Learn more and find a full list of Latino Identities Month activities, on the JFMC webpage.
Fall Reception for Faculty and Staff on Brompton Lawn, Sept. 19
Faculty and Staff,
President Troy Paino and Kelly Paino invite you and a guest to celebrate the successful start of the fall semester on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a welcome reception on the Brompton Lawn. Please complete the response form by Friday, September 12, to let us know that you’ll be there. In the event of inclement weather, the reception will be cancelled.
Upcoming Campus Dining Attractions, Sept. 19 – 30
In the coming weeks the University Dining team will be hosting several special events that offer a variety of delicious culinary experiences along with some fun activities.
You won’t want to miss Talk Like a Pirate Day on Friday, Sept. 19 when you can enjoy some sea-worthy fish & chips served up by some not-so-fierce pirates! Be sure to join in the fun and don’t forget to talk like a pirate, aye! Or ye might be walkin’ the plank!
The annual Harvest Festival on Friday, Sept. 26 boasts over 40 vendors who’ll be selling fresh produce, kettle corn, chicken & waffles, papusas, snow cones, pottery, jewelry, candy, vintage clothing and much more!
In partnership with the Latino Student Association, the Center for International Studies, and Student Activities and Engagement, University Dining will also be hosting the Latino Melting Pot Dinner, the Global Cafe, and a birthday celebration for Sammy D. Eagle!
See more details in the dining schedule of the coming events below. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place in the Restaurants at the Top of the Cedric Rucker University Center.
- Talk Like a Pirate Day with Fish & Chips: Friday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sammy D. Eagle 40th Birthday Celebration: Monday, Sept. 22 there is free cake and photo opportunities with Sammy from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the CRUC 4th floor gathering area,
- Latino Melting Pot Dinner: This celebration dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. features a wide variety of Hispanic dishes, including birria tacos! Note: The dining room will be closed from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. to prepare for the event.
- National Food Service Worker Day: Thursday, Sept. 25. Send some “Thank You” messages to Dining team members via special THX QR codes that will be located in all the campus dining locations.
- Harvest Festival & Farmers Market: Friday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors will be on Campus Walk, Ball Circle, and Palmieri Plaza. In the event of rain, the festival will take place in the Chandler Ballroom of the CRUC.
- Global Cafe: Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The dinner will feature cuisines from around the world and offer students opportunities to learn about UMW’s Study Abroad programs. The dining room will be closed from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to prepare for this event.
If you have any questions, contact Rose Benedict, Dining Marketing Manager, at rbenedic@umw.edu or 540-654-2169.
Conversations with the President Session, Sept. 22
Lee Hall 412 will host Conversations with the President on Sept. 22
President Paino invites you to join him at a Conversations with the President session, offering an informal opportunity to share insights and engage in candid discussions that are aligned with our community values and in support of making University of Mary Washington the best it can be. Occasionally, the sessions may focus on a particular issue facing us or may include other leaders who represent areas critical to institutional progress.
The following sessions will be offered this semester:
- Mon., Sept., 22 3:00-4:00 p.m., Lee Hall Room 412
- Mon., Nov., 10 3:00-4:00 p.m., Virtual Option
Life After Mary Wash Week, Sept. 22 – 25
RESCHEDULED: Faculty-Staff Kickball Game, Sept. 24
The Faculty-Staff Kickball Game scheduled for Ball Circle has been RESCHEDULED due to rain. It will now be held Wednesday, Sept. 24 @ 3 p.m. giving faculty and staff more time to sign up to play!
Spread the word, and sign up to play today!
What started years ago as a College of Business vs. Psychology rivalry is being revived into a campus-wide contest, with all faculty and staff invited to play.
Teams will be made on game day, with Chief Michael “I am the law” Hall serving as umpire!
All you need to bring is your game face – and your best nickname! This year’s roster already includes “The Majid Missile,” “Bailey Bomber,” “Lightning Lulu,” and “I’m giving up my nap for this!” It’s a casual event, perfect for showing your Eagle spirit.
Class Materials Makeover Workshops for Digital Accessibility, Starting Sept. 24
A 6-week workshop series focuses on revising instructor-created classroom materials to meet digital accessibility standards. Each 30-minute Zoom session offers instructions and strategies on an element of digital accessibility. Facilitators will prioritize tools and features within ‘UMW Toolbox’ supported tools, although basic guidelines can easily be transferred to other platforms.
Workshops are 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is not required. Sessions will be recorded and uploaded to UMW Learn.
- Wednesday, Sept. 24: Headings
- Tuesday, Sept. 30: Alt Text
- Thursday, Oct. 9: Descriptive Links
- Wednesday, Oct. 15: Color and Contrast
- Thursday, Oct. 23: Tables
- Thursday, Oct. 30: Audio & Video
Facilitators will remain online after the instruction portion to address audience questions. All workshops may be accessed via a single Zoom link. Check out the workshop series event page for more information on topics, schedule and Zoom link.
Reach out to the Center for Teaching (vrussel3@umw.edu) or Digital Learning Support (dls@umw.edu) with any questions about the workshops. Faculty can schedule consultations with Digital Learning Support and the Center for Teaching for more individualized support or follow-up.
Food and School-Supply Drive, through Oct. 10
UMW’s Latino Student Association is sponsoring a month-long food and school-supply drive to support local Latino families and their need for food and educational security. All are invited to aid in the initiative by donating school supplies and non-perishable food times for families in need. The drive runs from Monday, Sept. 15 through Friday, Oct. 10.
Donations can be brought to the James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC) location in the Cedric Rucker University Center, room 319. Check in with the JFMC for specific donation needs; the JFMC is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Athletics Alumni Reception with President Paino, Oct. 23
A Homecoming reception for athletics alumni with President Paino is coming October 23 in Seacobeck Hall.
Athletics alumni, a Homecoming reception with President Paino is coming October 23. As part of Homecoming week, Mary Washington athletics alumni are cordially invited to a special reception featuring an exclusive update from UMW President Troy Paino on the current state of Division III athletics.
The event will be held in Seacobeck Hall on Thursday, October 23 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and includes an evening of networking, nostalgia and forward-looking conversation about the future of collegiate sports.
Dr. Paino brings unique expertise to this discussion as a former member of the NCAA Division III President’s Council, the highest governing body in NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics. In this role, Dr. Paino established and oversaw Division III policies, led divisional strategic planning, sponsored key legislation, and advocated to the NCAA Board of Governors on behalf of all DIII institutions.
This event will be an exceptional opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni athletes while gaining insider insights into the evolving landscape of Division III athletics. Register here.
Mellinger, Kelly and Tabak Discuss What’s New at UMW on WFVA Town Talk
Academic Deans Keith Mellinger (College of Arts and Sciences), Pete Kelly (College of Education), and Filiz Tabak (College of Business) at WFVA
Three academic deans — Keith Mellinger (College of Arts and Sciences), Pete Kelly (College of Education), and Filiz Tabak (College of Business) — appeared on News Talk 1230 WFVA’s Town Talk to discuss new majors, academic programs, and strategic initiatives taking shape across campus.
The conversation also highlights standout faculty, growing community and industry partnerships, and how each college is preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Together, the deans offer insight into the evolving academic landscape at UMW and the priorities driving innovation within their schools. Listen to the episode.