UMW’s Regional Alumni Networks Create Connections Across the Country

Jessica Mitchell Essalih ’05 jumped at the chance to lead the University of Mary Washington’s Texas Regional Alumni Network when she relocated from New York City to Austin.

“It’s remarkable, even for a few hours, to be surrounded by people who value UMW’s Honor Code, a liberal arts education, and a Carl’s milkshake,” said Jessica, who met and married fellow alum Tony Essalih ’99, who was living in Houston. The couple have hosted events to help alumni across the Lone Star State stay connected to their alma mater and each other. “There’s never a lull in the conversation when you bring up Mary Washington,” she added. “It’s such a special place.”

She’s one of many alumni volunteers who manage Mary Washington’s nearly two dozen networks nationwide. Network leaders help UMW’s Office of Alumni Engagement plan baseball games and brunches, painting parties and picnics, and happy hours and hikes in their home cities – as well as university updates with President Troy Paino and wife Kelly – gathering groups of graduates who once called Mary Washington home.

Jessica Mitchell Essalih ’05 and husband Tony Essalih ’99 (center) hosting a Texas Network event for their fellow Mary Washington alumni in Houston. Jessica is among the dozens of alumni who serve as Regional Alumni Network leaders. Photo courtesy of Phillip Duggins.

Members of the Richmond Network, including network leaders Amy Leap ’12 (middle row, second from left) and Marshall Vogt ’07 (back row, fourth from left) during a food drive and happy hour at Gramaphone Winery in Richmond. Photo courtesy of Phillip Duggins.

Alumni paint snowmen at Muse Paintbar in 2022 as part of the Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia Network. Photo courtesy of Angela Zosel McCormick ’00.

Mary Washington alumni gathered with President Troy Paino and wife Kelly (center), along with Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte (third from left, back row) and Associate Vice President for Alumni and Donor Engagement Mark Thaden ’02 (far right) at Redbird in downtown Los Angeles for a Southern California Network event.

Richmond Network co-leader Amy Leap ’12 (gray shirt) and other alumni attend a Richmond Kickers soccer game in 2023. Photo courtesy of Phillip Duggins.

A group of alumni and Distinguished Professor Emeritus Bill Crawley attend a Mary Wash Day and Fredericksburg Network happy hour and trivia in the Hurley Convergence Center in 2025. Their team was No. 1 in trivia. Photo courtesy of Cadi Treviño Pinto ’22.

This fall features a Boston/New England Network gathering Oct. 8 at Trillium Brewing in Canton, Massachusetts. The Richmond (Virginia) Network will host a happy hour and service project for an animal shelter Oct. 8 at Triple Crossing’s Fulton brewery. The Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia Network will host an event at Continues Arcade in Alexandria Oct. 15. President Paino will also visit locations throughout Virginia in the winter and spring. View the UMW Alumni event calendar to learn about upcoming dates.

“These events are opportunities to meet people with a shared foundation, expand personal and professional connections in a new city, and make an unfamiliar place feel more welcoming,” said Lori Foster Turley ’81, an Alumni Association Board of Directors member and Regional Alumni Networks vice president. “Most importantly, they help alumni continue building community long after graduation, keeping Mary Washington close no matter where life takes them.”

That’s why Alanna Shapiro ’18 helped get the Philadelphia Network up and running – or hiking. Last fall, she helped arrange a family picnic, playtime, and hike at a park in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, when the leaves were at their peak colors.

“I had just moved to Philly, so getting involved as a network leader has helped me meet more people,” said Shapiro, who hopes to plan future events around the city’s spirited sports teams.

Alumni attend a Charlotte Knights Minor League Baseball game in 2024 as part of the Charlotte Network in North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Phillip Duggins.

Alumni visit Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest for a Charlottesville Network event in 2024. Photo courtesy of Phillip Duggins.

Alumni and their pups attend a “Yappy Hour” at Snouts and Stouts brewery in Arlington, Virginia, as part of the D.C./Northern Virginia Network. Photo courtesy of Phillip Duggins.

President Troy Paino and alumni at the Library of Distilled Spirits in New York City, as part of the New York City Network. Photo courtesy of Phillip Duggins.

A group of alumni and Distinguished Professor Emeritus Bill Crawley attend a Mary Wash Day and Fredericksburg Network happy hour and trivia in the Hurley Convergence Center in 2025. Their team was No. 1 in trivia. Photo courtesy of Cadi Treviño Pinto ’22.

Tara Corrigall ’82 (back row, far left), Director of Alumni and Advancement Communications Angela Zosel McCormick ’00 (back row, fourth from left), and alumni visiting the Barrier Islands Center on the Eastern Shore as part of the Tidewater Network. Photo courtesy of Angela McCormick.

Marshall Vogt ’07, who grew up in Richmond, signed up to be a network leader when he returned home after college. He has helped plan a tacky holiday lights tour, book readings by local alumni authors like Kristen Green ’95, and the ever-popular Richmond Squirrels Minor League Baseball game each summer.

Leaders brainstorm ideas before bringing them to UMW Director of Alumni Programs Phillip Duggins, who helps each network secure a venue, plan a budget and timeline, and communicate details to area alumni via email and social media. Registration is required for events, which are typically free or involve a minimal cost but often include food and beverages.

“I know people who’ve gotten job offers, including me, after making a connection at a network event,” said Amy Leap ’12, another Richmond leader, who was recruited to join after her stint on UMW’s Young Alumni Council ended.

She has enjoyed planning service projects like holiday card writing and food drives, but her favorite was a celebration of late civil rights leader James L. Farmer Jr., featuring UMW Associate Provost of Community Relations and Compliance Shavonne Shorter as a guest.

Many alumni shared their personal stories about having Dr. Farmer as a history professor at Mary Washington, Amy said, while Dr. Shorter told them about current James Farmer Multicultural Center events and initiatives.

Tara Corrigall ’82 became active in the Tidewater/Virginia Beach Network, which she now co-leads, after serving on UMW’s Board of Visitors and as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. She has helped plan a meetup at a dog-friendly brewery, visits to local art museums, and an annual luncheon and tour for Virginia’s Historic Garden Week.

“I relish any chance I have to stay engaged and informed on what’s happening at Mary Washington,” Tara said. “I loved planning dorm events and parties as a student, so this role was the perfect fit.”

Find Regional Alumni Networks in your area. Check the UMW Alumni calendar for upcoming gatherings. Contact Director of Alumni Programs Phillip Duggins to learn how you can get involved.

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