The University of Mary Washington recently received one of its largest-ever gifts in support of academics. The $2.5-million bequest came from longtime University supporter Shirley Van Epps Waple ’52, who passed away on Sept. 4, 2010. Her gift established eight professorships that will recognize excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. The terms specified one professorship in business, one in economics, and six in areas left to the discretion of the UMW president. In November, President Richard V. Hurley announced a Waple Professorship for the College of Education and five in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Waple Professorships will enable UMW to attract, retain, and acknowledge outstanding faculty experts, Hurley said. A psychology major and member of the UMW Heritage Society, Waple had endowed a scholarship for students with financial need and made a gift to name an office in the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. “She was always very proud that she graduated … [Read more...]
On Campus
No Injuries in Mason Hall Blaze
A recent fire that broke out on the fifth floor of Mason Hall brought the Mary Washington community together. The blaze started about 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, less than two months after a rededication ceremony marked the end of renovations to the Randolph-Mason complex. There were no injuries. Emergency responders contained fire damage to one room, but there was some water damage in the building. “When things like this happen, we have a job to do,” said Director of Residence Life Christine M. Porter, who was among administrators who stayed on campus through the night. “Keeping students informed, making sure they’re safe – they’re at the forefront of our procedures.” Alarm and sprinkler systems functioned efficiently, the Fredericksburg Fire Department responded to the scene, and the entire complex – including The Link connecting Randolph and Mason residence halls – was evacuated. Displaced students received regular updates from UMW, and fellow students and faculty posted … [Read more...]
Learning by Giving
Thanks to a class at UMW and a generous benefactor, hundreds of uninsured women will have access to life-saving health screenings. Students in last semester’s Economics of Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Sector class awarded $10,500 in grants to three Fredericksburg-area nonprofit organizations, including more than $3,000 to the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic. Operated by the Fredericksburg Area Regional Health Council, the clinic will use the funds to buy additional equipment for such cancer screenings as breast exams and Pap smears. The class gave more than $5,000 to Serenity Home of Fredericksburg, which serves chemically dependent men, to refurbish bedrooms. It granted $2,400 to THRIVE, The Healing Center, to fund employment-training programs for women. Professor of Economics Robert Rycroft teaches his Economics of Philanthropy class how philanthropic organizations invest wisely for the good of the community. He guides students as they create a nonprofit organization, solicit … [Read more...]
Concept to Curtain
The exhibit SPOTLIGHT: Designers from the UMW Department of Theatre and Dance will offer a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of theatrical design. “Before the curtain opens, the set must be imagined, the costumes designed and sewn, the props conceptualized and crafted,” wrote exhibit curator Rosemary Jesionowski, UMW assistant professor of multiple imaging. The exhibit features drawings, renderings, and models from current and former UMW faculty designers, including Julie Hodge, scenic and lighting designer; David Hunt, scenic designer; and Kevin McCluskey, costume designer. Part of UMW Theatre’s 100th anniversary celebration, the show runs March 22 through April 26 at the Ridderhof Martin Gallery. Related events include: • UMW ElderStudy Lecture, Spotlight: Designers, presented by Rosemary Jesionowski, and sponsored by Bob and Carole Hanus. April 3, 10 a.m., Klein Theatre and Ridderhof Martin Gallery. • UMW Galleries Spring Lecture, From Curation to … [Read more...]
Who’s the Next Great Life?
The 10th season of the Chappell Great Lives Lecture Series began in January and continues through April. The lineup of lectures by authors on biographies they’ve recently published features a fascinating array of historical and cultural icons. March 19 Winston Churchill, by Jeremy Black: A History of the British Isles March 26 The Pacific Admirals of World War II, by Walter R. Borneman: The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King – The Five-Star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea April 2 Queen Elizabeth II, by Sally Bedell Smith: Elizabeth the Queen April 9 Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, by Susan Cheever: My Name Is Bill: Bill Wilson – His Life and the Creation of Alcoholics Anonymous April 11 Ernest Hemingway, by Paul Hendrickson: Hemingway’s Boat April 16 Rasputin, by Joseph Fuhrmann: Rasputin: The Untold Story April 18 Abraham Lincoln, by Michael Burlingame: Abraham Lincoln: A Life April 23 Michelangelo, by William Wallace: Michelangelo: The … [Read more...]
Richardson Receives First Farmer Award
The University of Mary Washington bestowed its inaugural James Farmer Award on Xavier Richardson in February. The recipient is executive vice president of corporate development and community affairs for Mary Washington Healthcare, and he’s known in the region for his volunteer efforts with many community organizations and mentoring services for youth. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School, the Fredericksburg native established a successful career on Wall Street. He returned to support young people in the community that nurtured him when he was a boy. Richardson is a member of the UMW Board of Visitors and is on the board of directors for the James Farmer Scholars program. He is president of the foundations of Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital. The James Farmer Award is given to an individual who exemplifies a commitment to serving others and to the ideals espoused and practiced by the late civil rights … [Read more...]
A Lively Reflection
When the Eagles basketball teams take the floor for home games, the University of Mary Washington Pep Band makes sure fans’ excitement stays high until the final buzzer sounds. The band, formed this year, is an officially recognized student group with about 20 members. One of the most spirited is Ronald May ’16. Not only does the band pump up athletes and spectators, it connects with the community by inviting local high school students to perform during games. “We get a lot of positive comments, especially when people see us for the first time,” said bandleader Jim Ford, an adjunct instructor of music. The faculty adviser is Kevin Bartram, director of the orchestra. … [Read more...]
UMW Warms Up Winter
Members of the University of Mary Washington community kept the gifts coming this winter, before – and after – the holidays. Students, staff, sports teams, clubs, and others gave blood, painted porches, and participated in an array of service projects designed to brighten the season for many Fredericksburg-area families. Here are some ways UMW helped out in December: • Members of club sports teams and the ELS Language Center arranged Toys for Tots collections, gathering games, books, and playthings as Christmas gifts for children in families facing financial hardships. • The One Note Stand a cappella group asked those who came to its wintertime concert to bring nonperishable food items for the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank, and the Department of Athletics collected more than a ton of food for the organization. • COAR conducted its annual Head Start Gift Box Drive, packing new toothbrushes, scarves, gloves, books, and toys for underprivileged children into … [Read more...]