April Ryan to UMW students: “I’m Talking About You”

Veteran journalist April Ryan was the keynote speaker at UMW’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in January. A White House reporter since 1997, Ryan now heads the Washington bureau of American Urban Radio Networks, provides political analysis on CNN, and has written two books. Her UMW address was sponsored by the Office of the President and hosted by the James Farmer Multicultural Center. Ryan grew up in Baltimore and recalled listening to King’s speeches on vinyl. She encouraged the Mary Washington audience to reflect King’s values in their personal actions. “It takes all of us,” she said. “I’m not talking about a political party or a person. I’m talking about you.” … [Read more...]

Popular Adjunct Joins DoD to Combat Threats

Guy Roberts, who was an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, has taken a top position with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). President Donald J. Trump made the nomination last August, and the Senate confirmed Roberts to the post of assistant secretary of the DoD’s nuclear, chemical, and biological defense programs. … [Read more...]

Heslep Amphitheatre, Morris Stage to Debut at Reunion 2018

The Heslep Amphitheatre – named for Donald B. and Josephine McPherson Heslep ’56 – is set to be dedicated June 2 during Reunion Weekend. The Hesleps have long been generous contributors to university initiatives, including a significant endowment for the UMW Philharmonic and $1.25 million for the amphitheatre renovation project. The Board of Visitors also recently approved another alumni name in connection with the project. The amphitheatre’s stage is to be called the Morris Stage in honor of Marceline “Marcy” Weatherly Morris ’50 and Elmer “Juney” Morris Jr. ’50. The naming recognizes 100 years of family legacy connections and the couple’s significant campaign gift toward the restoration of the amphitheatre. The Morrises met on campus when Marcy was a student at the all-female college and Juney, a World War II veteran, was allowed to enroll under the GI Bill. … [Read more...]

UMW Again Tops Peace Corps List

Once again, UMW has placed among the most prolific Peace Corps producers in the country. With 14 alumni currently serving around the world, UMW ranked fourth among small schools on the 2018 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list released in February. “It’s just a culture we have here at UMW,” said Assistant Director for Career and Professional Development Kyle Danzey. “I always go back to the history. Look at the founding of UMW. We were a teachers college. We’ve always had a tradition of … providing some kind of service.” In all, 261 Mary Washington alumni have served in the Peace Corps since its 1961 founding. UMW recently became a Peace Corps Prep program partner, and the first 16 students were to be inducted this spring. The certificate program combines targeted coursework, service-oriented fieldwork, and professional development to prepare students for future volunteer positions. … [Read more...]

Student Advocate Lends an Ear

A newly hired victim’s advocate at the University of Mary Washington will provide an additional confidential resource for students who may have experienced sex- or gender-based violence. Erin Hopkins, who has worked in crisis management and teaching, sees her role as bridging the gap between UMW’s Office of Title IX and the students it protects against sex-based discrimination. “There are students who need to talk with someone but who are too afraid to go to the Title IX office,” said Hopkins. “I serve as a confidential advocate to educate students about their options and point them in the right direction for help.” Funding for the position has been provided as part of a $300,000 grant through the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women. UMW was among 45 institutions of higher education – one of only two in Virginia – to receive the funding in the fall of 2016 to help victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. … [Read more...]

Varsity Debaters Go National

University of Mary Washington’s varsity debate team of Gabe Lewis ’19, left, and Parker Coon ’19 competed in the 72nd National Debate Tournament, held in March at Wichita State University in Kansas. The national tournament featured 78 qualifying teams. It was the third time Coon had qualified and the second time for Lewis. While they didn’t reach the elimination rounds, they competed strongly, said Debate Coach Adrienne Brovero. To qualify for the National Debate Tournament, Coon and Lewis turned in an impressive performance at the District VII National Debate Tournament, hosted on the Fredericksburg campus. Coon and Lewis also reached the Sweet 16 of the American Debate Association national championship. … [Read more...]

UMW’s Trees Get Another Hug

For the third year in a row, the Arbor Day Foundation has named UMW a Tree Campus USA. The award recognizes colleges and universities that promote healthy trees and engage their communities in the spirit of conservation. UMW has a campus tree-care plan, and it dedicates annual expenditures for campus trees. Mary Washington is one of only six Virginia institutions to receive the honor. … [Read more...]