Living across the Atlantic couldn’t keep Rachel Selle ’05 from celebrating her 20th Reunion Weekend at the University of Mary Washington.
Now a teacher and young-adult author in Germany, she looked forward to staying overnight in Randolph Hall, where she served as a resident assistant two decades ago. “I’m really excited to reconnect with classmates and see what life – and Mary Washington – has brought us all since we graduated,” she said.
Rachel was among the hundreds of alumni to return for UMW’s Reunion Weekend, held May 30 to June 1. The forecast called for rain, but showers soon gave way to clear skies, sunshine, and even a rainbow as classes ending in 0 and 5 participated in parties and picnics, faculty lectures, campus tours, beverage tastings, family festivities, a fun run, and cool treats at Carl’s.
Syd Collson Chichester ’60, a member of the 1908 Society (for alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago), said she became more involved after co-chairing her 50th reunion. “It brought me back to this place,” said Syd, who still gets emotional when she sings UMW’s Alma Mater.
“Hosting Reunion Weekend is a highlight for our team each year,” Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Mark Thaden ’02 said. “Seeing alumni return to visit their favorite places on campus, connect with friends and faculty, and spend a few days reliving their college days brings us so much joy.”
Renee Allen Kuntz ‘85 said being back on campus with Lisa Taylor, Alison Metzger LaMura, Kim Slayton White, and Cuff Gibbons Kunkel “was just like coming home again.” The five friends, all who graduated in 1985, spent Friday morning picking the perfect matching Mary Washington sweatshirts in the UMW Bookstore while reminiscing about watching the soap opera General Hospital together and calling their parents from the residence hall phone booths.
“At what other point in your life do you get to spend all your time with your best friends?” said Shelby Hill Brooks ’95, who toured campus on a golf cart with her husband and Michelle Arcari Rose ’95. As recent grad Shadwick Yoder ’25 drove the cart past Virginia Hall, Shelby said, “It wasn’t that long ago that was my window.”
Mary Helen Dellinger ’90 recalled looking out of those same windows to check how long the line was to get into the Underground, a popular campus hang-out, and engaging in an epic snowball battle on Ball Circle.
Mary Washington students have a lot of fun, Mary Helen said, but the perk of attending a smaller school is always having faculty, staff, and administrators looking out for you. “When people care about you, it makes you want to work harder and treat others with kindness and respect,” she said.
Maggie Lovitt ’15 and Melissa Schmidt Estevez ’00 praised UMW’s supportive professors. “They have a vested interest in your outcome,” Melissa said. “You don’t always realize it when you’re here, but the University truly cares for your whole being.”
Jason Ford ’20 and Karen Lebo ’75, who both served as Student Government Association president – 45 years apart – spoke about how their alma mater inspired them to pursue leadership roles. “This place makes you aspire to your best self,” Karen said.
Her classmate, AJ Jenkins ’75, reminisced about being one of the first male students after Mary Washington went co-ed. “We had a true feeling of brotherhood,” he said of the 11 young men who lived together on Trench Hill, now the location of the Jepson Alumni Executive Center.
After attending the Class of 1975’s 50th reunion dinner in the building and reconnecting with his female classmates, AJ said, “I found myself thinking what strong women graduated from Mary Washington and how I benefited from going to school with them.”
On Friday, the University honored Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Life Emeritus Cedric Rucker ’81, who provided visionary leadership in student affairs during his 33-year career at Mary Washington. A crowd gathered for the unveiling of his portrait, completed by Fredericksburg artist Nicole Horn and featuring a wood frame made by artist and adjunct instructor Larry Hinkle ’00. The painting will hang on the first floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center.
“I love the University of Mary Washington … because it has been and continues to be a place that invigorates and works with the community and the region,” said Cedric, who also was the first Black male student to live on campus. “I’ve had the opportunity to grow in so many ways – in so many heartfelt ways – and I’m delighted that I’ll continue to be a part of this place forever.”
More photos from Reunion Weekend 2025 will be uploaded to the UMW Alumni SmugMug in the coming weeks. Learn about upcoming Alumni Engagement events.
-Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04
