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
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
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
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.
Pay It Forward Day, Oct. 19
Pay it Forward Day
October 19, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | CRUC Patio
Pay It Forward Day! October 19th, 2024. Take it and pay it forward. Sign up by visiting the link! bit.ly/PIFD24.
Community Outreach and Resources.
Farnsworth Lectures for U.S. State Department Group from Australia
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 keynote lecture, “The State of the U.S. Presidential Election,” to a group of political leaders from Australia participating in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program in Washington. The political leaders participated in a two-week program focusing on learning about the U.S. political system.
In addition, recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
Is Kamala Harris at Risk of Losing Virginia? What Polls Suggest (Newsweek)
Meanwhile, a poll conducted by the University of Mary Washington between September 3 and 9 showed that Harris is just 1 point ahead, 47 percent to 46 percent, among 756 Virginia likely voters—a lead well within the survey’s margin of error of +/- 4.1 percent.
https://www.newsweek.com/virginia-polling-kamala-harris-donald-trump-1969271
Former GOP Rep. Riggleman endorses Democratic Sen. Kaine of Virginia (The Washington Post)
Kaine led Cao by 12 points among likely voters in a September Washington Post-Schar School poll and by a smaller, six-point margin in a University of Mary Washington poll that month.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/16/kaine-cao-riggleman-virginia-senate/
Congressional Seats (Virginia Dogwood)
“We have in the U.S. right now a very divided Congress,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1460354387966817
Updating Donald Trump’s Criminal Charges (RTVI Media)
“That [New York] case was delayed at the request of the Trump campaign,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. “There was a thought from the Trump legal team that it would harm his campaign for sentencing to take place before the election.”
https://www.youtube.com/live/TG0aobFr7dc?t=493s
Taking a Presidential Joke (With Good Reason)
Presidents have to know how to take a joke. And how to tell one about themselves. Steve Farnsworth says that many young people are finding their way into understanding the political landscape one joke at a time.
https://www.withgoodreasonradio.org/episode/early-voting/
Tight race looms in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District as Anderson and Vindman face off (Yahoo News)
“I was upset with the lack of accountability for this administration,” Anderson said during an Oct. 2 candidates debate with Vindman at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/tight-race-looms-virginia-7th-092938530.html
Federal workers policy is on the ballot in November (VPM; WHRO; WAMU)
Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson participate in a debate to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
https://www.vpm.org/news/2024-10-10/federal-workers-policy-virginia-seventh-congressional-district-vindman-anderson-subramanyam
https://www.whro.org/elections/2024-10-11/federal-workers-policy-is-on-virginias-ballot-in-november
https://wamu.org/story/24/10/13/virginia-candidates-weigh-in-on-federal-workers-policy/
Harris edges out Trump by 2 points in Virginia survey (MSN)
“This new survey suggests Virginia should be getting a much closer look from both presidential campaigns,” Stephen J. Farnsworth, director of the university’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, said in a statement. “Virginia may deserve to be treated as a ‘swing state’ once again this year.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/harris-edges-out-trump-by-2-points-in-virginia-survey/ar-AA1qV2iy?ocid=RT2DHP&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1
Presidential Election 2024 (Indian Institute for Goverance, Policies, and Politics)
“I think the first important thing to understand about American politics and how different our society is from say the structure of a Westminster style parliamentary democracy is that we are very very open to new people and new ideas,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.youtube.com/live/-7dvnLbBdj4
Virginia House candidates debate abortion and affordability as congressional election nears (WTOP; Richmond Times-Dispatch; WAMU; The Washington Post; Ground News)
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Nearly a month before election day, Republican Derrick Anderson and Democrat Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman attempted to portray themselves as the candidate best fit for Congress on Wednesday in what is shaping up to be Virginia’s most competitive race.
https://wtop.com/virginia/2024/10/virginia-house-candidates-debate-abortion-and-affordability-as-congressional-election-nears/
https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/7th-district-congressional-debate-derrick-anderson-eugene-vindman-umw-election2024/article_560d8c89-12a8-5549-b4ff-c944163d2708.html
https://wamu.org/story/24/10/03/virginia-7th-congressional-district-debate/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/03/derrick-anderson-eugene-vindman-debate-congress-virginia/
https://ground.news/article/anderson-and-vindman-trade-barbs-at-7th-district-debate-in-fredericksburg
The battle for Prince William County’s Latino vote (Prince William Times)
Stephen J. Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, says Republicans have taken opportunities to cut into Democratic margins among Latino voters in Virginia by running candidates such as Jason Miyares, the state’s first Latino attorney general.
https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/the-battle-for-prince-william-county-s-latino-vote/article_82a48006-81d0-11ef-b9a9-37b511123957.html
Donald Trump’s Chances of Winning Virginia: Polls (Newsweek)
Despite Trump trailing in nearly every recent poll, there have been a few bright spots for the ex-president in the state. A poll released on September 9 by the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, found that Trump was level with Harris among all adults.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trumps-chances-winning-virginia-polls-1963494
University of Mary Washington poll forecasts tight race for Virginia governor in 2025 (2024) (Custom Map Poster)
“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, professor of political science 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://custommapposter.com/article/university-of-mary-washington-poll-forecasts-tight-race-for-virginia-governor-in-2025/6520#google_vignette
With two open seats, N. Va. on front line in battle for Congress (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“The race started out more or less as a tossup,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. “That’s where it seems to be right now.”
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/virginia-congress-vindman-anderson-subramanyam-clancy/article_7c880994-7aa1-11ef-a4d3-c70c76a987cc.html
Virginia 7th Congressional District Candidate Forum (DC News Now)
“Candidates choose what they will participate in and what they will not. We were very fortunate at Mary Washington that we had both candidates participating in our debate last week,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.dcnewsnow.com/video/virginia-7th-congressional-district-candidate-forum/10110320/
Now what?: Study gives Virginia lawmakers options on military tuition waiver program (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“Once a government program is in place, you’re likely to see it around for the duration,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg in the heart of the military-minded 7th Congressional District.
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/general-assembly-military-tuition-waiver/article_c7f4747a-84c0-11ef-8fb2-fff16ae76547.html
‘Let’s be normal’: Local GOP works to galvanize a Democrat-led voting bloc (Moco 360)
“In a jurisdiction like Montgomery County, you can basically say whatever you want, but if you have an R after your name on the ballot, you’ve got a big problem,” said Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, political science professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia.
https://moco360.media/2024/10/09/lets-be-normal-county-gop-works-to-galvanize-a-democrat-led-voting-bloc/
Is One Spotsylvania Resident in the Vanguard of a Party-jumping Trend? (FXBG Advance)
In an email to the Advance, Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington said that voters jumped parties “in 2016, where there were a number of Obama 2012 voters who did not vote for Hillary Clinton. This was particularly an issue in the swing states of the industrial Midwest (PA, WI, MI).”
https://fxbgadvance.substack.com/p/could-republicans-turn-the-election?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Tight race looms in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District as Anderson and Vindman face off (Virginia Mercury; InsideNova; USSA News)
“I was upset with the lack of accountability for this administration,” Anderson said during an Oct. 2 candidates debate with Vindman at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.
https://virginiamercury.com/2024/10/10/tight-race-in-virginias-7th-congressional-district-as-derrick-anderson-eugene-vindman-face-off/
https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/election-2024-tight-race-looms-in-virginia-s-7th-congressional-district-between-anderson-vindman/article_7accc616-871d-11ef-8894-475ff17e73f5.html
https://ussanews.com/2024/10/10/tight-race-looms-in-virginias-7th-congressional-district-as-anderson-and-vindman-face-off/
Now what?: Study gives Virginia lawmakers options on military tuition waiver program (The News & Advance)
“Once a government program is in place, you’re likely to see it around for the duration,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg in the heart of the military-minded 7th Congressional District.
https://newsadvance.com/now-what-study-gives-virginia-lawmakers-options-on-military-tuition-waiver-program/article_f8e6b358-85cf-11ef-9569-c3e3b44ef0f6.html
Schiffrin Comments in ‘Telegrafi’ About Parent/Child Relations
Professor of Psychological Science Holly Schiffrin
Professor of Psychological Science Holly Schiffrin remarks to Telegrafi in an article titled “When and how should parents intervene in children’s fights?” In the article, Schiffrin talks about how parents should always intervene in the conflicts between children if they see signs of abuse. Read more.
Get Tickets to No. 1 UMW Men’s Soccer Team’s Oct. 30 Game Against UVA, Through Oct. 20
The following message is from UMW Athletics:
UMW Students, Faculty and Staff,
UMW men’s soccer team has been ranked No. 1 for several weeks this season, and this month, we’ll visit Division I University of Virginia in Charlottesville for a 3 PM game on Wednesday, Oct. 30! UMW Athletics is pleased to purchase tickets for all UMW faculty, staff, and students interested in attending the game.
To reserve your ticket, please complete this form with the email to which we can send your electronic ticket. This offer will last until Oct. 20. Any interested parties will need to purchase tickets themselves after that date.
For questions, please contact Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Clint Often at coften@umw.edu
UMW Theatre to Continue 2024-25 Season With ‘Nunsense,’ Nov. 7-23
UMW Theatre presents ‘Nunsense.’
UMW Theatre will continue its 2024-2025 season with the musical Nunsense by Dan Goggin. Performances will be November 7-9, November 14-16, & November 21-23 at 7:30 p.m., and November 10, November 17, & November 23-24 at 2:00 p.m. in Klein Theatre, duPont Hall at the University of Mary Washington. Guests may also attend the Pay-What-You-Can Preview performance on November 6 at 7:30 p.m. The box office opens at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. AfterWords, a post-show talkback with the cast, will take place after the matinee performance on November 10. Tickets are $35 for standard admission and $30 for students, senior citizens, and military. Groups of ten or more can receive a discount as well.
After the convent’s cook poisons fifty-two sisters with her bad vichyssoise soup, five surviving nuns put on a cabaret performance to raise money to bury four of the remaining fifty-two dead sisters, whose burial money was spent on a very expensive television. Participating in the cabaret is an ex-circus performer who loves the spotlight, Mother Superior; her second in command and rival, Sister Hubert; the streetwise, bitter understudy, Sister Robert Anne; the dancing novice, Sister Leo; and the childlike, confused nun with amnesia, temporarily named Sister Amnesia. They perform solo numbers, dance numbers, quizzes, and even ventriloquism to raise the money they need. Nunsense is a musical comedy full of puns and pop culture references.
The concept for Nunsense originated as a line of greeting cards featuring nuns and a witty remark. Seeing the popularity of these cards, Goggins used the concept to create a cabaret show called The Nunsense Story which ran for 38 weeks. After the cabaret’s success, Goggins created a full-length theater production titled Nunsense. Nunsense opened Off-Broadway in 1985 and ran for ten years, the second longest run for an Off-Broadway show.
Nunsense is directed by Gregg Stull, professor of theatre and chair of the department of theatre & dance with musical direction by Chris Zavadowski and choreography by Samantha Reynolds. Scenic design is by assistant professor Bridgette Dennett, costume design is by associate professor Kevin McCluskey, and sound design is by associate professor Michael Benson. Lighting design is by guest artist Jason Arnold. For further information, call the Klein Theatre Box Office at (540) 654-1111 or visit www.FredTix.com.
Spencer Quoted by Residents of College Heights Area at City Council Meeting
Professor of Historic Preservation Michael Spencer
Professor of Historic Preservation Michael Spencer was quoted by residents at an October Fredericksburg City Council meeting regarding the suburban College Heights area and its uniqueness for lessons in historic preservation. The article, titled “College Heights residents lobby for creation of conservation district,” which ran in the Fredericksburg Free Press, highlights Spencer’s remarks regarding the creation of a conservation district for the area. Read the article.