May 1, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Musical Performance: The Call of Kinnaru, March 27

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All are invited to a musical performance by a group that performs ancient Greek music: The Call of Kinnaru on Friday, March 27 at 4 p.m. in Seacobeck Hall (Weatherly Wing). 

The band consists of Prof. John Franklin (University of Vermont, lyre and voice), Abigail Bradford (University of Mary Washington, aulos and percussion), and Rachel Fickes (voice, lyre), as well as artwork by Glynnis Fawkes.

The event is co-sponsored by the UMW Departments of Music and Cultural and Philosophical Inquiry, as well as the UMW Classics Club and the UMW Beta Nu chapter of Eta Sigma Phi, an honors society for Classical Studies. If you have any questions, contact Angela Pitts at apitts2@umw.edu.

Share Feedback With University Dining, Through March 28

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Image of logo for University Dining with the text University of Mary Washington University DiningStudents, Faculty, and Staff:

University Dining wants to hear from you!

Please take a short online survey to let them know your thoughts on the food, customer service, special events, and all facets of campus dining.  Your responses will be reviewed by the dining team and will help guide future enhancements to the dining program.  Let your voice be heard!

Use this link to take the survey: https://tinyurl.com/58pt3ybj

The survey is open online March 16-28. 

The information you provide in the survey will be used for research purposes only and will be kept confidential. It will not be used to sell or market to you in any way, and you will not be contacted as a result of completing this survey.

At the end of the survey, you will have the option of entering a drawing to win a $500 VISA card and other prizes.

Please share your feedback with the dining team!

If you have questions, contact Dining Concierge Rose Benedict, rbenedic@umw.edu.

Walking Tour on German Americans in Fredericksburg, March 28

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Associate Professor of German Marcel Rotter is offering a walking tour on American immigrants in Fredericksburg on Saturday, March 28 at 10 a.m. It is the second part of last week’s talk by Rotter and his students on German influence in the Fredericksburg area. The tour mostly follows William Street, with a short detour to Sunken Road. It also includes Caroline Street and will end at the train station. It should take around 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Interested faculty and students should meet at 10 a.m. in front of Combs Hall (on the campus side) to join the walk.

Gari Melchers Home & Studio to Host Annual Beeping Egg Hunt, March 29

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Since 2011, Gari Melchers Home and Studio has organized an inclusive Beeping Egg Hunt, inspired by the Easter celebrations once hosted at Belmont by Corinne and Gari Melchers. This event welcomes blind, visually impaired, and other children with disabilities, along with their families.

Chirping eggs allow children to locate them using sound and touch, while sighted siblings are invited to wear blindfolds for a shared sensory experience. The event also features a miniature petting zoo, Touch-a-Tractor, snacks, resource tables, and sensory activities — ensuring a fun and accessible experience for everyone.

This year’s event will take place on Sunday, March 29 from 2 – 4 p.m. To attend, please RSVP to Education and Communications Manager Michelle Crow-Dolby.  Thanks to the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club and F.H. Furr Plumbing for their 2026 sponsorship.

Pi Mu Epsilon Hosts Used Book Sale to Support Math Students, March 30

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image of pi mu epsilon seal with purple letteringThe Mathematics honor society Pi Mu Epsilon will host a Used Book Sale on Monday, March 30 (rescheduled from Friday, March 27 due to rain) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in front of James Farmer Hall next to the James Farmer statue, weather permitting. The rain date is Monday, March 30.

The sale will feature a wide variety of items, including serious and light reading, puzzle books, math-related titles, CDs, DVDs, games, jigsaw puzzles, and T-shirts — all priced to sell.

Pi Mu Epsilon receives no University funding and uses proceeds to support outstanding students in mathematics. Faculty and staff are encouraged to stop by, browse and support this student organization.

Staff-Only Conversation With President Paino, April 1

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Logo for the University of Mary Washington with navy blue textYou are invited to a staff-only conversation with President Paino on Wednesday, April 1, from 4 to 5 p.m. in Seacobeck Hall – Weatherly Wing.

This is an opportunity to have honest and candid discussions about UMW’s present and future.

This meeting is an opportunity for President Paino to hear directly from staff and learn from their experiences, but also for him to share his thoughts as we work together to navigate a changing landscape.

The conversation will not be recorded or streamed. Hopefully as many employees and staff as possible can attend as President Paino is looking forward to connecting!

The Talley Center to Host Take Back The Night, April 2

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Join us as we take a stand against sexual assault and domestic violence.

Take Back the Night
Thursday, April 2 
6:30 p.m.
Lee Hall Patio (rain location Lee Hall rm. 412)

Come hear various speakers tell their stories of resilience, perseverance and hope and enjoy musical and inspirational expressions of the arts.

Hosted by UMW’s Talley Center, this is a night of inspiration, empowerment and encouragement for survivors and the community. All are welcome – learn more about the event!

Flier for the event with a group of people, each with an arm raised

 

University Staff Council Nominations Open, Through April 6

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The University Staff Council is currently accepting nominations for three University committees: University Staff Council, University Budget Advisory Committee, and James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Committee. We want our representation to reflect all parts of the UMW community, and we invite you to nominate a deserving colleague(s) or yourself.

Nominations will be accepted through April 6, 2026. To nominate yourself or someone else for the USC, UBAC, or JFMCAC, complete the Nominee Form or paste the URL listed below into your internet browser: https://umw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6hS9mBlFtLhRUuG.

  • University Staff Council – We have multiple openings of three-year terms for  AP,  Classified, and Wage staff – The USC continues to advocate for staff concerns and partner with faculty and administration to tackle issues and build community. We want our representation to reflect all parts of our UMW community and nominations are open to all staff members across campus and at all UMW-affiliated organizations.
    • Five (5) AP/Faculty position
    • Three (3) Classified positions
    • One (1) Wage position
  • University Budget Advisory Committee – a Faculty Council committee – one (1) opening for one-year term for a non-Finance staff member. UBAC works with campus leadership on short and long-term University budget priorities. These priorities are reviewed, summarized, and presented annually to the UMW President.
  • James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Committee – a Faculty Council committee – one (1) opening for a one-year term. The committee works with the director and staff of the JFMC on planning and setting priorities, enhancing opportunities for multicultural learning through student programming and leadership development opportunities for all students.

Thank you for your enthusiastic participation!

USC Elections Committee

Center for Historic Preservation Guest Lecture on Mount Vernon, April 7

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UMW’s Center for Historic Preservation invites you to a guest lecture from Professor of Art History Lydia M. Brandt from McCausland College of Arts and Sciences in South Carolina titled “Making of an Icon: The Transformation of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.”

The lecture will be held Tuesday, April 7 at 5 p.m. in Combs Hall, Room 237.

 

Eagles in Recovery Guest Lecture on Understanding Cannabis on Campus, April 7

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Eagles in Recovery will host a guest lecture by VCU’s Assistant Director of Substance Use and Recovery Support Tom Bannard. The talk is titled “The Shifting Environment of Cannabis: Things to know about prevalence, impacts and policies on College Campus” and will be on Tuesday, April 7 from 2 to 4  p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center Capital Room 314.

Eagles in Recovery supports staff, faculty and students — for more information visit the Eagles in Recovery website or reach out to CPRS Devin Walsh at 540-654-5640 or dwalsh@umw.edu.