Law School Advancement Staff
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Sarah N. Hughes As Assistant Dean for Law School Advancement, Sarah Hughes oversees fundraising and alumni relations in the Law School. She is involved in all aspects of advancing the Law School’s mission through fundraising, alumni relations, and communications. Hughes' journey in development and fundraising commenced at W&L Law, where she served in various capacities within the Offices of Advancement and Admissions for 13 years. She left W&L in 2016 to lead development efforts at the University of South Carolina School of Law, serving as both the chief fundraising officer for the law school and as interim Executive Director of Development at USC, overseeing the fundraising operations at several academic units, including the College of Education. Most recently, Hughes has served as the Executive Director of Institutional Philanthropy at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC. Beginning in 2020, she spearheaded philanthropic initiatives, contributing to the institution's growth and development. During her tenure, Heathwood saw increased giving to its annual fund and raised close to $8 million in gifts and pledges. Hughes holds a Bachelor's degree from Presbyterian College and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina. She served as a Trustee on the National Panhellenic Council Foundation Board and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Fact Forward and is a member of the Development Committee for the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority Foundation Board. |
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Laura Lacy Hamilton Laura Lacy Hamilton joined W&L Law in November 2024 as Director of Law Advancement. Laura recently worked as the Executive Director of Lynchburg Beacon of Hope, an organization she founded in 2011 to provide scholarships for Lynchburg city school students to attend local colleges and community colleges. Through her leadership, the organization raised $14M for scholarship support, plus $8M for the capital campaign. Laura established High School Future Centers in ten localities across Virginia and launched an experiential high school internship program. She has served on the Board of Directors for Centra Health, the Easley Foundation, Lynchburg Area Development Corporation, HumanKind, the University of Lynchburg Community Engagement Advisory Board, and the Leadership Advisory Council of National College Promise in Washington, DC. Laura recently received the 2024 Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Laura is an APA certified Planning Commissioner, a licensed private pilot, and a certified Wilderness First Responder. She holds a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy from The College of William and Mary. |
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Thomas Culligan Thomas joined the law school as Assistant Director of Law School Advancement in May of 2024. Thomas will be responsible for directing the Law Annual Fund. Thomas graduated from Roanoke College with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and furthered his education with a Master of Science in Sport Leadership from Northeastern University. He joins the law school after 6 years in Division I college athletics and most recently at James Madison University, where he served as a Director of Compliance. In this role, he was the primary contact for student-athletes regarding Financial Aid and Awards & Benefits. Additionally, Thomas was the Compliance Liaison with the Office of Financial Aid, the University Business Office, Card Services, and the JMU Bookstore. Prior to his role at JMU, Thomas worked at the College of Charleston as a Compliance Coordinator. He also gained valuable experience at West Point, where he assisted in compliance and athletic administration. In addition to his new role, Thomas recently married Kelly MacCluen, a member of the W&L Law Class of 2023. Outside of the office, Thomas is an avid outdoorsman exploring various trails to bike or hike, plus spending time in his garden and with their dog, Maggie. Thomas also took part in Wild Virginia's Clean Water Advocates program. In this program, advocates are taught to understand water related environmental issues, review regulatory documents, track legislation, and how citizens can best advocate for clean water with our community, state, and federally elected officials. |
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Suzanne Wade Suzanne joined the Law School Advancement office in 2012 and the Office of Career Strategy in 2008. Before joining the Law School, she worked in the Career Development Office on the undergraduate campus. As Assistant Director for Employer and Alumni Relations, her main focus is managing the logistics of Law Alumni Weekend and Law Alumni events. She manages all aspects of four Regional Interview Programs, and on-campus recruiting for Career Strategy. Suzanne lives in Lexington, has two sons RJ and DJ, and four grandchildren: Taylor, Brylen, Hailey, and Vada. She has served as a volunteer for the Parrish Council at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Project Horizon, Main Street Lexington, Boy Scouts, and Rockbridge Christmas Basket Program. |
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Joan Miller Joan Miller grew up in Lexington and has worked at W&L for more than 20 years. She has been a member of the Law Advancement team for the last 13 years. She is married to David Miller and has two children and one grandson. |