Farris Hotchkiss of Lexington died June 21

Farris Pierson Hotchkiss, 86, of Lexington passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 21, 2023.

Farris was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Jan. 15, 1937, a son of Bryan Hazel Hotchkiss and Clifford Pierson Hotchkiss, and raised in Ann Arbor, Mich., and Richmond. He received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington and Lee University in 1958. It was during his time as a student at W&L that Farris met his wife, Judy Love Hotchkiss. They were married in 1963.

After eight years working in business, Farris was recruited back to W&L to serve as assistant dean of students and director of financial aid and scholarships. In 1968, he became the university’s first director of development, presiding over the first official capital campaign, as well as two subsequent campaigns - each larger than the last. He served as vice president of university relations from 1987 to 2001, with responsibility for alumni relations, communications and development. From 1987 to 1999, he was secretary of the university, and a senior adviser to four university presidents.

He retired from his role as university secretary in October 1999, and retired fully from W&L in December 2001. Under his leadership, the university’s endowment grew from $18 million when he joined the W&L staff to more than $400 million when he retired in 2001. Farris has been credited with building a thriving development department at W&L, laying the groundwork for what exists today. In 2002, W&L awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Letters. Farris and Judy were lifelong W&L ambassadors, both on campus and off. After retiring, Farris began volunteering for the university and was a class agent for more than 20 years.

In addition to his work with W&L, Farris was involved in many civic activities in the city of Lexington and Rockbridge County. He served on the advisory boards of Stonewall Jackson Hospital (now Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital), SunTrust-Lexington, Rockbridge Regional Library Foundation, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Foundation, Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce and Kendal at Lexington. Additionally, he was a member of the vestry of the Robert E. Lee Episcopal Church (now Grace Episcopal Church) and the blood program chair for the Lexington Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Beyond his impressive contributions to his alma mater and his community, Farris will be remembered by many for his unquenchable zest for life. He was passionate about his relationships with family and friends and was deeply intellectually curious. He attended W&L’s alumni colleges until his final years. He was similarly passionate about fitness and could be seen running on the roads of Lexington in the early morning hours long before jogging became popular. He loved the arts, music, history, travel, exploration and skiing and relished sharing his passions with others, especially his children. Farris took immense pleasure in a delicious meal and had a special fondness for cookies. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he became an equally eager participant in the Rock Steady Boxing program in Staunton.

Farris is survived by his wife, Judy; his three children, Julie, W&L Law ‘89, Pierson (Ellen), and Cliff; his grandchildren, Millie, Pierson III and Jackson, W&L ’24; and his sisters, Sedley Louise Hassel (Chris) and Anne Elizabeth Latham (Gary).

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on July 1 at Grace Episcopal Church in Lexington with a reception following the service.

Memorial gifts can be made in his honor to Washington and Lee University, Grace Episcopal Church or ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice.