Dear UMW Faculty and Staff,

President Paino invites you to join him at a Conversations with the President session, offering an informal opportunity to share insights and engage in candid discussions that are aligned with our community values and in support of making University of Mary Washington the best it can be.  Occasionally, the sessions may focus on a particular issue facing us or may include other leaders who represent areas critical to institutional progress.

The following sessions is the final one being offered for this semester:

• Wednesday, April 3         3:30-4:30 p.m., HCC Digital Auditorium

Thank you.

Office of the President

The following message is from the Division of Students Affairs and Administration and Finance:

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

We’re eager to share with you a planned renovation project for the pool in Goolrick Hall. This project, which started last summer with an evaluation and some mechanical repairs, now continues with additional maintenance and improvements to the pool that will provide a better experience for all its users. This next phase of work requires draining the pool to check the drains and systems, replace tiles, and ensure the pool is code compliant. The pool deck will also be replaced.

The pool in Goolrick Hall will be closed beginning Monday, March 18, for renovations extending through the summer. It is anticipated to re-open in the early part of the fall 2024 semester for the start of fall sports and activities.

We understand that this closure impacts many swimmers and other patrons, and we’ve worked closely with our athletics teams, club sports, and frequent users to minimize disruptions during their seasons and training schedules. Please reach out to Campus Recreation at campusrec@umw.edu if you need alternative pool recommendations for your activities. The Fitness Center, auxiliary gym and main gym, along with primary locker rooms, remain open. Additionally, we encourage patrons to take advantage of a variety of group fitness offerings viewable here.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain our recreation facilities and upgrade the pool. We look forward to welcoming you back to the water in the fall semester and will communicate updates to the plan or schedule changes as we start the fall semester. For more information on this project and other construction and renovation projects on campus, please visit the Facilities Operations website.

Vice President for Student Affairs Juliette Landphair
Vice President for Administration and Finance and CFO Craig Erwin

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Associate Professor of Education Jane Huffman, who was the program director for post-baccalaureate initial licensure, advanced, and non-degree programs in the College of Education.  A faculty member at UMW for 17 years, she brought a wealth of knowledge to the classroom and encouraged students to be innovative in their classrooms.

Throughout her work, Jane kept an open mind about new and engaging teaching methods including the use of hands-on problem-based learning strategies. She integrated the use of Lego bricks in her teaching methods classes, which inspired and led to the Lego wall in the Seacobeck Makerspace. In 2018, she was recognized with the Graduate Faculty Award. The honor showcases an exceptional full-time faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in graduate teaching and professional leadership in a graduate program.

Jane was actively engaged in leadership for many years at the state level with the Association of Colleges of Teacher Education in Virginia, where she served as the executive director and as president, and the Association for Teacher Educators. Locally, she was civically engaged and served on the advisory board at Ferry Farm and gave tours there. She previously was chair and a tenured associate professor at UNC Pembroke, and also had a deep love of Virginia Tech, her alma mater for her Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction. She also earned an M.S. in educational media and a B.S. in history and social studies from Radford University.

She will be deeply missed by the College of Education, the campus community, and the many students and teachers whom she connected with through the years.  A small family service is being planned, and those wishing to send condolences are requested to make a donation to their favorite animal welfare charity in memory of Jane and her love of her cats, in lieu of sending flowers.

The staff members at the Talley Center for Counseling Services are here for any student who may need immediate support. Contact the center at 540-654-1053 for options or visit the Talley Center website for additional resources. UMW students also have on-demand, free access to mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via TimelyCare, an online service accessed via a web browser or app. Go to timelycare.com/umw to access the service using single sign-on (you’ll access it with your UMW NetID – just using umw.edu at the end).

For faculty and staff, information about the Employee Assistance Program, which is available at no cost with state employee health insurance plans, may be accessed through the Human Resources website.

Timothy M. O’Donnell
Provost
University of Mary Washington

Bonnie’s obituary as published by The Free Lance-Star on March 10, 2024:

Bonnie Sue Sievert, formerly Bonnie Sue Hailey, was born on January 10, 1948, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Harold and Audrey Hailey. She passed away on February 15, 2024, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, at the age of 76.

Bonnie dedicated many years of her life to the University of Mary Washington, where she worked diligently until her retirement in 2012. Her commitment and hard work left a lasting impact on all those she encountered.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Bonnie found immense joy in her hobbies. Her greatest love was her family and friends, and her garden was a testament to her passion for cultivating beautiful plants and flowers. Her nurturing spirit and green thumb brought beauty and solace to all who visited her garden.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband, Rick; son Chris Clore and daughter-in-law Karel; grandchildren Tyler, Patrick, and Aaron; sisters Joyce Moore (Wayne) and Kay Burrell (Rod); nephews Tim Eutsler, Shawn Eutsler, Nick Burrell, and niece Christin Perry, and numerous great -nieces and nephews.

Bonnie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her warmth, kindness, and green-fingered talents. May she rest in peace.

Join us at March’s Coffee Talk as we delve into Purposeful Pivots on Tuesday, March 12, from 8 to 9 a.m., at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center’s Kalnen Inn Living Room, 1119 Hanover St. Register for the March Coffee Talk.

When life throws us a curve ball it requires us to pivot, and for some that curve ball is your pain that determines your purpose. Turning pain into purpose takes courage that will create new growth opportunities. Purposeful pivots are cultivated and a continual process that require us to be intentionally focused. We nurture healthy relationships and we use creative strategies to build our life strategic plan to create legacy.

March’s Coffee Talk will be led by Juanita Shanks, Founder & CEO of Failsafe-ERA, a non-profit organization in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is designed to provide transformative services to families and individuals impacted by incarceration. Since the inception of FailSafe-ERA in 2009, Juanita’s passion to help the justice-involved and families impacted by incarceration derives from her walk through the criminal justice system with her son. Although he passed away at an early age her fight for reform did not end with his death, it was magnified. One of her greatest accomplishments is the Inaugural Hall of Change where 17 returning citizens (formerly incarcerated) were inducted into the FailSafe-ERA Hall of Change as Agents of Change.

Juanita is a Veteran of the United States Army. She has 35 years of experience in the Federal Government, from which she retired August 2017. She held several management positions with responsibility for providing enterprise-wide policy and support in the areas of human resources, installations management, strategic

planning, operations, and budget. One of her greatest accomplishments was championing the Defense Logistics Agency’s resiliency and wellness program campaign for 25,000+ civilian and military personnel.

Juanita is a certified John Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker. She is committed to helping individuals better understand their purpose through intentional learning and living. She is a Dr. Amen Certified Brain Health Trainer where her passion lies in removing the stigma of mental health and helping others understand the importance of taking care of their brain. Juanita is a change management strategist, constantly called upon to help individuals develop their personal change management strategy and to provide guidance and direction on building a non-profit organization. She is also the author of Building Your Spiritual House: Pathway to the Next Level and iQonquer Moving Past the Pains “It takes courage to Evolve and Grow”, as well as the recipient of numerous awards.

The following message is from the Office of Administration and Finance:

The following space and lot reservations will be in effect beginning March 12, 2024:

• Tuesday, March 12: Double Drive Inbound and Outbound median parking spaces will be closed for tree work from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Five spaces in the GW lot will be reserved for admissions guest parking.
• Wednesday, March 13: the George Washington lot will be reserved for the Evolving Practices Conference from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.  While guest vehicles will remain in the GW lot until the conclusion of the conference, spaces that remain open after 1:30 p.m. may be used by UMW faculty and staff.
• Thursday, March 14, 2024:
  • The George Washington parking lot and 19 spaces on Double Drive will be reserved from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy Graduation.
  • The Thornton Street parking lot is reserved from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. for the Women’s Breakfast.  While guest vehicles will remain in Thornton Street until the conclusion of the event, spaces that remain open after 9:00 a.m. may be used by UMW faculty and staff.
• Friday, March 15, 2024: Double Drive Outbound parking spaces will be closed for tree work from 7:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Parking for faculty and staff will remain available in all other designated faculty and staff lots.

As a reminder:

• Accessible parking spaces are available in all open lots to any vehicles with DMV-issued accessible placards or license plates.
• The UMW Police Department provides escorts when needed and may be reached at ext. 1025. Please visit the Safety Escort webpage for more information.

For a calendar view of lot reservations visit the Parking Lot Reservations Calendar webpage. Please contact Parking Management with any parking related questions: parking@umw.edu, 540/654-1129.

The University of Mary Washington Dining team is hosting a breakfast on March 14 to celebrate women who have made a difference in our campus community, or in the broader Fredericksburg community. Women like yourself, who are role models, who break barriers and who lead by example, whether behind the scenes or in the limelight, are being invited to join for an “InHer Circle” Breakfast, the first of what we hope will become annual celebrations.

The breakfast program will feature Susan J. Coleman, one of our area’s most accomplished, respected, and sought-after motivational speakers. She’s truly a remarkable woman, and we know that she’ll challenge, encourage, and uplift each individual in attendance, no matter where they are in their life’s journey. Everyone, whether they’re women working in academia, serving in our community, holding down a 9 to 5 job, caring for families, operating a small business, or running a major corporation, need to have moments when they can connect with each other, laugh together, learn about, and even inspire one another. We invite you to enjoy these moments, plus some pretty terrific food prepared by our outstanding Chefs, at our inaugural “In Her Circle” Breakfast.  We hope you’ll join us!

Where, When, How & Who:

Where: Chandler Ballroom in the Cedric Rucker University Center located on College Avenue between Payne and Parcel Streets.  A map with parking areas noted is attached with this e-mail.

When: Thursday, March 14th from 9am to 10:30am.

How: Please RSVP by March 7 to let us know whether you’ll be able to attend. We’ve created an online Google Reservation form that you can access using this LINK.

Who: If for some reason you are unable to use the link, or you need additional information, please call or e-mail Rose Benedict, University Dining Marketing Manager at 540.654.2169 / rbenedic@umw.edu.