This collection contains certificates and diplomas received by Walter Russell Bowie, primarily from Washington and Lee University. The certificates of distinction range in date from 1873-1876 and were for demonstrating proficiency in the following subjects: Latin, mathematics, French, Greek, rhetoric, natural philosophy, moral philosophy, German, chemistry, modern history, and literature. The diplomas in the collection are his B.A., M.A., and B.L. dating in range from 1875-1877. The Masters and Law diplomas include the original ribbon. All three include a seal. Also included is a certificate issued by the Alumni Association to Bowie in 1877. On the reverse is a handwritten certificate authorizing Bowie to practice law in the Suprioer and Inferior Courts of Virginia dated August 27, 1877. There are original signatures associated with it of William McLaughlin and Francis T. Anderson. In the lower left corner is presumably the date of January 1, 1880. Accompanying that is a handwritten document the certificate may refer to which is certifies that Bowie lived in Rockbridge County for the preceding 12 months. Lastly, the collection includes a certificate issued by the Circuit Court of the United States dated December 20, 1880 that states Bowie was admitted and qualified as an attorney.