With all the end-of-the-year activities the past couple weeks – Devil-Goat Day, Eagle Awards, ASPIRE Week and more – inboxes are crowded. We’re bumping EagleEye back up to the top today for anyone who missed yesterday’s edition.
Record Number of Nominations Powers UMW Eagle Awards for Exceptional Contributions
Adam McAninley received the Prince Woodard Emerging Leader Award and the Cedric Rucker Eagle Beyond Compare Award at the 2026 Eagle Awards ceremony, recognizing extraordinary contributions by individuals and organizations. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.
As Honor Council president, University of Mary Washington junior Adam McAninley upholds academic integrity across campus. He’s shared his school spirit as a campus tour guide, represented UMW students at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and interned on Capitol Hill.
Last week, McAninley, a double-major in political science and environmental science, earned more feathers to put in his cap, receiving not one but two honors – the Prince Woodard Emerging Leader Award and the Cedric Rucker Eagle Beyond Compare Award. The accolades were bestowed during the annual Eagle Awards event, held Thursday evening in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom.
From more than 200 nominations – a program record – the event awarded 32 honors to UMW students and administrators who’ve gone above and beyond, and organizations and programs that have made a significant impact on campus. Read more about UMW’s 2026 Eagle Awards.
UMW, City Celebrate Eagles Men’s Basketball National Championship
The University of Mary Washington celebrated its Men’s Basketball team’s NCAA Division III national championship win with a Fan Fest event that brought the community to UMW’s Anderson Center. The day held a flurry of festivities, including autograph and photo opportunities with the No. 1 team, the Eagles. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.
The University of Mary Washington’s Anderson Center was jumping last weekend with a crowd ready to celebrate a victory. And it was a big one.
The breathtaking buzzer-beating basket that won the Eagles Men’s Basketball team its first-ever NCAA Division III championship in Indianapolis on Easter Sunday sparked hugs and high-fives from coast to coast. Back home on Saturday, a community gathered to honor these love-of-the-sport student-athletes and their incredible run to the title.
“It wasn’t just a basket. It was a moment that will be talked about for decades to come,” Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine ’84 said of the historic win, made even more special for a team with no seniors. “You played with heart, you played with grit, and you played for the name on the front of your jersey. You have made Fredericksburg a championship city.”
The entire team – players and coaches – took a victory lap through town on an Eagle-spirit-trimmed trolley, with fans snapping pictures and flashing signs of support along the route. But when the vehicle, led by a police escort, chugged its way off of College Avenue and into the Fan Fest event in the Anderson Center parking lot, the party was really on. Read more about UMW Fan Fest.
UMW Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Theatre at Intersection With Campus and Community
The University of Mary Washington broke ground this week on a new theatre at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. K Pearlman Photography.
The groundwork has begun for a new theatre at the University of Mary Washington, as the campus community gathered on April 16, 2026, to celebrate with a groundbreaking ceremony. With construction set to begin this summer, following site preparation work this year, the idea of the building, or more accurately, the ideas that will thrive and come to life there, are already front and center.
“Today we aren’t just talking about a building. We are talking about an investment in creativity, collaboration and the hands-on learning that define a Mary Washington education,” said UMW Provost Tim O’Donnell. “This will be a teaching and learning laboratory designed to expand those opportunities with the space to create, experiment and grow.”
Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine ’84, referenced the new theatre as a cultural beacon to downtown and a front door to the arts, noting how the work, energy and creativity of the facility will be visible to everyone who passes by on William Street. Read more about UMW Groundbreaking for New Theatre.
All the World’s a Stage at UMW’s 36th Annual Multicultural Fair
The University of Mary Washington’s 36th annual Multicultural Fair welcomed thousands of visitors from the campus, local and regional communities last weekend. Each year, the event brings cultures from across the globe to UMW, with ethnic food, crafts vendors, entertainment, children’s activities and more. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.
Bright handmade bags swayed in the breeze, the plucky sound of Irish tunes drifted through the crowd, and the sweet scent of funnel cake filled the air Saturday at the University of Mary Washington’s Multicultural Fair.
Making its way across Campus Walk from the bell tower to Monroe Hall, and stretching onto Ball Circle, the 36th annual event is a mainstay at UMW, drawing thousands of visitors each year. It’s an eclectic cultural collection of music, dance, food, wares and more from across the globe – from the reggae sounds of Jamaica to the kung fu artistry of China. The free event is presented by the University’s James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC), in close collaboration with Mary Washington student organizations, campus partners, faculty and staff, and the Fredericksburg community.
“It’s just a fun day,” said Cameron Rico, a UMW junior and geography major who looked forward to sampling local honey and shopping for colorful clothes, but not as much as watching her roommates perform with their campus dance group. Read more about UMW’s 36th Annual Multicultural Fair.
UMW Student Earns Esteemed Goldwater Scholarship for Marine Study
UMW junior Edmund “Ned” Gable, an environmental science and chemistry double major, has earned the ultra-prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for his marine research; he’s pictured here examining coral as part of UMW’s study abroad program in Bonaire. Photo from Ned Gable.
At 12 years old, Edmund “Ned” Gable plunged into a tidepool at the Monterey Bay Aquarium during a visit to California. Surrounded by a parade of starfish, grouper and wolf eel, he was captivated by the underwater world.
Almost a decade later, that early fascination with marine life hasn’t faded. Now a junior at the University of Mary Washington, Gable’s ocean and environmental research has earned him a Barry Goldwater Scholarship – one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate awards in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. The scholarship was created in honor of late U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater, who had an interest in science and technology.
“Ned epitomizes the ideals of the Goldwater Foundation,” said Professor of Chemistry Kelli Slunt, who directs the UMW Honors Program, of which Gable is a member. “His strong commitment to a research career, intellectual intensity and potential for significant future contributions to research make him well deserving of this recognition.” Read more about UMW Student Earns Esteemed Goldwater Scholarship for Marine Study.
UMW and Four Students Receive Top Billing Statewide for Internships
The University of Mary Washington received statewide recognition this month for its internship program and top student interns.
The University of Mary Washington received statewide recognition this month for its internship program – and for its students, who bring classroom knowledge into the workplace and, in turn, gain on-the-job experience in the Fredericksburg region and beyond.
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) named UMW to its 2026 Top Virginia Employers for Interns list early this month, recognizing the University’s efforts to establish high-impact, career-launching opportunities across the Commonwealth. A week later, SCHEV shared its Top 50 list of Virginia interns, which includes Mary Washington students Matthew Clinton, Miranda Herd, MacKenzie Martin and Sarah Moon.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the University of Mary Washington and our students during National Internship Awareness Month. We’re in excellent company with the other organizations being recognized in our region and across Virginia,” said Career and Workforce Director of Regional Partnerships Devin T. Fedor. “UMW is proud to serve as a role model for expanding work-based learning opportunities and boosting student career readiness, both key goals of the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership.” Read more about UMW and Four Students Receive Top Billing Statewide for Internships.
UMW Students Post Strong Showing on National Latin Exam as Program Grows
University of Mary Washington’s James Farmer Hall is headquarters of the National Latin Exam administered to more than 100,000 students in all 50 states and internationally each year. This year, 18 UMW students earned accolades for their top marks on the exam. Photo by Norm Shafer.
Students at the University of Mary Washington have achieved standout results on this year’s National Latin Exam, with 18 earning top distinctions. The total more than doubles last year’s seven honorees and reflects continued momentum for UMW’s growing classical studies program.
Taken by more than 100,000 students annually across all 50 states and internationally, the National Latin Exam recognizes achievement in Latin language and culture, with questions spanning grammar, vocabulary, Roman history, classical literature and mythology. The exam is based at Mary Washington, with its home office in James Farmer Hall, and is sponsored by the American Classical League.
Among this year’s honorees, three students earned the highest distinction of Gold Summa Cum Laude, four received Silver Maxima Cum Laude, six earned Magna Cum Laude and five achieved Cum Laude recognition. Read more about UMW Students’ Strong Showing on the National Latin Exam.
New Medical Office Manager Course to Help Meet Community Health Needs
The Certified Medical Office Manager certification course, presented by UMW Career and Professional Development, is scheduled to take place Fridays, April 10 through May 8, at the Stafford Campus. Photo by Norm Shafer.
When a medical office runs well, patients feel it. That’s the thinking behind a new University of Mary Washington opportunity that pulls double duty for the Fredericksburg area – meeting the educational needs of healthcare professionals while addressing the medical needs of the broader community.
The Certified Medical Office Manager certification course, presented by UMW Career and Professional Development, is scheduled to take place Fridays, April 10 through May 8, at the Stafford Campus. It’s specifically designed for those aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare administration, offering a national, industry-standard credential for practice managers, medical office administrators and healthcare supervisors.
“This course is the latest example of how UMW is reaching out to address the educational needs of healthcare professionals in our community,” said Associate Provost of Career and Workforce Kimberly Young. “Having these certified professionals working locally will not only help their careers but address the need for improved healthcare services available to the public.” Read more about the New Medical Office Manager Course.
Eagles Men’s Basketball Nets Spirited Send-Off Before Championship Game
A crowd of students, administrators, community members and university friends gathered on Ball Circle for a spirited send-off for UMW Men’s Basketball. The team competes against Emory University for the NCAA Division III national championship title on Sunday, April 5. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.
With music, cheers and a burst of streamers, the University of Mary Washington community gathered Tuesday evening to send off the men’s basketball team ahead of its first NCAA Division III national championship appearance.
The Soar & Roar Send-Off brought together students, faculty, staff, families and local supporters for a spirited celebration of the Eagles’ historic season. Wearing UMW gear and waving fan-favorite foam fingers, attendees packed the Ball Circle lawn to wish the team well, while members of the UMW Pep Band and Pep Dance team, and the school’s mascot, Sammy D. Eagle, added to the off-court energy.
Associate Provost for Community Relations and Compliance Shavonne Shorter kicked off the rally with remarks celebrating the team’s accomplishments.
“If you are excited about being a part of this historic moment, make some noise,” said Shorter, who chronicled the team’s season-long journey, listing wins earned across the country. “And guess what, y’all, they’re not done yet.” Read more about Eagles Men’s Basketball Nets Spirited Send-Off Before Championship Game.