The Morrises and their family and friends, members of the Board of Visitors and Foundation Board, UMW faculty and staff, and others listen as President Paino shared the Morrises’ story. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

The University of Mary Washington paid tribute last month to a trio of alums who graduated in the Class of 1950 and gave their alma mater generous gifts to name spaces in Seacobeck Hall. Now home to UMW’s College of Education and Office of Disability Resources, the 1930s era building was recently renovated, providing more gathering places for the campus community.

The Weatherly Wing represents college sweethearts Marceline “Marcy” Weatherly Morris and Elmer “Juney” Morris Jr., now married 72 years. Named in honor of Marcy’s late parents, William Rupert and Lavon Gardner Weatherly, the 150-seat auditorium is already being used for meetings, lectures, recitals and other special events.

The Morrises, part of a Mary Washington legacy family that spans five generations, were visibly moved as a series of speakers thanked the couple for their lifelong dedication to their alma mater.

“You embody so much of what we try to impart onto our students,” President Troy Paino said. “Your generous gifts help our students learn, grow and pursue their interests and passions, just as the two of you did while you were here at Mary Washington.” Read more.

Mary Washington graduates reunite at the first Reunion Weekend in three years.

Amber Tussing planned to reconnect with old friends at the University of Mary Washington’s Reunion Weekend, but she was surprised to meet just as many new ones.

“When you can make friends across multiple generations, you know you come from a shared experience,” said Tussing, a 2000 grad who bonded with members of the classes of 1972, 1990 and 2010. “This campus still feels like home after all these years.”

Those sentiments were echoed throughout the recent four-day event – the first of its kind in three years – which welcomed over 1,200 graduates of all ages back to UMW. Billed as the Mother of All Reunions, the celebration gave alums the unique opportunity to catch up with classmates who graduated before and after them, as well as those from other decades. Read more.