Giving Stories

Bringing the Past Into the Present

Leave a Comment

Scholarships help history and Spanish major achieve her dreams

At the University of Mary Washington, Ruth Curran ’25 discovered a passion for social history, researching what a person experienced during a historical event or period.

Ruth Curran '25 earned scholarships to major in history and Spanish at the University of Mary Washington. Photo courtesy of Ruth Curran.
Ruth Curran ’25 earned scholarships to major in history and Spanish at the University of Mary Washington. Photo courtesy of Ruth Curran.

“It shows us how we are connected to people from long ago and can increase our empathy and understanding of people around the world today,” said Ruth, whose own story wouldn’t be possible without those who came before.

She’s especially grateful for the donors who established the Hamlin A. Caldwell Jr. and Joseph C. Vance Memorial Scholarships in History and the Ethel R. Chrisman ’48 Modern Foreign Language Scholarship. These awards have helped Ruth major in both history and Spanish, while working as a yoga instructor and a server in a restaurant to support her family.

“These scholarships have lightened my financial load so I can focus on my education while being a single mother and a commuter student,” said Ruth, who first visited UMW with a friend, not realizing how close the campus was to home. “Hearing about his success here made me feel like I could finally finish my education, which I had wanted to do for so long.”

Ruth chose to study history after realizing how much historical misinformation could be found on the internet. “It’s critical that we look at history accurately and objectively, exploring different perspectives to see things from new angles,” she said.

That outlook influenced her decision to pursue a master’s degree to become a librarian and help the public access information. Her Spanish major will help her interact with diverse communities, she said.

“It’s a career that’s in line with my values,” said Ruth, who recognizes the role her scholarships have played in her present and future. “I appreciate that my donors have invested in my education and empowered me and other students to reach our goals.”

For more information about creating scholarships now and through your estate plans, contact Jan Clarke at jclarke@umw.edu or 540-654-2064.

– Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04 for the Gift Planning Connections newsletter, Fall 2024

UMW Alumna Channels Passion for Public Service into State Fellowship

Leave a Comment

At the University of Mary Washington, Kristen Ramey ’17 found a home in UMW’s Community Outreach and Resources (COAR). Participating in the student-led service organization helped shape her college experience and deepened her connections within the Fredericksburg community.

UMW alumna Kristen Ramey '17 (front row, second from left) poses for a photo with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other Virginia Management Fellows. As a member of VMF's sixth cohort, Kristen is putting the business and public policy background she gained from Mary Washington to work as she explores careers in state public service. Photo courtesy of Kristen Ramey.
UMW alumna Kristen Ramey ’17 (front row, second from left) poses for a photo with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other Virginia Management Fellows. As a member of VMF’s sixth cohort, Kristen is putting the business and public policy background she gained from Mary Washington to work as she explores careers in state public service. Photo courtesy of Kristen Ramey.

“I discovered that I wanted to help people,” said Kristen, who spent four years giving her time to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and the Brisben Center for unhoused individuals. She also worked weekly with two elementary-school students through Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg. “I loved volunteering and making a difference.”

Now, Kristen is putting her passion for public service to work at the state level, participating in the prestigious Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) program. This initiative, developed by the Commonwealth of Virginia in collaboration with Virginia Tech, offers college graduates the chance to learn about the inner workings of state government and prepare for future management and leadership roles in the public sector, all while earning a paycheck.

She’s the fourth Mary Washington alum to take part in the program, following in the footsteps of Claire Mairead ’14, John Cronin ’19, and Megan Weeks ’21, who all have worked for the Commonwealth of Virginia after being selected as fellows.

“I was drawn to the uniqueness of the VMF program and the firsthand experience this kind of opportunity provides,” said Kristen, who will spend two years rotating through three government agencies in Richmond. “I’m learning how different policies, processes, and services impact Virginians on a day-to-day basis.”

It’s an ideal career move for Kristen, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mary Washington. She became interested in the subject while attending Culpeper High School, where she took part in an entrepreneurial program, E Squared, learning how to pitch potential investors and draw up mock business plans. Career Partners Inc., which runs the program, awarded Kristen a $5,000 scholarship, which helped cover part of her tuition to Mary Washington.

“UMW’s College of Business gave me a great foundation to enter the workforce,” said Kristen, who took courses like creative and strategic management and organizational behavior, which she now relies on in her fellowship.

Kristen with former College of Business Dean Lynne Richardson, who gave her guidance and advice on being a woman in business. She also invited Kristen to join a satellite team of the Rappahannock Rotary Club after graduation. Photo courtesy of Kristen Ramey.
As a UMW student, Kristen went on a College of Business faculty-led field trip to Chile, where she learned about business and law, visited a women’s shelter (seen here), and met with a renowned judge who specialized in human rights cases. Photo courtesy of Kristen Ramey.
Kristen (standing, black shirt) working at the Fredericksburg Food Bank with other members of the Rappahannock Rotary Club. Photo courtesy of Kristen Ramey.

She also sought advice from faculty members like former College of Business Dean Lynne Richardson, who invited Kristen to join UMW’s Women in Business Club as a student and a satellite team of young professionals with the Rappahannock Rotary Club once she graduated.

“She would always emphasize the importance of being confident in your abilities and advocating for yourself,” Kristen said. “She taught me how to find a seat at the table, especially as a woman in business.”

Kristen’s coursework also expanded her understanding of systemic change and public policy, and she combined her academic interests on a faculty-led study abroad trip to Chile to learn about business, law, and human rights.

Kristen (left) was required to take a Virginia Tech graduate course, 'Public and Nonprofit Financial Management,' in order to complete the VMF program. From left: Kristen, Sheryl Bailey (the course's instructor), Cecily Rodriguez (VT/VMF staff), and Anne Walters (VT/VMF staff). Photo courtesy of Kristen Ramey.
Kristen (left) was required to take a Virginia Tech graduate course, ‘Public and Nonprofit Financial Management,’ in order to complete the VMF program. From left: Kristen, Sheryl Bailey (the course’s instructor), Cecily Rodriguez (VT/VMF staff), and Anne Walters (VT/VMF staff). Photo courtesy of Kristen Ramey.

After graduation, Kristen worked on contracts for both the U.S. Marines and Navy. She then earned a master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2023, while working part time for a nonprofit and a government agency focused on child welfare.

When she learned about VMF, she said, it seemed like a perfect path to promote positive change statewide. As a member of the program’s sixth cohort, she joined graduates from Virginia Tech, William & Mary, and Virginia Commonwealth, Old Dominion, Brandeis, and Regent universities, in applying their academic learning to the halls of state government.

Kristen began in the Virginia Department of Taxation, where she researched how agencies can retain institutional knowledge after longtime public servants retire. Now in her second rotation, she’s using her public policy and research background to analyze chronic absenteeism among K-12 students for Virginia’s Department of Education, examining the best practices used by school divisions across the state to address the issue.

“UMW gave me a strong business and management education that translates well to the public sector,” said Kristen, who hopes to pursue public policy as a career. “This fellowship is such a wonderful way for recent graduates to gain professional experience, make connections, and learn about the opportunities to work in in public service.”

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

Alumna Propels UMW’s Beyond the Classroom Endowment Past $1 Million Mark

Leave a Comment

Renee Kuntz ’85 can still remember the advice that Distinguished Professor Emeritus Jack Kramer gave her before she graduated from Mary Washington with a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and a focus in Russian studies.

Renee Kuntz '85 (center, chatting with friends at Reunion Weekend in 2022) recently made a pledge that helped UMW's Beyond the Classroom Endowment pass the $1 million mark to help Mary Washington students engage in high-impact learning experiences like study abroad, internships, and undergraduate research. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Renee Kuntz ’85 (center, chatting with friends at Reunion Weekend in 2022) recently made a pledge that helped UMW’s Beyond the Classroom Endowment pass the $1 million mark to help Mary Washington students engage in high-impact learning experiences like study abroad, internships, and undergraduate research. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

“He encouraged me not to stay in one position,” said Renee, who spent nearly four decades rotating through various roles in the National Security Agency, putting her foreign policy background and language skills to work to protect American intelligence. “Mary Washington was truly foundational for my life and career.”

A dedicated donor to UMW’s Beyond the Classroom Endowment (BtC), Renee wants current and future students at the University of Mary Washington to have access to experiential learning opportunities that will ensure success in their own careers. She recently made a pledge that pushed the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) initiative over the top in its quest to raise $1 million in gifts and pledges to help students pursue study abroad, internships, independent research, and travel to academic conferences.

“Accomplishing this milestone in just four years is simply amazing,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Keith Mellinger, who established BtC after student research proposals climbed to twice the CAS budget to pay for them. “It means we will be able to support our students in perpetuity and can make an annual commitment to these learning experiences that can really change lives.”

More than 1,363 gifts have been made from 677 donors since BtC’s inception to help undergraduate students enhance their liberal arts and sciences education. Some examples include:

  • Jay Boudreau ’23 studied treatments for antibiotic resistant “superbugs.”
  • Madeline Killian ’23 conducted research on female scientists in 18th-century Spain while studying abroad in Madrid.
  • Devin Thigpen ’23 participated in the Southeastern Division of the Association of American Geographers and competed in the World Geography Bowl.
  • Nathaniel Huff ’24 went on the UMW Theatre in London trip, where he attended 19 professional theatre productions in three weeks.
  • Ariana Adamek ’25 traveled to Denmark and Greece to take a course titled “Tasting Culture: Nordic and Mediterranean Food, Tradition, and Nutrition.”
  • James Rollison ’25 took “The Business of Football,” a course taught by UMW College of Business faculty in London.
  • Grace Gower ’26 went on a faculty-led trip to Paris to study the urban and architectural history of the City of Lights.
  • BtC helped 10 students complete professional internships in summer 2024.
Nathaniel Huff ’24 (center, green shirt and glasses) and his classmates visit Westminster Abbey during the UMW Theatre in London trip in summer 2023. Nathaniel was able to take the trip because he received the Beyond the Classroom Education Abroad Scholarship, which was awarded for the first time last year. Photo courtesy of UMW Theatre.
Ariana Adamek ’25 received the Beyond the Classroom Education Abroad Scholarship, which helped her study the food culture of Greece and Denmark (seen here in Denmark) last summer. Photo courtesy of Ariana Adamek/College of Arts and Sciences.
Madeline Killian ’23 received funds from UMW’s Beyond the Classroom Endowment to travel to Madrid to conduct research on Spain’s first civic organization for women. Photo courtesy of Madeline Killian/College of Arts and Sciences.
James Rollison ’25 received the Beyond the Classroom Education Abroad Scholarship, which helped him take the UMW faculty-led course, ‘The Business of Football,” in London this summer. Photo courtesy of James Rollison/College of Arts and Sciences.

Dean Mellinger also acknowledged alumni and friends for their contributions, including CAS Advisory Board members Cathie Woteki ’69, Karen Laino Giannuzzi ’71, Mary Bradley MacPherson ’71, Beth Craig ’77, and Phyllis Quinn ’77, who all sponsored challenges in the last four years. Renee said it was “humbling” to be included in the company of these alumnae who achieved success despite overcoming the challenges women often face in their careers.

“When I first started out, I never thought I would financially be in a place where I could contribute in this way,” Renee said. She considers Karen Laino Giannuzzi an influential mentor during her career, which sent Renee to far-flung locales across the globe, including England, where she and her husband lived for several years.

Recently retired, Renee previously served as a member of UMW’s Alumni Association Board of Directors and currently leads the Baltimore Regional Alumni Network. A giving ambassador who has made gifts to her alma mater since she graduated, she’s also inspired by the generosity of her former professor.

Dr. Kramer said the same of Renee. Describing himself as a “stalwart supporter” of BtC, he has sponsored several challenges to encourage his UMW colleagues to donate to the initiative on Mary Wash Day.

“I’m delighted to learn that BtC will be able to carry on its critical work in furthering UMW’s educational mission,” said Dr. Kramer, who taught at Mary Washington for nearly five decades. “It’s especially gratifying that it was the contribution of Renee, one of my former students, who made this milestone possible.”

Learn more about Beyond the Classroom or make your gift. For information, please contact Jeremy Vaughn ’08 in the Office of University Advancement at jvaughn@umw.edu or 540-654-2063. 

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

UMW’s ‘Soft Landings’ Program Smooths College Transition for Neurodivergent Students

Leave a Comment

Nicole Martin couldn’t wait to begin her college experience at the University of Mary Washington. Yet, as an incoming first-year student, she felt overwhelmed by the thought of a packed schedule of activities, unfamiliar faces, and new situations.

This semester, UMW officially launched 'Soft Landings,' a pre-arrival program to help incoming students with autism spectrum disorder acclimate to the UMW campus. The program was funded through a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant, which helped purchase textbooks and pay stipends for mentors.
This semester, UMW officially launched ‘Soft Landings,’ a pre-arrival program to help incoming students with autism spectrum disorder acclimate to the UMW campus. The program was funded through a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant, which helped purchase textbooks and pay stipends for mentors.

“Thankfully, I learned about ‘Soft Landings,’ which provided support that I didn’t even know I needed,” Nicole said of UMW’s new pre-arrival program that helps students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) acclimate to Mary Washington. “It’s made a huge difference in how I’m adjusting to college life.”

As UMW observes Disability Awareness Month in October, Nicole is one of 11 students enrolled this fall in the first cohort of ‘Soft Landings,’ which provides activities and campus tours, as well as personal introductions to key staff members, to help ease the transition to UMW before other students arrive on campus. The program also helps neurodivergent students hone critical skills for college success, such as learning how to solve problems and adapt to new situations, practicing self-care, preparing for academic courses, socializing, and learning to self-advocate.

“UMW has a sizeable population of students with ASD, in part because of our emphasis on small class sizes and individualized attention,” said Assistant Dean of Students Chris “CJ” Porter, who oversees the program. More than 100 current students have disclosed an ASD diagnosis, with 85 seeking accommodations, said Director of Disability Resources Alex Ecklund.

A staff member since 1999, CJ was already familiar with the kinds of challenges that neurodivergent students can face in college, like knowing when to speak up in class, staying on top of assignments, and engaging in social interactions with peers and professors.

“This is the first time many of these students are navigating life on their own,” said CJ, who spent a year researching how to get the program off the ground. “But it’s very expensive to raise a child with special needs, so we needed to find a way to make it affordable for parents.”

Last spring, CJ secured a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant through a new program piloted by UMW’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement that awarded $25,000 in donor-funded grants to eight projects and initiatives sponsored by students, faculty, and staff.

Assistant Dean of Students CJ Porter pitched ‘Soft Landings’ to the Alumni Association Board of Directors and Young Alumni Council last spring. The Impact Grant that she received, worth $3,500, helped cover the cost of textbooks for the program and mentor stipends. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
From left: Alumni Board Past President Vicki Sprague Ravenel ’77, member Katherine Redmiles ’15, and Board President James Llewellyn ’87, examine sensory toys that CJ handed out before her presentation. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

The $3,500 grant she received covered the cost of purchasing a textbook, Going to College with Autism, for each student, as well as stipends for five UMW student mentors, all of whom identify as having ASD. Families whose students participate in the program are charged a small fee for meals.

“CJ had seen my work as an orientation leader and thought I’d be a great fit,” said sophomore theatre major Oleander Neleski, who is currently serving as a mentor. “Being neurodivergent, I was able not only to answer questions, but also be an example of someone who’s making it work as a college student.”

The Impact Grant for 'Soft Landings' covered the cost of a textbook, 'Going to College with Autism,' seen here with a collection of fidget toys to help students when they feel overstimulated. The book is filled with success stories of students with autism spectrum disorder. Photo courtesy of CJ Porter.
The Impact Grant for ‘Soft Landings’ covered the cost of a textbook, ‘Going to College with Autism,’ seen here with a collection of fidget toys to help students when they feel overstimulated. The book is filled with success stories of students with autism spectrum disorder. Photo courtesy of CJ Porter.

Nicole said that participating in the program influenced her decision to become a future mentor – and to major in psychology so she can help others with ASD. “I’m also working on creating a campus organization to help neurodivergent students at UMW connect with each other.”

First-year student Lauren Tant appreciated all aspects of the program, from getting a chance to move into her residence hall early to exploring Simpson Library, the Cedric Rucker University Center, and other campus hubs through a UMW-themed scavenger hunt.

“With so many activities and so much information, it could be easy to get overwhelmed or overstimulated, but we had sensory breaks, mentor check-ins, and ample time for relaxation,” Lauren said. “The entire program was incredibly accommodating to our individual needs.”

UMW’s Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants program is made possible through donors’ gifts to the Fund for Mary Washington. These gifts are vital to the University’s ability to improve the student experience and support faculty, providing crucial flexibility to respond to emerging challenges and seize opportunities as they arise.

When alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff give to the Fund for Mary Washington, they are choosing to be part of a community that is committed to giving back and making the world a better place – enabling students to make positive change through programs like the Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants.

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

2024 Graduate’s Studio Art Scholarships Paint an Impression

Leave a Comment

When Jenell Poling ’24 arrived at the University of Mary Washington as a first-year student in fall 2020, their art classes were a bright spot when the world seemed at its bleakest.

Jenell Poling '24 with their 2022 sculpture, 'Egg,' made of sticks, cardboard, and coffee grounds. Photo courtesy of Jenell Poling.
Jenell Poling ’24 with their 2022 sculpture, ‘Egg,’ made of sticks, cardboard, and coffee grounds. Photo courtesy of Jenell Poling.

“I fell in love with UMW’s Department of Art and Art History and knew I wanted to pursue this as a major,” said Jenell, who spent four years expanding their knowledge of drawing, painting, sculpture, video art, and more in Melchers Hall.

Jenell’s commitment to their craft earned further validation when they received the Alfred Levitt Memorial Scholarship three years ago. The renewable award – named for a late artist and teacher who was a loyal supporter of Mary Washington – is given to a rising junior or senior majoring in studio art who aspires to pursue a career in the visual arts after graduation.

“My scholarships have made me feel like my work is truly being recognized and appreciated,” said Jenell, who also earned the Shannon A. Broom ’97 and Stanley A. Owens scholarships and the Emil R. Schnellock Award for Excellence in Painting while at UMW.

Jenell Poling’s ‘Illumination,’ a reductive charcoal piece from 2021. Courtesy of Jenell Poling.
Jenell Poling’s ‘A Day in the Life,’ a collection of oil paintings on different objects. Courtesy of Jenell Poling.

Growing up in Bristow, Virginia, Jenell wanted to make art from the start. At age 8, they had already begun researching renowned artists and gaining inspiration from their work. “I’ve always had a wild imagination.”

At Mary Washington, Jenell’s talent flourished under the guidance of dedicated professors like Carole Garmon and Jason Robinson. “Jenell is the epitome of an art student,” Professor Garmon said. “They are curious, dedicated to their studio practice, and most importantly, fearless.”

Jenell Poling's 'Mice Night Out.' The 2022 painting appeared on the cover of the Fiscal Year 2023 Endowment Report. Courtesy of Jenell Poling.
Jenell Poling’s ‘Mice Night Out.’ The 2022 painting appeared on the cover of the Fiscal Year 2023 Endowment Report. Courtesy of Jenell Poling.

Receiving private donor support covered part of Jenell’s tuition and provided much-needed funds to purchase art supplies and equipment, often a large expense in a college student’s budget.

Furthermore, being a scholarship recipient also earned Jenell’s whimsical oil painting, “Mice Night Out,” a spot on the cover of the Fiscal Year 2023 Endowment Report, published by UMW’s Office of University Advancement and the UMW Foundation.

While the piece began as a challenge at first, painting the brightest spots – bursts of blues and reds, with splashes of orange and green – helped Jenell find their way to a finished work.

“Being an artist has helped form me into the best version of myself,” said Jenell, who is planning to pursue a career that aligns with their artistic interests before beginning graduate school. “It’s given me a space to share my ideas and express my passion.”

For information about creating scholarships at the University of Mary Washington, visit giving.umw.edu or contact the Office of University Advancement at advance@umw.edu or 540-654-1024.

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