Why We Give: ‘Wonderful, Warm & Welcoming’ Whitman

As parents to Jenner Smith ’22 and Charlie Smith ’25, Elizabeth Knapp and Chuck Smith of Lexington, Virginia, have spent the better part of a decade getting to know and love the Whitman College community. 

Knapp, who is a Professor of Earth and Environmental Geoscience at Washington and Lee University and Director of the Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity, and Smith, who retired from the wine retail industry and serves on the Lexington City Council, recently concluded a term on Whitman’s Family Leadership Council (FLC), including the last year as Co-Chairs. While on campus for Charlie’s Class of 2025 Commencement weekend—where Elizabeth also delivered this year’s Baccalaureate address—they spent some time reflecting on their experience as Whittie parents.

Q. How did your children choose Whitman?

Elizabeth: Our kids grew up in a college town and wanted an experience like that—but far away from home! We visited schools all over the country with Jenner, and even before the official tour had started at Whitman, she said, “I could see myself thriving here.” Then she applied Early Decision that week! 

Exploring colleges during COVID was challenging with Charlie, but having been at Whitman with Jenner and knowing how great her experience was, he felt confident it would be a good place for him as well.

Q. What were some of the biggest parts of their experience as students?

Elizabeth: While both Jenner and Charlie majored in Geology-Environmental Studies, they really embraced the liberal arts. In addition to science classes, they had lots of opportunities to explore things like music, dance, sculpture, Japanese and classics. 

Jenner spent two summers doing funded research with Whitman faculty that led to her senior thesis and presentation of her work at a national geology conference. These experiences prepared her so well for the job market, and faculty connected her with alumni who helped her secure her first position as a geologist.

Charlie became friends with such a great diverse group of students from all over the world and learned a lot about different cultures. Those relationships have been so enriching for him.

Q. What inspired you to join the FLC, and what keeps you involved?

Elizabeth: We were honored to be asked, and it’s really a natural extension of our commitment to the community. The FLC is one way we can give our time and talents to helping build the college community. We deeply value learning about Whitman (beyond the student perspective!) and being part of its ongoing mission and success.

Q. What’s been meaningful from your time on the FLC?

Chuck: Seeing the FLC grow in size and energy over the past three years; it felt like we were helping bring new momentum post-COVID. And we’ve especially enjoyed meeting other parents and speaking with prospective families, particularly those navigating the logistics and emotions of sending a student across the country.

Q. What inspired your philanthropy to support Whitman?

Chuck: Philanthropy is important to us, and we try to be generous with our time, talent and treasure in support of things that are meaningful to us. Whitman has given our family so much, including our children’s scholarships, and we want to pay it forward for other families. Family engagement makes the experience richer for everyone!

Q. What do you most appreciate about the Whitman community?

Chuck: The quality of leadership and how they are moving forward with priorities that will keep Whitman successful as a high quality educational institution.

Elizabeth: It's just wonderful, warm and welcoming, and it’s been really special to be part of the community. We’ll miss it, but we’ll be back.