Tell your students! Fredericksburg Regional Alliance (FRA) and the UMW Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) are set to plan, organize, and manage a new Speed Networking event scheduled for Feb 13th, 2025, at Woodard Red Room. At this event, industry partners and students will meet and interact in a structured and timed format to build potential business connections; the event is set up to be a fast-paced way to network; participating students receive feedback at the end. As part of the Career Launching Events series of the COB, it is designed to help our students succeed in professional contexts.
Gentry to Speak at ACES Luncheon
College of Business Professor Lance Gentry
College of Business Professor Lance Gentry will be a guest speaker at the ACES Networking Luncheon: Architecture, Construction, Engineering, and Surveying (ACES) Industries on Wednesday, April 16, 2024 at Fredericksburg Nationals Stadium. For more information or to purchase tickets see the April 2025 ACES Luncheon event page.
Farnsworth Comments on DEI for MSN and WJLA
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 Stephen Farnsworth was quoted by MSN and WJLA this week in feature entitled “Federal DEI workers placed on administrative leave following Trump executive order.”
The piece stated, “This is going to be a pretty significant impact for a lot of individuals, particularly in the Washington region, where the headquarters are often where DEI initiatives are concentrated,” explained Steve Farnsworth, PhD, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “You’re looking at a number of people who may be looking at other jobs in the federal government. They may need to be transferred. That could create some dynamics involving bumping people in terms of unions.” Farnsworth expects unions for federal employees to file lawsuits.
Read the articles: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/federal-dei-workers-placed-on-administrative-leave-following-trump-executive-order/ar-AA1xGrrs
https://wjla.com/news/local/diversity-equity-inclusion-accessibility-officers-administrative-leave-president-donald-trump-executive-order-jd-vance-administration-washington-dc-united-states
In addition, other recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
President Trump’s Second Inauguration (RTVI Television)
“It is clear the president has followed the plan he brought out during the campaign,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. “Throughout his time as a candidate and as a former president, he often talked about tightening up the border. It’s clear that is one of the key priorities he is working through with the first round of executive orders.”https://www.youtube.com/live/8O3RVfcGcFk?t=510s
The Biden Legacy (El Observador, Portugal)
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, recalls the three major initiatives that Joe Biden successfully launched at the beginning of his term: “Dealing with the Covid-19 crisis, increasing infrastructure spending and reducing health care costs.”https://observador.pt/especiais/um-parentesis-entre-as-administracoes-trump-ou-um-presidente-com-obra-feita-o-legado-de-joe-biden/See Attached: Observador_JoeBidenlegacy
Who gets the last laugh? (The Economist)
There is a widely held view that comedy has an inherent left-wing bias, and in their book “Late Night in Washington”, three academics, Stephen Farnsworth, S. Robert Lichter and Farah Latiff, found that it did—at least after dark on TV.
See Attached: Economist Pol Humor
Trump’s first 100 days in office put spotlight on campaign promises, post-election rhetoric (MSN)
The first 100 days matter, especially for a new president,” Stephen Farnsworth, political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia, told UPI. “Even for someone like Donald Trump who’s been president before, it’s an important gauge to see how successful he is at converting campaign promises into policy developments. That 100 days will give us a sense of what those priorities are. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-s-first-100-days-in-office-put-spotlight-on-campaign-promises-post-election-rhetoric/ar-AA1xzWIF
Trump Sworn in as the 47th Potus (WJLA TV DC)
“Well, I think it was very clear that Donald Trump wanted to turn the page and he wanted to turn the page book to the key issues he ran on in 2024, 2020, and 2016,” said Stephen Farnsworth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpWtrVV4x3I
Trump’s first 100 days in office put spotlight on campaign promises, post-election rhetoric (UPI; The Kansas City Star)
“The first 100 days matter, especially for a new president,” Stephen Farnsworth, political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia, told UPI. “Even for someone like Donald Trump who’s been president before, it’s an important gauge to see how successful he is at converting campaign promises into policy developments. That 100 days will give us a sense of what those priorities are.” https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/01/21/trump-first-100-days-greenland-canada-panama/8041737045260/
https://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article298887215.html
What to expect from Trump’s first 100 days in Power (La Tercera, Chile)
University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth points out: “The Future situation in Ukraine is very uncertain. The reports suggest that Zelensky has been effective in warning Trump of that reducing support for Ukraine would be bad for business Americans, who supply many of the weapons used in Ukraine and resupply NATO allies, who send their own weapons to Ukraine. Zelensky too has said that Trump does not want Ukraine’s problems damage its popularity in the same way as the withdrawal of Afghanistan hurt Biden’s approval ratings.” See attached: trump 100 dias
Trump reveals when tariffs will be imposed on Mexico and Canada as he floats even harsher trade action (Daily Mail; What’s New 2Day)
‘Canada is not going to become part of the United States, but Trump’s comments are more about leveraging what he says to get concessions from Canada by putting Canada off balance, particularly given the precarious current political environment in Canada,’ Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, said at the time.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14306593/Trump-reveals-tariffs-imposed-Mexico-Canada-floats-harsher-trade-action.html
https://whatsnew2day.com/trump-reveals-tariffs-imposed-mexico-canada-floats-harsher-trade-action-htmlns_mchannelrssns_campaign1490ito1490/
THE COALITION OF OPPOSITES (Le Nouvel Observateur, France)
Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Trump’s choice for Secretary of State, represents “a rare case of a highly competent and experienced nominee on this team, one who will know how to attract the respect of foreign leaders,” notes political science professor Stephen Farnsworth. Rubio and a few other nominees are destined to appease the benches of the classic Republicans, Farnsworth said, while other choices will be more appealing to Trump’s MAGA supporters. See attached: collection (45)
Reviewing Biden’s Farewell Speech (CBC News Canada)
It’s important to recognize that America is a 50/50 country and the real challenge any politician has, Democrat or Republican, is convincing people who are not already on your side of much of anything, said Stephen Farnsworth. https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6614546
Spanberger and Earle-Sears neck-and-neck in fundraising battle (News from the States; Virginia Mercury; Richmond Free Press) “Virginia elections are often close, and the look ahead to next year suggests more of the same in the campaign for governor,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington and director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “The big challenge for these potential candidates is becoming better known across the commonwealth.” https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/spanberger-and-earle-sears-neck-and-neck-fundraising-battle
https://virginiamercury.com/2025/01/16/spanberger-and-earle-sears-neck-and-neck-in-fundraising-battle/
https://richmondfreepress.com/news/2025/jan/16/spanberger-and-earle-sears-tied-in-first-2025-gubernatorial-poll/
Spanberger and Earle-Sears neck-and-neck in fundraising battle (Virginia Mercury)
“All indications are that this is going to be a very close contest for governor,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “You can see that the lieutenant governor has been very effective in fundraising since you announced, but she hasn’t quite caught up with Spanberger who had a big headstart in terms of her campaign.”
https://virginiamercury.com/2025/01/16/spanberger-and-earle-sears-neck-and-neck-in-fundraising-battle/
Eagles in Recovery Spring Schedule
It’s a brand new year and Eagles in Recovery is looking forward to continuing its support of the community. UMW Eagles in Recovery’s mission is to support those seeking recovery and who have a friend or family member struggling with addiction. Our goal is to provide you with support and resources such as Peer Recovery Specialist led weekly support groups and personal coaching.
*NEW* Friends and Family Support Group Monday’s 7:00 p.m. at The Link room 305 or on Zoom.
For more information please contact:
Peer Recovery Specialist
Devin Walsh
540 654 5640
dwalsh@umw.edu
Simpson Library Construction Update
From Simpson Library and Capital Outlay:
The Simpson Library stairwell repairs continue this spring semester with brickwork repairs on the front façade of the building. Simpson Library remains open and accessible during this work, with two stairwells open as the other stairwell is being worked on. This work, however, comes with increased noise, particularly during business hours.
These repairs and increased noise will be limited to weekday during business hours, so that the library will be quiet after 5 p.m. and on weekends. Alternative study spaces are available in the Hurley Convergence Center (HCC) connected to the library and the Cedric Rucker University Center.
All of our services, resources, and collections are available. Librarians are still available to answer any questions students or faculty have about research and finding information. In addition, many resources are available online, and the Simpson Library website will be updated regularly with information about the construction.
We appreciate your patience as this building maintenance is completed this semester.
For more information and updates, visit https://library.umw.edu/library.
Sidewalk Repairs Between HCC and Goolrick; Partial Closure of Arrington Lot
From Facilities Operations:
Beginning Monday, January 27, we will repair brickwork along Campus Walk and adjacent paths between the Hurley Convergence Center and Goolrick Hall and the Fitness Center. Campus Walk will remain open, with a partial closure and narrower path, still allowing access to the Fitness Center and Goolrick Hall. The main entrance of the HCC will also remain accessible.
The sidewalk repairs around Arrington Hall will include a partial closure of the Arrington Lot (12 on the campus map). A route will be open for pedestrian traffic from the Alvey Parking Deck. Please follow any signs for detours and note that construction areas will be clearly marked.
The work will typically take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and is expected to take approximately two weeks, depending on weather conditions. For more information, contact Director of Landscape and Grounds Holly Chichester-Morby at hchiches@umw.edu.
Thank you for your patience as we complete these repairs.
Campus Rec Fitness Class Schedule, Jan. 13 – Apr. 25
Campus Recreation welcomes all back from winter break! Consider starting off the semester with some movement to incorporate into your 2025 schedule. Try a free group fitness class, yoga session or fitness happy hour. See the UMW fitness class schedule below for spring 2025.
All Group Fitness Classes Free:
- Start the semester off right by joining a free Group Fitness Class this week! From yoga to cycle, stretching, conditioning and more – try out a class for free, then purchase a GF pass if you like what you see! Just $15 for the semester. (schedule below).
Faculty/Staff Yoga Session 1:
- Monday & Wednesday from noon-1:00 p.m. in Goolrick Studio 5
- Session 1: Wednesday January 15 – Wednesday February 26
- Join your colleagues for a midday, 50-minute gentle yoga class
- Begin with a warmup, practice a series of yoga poses designed to move the whole body, and finish with a deep relaxation. You will leave refreshed, relaxed and ready for whatever the afternoon brings. This class is suitable for beginners and those experienced with yoga.
- Note: The first class will be on Wednesday January 15th and will be FREE. The rest of the session is a $35 dollar separate cost than a regular group Fitness Pass: https://campusrec.umw.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=dde99e2e-2391-4a61-81f5-8bcc42df0b0f
Fitness Center Facility Hours:
- Open starting Monday January 13th
- Monday-Thursday 8am-10pm; Friday 8am-8pm; Saturday & Sunday 11am-8pm
- We will be closed on MLK Day January 20
Financial Wellness Events and Resources, Jan. 2025
Dear State Employees:
The Employee Financial Wellness Program continues to provide resources to help you achieve financial independence as your financial wellness remains a priority in the new year! Please check out January’s financial wellness newsletterand the new items below to learn more about the financial education offerings and resources.
Virginia Retirement System (VRS). Already Thinking About Spring Break? If you’re dreaming of a springtime getaway, check out Five Budgeting Tips for Your Family for Spring Break. Discover how to save on vacation purchases—and why you may want to avoid tourist hotspots. For more tips, log in to your myVRS account and select Financial Wellness.
Virginia Credit Union. Year-end Financial Health Score (Self-Guided). Track the progress of your financial health with an end of the year financial health score. Click on the link to access the Financial Health Survey.
Planning an “Winter” Vacation? Check out Banzai, designed to empower state employees on your journey to financial confidence. As you progress through the activities, you’ll have the chance to win cash prizes, tickets, and other giveaways. Participate and enter to win rewards! Most importantly, you will be provided with the peace of mind that comes with financial literacy and preparedness. Click here to learn more about Banzai.
Virginia Employee Discounts Marketplace. Find exclusive savings and discounts on live shows, HelloFresh meal kits, the latest HP technology, and more! Visit online today for offers on Rosetta Stone learning programs, discounts to your veterinarian bills with Nationwide Pet Insurance, and much more. Your discount marketplace is here to help you make sure you have a cornucopia of savings this fall! Explore January offers on mortgages, technology, meal kit boxes, and much more. (Please note: When you access the discounts marketplace for the first time, you will have to create an account using your work or personal email address. The marketplace will validate your email address to ensure that the entry is not a bot, then you will be able to access all the available discounts. Click here to get started by creating or logging into your account.
Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund (VSEAF). The Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund provides grants to eligible state employees suffering from a financial crisis or an unplanned emergency/or unplanned event that impacts the employee or family members living in the residence of the employee. The VSEAF is a recognized 501c(3) charity member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), Code 203040. See if you qualify here!
Thank you,
Employee Financial Wellness Program
Goolrick Pool Now Open for Spring Semester
From the Division of Student Affairs and Administration and Finance:
We’re excited to announce that the Goolrick Pool has reopened this week of January 13. The open schedule will be available through Campus Recreation, and we invite you to celebrate with the UMW Eagles swim teams this Saturday, January 18, at 1 p.m. during their first home meet of the season and senior day.
We appreciate all who worked on this project, from the experts in Facilities Operations and Capital Outlay, to the Campus Recreation and Athletics staff. Thanks to UMW Aquatics Coordinator and Pool Operator Kyle Diederich, a senior on the men’s swim and dive team, for his work throughout the project.
Our varsity and club swim teams extended their patience as practices needed to be elsewhere through the fall, and our campus community and families eagerly awaited the time when they could once again access the facility for fitness or fun.
Goolrick has always been a facility designed to be actively used by students, faculty, staff, and community members alike. We are so excited to welcome all of our patrons back into the water for an improved facility experience.
To read more about the project and other ongoing projects on campus, visit the Campus Construction website.
Mary Washington Biology Majors Capture Research Grants at Statewide Conference
UMW senior Max de la Cruz Morrobel displays their research project during the Virginia Academy of Science conference in November, earning one of 10 grants awarded.
When the Virginia Academy of Science (VAS) awarded 10 competitive grants at its Fall Meeting in November, students from the University of Mary Washington claimed four of them – highlighting the University’s dedication to undergraduate research.
Held at Ferrum College, the annual conference brought together aspiring scientists from across Virginia to present their research and compete for funding. This year, UMW biology majors stood out among their peers from larger institutions, securing nearly half of the available grants.
“Having the opportunity to share what I’ve been working on for nearly a year was rewarding,” said senior Bonnie Butler, a grant recipient recognized for her project The Effects of PDGFRb Activation on Vasculature in HUVEC Cells Transfected with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Repeats. Working with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Ginny Morriss, Butler examined the role of growth factors in blood vessel formation.
“To be one of a handful of UMW students to win a grant is truly an honor,” Butler said. “The success UMW had at VAS speaks volumes about the University and the opportunities and support it provides its undergraduate students.”
Senior Max de la Cruz Morrobel focused on plant hormones that regulate growth. Their project, Expression of Plasmodesmal Regulatory Genes in Response to Brassinosteroids, conducted under the mentorship of Associate Professor of Biological Sciences April Wynn, has meaningful implications for crop production. Wynn is an elected officer in VAS.
“I will work hard to pay the grant I generously received from the VAS conference forward to society through my agricultural research,” de la Cruz Morrobel said. Read more.