At 7 pm on Wednesday, September 25, Middle East Institute Senior Fellow Khaled Elgindy will join UMW Professors Ranjit Singh and Nabil Al-Tikriti to discuss the current situation in Gaza, and the factors which have led to that situation. The event will take place in the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium.
Mary Talk: Farnsworth to Discuss Political Humor, Sept. 25
Join us online for the first Mary Talk of the season!
Stephen Farnsworth, Ph.D. is a professor of political science and the director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at UMW. In this Mary Talk, Dr. Farnsworth will discuss how political humor has become an increasingly important part of U.S. political communication, particularly regarding presidents and presidential elections. Research shows that consumption of late-night comedy in the wake of the 2020 election led to decreases in viewers’ levels of cynicism and political negativity. And increasingly, political humor provides an important way to challenge the disinformation present in much of our contemporary political discourse.
Wednesday, September 25
7:30-8:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Online (via Zoom)
Register to watch the Talk. You will receive a link to the streaming video, which can be watched live or at a later time. You also will have the opportunity to submit questions.
Upcoming Dining Events
All members of the University of Mary Washington faculty and staff are invited to attend several special dining events that will be hosted at the Top of the CRUC in the next couple of weeks. These events include:
The Latino Melting Pot Dinner – Tuesday, September 24th, 5pm to 8pm. This event is co-sponsored with the Latino Student Association and will feature a wide variety of Hispanic cuisines in celebration of Latino Identities Month. Costs: Faculty and staff $7.40; Guests with meal plans 1 meal swipe or $14.92 Flex Dollars; Other guests $17.23 plus tax.
Hispanic themed “Eat Local” event, Monday, September 30th, 5pm to 8pm. This event features dishes from local restaurants Juan More Tacos and El Vaso Loco. Costs for this dining event: Faculty and Staff $7.40; Guests with meal plans 1 meal swipe or $13.54 Flex Dollars; Other Guests $16.08 plus tax.
Global Cafe, Wednesday, October 2nd, 5pm to 8pm. This annual event is co-sponsored by the Center for International Education. Guests will enjoy culinary treats from around the world while learning about UMW’s Study Abroad programs. Costs: Faculty and staff $7.40; Guests with meal plans 1 meal swipe or $14.92 Flex; Other guests $17.23 plus tax.
For more details about these events, contact Rose Benedict, rbenedic@umw.edu or call 540-654-2169.
Upcoming Cultural Events
Manos Latinas: Giving Through Food
Through Friday, October 11
LSA is sponsoring a month-long food drive with a local nonprofit organization to support local Latino families and their needs for food and educational security. We invite you to aid us in this initiative to support our local Latino community by donating school supplies and non-perishable food items for families in need (a detailed list will be provided on the JFMC website). Education and nutrition go hand in hand, and our drive strives to support both. Together, we can help combat hunger while celebrating their heritage. You may bring your donations to the James Farmer Multicultural Center located in the Cedric Rucker University Center, room 319. The JFMC is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Latino Melting Pot Dinner
Tuesday, September 24 | 5 pm |
Restaurants at the Top of the CRUC, Cedric Rucker University Center
Cost with Campus Meal Plan: 1 meal swipe or $14.92 flex. The cost for EagleOne or credit card is $17.23.
Co-sponsored by Campus Dining
Join the students of the Latino Student Association and the University Dining team for a premium dining experience with the annual Latino Melting Pot Dinner, where you will meet the LSA Executive Board, learn about the diverse cultures, and taste a variety of delicious Latin and South American dishes.
2024 Latino Identities Month Major Performance: Sabor Rumbero
Thursday, September 26 | 7 pm | Chandler Ballroom C
Sabor Rumbero is a Latin band established in Lima, Peru, in 2014, by Ingrid Noel. Ingrid, known as La Rumbera Mayor, is the main vocalist. She moved to the United States in 2019; and she currently resides in Silver Spring, MD. La Rumbera Mayor y su Sabor Rumbero have performed in multiple venues around the DMV, offering a varied repertoire of Latin music.
For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com. You may also visit students.umw.edu/multicultural. Please email us at umwjfmc@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.
Celebration of Life for Former Executive Director of Development Zachary Hatcher, Sept. 6
The following message is from the Chief of Staff:
Campus Colleagues,
Following the sad news of the passing of Zachary Hatcher, former executive director of development at UMW, we wanted to update you with more details from his obituary and invite you to a Celebration of Life, September 6, at 3 p.m. at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to FAHASS, Chesapeake Bay Foundation or The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region in Zach’s memory, as all of these foundations were very near to his heart.
More information is available in the obituary online, or in the campus email from July.
Jeff McClurken
Chief of Staff
See the Newly Renovated STARS Center, Sept. 10
Dear Colleagues,
The Center for Student Transition, Access & Retention Services (STARS) kindly invites all faculty, staff, and administrators to an open house event celebrating the completion of our newly renovated office space!
**Event Details: **
Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Time: 3:00-5:00pm
Location: Lee Hall 308
The (STARS) Center aims to provide direct programming and services focused on advocacy and support to strengthen belonging and the success of first-generation, Pell-eligible, and geographically diverse students throughout their entire experience at UMW. It is our intent to promote community development, personal enrichment, and vocational preparation that will enhance their prospect for degree completion and to be competitive in career and continuing education opportunities post-UMW.
This gathering is an opportunity for you to see the refreshed space, hear about upcoming ventures we’re working on, and connect with our team, all while enjoying some light refreshments. A welcome followed by words of acknowledgement by Provost Tim O’Donnell will take place at approximately 3:30pm.
We’re proud of the enhancements that have been made to create a more dynamic and functional environment for students and look forward to sharing these changes with you. We hope you can join us for this exciting occasion!
In addition, faculty and staff, don’t forget to tell your students about the STARS Center Semester Kick-off Event! It will take place on the Lee Hall Patio on Thursday, September 12th between 12:00-2:00pm. Students will be able to grab some swag, meet the supporting cast, and learn about the valuable services and resources the STARS center offers to support their academic and personal success at UMW. There will be some delicious goodies too!
For information about the Center services we provide, please visit us at: https://www.umw.edu/stars/
Best regards,
Justin Wilkes
Director, Student Transition, Access, & Retention Services / Call Me MiSTER
University of Mary Washington, Lee Hall 308
540-654-1726
stars@umw.edu umw.edu/stars/
Half Price Lunch for Faculty and Staff, Sept. 10
University Dining is showing their appreciation to UMW’s faculty and staff with a half-price lunch on Tuesday, September 10th at the Top of the CRUC. All you need to do is show your UMW faculty or staff ID at the door, and your meal will cost just $3.70!
Lunch service starts at 11am and ends at 2pm. If you have questions, contact Rose Benedict, University Marketing Manager, at rbenedic@umw.edu.
Coffee Talk: Managing Difficult Conversations, Sept. 10
The September Coffee Talk will take place Tuesday, Sept. 10, 8 to 9 a.m. at the *718 Venue, 718 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg. Parking is available at Riverfront Park, George Street Lot, Sophia Street Parking Deck and along Caroline Street. Register for the Coffee Talk.
*Attendees will receive a 10% discount on coffee from Italian Station when they mention they are there for the Coffee Talk session.
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Virginia Student Voting Summit, Sept. 13
Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project, in partnership with the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Community Engagement, is thrilled to announce the 7th annual Virginia Student Voting Summit! Students, administrators, and partners from across the Commonwealth will be coming together at the University of Mary Washington to discuss voting rights and the power of the youth vote on Friday, September 13th. The Voting Summit will be held in the Chandler Ballroom in the CRUC from 10:00-3:30. Students, faculty, and staff can register for the event here. Registration is free and a lunch is provided.
There is a session planned for 1:35-2:25 that will focus on civil discourse using the Living Room Conversations method and facilitated by Elizabeth Miller from the College of William & Mary.
Some of the workshop descriptions can be found below:
Ranked Choice Voting in Virginia, led by UpVote VA : An overview of how ranked choice voting works, the ways that voters benefit from RCV, the way it’s currently used in Virginia.
Bursting Out of the College Bubble, led by the Fredericksburg Office of Voter Registration and Elections: will focus on statistical evidence our office has collected about voter participation and will describe which areas and which groups of people are underrepresented in Elections.
The Power of the Disability Vote, led by REV UP Virginia/DRC Fredericksburg/ODR @UMW: The Power of the Disability Vote will explore barriers to voting that have been overcome by civil rights movements, common voting needs of students and people with disabilities, and the potential power of the disability vote. Participants will learn about resources like campus Disability Services Offices and REV UP Virginia, a statewide disability vote coalition.
Beyond the Ballot Box: Your Role in Advocacy Year-Round, led by Virginia League of Conservation Voters: Join us for an engaging workshop designed to empower students to take an active role in advocacy beyond election day.
Civic Engagement and Leadership Summit, Sept. 14
2024-25 Civic Engagement and Leadership Summit
Saturday, September 14 | 10 am – 5 pm | Chandler Ballroom
The James Farmer Multicultural Center will be hosting its tenth annual Civic Engagement & Leadership Summit. The purpose of the summit is to create a valuable and meaningful opportunity for students to learn more about the importance of voting and civic engagement in a broader sense, as well as enhance their awareness of social justice issues and learn about strategies and resources to effectively address and respond to them. This annual summit provides attendees with an opportunity to build coalitions across cultural barriers, strengthen advocacy, and support the promotion of an equal, equitable campus culture and climate at UMW and in American society. Please encourage students to attend this educational and empowering event. They may register at https://students.umw.edu/multicultural/social-justice-initiatives/social-justice-and-leadership-summit/. The registration deadline is Wednesday, September 12.