Runners Go the Extra Mile

Staff Sgt. Mitchell Brown encourages runners in the seventh annual Marine Corps Historic Half, which took place May 18 on the streets of Fredericksburg. More than 6,000 participants ran past UMW, a sponsor of the event. University volunteers showed up near sunrise to aid runners.Staff Sgt. Mitchell Brown encourages runners in the seventh annual Marine Corps Historic Half, which took place May 18 on the streets of Fredericksburg. More than 6,000 participants ran past UMW, a sponsor of the event. University volunteers showed up near sunrise to aid runners. … [Read more...]

Good Vibrations

Violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman performed with the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra in March. The sold-out show, part of the William M. Anderson Celebrity Series, packed Dodd Auditorium. The annual series, now beginning its 12th season, has featured such talent as Broadway maestro Marvin Hamlisch, folk singer Judy Collins, country music legend Kenny Rogers, and renowned flutist Sir James Galway. … [Read more...]

The Ladies Are the Champs

The University of Mary Washington women’s rugby team took home a national championship this spring. The team defeated Cal State Northridge on May 11 in the final round of the 2014 USA Rugby Division II National Championship in California. This is the first national championship for a UMW sport club program, according to Mark Mermelstein, director of campus recreation and the fitness center. “I could not be any more proud of our women’s rugby team,” Mermelstein said. “This storied program has a history of success both on the pitch and within the UMW community.” This year marked the team’s fourth trip to the finals, after finishing third in 2002, 2004, and 2005. … [Read more...]

Second Life for Trash

For the second year in a row, UMW finished first in Virginia in the annual RecycleMania competition. It also placed fourth in the nation. The top-10 finish came among 330 schools in the “per capita” category, which measures the percentage of recycling per person. UMW’s recycling efforts resulted in a greenhouse gas reduction of 343 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. That produces the same effect as removing 67 cars from the road or eliminating the energy consumption of 30 households, according to UMW Director of Landscape and Grounds Joni Wilson ’00. … [Read more...]

Catullo Coach of the Year

UMW women’s tennis head coach Patrick Catullo was named the Virginia Sports Information Directors State College Division Coach of the Year. This is his second time as state coach of the year. He led UMW to the 2014 NCAA Tournament third round with an 18-8 record. The Eagles were CAC champions for 11 consecutive years. This was the 16th consecutive year they advanced to the NCAA tournament. … [Read more...]

Especially Ours

Planned makeover will revive cherished amphitheater

It opened with a flourish, a sylvan setting for commencements, May Day celebrations, concerts, plays, and the rituals of campus life. But nature had its way with the Mary Washington amphitheater, chipping at its Greek-style columns and graceful character as a century slid by. Even in its darkest hour, with words like “decrepit,” “dilapidated,” and “dangerous” hurled its way, this refuge off Campus Walk drew visitors. The birches and oaks that enclose the amphitheater keep their secrets – of private thoughts, late-night trysts, promises spoken. Now a major makeover is planned for this iconic campus spot. Thanks to a $1 million gift from Robert S. and Alice Andrews Jepson ’64, and two other significant alumni donations, nearly half of the estimated $3 million cost of renovations has been raised. Architects, consulting with historic preservationists, plan restored and replaced elements, weather-resilient seating for 600 rising into spruced-up woods, and handicap accessibility. … [Read more...]