November 14, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Alumni Couples Wed Beneath Brompton Oak

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From more than 8 feet away, President Troy Paino officiated the socially distanced wedding of UMW alumni Caroline Deale and John Bentley, who wed at Paino’s home at Brompton last month.

From more than 8 feet away, President Troy Paino officiated the socially distanced wedding of UMW alumni Caroline Deale and John Bentley, who wed at Paino’s home at Brompton last month.

It had been seven years since they’d met on this very spot, new Mary Washington first-years eating sherbet and mint chocolate chip on the president’s lawn. That day, during the annual ice cream social for freshmen, Caroline Deale ’17 made a wish. Last month, it came true.

“Your youth may fade away, but your smile will always remind me of the time I first saw you on that sunny day,” she promised John Bentley ’17, MSGA ’19, as they wed beneath the weathered and wise Brompton Oak.

The tree that had seen so much Civil War suffering “got to witness pure love and joy,” UMW President Troy Paino posted on social media that afternoon. As a rare favor during an unprecedented season, he officiated the socially distanced wedding outside his front door.

The event was among two sets of alumni nuptials at Brompton this fall – Isabelle Perrin ’17 and Nathan Dawes ’14, MSGA ’17, married on the seldom-available historic site in October. Both ceremonies were reimagined, with shrinking guest lists and pandemic-related gifts. But COVID-19 couldn’t stop them.

May these UMW love stories – and all the magical bonds formed at Mary Washington throughout the decades – shine a beacon of light on the end of a tumultuous year. Read more.

Family Weekend: Connecting With UMW From the Comfort of Home

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Every fall, University of Mary Washington students gather with loved ones on campus for exciting events and activities that showcase Eagle life. Now in its 47th year, Mary Washington’s Family Weekend is going virtual for the first time. Even in the digital realm, this beloved tradition, held Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, promises families ample […]

UMW Gets Big Date on ‘The Bachelor’

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The Bachelor filmed its 23rd season in exotic locales like Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam. But directors of the hit ABC reality series deemed UMW’s Brompton, where part of next week’s show was shot, one of the season’s most beautiful sites. Captured last October in a cloud of secrecy, the annual “hometowns” episode brought Fredericksburg native Cayelynn […]

Spring Festival Draws Hundreds to Brompton

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Hundreds of children gathered on the Brompton lawn on Sunday, April 1 for COAR’s annual Spring Forward Festival. More than 100 families came to the event for crafts, games, food and a lively egg hunt. Sixty-one UMW volunteers from Psi Chi, the psychology honor society, Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society, Chi Beta Phi, the science honor society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Circle K helped with the afternoon’s activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays from UMW

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Richard and Rose Hurley welcomed the university community to a holiday open house on Friday, Dec. 9 at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center’s Ballroom.

A gingerbread display, complete with gingerbread houses, villages and trains, was the focal point of the Ballroom’s decorations. Various members of the UMW and local communities constructed the more than 20 pieces of the set. A scale version of Brompton was the centerpiece for the display.  Facilities staff created the Brompton replica and the UMW Dining Services Pastry Chef decorated the model. Click here for a slideshow of the decorations.

During the open house, guests were able to tour Brompton and experience its festive holiday decorations.

On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the university community received the annual holiday e-card, “President Hurley’s Holiday Messages,” a project of Design Services:

Spring Fling at Brompton

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More than 300 kids of all ages ushered in the spring season at a Spring Fling sponsored by COAR at Brompton over the weekend.   Children of the UMW family enjoyed an egg roll on the Brompton lawn, hugs from the Easter Bunny,  face painting, crafts  and gorgeous weather.