On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, donors made contributions to help UMW students and programs.

On Giving Tuesday this week, 540* UMW alumni, family members, faculty, staff, and friends chose to support the University’s mission, students, and programs on Giving Tuesday. These donors made 609* gifts, totaling over $174,749,* that will go to work immediately for current and future Eagles. (*preliminary Giving Tuesday totals)

It’s not too late to join donors, like Paddy Link ’72, in powering possibility for UMW students. Link arrived at Mary Washington and discovered a passion for public service. She joined Student Government, served as her residence hall president junior year and found that a liberal arts and sciences education — rooted in her art history major — would prepare her for a future she hadn’t yet imagined.

“In college, I learned to work with people whose beliefs, values and political leanings didn’t necessarily mirror my own,” said Link, who began a career on Capitol Hill after graduation. She worked for members of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and helped staff congressional committees focused on science, commerce, transportation and appropriations. “But we worked together for the good of our institution.”

That spirit guides her giving today. A dedicated supporter of her alma mater, Link is encouraging alumni, friends, families, faculty, staff and students to contribute to the University of Mary Washington’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and ensure its mission endures. She pledged to match all gifts made on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, to UMW’s College of Arts and Sciences General Fund, up to $5,000 — continuing her commitment to the liberal arts foundation that shaped her career. Read the full article about Giving Tuesday.

Betty Talley ’68 (center), who made the generous gift to name the Talley Center over a decade ago, along with Talley Center staff. From left: Chad Sims, Jimmy Nguyen, Rebekah Michael, Glorya Askew, Betty Talley, Krysta Thomas, Melissa Palguta, Debbie Huff and Demi Thompson. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.

On a sunny autumn afternoon, University of Mary Washington students flock to a table on Campus Walk. While snacking on sandwiches and cookies donated by local businesses, they’re learning about UMW’s Talley Center for Counseling Services and contributing to an increasingly prevalent discussion about mental health on college campuses.

“We’re young adults who are on our own for the first time, and that can be a challenging transition,” said senior James Turgeon, an applied physics major who stopped by Talley Treats. Held on Thursdays throughout October – a month dedicated to mental health awareness and education with events across the globe – the initiative promotes student well-being and connection at a point in the semester that can feel overwhelming to students. “I’m glad to know these resources are here at UMW.”

The enthusiasm surrounding the event helps explain why the University earned national recognition, as #15 for Best Student Support and Counseling Services in Princeton Review’s The Best 391 Colleges guide for 2026.

Under new leadership, the Talley Center is building on its strong foundation of providing high-quality clinical care, such as individual consultations, group therapy, crisis intervention and more, at its locations in Lee Hall and Tyler House. Betty Talley ’68, who made a generous naming gift over a decade ago and has continued to support the Talley Center through her philanthropic giving, visited the center earlier this month to meet with its new director, Chad Sims. Together, they discussed his vision for the future of counseling at UMW, bringing a fresh focus on mental health promotion through campus partnerships.

“What drew me to the Talley Center is UMW’s strong commitment to student success and holistic development,” said Sims, who holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Ball State University. He also earned a master’s degree in counseling and counselor education from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Read more.

The University of Mary Washington announces its most successful fundraising year to date, with $37.8 million raised in 2024-25 to support UMW students, programs, faculty and staff.

The University of Mary Washington wrapped up its most successful fundraising year ever June 30, with a record $37,867,639 in gifts and pledges made in 2024-25. Giving participation increased across every UMW constituency, including alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students.

“We’re truly grateful to both our new and longtime donors for investing in the mission of this University,” UMW President Troy Paino said. “Your contributions play a vital role in helping us recruit, retain and graduate students who are not only prepared for life after Mary Washington but for the rapidly changing digital world and workforce of the 21st century.”

This record-setting year also pushed UMW’s endowment to surpass $100 million, creating lasting philanthropic resources for merit- and need-based scholarships, academic programs, experiential learning, faculty resources and more.

“Reaching the $100 million milestone for our endowment demonstrates the power of philanthropy to strengthen UMW today and to help secure its future,” said Katie Turcotte, vice president for advancement and alumni engagement and UMW Foundation executive director. “The generosity of our donors combined with strong fiscal management from the UMW Foundation Board of Trustees ensures that the Foundation contributes directly to the University’s success, while providing lasting support for students, faculty, staff and programs for generations to come.” Read more.