The University of Mary Washington has been recognized as one of the nation’s best colleges for students seeking a great education with excellent career services at an affordable price, according to The Princeton Review. The educational services company named UMW to its list of Best Value Colleges for 2025, making it one of just five public universities in Virginia to earn this distinction.

UMW also received specialized rankings in two categories for public schools: #11 Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact and #18 Top 20 Best Schools for Internships. These rankings are based on student survey responses regarding factors such as community service opportunities, student government, sustainability efforts, on-campus student engagement and accessibility of internship placement.

Mary Washington joins an elite group of 209 outstanding institutions selected from more than 650 colleges and universities surveyed for the 2025 list. The Princeton Review chose schools that earned the highest return on investment ratings based on analysis of more than 40 data points covering academics, affordability and strong career prospects for graduates. Read more. 

 

A few weeks after earning a bachelor’s degree in economics, Jenifer “JB” Blair ’82 returned to her alma mater to volunteer at Reunion Weekend.

Since she graduated, Blair has donated her time every year at the University of Mary Washington celebration, so it’s only fitting that she received the Frances Liebenow Armstrong ’36 Service Award during Reunion Weekend 2025. Blair also spent more than 20 years working in UMW’s Office of Admissions, eventually serving as dean of undergraduate admissions, and over a decade on the Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD), including two years as its president.

“I know the transformative nature of the education here, and I believe in it so much,” Blair said. It was an honor to receive the award, she said, especially since she knew its namesake, a dedicated former AABOD member who worked in the Office of the President when Blair first began her career at Mary Washington. “Having had such a great experience as an undergraduate made volunteering and supporting UMW so easy for me.”

Blair was one of several alumni honored at a May 31 ceremony in Seacobeck Hall’s Weatherly Wing. Alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, families and friends joined UMW President Troy Paino in recognizing the honorees, including Rob Eastman-Mullins ’00, who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Shirley Martey Hargis ’14, who received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award but was unable to attend the ceremony. The recipients were selected by the AABOD and announced by Alumni Awards Vice President Lisa Maloney Keyser ’05. Read more. 

Living across the Atlantic couldn’t keep Rachel Selle ’05 from celebrating her 20th Reunion Weekend at the University of Mary Washington.

Now a teacher and young-adult author in Germany, she looked forward to staying overnight in Randolph Hall, where she served as a resident assistant two decades ago. “I’m really excited to reconnect with classmates and see what life – and Mary Washington – has brought us all since we graduated,” she said.

Selle was among the hundreds of alumni to return for UMW’s Reunion Weekend, held May 30 to June 1. The forecast called for rain, but showers soon gave way to clear skies, sunshine and even a rainbow as classes ending in 0 and 5 participated in parties and picnics, faculty lectures, campus tours, beverage tastings, family festivities, a fun run and cool treats at Carl’s. Read more. 

Just across the Rappahannock in Falmouth, UMW’s Gari Melchers Home and Studio offers stunning art and history. It’s a seasonal hub for creativity, community and outdoor exploration. The museum, once home to American artist Gari Melchers, preserves his legacy through exhibits, programs and a scenic estate open to the public year-round. This summer, the museum is buzzing with free and low-cost events that invite UMW employees and the wider community to create and unwind.

Here’s a sampling of summer events:

Art After Hours
Live music, local food trucks and gallery access, all in a beautiful garden setting. Held on select Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., this popular series is free to attend (wine/beer tickets $7). Upcoming dates: June 5, July 10, August 7 (with rain dates the following weeks).

Cars and Coffee + Plein Air Days
On second Saturday’s from June through October, art and auto enthusiasts can gather on the grounds. From 8 to 11 a.m., enjoy Cars and Coffee in the parking lot, or bring your sketchbook and join Plein Air Days to create among the gardens (until 5 p.m.). Admission is free for both events.

Preschool Palette
Little ones and their grownups can enjoy art-themed stories, garden walks and hands-on creativity in this guided program for ages 2 – 5. Sessions are offered multiple days in July and August. Registration required; $12 per child/adult pair ($10 for Friends of Belmont members).

Woodland Hikes
Explore the natural side of Belmont on guided hikes through woods, fields and historic ruins. Led by Virginia Master Naturalists on the last Sunday of each month from June through December, these 90-minute walks begin at 2 p.m. and are free to the public.

Picturing New Connections
On July 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., the museum hosts a special interactive program for individuals with memory loss and their care partners. Guests can enjoy sensory-rich gallery discussions followed by a calming art activity. Registration required; $5 per person.

Stop by for the art studio and galleries, live music, sketching in the garden, or a hike. Gari Melchers Home and Studio is a peaceful and inspiring place to explore, just minutes from campus.

For details or to register for events, visit the museum’s events calendar, contact llynn@umw.edu or call 540-654-1843.

 

Located in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg at 908 Charles Street, UMW’s James Monroe Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the life, legacy and leadership of the fifth U.S. president. Through exhibitions, programs and events the museum connects history with hands-on learning for the campus and local community alike.

This June, the museum is hosting a series of Courtyard Conversations – fun, interactive workshops held on three consecutive Saturdays in June. If you are interested in indulging your creative side, or trying something new, give them a try! Here’s what is coming up:

June 7: Paper Marbling (10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m)
Create one-of-a-kind designs with artist Lynette Reed during an introductory workshop on the art of paper marbling. All materials are included in the $50 ticket, and you’ll leave with your own marbled masterpiece.

June 14: Nature Journaling (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Join local master naturalists for a family-friendly session on observing and recording the natural world through drawing, writing and diagrams. All ages welcome; pre-registration encouraged.

June 28: Essence Oils (10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
Blend history with creativity in a hands-on workshop led by Morgan Wellman of Sugar and Spruce. Learn about the evolution of personal scents and craft your own custom body oil to take home. Tickets are $25 and include all materials.

To register, purchase tickets or learn more, email the museum at jamesmonroemuseum@gmail.com or lcrawfor@umw.edu. Come out and experience learning that engages the senses – right in UMW’s own backyard!

Read all about the professional achievements, public service and personal milestones of generations of Mary Washington students in the Spring 2025 edition of Class Notes. More than 20 pages of text and photos reveal notable news from the fabulous Class of 1950 all the way up to the fresh new grads that make up the Class of 2024! See the full publication on issuu.

June marks the arrival of the Class of 2029 for summer orientation, a pivotal experience designed to help first-year students and their families feel welcomed, supported and connected to the UMW community.

Faculty and staff are invited to play a role in the important tradition by volunteering to greet and assist new students and their supporters. Whether offering directions, answering questions or simply providing a warm smile, employees help set the tone for an inclusive and engaging college experience.

Volunteer shifts are still available online. Sign up for a time that works for you and wear UMW-branded clothing and your name tag. A “Ask Me Anything: button will be provided. Location suggestions are listed in the sign-up, but feel free to statin yourself wherever your help is most needed. A reminder will be sent before your shift.

Orientation sessions run on the following dates:

• June 5-6
• June 9-10
• June 12-13
• June 17-18
• June 23-24

Thank you in advance for supporting out New Student Programs team and showing incoming students why UMW is a community like no other!

The University of Mary Washington announces its spring 2025 President’s List and Dean’s List. More than 1,200 students achieved these honors during the spring 2025 semester.

To be recognized on these lists a student must carry at least 12 graded credits of new coursework. Students who earn a grade-point average of 4.00 on all work taken for graded credit in a semester receive a spot on the President’s List. Students who earn a grade-point average of 3.50 to 3.99 on all work taken for graded credit in a semester are placed on the Dean’s List.

Decisions regarding inclusion on the lists are based on a student’s record as it stands at the official close of the semester grading period. A temporary grade (I or G) postpones consideration; however, once this grade is converted to a permanent letter grade, the student’s GPA is calculated and, if appropriate, a list notation will be made on the student’s permanent record.

We congratulate the students earning these honors this semester and hope you will share in recognizing their academic achievements @MaryWash. Read more.