Laughter and shrieks of joy filled Fredericksburg’s Walker-Grant Center this week as preschoolers tore into vividly wrapped gift boxes, revealing colorful hats, gloves and toys featuring their favorite characters – Bluey, Spiderman, Barbie and Hello Kitty among them. “I’ve always wanted this!” exclaimed one child, clutching a toy, while another giggled over their bubblegum-flavored toothpaste.
This scene of holiday cheer was made possible by the University of Mary Washington’s annual gift box drive, organized by Community Outreach and Resources (COAR). The event not only delivered joy to local children, but also provided UMW students with invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork and community engagement. Months of preparation led up to this moment, with UMW students coordinating every detail, from recruiting and organizing donations to wrapping boxes in festive paper. Over 300 gift boxes were filled by the campus community this year and delivered to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania public schools, benefiting children in Head Start and Virginia Preschool Initiative programs. Each box contained essentials like hats, gloves, toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as toys and art supplies to brighten the holidays. “The kids just light up when they see Santa and open the gift boxes,” said Megan Dougherty, health and family engagement coordinator for Fredericksburg City Schools. “That’s what makes this one of my favorite programs of the school year.” Read more.Game On: UMW Esports Tournament Takes the Program to the Next Level
The University of Mary Washington’s esports program took center stage in the gaming world as it hosted its first large-scale collegiate tournament late last month, transforming the Cedric Rucker University Center Chandler Ballroom into a lively digital arena. Whizzes, bangs and friendly banter rang out, as teams from across the mid-Atlantic gathered face-to-face to compete in popular video games like Valorant, Rocket League and Overwatch 2.
UMW’s coed team – comprised of 13 starting players and three substitutes – welcomed competitors from Radford and Virginia Wesleyan, Penn State and Harrisburg University in Pennsylvania, and Glenville State in West Virginia. The event, which was open to the public, showcased players’ skill, strategy and teamwork, with the Mary Washington Eagles earning a pair of top-place finishes.
In Valorant, Harrisburg, Radford and UMW took the top three spots. In Overwatch 2, Penn State, UMW and Glenville State took the top three places. And in Rocket League, it was Harrisburg, Radford and Virginia Wesleyan placing in the top three.
“It’s a great opportunity for our players to compete in person, where the atmosphere is both fun and competitive,” UMW Director of Esports Mark Link said of the tournament, a culmination of the semester’s regional league play. “The playful back-and-forth between teams adds to the excitement and camaraderie of the event.”
This occasion highlights the expansion of esports at Mary Washington, which launched its program in the spring of 2022. In less than three years, it has flourished, providing students with opportunities for sportsmanship, competition and personal development comparable to traditional college athletics. Read more.
UMW to Bolster Internship and Work-Based Learning Activities Through SCHEV Grant
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), in collaboration with the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), has allocated a grant of up to $150,000 to the University of Mary Washington. The funding will allow for the expansion of paid internships and work-based learning opportunities for students, enhancing their career readiness and academic growth.
The UMW award is part of over $3.9 million in Impact Grants allocated to 20 Virginia institutions to strengthen ties between higher education institutions and state employers, encouraging innovative approaches to workforce development. The grants are made possible through the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and offered in three categories: vision, capacity-building and scaling.
“This grant allows us to focus even more on preparing and connecting students to work-based learning opportunities that can support their career exploration and development,” said Kimbery Young, Associate Provost for Career and Workforce at UMW. “The partnership with V-TOP has provided not only the financial support, but the collaboration needed to augment our efforts to help students identify and articulate the connection between the classroom and their future lives.” Read more.
Explore Nature on Woodland Hikes at Gari Melchers Home and Studio
The University of Mary Washington’s Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont isn’t just a treasure trove of art and history – it’s also a gateway to nature!
Thanks to the dedication of Grounds and Maintenance Manager Jody Wilken and several volunteer Virginia master naturalists, Belmont’s beautiful woodland trails are coming alive for the community during the team’s monthly guided woodland hikes.
The hikes are free and open to the public, making them an accessible way to enjoy the wonders of Belmont. Each hike – the next one Sunday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. – offers participants a unique opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the 27-acre estate, blending history, art and ecology.
Guided by volunteer Master Naturalists John Wiltenmuth, Imogene Treble, Doris Hackworth and Christine Henry, who is also a UMW professor in the Dept. of Historic Preservation, visitors can learn about nature while exploring trails lined with leafy trees, vibrant flora and diverse wildlife.
According to Wilken, the public’s enthusiasm for these outdoor experiences is remarkable, with dozens of people attending each one. “The feedback has been phenomenal with ‘wow, amazing and fantastic’ common exclamations during the hikes,” Wilken said.
In addition to leading hikes, the master naturalists also provide support behind the scenes with twice-monthly maintenance sweeps that ensure the trails remain safe and clean. They serve as the eyes and ears of the property, reporting any issues that need attention. “We simply couldn’t offer this free service to the public without their continued support,” Wilken said.
Once the country retreat of renowned American Impressionist Gari Melchers and his wife, Corinne, the property features historic buildings, lush gardens and miles of walking trails, a perfect blend of cultural and natural heritage. Whether you’re an enthusiast, history buff or nature lover, these guided hikes provide a little something for everyone, including fresh air and exercise.
Join the naturalists on their next hike and experience the magic of Belmont’s trails. For more information, visit the Gari Melchers Home and Studio web site.