May 29, 2023

Farnsworth Selected for Fulbright in Poland

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, has been selected as the Spring 2024 Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in Humanities and Social Sciences at the American Studies Center of the University of Warsaw in Poland. Dr. Farnsworth has previously served as Canada-U.S. Fulbright Research Chair in Public Policy, McGill University in Montreal and as a Fulbright Specialist in Malaysia at Methodist College Kuala Lumpur.

Farnsworth has also appeared in recent media mentions, including:

EDITORIAL: Virginia’s leaders opt for safe route over gun safety (Culpeper Star-Exponent)
Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington Center for Leadership and Media Studies, has perhaps the best answer: primaries.
Filler-Corn Leaving (WMAL)
“The Democratic caucus has selected a different leader and so her prospects politically may be best in a statewide contest,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Filler-Corn Governor Bid (WMAL)
“Her fundraising bids were first rate and that is going to create an opportunity for her to be one of the leading candidates,” said Stephen Farnsworth.

Filler-Corn Not Seeking Re-election (WTOP)
“I do think that the possibility of a gubernatorial run is something to be considered seriously,” said Stephen Farnsworth.

Youngkin’s CNN Town Hall on Education (WTOP)
“The polls show him at one percent or so, so what he really needs to do is convince a lot of people that he belongs … higher up in the pecking order. That’s what this event would be about for the Youngkin campaign,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Youngkin hits up New York donors amid mixed signals about 2024 plans (Cave Spring News)
“No one would describe Youngkin’s prospects as great, but it would have been useful to have him described as potentially good, at least,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington.
https://cavespringnews.com/youngkin-hits-up-new-york-donors-amid-mixed-signals-about-2024-plans/
Texas Abortion Pill Challenge (CTV News)
“I think the likelihood that the judge is going to provide for support for the pro-life movement in the United States is pretty good,” said Stephen Farnsworth.

Angela Lynch Named March’s Excellent Eagle

Congratulations to Associate Registrar Angela Lynch! Angie is USC’s Excellent Eagle Employee for the month of March. Below is what Registrar Rita Dunston had to say about Angie:

“Angie is dedicated to fulfilling her job responsibilities and continuously going the extra mile. She has become an expert on building the course schedule, and working with the department on schedule adjustments. She thinks creatively on how to improve processes within the Registrar’s Office. Angie has built exceptional customer relationships and always gives service with a smile. Grateful to have her as part of the Registrar’s Office.”

Nominate your co-workers for the Excellent Eagle Employee award! It’s easy! Just complete the Excellent Eagle Employee Nomination Form on our website. Winners receive a reserved parking space for a month!

Questions? Contact Sarah Appleby, USC Recognition Committee Chair.

Farnsworth Presents Research at the Library of Congress

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented a research paper, “Late-Night in Washington: Political Humor and the American Presidency,” at the Library of Congress in Washington. Dr. Farnsworth was one of a dozen professors selected to present their research at a national conference on the Presidency and Popular Culture.

Farnsworth also has received several recent media mentions, including:

Va. Sen. Tim Kaine says he will seek another term (The Washington Post; The Record Patriot; Arlington Weekly Info)
A September University of Mary Washington poll tested a Youngkin Senate candidacy in a hypothetical matchup against Kaine, finding support for them was close among Virginia voting-age adults.
Documents Found at Pence’s Home (YouTube.com; CTV News)
“Well, indications are there is no real criminal risk here. These documents were discovered in part because of the other documents discovered by other political figures, including Joe Biden,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Virginia General Assembly-Abortion Bills (WMAL)
“I think the Republicans have recognized, based on the mid-term elections, that you might not want to be too aggressive talking about abortion if you want to keep your majority,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Virginia General Assembly-Abortion and Guns (WMAL)
“The Republicans don’t have the votes to undo what the Democrats did,” said Stephen Farnsworth.

Alumni Gifts Focus on Gathering and Collaboration Spaces in Seacobeck Hall

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 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.

Volunteers Needed for Holiday Dining Event, Dec. 5

Dining Volunteers Needed!

Holiday Volunteers Shannon Hauser, Jerry Slezak and Cartland Berge were very merry in their chef hats!

Very Merry Volunteer Servers

All members of UMW’s faculty and staff, and their friends and family members, are invited to join University Dining’s merry band of volunteer servers for one of the biggest dining events of the season: The free Exam Cram Ice Cream and Waffles event (9:30 to 10:30 pm on Monday, December 5th) at the Top of the Cedric Rucker University Center.

Get a group together from your office, bring members of your family (ages 12 and above), or just sign up as an individual.  No matter how you do it, you’re sure to have lots of fun, and the work is easy! Just put food on the plates of the excited and hungry students!  You’ll get free food, too!

Volunteers for each event are asked to work a 75-minute shift. To sign up, use this link to the Holiday Dining Volunteer form. Lots more information can be found on the form, but additional details are also available from Dining Marketing Manager and Concierge Rose Benedict, at rbenedic@umw.edu or 540-654-2169. Don’t miss out on these great opportunities to kick back, have fun and share some wonderful food with the students!

Gupta Speaks on India-EU Trade Negotiations

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Surupa Gupta

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Surupa Gupta

After a nearly nine-year hiatus, India and the European Union resumed negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement earlier this year. Ahead of the October negotiations, The London Story, a Brussels-based, India-focused think tank invited Surupa Gupta, professor of Political Science and International Affairs, to participate in an online panel titled “India’s Domestic and Foreign Policy: Implications for Trade” to discuss India’s interests in the negotiations. Gupta discussed India’s trade interests, politics among its stakeholders in trade and the changes in circumstances that negotiators should be taking into account.

Vaccine Clinics in the University Center

Flu season is coming! The Student Health Center is collaborating with Giant Pharmacy to administer flu shots to everyone on campus.  They will be in the University Center Lobby from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the following days:

  • Wednesday, September 21st
  • Tuesday, October 18th
  • Thursday November 17th

On these dates, other vaccines will also be available, including the COVID vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna and  J&J) and non-flu vaccines such as Meningitis ACWY, Meningitis B, Tetanus and/or Pertussis, Shingles, Pneumonia vaccine.

Make sure you stay healthy this school year!  Come get your flu shot!

The clinics are open to students, faculty and staff with no appointment needed. Vaccines for flu, COVID, shingles 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.

Larus Debates on Turkish News

Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus

Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus

Elizabeth Freund Larus, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs and Pew Davis Fellow for Peace at Middlebury College, debated Chinese officials on Turkey’s Turkuvaz Ahaber2 News. Dr. Larus indicated the U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan as part of her Asia tour does not constitute a change in the U.S. ‘One China’ Policy. Professor Larus argued that Pelosi travelled to Asia to demonstrate support for democratic allies in the region, not to change the status quo on Taiwan.

Long-Awaited Reunion Brought Mary Washington Alums ‘Home’

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

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.

Giant Flu and Covid Immunization Clinic

Giant Pharmacy is offering a flu vaccine clinic in the University Center on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

No appointment needed. No cost.