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Save the dates for UMW’s #GivingTuesday celebration of all of the ways you #MakeItPossible for students: Monday, November 29 and Tuesday, November 30.
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Orozco Participates at FLAVA Conference
Lecturer of Spanish Patricia Orozco Watrel
Patricia Orozco Watrel, Lecturer of Spanish, led the organization of the fall conference for the Foreign Language Association of Virginia, which was held virtually from October 7–9, 2021. As the conference coordinator since May 2020, she and her team brought together this time 108 educators from Virginia and beyond to share their knowledge and expertise.
Foss Gives Wilde Presentation in Charlotte
Professor of English Chris Foss, wearing an Oscar Wilde T-shirt.
On October 22, Professor of English Chris Foss presented a paper entitled “Reflection and Refraction in Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Selfish Giant’ and Clio Barnard’s The Selfish Giant” at the annual conference of the Victorians Institute in Charlotte, NC.
Foss first examined Wilde’s literary endorsement of fantasy over realism as a valuable entry point for considering Victorian reflections on disability and freakery, in particular where the nexus of poverty and disability-aligned difference is concerned. Seeing the Giant’s peculiar body as aligned with other nonnormative ones, especially freakish bodies, opens a new appreciation for how the story stands out relative to many other Victorian literary representations of disability.
Victorians Institute Program Cover
Wilde’s prison literature testifies to the extent to which Wilde’s own enfreakment and enfoolment in jail provided profound personal experiences of physical and psychological illness/disability that led him to refract but ultimately retain the tenor of his fairy tale. In the second half of the paper, Foss suggested how Barnard’s 2013 film both builds upon and departs from its Victorian predecessor’s approach. While employing a decidedly darker and unrelentingly realistic lens, Barnard’s film reinforces Wilde’s exposure of the ill treatment of and the damage done to disability-aligned bodies/minds, as well as his emphasis upon love and responsiveness in the face of suffering and loss.
Bringing together the reflection and refraction of Victorian ways of seeing disability-aligned difference through the pairing of these two texts compellingly supports the value of continuing the conversations around disability that Wilde’s Victorian fairy tales prompted over 125 years ago.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement/Update on Boosters and Vaccine for Children 5-11
This message is from the Public Health Advisory Work Group and the Office of Human Resources
Dear Colleagues,
President Biden’s Executive Order 14042 requires employees of organizations that hold certain federal contracts to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. UMW qualifies as such an organization, therefore, all UMW employees are required to be fully vaccinated by December 8, 2021, unless they have a University-approved religious or medical exemption.
Since August 23, 2021, all employees who are not fully vaccinated have been required to undergo weekly COVID testing. This requirement will continue and employees with a religious or medical exemption must be tested every week.
You may apply for exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement by completing the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Request form or the COVID-19 Vaccination Religious Exemption Request form.
Contraindications to vaccination are described by current CDC recommendations and these serve as a basis for determining medical exemption. Valid evidence for any medical contraindication is required and should be submitted via the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Request form signed by a licensed medical provider. Religious exemption request forms must be notarized. Exemption request forms must be uploaded to the Faculty/Staff Vaccine Survey by 5:00pm Monday, November 29.
The submitted materials will be evaluated and determinations of exemption will be provided as soon as possible. If the exemption is not granted, you will not be considered compliant with the University’s vaccination requirement.
Thank you,
UMW Public Health Advisory Work Group
…………………………………………………………………………………
Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty,
We want to provide you a quick update about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters based on the latest information from the CDC and VDH.
- The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed that any student or employee of an institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia is now eligible to receive a COVID booster based on the congregate nature of college campuses.
- If you received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine:
- When to get a booster:
- At least 6 months after your second shot
- Which booster should you get?
- Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States
- You are eligible for a booster if you are:
- 65 years or older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings (includes college campuses)
- When to get a booster:
- If you received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine:
- When to get a booster:
- At least 2 months after your shot
- You are eligible for a booster if you are:
- Which booster should you get?
- Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States
- When to get a booster:
- Boosters are available at most pharmacies and primary care offices. You may check for availability here.
- If you received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine:
- The CDC also now recommends that children between the ages of 5 & 11 received the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine. Families should seek guidance from their pediatricians for household children within this age group. Vaccinating children can help protect family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if they are infected. See the following from the Rappahannock Area Health District for more: CVC_PressRelease-RAHD 5-11 final.
Please let us know if you have any questions at COVIDvaccination@umw.edu.
Sincerely,
Public Health Advisory Working Group
NSWCDD Hosts Virginia University Leadership Partnering Summit
DAHLGREN, Va. – Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWCDD) Commanding Officer Capt. Stephen “Casey” Plew, addresses distinguished attendees at the Virginia University Leadership Partnering Summit. On Oct. 26, the NSWCDD Innovation Lab hosted the event to bring together NSWCDD senior leadership and representatives from six Virginia universities to explore the expansion of academic partnerships between the two parties.
NSWCDD Hosts Virginia University Leadership Partnering Summit
DAHLGREN, Va. – On Oct. 26, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s (NSWCDD) Innovation Lab hosted the Virginia University Leadership Partnering Summit. Presidents, deans and various representatives from six Virginia universities gathered with senior leadership to discuss expanding strategic academic partnerships between the warfare center and Virginia’s top research universities.
The distinguished attendees from the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University and George Mason University heard briefs from Command and subject matter experts about the future missions at Dahlgren and key research interests, which will impact the future fleet. Brief subjects included current and proposed NSWCDD academic partnership programs as well as artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtualization.
The event was led by NSWCDD Commanding Officer Capt. Stephen ‘Casey’ Plew, Acting Technical Director Darren Barnes and the Chief Technology Office. Throughout the day, the summit leaders opened the floor for questions and constructive dialogue concerning future partnerships that will mutually benefit the universities and NSWCDD.
Following the summit, the attendees were invited to tour the Laser Lethality Lab for a directed energy demonstration.
Attendees/Participants:
Visitors:
Dr. Troy Paino, President, University of Mary Washington
Dr. Tim O’Donnell, University of Mary Washington
Dr. Keith Mellinger, University of Mary Washington
Mr. Michael Hubbard, University of Mary Washington
Dr. Eric Paterson, Virginia Tech
Dr. John Green, Virginia Tech
Dr. Laurel Miner, Virginia Tech
Dr. Melur Ramasubramanian, University of Virginia
Dr. Krzysztof Cios, Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Ivelina Metcheva, Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. P. Srirama Rao, Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Preetam Ghosh, Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Gary Tepper, Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Eric Weisel, Old Dominion University
Dr. Robert Wojtowicz, Old Dominion University
Dr. Kenneth Ball, George Mason University
Mr. Curry Roberts, President, Fredericksburg Regional Alliance at the University of Mary Washington
NSWCDD:
CAPT Casey Plew, USN, Commanding Officer
Mr. Darren Barnes, SSTM, Technical Director (Acting)
Mr. Chris Clifford, Deputy Technical Director (Acting)
Ms. Terri Gray, Chief of Staff
Ms. Jennifer Clift, SSTM, Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Jeff Solka, SSTM, Distinguished Scientist for Naval Data Sciences
Ms. Karen Smith, Deputy Chief Technology Officer
UMW Theatre presents ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,’ Nov. 11-21
UMW Theatre presents
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
November 11 to 21
Klein Theatre
based on the novel by Mark Haddon
adapted by Simon Stephens
Christopher Boone is 15 years old, is quite good at maths, and finds people very confusing. After being accused in the death of his neighbor’s dog, Christopher sets out on a mission to discover the truth. Along the way, he encounters a world that is wildly out of sync with how he sees and processes life around him. Discovering upsetting truths about his family, Christopher ventures beyond what he knows and embarks on a journey that turns his world upside down. Based on the blockbuster novel by Mark Haddon and the winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a coming-of-age-too-soon tale of parents, children, and the challenges of loving, being loved, and accepting who you are.
Tickets available for purchase through the Klein Theatre Box Office, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
540-654-1111 or www.fredtix.com
Farnsworth, Seltzer and Burkley Present Research Paper on Political Communication
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies; Kate Seltzer, a 2021 graduate of UMW with degrees in Political Science and in Communication and Digital Studies; and Sally Burkley. a senior Political Science and Communication and Digital Studies double major at UMW, are coauthors of a research paper entitled, “Late Night Political Humor, Cancel Culture and the 2020 Presidential Campaign,” which was presented recently at the Character Assassination & Reputation Politics Conference at George Mason University [online].
Dr. Farnsworth also commented on the following news stories:
Voting Underway in Virginia’s High-Stakes Gov. Race (CBS News)
With Youngkin victorious, a post-Trump Virginia returns as a swing state (The Washington Post)
Republican Winsome Sears projected to win lieutenant governor’s race (The Washington Post)
Youngkin capitalizes on McAuliffe’s comment about parents (The Free Lance-Star)
Democrats Can’t Keep Dismissing Complaints About ‘Critical Race Theory (Forbes)
Youngkin’s Victory in Virginia Provides GOP a Blueprint for 2022, ’24 (US News and World Report)
Youngkin wins tight governor’s race, defeating McAuliffe (Virginia Business)
Youngkin Wins Virginia’s Gubernatorial Race In Dominating Night For Republicans (WAMU; dcist.com)
It’s Not That Democrats Lost. It’s That They Lost Everywhere (Governing)
Youngkin begins charting path forward in Virginia (WCTI 12; FOX Nebraska)
Youngkin Wins—and Trumpism Is Back With a Vengeance (The Daily Beast)
Republicans take Virginia governorship in first major election of the Biden presidency (Salon)
At McAuliffe HQ, a Trumpless Reality Sinks In (RealClear Politics)
Wild-card Democratic senators in line to be power players of divided government (Virginia Mercury)
Election Day 2021: A referendum on President Biden’s agenda (Straight Arrow News)
Spanberger faces tough prospects heading into midterm elections (Virginia Scope)
African American Heritage Trail Committee Wins Archaeology Award (Krystyn Moon)
Professor of History and Director of American Studies Krystyn Moon
Professor of History and American Studies Krystyn Moon is a member of the African American Heritage Trail Committee, which was recently presented with the Brenman Archaeology Award by the City of Alexandria. The city’s official announcement is below:
Alexandria Archaeological Commission Announces Winners of Brenman Archaeology Award
The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) is proud to announce the winners of the annual Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. The awards, named in honor of the late Ben Brenman, a longtime Commission chair, were presented by Mayor Wilson on Tuesday, October 26th at the Alexandria City Council meeting. Councilmember Redella S. “Del” Pepper read the proclamation.
The 2021 honorees are:
Griffin Burchard: Outstanding Preservation Advocate, for his contribution to the stewardship of Douglass Cemetery, one of Alexandria’s historic Black cemeteries; for planning and implementing his 2019 Eagle Scout project at Douglass Cemetery, including the creation of a new interpretive historical sign at the site; for raising awareness about these sacred and fragile sites and the recognition that preserving Black cemeteries means preserving the history of Black Alexandrians; and for immeasurably enhancing the quality of life in Alexandria by caring for the final resting place of those buried here.
Members of the African American Heritage Trail Committee (including UMW Professor of History Krystyn Moon, far right, pink shirt) accept the Brenman Archaeology Award from the City of Alexandria.
African American Heritage Trail Committee (Councilman John Chapman, Susan Cohen, Gwen Day-Fuller, Elizabeth “Indy” McCall, Maddy McCoy, Krystyn Moon, McArthur Myers, and Ted Pulliam, founding and current members): Outstanding Community History, in recognition of their dedication to researching and highlighting the contributions of African Americans to Alexandria’s historic waterfront and throughout the city; for their leadership in the community history movement that engages residents and visitors with new ways of telling Alexandria’s unique history; and for their commitment to instilling a sense of collective ownership of the past for all Alexandrians.
The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) established the Brenman Award in 2007 in honor of the late activist and retired U.S. Army colonel. Brenman had devoted himself to finding, preserving, and sharing Alexandria’s rich and diverse heritage, and was a founding member of the AAC, serving as its chair for 21 years. The AAC, a City of Alexandria commission, was the first of its kind established in the U.S.
The Brenman Award recognizes businesses, organizations, families, professional preservationists, volunteers, students, and other individuals who have demonstrated work or efforts in archaeological investigation, research, site protection, education, public interpretation, open space design, collections, or conservation.
The 15-member AAC is appointed by the City Council and develops goals and priorities for Alexandria’s archaeological heritage. The commission works closely with residents, government agencies, developers, and teachers to promote archaeology in the city.
Head Start Gift Box Drive 2021
Hello, UMW Faculty and Staff!
COAR’s annual Head Start Gift Box Drive is back this year, and happening right now!
During this drive, we fill wrapped shoebox-size boxes with small toys and necessities for three- to five-year-old students in the Head Start program at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania schools. The boxes will be delivered to the students by Dean Rucker (dressed as Santa) and COAR staff during finals week. Each box should include a small toy, hat, gloves, toothbrush, toothpaste, coloring book/stickers, and markers or crayons. A list of required, recommended, and prohibited items is available on our Facebook page and Instagram, as well as inside the boxes.
We will be tabling at the University Center lobby from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM Monday-Friday beginning on November 8 and ending on November 19. Boxes may be checked out at our table or in the Center for Community Engagement during 9:00-5:00 office hours. We are also happy to deliver them to you anywhere on campus – just email us and let us know how many you would like. COAR staff will also be making the rounds in the next two weeks to various academic buildings, so you can pick one up then. We ask that you return any and all boxes by Tuesday, November 23th at 5 PM to the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) Suite 320 in the University Center.
If you are interested in checking out a box (or a few) please do not hesitate to reach out or stop by our table at the UC!
Best,
Carleigh Rahn
COAR Staff Director
coarumw@gmail.com
Donors Needed: Blood Drive, Friday, Nov. 12
Blood Donors Needed: Red Cross Blood Drive Fri. Nov. 12
Blood donors are needed on Friday Nov. 12! Use this link to sign up to donate. The Blood Drive is being held on Friday between 11:00-5:00 at the HCC Auditorium on the UMW campus. Thank you!