February 21, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Gupta Quoted in Article on Conflict Over Kashmir for MSN

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Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Surupa Gupta

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Surupa Gupta

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Surupta Gupta was quoted in a article titled “What’s behind India and Pakistan’s conflict over Kashmir, and why it’s so serious” for MSN. An excerpt from the article reads, “The origin of the recent hostilities between Pakistan and India largely dates back to 1947, when they gained their independence from British rule, according to Surupa Gupta, a professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia.” Read the article. 

Farnsworth Discusses Federal Job Cuts for USAA News

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Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth discussed federal job cuts and more with USAA News in an article titled “Va. GOP congressman’s scrutiny on federal cuts, job losses needs company from other Republicans.” In the article Farnsworth said, “People are getting really worried about how that affects them.” Read the article.

Other recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
Va. GOP congressman’s scrutiny on federal cuts, job losses needs company from other Republicans (Virginia Mercury; Yahoo)
I asked Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, what might explain your willingness to speak out so forcefully now. As continued cutbacks are materializing, Farnsworth said, “People are getting really worried about how that affects them.” Your op-ed, he added, “speaks to the effectiveness of public opinion in shaping” the policies of lawmakers.https://virginiamercury.com/2025/05/16/va-gop-congressmans-scrutiny-on-federal-cuts-job-losses-needs-company-from-other-republicans/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/va-gop-congressman-scrutiny-federal-092023344.html?guccounter=1
Virginia House clerk rejects three of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s vetoes (Henrico Citizen; Virginia Mercury)
Political analyst Stephen Farnsworth believes the dispute could “end up in the courts, like just about everything these days.”
https://www.henricocitizen.com/virginia-house-clerk-rejects-three-of-gov-glenn-youngkins-vetoes/
https://virginiamercury.com/2025/05/15/virginia-house-clerk-rejects-three-of-gov-glenn-youngkins-vetoes/
Democrats reach historic goal: A full slate in Virginia House races (Virginia Mercury)
The historic sweep could also pay off strategically, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington.“This is a big development from the perspective of turnout,” Farnsworth said. “Even in districts where you’re not going to win, you’re going to help pump up the vote for your party, and that can help statewide candidates.”
https://virginiamercury.com/2025/05/07/democrats-reach-historic-goal-full-slate-in-virginia-house-races/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/democrats-reach-historic-goal-full-203050151.html?guccounter=1

Employee Appreciation Events Rescheduled, May 28 & 29

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The following employee appreciation events have been rescheduled due to the weather:

  • Mary Wash Wednesday – rescheduled to Thursday, May 29 (same time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and location: Ball Circle/Campus Walk)
  • Ice Cream Thursday – rescheduled for the Fredericksburg Campus for Wednesday, May 28 (same time: 1-3 p.m. and location Ball Circle/Campus Walk).

Contact Jessica Alston at 540-654-1214 with any questions.

Smith to Speak at Fredericksburg Memorial Day Observance

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Professor of Historic Preservation Andréa Livi Smith

Professor of Historic Preservation Andréa Livi Smith

Professor of Historic Preservation Andréa Livi Smith will serve as the featured speaker at the 159th Memorial Day Observance at Fredericksburg’s Confederate Cemetery, hosted by the Ladies’ Memorial Association. The annual event will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26 at 1100 Washington Ave. In a recent article published by The Free Lance-Star, Smith described the luminaria tradition as “truly a sublime expression of remembrance.” Read the article.

 

Brick Repairs on Campus, through May 30 and beyond

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Brick repairs are being made throughout campus, with prime areas to be handled before Reunion Weekend begins, Friday, May 30.

Repairs started behind CRUC patio and will progress to the low spot on the sidewalk and CRUC-side of Virginia Hall. Then proceed to Jefferson Hall, front sidewalk along the road, re-laying the bricks on almost the full stretch.

There are repairs scheduled for the knee wall at the CRUC/VA Office entrance and Arrington Hall, front sidewalk (missing bricks) and side door steps, which are awaiting delivery of the limestone slabs.

Repairs will be ongoing after Reunion Weekend throughout the summer as needed.

Retirement Celebration for Longtime Advancement Staff, June 4

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Please join us on Wednesday, June 4 to celebrate and honor Jan Clarke, Catherine Seller, and Shannon Williams for their many years of dedicated service and commitment to Mary Washington.

We’ll gather for light refreshments and shared memories as we express our heartfelt gratitude for all they have contributed to the University.

When: Wednesday, June 4, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Where: Grand Rappahannock Ballroom, Jepson Alumni Executive Center

Kindly RSVP by Thursday, May 29 to (540) 654-1024 or advance@umw.edu.

Bonds Authors Article on Data Center Sustainability for Chesapeake Bay Journal

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Associate Professor of Sociology Eric Bonds

Associate Professor of Sociology Eric Bonds

Professor of Sociology Eric Bonds authored an article titled “For data center sustainability in Virginia, state regulation is a must” for the Chesapeake Bay Journal. An excerpt from the article says, “Spreading out from Northern Virginia, data centers are being proposed in communities across the Chesapeake Bay region. They promise big bursts of local revenue, but they also consume huge amounts of energy and can sometimes negatively impact neighborhoods and natural areas. When data centers come knocking, what should local environmentalists do?” Read the article.

 

Ball Appears on WFVA’s TownTalk to Discuss Small Businesses

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Director of Small Business Development Center Susan Ball

Director of Small Business Development Center Susan Ball appears on WFVA.

Director of Small Business Development Center Susan Ball appeared on NewsTalk 1230 WFVA’s Town Talk to discuss small businesses. She is a free resource for anyone in the Fredericksburg area with a small business idea or a small business, no matter what stage it’s in. Listen to the episode.

Reynolds Appears on ‘PS: I Love U(MW)’ Series

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Jon Reynolds is the director of marketing and audience services for UMW's Department of Theatre. But two days a year, he steps into the role of Mary Washington's commencement reader.

Jon Reynolds is the director of marketing and audience services for UMW’s Department of Theatre. But two days a year, he steps into the role of Mary Washington’s commencement reader.

P.S. I Love U(MW) shines a light on the voice most linked with graduation day. Jon Reynolds ’07, Director of Marketing and Audience Services for the Department of Theatre and Dance, is the person who proudly reads each graduate’s name as they cross the stage. “The bonus for me at Commencement,” Jon shared, “is I get to see my students walk across the stage—and I get to be the last thing they see before they get their diploma.” See the episode.

Give Jon a wave (or a thank you!) after you hear his familiar voice at Commencement Watch more episodes from PS: I love U(MW) on the @marywash Instagram.