The evening after the University of Mary Washington ushered more than 1,300 new undergraduates into a fresh academic year, a brilliant tradition began. At the inaugural “Eagle Gathering” each student carried a candle and passed its flame to another, bringing a glimmering gold to the night on Ball Circle. The ceremony represented the “torch of knowledge” at the center of the UMW Seal. “This light symbolizes the core values of our community,” President Richard V. Hurley told new students at the Thursday, Aug. 23, gathering. “It stands for the desire to learn, to grow, to serve, to lead, and in all things, to give our best in search of meaning and truth.” The day before, with temperatures nearing 90 degrees, hundreds of freshmen embarked on a five-day orientation, lugging futons and air fresheners, Ramen and area rugs into Alvey, Virginia, Bushnell, Jefferson, Randolph, and Russell halls. Of the new students – 978 freshmen and 324 transfers – 40 had already met at Pre-Flight, … [Read more...]