“It is great to give back to something that I think is a great establishment.”
---Raul Sandoval ’07
Staying connected to Washington & Jefferson College doesn’t mean you have to live near campus. For some alumni, it means doing whatever they can to help W&J and its students, even from miles away. That is the situation of Raul Sandoval ’07 from McAllen, Tx.
Coming back to campus and being involved with local activities is not always an option for Raul, but that does not stop his involvement. “I feel W&J gave me everything it could, my degree helped me a lot with the reputation of the school when applying to law school and the pursuit of my career. I try to do anything I can to allow others at W&J the same opportunities and experiences that I had,” Raul said.
For Raul, staying connected means attending local Texas alumni events, keeping in touch with W&J professors and friends, helping W&J when asked, and making an annual gift to W&J.
Raul gives to W&J because of his pride and love for the school. W&J wasn’t exactly a logical choice for a high school senior from Texas. While being recruited by the W&J basketball team, he visited the College and found a beautiful campus, great faculty and a reputable pre-law program which made the decision easy.
Raul believes strongly in giving back to W&J; so strongly that he encourages his W&J friends to give by asking if they have made their annual donation and discussing the importance of giving back to W&J. “You should want your school to thrive, and as long as you can help, you should give back,” Raul said. “You are really helping yourself as well by continuing the W&J tradition.”
Raul, who practices law in the Austin, Tx. office of the largest family law firm in the United States (Cordell & Cordell, P.C.), knows that giving back to W&J means something different to every person and is a firm believer that everyone should do what they can.
“I love W&J and hope all other young alumni feel the same way. I can’t see how anyone else could feel differently, and giving helps students who are going through the same struggles that we went through.”
