A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff
Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jared McDonald
The results of a study by university professors, including Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Jared McDonald, and published in the journal Public Management Review, were cited in an article titled “Study Shows Governments Escape Blame by Contracting Services Such as Prisoner Transport.” Read more at phys.org.
Modern Languages and Literatures Adjunct Instructor Steve Rabson was featured in The Free Lance-Star for his new book, Training and Deployment of America’s Nuclear Cold Warriors in Asia: Keepers of Armageddon. Read more.
Planning Matters: A Charitable Planning Newsletter for Mary Washington Alumni and Friends.
In this issue:
Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus
Elizabeth Freund Larus, Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs, commented to WION News on South Korean President Yoon’s visit to the U.S. She indicated that the White House is relieved that Yoon, unlike his predecessor, similarly views North Korea and China as threats to Asia’s security. Professor Larus stated that it would be lunacy for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to use nuclear weapons. Kim needs nuclear weapons for regime survival. Using them would destroy his regime and the entire DPRK leadership. Comments begin at 3:30 minutes into the program.
Congratulations to Enrollment Services Assistant Mary White! Mary is the University Staff Council’s Excellent Eagle Employee for the month of May. Below is what an anonymous champion had to say about Mary:
Mary is the first person that you see when you come to the Registrar’s window and she always greets you with a smile. Mary has been an important part of UMW for over 18 years. She always goes the extra mile to assist students with problems within her department and others. She provides guidance and assistance with new employees and student aides, and is quick to assist others within her department whenever needed. Grateful to have her as part of our team!”
Nominate your co-workers for the Excellent Eagle Employee award! It’s easy! Just complete the Excellent Eagle Employee Nomination Form on our website. Winners receive a reserved parking space in the lot of their choice for a month!
Questions? Contact Sarah Appleby, USC Recognition Committee Chair.
Dear UMW Community,
With final exams, end-of-year projects, research papers, and most grading behind us, it’s time to reflect on our many accomplishments over the past year.
We recently celebrated this year’s Eagle Awards, recognizing primarily students and student organizations who have provided leadership and contributed outstanding service through involvement in activities and organizations. Congratulations to you all! In addition, we’ve shared news of departmental honors, national honor societies, and individual awards, including our second Goldwater Scholar, the top honors student in the Virginias, and a Newman Civic Fellow. We’ve also learned of Fulbright awards given to our students, alumni, and faculty, and look forward to celebrating your achievements and sharing your adventures around the world.
At the last faculty meeting of the year, we celebrated our faculty, honoring colleagues who have served this University for decades, bringing their expertise to our classrooms and our community and defining our approach to the liberal arts and sciences. We also reaffirmed our ASPIRE community values during a weeklong celebration. I encourage you to carry these values of accountability, scholarship, personal and institutional integrity, inclusive excellence, respect and civility, and engagement in both your personal and professional life whether on campus or beyond.
Congratulations to our graduating seniors – the Class of 2023! There is much to be proud of, including your perseverance and dedication needed to earn your degree despite many challenges and obstacles along the way. You did it! I look forward to celebrating your great achievements with your family and friends at UMW’s 112th Commencement on Saturday, May 6th.
And, to all of the grounds crew, Facilities Services crew, Events team, faculty, staff, students and many, many volunteers – thank you for your hard work, countless hours and sheer resolve in preparing for commencement. Whether you assisted with setting up chairs, laying mulch, preparing parking spaces, finalizing the program, providing regalia, coordinating logistics, or anything in between – thank you for ensuring our campus is beautiful and welcoming.
Continuing students, I wish you great success in your summer endeavors which may include classes, study abroad trips, internships, jobs, etc. I also encourage you to immerse yourself in special interests, hobbies, outdoor activities, service projects, and more – those positive, rewarding experiences that encourage personal growth and satisfaction, as well as professional exploration.
On campus, we’ll welcome another season of the Summer Science Institute, now in its 24th year, and showcase the second Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Summer Institute. I extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who work throughout the summer on important projects and programs. Your leadership, energy, and dedication are invaluable to providing strong and impactful summer courses, programs like the Student Transition Program, the Summer Enrichment Program, and Orientation and New Student Programs, beloved events such as Reunion Weekend planned for June 1 thru June 4, and services including Admissions Office campus tours, varied sports camps, etc.
Thanks to each of you, our faculty, staff, and students, who have worked so hard to make this a successful year, and to those who continue to work to provide robust summer enrichment opportunities. Have a great summer!
Sincerely,
Troy Paino
The University of Mary Washington is proud of every student graduating this year. UMW is committed to providing a college experience that focuses on what matters most to each individual. As this year’s seniors spread their wings to explore life after Mary Washington, read about some of UMW’s 2023 Superstars, their accomplishments and the people who make this place. Read more.
Faculty members who have served the University of Mary Washington for at least 15 years and who have attained the rank of professor or associate professor are eligible to be considered for emeritus status. This honor, by action of the Board of Visitors, is bestowed this year upon the following distinguished member of the faculty. Read more.
Troy Paino
UMW President Troy D. Paino offered perspective on why it’s important to make time for conversation with individual students, and revealed six actions for fostering connections more deeply in an article titled “When a Conversation With the President Fosters Human Connection,” published recently by Inside Higher Education. Read more.
Vice President for Student Affairs Juliette Landphair
Vice President for Student Affairs Juliette Landphair published a piece about the recent 16-year anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings, her connection to the tragedy, and the reform, including threat assessment training and expertise, that has transpired in higher education in the years since. Read the piece in The Richmond Times-Dispatch and in The Free Lance-Star.