The University of Mary Washington wrapped up its 2025-26 fundraising year June 30, announcing that 5,434 donors contributed $14,081,090 from 10,912 gifts and pledges.
Their collective generosity helps UMW uphold its commitment to providing students with a transformative liberal arts and sciences education filled with meaningful learning experiences. These include undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, and participation in arts and athletics, as well as service and leadership activities on campus and in the community.
“We’re deeply grateful to our new and longtime supporters for their continued investment in the future of the University,” said Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte, who also serves as executive director of the UMW Foundation. “You’re helping students discover their purpose, seek new opportunities, find their voices, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a difference in the world.”
UMW’s endowment reached $132.6 million, with donors contributing to a permanent source of support to strengthen scholarships, academic excellence, faculty innovation, and the student experience.
This year also saw a significant increase in donors who recognize UMW in their estate plans, with a 41% increase in new planned gifts and pledges.
“We believe so strongly in UMW’s mission and the Department of Geography and wanted to give back to this incredible institution that has shaped my life,” said Brian Reagan ’04, a member of the Alumni Association Board of Visitors. He and wife Ashley recognized his alma mater in their estate plan this year, establishing the Brian Reagan ’04 Endowment to support geography majors, while also contributing to the Fund for Mary Washington. “There’s no better time to think about future investment than the present.”
The University had its most successful Mary Wash Day to date, with a record-breaking $1.34 million in contributions to support UMW students, faculty, and programs. Eagles across the country participated in the 24-hour celebration of philanthropy and engagement, making 3,579 gifts April 2-3.
Donors generously gave $811,912 to the Fund for Mary Washington, providing the University with resources for student success and investing in faculty members dedicated to maintaining UMW’s reputation for excellence in teaching and mentoring students.
Gifts bolstered the Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant program, fueling innovative solutions across campus through projects and initiatives proposed by UMW students, faculty, and staff. Recipients included UMW’s Student Alumni Ambassadors to host a professional development conference, the Center for Career and Professional Development to take students on site visits to meet with alumni employers, and Washington Guides for new UMW-branded gear to wear while giving campus tours to prospective students and their families.
Making a UMW education affordable and accessible remains a top priority for the University and its supporters, with 700 donors giving $2.16 million for endowed scholarships in 2025-26. More than 462 scholarships and awards, totaling more than $2.68 million, were given to 594 students during this fiscal year.
Twelve endowed scholarships were awarded for the first time, including the Carrol Adair Gury ’68 Environmental Sciences Scholarship, Donna Frances Drake Smith ’66 Music Education Scholarship, and Drs. Woodward and Herban Undergraduate Research Endowment. Five incoming students earned full-ride Alvey or Washington scholarships for the upcoming academic year.
Other 2025-26 highlights include:
- 1,550 first-time donors, a 5.6% increase from 2025
- 100 more student donors than the previous year, with over 30 more graduating seniors making gifts
- A 19% increase in giving from friends (community members, grandparents, and other non-alumni supporters)
- A 38% increase in dollars raised from faculty/staff donors
- A 7% increase in dollars raised from current and former parent donors
- A nearly $400,000 increase in multi-year pledges
The University was also honored with the “Philanthropy Excellence” Award during the 2025 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign Awards, recognizing UMW employees’ strong commitment to giving back to Mary Washington.
Hundreds of donors attended the Celebration of Giving and Scholarship Luncheon and Student Showcase, where they learned how their investments provide a transformative education for UMW students and experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for their lives and careers after Mary Washington.
More than 3,854 alumni and friends attended regional network and affinity group gatherings, presidential events, On The Road trips, Mary Talks, and Homecoming, as well as Reunion Weekend, which welcomed 559 attendees to campus in May. Over 600 guests attended watch parties in Fredericksburg and nationwide before UMW men’s basketball won its first national championship.
“I’m truly inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment of Mary Washington graduates who support their alma mater, along with the alumni team and volunteers who serve on boards and bring these events to life,” Turcotte said. “We look forward to welcoming even more of you in the year ahead. If you haven’t been back to campus in a while, we hope you’ll return and reconnect with the Mary Washington community soon.”
Make a gift for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. To learn more about giving options, please contact the Office of University Advancement at advance@umw.edu or 540-654-1024. Explore upcoming Mary Washington alumni events.
-Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04
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