August 14, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Dr. Wilder Announces Retirement

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Last week, Dr. Marty Wilder, Chief of Staff, formally notified me of his intention to retire effective Sept. 1, 2017. While Marty’s pending retirement will be a great loss to UMW generally and me particularly, we are grateful for all he has done for the University during his many years of dedicated and excellent service. His retirement is well deserved, and I offer my sincere thanks for all of Marty’s work at UMW, serving for more than 30 years in the areas of admissions, financial aid, student services, and for the past seven years as Chief of Staff.

 

Troy Paino

President

SAC News

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#MaryWashDay Makes History!  Mary Wash Giving Day marked the largest single-day fundraising effort in Mary Washington history. In just 24 hours, 1,112 donors made gifts to areas across the University totaling $194,870. Held on the 109th anniversary of UMW’s founding, #MaryWashDay was promoted across social media as “a chance to put your Mary Washington pride into action by giving back to University programs and students.”

Health & Wellness Fair & Information Session:  On Tuesday, March 28, Campus Dining by Sodexo and the Office of Human Resources are sponsoring a special two-part Health & Wellness Fair in Chandler Ballroom at the University Center.  Part 1: 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Showcase for UMW Employees. Meet with representatives from our retirement vendors, all of our health & dental insurance companies, Weight Watchers, Commonhealth, NSWC Federal Credit Union, PNC and Virginia Credit Union.  Vendors will have giveaways and a grand door prize.  Part 2: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For the entire UMW community. Exhibits, freebies and demonstrations offered from providers of products and services that promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness.  Additionally, on Wednesday, March 29, there will be a Health & Wellness Info Session at the Stafford Campus from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in University Hall.  For staff, faculty and students at the Stafford Campus, this is a great opportunity to learn about the health and wellness resources available at UMW.

Multicultural Fair Volunteers Needed:  The James Farmer Multicultural Center is seeking volunteers for the 27th Annual Multicultural Fair taking place on April 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students, faculty and staff can contribute in a multitude of ways by helping with set-up/take-down, serving as an MC for stage performances, helping to hand out programs and helping to keep our campus clean during the Fair.  Visit their website http://students.umw.edu/multicultural/fair/volunteering/ to complete the form and let us know you are interested in volunteering. If you have any questions, please email JoAnna Raucci at jraucci@umw.edu or call the James Farmer Multicultural Center at 540/654-1044.

April SAC Meeting:  Our April meeting will be Thursday, April 20, at the Stafford Campus South Building Room 208 at 1 p.m. You do not have to be a member of the S.A.C. to attend – all are welcome!

Excellent Eagle Employee Program: Nominate your co-workers, supervisor or employees for the Excellent Eagle Employee award. It’s easy! Just complete the Excellent Eagle Employee nomination form on our website. Take some time to nominate someone today! Winners get reserved parking on campus for the month.

#1 F.A.N. (Fantastic Action Noticed) In addition to the Excellent Eagle program, you can also recognize a colleague using HR’s #1 F.A.N. program. Did you experience exceptional customer service or awesome collaboration? If so, nominate the person or people involved in that experience. Complete the #1 F.A.N. form on the HR website, and your colleague will be able to choose a UMW spirit item as a token of appreciation.

Newsletter, Social Media and Other Information: You’ll find important information in SAC’s monthly newsletter. Check it out and all of the information on our website, including a list of our new members. If you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow us @UMW_S.A.C.!

 

#MaryWashDay Makes History

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The UMW community came together in a big way on March 14, 2017. Mary Wash Giving Day marked the largest single-day fundraising effort in Mary Washington history. In just 24 hours, 1,112 donors made gifts to areas across the University totaling $194,870.*

final-result-screenshot-for-instagramHeld on the 109th anniversary of UMW’s founding, #MaryWashDay was promoted across social media as “a chance to put your Mary Washington pride into action by giving back to University programs and students.”

Alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends of the University stepped up in force, exceeding the original goal of 654 donors before 5 p.m. The stretch goal of 1,000 donors was met before 10 p.m., unlocking a spontaneous $5,000 challenge match from an anonymous alumna. More than 30 Mary Washington alumni, parents, faculty and friends sponsored nearly $50,000 in challenge matches throughout the day, doubling the impact of donors’ gifts.

“The Mary Washington community near and far came together to give back in a big way,” President Troy Paino said in a video message to donors. “Thanks to your generosity, we’ll be able to strengthen our tradition of excellence and meet students’ needs.”

Watch the #MaryWashDay video now!

SAC News

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Chili Cook-Off (and Cornbread Bake-Off) Winners!  Congratulations to all the Chili Cook-Off and Cornbread Bake-Off winners!  For Chili, first place went to Arin Doerfler, second place went to James DeLoatch and third place went to Linda Falden. Linda Falden took first place in the Cornbread Bake-Off with Alicia Osborne coming in second and Jay Sullivan coming in third. Thank you to all our other chefs as well: Julie Smith, Angela Brau, Vickie Chapman, Jill Ellington, Rick Pearce, Paul Messplay, Linda Thornton, Amy O’Reilly, Angela Lilly, Jean Elliot, April Peterson and Charles Tate. We had a great turn out!  There’s a few pictures from the event on our Twitter page.  Be sure to check it out and tweet us your own if you have them. Finally, a big thank you to all the SAC members and all other UMW staff who assisted with the event – we couldn’t have done it without you!

March SAC Meeting:  Our March meeting will be March 16 in Lee Hall 412 at 1 p.m. The guest speaker will be Joni Wilson, Director of Landscaping & Grounds.  You do not have to be a member of the S.A.C. to attend – all are welcome!

Faculty/Staff Fitness Class Registration Open: Registration for private fitness classes is now open for UMW faculty, staff and their sponsored guests. Sessions run from March 20 – April 21.  More information on classes is available on the Campus Recreation website.  Please contact Brittanie Haas at bhaas@umw.edu with questions.

Multicultural Fair Volunteers Needed:  The James Farmer Multicultural Center is seeking volunteers for the 27th Annual Multicultural Fair taking place on April 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students, faculty and staff can contribute in a multitude of ways by helping with set-up/take-down, serving as an MC for stage performances, helping to hand out programs and helping to keep our campus clean during the Fair.  Visit their website http://students.umw.edu/multicultural/fair/volunteering/ to complete the form and let us know you are interested in volunteering. If you have any questions, please email Ms. JoAnna Raucci at jraucci@umw.edu or call the James Farmer Multicultural Center at 540/654-1044.

 #1 F.A.N. (Fantastic Action Noticed) In addition to the Excellent Eagle program, you can also recognize a colleague using HR’s #1 F.A.N. program. Did you experience exceptional customer service or awesome collaboration? If so, nominate the person or people involved in that experience. Complete the #1 F.A.N. form on the HR website, and your colleague will be able to choose a UMW spirit item as a token of appreciation.

 

Newsletter, Social Media and Other Information: You’ll find important information in SAC’s monthly newsletter. Check it out and all of the information on our website, including a list of our new members. If you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow us @UMW_S.A.C.!

Comic Cuisines Chefs’ Fare Competition

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Campus Dining Services and Sodexo are hosting the annual Chefs’ Fare competition on Wednesday, March 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Top of the UC. This year, chefs from Shenandoah University, Marymount University and Emory & Henry College will be competing with our UMW chefs to see who can present a dish that tastes the best and that also represents a comic book super hero or villain.

Our culinary team is taking on the personas of some of Batman’s most notorious villains: The Riddler, The Joker, and Harley Quinn. Everyone attending the Fare will be able to taste all of the entries and vote for their favorite team. The team with the most votes will win our competition.

Please join us at the Top of the UC for some great food and great fun. You can even get your photo taken with the Batman super villain standees! The cost for faculty and staff is just $6. Other guests will pay $11.80 plus tax. Doors open at 5 p.m. (Please note: The Top of the UC will be closed between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to prepare for the Fare). For additional information, contact Campus Dining at Dining@UMW.edu.

Students Plant Trees with Guatemalan Students

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This past spring break, 16 UMW students traveled to Guatemala to learn about agroecology and community development. Students spent several days with elementary school children from two different villages who came to participate in Community Cloud Forest Conservation’s Kids & Birds program. They planted trees with the children, looked for and identified migratory birds, and located tadpoles and other aquatic creatures in the Mestila River.

In addition, all students learned about improving agricultural practices, included the composting of humanure, planting traditional Q’eqchi’ Maya crops that are highly nutritious, and several soil conservation techniques.

While in Guatemala, UMW students took photographs and video for three film projects (Kids & Birds, Reforestation, and the Agroecology Center) that they will complete in the next few weeks. The purpose of the videos is to raise awareness and raise funds for the work being done by Community Cloud Forest Conservation.

Admissions Hosts Admitted Student Day March 18

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The Admissions Office will host Destination UMW on Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with the goal of yielding admitted students for the 2017-2018 academic year. We are expecting nearly 400 students and their families, with a total guest count of approximately 1,100 people. Finalists for the prestigious Washington and Alvey Scholarships will be among the attendees.

Students will attend a sample class lecture with a professor and a student engagement activity with current student leaders. Two tracks will offer an opportunity to message differently to students who have already committed to attend UMW in the fall and those who are still deciding among their college options. Nearly one half of the students registered have already paid an enrollment fee and will receive their First-Year Seminar (FSEM) and residence hall assignments during the event.

A sample agenda is posted here. Visitor parking has been reserved in the George Washington (GW) lot and along Double Drive with overflow parking in the Parking Deck. Primary event locations are Dodd Auditorium, Lee Hall, Monroe Hall, Woodard Hall, the University Center and campus/residence hall tours. Expect to see increased foot traffic on campus and curious newcomers at the Top of the University Center (fourth floor), especially between noon and 2 p.m.

While the Office of Admissions sponsors these events, the entire campus assumes the role of host. Our guests frequently comment on how “friendly, helpful and engaging” our UMW community is! Guests shared the following about what they enjoyed the most during their recent visits to campus:

  • “I really enjoyed meeting all the faculty. Everyone was super nice, helpful and fun to talk to!”
  • “The campus tour was wonderful and helped me make my decision about the school!”
  • “I loved how friendly the staff and students were!”
  • “The campus was beautiful and welcoming! I could really see myself at UMW!”

Their impression and decision to attend UMW depends on how they feel while they are here, so thank you for going the extra mile on these important recruitment days!

One way to show your support is to tweet to @UMWAdmissions and/or post to Instagram and tag @UMWAdmissions. We would like to see #DestinationUMW trending throughout the day.

The Office of Admissions appreciates your involvement in and support of these signature programs that shape the Class of 2021.

 

Admissions Hosts Scholars Competition: March 17 & 18

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On Friday, March 17, the Admissions Office will host a banquet in Chandler Ballroom in the University Center honoring finalists for the prestigious Washington and Alvey Scholarships.

The Washington Scholarship is awarded to an entering freshman who is a resident of the commonwealth of Virginia, and the Alvey Scholarship is awarded to an out-of-state student. Both scholarships require that students be accepted to the University of Mary Washington Honors Program with preference given to National Merit Scholar semi-finalists. The winners will receive awards for full undergraduate tuition, room, board and fees for up to four academic years. One Washington and one Alvey will be awarded, including:

Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59 – Alvey Scholarship

Burke, Marilyn Mead ’48 & William J.  – Washington Scholarship

Current scholar Anna Rinko will speak at the banquet. The finalists will interview with the selection committees on Saturday, March 18.

Washington Committee: Jeff McClurken, chair (Professor, History & American Studies and Special Assistant to the Provost for Teaching, Technology, and Innovation), Leslie Martin (Associate Professor, Sociology and Anthropology), Hilary Stebbins (Associate Professor, Psychological Science), Alan Griffith (Professor, Biological Sciences) and Jenifer Blair, Alumni Association Board.

Alvey Committee: Carole Garmon, chair (Chair/Professor, Art & Art History), Steve Hanna (Professor, Geography), Venitta McCall (Professor, College of Education), Woody Richardson (Associate Professor, College of Business) and Mike Charnoff, Alumni Association Board.

These scholarships are the University’s most prestigious academic honor for an incoming student. There are 10 Washington finalists and 15 Alvey finalists.  The Scholar Finalists also will attend Destination UMW on Saturday, March 18, beginning with a breakfast hosted by Kelli Slunt, Director of the Honors Program.

Please contact the Office of Admissions at (540) 654-2000 with any questions or to participate in an upcoming event.

 

Mary Wash Giving Day is March 14

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On Tuesday, March 14, join the 24-hour celebration by giving back to the areas that mean the most to you, including the Fund for Mary Washington, UMW Athletics, Arts & Culture, the President’s Impact Fund, the Amphitheatre Challenge, Scholarships, and the Colleges and Libraries.

Generous donors have stepped up with challenge matches totaling $42,000, doubling the impact of gifts on Mary Wash Giving Day. Set your alarm to wake up early with us on March 14 to unlock a $2,500 matching gift if we reach 109 donors by 9 a.m.!

We have set a goal of 654 donors for Mary Wash Giving Day, and gifts of all amounts are important and valued. Join President Paino, alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of Mary Washington in giving back to pay it forward. We can’t wait to see what happens when we all work together on #MaryWashDay!

SAC News

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Chili Cook Off (and Cornbread Bake-Off): Come support your colleagues and vote for your favorite chili and cornbread on Thursday, March 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Chandler Ballroom! Would you like to enter the contest? Visit http://sac.umwblogs.org/2017-chili-cook-off-entry-form/ to submit your name and contact information.

University Closed March 10: Remember that UMW will be closed on Friday, March 10, for Spring Break.

UMW to Hold 24-Hour Giving Day: UMW will hold its first Giving Day on Tuesday, March 14, a significant day in the University’s history as it marks 109 years since its founding in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women. During Mary Wash Giving Day on March 14, donors can make gifts at mwgivingday.com from midnight through 11:59 p.m. Gifts received during this time will celebrate the UMW spirit of giving back and help fill the gap, since funding from the commonwealth of Virginia accounts for just 25% of the University’s operating budget.

Faculty/Staff Fitness Class Registration Open: Registration for private fitness classes is now open for UMW faculty, staff and their sponsored guests. Sessions run from March 20 – April 21.  More information on classes is available on the Campus Recreation website.  Please contact Brittanie Haas at bhaas@umw.edu with questions.

Multicultural Fair Volunteers Needed:  The James Farmer Multicultural Center is seeking volunteers for the 27th Annual Multicultural Fair taking place on April 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students, faculty and staff can contribute in a multitude of ways by helping with set-up/take-down, serving as an MC for stage performances, helping to hand out programs and helping to keep our campus clean during the Fair.  Visit their website http://students.umw.edu/multicultural/fair/volunteering/ to complete the form and let us know you are interested in volunteering. If you have any questions, please email Ms. JoAnna Raucci at jraucci@umw.edu or call the James Farmer Multicultural Center at 540/654-1044.

March SAC Meeting: The next SAC meeting will be held in Lee Hall, Room 412 on Thursday, March 16th at 1:00pm. Our guest speaker will be Joni Wilson, Director of Landscaping & Grounds.  You do not have to be a member of the S.A.C. to attend – all are welcome!

#1 F.A.N. (Fantastic Action Noticed) In addition to the Excellent Eagle program, you can also recognize a colleague using HR’s #1 F.A.N. program. Did you experience exceptional customer service or awesome collaboration? If so, nominate the person or people involved in that experience. Complete the #1 F.A.N. form on the HR website, and your colleague will be able to choose a UMW spirit item as a token of appreciation.

Newsletter, Social Media and Other Information: You’ll find important information in SAC’s monthly newsletter. Check it out and all of the information on our website, including a list of our new members. If you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow us @UMW_S.A.C.!