Majid Comments on Credit Card Benefits for WalletHub
Associate Professor of Business Kashef Majid
Associate Professor of Business Kashef Majid was featured by WalletHub in an “Ask the Experts” piece that asked the question “Do you think the American Express Gold Card’s benefits are worth the price?” In the article Majid said “Yes – but only if you spend in the right categories. The $250 annual fee is steep and high in comparison to other cards such as Discover or Visa, but the card shines for people who: spend heavily on dining (4X points) or buy groceries using their card (4x points). You can accumulate points quite quickly if your spending is in those categories and then transfer those points for travel.” Read more.
Mary Talks: Stonestreet Discusses Art & Art Programming, April 16
Join us online for the last Mary Talk of the season!
On Wednesday, April 16 from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., we will hear from Tracy Stonestreet, Ph.D., director of UMW Galleries. Dr. Stonestreet will discuss “Curating Art and Art Programming at Mary Wash.”
The two galleries on UMW’s campus (duPont Gallery and Ridderhof Martin Gallery) offer exceptional opportunities to showcase student artwork, engage with the community, and–most importantly–educate students on current developments in visual art through national and international exhibitions. In this Mary Talk, Dr. Stonestreet will share her vision for gallery programming that strengthens our engagement with students across campus while increasing our presence in the broader Mid-Atlantic region.
Register here for this Mary Talk; the link to the live streaming session will be in the confirmation email you receive. Can’t watch live? Register anyway, and you can use the link to watch the recording at a later time.
We look forward to seeing you online!
Johnson-Young Presents and Wins Award at Eastern Communication Association Conference
Associate Professor of Communication Elizabeth Johnson-Young
Associate Professor of Communication Elizabeth Johnson-Young presented two works at the Eastern Communication Association Annual Convention in Buffalo, NY. In the Health Communication division, Johnson-Young presented updated results in her work “Parental Perceptions of Pediatric Counseling on Firearm Safety and Intentions to Follow Through with Recommendations.” This work focuses on survey results investigating how parents receive and intend to follow through on advice from pediatricians regarding firearm safety and asking about firearm safety in another’s home.
In Great Ideas for Teaching Students, Elizabeth presented on an activity and outcomes from the activity she leads in her communication research methods class in a presentation titled “French Fry Goodness and Relationship Closeness: Teaching the Conceptualization Process in Research Methods Using The Big Bang Theory.” This submission was awarded a Top GIFT award during the conference.
ASPIRE Week Lunch, April 17
University Dining is hosting an “Inclusive Excellence Lunch” on Thursday, April 17 as part of the ASPIRE Week Celebrations. Guests will enjoy a variety of cultural cuisines representing countries from around the world, including the extremely popular Mexican Birria Tacos! The menu will also offer German, Ukrainian, French, Indian, Moroccan, and Filippino dishes, along with the Top of the CRUC’s regular Thursday fare – American Chicken Wings and Buffalo Cauliflower.
Lunch service is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The charge for members of UMW’s faculty and staff is $7.40. EagleOne and credit cards are accepted. The price for other guests is $15.51. For additional information, contact Rose Benedict, University Dining Marketing Manager, at rbenedic@umw.edu or call 540-654-2169.
Imirie Appears on ‘PS: I Love U(MW)’ Series
Facilities & Events Manager Ryan Imirie
A proud UMW alum, Ryan Imirie ’12 knows this campus inside and out—literally. As the Facilities and Buildings Manager for some of the most well-loved spaces at Mary Wash, he keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes.
He recently appeared on the University’s PS: I Love U(MW) social media series. See the episode!
“… working for the buildings themselves is good, but I’d much rather work with the people who make the events happen,” he said.
Watch more episodes from PS: I love U(MW) on the @marywash Instagram.
Cooperman is Speaker for Women in Politics Panel
Professor of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman
Professor of Political Science Rossalyn Cooperman took part in the second-annual Women in Politics panel hosted by UMW’s Day on Democracy Club, an organization that promotes engagement with the democratic process across the campus community. The Fredericksburg Free Press featured Cooperman in an article about the event titled “Panelists to women with political ambitions: Don’t count yourself out.” Other panelists included Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine and Lorita Daniels, a current member of the Spotsylvania County school board. Read the article.
Virginia Volunteer Week, April 20-26
April 20-26 is Virginia Volunteer Week: recognizing the vital role employee volunteers play in our Commonwealth.
Celebrate by making a tangible difference in Virginia’s beautiful state parks. Check out the Governor Youngkin’s message in this short video and see how your contribution can help preserve and enhance our state’s natural treasures.
This year, we’re thrilled to offer state employees exclusive volunteer opportunities at state parks across Virginia. Whether you’re passionate about Earth Day, seeking a family-friendly activity or looking for a team-building experience, our parks have something for everyone. As a special thank you, volunteer parking will be provided FREE of charge. Your time and dedication will directly support the preservation of our beloved state parks.
Check out the list below which features 18 State Parks around the Commonwealth, offering volunteer opportunities to state employees and their families during Virginia Volunteer Week.
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To locate a state park in your area offering state employee volunteer opportunities, please check out the list of state parks and complete an application to volunteer. If there is not a state park near you, you can find additional volunteer opportunities at your local volunteer center! Click here to locate a volunteer center near you through Serve Virginia.
Share your volunteering photos with us! We would like to feature employee volunteer photos in the Employee Experience magazine that is published quarterly. Submit photos here.
Please note: Employees wishing to volunteer at any of these events do not need to complete a volunteer application. Employee volunteers should provide notice to each volunteer site that their hours will be worked during Virginia Volunteer Week. In return, the volunteer site will email a certified letter to the employee attesting to the volunteer hours and site worked. Employees who share their volunteer letters with us, will receive agency participation credit regarding the upcoming 2025 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC).
If you have questions, please contact EmployeeEvents@dhrm.virginia.gov mailbox.
Farnsworth Delivers Research Paper on Political Humor
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 a co-authored research paper titled “Patterns of Political Ridicule in Late-Night Political Humor in the United States” at the Character Assassination and Reputation Politics (CARP) Conference at George Mason University.
In addition, recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
Why a GOP primary challenge is upending Virginia’s governor race (Washington Examiner)
“Donald Trump’s name will not appear on the Virginia ballot, but the reality is the gubernatorial race this year will be all about President Trump,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “Democrats will bring up the president at every opportunity, given his unpopularity in the commonwealth as a way of motivating the Democratic base.”
Trump looms large as Virginia turns to election season (Daily Progress)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said that in the campaigns to come “Democrats will make Trump the first name of every Republican who’s on the ballot.”
https://dailyprogress.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/article_fac18b3d-e19d-5dbf-985b-52eeb1808d7d.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
Democrats’ pivot back to class warfare sees early returns in Wisconsin (Washington Examiner)
“Angry voters are more likely to turn out, and that benefited Republicans during the Biden years, and it’s benefiting Democrats during the Trump years,” Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, said. “What’s particularly interesting about 2025 is that Democrats are also able to use Elon Musk as the villain.” Farnsworth said that he sees a pivot, at least in Wisconsin, to an “anti-oligarch” narrative.
Virginia General Assembly reconvenes to address Gov. Youngkin’s amendments (WUSA)
“The main thing you saw in session and will see in the veto session today is an environment where people are just kicking the can down the road,” said political science expert Dr. Stephen Farnsworth. “Democrats and Republicans are mainly interested in bringing forward issues they want to campaign on in November.”
Special elections signal Blue resurgence in America. Should the GOP worry? (TRT Global)
Dr Stephen J Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies, University of Mary Washington, underscores the significance of this shift. “The Democrats in Congress have yet to agree on a unified strategy for countering Trump. While minority parties cannot do a lot to counter an opposing party’s president, it’s clear that aggressive efforts by some Democrats — like the anti-oligarch rallies — are finding a lot of support among Democratic activists,” Farnsworth tells TRT World.
Political theater takes center stage as legislature returns for veto session (ALX Now)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political analyst from the University of Mary Washington, offered a candid assessment of Virginia’s current legislative dynamics this year, characterizing both the regular and Wednesday’s veto session as exercises in political positioning rather than substantive governance. “This was a kick-the-can-down-the-road legislative session, and it will be a kick-the-can-down-the-road veto session,” he said.
Political theater takes center stage as legislature returns for veto session (Virginia Mercury; Yahoo.com)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political analyst from the University of Mary Washington, offered a candid assessment of Virginia’s current legislative dynamics this year, characterizing both the regular and Wednesday’s veto session as exercises in political positioning rather than substantive governance. “This was a kick-the-can-down-the-road legislative session, and it will be a kick-the-can-down-the-road veto session,” he said.
https://virginiamercury.com/2025/04/02/political-theater-takes-center-stage-as-legislature-returns-for-veto-session/
https://virginiamercury.com/2025/04/02/political-theater-takes-center-stage-as-legislature-returns-for-veto-session/
Trump Says He’s Considering Ways to Serve a Third Term as President (CP 24 TV Toronto)
“The Constitution is very clear about this. You serve two terms and you are done,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://review.bellmedia.ca/view/1576588634
https://review.bellmedia.ca/view/1576588634
Scorecard: How your legislators fared in the General Assembly session (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“Republicans did it to Democrats, Democrats do it to Republicans,” said Steve Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “But when you’re in the minority party, you’re never going to have a Ted Williams year, especially in these partisan times,” he said, referring to the last major leaguer to hit .400.
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_6861075f-f205-4e30-92a3-9a0454e7c3d4.html
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_6861075f-f205-4e30-92a3-9a0454e7c3d4.html
School Board Chair Babur Lateef stresses anti-Trump moves in crowded primary race (Prince William Times)
Stephen J. Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, says that, in a crowded race like this, candidates must find a way to stand out, and it doesn’t hurt to come from an area with a lot of Democratic voters, such as Prince William County.
https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/school-board-chair-babur-lateef-stresses-anti-trump-moves-in-crowded-primary-race/article_e46f7ebf-f795-4cb3-af23-8a0ac6e2882b.html
The clock is ticking for Virginia’s gubernatorial hopefuls to make the ballot (National Journal)
Two Republicans are angling to take on Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the gubernatorial primary, potentially denying her what was once was expected to be a stress-free path to the nomination. (see PDF)
https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/school-board-chair-babur-lateef-stresses-anti-trump-moves-in-crowded-primary-race/article_e46f7ebf-f795-4cb3-af23-8a0ac6e2882b.html
The clock is ticking for Virginia’s gubernatorial hopefuls to make the ballot (National Journal)
Two Republicans are angling to take on Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the gubernatorial primary, potentially denying her what was once was expected to be a stress-free path to the nomination. (see PDF)
Dora Whiting Retirement Celebration, April 23
Dora Whiting Announces, “It’s Friday!”
After 28 years working for University Dining as a cashier and supervisor at the Eagle’s Nest, Dora Whiting is retiring! In her honor, the Dining team has designated Wednesday, April 23 as “Dora Day”!
The Dora Day Celebration Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be at the Top of the CRUC. Members of UMW’s faculty and staff will offer remembrances of their times with Dora, with cake and remarks beginning at noon.
Dora will be meeting and greeting well-wishers at the display table at the Top of the Cedric Rucker University Center between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
At 12 p.m. the celebration will move inside the dining room for the cutting of the cake, at which time there will also be opportunities for folks to make remarks about the many ways in which Dora has positively impacted our campus community.
Other meet-and-greet opportunities around campus:
- Gourley Living Room on the second floor of the CRUC @ 1:15 p.m.
- Campus Walk at Lee Hall @ 1:30 p.m.
- Woodard brick patio by the clock @ 1:45 p.m.
Everyone who has known or been helped by Dora is encouraged to join in the celebration at the Top of the CRUC, visit with Dora at one of her “tour” stops, or share stories and photos of Dora with Dining at “Stories for Dora Day”. Your submissions might be put on display at the celebration.
For additional information, contact Rose Benedict at rbenedic@umw.edu.
