Junior Hollis Cobb refurbished an old ambulance into Bookmobile Fredericksburg. With the help of the UMW community, he’s spreading his love of literature throughout the region.

Hollis Cobb’s days growing up were bookended. He read each morning before school and snuggled in for family story time before bed.

“I can appreciate how important it was that we had access to books and parents who had time to read to us,” said Cobb, now a junior English major at the University of Mary Washington.

His high school teachers fueled his love of literature and desire to teach, so Cobb began coursework toward a master’s degree in UMW’s College of Education. But when he purchased a 1989 Ford ambulance – his other interest is restoring old cars – he turned a new page. With the help of the Mary Washington community, he launched Bookmobile Fredericksburg, partnering with organizations throughout the region to promote literacy to all ages.

“It’s such a pleasure seeing smiles from children who are excited to read,” said Cobb, who can often be found giving books away alongside his big yellow and blue library on wheels. “And their parents’ eyes light up when they discover our books are free.” Read more.

Based in L.A., comic-book writer Marguerite Bennett ’10 – widely published in DC, Marvel and more – is known for her depiction of female relationships. She will deliver the Women’s History Month keynote speech at UMW tomorrow night.

Marguerite Bennett promises to spill as much or as little as a University of Mary Washington crowd wants to hear tomorrow night.

The 2010 grad – UMW Women’s History Month keynote speaker – is brimming with girl-power stories in all shapes and sizes, in her career as a comic book writer and in her personal life.

“I love women, in their infinite forms, their infinite power,” said Bennett, whose New York Times-bestselling, GLAAD-nominated work has appeared in DC, Marvel, Aftershock, Dynamite, Archie and more. She’ll dish about her colorful – yet sometimes stormy – journey Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the University Center’s Chandler Ballroom.

Bennett ka-pow’ed and sha-bam’ed her way through a glass ceiling in her writing career, crashing into the notoriously male-dominated comic book industry while still in grad school. Now, with an earned reputation for her particularly genuine portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, she’s encouraging others to harness their own victories. Read more.

(Please note: Marguerite Bennett spoke at UMW on Wednesday, March 9. This article ran prior to the event.) 

Junior philosophy major Kate McDaid’s focus on service helped her secure an internship with Virginia 21, a nonprofit that encourages civic engagement among college students.

After publication of this article, Kate McDaid learned she was the recipient of a 2022 Newman Civic Fellowship. Joining a cohort of nearly 200 college students across the country, McDaid will have the chance to engage in a yearlong program featuring virtual learning and networking opportunities designed to provide personal, professional and civic growth. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities. Callie Jordan ’23 was a Newman Civic Fellowship recipient last year. Learn more at Campus Compact.

Kate McDaid came to the University of Mary Washington to make a difference. Her classmates would show her the way.

Inspired by her fellow students’ strong sense of service, McDaid followed suit. The UMW junior found purpose by getting involved – and secured an internship with a nonprofit that encourages civic engagement among students. Now, while the philosophy major earns her own college degree, she’s working to pass legislation to help others make the most of theirs.

At Virginia 21, McDaid has gained insight into the inner workings of state government, zeroing in on a bill that would ensure college graduates can receive their transcripts and diplomas, even if they still owe a debt to their institution.

“Giving young people access to these documents will help them reap the benefits of their education,” said McDaid, who has friends working several jobs but still needed loans. “This will help them secure employment so they can pay back the funds they borrowed.” Read more.