November 21, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

UMW Finishes Fourth in National Cybersecurity Challenge

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Students from top academic institutions participated in the Cyber Resiliency and Measurement Challenge, hosted by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division on UMW’s Dahlgren Campus. Photo by Dave Ellis, NSWCDD.

Students from top academic institutions participated in the Cyber Resiliency and Measurement Challenge, hosted by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division on UMW’s Dahlgren Campus. Photo by Dave Ellis, NSWCDD.

In a display of innovation and skill, University of Mary Washington’s cybersecurity team achieved a fourth-place finish in the recent Cyber Resiliency and Measurement Challenge sponsored by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD).

This national competition, held Oct. 22-23 at UMW’s Dahlgren Campus, brought together 11 top academic institutions. Each was tasked with developing innovative solutions against hypothetical cyber threats, encouraging students to develop advanced algorithms and models to enhance cybersecurity capabilities.

“The challenge was very competitive with talented teams from across the country participating,” said Associate Professor of Computer Science Xin-Wen Wu, who served as faculty advisor for the five-member UMW group. “I think our students worked incredibly hard to achieve this result, demonstrating remarkable dedication and teamwork.”

Eagle team members included Adam Baime ‘25, Alejandro Rosario ‘26, Gary Young ‘25, Chris Walker ‘26 and Kevin Landry ‘25. UMW’s team earned its fourth-place finish after facing stiff competition from the nation’s top cybersecurity talent. George Mason University secured first place, with the University of South Florida taking second, and the U.S. Naval Academy rounding out the top three. Read more.

The 25th Annual Metzger Award Goes to Michelle Caldwell Thompson

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CEO and renowned Fredericksburg area professional Michelle Caldwell Thompson received this year’s Patricia Lacey Metzger Award for distinguished achievement from the Women’s Leadership Colloquium at the University of Mary Washington. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

CEO and renowned Fredericksburg area professional Michelle Caldwell Thompson received this year’s Patricia Lacey Metzger Award for distinguished achievement from the Women’s Leadership Colloquium at the University of Mary Washington. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Leader and mentor Michelle Caldwell Thompson received the 2024 Patricia Lacey Metzger Award for distinguished achievement from the Women’s Leadership Colloquium at the University of Mary Washington. Thompson is CEO of the firm CTI Real Estate as well as a dedicated community leader and advocate for women in business, education, mentorship and entrepreneurship.

Presented last week for the 25th year, the Metzger Award goes annually to someone who upholds high standards and achieves personal and professional success. Traditionally, the honor is bestowed during the UMW Women’s Leadership Colloquium. But with both events celebrating milestones – the Colloquium turns 30 on Thursday, Nov. 7 – a quarter-century worth of Metzger winners deserved a day of their own.

“She is making an impact in all that she does,” Fredericksburg area professional trainer and coach Beth Sinkler, one of Thompson’s two nominators, said of her community involvement. Read more.

Cheers to Tradition: Mary Wash Homecoming Happening Oct. 24-26

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Mary Wash Homecoming brings students, alumni, and supporters together along with loads of activities, including an alumni Pregame fuel-up, Athletics Tailgate, and an array of athletic competitions, including men’s soccer, rugby, women’s soccer and field hockey. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Mary Wash Homecoming brings students, alumni, and supporters together along with loads of activities, including an alumni Pregame fuel-up, Athletics Tailgate, and an array of athletic competitions, including men’s soccer, rugby, women’s soccer and field hockey. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

That favorite fall tradition – Homecoming – has finally arrived! This weekend Mary Wash students, alumni and supporters from near and far will gather to catch up, connect and enjoy a variety of activities, including the traditional Athletics Tailgate and a slate of NCAA contests.

Get the seasonal vibes flowing Thursday at the annual Harvest Festival, hosted by UMW Dining, with clubs, vendors, games and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Campus Walk. For a spookier setting, check out the 40th annual Ghostwalk hosted by UMW’s Historic Preservation Club on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Open to all, the walk starts at the James Monroe Museum and heads to different historic sites around town for eerie stories from Fredericksburg’s haunted past. Tickets sold the night of the event cost $10 for adults and $5 for students, youth (6+) and alumni.

Nearly new this year, added to the fall schedule after its début in the spring, is the student-led vendor fair, UMW Night Market, held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. Open to all, it supports talented student vendors offering clothes, art, trinkets and much more and concludes a week of activities in celebration of National Transfer Student Week. Read more.