The University of Mary Washington graduated 1,161 students in commencement ceremonies Friday,
May 11, and Saturday, May 12.
Marci Catlett, deputy superintendent for Fredericksburg schools, gave the graduate address Friday evening. Alumni businessmen Robert Davis ’12 and Abbas Haider ’12 addressed undergraduates on Saturday.
Kendall M. Parker ’18 of Fredericksburg received the Colgate W. Darden Jr. Award, presented to the student with the highest grade-point average in the four-year undergraduate program. Parker finished with a 3.99 GPA. An exceptional player on the UMW basketball team, she set a school record for the number of three-pointers made in a single game.
A veteran administrator and three longtime faculty members were awarded emeritus status:
- Martin A. Wilder Jr., chief of staff emeritus, served the university since 1979 and was chief of staff for presidents Richard V. Hurley and Troy D. Paino. In 2016, he was presented the Washington Medallion, which recognizes an individual who has served Mary Washington with exceptional dedication.
- Michael Bass, professor emeritus of environmental science and biology, served the university for more than 45 years.
- Timothy Crippen, professor emeritus of sociology, served the university for 36 years.
- Joella Killian, professor emerita of biology, served the university for 34 years.
The emeritus title is bestowed on faculty members and administrators who have served the university for at least 15 years and who have attained the rank of professor or associate professor or the administrative equivalent.