A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff
Associate Professor of Computer Science Xin-Wen Wu and Assistant Professor of Computer Science Veena Ravishankar presented on a panel at a Cyber Never Sleeps event on Oct. 24 at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. Read more.
Professor of Anthropology Eric Gable
Professor of Anthropology Eric Gable’s commentary, “Why separating fact from fiction is critical in teaching US slavery,” was published in The Akron Legal News. Of all the debate over teaching U.S. slavery, it is one sentence of Florida’s revised academic standards that has provoked particular ire: “Instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.” Read more.
Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus
Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus spoke on TV for a segment titled “Is China trying to catch up with the Belt and Road losing momentum through this forum?” Larus said “Xi’s BRI 10 yrs on is robust in the Global South but a bust in Europe due to overpromise and underdeliver. Hungary’s Orban is the only European head of state attending Beijing celebration.” Watch the clip.
The following message is from the University Staff Council and Office of Human Resources:
Dear UMW Colleagues,
We are excited to announce this year’s recipients of our annual employee awards, presented Tuesday, Oct. 17, during the Employee Appreciation Luncheon. If you missed the event, you can read more in the UMW News story and share in our congratulations to this year’s honorees.
Assistant Director of Residence Life and Housing John Hughey, Academic Services Program Support Technician Anna Hollrah, and Academic Services Administrative and Office Specialist Allison Smith won the University Staff Council’s Larry Atkins Award, recognizing UMW’s “unsung heroes.”
Senior Student Success Coordinator Brian Strecker was announced as the recipient The Coleman Award, recognizing a classified or hourly employee’s dedication and exemplary service.
The Hurley Award for exceptionally meritorious service and character went to Simpson Library’s Head of Special Collections and Digital Scholarship Angie Kemp.
During the luncheon, we also shared with employees that UMW will be retiring the dress code policy. The University trusts that employees will present themselves in a professional manner and use good judgement to “dress for their day,” depending on their meeting schedule, standards of their professions, and level of interaction with the public. Employees should work with their supervisors if they have questions. We ask that employees wear their nametag when working with our many audiences so it’s clear you are someone who can answer questions and help navigate campus services and resources. Name badges can be requested online, and you’ll need your department FOAP to place the order.
We also celebrated the news from the recent state budget, which includes a 2% raise for UMW employees effective in December, in addition to the 5% raise already allocated this year. We look forward to gathering again in December for the annual holiday party. Save the date for Friday, Dec. 15.
Please contact Human Resources if you have any questions, and for more information about the annual employee awards, which result from nominations by the University community members. Please contact Terri Arthur (tlockhar@umw.edu) regarding the Coleman and Hurley awards or Sarah Appleby (sappleby@umw.edu) about the Atkins award.
UMW Director of First Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg (left), and Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski
UMW Director of First Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg (left) and Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski talked with radio show host Ted Schubel for an episode of Schubel’s WFVA radio show called “Town Talk: UMW Admissions.” Ahead of Virginia College Application Week, the pair talked about choosing a college and getting in! Everything from grades and extracurriculars to the college essay, tuition and FAFSA. Listen to the segment.
Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented an online lecture, “President Biden’s Struggle to Shape the Political Narrative: White House Communication in Contentious Times,” to students at McGill University in Montreal. The talk drew on Professor Farnsworth’s book, “Presidential Communication and Character,” published by Routeldge. Dr. Farnsworth previously served as a Canada-US Fulbright Scholar at McGill.
Other recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
How a government shutdown would affect Virginia (AXIOS)
“Republicans in Congress are making it harder for Republicans in Virginia to win,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “Taking away someone’s paycheck, even temporarily, is a major source of anxiety.”
https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/09/28/how-government-shutdown-impact-virginia
Poll: Virginia Elections Extremely Close As Schools, Reproductive Rights Hang In Balance (Virginia Dogwood)
“Virginia has rapidly returned to its purple state status,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at UMW. “This new statewide survey shows that Virginia’s voters are basically evenly divided as they approach the upcoming Virginia legislative elections.”
https://vadogwood.com/2023/09/28/poll-virginia-elections-extremely-close-as-schools-reproductive-rights-hang-in-balance/
Virginia Republicans Are Sh*tting Their Pants Over The Threat Of A GOP Government Shutdown (Daily Kos)
“Republicans in Congress are making it harder for Republicans in Virginia to win,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at University of Mary Washington. “Taking away someone’s paycheck, even temporarily, is a major source of anxiety.”
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/9/27/2195844/-Virginia-Republicans-Are-Sh-tting-Their-Pants-Over-The-Threat-Of-A-GOP-Government-Shutdown
Virginia Republicans are being dishonest about plans to ban abortion next year (American Independent)
A University of Mary Washington poll released Wednesday may explain why Republicans are misleading voters. The survey found that 40% of Virginia adults prefer Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, while 37% favor Republican control. The same poll found that 57% of Virginians believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases and 35% said it should be illegal all or most of the time.
https://americanindependent.com/virginia-republicans-are-being-dishonest-about-plans-to-ban-abortion-next-year/
Virginia’s Public Schools Receive Positive Marks in Statewide Survey: Education and Safety Rated Highly (Bollyinside)
A recent statewide survey conducted by the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington reveals that Virginians have generally positive views of their local public-school districts.
https://www.bollyinside.com/news/education/virginias-public-schools-receive-positive-marks-in-statewide-survey-education-and-safety-rated-highly/
The WaPo’s Infatuation with Glenn Youngkin Continues. (Blue Virginia)
Remember, Youngkin is one of the least popular Virginia governors in decades (ever?), with yesterday’s University of Mary Washington poll estimating his approval at just 40%-37%, which is…not good.
https://bluevirginia.us/2023/09/the-wapos-infatuation-with-glenn-youngkin-continues-now-theyre-reporting-on-a-presidential-campaign-draft-movement-and-an-upcoming-red-vest-retreat-lol-for-glenn-youngkin
Youngkin’s 2024 tightrope walk depends on Va. elections (Virginia Business)
“For the governor, the stakes couldn’t be higher,” says Stephen Farnsworth, a University of Mary Washington political scientist. “His ability to make the case for his political future is going to depend on what he can do in the next two years. If Democrats end up with either of the two chambers, the final years of Youngkin’s term will be just as frustrating as the first two.”
https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/youngkins-2024-tightrope-walk-depends-on-va-elections/
Poll shows Virginia voters closely divided, but abortion, education policies are top issues (The Virginian-Pilot; Yahoo News)
“In many ways, Hampton Roads is the purplest part of purple Virginia,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and the center’s director.
https://www.pilotonline.com/2023/09/28/poll-shows-virginia-voters-closely-divided-but-abortion-education-policies-are-top-issues/
https://news.yahoo.com/poll-shows-virginia-voters-closely-215300059.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly90cmFuc2l0aW9uLm1lbHR3YXRlci5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGyDQiuRkp4XI54qUZRsJeREn9J3FW8h__wRb69hpstQ7qzDmdE1fZsKzj3g40lcdB9_zrO54q2uRrVOXndEmoC7x3j7bNX2NgSrfa_buRAlRqmtbZZJMrmhFHryw73FYqXUMhVXhITgLwfB_MHILrBGVjdsCNNBI0PJpMRRBHY
University of Mary Washington poll shows Virginia legislative elections 50-50 (WINA News Radio)
Center Director Stephen Farnsworth notes among 771 likely voters who responded… Virginia is back to a purple state after flirting with a period of being blue with 42-percent wanting a Republican majority legislature… and 42-percent wanting Democrats in control.
https://wina.com/news/064460-university-of-mary-washington-poll-shows-virginia-legislative-elections-50-50/
Battlefield Virginia-Abortion, party control at stake in legislative races (Virginia Business)
With both parties eager to motivate voters, competitive races are hinging largely on negative campaigning, says political analyst Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington and a longtime observer of the legislature. “The key thing is getting your base out,” Farnsworth says. “The demonization of the other side is a tried-and-true strategy for getting your voters to actually turn out, and the way that’s done is to create sort of funhouse mirror images of the opposing party.”
https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/battlefield-virginia/
UMW poll shows Virginia “has rapidly returned to purple state status” (The Free Lance-Star; Loudoun Times; Culpeper Star-Exponent; WMAL; The Roanoke Times)
“Virginia has rapidly returned to its purple state status,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at UMW and the Center’s director, in a press release issued by the university about the survey results. The statewide survey of 1,000 Virginia residents, including 833 registered voters and 771 likely voters, was conducted for UMW by Research America Inc. between Sept. 5 and Sept. 11.
https://fredericksburg.com/news/local/government-politics/umw-poll-shows-virginia-has-rapidly-returned-to-purple-state-status/article_f46bd2ca-5e0e-11ee-9174-ff1be1fe1493.html
https://www.loudountimes.com/news/umw-poll-shows-virginia-has-rapidly-returned-to-purple-state-status/article_4f564759-cf17-51ab-9deb-c0b5b2b63653.html
https://starexponent.com/news/state-regional/umw-poll-shows-virginia-has-rapidly-returned-to-purple-state-status/article_f046f4f8-60b2-11ee-8a76-cbf425e75e99.html
https://www.wmal.com/2023/09/29/virginia-looking-more-purple-ahead-of-novembers-midterm-elections/
https://roanoke.com/news/state-and-regional/umw-poll-shows-virginia-has-rapidly-returned-to-purple-state-status/article_c0b80fc8-cf63-5615-ab5b-53b2c8697129.html
University of Mary Washington poll shows Virginia legislative elections 50-50 (WINA)
Center Director Stephen Farnsworth notes among 771 likely voters who responded… Virginia is back to a purple state after flirting with a period of being blue with 42-percent wanting a Republican majority legislature… and 42-percent wanting Democrats in control.
https://wina.com/news/064460-university-of-mary-washington-poll-shows-virginia-legislative-elections-50-50/
Poll: Virginia voters evenly split heading into the November election (The Washington Examiner)
“Virginia has rapidly returned to its purple state status,” Stephen J. Farnsworth said in a release.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/poll-virginia-voters-evenly-split-heading-into-the-november-election
LISTEN: Statewide survey shows largely positive marks for Virginia’s public schools (Fredericksburg Today)
https://fredericksburg.today/2023/09/29/listen-statewide-survey-shows-largely-positive-marks-for-virginias-public-schools/
Poll: 42% of Virginia voters want the governor to have less power over local schools (WVTF)
Professor Stephen Farnsworth, the director of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, which conducted the survey, said the numbers could be a bad sign for Youngkin. “It’s a suggestion that the governor’s strategy of weighing in aggressively on education is not particularly helpful to swing voters,” said Farnsworth.
https://www.wvtf.org/news/2023-09-29/poll-42-of-virginia-voters-want-the-governor-to-have-less-power-over-local-schools
UMW’s Dr. Stephen Farnsworth: Statewide survey shows largely positive marks for Virginia’s public schools (WFVA News Talk)
“This survey shows that those combative voices at school board meetings are not representative of public opinion across the Commonwealth regarding public education,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “Overall, Virginians remain quite positive about the performance of their schools, both regarding education generally and providing a safe learning environment.”
https://www.newstalk1230.net/episode/umws-dr-stephen-farnsworth/
New Virginia poll shows popularity of Governor Glenn Youngkin versus President Joe Biden as presidential candidates (13 News Now)
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — New poll results published Friday by the University of Mary Washington show more polled Virginians would vote for Joe Biden over Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, if those were the only two candidates on their respective ballots.
https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/politics/elections/new-virginia-poll-governor-glenn-youngkin-versus-president-joe-biden-presidential-candidates/291-cb83c90b-3bef-4700-9641-ce6f0d65d57e
Roem, Woolf spar on abortion, data centers, Va. 28 bypass in first debate (Prince William Times)
The two met for their first debate on Thursday, Sept. 28 at Grace E. Metz Middle School. The event was sponsored by the Prince William Committee of 100 and moderated by Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies.
https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/roem-woolf-spar-on-abortion-data-centers-va-28-bypass-in-first-debate/article_de19d49c-5fb0-11ee-9d30-a7296a2df18e.html
Trump Fraud Trial Begins Today (CTV News)
“I think Donald Trump believes that playing the victim is the best strategy for him in this situation,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2778414
Not the time for a Virginia dark horse, say political observers (The Center Square; The Washington Examiner)
And that’s where his focus should stay, according to Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington – for more reasons than one. “I don’t know that there’s a compelling message Youngkin can offer that more experienced politicians haven’t offered so far,” Farnsworth told The Center Square.
https://www.thecentersquare.com/virginia/article_493ed37a-61a1-11ee-b741-3fed1f7a3360.html
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/not-the-time-for-a-virginia-dark-horse-say-political-observers
‘Virginia has returned to purple state status’ | New poll finds Virginians divided ahead of midterms (WUSA)
“Virginia has rapidly returned to its purple state status,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and the Center’s director. “This new statewide survey shows that Virginia’s voters are basically evenly divided as they approach the upcoming Virginia legislative elections.”
https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/vote/virginians-divided-desired-election-results-survey-university-mary-washington/65-4d5bb6ce-68df-4c14-a726-f88125ffbda1
New survey shows Virginians are headed to the polls with abortion rights, K-12 education on their minds (WRIC; WAVY)
“The reversal by the Supreme Court tends to be a very powerful issue in motivating voters even a year and a half later,” Professor Stephen Farnsworth, Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, told 8News.
https://www.wric.com/news/politics/capitol-connection/new-survey-shows-virginians-are-headed-to-the-polls-with-abortion-rights-k-12-education-on-their-minds/
https://www.wavy.com/news/new-survey-shows-virginians-are-headed-to-the-polls-with-abortion-rights-k-12-education-on-their-minds/
Purple Commonwealth: Virginia Poll Shows 42 Percent to 42 Percent Split Between Republicans, Democrats (Tennessee Star)
“Virginia has rapidly returned to its purple state status,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth (pictured above), professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, and the center’s director. The poll included 833 registered voters, 771 likely voters, and carries a 3-percentage point margin of error.
https://tennesseestar.com/elections/purple-commonwealth-virginia-poll-shows-42-percent-to-42-percent-split-between-republicans-democrats/neil-mccabe/2023/10/03/
Youngkin’s political fortunes on the line in battle for control of the Virginia Legislature (The Washington Times)
“If he wants to raise his national profile, he needs to have a record of conservative legislating that has basically been denied to him so far by the Democratic majority in the Senate,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/oct/3/glenn-youngkins-political-fortunes-line-battle-con/
Poll: 42% of Virginia voters want the governor to have less power over local schools (WHRO)
Professor Stephen Farnsworth, the director of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, which conducted the survey, said the numbers could be a bad sign for Youngkin. “It’s a suggestion that the governor’s strategy of weighing in aggressively on education is not particularly helpful to swing voters,” said Farnsworth.
https://whro.org/news/local-news/41672-poll-42-of-virginia-voters-want-the-governor-to-have-less-power-over-local-schools
Day Three in Fraud Trial Against Trump (CTV News)
“Yes, this really cuts to the core of Donald Trump’s narrative of being a successful businessman. Above all, he has worked through his professional life to demonstrate that he was a savvy, affluent man like almost no one else in America,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2780037
Search for New U.S. House Speaker (CTV News)
“This is a situation that is unprecedented in American history,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2780037
Jennifer Wexton’s open Virginia seat will be ‘one of the most interesting congressional races’ in the country (WJLA)
“When you think about politicians looking for opportunities, there’s no better time to run for something than when there is not an incumbent running against you, so that means this will be a free-for-all probably with respect to both parties,” Farnsworth said. “One thing’s for sure, you should be watching this race because this will be one of the most interesting congressional races in the entire country.”
https://wjla.com/news/local/virginia-open-congressional-seat-10th-district-rep-jennifer-wexton-va-10-democratic-republican-politics-congress-candidates-november-2023-election-reelection-loudoun-county-phyllis-randall-senator-mark-warner
Republican Governor In Key State Breaks Fundraising Record Ahead Of Election Day (Daily Caller; Tampa Free Press)
Virginians were nearly split in terms of who they wanted to see take control of the state’s legislature, according to a University of Mary Washington poll released Sept. 27.
https://dailycaller.com/2023/10/04/youngkin-fundraising-record-election-day-virginia/
https://www.tampafp.com/virginia-gov-glenn-youngkin-smashes-fundraising/
How Chuck Robb’s 1981 Election Shaped Virginia Politics (Apple Podcast)
They discuss the 1981 election of Chuck Robb for Virginia’s Governor–how Robb escaped the legacy of the Byrd Machine and President Johnson’s Great Society, pushing the Democratic message to a more centrist line that would hold for the next several decades.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transition-virginia/id1498833592?i=1000630284550
What’s the next abortion bellwether state? Virginia. (The Washington Post)
“What we’re seeing here in Virginia is the same pattern that we’re seeing nationally: Democratic voters are much more energized by the abortion question now that control over abortion laws is in the hands of state governments,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/10/06/what-next-abortion-bellwether-state-virginia/
Survey: Virginians generally positive about public schools providing education and safety (Augusta Free Press)
“This survey shows that those combative voices at school board meetings are not representative of public opinion across the Commonwealth regarding public education,” Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at UMW and director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, said. “Overall, Virginians remain quite positive about the performance of their schools, both regarding education generally and providing a safe learning environment.”
https://augustafreepress.com/news/survey-virginians-generally-positive-about-public-schools-providing-education-and-safety/
UMW statewide survey considers 2024 Biden, Trump presidential rematch (WFVA News Talk 1230)
“Virginia looks a lot like America as a whole in this survey,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “President Biden is relatively unpopular now in Virginia and nationally, and national surveys also suggest 2024 is shaping up to be an extremely competitive election cycle.”
https://www.newstalk1230.net/episode/umw-statewide-survey/
Virginians divided over 2023 legislative elections in statewide survey (WFVA News Talk 1230)
“Virginia has rapidly returned to its purple state status,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and the Center’s director. “This new statewide survey shows that Virginia’s voters are basically evenly divided as they approach the upcoming Virginia legislative elections.”
https://www.newstalk1230.net/episode/virginians/
Truman Capote’s first novel is this year’s One Book, One Festival selection; Festival is Oct. 28 (The Advocate)
Dr. Gary Richards, who has led many previous sessions since One Book, One Festival began in 2008, returns to moderate the discussion. Richards is a professor of English and former chair of the Department of English and Linguistics at the University of Mary Washington. This will be the 11th time he’s led the One Book, One Festival discussion.
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/truman-capotes-first-novel-is-this-years-one-book-choice/article_2c10692e-6207-11ee-9a2e-eb70401bf968.html
The happiest (and unhappiest) states in America may surprise you (Vox News Albania; West Observer; The Nashville News)
“Increasing wealth does not increase a person’s happiness, but experiencing poverty certainly makes you unhappy,” says Miriam Liss, a professor of psychology at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
https://www.voxnews.al/english/lifestyle/shtetet-me-me-te-lumtura-dhe-me-te-palumtura-te-amerikes-mund-tiu-surp-i49713
https://westobserver.com/news/united-states/americas-happiest-and-unhappiest-states-might-surprise-you/
https://www.thenashvillenews.net/news/273989727/americas-happiest-and-unhappiest-states-might-surprise-you
Virginians Divided Over 2023 Legislative Elections in UMW Statewide Survey (Fredericksburg Today)
“Virginia has rapidly returned to its purple state status,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and the Center’s director. “This new statewide survey shows that Virginia’s voters are basically evenly divided as they approach the upcoming Virginia legislative elections.”
https://fredericksburg.today/2023/10/08/virginians-divided-over-2023-legislative-elections-in-umw-statewide-survey/
Jennifer Wexton’s Open Virginia Seat Will Be ‘One of the most interesting congressional races’ in the Country (NBC Montana)
“When you think about politicians looking for opportunities, there’s no better time to run for something than when there is not an incumbent running against you, so that means this will be a free-for-all probably with respect to both parties,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. “One thing’s for sure, you should be watching this race because this will be one of the most interesting congressional races in the entire country.”
https://nbcmontana.com/news/connect-to-congress/jennifer-wextons-open-virginia-seat-will-be-one-of-the-most-interesting-congressional-races-in-the-country-10th-district-parkinsons-congress-house-of-representatives-phyllis-randall-corruption-gary-katz-mark-warner-senate-republicans-democrats
Early voter turnouts high in Republican and competitive districts (The Black Chronicle)
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington, also thinks spectators should be careful when reading into where the most early voting has happened until now. Still, he does think it was smart of Youngkin and Republicans to push early voting.
https://blackchronicle.com/mid-atlantic/virginia/early-voter-turnouts-high-in-republican-and-competitive-districts/
Virginia elections put messaging on abortion, crime to the test (The Hill; Belleville News Democrat; Yahoo News)
A University of Mary Washington poll released last week found 40 percent of respondents saying they favored Democratic majorities in both chambers next year, while 37 percent said they favored Republican majorities.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4242791-virginia-abortion-crime-2023-elections-youngkin/
https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/article280317504.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/virginia-elections-put-messaging-abortion-100000296.html
A blue Prince William County with pockets of purple and red (InsideNova)
“It’s clear that Prince William County has moved in a significantly pro-Democratic direction in the last several years,” Dr. Stephen Farmsworth, a political scientist with the University of Mary Washington, told InsideNoVa. “But it’s also the case that the political environment remains unsettled, particularly in the areas of the county farthest from I-95.”
https://www.insidenova.com/community_guides/a-blue-prince-william-county-with-pockets-of-purple-and-red/article_97e6fe98-6738-11ee-a5c6-03ace9c41ca0.html
Virginia elections in dead heat as candidates focus on abortion and crime (The Denver Gazette; Washington Examiner; MSN; Shore Daily)
UMW politics professor Stephen Farnsworth said Virginia, once reliably purple but trending blue in recent years, “has rapidly returned to its purple state status.” In the same poll, 53% of respondents said the overturn of Roe v. Wade would be a “major factor” for electoral decision-making.
https://gazette.com/news/wex/virginia-elections-in-dead-heat-as-candidates-focus-on-abortion-and-crime/article_d8e706ce-ac19-57a6-acff-7b7fdc3f4f7c.html
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/virginia-elections-dead-heat-abortion-crime
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/virginia-elections-in-dead-heat-as-candidates-focus-on-abortion-and-crime/ar-AA1hXJ3f
https://shoredailynews.com/headlines/virginias-legislative-elections-appear-to-be-in-a-dead-heat/
UMW Faculty and Staff,
You’re invited to the annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center, Chandler Ballroom. Join us for a delicious lunch menu, award announcements, and raffle prizes. Please complete the response form by Friday, October 13, if you will attend.
Menu: Kansas City BBQ ribs, portobello burgers, pulled chicken, creamy coleslaw, orzo pasta salad, Southern potato salad, seasonal fresh fruit salad, grilled vegetable salad, baked mac and cheese, deviled eggs, assorted pies and cakes, sweet iced tea, lemonade, iced water.
There will also be raffle prizes, and the following awards will be announced: Larry R. Atkins Award, Charles Coleman Service Award, Richard V. and Rosemary A. Hurley Presidential Commendation.
In addition, staff and faculty photos will be offered on both Tuesday, Oct. 17, and Wednesday, Oct. 18, courtesy of University Communications. Stop by the Woodard Patio the afternoon of Oct. 17 or morning of Oct. 18 for a new portrait. Photos will be outside with a natural backdrop, weather permitting. Learn more.
Despite soggy weather, 121 student volunteers – including the entire swim team – turned out for COAR’s annual Into the Streets service event on Saturday, Sept. 23. Each volunteer earned three service hours.
Many projects were moved indoors or cancelled due to the rain, but the students’ volunteer spirit shone through.
“All the preparation we did for weeks was redone in the last couple of days before the event,” said UMW student Sarah Hybl. “It was not easy, but the dedication and passion of our staff, members and volunteers really shined.”
Mostly indoor projects made up the day. Participants helped Operation Gratitude, making cards and paracord lanyards for deployed troops. They created cards for seniors in nursing homes, decorated tote bags for care packages for children in Fredericksburg City Schools, and made no-sew fleece blankets to donate to children in Fredericksburg City Schools. Volunteers also made bookmarks and friendship bracelets, as well as holiday ornaments for an Old Dominion Humane Society fundraiser.
Other projects included
“Into The Streets was a major success. With 120 volunteering students, we made a huge impact in the Fredericksburg community,” said Mary Washington student Knox McKinley. Despite the rainy conditions, community engagement at UMW has never looked better!”
University Dining is anxious to get your feedback on their dining services in the Restaurants at the Top of the CRUC and in their Panera Cafe, so they are offering a $100 Visa card to the winner of the prize drawing, which will be held at the conclusion of the survey.
The survey is open to all members of the University faculty and staff through October 7th. The information being gathered is for informational purposes only. The dining team will use your responses to help guide their training, menu planning, and overall programing. No one will try to sell you anything, and your contact information will not be shared with any other group or business.
This is your chance to let your voice be heard! The survey takes about ten minutes to complete, and your responses will definitely assist the Dining team as they plan for the future. To access the survey, simply use this Survey Link, or click on the QR code below. For additional information contact Rose Benedict, 540-654-2169 or rbenedic@umw.edu.
A photographer will be on campus on Tuesday, Oct. 17, and Wednesday, Oct. 18, to take professional headshots of faculty and staff for use in University publications, on the UMW website and more. No appointments are needed for the free photo sessions, which will take place on the Woodard Patio, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 17, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 18.
All faculty and staff who need a new or updated professional photo are encouraged to take advantage of this annual opportunity!
Call or email Christie Pugh at ext. 1055 or cpugh@umw.edu with questions.