April 26, 2024

Pandemic Delayed, Couldn’t Stop, UMW 2020 Commencement

Hannah Manning ’20, M.Ed. ’21, woke up with a nervous excitement. “Like I was getting ready to give a speech,” she said, posing for photos yesterday morning with fellow University of Mary Washington College of Education (COE) students Savannah Rowland and Alexandra Cooper. “It feels good to finally be doing this.” In less than two […]

Pandemic-Era Commencement Holds A Number of Highlights

What a year … and 52 days! But who’s counting? With University of Mary Washington Commencement ceremonies for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 taking place today through Sunday, we are. When UMW paused in-person learning last spring, amid a growing pandemic, campus life as we knew it was thrown off kilter. Amid the disruption, […]

Share Your Words of Wisdom with the Class of 2020

Class of 2020

We know it’s been on your bucket list. You finally have a chance to deliver a commencement address! (Well, at least part of one.)

We are asking all faculty and staff to step up during this unprecedented time and share your wisdom with UMW’s Class of 2020. It could be practical, such as in the valedictory words of a former Navy SEAL: Make your bed every morning. Or philosophical: Pursue your dreams.

We want you to think about important life lessons or if-I-knew-then-what-I-know-now reflections. Regardless of whether your words are wise or witty, pithy or poetic, we urge you to think of a concise statement (one or two sentences) you would like to pass along to our graduates.

We ask that you email your written statements to Interim Media Relations Director Lisa Marvashti. And, if you’re willing to take it a step farther (or ready for prime time), videotape yourself delivering your words of wisdom. Be sure and include your name and title.

Please send these to us by May 4. We will compile all the submissions into a written summary for the May 7th EagleEye, and we will use the videotaped messages on the website and in communication with our graduates.