Scholarship offers essential support to French and international business major
As a child, Hadley Mantia began learning simple French phrases from her grandmother, a long-time French teacher in Kentucky. “I just loved hearing my dad’s mom speak the language,” says Hadley. “I thought it was the coolest thing on the planet.”
Hadley enhanced her vocabulary through French classes during both middle and high school. When embarking on her college search, she stumbled upon a unique opportunity at UMW: a combined French and business course.
“I thought the French business class was great, but then I fell in love with the small campus and the entire community,” says Hadley.
An unexpected change in her family’s financial situation complicated Hadley’s college plans, but it did not stop her. She immersed herself in campus life, became a resident assistant, and began working in Dodd Auditorium. She also applied for and received the A. Haskin Jackson and Edith Nunnally Jackson Scholarship funded by Heritage Society member Judith Jackson Jones ’68.
“This scholarship has been a huge help in paying my way, and I actually met Mrs. Jones last year at a luncheon,” says Hadley. “She was such a bright light, telling me stories and motivating and inspiring me to go for my goals.”
In addition to her classes and campus employment, Hadley also joined the UMW Performing Arts Company (PAC) to pursue her interest in dance, and she and a friend helped restart UMW’s French Club. In the summer of 2023, Hadley went abroad to work as a marketing intern for Opened Mind JPA in Aix-en-Provence, France.
“Getting a glimpse into the French business world gave me a lot of insight,” says Hadley. “I now have a greater appreciation for the country and the people.”
With graduation near, Hadley is busy scheduling interviews. Her ideal job is one that effectively merges her international business education with her proficiency and love for the French language.
For information about becoming a member of the Heritage Society, contact Jan Clarke at jclarke@umw.edu or 540-654-2064.
Article by Donna Harter, University Advancement
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