Passionate Politics 1824 vs. 2024
Nov. 14, 6 p.m.
University of Mary Washington, Cedric Rucker University Center, Chandler Ballroom C
Join us for an enlightening discussion on the evolution of American democracy! Dr. Daniel Feller (editor/director emeritus of The Papers of Andrew Jackson) will explore the contrasts and continuities between the U.S. presidential elections of 1824 and 2024. UMW Professor of Political Science Stephen J. Farnsworth will provide valuable insights into how these historical developments shape modern electoral practices. Ed Jones, former longtime editor of The Free Lance-Star newspaper, will moderate.

René Locklear White: 2024 Native American Cultural Celebration Major Speaker
Thursday, Nov. 14, 7:00 p.m. | Chandler Ballroom A & B, CRUC

Join the Native American Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center for a session led by Native American artist and activist René Locklear White, a member of the Lumbee Nation, she works to decolonize educational artifacts, activities, and resources.

This Friday is National Philanthropy Day! Thank you for devoting your time, energy, and resources to UMW students and their futures. Students will be writing messages of thanks to donors on the Spirit Rock from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Friday, November 15, and we hope you can stop by to see their gratitude in action.

Many of our faculty and staff go above and beyond by including Mary Washington in their philanthropic giving by donating via payroll deduction. To learn more or to sign up for this easy and convenient way to support students, visit www.umw.edu/in/give/ or email Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando with questions at sorlando@umw.edu. 

Jewish Cultural Celebration Events

Jewish Cultural Celebration Kickoff – Tzedakah Activities 
Monday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in Colonnade Room, Cedric Rucker University Center
This kickoff event for the Jewish Cultural Celebration will provide opportunities for individuals to engage in community service projects while learning about the Jewish value of giving back or Tzedakah. This is a special event dedicated to performing acts of philanthropy while educating about the roots, branches, and values of the Jewish community.  This event is open to everyone!

Jewish Cultural Dinner
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 5:00 p.m. in Restaurants at the top of the Cedric Rucker University Center
University Dining and the Jewish Student Association are co-hosting a Jewish Cultural Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the top of the Cedric Rucker University Center, with the dining room closing 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for set up.

Jewish Cultural Celebration Major Performance: Minnush
Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7:00 p.m. in The Underground, Lee Hall
The Jewish Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center will present a Jewish Cultural Celebration in the Underground at Lee Hall, featuring a live performance by Minnush on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. This talented group performs both traditional and modern Sephardic (Iberian) Jewish music, blending contemporary influences with traditional songs, incorporating improvisations, storytelling and virtuosic musicianship. Minnush adds elements of American folk and jazz, while shedding light on the immigration and refugee stories that the songs carry. They are serious, joyful, forward moving and eminently fresh.

Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Nov. 22 at 5:00 p.m. in Chandler Ballroom C, Cedric Rucker University Center
The Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and continues until three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night. During Shabbat, families, friends, and community come together to reflect on the week and enjoy a nice meal. Join the Jewish Student Association as we conclude our week of celebration and enjoy a Sabbath dinner together.

We’re happy to announce that replacement coffee mugs have arrived, addressing the print quality of the mugs distributed during last month’s employee luncheon.

If you’d like to pick up your replacement mug, please visit the Office of Events and Conferencing in George Washington Hall, Room 305.

Stop by during any of the following times next week:

• 11/18 Monday: 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m.
• 11/19 Tuesday: Noon-4:30 p.m.
• 11/21 Thursday: Noon-4:30 p.m.
• 11/22 Friday: 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy your new mug!

University Dining will be hosting their annual Faculty and Staff Thanksgiving Lunch on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Chandler Ballroom. Our catering team will again be offering a beautiful Thanksgiving buffet with all the traditional dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made individually or for a group. If registering for a group, one person should make the reservation for everyone, up to 10 per table. You’ll select a seating time when making your reservation. You can also pre-purchase your tickets at the Dining Concierge desk near Panera on the 2nd floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center. Dining Concierge hours are weekdays,11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Pricing for the Faculty and Staff Thanksgiving Lunch is $11 for faculty and staff, $16 for guests, and $8 for children ages 5-10 (no charge for children 4 and under).

See the menu and make your reservation on the UMW Thanksgiving Lunch form.

Please contact Rose Benedict (rbenedic@umw.edu or 540-654-2169) with any questions.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. in Farmer 204, faculty and students are invited  to attend the Khatib Program in Religion and Dialogue Scholar Lecture to be delivered by Mehdi Aminrazavi, Professor Emeritus of Religion. Dr. Aminrazavi has entitled his lecture, “The Politics of Interreligious Dialogue: Why Do the Children of Abraham Kill Each Other?”

Endowed by Dr. Reza Khatib and Mrs. Georgianna Clifford Khatib, the Khatib Program seeks to foster dialogue among religious traditions with the goal of understanding and peaceful discussion. Dr. Aminrazavi has served as our Khatib Scholar this year, teaching RELG 252, Religion and Politics in Islam. The inaugural director of the Khatib Program, he has published on such topics as Islamic philosophy, religious intolerance, and the legacy of Persian poet Omar Khayyam.

Please publicize the lecture to your students, and if you have questions, please contact Mary Beth Mathews, professor of religious studies (mmathews@umw.edu).

The Politics of Interreligious Dialogue Why Do the Children of Abraham Kill Each Other