Dean of Students Melissa Jones (right) presents the prestigious Grace Mann Launch Award to senior Jaylyn Long. Last week’s Eagle Awards ceremony recognized students and other members of the University community for their commitment to citizenship, philanthropy, academic excellence, community service and more. Photo by Sam Cahill

Each year, the Eagle Awards spotlight the unwavering commitment of Mary Washington students to their studies and involvement, as well as to each other. This sentiment resonates beyond the student body; emotions run high when faculty and staff are honored for their dedication to students as well.

The 2024 Eagle Awards – presented last week by the Office of Student Activities and Engagement, the Center for Community Engagement, and Campus Recreation – united inspiring student leaders with lively co-hosts, seniors Fiona Archer and Faith Jones. The ceremony, held in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom, recognized award-winners for their commitment to community service, citizenship, philanthropy, academic excellence and more.

UMW President Troy Paino and Vice President for Student Affairs Juliette Landphair acknowledged the challenges faced by the Class of 2024, who began their college journey online, attending virtual classes during a pandemic. Their dedication to creating traditional student experiences had brought them to this pivotal moment just weeks before they cross the stage at Commencement.

Demonstrating an exceptional commitment to UMW and a passion for positive change, some individuals received multiple awards. One such standout was honored with the prestigious Grace Mann Launch Award, which recognizes an enduring quest for social justice. Dean of Students Melissa Jones took the stage to present this esteemed honor. Read more.

UMW senior Jordan Carpenter spins her magic on the court.

When Jordan Carpenter started her collegiate basketball career at the University of Mary Washington in 2020, she focused on the next point, the next game, the next step. And her parents were there each step of the way, coming from their home in Richmond, Virginia, to attend each game and cheer her on.  

Now a senior approaching graduation in May, she heard their familiar voices in the stands of the Anderson Center arena counting down the points needed to 1,000 in a memorable game on January 27, 2024.   Read more.

From left to right: Kaylah Lightfoot, Kate McDaid, Jorrin Casa de Calvo and Merna Mousa participate in Day on Democracy at the University of Mary Washington. The Election Day event encourages voter participation and fosters a sense of community and responsibility. Photo by Sam Cahill.

In a resounding display of civic engagement, the University of Mary Washington community turned out for Day on Democracy. Student volunteers and members of the University’s faculty and staff rallied over 160 students to the polls at Fredericksburg’s Dorothy Hart Community Center on Election Day.

Throughout the day, various activities kept the campus buzzing with democratic fervor. The UMW Votes team, stationed at the Bell Tower from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., played a crucial role in informing and assisting students on ballot races and same-day voter registration, and the Fredericksburg Trolley provided rides to the polls. The day was punctuated by a puppy petting party, sponsored by Old Dominion Humane Society, as well as free donuts, pizza and taco bowls. Read more.

A new UMW initiative, Eagles Let’s Talk, offers support, education and conversation to support student-athletes’ mental health.

When student-athletes sign up to compete at the collegiate level, they have a goal – to play the game and win. All too often, mental health takes a back seat. That’s where Eagles Let’s Talk comes in. 

The program aims to help the University of Mary Washington’s more than 525 student-athletes – from soccer and lacrosse players to swimmers and equestrians – identify and discuss stressors that could affect their performance in the classroom or on the field. Spearheaded by UMW Assistant Athletic Trainer Katie Carnaghi, the initiative lays out a full game plan, with monthly meetings, timely topics like nutrition and stress management, and most of all, a safe space for sharing concerns and conversation. 

“It really does make such a difference to have an open and safe environment that allows people to feel comfortable to talk about the tough stuff,” said senior Krista Rogers, a volleyball player and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) member who helped get Eagles Let’s Talk off the ground. Read more.

UMW students participated in a six-day event to recognize ASPIRE, an acronym that stands for Mary Washington’s core values. Pictured here, from left to right: newly elected SGA President Jaylyn Long ’24, who conceived the idea for ASPIRE Week; current SGA President Joey Zeldin ’23; Martina Pugh; Conner Rogers; and Carlos Nunes. Photo by Sam Cahill.

From the moment University of Mary Washington students become Eagles, they’re guided by a set of values called “ASPIRE.”

The acronym, which stands for traits like accountability, respect and engagement, is so key to UMW, thought junior and Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President Jaylyn Long, that the values – and students’ commitment to them – could use a little refreshing. Her solution, ASPIRE Week, a six-day celebration representing each attribute, débuted this spring. Packed with educational opportunities, tabling events, banner signings and more, the week and its themes allowed other campus organizations to integrate their own functions into each day.

“I really enjoyed the support from campus partners,” said Long, now the newly elected SGA president. “It created a deeper connection among student leaders.”

Here’s how she spelled out the week. Read more.