November 24, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Be a University Budget Advisory Committee Meeting Guest, Nov. 15

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The following message is from the University Budget Advisory Committee:

The University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC) works in advisory fashion with the Provost and Chief Academic Officer (CAO), the Vice President for Administration and Finance (CFO), the Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement on short- and long-term University budget priorities. Each fall semester UBAC communicates their priorities on future budgets to the CFO, CAO, and the UFC in a report due on December 1.

UBAC meets monthly and invites representatives of departments or areas that would like advocacy on their behalf to request a meeting using this form. Guests will be scheduled first come, first serve for our meeting held on 11/15 from 12:00-1:00 PM via Zoom. More information about UBAC and requesting a meeting can be found here.

For any questions, contact:
Drew Delaney, Chair – University Budget Advisory Committee
Senior Lecturer – Athletics, Health, and Physical Education
Head Coach, Men’s Lacrosse
adelane2@umw.edu
540.654.1883

Vaccine Clinic, Nov. 21

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The following message is from the Student Health Center:

The Student Health Center is collaborating with Giant Pharmacy to offer an on-campus vaccine clinic on Thursday, November 21, in the Cedric Rucker University Center living room areas from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clinics are open to students, faculty, and staff with no appointment needed. Vaccines for flu, COVID, shingles, meningitis, pneumonia and tetanus will be available, typically at no cost with most insurance.

For more information call the Student Health Center at 540-654-1040 or contact Associate Director Rene Sanders at rsanders@umw.edu.

UMW Employees Honored and Awarded at Annual Appreciation Luncheon

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Associate Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Shavonne Shorter was a friendly and energetic host who brought the tunes to the Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Associate Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Shavonne Shorter was a friendly and energetic host who brought the tunes to the Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

UMW employees took a few moments out of their busy fall schedules to come together for lunch, prizes, awards and some fellowship at the 2024 Employee Appreciation Luncheon.

“This is a wonderful occasion that I look forward to every year because it gives me an opportunity to say thank you to employees for the work they do,” said UMW President Troy Paino. “The work can often go unseen but is so critically important to the success of the University.”

Faculty and staff from all departments gathered at the event, held Tuesday Oct. 15 in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. Employees were presented with raffle prizes as well as hard-earned service awards, including three University Staff Council (USC) Awards, which are named for Larry Atkins; one Charles Coleman Memorial Service Award; and one Richard V. and Rosemary A. Hurley Presidential Commendation. Read more.

Refer a Future Eagle to Apply to UMW for Free During Virginia College Application Week, Oct. 21-25

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Refer a future eagle to apply to UMW for free during College Application Week.

Refer a future eagle to apply to UMW for free during College Application Week.

Just a quick heads-up – Virginia College Application Week is happening from Oct. 21 through 25, 2024. If you know any future college students, help us refer them to apply to Mary Washington!

During Virginia College Application Week, high school seniors can apply for free to the University of Mary Washington at www.umw.edu/admissions/apply. Use code VCAW on the Common App.

Joana Stillwell Presents an Artist’s Talk, Oct. 17

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Joana Stillwell is an archivist and internationally exhibited artist whose work considers the roles of memory and perception. “The scent of rose as it was described to me” is on view from Sept. 5 to Oct. 20 in the Ridderhof Martin Gallery. An artist’s talk will be held on Oct. 17 at 5 p.m.

Rao Invited to OpenAI Higher Ed Forum in NYC

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Professor of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao

Professor of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao

Professor of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao attended the exclusive OpenAI Higher Ed Forum on October 10, 2024, in New York City. The event, hosted by OpenAI, brought together influential leaders in higher education to discuss the future of AI in academia.

The forum, held at the historic Puck Building, featured presentations and discussions with prominent figures in AI and education, including OpenAI executives and renowned academics. Speakers addressed crucial topics such as the future of AI in higher education, building AI-powered universities, and frontline applications of AI in academic settings.

Dr. Rao’s participation in this high-level gathering underscores UMW’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in education. “Attending the OpenAI Higher Ed Forum was an invaluable opportunity to engage with leaders shaping the intersection of AI and higher education,” said Dr. Rao. “The insights gained will be instrumental in enhancing our approach to integrating AI technologies at UMW.”

By representing UMW at this event, Dr. Rao has positioned the university to be part of the ongoing dialogue about AI’s role in transforming higher education.

Upcoming Cultural Events, Oct. 18-23

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Assistive Technology Demo Day
Friday, October 18 | 11:30 – 1:30 pm | Gourley Living Room,
2nd Floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center
Assistive Technology (AT) changes lives, and many of us use it every day! See how high-tech and low-tech devices can support learning and every day activities. Come check out Assistive Tech Demo Day to play with and see AT in action at UMW.

2024 Gender and Sexual Minorities and Allies (GSMA) Cultural Celebration 10/21-10/26

Gender and Sexual Minorities and Allies (GSMA) Cultural Celebration Kickoff
Monday, October 21 | 4 pm | In front of Lee Hall (Rain Location: Chandler Ballroom)
Kick off PRISM’s annual celebration and join members and friends of PRISM to enjoy some delicious food (including mac ‘n cheese, fried rice, etc.), play games, get familiar with PRISM, and get pumped for the awesome events scheduled for this celebration!

Gender and Sexual Minorities and Allies (GSMA) Cultural Celebration Major Performance: Pretty Bitter
Wednesday, October 23 | 7 pm | Chandler C, Cedric Rucker University Center
Pretty Bitter is a DC Based indie pop group whose current lineup is composed of Mel Bleker, Zack Be, Miriam Tyler, Chris Smith, and Jason Hayes. Formed by Tyler and Bleker after the two bonded over shared musical touchpoints, they quickly began developing an audience for their easy to love blend of lush synth pop and emo-adjacent indie rock.

Gender and Sexual Minorities and Allies (GSMA) Cultural Celebration: heal + hang with Audreyonna Banks
Thursday, October 24 | 7 pm | Colonnade Room, Cedric Rucker University Center
Co-sponsored by the Women of Color Club
“heal + hang” is a group journaling workshop that aids in self-awareness and connection through shared experiences and perspectives that encourage BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks to center their mental health. The theme of the workshop is U.N.I.T.Y.: Establishing and keeping community with others, this activity is facilitated by Audreyonna Banks, a Certified Life Coach and Holistic Wellness Practitioner.

PRISM Prom: Mythos Under Moonlight
Saturday, October 26 | 8 pm | Chandler Ballroom, Cedric Rucker University Center
UMW Tickets: $3, General Public: $5
Join us for our annual PRISM Prom above the clouds!  Dress up in your (im)mortal prom attire or a representation of divine proportions, and come enjoy dancing, food, and drinks at this epic event.

UMW Chamber Choir and Indian Music Ensemble
Thursday, October 24 | 7:30 pm | Weatherly Wing, Seacobeck Hall
Come join the UMW Chamber Choir and Indian Music Ensemble for an exciting, cross-cultural evening of music.  Musical selections will include vocal jazz repertoire, folk and classical songs from northern and southern India (including several collaborative numbers involving both ensembles), and more!  Admission is free.

Asian Cultural Celebration Major Performance: Somapa Thai Dance Company
Wednesday, October 23 | 3 pm | Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
Co-Sponsored by the UMW Music Department and the Leidecker Center for Asian Studies
The Somapa Thai Dance Company, based in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, has been actively giving dance and music performances, presentations, classes, and workshops since 1999.  Key performers have over 30 years of performance experience, having been trained in Thailand with the most celebrated dance masters including National Artists and others from the prestigious Department of Fine Arts in Bangkok, Thailand.

The group has performed extensively in the D.C. Metropolitan area and has been invited to perform in many prestigious locations in and outside the U.S. The Somapa Thai Dance Company’s mission is to preserve and promote Thai culture and arts in the Americas. Through performances and workshops, the Company hopes to encourage understanding and appreciation of the arts between people of different countries, cultures and ethnicities in the communities in which we are invited.

For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com. You may also visit students.umw.edu/multicultural. Please email us at umwjfmc@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations. 

Ball Highlighted for Helping Small Businesses Start Right and Grow Strong

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Small Business Development Center Director Susan Ball

Small Business Development Center Director Susan Ball

Susan Ball, director of the Small Business Development Center, recently shared her background at October’s UMW Coffee Talk, a monthly educational/networking opportunity from the Women’s Leadership Colloquium. Ball’s 17 years of work for small businesses was highlighted for Fredericksburg Economic Development. Read more.