May 28, 2023

Four-Hour Leave for Classified and A/P Faculty Employees, May 9 to 14

Dear UMW Colleagues,

In recognition of Commonwealth employees’ dedicated service so far in 2023, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has permitted a half-day of leave. While many agencies granted the leave for Friday, April 7, we have decided to offer it the week following Commencement so our University’s essential services and academic mission continue at this critical time of the year.

Employees will have four hours of leave that can be used the week after Commencement, from Tuesday, May 9, through Sunday, May 14, in coordination with their supervisor. Note that Monday, May 8, also is a UMW holiday for Employee Appreciation Day.

Employees are encouraged to begin working with their supervisors to plan their time off as soon as possible.  Note, this four-hour holiday may only be used May 9 thru May 14, 2023.

How to Log the Leave:

To use this leave, you must enter a time off request in MyTime using the pay code Floating Holiday.  In the Time Unit section choose Hours, then enter the time of day you plan to start your leave.  In Daily Amount enter up to 4.0 and click Submit. The leave may be used incrementally over several days from 5/9-5/14 or as a lump sum for one day, as approved by your supervisor.

Once submitted, the time off request is ready for supervisor approval. Once approved, the floating holiday will populate on the timecard.

If you’ve already requested leave during the week of 5/9 to 5/14 and would like to replace some of the leave with the floating holiday hours, you’ll need to submit a cancelation of the previous leave request, then enter a new leave request that includes the 4 hours of Floating Holiday.

Note that Monday, May 8, also is a UMW holiday for Employee Appreciation Day.

Lynda Worthy
Payroll Manager
University of Mary Washington
lworthy@umw.edu
Phone 540-654-1045

Bright Skies, Bright Futures: UMW Graduates Class of 2023

Megan Sullivan (left) received a master’s degree in elementary education and Sara Roberts received a bachelor’s degree in psychology during the University of Mary Washington’s 112th Commencement ceremony. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Megan Sullivan (left) received a master’s degree in elementary education and Sara Roberts received a bachelor’s degree in psychology during the University of Mary Washington’s 112th Commencement ceremony. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

From the fourth-floor balcony of the Cedric Rucker University Center to the Lee Hall Terrace and around the rim of Ball Circle, proud family and friends cheered their hearts out Saturday morning for the University of Mary Washington’s 2023 graduates.

More than 1,000 students from UMW’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education received bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University’s 112th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 6. Bright sunshine sifted through patches of clouds and temperatures hovered near 70 degrees as the celebration, which began at 9 a.m., unfolded all morning long.

The culminating moment of years’ worth of work was bittersweet, said Sara Roberts, a first-generation student who received a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Megan Sullivan, who earned a master’s degree in elementary education, said she felt similarly. “I’m overwhelmed and overjoyed, and a little bit saddened that I have to leave all my amazing professors behind.”

Business administration major Joseph Lewis said his four years of college went by way too fast. “If I could start back on day one, I would do it,” he said, “just to experience it all over again.” Read more.

Unique UMW Tradition ‘Devil-Goat Day’ Scores High in School Spirit

UMW President Troy Paino showed his support for both teams in a specially made Devil-Goat Day T-shirt. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.

UMW President Troy Paino showed his support for both teams in a specially made Devil-Goat Day T-shirt. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.

First-year University of Mary Washington student Brianna Miles had a plan for besting her opponent in the Rocky River Log Roll challenge – keep her fleet planted and move her body just a bit. And it worked!

The giant inflatable game was one of many matches set up last week on Jefferson Square for a uniquely UMW competition called Devil-Goat Day.

“Everyone I talked to was excited about it,” Miles, who’s studying historic preservation and art history, said of the event, a tradition that dates back to the 1920s. “I’ve only been here a little while and I’m already having fun.”

Her victory counted toward the Goats’ tally in the high-energy annual contest of school spirit, where Devils, who graduate in odd years, and Goats, who graduate in even years, vie to collect the most points for participation and wins. The top-scoring team walks away with bragging rights … until the following year when Devil-Goat Day happens all over again. Read more.

Student Involvement Shines at UMW’s Annual Eagle Awards

Dean of Students Melissa Jones hugs senior Maya Jenkins, who received two top honors during the recent Eagle Awards ceremony.

Dean of Students Melissa Jones hugs senior Maya Jenkins, who received two top honors during the recent Eagle Awards ceremony.

The Chandler Ballroom was booming with energy for the University of Mary Washington’s annual Eagle Awards earlier this month.

Tiny gold stars glittered across the room, lights split the space into colorful slices and tabletop-thumping applause erupted throughout the ceremony. Seniors Aniya Stewart and Miranda Colbert hosted, pouring personality into a YouTube video-like presentation. But the show-stealers were the students, along with a few faculty and staff, recognized for their commitment to community service, citizenship, philanthropy, academic excellence and more.

“We are incredibly proud of you,” UMW President Troy Paino told the crowd, including many nominees and more than a dozen soon-to-be winners. “I like to think that those in this room are getting the most out of their Mary Washington experience. But I also can say that we’ve gotten a lot from you and your leadership. I’m so appreciative of what you’ve done for Mary Washington.”

The event – presented by the Office of Student Activities and Engagement (SAE), Center for Community Engagement and James Farmer Multicultural Center – took place on April 13 at UMW’s Cedric Rucker University Center.

Senior Maya Jenkins walked away with not one but two top prizes – the James Farmer Defining a Legacy Award and the Grace Mann Launch Award, both of which speak to her enduring quest for social justice. “Maya’s leading word when making change is ‘mobilization,’ ” a nominator wrote of her. Read more.

Crawley Series on Mary Washington Milestones Débuts in ‘The Free Lance-Star’

Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus Bill Crawley

Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus Bill Crawley

Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus William Crawley wrote an article titled “UMW: History on the Hill – The new college on the heights,” which ran in The Free Lance-Star. The article began: “Generations of Mary Washington students have begun and ended their collegiate careers singing praise to the school that was, in the words of the alma mater, ‘born in truth and honor.’ ” The piece was the first installment of a new occasional series on the University of Mary Washington that will revisit milestone moments and notable happenings throughout the school’s 115-year history, as well as offer commentary on ways in which the institution has influenced and shaped Fredericksburg and its environs. Read the column.

UMW Exhibit Celebrates 50 Years of Title IX

UMW’s ‘Dear Colleagues: Title IX Exhibition’ traces the 50-year history of Title IX, which prohibited discrimination based on sex at federally funded institutions of education. The exhibit will remain on display through the end of April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

UMW’s ‘Dear Colleagues: Title IX Exhibition’ traces the 50-year history of Title IX, which prohibited discrimination based on sex at federally funded institutions of education. The exhibit will remain on display through the end of April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

The University of Mary Washington is showcasing a half-century of Title IX history this April in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Offices across campus came together to create two Simpson Library cases spotlighting the 1972 law prohibiting discrimination based on sex at federally funded educational institutions. Since then, Title IX has expanded its reach, from addressing inequities for women and girls to providing protections from sexual assault and harassment, and considering bias based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Nowhere has the movement unfolded faster than on college campuses.

UMW’s “Dear Colleagues: Title IX Exhibition” traces the 50-year journey, from the story of the legislation’s inception to the mark it has made at Mary Washington, where events stressing the need for education, advocacy and prevention take place throughout the year. Featuring mementos from campus functions like Denim Day, the Red Sand Project and Take Back the Night, the display also pays tribute to Title IX trailblazers, the movement’s inherent connection to women’s athletics and more. Read more.

Message From the Provost – Commencement 2023 is Coming!

Colleagues,

Commencement is fast approaching, and plans are in place for our ceremony on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 9 a.m. on Ball Circle. The full schedule of events and related information may be found on the Commencement website.

Full-time teaching faculty are to be robed in their regalia and in two equal processional lines on Campus Walk starting at the Phi Beta Kappa Key no later than 8:45 a.m. The ceremony will conclude at approximately noon. Any teaching faculty who cannot be present must inform the dean of their respective college by Wednesday, April 26.

Any teaching or administrative/professional faculty seated on stage and related to a graduating student may assist with the presentation of the degree provided they have notified Ali Gauch Hieber at agauch@umw.edu no later than Friday April 28, so that the script can reflect their participation.

Full-time administrative/professional faculty are invited to process in the appropriate regalia. Those who wish to participate must contact Ali Gauch Hieber at agauch@umw.edu or 654-1276 by Tuesday, April 30, so a seat may be reserved on stage.

Regalia may be purchased or rented from Oak Hall online at or by phone (800) 456-7623. Rental pricing includes shipping charges: Master Ensemble ($39.98) or Doctor Ensemble ($65.98). Orders for rental regalia must be received by Oak Hall no later than Friday, March 31.

Tickets to the Commencement Luncheon are available to all full-time faculty and administrative/professional faculty participating in Commencement. They may be picked up from the Provost’s Office in George Washington Hall during normal business hours. For questions, email me and Amy O’Reilly.

I look forward to seeing you on May 6

Tim

Top Dahlgren Technology Official, Alumna to Deliver UMW Commencement Address

UMW alumna Jennifer Clift ’00 will deliver UMW’s 112th Commencement speech on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

UMW alumna Jennifer Clift ’00 will deliver UMW’s 112th Commencement speech on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

A University of Mary Washington alumna and top technology official at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) will deliver UMW’s Commencement speech next month.

Jennifer E. Clift, senior scientific technical manager and chief technology officer for NSWCDD, Virginia’s largest federal research and development employer, will address the University’s graduating class at the 112th Commencement on Saturday, May 6, at 9 a.m., on Mary Washington’s Ball Circle.

In her current role, Clift drives the vision and heads the efforts for advancing the Center’s technical capabilities through investments, partnerships and education. She oversees the Center’s innovation laboratory, science & technology portfolio, academic partnering and technology transfer efforts.

Throughout her 25-year career with NSWCDD, Clift has served in various technical and organizational leadership roles. As deputy head of the Electromagnetic and Sensor Systems Department, she provided leadership to a 600-person organization supporting research and development in the areas of electronic warfare, spectrum operations and advanced sensors. Read more.

Last Chance: UMW Theatre’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Ends April 16

UMW THEATRE TO END 2022-2023 SEASON WITH PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.

UMW Theatre will close its 2022-2023 season with Pride and Prejudice by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen.  Performances will be April 6-8 & 12-15 at 7:30 p.m., and April 16 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 April 5 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 April 16. Tickets are $25 for standard admission and $20 for students, senior citizens, and military. Groups of ten or more can receive a discount as well.

UMW Theatre presents Pride and PrejudiceJane Austen’s beloved novel has been made anew with this modern adaptation of a classic tale. Pride and Prejudicetells the story of the Bennet family as they eagerly seek suitable matches for their four eligible daughters. While the younger Bennet sisters are just beginning their search for a husband, the elder Bennet sisters are racing against the clock to “ensnare” a respectable match. Elegant balls are hosted, and young ladies vie for the attention of prospective suitors, all except for Elizabeth Bennet, a free-spirited young woman who spurns the idea of games and marriage. As the pressure to marry grows stronger, Lizzy must battle societal expectations in search of her own independence. That is, until the mysterious and proud Mr. Darcy comes to town. He is the embodiment of everything that Lizzy despises, yet they are inexplicably drawn to one another. This comedy gives an ironic twist to gender expectations in society, finding humor in the rules and adversity that men and women face. As pressure to wed intensifies and the Bennett family grows more frantic, Lizzy must battle the judgment of others and reassess her own assumptions about what it is to fall in love.

Pride and Prejudice is based upon the 1813 book of the same name, written by English author, Jane Austen. This was the second of her six major novels that were published in the Regency period, inspiring many film adaptations and retellings of her popular works. Kate Hamill took the basis of Austen’s romance and turned it into a commentary on our contemporary society. Although she adds her own artistic flourish, the play still retains the general plot, conflicts, and characters prevalent in Austen’s original novel. The play first premiered on June 24, 2017, at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in Garrison, New York. The vision was carried out by director Amanda Dehnert, and Kate Hamill herself originated the role of Elizabeth Bennet. Due to the show’s wide success, it jumped off-Broadway to Primary Stages at Cherry Lane Theatre, where the run was extended three times past its original premiere run. It accrued recognition and accolades from the initial production and has since progressed to community theatre and college productions.

Pride and Prejudice is directed by Marc Williams, assistant professor of theatre. Choreography is by guest artist Samantha L. Reynolds. Scenic design is by assistant professor Bridgette Dennett and costume design is by associate professor Kevin McCluskey. Lighting and sound design are by guest designers Cat Girardi and G Clausen, respectively. For further information, call the Klein Theatre Box Office at (540) 654-1111 or visit www.FredTix.com

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Women’s History Month Keynote Highlighted Missing Stories

Educator, writer and independent consultant Gayatri Sethi drew on excerpts from her book, ‘Unbelonging,’ to deliver the Women’s History Month keynote address on Wednesday, March 15, at the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium.

Educator, writer and independent consultant Gayatri Sethi drew on excerpts from her book, ‘Unbelonging,’ to deliver the Women’s History Month keynote address on Wednesday, March 15, at the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium.

There’s something perhaps as powerful as the stories being shared during this year’s Women’s History Month – the ones that are not.

“If our feminisms are not inclusive, expansive and intersectional, are they feminism after all?” Gayatri Sethi asks. “When we speak of women’s empowerment … are we reinforcing gender binaries or erasing queer and trans folks?”

These are the types of questions Sethi posed – urging listeners to interrogate, reflect and consider the foundation of feminism – in her keynote speech for the University of Mary Washington’s Women’s History Month celebration. The talk took place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, in the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium.

Women’s History Month also includes a Great Lives lecture on Anne Frank at 7:30 p.m. tonight, March 14, at Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall. Other events planned throughout March, and hosted by the James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC), are listed below. Read more.