Bonnie Butler ’25, recipient of the Rebecca Culbertson Stuart Memorial Scholarship, served as a speaker at the luncheon, also receiving the Helen G. and Justin J. Piscopo Alvey Scholarship. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
As a cybersecurity major at the University of Mary Washington, Christopher Walker knows the importance of being cautious in his career.
Yet, the Mary Washington junior, who was initially concerned about in-person college after being homeschooled, has let down his guard when it comes to embracing educational and extracurricular experiences. He’s shown off his cyber skills at the Innovation Challenge @ Dahlgren, helped plan uniquely UMW events like Devil-Goat Day and Rocktoberfest as Class Council vice president and entertained classmates in epic Star Wars-style battles as part of the Light Saber Duels club.
“Your support means so much and has truly changed my life,” Walker said. The recipient of the Society for Worldwide Financial Telecommunications Inc. (SWIFT) Scholarship and funding through a Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership Grant (V-TOP), he’s been able to engage in his studies while interning at a local cybersecurity firm, where he’ll work full time after he graduates. “Without your generosity, many of us would not have the opportunity to pursue our dreams and make a meaningful impact in our chosen fields.”
Walker expressed his gratitude to a roomful of donors at the 2025 Student Showcase and Scholarship Luncheon on March 22. The annual event celebrates supporters who have established private scholarships and members of UMW’s Washington and Heritage Societies who have either given or pledged significant funds to the University. Read more.