UMW Honors 2026 Alumni Award Recipients at Reunion Weekend
After studying home economics at Mary Washington, Edith Gilbert Smith ’62 taught the subject to children and adults for nearly three decades. Becoming a caregiver for her disabled husband, a retired U.S. Marine who was denied military benefits, led her to a life of serving as a citizen advocate for veterans and their families.
Guided by the motto “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” Smith has spent 30 years helping families fight and win battles for their rightful survivor benefits. Her tireless commitment earned her the Distinguished Alumnus Award at the 2026 Reunion Weekend, recognizing graduates who’ve made significant contributions to their professions and communities while being leaders in their fields.
“I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Smith, one of four individuals honored by the Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD) at a May 30 ceremony in Seacobeck Hall’s Weatherly Wing. Alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, families and friends joined UMW President Troy Paino in recognizing Smith, Shirin Afsous ’12 and Mary Helen Dellinger ’90, as well as Reference and Humanities Librarian Emeritus Jack Bales, who was named an honorary alumnus.
Read more about the 2026 Alumni Award Recipients.
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