Southmayd Center for American Ideals
W&L Alumni
The Southmayd Center for American Ideals was born from a deep love for Washington and Lee and a desire to uphold the values that have shaped many of her alumni. We seek to continue the legacy of honor, integrity, and civility that characterized the experience of generations of former students.
Let’s work together to cultivate dialogue and a culture of service at Washington and Lee. If you’re a student looking to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Alumni Support
Futch Forum
The Spectator would like to recognize Jeffrey Southmayd and J Bruce Whelihan for their generous gifts as friends of the Futch Forum.
Six Days of War
To Jeff,
Six Days of War, June 1967 and the making of the Modern Middle East. Great defender of freedom.
-Best wishes Michael B. Oren
Rawhide Award
Jeff Southmayd received the Rawhide Award for his generous support of programs at the Reagan Ranch.
Generals Redoubt Purchases Fancy Hill
The Southmayd Center for American Ideals provided the funds to The Generals Redoubt for the purchase of Fancy Hill. Jeffrey Duke Southmayd was directly involved in negotiating with Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Vaughn for the acquisition on behalf of The Generals Redoubt.
Historical Site To Be Used As Headquarters
The Generals Redoubt – Colonnade print Donation
Dear Mr. Southmayd,
Thank you for your kind support of The Generals Redoubt in May 2025! We are very excited to have received your Colonnade print. It will make an excellent addition to Fany Hill’s growing collection of university memorabilia and in doing so, help us champion Washington and Lee’s exceptional history and traditions.
-Kamron M. Spivey, ’24 | Campus & Research Fellow
Young America’s Foundation & Reagan Ranch
On Behalf of the students we serve, thank you for your generous support of our work at Young America’s Foundation – at the Reagan Ranch and across the country. We are very grateful for your help.
The W&L Spectator
Thank you again for all you have done for The W&L Spectator and on campus over the past year. The speakers you funded mean W&L’s student population is undoubtedly far better exposed to key conservative perspectives than their counterparts at other elite institutions.
Young America
Thank you for your generous support of Young America’s Foundation.
-Governor Scott Walker, President
Ambassador Michael Oren at The Steamboat Institute’s Freedom Conference
This interview was made possible by the Southmayd Center for American Ideals. The Spectator thanks them for their support.
I just wanted to thank you for your generous sponsorship of our event. Your generosity helped us make a good event even better for our community. I just want to be sure you knew how very much we appreciate your support of our efforts.
-Jennifer Tingley
Contributor for the W&L Spectator
Jeffery Duke Southmayd is a contributor and is on the editorial advisory board for the W&L Spectator.
Washington & Lee Spectator
W&L alumnus Jeffery Duke Southmayd recently founded a non-profit, the Souhtmayd Center for American Ideals.
-W&L Spectator
Mock Convention 2024
Thank you for your generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to Mock Convention.
-Gabreil Stulce, Fundraising Chairman
Steamboat Contribution
Dear Jeffrey & Nancy, Thank you very much for your generous investment in the Steamboat Institute. We are in a huge flight to preserve our freedom, and we intend to win!
-Haley Supergan, Vice President of Development
Generals Redoubt
Jeff, for all you have done for TGR and all you are doing for the future of Washington and Lee University
Thank you! You will make a difference.
– Elizabeth Barry Brown
Lime Kiln Theater
Mr. Southmayd , Thank you for hosting a fantastic evening here at Lime Kiln Theater – It was a blast!
-Chuck Smith, Lime Kiln Board
Jennings Letter
Dear Mr. Southmayd, Thank you again for these impactful gifts that help prepare Washington and Lee graduates for lives of personal, professional, and civic success.
-Tom Jennings, Vice President for University Advancement
George Washington Forum
Dear Jeff, thank you so much for your support of the George Washington Forum and we look forward to working with you in the future!
-Jordan Kach, Patrick France, Owen Murray, Drew Thompson