A lecture by the winner of the University of Mary Washington’s 2025 Center for Historic Preservation Book Prize will be presented on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 5:30 p.m., in Combs Hall, Room 139. Daniel Campo will speak about his book, Postindustrial DIY: Recovering American Rust Belt Icons.

Once bustling with more manufacturing jobs than anywhere else in the country, the Northeastern Great Lakes region hit its peak in the late 1940s. As the economy changed, cities like Chicago, Detroit and Pittsburgh closed factories, and the American Rust Belt began to take hold.

Now, as the area dusts off the rust, communities have begun to see beauty in the abandoned and reward in restoring once-meaningful structures. It’s a bottom-up renovation phenomenon that’s catching hold across the globe. Campo’s book digs into grassroots urbanism, as sites – iron mills, train stations, grain elevators – are renovated.

“The work calls attention to the power individuals have in shaping their environments … while the DIY era may be shifting, it is not yet over,” said jurors, who deemed it an exciting and empowering approach to historic preservation. “The book serves as a valuable roadmap for those interested in preserving sites that have historically been seen as liabilities – factories, silos, furnaces – and the innovative strategies that can drive change.” Read more. 

The popular University of Mary Washington refrain “Get Dirty, Go Wash” was a fitting cheer for a groundbreaking ceremony held Thursday, Oct. 23 for a highly anticipated multimillion-dollar modular locker room facility at the University’s Battleground Athletic Complex.

The new locker rooms will include space for several teams, including field hockey and men’s and women’s soccer in the fall, and baseball, softball and women’s lacrosse in the spring. The project will also allow men’s lacrosse to have dedicated access to the existing locker room space in UMW’s Physical Plant. The facilities will serve nearly half of Mary Washington’s student-athletes.

“The University is proud to offer dedicated locker room spaces for its seven NCAA field sports,” said Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo. “These permanent facilities at the Battleground complex provide teams with a central place to gather, hold meetings and prepare for practices and competitions, greatly enhancing both the student-athlete experience and the University’s recruitment and retention efforts. These locker rooms will serve as a valuable asset in attracting top academic and athletic talent from across the region.”

The University of Mary Washington will be a hub of empowerment, connection and professional growth when it hosts the 31st annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium on Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom.

This year’s event will also honor the recent winner of the Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award, Kimberly Young, associate provost for Career and Workforce at UMW, who received the accolade at a reception last week.

“Kimberly exemplifies the very essence of the Metzger Award,” said Beth Williams, UMW executive director of human resources and co-chair of the Colloquium. “Her leadership, mentorship and deep commitment to empowering others reflect the values at the heart of both this award and the Colloquium.”

The daylong Colloquium will be open to all – across industries, career stages and life experiences – and invites participants to explore this year’s theme of affirmation in professional spaces. Attendees will gain practical tools for advancing their careers, connect with a wide network of peers and mentors, and leave inspired to lead with confidence and clarity. Read more.

The college application season doesn’t have to be scary this Halloween – a special early action filing date of Oct. 31 gives regional area high school seniors early access to their admissions decision from the University of Mary Washington.

High school seniors and their families can join admissions experts on the Fredericksburg campus, Tuesday, Nov. 4, to receive their official admissions decision just days after applying.

The Nov. 4 afternoon reception will include information, exploration and connection designed for first-year applicants planning to start in Spring 2025, Summer 2025 or Fall 2026.

Schedule highlights:

• 1:30 p.m. – Check-In
• 2:00 p.m. – Information Session
• 2:30 p.m. – Campus Tour
• 3:45 p.m. – Decisions Available

Pre-registration for the event is recommended, and a completed application is required for the admissions decision. The event is open to any high school student or transfer student interested in UMW.

Prospective students that can’t make the Nov. 4 event are encouraged to attend the final Fall Open House on Saturday, Nov. 8, featuring academic interest sessions, campus tours and more. Admissions decisions will also be available Nov. 8 for students with applications submitted by Oct. 31.

When University of Mary Washington senior Asunta Ross first heard about a day dedicated to writing – something near and dear to her heart as an English major – she jumped at the chance to help celebrate it on campus.

“Being a student at UMW gives me lots of options to experiment with different writing styles and forms,” said Ross, president of the English Club. “I’m happy to turn that experience into a fun event for students across campus.”

Established by the National Council of Teachers of English, the National Day on Writing, celebrated each year on October 20, shines a light on the many ways people write and the vital role writing plays in daily life. From journaling and creative expression to professional communication, the day encourages everyone to share their stories, strengthen their craft and reflect on why writing matters.

At Mary Washington, the celebration has become an annual tradition. This year’s event – coordinated by Simpson Library, the Department of English and Linguistics, and the Speaking and Writing Center – brought together faculty, staff and students for a full day of writing-themed activities. Read more.

As artificial intelligence reshapes everything from classrooms to careers, the University of Mary Washington is bringing that dialogue to campus. UMW’s new Center for AI and the Liberal Arts will host a public lecture exploring the ubiquitous technology’s role in education, helping students, educators and community members navigate the change.

The talk, titled Reclaiming Human Intelligence in the Age of AI: Plural Futures for Education and Society, will be given by Alan Coverstone, an educator, leader and consultant with more than 30 years of experience in K-12 and higher education. It will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., at the Cedric Rucker University Center in the Chandler Ballroom. A reception will follow.

“Dr. Coverstone’s version of AI pluralism aligns beautifully with Mary Washington’s liberal arts mission,” said Professor of Communication Anand Rao, who is director of the Center for AI and the Liberal Arts. “He reminds us that intelligence takes many forms, and that education must nurture all of them. His work underscores the mission of our center, which is to prepare students to think critically, question technology and lead ethically in a digital age.” Read more. 

The University of Mary Washington’s Homecoming 2025 is set to bring school spirit soaring back to Fredericksburg. Alumni, students, families and friends will reunite on Saturday, Oct. 25, for a day of fan-favorite activities, with a week’s worth of events leading up to the big day for current students, faculty and staff.

Crafts, karaoke and the Big Ash Bonfire are planned ahead of Homecoming, which kicks off just steps from the Battleground Athletic Complex with an annual Pregame Celebration from 10 a.m. to noon at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. Guests can enjoy a hearty brunch buffet and drinks. Lawn games and camaraderie make this a popular warm-up before the tailgate. Tickets are required in advance.

The traditional Athletics Tailgate runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spans the entire Battleground complex. It offers food, fun and access to NCAA and club sporting events. Fans can cheer on teams throughout the day, including men’s rugby vs. Life University (noon), women’s soccer vs. St. Mary’s College of Maryland (noon), women’s volleyball vs. Johns Hopkins University (1 p.m.) and men’s soccer vs. Salisbury University (2:30 p.m.). Admission to games is free, and tailgate wristbands can be purchased for entry to the fenced area.

Within the tailgate, participants can relax at the Beer Garden overlooking the soccer field. The space features alumni-only tables, pizza, beer, cider and Eagle giveaways. Pregame attendees receive two complimentary drink tickets, and Class of 2020 guests celebrating their five-year reunion score an additional one. Extra tickets will also be available for purchase.

“Homecoming is one of our favorite times of year because it brings together so many generations of Eagles,” said Mark Thaden ’02, associate vice president for alumni and donor engagement. “It’s a chance to reconnect with classmates, cheer on the Eagles and experience the energy that makes Mary Washington such a special community.” Read more.

The University of Mary Washington has established and named the Irene Piscopo Rodgers School of Science. Approved by the Board of Visitors at the September 2025 meeting, the naming of the School of Science recognizes the extraordinary gifts of the 1959 alumna, who was a pioneer in her field of electron microscopy and an ardent supporter of students’ continued education and advancement in the liberal arts and sciences at Mary Washington.

Housed in the Jepson Science Center, the School of Science offers a collaborative approach and shared space for innovations and initiatives. It includes the biological sciences, chemistry and physics, and earth and environmental sciences.

“Irene’s generosity ensures that our students will continue to explore, discover and lead in the sciences for generations to come,” said UMW President Troy Paino.

A lifetime supporter of her alma mater, Rodgers passed away in 2022, leaving more than $35 million to the University of Mary Washington, far surpassing any prior gifts and establishing the largest one-time fund in the 117-year history of the institution. As a loyal and dedicated alumna, she served on class reunion committees, attended numerous events and stayed in contact with classmates and with her scholarship recipients, often exchanging notes of appreciation and aspiration for their work. Read more.

Earlier this year, Police Captain Bill Gill became the first member of the University of Mary Washington Police Department to graduate from the FBI National Academy.

This prestigious 10-week program, held in Quantico, Virginia, provides advanced professional training for select law enforcement managers and officers. Gill completed the program alongside 250 peers, balancing rigorous academic courses, athletic challenges, and weekend excursions with fellow participants. The experience offered valuable insights into law enforcement leadership.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Gill said. “I am forever grateful for the chance to attend the academy.”

Now back on campus, Gill is applying what he learned to enhance safety across the UMW community. He recently reflected on his time at the academy, how he plans to bring those lessons into his work at the University, and his role in UMW’s Homecoming, where he serves as a crucial contributor.

What was your overall experience at the FBI National Academy like?
The academy’s curriculum, offered through the University of Virginia, was certainly challenging, especially since I hadn’t taken a college course in more than 30 years! But I was able to pass all my classes. It also felt similar to attending a traditional college, as we had classes Monday through Friday.

What did you enjoy most about the FBI National Academy? 
I particularly enjoyed the weekend trips our classes took to places like New York City and Philadelphia, where the hospitality was equally amazing. I was also drawn to the academy because of the Yellow Brick Road, a five-mile run through a wooded obstacle course in Quantico, completed toward the end of the program. Lastly, I appreciated being close to home, as it allowed me to see my family every week.

How has graduating from the academy influenced your work as UMW Police Captain?
Attending the academy alongside so many different executives gave me the opportunity to measure myself and my department with others. Law enforcement is constantly evolving, and it’s essential for leaders and departments to stay up to date with the latest developments. While smaller departments like UMW don’t have the same resources as larger ones, the connections I made at the academy mean those resources are now just a phone call away.

How do you view your role for the UMW Homecoming? 
I’ve been working with the Homecoming team since the beginning. My role will be “Incident Commander,” meaning all law enforcement operations will be coordinated through me. I always enjoy Homecoming; it’s a great time for everyone.