By Edie Gross When he graduated from Mary Washington in 1988, Remus Boxley was the first in his immediate family to earn a college degree. But he represented the third of four generations to forge a connection with the campus. His younger brother, Gary Boxley ’11, would also go on to graduate from Mary Washington, and a nephew, Gary Lamar Boxley, would participate in the university’s James Farmer Scholars Program throughout high school. “It’s like the family thing,” Louise Christian Boxley, Remus’ mother, said of her relatives’ many academic and professional links to the school. “It is awesome to think about it.” But Louise wasn’t all that preoccupied with family tradition when she applied for a position at the C Shoppe in 1966, she said. She and husband Lloyd were expecting their fifth child, and she simply needed a job. Her mother, Rosia Christian, and a maternal aunt, Nancy Jackson, had worked during the ’50s and early ’60s in the stifling heat of Mary Washington’s … [Read more...]
Joan Returns
Ball's Storied Resident Is Back
By Lisa Chinn Marvashti ’92 Joan of Arc is back in Mary Ball Hall, as splendid as ever. Unveiled last fall, after a much-needed restoration befitting her place in Mary Washington history, the cast-plaster statue is poised to inspire a new generation of students. “I know she’s just a statue, but having her back where she belonged really made me feel relieved,” said Kathryn Hall ’16, who spoke at last fall’s unveiling. “She’s just a part of what gives Ball its character and charm.” Joan of Arc was barely more than a girl when, guided by voices from saints, she led French forces to victory in the Hundred Years’ War. Captured by the English and burned at the stake, she was posthumously pardoned and canonized, becoming a symbol of women’s purpose and strength. “She reflects women’s ability to bring about change,” said Cedric Rucker ’81, associate vice president and dean of student life. “Think about the time of Mary Washington’s founding, when people didn’t really want women to … [Read more...]
Track Up and Running
UMW dedicated its state-of-the-art track and field facility at the Battleground Athletic Complex in October, after a yearlong improvement project. The updated facility features an eight-lane track with dual straightaways to accommodate sprints and hurdles. The home straightaway features long- and triple-jump runways with sand pits. The back straightaway features a pole-vault runway with landing pads at each end, to manage changes in wind direction. There’s a steeplechase pit inside the first turn. The grass infield has a hammer and discus cage and a dedicated shot put area. A javelin runway is nearby. The track has a top-quality synthetic surface in blue, with gray accents. UMW will use the facility for practice and competition and will host the Capital Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships in April 2017. … [Read more...]
Men’s Varsity Golf Arrives at UMW
With this fall’s launch of a men’s varsity golf program, UMW has added its first new sport since 1998. Men’s head coach Rodrick Wood and assistant Sam Oglesby took their team of 10 freshmen and one transfer student to five tournaments this fall. The spring season will run from February into April. The team plays and practices at Augustine Golf Club in Stafford County. UMW will add women’s varsity golf for the 2017-18 academic year, with alumna and former basketball All-American Katie Wimmer ’12 as head coach. “Men’s golf is our 22nd sport, and women’s golf will become our 23rd next fall, which puts us among the top NCAA institutions in terms of sports sponsored,” said Ken Tyler, director of UMW athletics. Wood is director of athletic facilities and the former UMW men’s basketball coach. Oglesby has 15 years’ experience in golf instruction and numerous golfing certifications. … [Read more...]
Meringolo Retires
On the heels of the successful Mary Washington First campaign, Salvatore “Torre” Meringolo announced his retirement as vice president for advancement and university relations as of Oct. 1. Meringolo oversaw the $50 million campaign, which exceeded its goal by $1.5 million. Before coming to UMW in 2009, Meringolo was vice president for development at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. While associate dean of the university libraries at The Pennsylvania State University, Meringolo became actively involved in fundraising on behalf of the university libraries. UMW President Troy Paino has announced a national search for Meringolo’s successor. … [Read more...]