Does your department have unneeded office supplies sitting around? Perhaps there is another department that could use them! The USC is holding a Supplies Swap on Friday, March 29, 2024 in Lee Hall 412, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. You can drop your items off at 11:00 am, and shop around for supplies your department could use. Folks should feel free to come by to have a look any time between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Untaken items need to be picked back up at 2:00 pm. (We’ll text you if you need to come back for pickup.) If you have items that are too large to bring, you can leave a picture, description, and contact info. Questions can be directed to Lauren Bass at lbass@umw.edu or Sarah Appleby at sappleby@umw.edu.
Society of Physics Students Colloquium, March 29

Margaret Gregory ’21
A colloquium sponsored by the Society of Physics Students and hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Physics, titled “Near-surface transport in and around Cape Cod Bay, its seasonal variability and response to wind,” will take place on Friday, March 29, at 4 p.m. in Jepson 225.
Margaret Gregory ’21 will present the talk.
Motivated by the potential release of radioactive wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) into Cape Cod Bay, this talk will discuss near-surface transport in and around Cape Cod Bay. Key questions include: what are the dominant transport pathways, how do they vary in time on seasonal to interannual scales, and what is the role of wind in driving this variability? In order to determine the probable spreading pathways of a hypothetical wastewater plume, a Lagrangian approach is adapted in which large ensembles of simulated trajectories are estimated using velocity fields obtained from a high-resolution numerical model. Statistical methods are then applied to the large ensembles of trajectories in order to characterize the transport.
Contact SPS President Carly Healy at chealy2@mail.umw.edu with questions.
Dining Services Presents 2024 Health Fair, April 3
Dining Services presents the 2024 Health Fair on Wednesday, April 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom.
It’s a free Health Fair for the entire Fredericksburg area community, with information, free food and product samples, and door prizes (including a $100 VISA Card).
Chair massages and blood pressure checks will take place throughout the fair.
There is still room for additional vendors, and volunteers are needed to help set up the vendor booths. Contact Rose Benedict at rbenedic@umw.edu.
For more information, contact University Dining at 540-654-2169 or Dining@UMW.edu.
Conversations With the President Session, April 3
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
Goolrick Hall Pool Closed for Renovations Through Summer
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 LandphairVice President for Administration and Finance and CFO Craig Erwin
Sharing Sad News in the Passing of Associate Professor of Education Jane Huffman
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’DonnellProvostUniversity of Mary Washington
Sharing Sad News of the Passing of Bonnie Sievert
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.
Free Lunch & Salsa Making Demo, March 11
Get a free lunch on Monday, March 11th! As their “Welcome Back from Spring Break” gift to UMW’s faculty and staff, University Dining is offering everyone a free lunch in the Restaurants at the Top of the CRUC on Monday between 11 am and 2pm. Just show the cashier your EagleOne ID card when you arrive, and then enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat lunch from a wide variety of cuisines.
As an added bonus, between 12pm and 1pm Brooke Tresch, the Regional Dietitian, will be demonstrating how to make healthy salsas. The first five students, or members of the faculty and staff, to arrive and sign up to participate in the demonstration, will get to help make the salsas, and everyone will get an opportunity to sample them.
For those who have never dined in the Restaurants at the Top of the CRUC, this is a great opportunity to learn about the available options. The menu can be viewed in advance by getting the Everyday by Sodexo app on your smart phone, and then searching for Mary Washington. If you would like more information, contact Rose Benedict, rbenedic@UMW.edu.
Coffee Talk: Purposeful Pivots, March 12
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.
Parking Changes for Double Drive, GW lot, Thornton St. lot, March 12-15
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.