Chemistry major values opportunities to be creative while exploring career options
Adelaide “Ada” Gill ’26 has been playing the harp since she was a small child, but she had to leave the large stringed instrument at home in Richmond when she moved into Randolph Hall. Between her classes, labs, homework, and other campus activities, the recipient of the A. Ray Merchent Washington Scholarship can be found plucking the strings on the University’s harp in Pollard Hall.
“Music has been a constant in my life and is a source of joy,” says Ada. While her musical talents have enabled her to perform with the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra and others, she still is fine-tuning her life goals and ultimate career path.
Ada’s major is chemistry, and she has declared a minor in practical ethics. She also is a resident assistant, serves on the UMW Honor Council, plays club tennis, has volunteered with a local EMT unit, and does service work with the College Diabetes Network and the Gwen Hale Resource Center.
“I came to UMW thinking I would go into the medical field,” says Ada. “But after taking some of my humanities courses and becoming actively involved in the campus community, I realize there may be other ways to fulfill my goals and serve people at the same time.”
Ada says her family and her academic advisor are supportive as she continues to research career paths that will utilize her varied skills and talents.
“The great thing about Mary Washington and my scholarship is that I can keep my options open and enjoy learning and being a student,” she says. “I know careers can change and evolve, and I’m looking forward to exploring all the possibilities.”
Ada vividly remembers the day she learned about the scholarship award. “I was in anatomy class in high school, when the guidance counselor called me into her office,” says Ada. “I thought I was in trouble, but the counselor pulled up a Zoom call, and staff from UMW congratulated me. It was so exciting, and I’ll never forget how I felt at that pivotal moment.”
Ada’s scholarship is named for Ray Merchent, a long-time and well-respected administrator and educator at Mary Washington. Ray passed away in 2003. His wife, Mary Alice, a member of the Heritage Society, passed in 2015.
Today, Ray and Mary Alice’s daughter, Alice Dearing, and their son and daughter-in-law, Al and Cindy Jones Merchent ’77, remain connected to the University through communication with scholarship recipients.
“UMW has done a wonderful job of introducing us and keeping us apprised of the progress that the recipients are making in their academic lives,” says Al Merchent. “Cindy and I always look forward to the opportunity to interact with the students, and we hope this scholarship serves as a vital turning point in their lives. My dad believed that education is the key to the universe, and we concur.”
For information about establishing scholarships now or in your estate plans, contact Jan Clarke at jclarke@umw.edu or 540-654-2064.
Article by Donna Harter, UMW Advancement
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