January 19, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Virginia Schools Receive Largely Positive Marks for COVID Response

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A new University of Mary Washington statewide survey revealed that Virginia’s local school districts have generally handled the COVID-19 crisis effectively. Photo by Caleb Oquendo from Pexels.

A new University of Mary Washington statewide survey revealed that Virginia’s local school districts have generally handled the COVID-19 crisis effectively. Photo by Caleb Oquendo from Pexels.

Virginia’s local school districts have generally handled the COVID-19 crisis effectively, a new University of Mary Washington statewide survey reveals.

Asked to rate COVID policies in their local school districts on an A-to-F scale, where A is excellent, C is adequate and F signifies a failure, 12 percent of respondents gave their local districts an A, 22 percent said B, and 27 percent favored a C grade. Only 11 percent offered an F grade, while 11 percent said their local district deserved a D grade for its COVID policies. The rest were undecided.

The 1,000-person poll of Virginia adults was conducted for UMW by Research America Inc. from Sept. 7 to 13.

“For weeks we have been seeing and reading in the news about parents angrily protesting local COVID policies,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “This survey demonstrates that those loud voices are very unrepresentative ones.” Read more.

Gubernatorial Candidates Locked in Close Contest, UMW Survey Shows

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Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin remain locked in a tight contest for governor of Virginia, a University of Mary Washington statewide survey shows. The poll, conducted by Research America Inc. Sept. 7-13, included 1,000 Virginia adults. Of those, 885 were registered voters and 528 were likely voters.

Among likely voters, 48 percent favored Youngkin and 43 percent backed McAuliffe.

Liberation Party candidate Princess Blanding received the support of 2 percent of likely voters, with others undecided.

Among registered voters in the survey, McAuliffe had the support of 46 percent, compared to 41 percent for Youngkin. In the entire survey, 43 percent backed McAuliffe compared to 38 percent favoring Youngkin. Blanding received the support of 2 percent of registered voters and among all respondents.

The differences between the two major party candidates among all adults, among registered voters, and among likely voters are all within the margins of error, meaning neither candidate has a clear lead.

“To borrow from Mark Twain, the reports of the end of Virginia’s status as a swing state are greatly exaggerated,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “The large number of undecided voters at this stage demonstrates that either major party candidate can become the next governor of Virginia.” Read more.

Students Make a Difference Through ‘Into the Streets’

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From left to right, Aniya Stewart, Kaylee Deardorff and Cassidy Richardson assemble lunches for Micah Ecumenical Ministries. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

From left to right, Aniya Stewart, Kaylee Deardorff and Cassidy Richardson assemble lunches for Micah Ecumenical Ministries. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

On a balmy September morning, a group of University of Mary Washington students gathered on Ball Circle. Donning shirts emblazoned with a quote from author James Baldwin – “The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in” – they were ready to make a difference.

“It’s still important to volunteer and serve people in need, even in a pandemic,” said senior Elizabeth Lopez, who was among the 100-plus students who participated in Saturday’s Into the Streets. Hosted by Community Outreach and Resources, or COAR, the annual tradition provides an array of service projects, including weeding gardens, picking up trash and organizing the Eagle Resource Closet for students in need. A group also used chalk to adorn Campus Walk with inspirational messages promoting UMW’s spirit of service.

“Mary Washington students returned to campus with such a renewed sense of commitment to serve those in our broader Fredericksburg community,” said Sarah Dewees, associate director of UMW’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE). Read more. 

Psychology Alum Shares Renowned Gift

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Rachael Wonderlin ’11, a renowned dementia care consultant and author, returns to UMW as the 2021 Psychology Graduate-in-Residence.

Rachael Wonderlin ’11, a renowned dementia care consultant and author, returns to UMW as the 2021 Psychology Graduate-in-Residence.

Rachael Wonderlin ’11 spent hours as a teen volunteering at a skilled nursing facility. One day, a friend remarked she had a gift for working with older adults.

“I didn’t realize at the time that this was a skill,” said Wonderlin, who channeled her talents into a psychology degree from the University of Mary Washington and a master’s in gerontology.

Now a renowned dementia care consultant and author who has taught her trademarked technique to senior living communities worldwide, Wonderlin has been named the UMW Department of Psychology’s 2021 graduate-in-residence. Last Thursday, she presented a free, public lecture entitled “Everything You Need to Know About Dementia Caregiving Communication” in the Hurley Convergence Center at 4 p.m. Read more.

Campus Rec Round-Up

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Join Outdoor Rec for Apple Picking! Hartford Orchard, October 16th from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. Students can enjoy a day of delicious apple picking! The event is NO COST but bring spending money to purchase apples and other goodies! 15 person limit and Transportation is provided! Apples are $10 per peck or $20 per half bushel. Register at campusrec.umw.edu.

 

 

 

 

Registration is now open for IM Basketball! Begins October 3rd until October 26th. Three games per week with a minimum of four players per team. All players receive a Freddy's Promo Card! The winning team receives an Intramural Champion Shirt! Register at campusrec.umw.edu

Registration is now open for IM Basketball! Begins October 3rd until October 26th. Three games per week with a minimum of four players per team. All players receive a Freddy’s Promo Card! The winning team receives an Intramural Champion Shirt! Register at campusrec.umw.edu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to be featured on Campus Recreation's Social Media? Email campusrec@umw.edu to be highlighted as a Human of CREC!

Want to be featured on Campus Recreation’s Social Media? Email campusrec@umw.edu to be highlighted as a Human of CREC!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cultural Awareness Dining Events Make National News

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A recent Islamic Cultural Celebration Dinner was planned and executed by Jordanian pastry cook Hind Abulali and included Saudi Arabian Kabsa and Lebanese kafta made with Halal meats.

A recent Islamic Cultural Celebration Dinner was planned and executed by Jordanian pastry cook Hind Abulali and included Saudi Arabian Kabsa and Lebanese kafta made with Halal meats.

Food Management Magazine, a national publication, recently published a feature story about the cultural awareness dining events that have been co-sponsored by University Dining and the James Farmer Multicultural Center and student cultural groups, for over 10 years. Dr. Marion Sanford and the dining team have worked closely together to create special dining events that celebrate the many diverse cultures of our UMW students. We’re very proud to have been recognized by Food Management Magazine for wonderful partnership in promoting diversity and inclusion through our dining events. We hope you enjoy this article.

https://tinyurl.com/kexkmx5y

 

UMW Earns Top Rankings from ‘U.S. News Best Colleges’

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University of Mary Washington received top marks in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2022 rankings, released today.

University of Mary Washington received top marks in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2022 rankings, released today.

The University of Mary Washington has been recognized among the nation’s top schools by U.S. News & World Report, which released its 2022 “Best Colleges” list today.

UMW ranked seventh among public regional universities in the South and 19th among all regional universities in the South. Within the same category, the University also was rated sixth among best colleges for veterans, and earned spots on the publication’s lists of best undergraduate business and nursing programs. Mary Washington is also included in the “Top Performers on Social Mobility” roster, which looks at schools with economically disadvantaged students.

Now in its 37th year, the U.S. News rankings evaluate more than 1,400 colleges and universities on academic quality using several metrics, with the greatest emphasis placed on outcomes. Schools’ ability to retain and graduate students from different socioeconomic backgrounds and graduates’ average indebtedness are considered, along with class size, undergraduate academic reputation, and investment in instruction and student services. Read more.

UMW to Host Public Debates for House of Delegates Seats

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The University of Mary Washington will host a public political debate between candidates for Virginia’s 28th District House of Delegates seat on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m.

UMW will host two public political debates, beginning next week, via YouTube.

UMW will host two public political debates, beginning next week, via YouTube.

Incumbent Del. Joshua Cole (D) will face off against opponent Tara Durant (R) live via Zoom, with public viewing accessible through YouTube. Viewers may submit questions for consideration for inclusion in the debate using an online form until 11 a.m. on the day of the event. The 28th district covers Fredericksburg and parts of Stafford County.

UMW will host a second House of Delegates debate, for the 88th District seat, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, with Democrat Kecia Evans, Republican Phillip Scott and Libertarian Timothy Lewis. The 88th district covers part of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Stafford and Fauquier counties.

“While COVID has forced us to debate online this fall, we can look forward to vigorous discussions about the path forward for Virginia,” said moderator Stephen Farnsworth, UMW professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

Del. Joshua Cole

Del. Joshua Cole

The events are being hosted by Mary Washington’s College Republicans, Young Democrats and Student Government Association (SGA). “Such debates make an investment in student participation and increase excitement for civic engagement,” said UMW SGA President Brianna Reaves. “Including students in this process is crucial to the grassroots activism we see on campus.”

The debates are co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Free Lance-Star and the League of Women Voters of the Fredericksburg Area. News Director Ted Schubel of WFVA Radio and Editorial Page Editor Barbara Hollingsworth of The Free Lance-Star will ask questions of the candidates during the hourlong debate.

Elected to represent Virginia’s 28th District in 2019, Cole has been appointed to serve on the State Commission on Youth, Autism Advisory Council, and the Rappahannock River Basin and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial commissions. He was elected in 2020 as one of Virginia’s five Democratic National Committee representatives. Former president of the Stafford County NAACP, Cole is a member of the Greater Fredericksburg Area Interfaith Council, associate pastor at Stafford’s Union Bell Baptist Church and chairman of the House of Clergy for the Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches.

Tara Durant

Tara Durant

Tara Durant is an elementary school teacher, mother, Marine wife and breast cancer survivor, making her first run for public office. She has served on the boards of the Fredericksburg Area Service League and the PTO, as well as the Citizens Review Panel with United Way. Durant also has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and been a supporter of local sports teams and St. Mary’s Church in Fredericksburg.

Occurring less than a week before National Voter Registration Day, a celebration of democracy that encourages participation in the political process, the first of two 2021 UMW debates shines a spotlight on local elections.

“One of my favorite traditions at Mary Washington is our ability to host candidate debates for area elected offices,” Farnsworth said, “and the willingness every year of those candidates to join us to discuss the future of our region.”

Submit questions, which must be received by 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22, via an online form at umw.edu/sept2021debatequestions.

Watch the live debate on YouTube at umw.edu/sept2021debate.

UMW Theatre Plans Reflective In-Person Season

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UMW Theatre kicks off its 2021-22 season this week with its first live performances in more than 18 months, presenting Joan Holden’s ‘Nickel and Dimed,’ based on the bestselling book by Barbara Ehrenreich. Photo by Geoff Greene.

UMW Theatre kicks off its 2021-22 season this week with its first live performances in more than 18 months, presenting Joan Holden’s ‘Nickel and Dimed,’ based on the bestselling book by Barbara Ehrenreich. Photo by Geoff Greene.

Mina Sollars sums up UMW Theatre’s upcoming season in a single word: revival.

“Preparing for the first in-person performances on campus in more than a year is such an honor,” Sollars, a University of Mary Washington junior, said of the lineup, which kicks off tomorrow at 7:30 with a pay-what-you-can preview performance in duPont Hall’s Klein Theatre. “We’re so lucky to be able to act onstage together once again.”

After an 18-month hiatus, UMW Theatre students, faculty and staff are once again planning an in-person season, producing plays that will be performed in front of a live audience, with COVID protocols in place. Beginning with Joan Holden’s Nickel and Dimed, this year’s shows reflect the collective pandemic-era conversation that has revolved around society, culture and politics.

“There’s no question that this seems to be an extraordinary moment to engage in the dialogue inspired by Nickel and Dimed,” Department of Theatre and Dance Chair Gregg Stull said of the play, which spotlights those who are overworked and underpaid. “Never before have we thought so much about work and what it means to make a living.” Read more.