Virginia Green Bartlett ’01 and Preston Robinson ’99 met at Mary Washington – and even attended grad ball as friends – but went their separate ways after college. A UMW online course they took several years ago led them to rekindle their relationship-turned-romance.
“This feels like home to us,” said Virginia, who returned for her 25th milestone reunion with Preston, whom she married last year. He agreed, adding, “Mary Washington is still such a peaceful place in a hectic world.”
Hundreds of alumni, along with their friends and family, came to the 2026 Reunion Weekend to reunite with each other, their favorite faculty members, and their college home. With sunny skies and balmy temperatures, they participated in parties and picnics, presentations, printmaking workshops, campus tours, beverage tastings, family fun, and trolley trips to Carl’s for frozen treats. They also honored Alumni Award recipients and learned about campus updates, including plans for the new theatre, which broke ground this spring, and the upcoming fine arts and music renovation.
New activities included a live recording of UMW President Troy Paino’s What Matters Most podcast, a student journalism gathering, a retired faculty and staff reception, and a “Bites and Sites” dinner that culminated with a lively karaoke party at Palmieri Plaza.
Graduates across the generations spent the weekend reconnecting, reminiscing, and reflecting on the past while hearing about Mary Washington’s many accolades today. Alumni were proud to learn that UMW has consistently ranked in U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Fiske Guide to Colleges, and more. They were also pleased that their alma mater has remained true to its mission as a public liberal arts and sciences university.
“It’s invigorating to be back,” said Carolyn Crum Pannu ’61, who, with classmates Lloyd Tilton Backstrom and Pat Scott Peck, marveled at the beauty of the campus where they met seven decades ago.
Rob Strassheim ’96 praised the University for “remaining committed to its traditions while balancing the needs of future students and the Fredericksburg community.”
“I want to ensure that this institution thrives,” said Irene Thomaidis Roberts ’86, who chatted excitedly with her friends about the UMW men’s basketball team winning its first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship this spring.
Alison Haworth Regan ’76 came to celebrate her class’s 50th Reunion Weekend, which made her part of the 1908 Society, honoring those who graduated 50 years ago or more. “We bonded, matured, and grew up together,” said Alison, who couldn’t believe that much time had passed. “But our friendships have lasted a lifetime.”
That sentiment was shared by Geraldine Sargent Habas ’66, who sat in the shade with classmates Anne Meade Clagett and Patricia Bergin Bergman and discussed what Mary Washington was like when it was still a women’s college, before becoming a co-ed institution in the early 1970s. “It’s fun to see the new changes, but we just want to remember when we were young,” Geraldine said. “We’re not so young anymore, but we’re still dear friends.”
Alumni of all ages acknowledged that having small class sizes, close relationships with faculty mentors, and service and leadership opportunities as students set them up for success in their lives and careers.
“Dr. Bulent Atalay shaped the course of my future, challenged me, and taught me how to solve problems,” said Michelle Lesko Parker ’91. She majored in physics and worked for NASDAQ and Liberty Mutual before moving on to managing communications and marketing for a private Catholic school.
Karen Laino Giannuzzi ’71, who studied German, remarked that Mary Washington taught her and her classmates “how to maneuver in the world and embrace differences.” She led a storied career in the U.S. Marines and Navy, handled special intelligence for NATO, and still travels the world in her retirement.
“UMW taught me critical thinking and research skills,” said Kevin Diana ’06. Majoring in political science and music provided a path for him to pursue a federal government career and his passion as an opera singer.
Many of those who returned for Reunion Weekend noted the importance that UMW volunteer leadership roles have played in their lives since graduation.
“It’s a good way to honor the experience we had as students,” said Meganne Lemon ’11, a current Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD) member who helped found the Young Alumni Council (YAC). “We’re using our talents and the education we received here to give back to support current students and our fellow alumni.”
AABOD member Lori Foster Turley ’81 noted that coming to Reunion Weekend and other gatherings help alumni stay connected with old friends and make new ones.
That’s the case for Ray Celeste Tanner ’16, a longtime volunteer and YAC member, who looked forward to reuniting with Gayle Weinberger Petro ’79 at the Ball Circle picnic.
“I’ve met many of my closest friends through Reunion Weekend,” Ray Celeste said. “I’m always in awe that Mary Washington alumni, no matter when they graduated, are so passionate about our love for this place.”
More photos from Reunion Weekend 2026 will be uploaded to the UMW Alumni SmugMug in the coming days. Learn about upcoming Alumni Engagement events.
-Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04
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