An Enduring Investment in Education

Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Continues to Open Doors for UMW Students

Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans, born on Feb. 21, 1872, in Thaxton, Virginia, made history when she stepped up to lead the company of her late first husband, Joseph B. Whitehead, who had the innovative idea to bottle Coca-Cola at the turn of the 20th century. Three decades later, the company appointed her to its board of directors – making her the first woman ever to sit on the board at a major corporation.

A revered philanthropist, Mrs. Whitehead also gave generously to educational institutions, arts and culture, and religious organizations throughout her lifetime. The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, established after her death in 1953, supports tens of thousands of students in need each year, including at the University of Mary Washington.

“I’m forever grateful to Mrs. Whitehead and the foundation for helping people like me who have a hard time affording post-secondary education,” said Mariana Lira ’26, a senior environmental science major and a UMW Honors Program scholar.

Mariana said that receiving the scholarship has opened doors to academic pursuits and leadership roles for her in college. At Mary Washington, she has presented research on metal contaminants in soil with her faculty mentor, served as vice president of the Latino Student Association and Tri Alpha First Generation honor society, and is planning a career in the Marine Corps after she graduates.

UMW senior environmental science major Mariana Lira said earning the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship has opened doors to academic pursuits and leadership roles such as being a UMW Honors Program scholar, presenting research on metal contaminants in soil with her faculty mentor, and serving as vice president of the Latino Student Association and Tri Alpha First Generation honor society at Mary Washington. She’s considering enlisting in the Marine Corps after graduation in May. Photo courtesy of Mariana Lira.

Mariana Lira ’26, a Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship recipient, has conducted research with UMW Associate Professor of Environmental Science Melanie Szulczewski, which they’ve presented at professional conferences in their field. Mariana said: “Here, I am filtering soil samples that have been incubated after being treated with an acid phosphatase substrate. The absorbance (or in simpler terms, the color) of the liquid that will filter out will tell us how biologically productive the soil is.” Photo courtesy of Mariana Lira.

“I shall pass through this world but once,” Mrs. Whitehead wrote in her personal scrapbook. “Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Her words sum up the mission of her Atlanta-based foundation, which provides financial assistance to over 12,000 students each year as well as senior care facilities across the southeast.

More than 2,000 scholars at the University of Mary Washington have benefited from Whitehead scholarships over the last four decades. In 2024-25, the University awarded financial assistance totaling $292,110 to more than 100 Whitehead recipients, which is a part of the over $2.3 million in donor-driven scholarships from the UMW Foundation.

“Our recipients embody Mrs. Whitehead’s enduring spirit of generosity, resilience, and commitment to higher education,” said Katie Turcotte, vice president for advancement and alumni engagement and executive director of the UMW Foundation. “We’re so grateful to the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation for their ongoing support that helps ensure that a Mary Washington education remains accessible and affordable for those with financial need.”

Timona Asnake ’29, a first-year student at UMW, expressed her gratitude toward the foundation for helping fund her studies in cybersecurity and journalism, relieving the financial burden on her family.

“This scholarship will allow me to succeed in my educational journey without money being a factor that will hold me back from it,” she said, “alongside giving back to the people and community who raised me.”

Brittany Freeman ’27, a nontraditional student, said the Whitehead scholarship has helped her balance the demands of raising four children and becoming a special education teacher.

“This opportunity reinforces my belief in perseverance and purpose – not just for myself, but for the example I am setting for my children,” she said. “I want them to know that with faith, determination, and a strong support system, anything is possible.”

Learn more about establishing scholarships and how private support makes a difference in the lives of UMW students who receive scholarships, research fellowships, and internship grants.

-Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04