The University of Mary Washington was among the first five campuses in Virginia recognized by the Virginia Higher Education Substance Use Advisory Committee (VHESUAC) for its commitment to furthering student substance use education, prevention, recovery, and intervention efforts.

The University of Mary Washington, along with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Longwood University (LU), James Madison University (JMU), and Wytheville Community College (WCC) are the first to receive the recognition through a program launched this year by the advisory committee.

More than 70 competitors gathered at the University of Mary Washington’s Dahlgren Center for Education and Research on Saturday, Jan. 20, for the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby.

Over 70 competitors gathered at the University of Mary Washington’s Dahlgren Center for Education and Research on Saturday, Jan. 20, for a showcase of creativity, innovation, and friendly competition. The occasion was the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, now in its illustrious third year at the center. In 1953, the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby was instrumental in fostering creativity, teaching essential life skills, and promoting friendly competition. The competition, which involves crafting miniature wooden cars from regulated kits and racing them in a heat-styled event, had attracted a colossal crowd composed of zealous young aspirants willing to take on the challenge and supportive families cheering them on. Crafting a Pinewood Derby car involves ingenuity, creativity, and patience. Each participant starts with the same basic car kit, ensuring an even playing field for all, but the ultimate design, decoration, and fine-tuning are up to the individual competitor. This process provides a hands-on lesson in physics, engineering, art, and patience. Additionally, the event fosters a sense of community and camaraderie. It’s not just about the resulting miniature cars or even winning the race; it’s about the journey each scout embarks upon with friends, siblings, and parents. Working closely with their immediate community allows these young Cub Scouts to forge strong bonds, enhance their social skills, and create lifelong memories. Even amidst a digital age characterized by technology, video games, and virtual realities, the tactile and enduring appeal of the Pinewood Derby remains strong. Behind its traditional exterior lies the essence of numerous skills finely woven into the fabric of the event, rendering it an indispensable part of the Cub Scout program. The Cub Scout Pinewood Derby isn’t just a race but a crucible for character development, skill acquisition, and community strengthening. The burgeoning popularity of the event at the University of Mary Washington captures the spirit of the Pinewood Derby, mirroring its impact in over 110 countries encompassing the Cub Scouts community worldwide.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024 | 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

IN PERSON

LOCATION: Jepson Alumni and Executive Center | Kalnen Inn Living Room

1119 Hanover St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Street parking is available on Hanover Street.

Register for the February Coffee Talk

Join us at February’s Coffee Talk as we delve into The Power of Writing.

There are numerous benefits to writing things down. Writing helps you remember but it can also help you take a deeper dive into your feelings and make more informed decisions. This session will focus on the science behind the power of writing as well as some helpful tips on how to make the power of writing work for you.

February’s Coffee Talk will be led by Ms. Kimberly Young, Communications and Community Engagement Specialist for Caroline County Public Schools.

Dear UMW Faculty and Staff,

President Paino invites you to attend the All UMW Faculty and Staff Assembly on Wednesday, January 17 at 4 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall.  If you are unable to attend the assembly, please note that it will be recorded and made available on the UMW website.

Office of the President

As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, we are reminded that Dr. Martin Luther King’s sacrifice was an example to all. Despite the tense opposition he and other activists faced, his vision of bending the arc of justice in the right direction for historically marginalized groups was unbreakable. Even though the work is unfinished, his nonviolent approach to organizing and activism continues to be the blueprint for generations to achieve their goals and objectives. Join the James Farmer Multicultural Center as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wednesday, January 24th at 7PM in Chandler Ballroom at the Cedric Rucker University Center where the University of Mary Washington Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote Speaker Tylik M. McMillan will be speaking. Read more. 

The following message is from UMW Dining:

Welcome, new and returning students, faculty and staff!

Our entire University Dining team has been preparing for your arrival, and we have some great new options and refreshed concepts that we know you will enjoy!

Please take a few minutes to read the attached welcome letter before you come to campus. This information will help you navigate the changes and also help you take advantage of the many exciting dining options being offered this spring. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to e-mail us at dining@umw.edu or give us a call at 540-654-2169. We’ll be happy to assist you!

Meal Plans Activate at 5pm on Sunday, January 14th.
Dinner will be served at the Top of the CRUC from 5pm to 7pm. All students will need to present their EagleOne cards in order to pay for dinner with a meal swipe, flex or EagleOne funds. No other dining locations will be open on the 14th.

Holiday Dining Schedule for Monday, January 15th.
UMW is closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, so our dining locations are following the holiday schedule, as follows:

• Panera: Open 9 am to 8 pm
• Eagle’s Nest Market: Open 2 pm to 8 pm
• All other retail dining shoppes will be closed on January 15th.
• Top of the CRUC:
  • Continental Plus Breakfast: 7:30 am to 10 am
  • Brunch: 10 am to 2 pm
  • Dinner: 5 pm to 7 pm
• Note: The Top of the CRUC will be closed from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Tuesday, January 16th
All dining locations resume regular operating hours. Please check the Dining Near Me page on our website for the operating hours for each location.

Need Help? Just Ask! Everyone on our team will be glad to assist you, and we’ll be wearing red “Just Ask” buttons to help you identify us during the first week of school. Our Dining Concierge is also available on the 2nd floor of the CRUC by Panera between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm weekdays, or by calling 540-654-2169 at any time! If you have questions or concerns, please talk to us! Contact University Dining General Manager Kyle Kouri or email dining@umw.edu.

The following message is from New Student Programs and Administration and Finance:

UMW Colleagues,

We’re excited to welcome new students to campus this Friday, Jan. 12, for Orientation and the start of the spring semester. Activities will take place in the Cedric Rucker University Center throughout the day, with parking reserved in the George Washington and Jefferson Square lots from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024. While guest vehicles will remain in George Washington and Jefferson Square until the conclusion of Orientation, spaces that remain open after 10:00 a.m. may be used by UMW faculty and staff.

The full schedule is attached for your reference.

We appreciate everyone who plays a role in welcoming our newest Eagles. Please save-the-dates for the summer sessions:

Transfer Sessions

• June 5
• June 24
• July 12 (virtual)

First-Year Sessions (please note there are 6 First Year sessions this year instead of 5)

• June 6-7
• June 11-12
• June 13-14
• June 17-18
• June 20-21
• June 25-26

Combined Sessions (for First-Year and Transfer students)

• January 12 (spring entry students only)
• August 20

NEST Early Arrival Program – August 17-21

New Student Welcome – August 21-25

If you have any questions, contact Lillian Lester at llester@umw.edu.

A Conversation with Jin Wong ’97

Jin Wong ’97 is a Major League Baseball (MLB) executive with decades of experience working in MLB administration, most recently with the Kansas City Royals. Soon, he will join the Chicago White Sox as Vice President and Assistant General Manager.

Jin is returning to campus for a series of events with students and UMW Athletics, so we’ve arranged an opportunity for him to share his experiences with alumni, parents, and friends. Join us in Monroe Hall Room 116 on Thursday, January 18 from 7-7:45 p.m. Following the program, we will enjoy a light dessert reception.

There is no cost to attend this event, but registration is requested, as space is limited.

Register now.