Stop by the Bookstore and purchase a UMW holiday t-shirt* … Perfect for yourself, family and friends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* While supplies last

 

Happy Holidays,

UMW Bookstore

Since August, UMW faculty members have received more than $350,000 in external grant funding.

Patricia Reynolds, assistant professor in the College of Education, received $174,787.20 from the Virginia Department of Education to deliver graduate level courses in differentiated instruction across the curriculum for English language learners.  The grant provides tuition support for teachers who enroll in the courses, covers the costs of textbooks, and also covers all costs related to offering the classes at two off-campus locations (in Norfolk and Stafford County).  The award covers both the fall and spring semester offerings of the course in 2012-2013.  This is now nine times that UMW has received a grant from the VDOE to provide the differentiated instruction courses.

David Toth, assistant professor of computer science, has received two awards from XSEDE, an online distributed virtual organization. Toth is collaborating with faculty at Merrimack College on two separate projects: “Identifying Inhibitors that Prevent the Complexation of  HIV-1 Tat•P-TEFb thus Blocking HIV Replication” and “Identifying Inhibitors of the Fungal Virulence Factor Cbp1.”   The projected value of the computing time for the first project is $34,500, and the value for the second project is $114,278.

Norah Hooper, professor in the College of Education, received $30,858 from the Virginia Department of Education to develop a “Traineeship for Education of Special Education Personnel for Regions 3 and 4.”  This is the third such grant award for her.  The grant provides support for a minimum of 12 teachers who hold provisional licenses in Special Education: General Curriculum to complete all or part of the coursework and field experiences required for full licensure. Participants will receive tuition support and will be connected with fully licensed mentors in their schools. The mentors will receive stipends and training in effective mentoring techniques.

Lynn Lewis, professor of biology, is supervising her student Ryan Green’s research on “A Study of Chloroquine’s Antiretroviral Characteristics.”  The Virginia Academy of Science made a $500 award in support of this undergraduate research project.

For more information on external grant activity this semester, read the most recent issue of the provost’s newsletter.

On Nov. 17, the University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors passed a resolution of appreciation commending the students and staff who were instrumental in the response to the Mason Hall fire. In the resolution, the BOV expresses appreciation to student staff members of the Office of Residence Life (resident assistants and office assistants), to the professional staff members of Residence Life, UMW Police, Emergency Management and Safety, Facilities and Housekeeping, University Events, University Relations and Communications; and to the senior level administrators for their service during the incident.

Congratulations to Rose Wagner, recruitment coordinator in the Office of Career Services, who has been selected as the Excellent Eagle Employee for the month of December. A parking spot of her choosing has been reserved for her until the end of the month.

Here is what one of her co-workers said about her:

”Rose has been an integral teammate for the office of Career Services. Her determination and attention to detail allows for even the largest of events to go smoothly. Her quality customer service and friendly disposition greet students, faculty, staff, and current employers day in and day out. Rose has taken the time to fill in when needed on a variety of tasks for both Academic Services and Career Services. She accepts new responsibilities without question and provides results that exceed expectations. Most recently, Rose was willing to assist in the planning and day of logistics of a major event in the Office of Academic Services. She was quick to prepare materials needed, able to help greet guests, and dedicated the man hours it took to make it a success. Rose is modest and hardworking. Her eagerness to learn and ability to juggle multiple priorities is the key to her success within our office. We are grateful to have her on our team!”

To nominate someone who you believe is an Excellent Eagle Employee, send an email to Priscilla Sullivan (psulliva@umw.edu) with Excellent Eagle Employee in the subject line.  In your email, be sure to list the person’s name, department, work location (with the most convenient parking lot), and of course, the reason why you believe they should be recognized.  Please spread the word to other employees about this wonderful opportunity to recognize a co-worker(s).

The Multicultural Fair is one of the largest, most anticipated events hosted at the University of Mary Washington. The Multicultural Fair features amazing performances, multicultural vendors, ethnic food, and kid-friendly activities. The 23rd Annual Multicultural Fair will be held on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer for the Multicultural Fair, please contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at 540-654-1044, or email at umwjfmc@gmail.com.  If you are interested in selling crafts, art, or other items at the Multicultural Fair, complete the attached application form by Friday, March 29. For additional information, contact Greta Franklin at 540-654-1044.

 

The University of Mary Washington Geography Club and Department of Geography celebrated National Geography Awareness Week during the week of Nov. 11 through Nov. 17.

On Tuesday, Nov. 13 members of the UMW Geography Club celebrated by presenting a ‘Trivia Table’ in front of Lee Hall to engage fellow students in geography competitions to win prizes. The event, which was organized by Dr. Caitie Finlayson, was the first the Geography Club has attempted to put on in several years. The club hopes to make it an annual event.

The same day, geography majors accompanied Dr. Jackie Gallagher to the National Museum of the Marine Corps to participate in Geography Day, an annual event at the museum to emphasize geographic literacy among local fifth grade students. Agencies and companies such as the Virginia Geographic Alliance, an organization promoting geography education in Virginia, and the United States Geological Survey were also in attendance. At the event UMW students worked with the Virginia Geographic Alliance and in activities with fifth graders to spread the word about geography.

Dan Clendaniel, current Teacher in Residence at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, thanked the UMW representatives “for keeping geography education alive as a vital component in the overall education of our students.”

• Free Jepson Alumni Executive Center ornament with purchase of $20.00 or more (while supplies last!).
• A special  collection of classic holiday books awaits you in the University Bookstore.  Enter a drawing* for a FREE Jan Brett tote bag and a FREE copy of her holiday children’s book, The Mitten. *Drawing sponsored by Pepsi to be held Dec. 10.

 

The James Monroe Museum is pleased to offer UMW faculty and staff reduced admission to “Deck the Halls,” our popular holiday floral decorating presentation given by Jan Williams. Jan demonstrates how to craft unique decorations from local evergreens and flora in this entertaining and inspiring annual presentation, which has become a mainstay of Fredericksburg’s holiday celebrations. A breakfast of coffee, pastries and seasonal breads will be served. Join us to deck the halls for the season and benefit the James Monroe Museum.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 1 from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Dodd Auditorium. Tickets are $22 for Friends of JMM and UMW faculty/staff. Call 540/654-1043 or e-mail auphaus@umw.edu to register.