Author: Brynn Boyer

The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad selected Professor of Chemistry Kelli Slunt as the first-year college mentor for 2011. Slunt will join a three-person mentor team to conduct a two-week study camp at the U.S. Air Force Academy for 20 high performing chemistry students, and she will participate in the International Chemistry Olympiad in Ankara, Turkey, in July 2011.

In addition, Slunt was recognized with the J. Christopher Bill Outstanding Faculty Service Award for 2010 for her contributions to the university as well as involvement and leadership in the community. Read the news release.

College of Business Professor Leigh Frackelton has been named a “Super CPA” by Virginia Business magazine for 2010. Leigh was one of nine educators selected in the Commonwealth. This is the ninth year that Virginia Business has recognized outstanding CPAs in collaboration with the 9,000-member Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.

The James Monroe Museum has announced plans to renovate its Memorial Garden by spring 2011 into a functional and beautiful space ideal for outdoor receptions and other events.

When complete, the refurbished garden will boast a handsome regraded patio; a custom-designed tent structure; two specially-built mobile bar/catering units; new benches; a water fountain; and planter boxes and pots that will feature seasonal landscaping. The famous bust of President James Monroe by Margaret French Cresson will continue to preside over the renovated garden.

The goal of the garden renovation is to provide the James Monroe Museum with a space for holding its public events. Next summer, the museum will offer a new slate of public programming, including lectures, concerts, demonstrations, teas, wine tastings and receptions.

“Over the last several years, the museum has undergone many changes and improvements that have increased our ability to educate the public about the story of James Monroe,” said Meghan C. Budinger, acting director and curator of the museum. “Renovation of our garden space is one more step in that process. We are very excited about the plans for the space, and we hope that the community will take advantage of all we will soon be able to offer.”

In addition, the garden will be available to rent for private events. Its intimate size makes it the perfect choice for the couple who wants to celebrate their wedding in an elegant way that also minimizes stress and expense; for the family marking a special birthday or reunion; or a group wishing to hold a reception or cocktail party.

Besides privacy and the historic ambiance of downtown Fredericksburg, rental of the garden space will include free admission to the museum for guests on the day of the event and delivery and set-up of tent, chairs and tables. Contact Special Events Coordinator Adele Uphaus-Conner at auphaus@umw.edu or (540) 654-1123 for more information about rental pricing and policies.

The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library is the largest repository in the country of artifacts and documents related to the fifth president of the United States. The museum was first opened in 1927 by Monroe descendants as a place to house their own personal collections, which had been handed down through generations of the family. It is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. Administered now by the University of Mary Washington, it is open daily, except for major holidays, with an admission charge.

Next May, University of Mary Washington graduating students for the first time will don eco-friendly caps and gowns as part of the university’s ongoing move toward greater sustainability.

The apparel, offered through the university’s current commencement materials provider Jostens, is made of acetate fabric fiber that uses natural wood exclusively sourced from renewable, managed forests. Scientific research shows the material decomposes in soil in one year.

Other environmentally-friendly features of the regalia include Eco-Zip coil zipper tape and teeth made from 100 percent recycled plastic. In addition, the plastic cap-and-gown bag contains material that facilitates the decomposition process.

Tori Wong, UMW student sustainability coordinator, said the purchase of earth-friendly graduation regalia is another example of the university’s dedication to sustainability.

“It makes me very proud to be a part of such a committed university,” Wong, who graduates in May 2011, said. “It’s exciting to me that Mary Washington has recognized the environmental impact of purchasing 1,000 student graduation gowns every year and has embraced a better solution to celebrating college graduation in style.”

In the fall of 2009, UMW established the President’s Council on Sustainability, comprised of students, faculty and staff, to continue developing initiatives that encourage an environmentally conscious campus.

Known as the Elements Collection™, the apparel also provides students the opportunity to support the environment through the Student Give-Back Program. Each graduation gown hang tag contains a unique code students can enter online. For each code redeemed, Jostens contributes $1 in support of environmental sustainability.

The university will unveil the sustainable regalia at the UMW bookstore during Senior Days in March.

UMW joins a growing list of schools that are moving toward sustainable regalia, including Georgetown University, the College of William and Mary, Christopher Newport University and Davidson College.

In addition, this year for the first time, UMW has decided to use premium recycled paper for the personalized graduation announcements used by the graduates.

Next May, University of Mary Washington graduating students for the first time will don eco-friendly caps and gowns as part of the university’s ongoing move toward greater sustainability.