Giving Stories

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

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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

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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

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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 

UMW Senior Maps Out Career With Bowen Geography Scholarship

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When University of Mary Washington senior Anders Barretta was a child, he was fascinated by the maps his father kept around the house.

“He told me that his favorite geography professor, Marshall Bowen, taught some of the most influential classes he took in college,” Anders said. His father, John Barretta ’90, said students would sit on the floor of Monroe Hall just to hear the late professor speak. “Dr. Bowen inspired my dad’s 30-year career as a geospatial intelligence officer.”

Anders Barretta ’25, a double major in geography and political science, is the first-ever recipient of the Marshall E. Bowen Scholarship, established by Susan Liebenow ’71 for the distinguished professor emeritus, who passed away in 2020. Photo courtesy of Anders Barretta.
The late Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography Marshall Bowen was beloved by Mary Washington students, including Anders’ own father, John Barretta ’90, who told his son that students would sit on the floor of Monroe Hall just to hear the professor lecture. Photo courtesy of Dawn Bowen.

That made it even more special when Anders, who is double majoring in geography and political science and earning a geographic information systems (GIS) certificate, learned he would be the first-ever recipient of the Marshall E. Bowen Scholarship at UMW. Anders has traveled to professional conferences, engaged in timely research, and competed twice in Virginia’s World Geography Bowl, helping UMW’s team beat the buzzer to become the 2022 champions – all of which helped him earn the prestigious geography award.

“Anders truly embodies my husband’s interest in geography, and his curiosity about the places around him is incredibly refreshing,” said Professor of Geography Dawn Bowen, who serves as Anders’ advisor. She invited him last year to participate in a small group discussion for other students. “He embraced the idea of learning something new and engaging with others.”

Marshall Bowen looks out at the Caribbean Sea while vacationing in Anguilla. “Anders truly embodies my husband’s interest in geography, and his curiosity about the places around him is incredibly refreshing,” Professor of Geography Dawn Bowen said. Photo courtesy of Dawn Bowen.
Anders Barretta takes in the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Afton, Virginia. Photo courtesy of Anders Barretta.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography Marshall E. Bowen joined the Mary Washington faculty in 1965, where he was dedicated to helping students understand the world around them. He also served as the first men’s basketball coach until 1976. He retired from Mary Washington in 2001 and lived in Fredericksburg with his wife until he passed away in 2020.

Susan Liebenow '71 on a visit with Marshall Bowen after his retirement. She later established the Marshall E. Bowen Scholarship in her former professor's name. Photo courtesy of Susan Liebenow.
Susan Liebenow ’71 on a visit with Marshall Bowen after his retirement. She later established the Marshall E. Bowen Scholarship in her former professor’s name. Photo courtesy of Susan Liebenow.

“It’s such a great honor to receive this scholarship,” said Anders, expressing gratitude toward Susan Liebenow ’71, who established the award in honor of her former professor. “I’m so thankful to her for investing in the department and students like me.”

Susan worked as a cartographer after earning a bachelor’s degree in geography. She later received a master’s degree from American University, coached women’s tennis at Georgetown University, and started her own business, L&T Health and Fitness, before retiring in 2014.

“I established this scholarship because of the lasting impact that Marshall Bowen had on my life, as a professor, mentor, and a lifelong friend,” Susan said. “He made his classes come alive through his stories, his pictures, and his knowledge. I can’t imagine a more qualified and deserving recipient than Anders, whose experiences, quest for knowledge, and love of geography exemplify everything Marshall held dear.”

Anders’ scholarship has given him the chance to make the most of his UMW experience, including collaborating with Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth, a sought-after expert on presidential politics and elections. They’re assembling precinct maps of Virginia statewide elections over the decades.

“Electoral geography is the perfect intersection of all my interests,” said Anders, who grew up in Fairfax, Virginia, where his family participated in town halls, set up yard signs for candidates, and engaged in lively political discussions around the dinner table.

He hopes to bring his research to the annual conference of the Southeastern Division of the American Association of Geographers, which he has attended for the last two years. At previous conferences, Anders helped his classmates answer trivia questions to put UMW’s team over the top in Virginia’s World Geography Bowl.

“It was an amazing experience and bolstered my relationships with my professors, peers, and professionals in the field,” said Anders, who also works as a geography departmental aide, creating maps for faculty lectures, speaking to prospective students, and tutoring classmates.

Anders assists Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth by working on a map of electoral precincts in Hampton Roads from the 1936 election. He and Dr. Farnsworth are studying decades of electoral data from Virginia. Photo courtesy of Anders Barretta.
Anders (far right) with UMW classmates (from left) Jackson Carmack ’25, Elisa Luckabaugh ’24, Ricky Munoz ’24, Mary Slavin ’25, and Kaleb Dunlap ’24 at Virginia’s World Geography Bowl at the Southeastern Division of the American Association of Geographers. Photo courtesy of Anders Barretta.
Anders (right) and his father, John Barretta ’90, who earned his bachelor’s degree in geography from Mary Washington. Professor Marshall Bowen inspired John’s 30-year career as a geospatial intelligence officer, Anders said. Photo courtesy of John Barretta.

Anders already knows where he might land after he graduates from UMW. He has interned for the last three summers and one winter with the Department of Defense.

“Helping our armed forces defend our country,” said Anders, who hopes to use the mapping and political science skills he gained at Mary Washington to assist with volatile situations across the globe. “I’d like to start there.”

Find scholarship opportunities that are available to UMW students. Learn more about establishing scholarships and how private support makes a difference in the lives of UMW students who receive scholarships, research fellowships, and internship grants. 

Learn about the upcoming Mary Washington Generations breakfast and photo session, honoring alumni families, on Oct. 5. 

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

UMW Impact Grant Helps Senior Take Steps Toward ‘Preventing Period Poverty’

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Senior Martina Nicholson has spent the last year stocking free menstrual products in baskets in public bathrooms at the University of Mary Washington. The tampons and pads are tiny enough to fit in a purse or pocket, yet they’ve made a huge impact on her fellow students.

Passionate about preventing period poverty on the UMW campus, senior Martina Nicholson received a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant totaling $4,000, which helped her purchase four Aunt Flow machines and enough free menstrual products to last the campus a year. Photo by Sam Cahill.
Passionate about preventing period poverty on the UMW campus, senior Martina Nicholson received a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant totaling $4,000, which helped her purchase four Aunt Flow machines and enough free menstrual products to last the campus a year. Photo by Sam Cahill.

“I’ve never needed to worry about where my next tampon or pad is coming from, but it’s a concern for so many people,” Martina said. She cites a national study that shows that one in five college students has skipped a class due to lack of period products, which have increased in cost because of inflation. “We live here, so having access to simple necessities is important.”

The Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant that Martina received this spring helped her purchase four new Aunt Flow machines and enough products to last the campus for the next year. Sleek, shiny, and silver – and easily accessible for those with visual or physical impairments – the dispensers were installed over the summer in high-traffic buildings like the Cedric Rucker University Center, the Eagle’s Nest, the Hurley Convergence Center, and the UMW Fitness Center.

Piloted by Mary Washington’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, the inaugural Impact Grant program awarded $25,000 in donor-funded grants, ranging from $1,200 to $5,000, to eight projects or initiatives pitched by students, faculty, and staff on behalf of recognized campus organizations. Applications for 2025 Impact Grants will open in the spring.

“It helped us achieve a long-term goal in such a short period of time,” said Martina, a double major in communications and digital studies and philosophy: pre-law, who learned about period poverty through the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Student Association.

After consulting with Dean of Students Melissa Jones and Facilities Operations, her original plan located 10 baskets with donated period products across campus, which she and other students maintained using funding from the UMW Finance Committee.

But Martina felt that her project was taking away from other student activities and wanted to find a more sustainable solution. That’s how the Impact Grant program came into play. She and her classmates crafted a proposal, “Preventing Period Poverty,” which she pitched in April to a committee composed of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and Young Alumni Council.

The Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant program, piloted by UMW’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, awarded $25,000 in donor-funded grants to eight projects or initiatives pitched by UMW students, faculty, and staff this spring. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Martina Nicholson pitched ‘Preventing Period Poverty’ in April, before a committee composed of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and Young Alumni Council. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

“I had never applied for a grant before, but I realized that passion was all that it takes,” said Martina, who encouraged UMW faculty and staff to ask her probing questions so she could prepare. With plans to work for a nonprofit before going to law school, she said the experience improved her writing, research, and public speaking skills. “Taking a simple idea and seeing it to fruition was so valuable.”

Her presentation helped her secure funding totaling $4,000, covering the cost of not only the dispensers but 4,000 tampons and 4,000 pads, which the Aunt Flow company provided at a discounted price. Every machine can hold 50 of each menstrual product, twice the amount her baskets can hold, and includes Braille labeling for visually impaired students.

Each Aunt Flow machine can hold 50 tampons and 50 pads (which read ‘Changing the world one cycle at a time’ on the packaging). Machines also feature Braille for visually impaired students and are easy to reach for those who are physically impaired. Photo by Sam Cahill.
The Aunt Flow machines can be found in the Cedric Rucker University Center, the Eagle’s Nest, the Hurley Convergence Center and the UMW Fitness Center. Martina will continue stocking menstrual supplies in baskets in other public bathrooms across campus. Photo by Sam Cahill.

As a commuter student, junior Tonia Attie said she feels relief knowing that she can grab a pad or tampon if she doesn’t have one in her bag. “And these products are often expensive, so getting them for free in an easy-to-reach location is truly helpful.”

Recent graduate Eliana Nachman ’24 said having the Aunt Flow machines on campus supports students while reducing stigma around periods.

“I think it’s integral to ensuring that UMW continues to be an environment that prioritizes accessibility for its students,” said sophomore Caty Taylor, who felt inspired by the initiative. “Martina has helped foster a culture of acceptance around Mary Washington, one that is warmly welcomed.”

Martina Nicholson has been the recipient of the Marjorie Jean Frost ’44, Sylvia McJilton Woodcock ’61, and Dr. George Van Sant scholarships and the Penelope Ann Parrish Internship in Journalism. She was also named the 2025 recipient of the Grace Mann Launch Award. 

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 by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04