The Jepson Science Center invites you to our 2nd Annual Fall Research Symposium on Dec. 3. A poster session will be held from 4-6 p.m. in the Jepson Science Center. Come join us as our students present research culminating from various research intensive courses and independent research.

UMW students Avery Dover (left), a freshman from Wichita, Kansas, and Ainsley Rucker, a junior from Winchester, Virginia, finished first last week in the American Debate Association’s Fall Championship Tournament.

University of Mary Washington students have made it convincingly clear: They know how to debate.

In keeping with a longstanding winning tradition, the UMW Debate Team last week wrapped up back-to-back weekends of competitions with a first-place finish at the American Debate Association’s Fall Championship Tournament, proving they’ve adapted successfully to an online format.

Ainsley Rucker and Avery Dover were undefeated throughout the preliminary rounds and entered the elimination rounds as top seeds. They also each received individual speaking recognitions – Rucker, a junior from Winchester, earned second place, and Dover, a freshman from Wichita, Kansas, was the top speaker. The tournament, held via Zoom, attracted teams from states across the country, including California, Texas, Florida and Massachusetts. The pair debated teams from University of Houston, Missouri State University, University of Minnesota and Samford University.

The tournament’s topic was antitrust reform, and UMW’s team successfully argued both sides of the issue. In the finals, Rucker and Dover effectively advocated for antitrust reforms regarding patents, winning a 3-0 decision over a team from Liberty University. This was their second tournament win and final round against Liberty in November. The duo recently competed in that school’s debate tournament, besting teams from James Madison University in the semifinals, and Liberty in the finals. Read more.

UMW historic preservation students are working this semester with the Patawomeck and Rappahannock tribes on a Native American heritage driving trail in King George County.

John Blankenship’s passion for historic preservation is personal. A member of Virginia’s Patawomeck Indian Tribe, he’s always been interested in learning about his family tree and the roots his ancestors laid along the Potomac River.

“Since I was young, I’ve wanted to ensure that the people and events of the past are remembered,” he said, “and that their stories are told accurately.”

Blankenship is getting that chance in University of Mary Washington Assistant Professor Lauren McMillan’s Preservation in the Community course. During November’s National Native American Heritage Month, UMW juniors and seniors enrolled in this historic preservation seminar are collaborating with the Patawomeck and Rappahannock tribes to create a driving trail that honors their past and present.

McMillan, who has partnered with the tribes on archaeological excavation projects for previous courses, said their work has the potential to put the region on the map as a destination for those who wish to learn more about indigenous history and culture. Read more.

Sarah Repko ’19 poses in front of the Guggenheim Museum on a bridge leading to Deusto, where she’s on a fast track to earning a master’s degree in Spain, thanks to one of UMW’s new 4+1 international pathways.

For Sarah Repko ’19, home is where you never feel alone, no matter who’s around. It’s where you have a sense of peace, comfort and community.

That’s what Repko found at the University of Mary Washington, and that’s what she found nearly 4,000 miles away in Bilbao, Spain. There, she’s earning a master’s degree in international relations and business diplomacy at Universidad de Deusto. And she’s on a fast track for it, thanks to one of several new 4+1 partnerships between UMW and overseas schools. The pathways let students earn master’s degrees in half the time, while soaking up culture outside the U.S.

The rolling Nervión River. Charming, walkable neighborhoods. The food – savory pintxo, rich tortilla española. Repko embraced it all, and shortly after arriving in the Spanish port city for her first study abroad experience, she found herself texting Center for International Education (CIE) Director Jose Sainz.

“During the few weeks I’ve been in Bilbao, I’ve been thinking about either returning or staying an extra semester … ” she wrote in winter 2018. “Would it be possible and what would I have to do?” Read more.

Roommates Lauren Harford (left) and Daisy Jennings, seen here at Eagle Gathering, are among the more than 50 international students currently attending the University of Mary Washington.

When Lauren Harford and Daisy Jennings arrived at the University of Mary Washington last summer, a small gesture made a big difference. Center for International Education (CIE) Director Jose Sainz personally escorted the roommates to purchase a few English comforts – a kettle, tea and biscuits – after an unexpected doctor’s visit for Harford.

“I’m beyond grateful for the care I got thousands of miles from home,” said Harford, a University of Reading student who came from Great Britain in August to spend a year at UMW. “I knew then I’d be in good hands at Mary Washington.”

More than 50 students from across the globe – twice as many as this time last year – are studying at UMW this semester. During International Education Week, Nov. 15 to 19, we celebrate faces from faraway places – Fiji and France, Egypt and Ethiopia, Nepal and Nigeria, Scotland and Saudi Arabia. After quarantines, lockdowns and COVID protocols due to the global pandemic, they’re here to experience life at an American college. It’s an all-around cultural win.

“You can bring a piece of the world to your campus,” Sainz said, “especially at a time when domestic students are unable or reluctant to travel.” Read more.

Dear UMW Faculty and Staff,

Please join President Paino this Thursday, November 11^th from 2:30-3:30 p.m. for Conversations with President Paino.

The session will be held in-person in Lee Hall, Room 412.

Thank you,
Office of the President