, 17 years. Alumni Board, 2003 to 2007. 50th class reunion organizer, 2009 to 2010. (At the Generals Assembly this past May 1, his classmates jokingly voted him class agent for life.) “I guess you can say my volunteer efforts are a way to give back to the University,” said Weaver. “W&L instills in you the concept of the honor system, and the speaking tradition W & L
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