Hundreds of first-year students called UMW home for the first time this week. Move-In Day, which took place earlier this week on the Fredericksburg campus, marked the official start of the fall 2017 semester. Photographer Norm Shafer  captured some scenes:

It’s time for nominations to be submitted for three of our University Recognition Awards. We will continue our celebration of excellence with the announcement of this year’s nominees, their champions, and the award recipients at the fall staff luncheon event on October 17.

Charles Coleman Memorial Service Award: (supervisor nominations only): Charles Coleman was an employee of 29 years who demonstrated pride, dedication, and loyalty throughout his many years of service. This award was established in honor of his memory and exemplary service.  All classified and hourly employees with at least 5 years of continuous employment are eligible for the award.  Nomination submission should be submitted by:  Noon, September 5, 2017

Richard V. and Rosemary A. Hurley Presidential Commendation: (nominate a colleague):  The intent of this award is to honor Mr. and Mrs. Hurley, who have consistently demonstrated a desire to recognize and reward outstanding service of University employees, and who have led by example in their work at Mary Washington.  The benefactors of the award, Elmer and Marceline Weatherly Morris, Class of 1950, hope this commendation will serve as a permanent reminder of the appreciation that the Mary Washington community feels for the Hurleys’ service and desire for it to be a source of inspiration for future members of the University’s staff to serve the institution in the dedicated manner epitomized by the Hurleys.  UMW employees, with preference for an administrative/professional faculty member are eligible for the award.  Nomination submission should be submitted by:  Noon, September 5, 2017.

Staff Advisory Council’s Larry Atkins Staff Awards: The Staff Advisory Council recognizes UMW employees who are the unsung heroes of our offices.  Larry Atkins was one of the first employees to receive the S.A.C. “We Couldn’t Do it Without You Award,” which has since been renamed in his memory. Any administrative faculty, wage, and/or classified employee may be nominated. Three UMW employees will be selected, one from each of the above classifications.

Please visit the University Recognition Awards webpage for award selection criteria, nomination procedures, and the online nomination form for each award above. For more information, contact Terri Arthur at tlockhar@umw.edu

It’s that time of year again. Time to submit nominations for three of our University Recognition Awards.

We will continue our celebration of excellence with the announcement of this year’s nominees, their champions and the award recipients at the fall staff luncheon event on October 17.

• Charles Coleman Memorial Service Award (supervisor nominations only): Charles Coleman was an employee of 29 years who demonstrated pride, dedication, and loyalty throughout his many years of service. This award was established in honor of his memory and exemplary service.  All classified and hourly employees with at least five years of continuous employment are eligible for the award.  Nomination submissions are due by noon on September 5, 2017

• Richard V. and Rosemary A. Hurley Presidential Commendation (nominate a colleague):  The intent of this award is to honor Mr. and Mrs. Hurley, who have consistently demonstrated a desire to recognize and reward outstanding service of University employees, and who have led by example in their work at Mary Washington.  The benefactors of the award, Elmer and Marceline Weatherly Morris, Class of 1950, hope this commendation will serve as a permanent reminder of the appreciation that the Mary Washington community feels for the Hurleys’ service and desire for it to be a source of inspiration for future members of the University’s staff to serve the institution in the dedicated manner epitomized by the Hurleys. UMW employees, with preference for an administrative/professional faculty member, are eligible for the award.  Nomination submissions are due by noon on September 5, 2017. 
• Larry Atkins Award: This award recognizes UMW employees who are unsung heroes in our offices, lend a helping hand to their teammates, go above and beyond in each and every task, and set a positive example for others. Employees can be honored by their teammates and coworkers, and the winners will receive $100. The Staff Advisory Council chooses one wage, one classified and one administrative professional faculty employee for the award. Winners will be announced at the Fall Employee Luncheon on October 17. Nomination submissions are due by 5 p.m. on September 15, 2017.
  Please visit the University Recognition Awards webpage for award selection criteria, nomination procedures, and the online nomination form for each award above.
  For more information contact Terri Arthur at tlockhar@umw.edu.
  Don’t forget to save the date for the Employee Fall Luncheon on October 17, 2017 (more information to follow)!

During the week, Maria Schultz is assistant director for design services in UMW’s University Relations department. When she’s not working, though, her favorite place to be is on the water, with her dogs.

UMW’s Maria Schultz paddle-boarding with her dogs, Kona and Riley. Photo courtesy Melissa Colombo

Schultz lists paddle-camping and stand-up paddle-boarding with her two dogs, Kona and Riley, among her passions. “It’s really the perfect weekend,” she said.

Schultz maintains an Instagram account dedicated to this pastime and to her sporty canines, sponsored in part by Zuke’s, a Durango, Colorado-based company that makes dog treats. She posts accounts of her water adventures on a regular basis.

Schultz published a book last year titled Paddle Tails: Reflections on people and dogs who find balance on the water, along with UMW’s Lisa Chinn Marvashti. And in 2013, Schultz published How to SUP with your PUP: A guide to stand-up paddle-boarding with your dog.

Jen Sotolongo, a National Geographic writer, knew of Schultz from her work with Zuke’s, and decided to include her in a feature that showcases nine other athletes with their animal compadres. The National Geographic story shows Schultz on the Shenandoah River, one of her favorite spots. “The western bank is state park, so you can camp anywhere.”

“I’m known as the girl who paddles with her dogs,” she said. “Paddle-boarding is our thing.”

Visit http://on.natgeo.com/2u177vW to read more about Schultz’s adventures. And to follow her (and Kona and Riley) on Instagram, go to http://bit.ly/2uXdOlP