What's New @ UMW Archives

Thank You to the Co-Facilitators of the Common Read 2019!

August 29, 2019 by jlaiacon

Book cover of Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

The Common Read Committee would like to extend a big thank you to this year’s Common Read discussion facilitators! The Common Read couldn’t have happened without your time, effort, and willingness to engage over 900 incoming Eagles! Sixty-four freshman seminar sections discussed Tara Westover’s Educated: A Memoir, facilitated by approximately 140 upper-class students, faculty, staff, and members of the UMW community. As the first academic experience, first-year students had a voice in the discussion of themes in the book, including family, class, gender expression, and education (of course!). We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this a successful campus-wide discussion!

UMW to Host Four District Debates Starting Next Week

August 28, 2019 by jlaiacon

The University of Mary Washington will host four debates in the coming weeks between candidates running this November for Fredericksburg-area seats in the Senate of Virginia and the Commonwealth’s House of Delegates.

The first, the 28th District Senate Debate, will take place on Thursday, Sept. 5, inside University Hall at UMW’s Stafford Campus, 121 University Boulevard.

Two area House race debates will follow. The 28th District House Debate on Wednesday, Sept. 18, and the 88th District House Debate on Friday, Sept. 20, will take place on UMW’s Fredericksburg campus in Lee Hall, Room 411. On Tuesday, Oct. 29, the 17th District Senate Debate will be held in Monroe Hall, Room 346, also on the Fredericksburg Campus.

All four debates will begin at 7 p.m.

‘Washington Monthly’ Praises UMW’s Commitment to Service

August 28, 2019 by jlaiacon

UMW made the Best Master’s Universities and Best Bang for the Buck lists in Washington Monthly’s 2019 College Rankings guide. Unlike some other guides, the publication bases its measurements on service.

The University of Mary Washington kicked off the Fall 2019 semester by racking up a ranking based on one of its core principles – service.

As students hurried across campus on the first official day of classes, Washington Monthly today released its 2019 College Rankings, placing UMW among the nation’s elite by including it in not one but two categories: Best Master’s Universities and Best Bang for the Buck. Departing from measurements used by other college guides, Washington Monthly distinguishes itself as “rating schools based on what they do for the country and the public good.” Since 2005, the magazine has ranked institutions on their ability to promote upward mobility, produce scholars and scholarship, and encourage students to be active citizens.

Adventure Brewing to Open Second Site in Eagle Village

August 28, 2019 by jlaiacon

Adventure Brewing – Eagle Village is set to open in late fall in the space previously occupied by Blackstone Coffee.

The University of Mary Washington Foundation announced today that the Eagle Village space that formerly housed Blackstone Coffee will become home to a different type of brew. Adventure Brewing Company, based in Stafford, will open a second location in the section of Eagle Village that fronts Jefferson Davis Highway.

Adventure Brewing’s owners, Tim Bornholtz, Stan Johnson and Russ Patishnock, said the move has been part of the company’s strategic plan to have a facility within the City of Fredericksburg. “This location is one more way we can expand the adventurous spirit that has long been part of our core business plan,” Patishnock said. “We are thrilled to be able to provide our amazing line of craft beer and hard seltzers that we are recognized for.”

Mary Washington Names New Baseball Coach

August 27, 2019 by jlaiacon

The University of Mary Washington announced the hire of Kelly Swiney as the new baseball coach. He is only the third man to lead the program in its three-decade history. He previously spent two seasons at Westminster College, and spent nine years at his alma mater, Allegheny College, before that. Read more.

UMW Museums Featured in Civil War Magazine

August 27, 2019 by jlaiacon

University of Mary Washington museums, Gari Melchers Home and Studio and the James Monroe Museum, were both highlighted in the fall quarterly issue of The Civil War Monitor magazine. Read more.

SlideFXBG Returns This Saturday

August 22, 2019 by jlaiacon

Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen because SlideFXBG returns this Saturday, Aug. 31 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m! The three-lane, 1,000-foot slip-and-slide moves from Hanover to William St. this year, and will start from just below the intersection on College Ave. and runs to the intersection of Sunken Road.

SlideFXBG is open to young and old, but sliders must be at least 40 inches tall and must use an inflatable tube. Tickets, which cost $27, are available at slidefxbg.com in two-hour blocks that begin at 11 a.m. No one will be able to enter the line for the slide after 6:45 p.m.

Volunteers from University of Mary Washington athletic teams will be on hand to assist with set up, quality control, breakdown and cleanup. Fredericksburg’s Economic Development Authority will make a donation to UMW Athletics for their work.

President Paino: UMW Fosters Connections, Community

August 19, 2019 by jlaiacon

Mary Washington President Troy Paino spoke with faculty and staff during the All-UMW Assembly. The University is gearing up to welcome a new class of students. Photo by Norm Shafer.

What makes Mary Washington shine in Virginia’s intensely competitive higher-education environment? According to President Troy Paino, it’s connections and a sense of community. He delivered that message at his All-UMW Assembly on Friday, where he shared accomplishments, updates and reflections with a roomful of faculty and staff, as the campus prepares to welcome a new and diverse class of students this week.

In a world where news headlines show that human bonds are increasingly frayed, Paino told the crowd in Dodd Auditorium, Mary Washington is “a place where transformative relationships are formed.” He pointed to studies that show college graduates attribute their future success to three factors: mentorship experiences, opportunities to apply learning outside the classroom and a strong sense of community. That’s precisely what UMW offers, Paino said. Read more.

Gallagher Receives Topher Bill Service Award

August 19, 2019 by jlaiacon

Jackie Gallagher, associate professor of geography, is this year’s Topher Bill Service Award recipient.

Jackie Gallagher, associate professor of geography at the University of Mary Washington, has been recognized with the J. Christopher (Topher) Bill Outstanding Faculty Service Award for her contributions to UMW and her involvement and leadership in the greater community. The award was presented at the University’s opening faculty meeting on Monday, August 19.

Announcing the award, Parrish Waters, chair of the Sabbaticals, Fellowships and Faculty Awards Committee and assistant professor of biology, said Gallagher has shown a remarkable dedication to UMW students and faculty as well as the Fredericksburg community.

“[Dr. Gallagher] has worked for years to establish meaningful relationships with local K-12 schools that introduce students and educators to the tools and curriculum of her discipline and foster intellectual excitement for this material. Her engagement in community service extends beyond the classroom, as she applies her scientific knowledge of water, weather and climate to improve and enhance local natural resources.” Read more.

UMW Welcomes Class of 2023

August 18, 2019 by jlaiacon

Move-In Day 2019. Photo by Suzanne Rossi.

For eagles, building a nest is a bonding activity. The same could be said for the 900-plus first-year students who on Wednesday made the University of Mary Washington their home.

Move-In Day 2019.

Residence halls opened their doors to the Class of 2023, who arrived with parents, siblings, pets and armloads of bedding and clothes, as well as furniture, mini-fridges, laptops and shower caddies. They immediately began making connections with fellow students, and President Troy Paino and wife Kelly, who – along with UMW staff – were on hand to help with the hauling. The freshmen strategically placed personal mementos and Mary Washington gear around their rooms, to remind them of the people who gave them their wings and those who’ll help them take flight.

The incoming students have a lot in common, especially their brains. Their average GPA is 3.63 and average SAT score is 1179. Nearly a quarter are the first in their families to attend college, and 102 have enrolled in UMW’s Honors Program. But there are differences, too.

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