Giving Stories

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 

Alumna’s Bequest Bolsters Fund for Mary Washington

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When Lynne Gourley Farrell ’62 was growing up, her parents were always helping a family in need. “Her sense of benevolence came from our mother and father as well as our church,” Judy Gourley Kamishlian ’59 said of her late sister, who held such a deep appreciation for her Mary Washington education that she spent the rest of her life giving back to her alma mater.

Lynne Gourley Farrell '62 and Judy Gourley Kamishlian '59.
Lynne Gourley Farrell ’62 and Judy Gourley Kamishlian ’59.

When she passed away on Aug. 27, 2020, Lynne left UMW a generous estate gift that helped establish the Lynne Gourley Farrell ’62 Fund for Mary Washington Endowment. Now part of her legacy, her endowment will help strengthen and grow the University and enhance the experience for current and future generations of students.

The unrestricted Fund for Mary Washington underpins every aspect for which the University is known and loved – a leading liberal arts and sciences education, small class sizes, personal relationships with professors and classmates, low student debt upon graduation, and more. Donors who give to the Fund help UMW’s leadership achieve a crucial flexibility to meet emerging student, faculty, and program opportunities.

“For Lynne, making unrestricted gifts was a thing of principle,” Judy said. “She always trusted Mary Washington to make the best and wisest decision when it came to her donations.”

Growing up in the small mill town of Fieldale, Virginia, Lynne and Judy’s parents were active in their church, fostering in their daughters a belief in helping others and an intellectual curiosity.

“They always expected us to go to college,” said Judy, who applied to Mary Washington because of its “reputation as an academically outstanding Virginia women’s college.” Lynne joined her, earning a degree in clothing and textiles, while studying art, music, and literature. “Our education opened up a bigger world for us, and Lynne took advantage of that.”

From left to right: Judy's daughter, Ella, and her grandson, Mitchell, with Judy and Lynne at Mitchell's high school graduation. Photo courtesy of Judy Gourley Kamishlian '59.
From left to right: Judy’s daughter, Ella, and her grandson, Mitchell, with Judy and Lynne at Mitchell’s high school graduation. Photo courtesy of Judy Gourley Kamishlian ’59.

After graduation, Lynne worked in marketing for Thalhimers, a department store chain based in Richmond, and taught elementary school for several years, bonding with students who kept in touch with her over her lifetime. She also traveled extensively – with husband Paul and later with Judy – and was an advocate for education, community, and the arts, supporting the United Way, the Virginia Beach Foundation, and the ACCESS College Foundation, even endowing a scholarship in memory of a friend.

Lynne’s obituary, penned by Judy, recognizes UMW as the greatest benefactor of her gifts. At Lynne’s humble request, the sisters named the Gourley Living Room in the Cedric Rucker University Center in 2015, honoring their late parents and the values they instilled in them.

And yet, given her commitment to the Fund for Mary Washington, it seemed fitting that her endowment should bear her name. “She was proud to lead in this,” Judy said. “Lynne would want to inspire others to give, just as she did.”

For information about funding an endowment or to make a gift to the Fund for Mary Washington, visit giving.umw.edu or contact the Office of University Advancement at advance@umw.edu or 540-654-1024.

– This article by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04 originally ran in the Fiscal Year 2023 Endowment Report. 

UMW Reports $14.5 Million Raised in 2023-24

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The University of Mary Washington ended the 2023-24 fiscal year on June 30, announcing an impressive $14.5 million in gifts and pledges that will help strengthen and enhance the UMW student experience.

The University of Mary Washington announces $14.5 million raised in 2023-24 to support UMW students, programs, faculty, and staff.
The University of Mary Washington announces $14.5 million raised in 2023-24 to support UMW students, programs, faculty, and staff.

Private support from 5,146 generous donors helped Mary Washington continue its commitment to providing students with an outstanding liberal arts and sciences education filled with impactful learning opportunities. Gifts this year benefited 315 areas across the University, including academics, arts, athletics, service and leadership initiatives, career services, and cultural programs.

“We are deeply appreciative of the investments the UMW community has made in our institution this year,” said Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte. “The generosity of our alumni, families, friends, faculty, staff, and students is vital to advancing our mission and to helping to attract, retain, and graduate exceptional students from Mary Washington.”

The grand total was bolstered in part by a record-breaking $843,252 raised on Mary Wash Day on April 4. Eagles across the globe participated in the 24-hour celebration of philanthropy, engagement, and Mary Wash pride, making 3,377 gifts to support UMW students, programs, faculty, and staff.

UMW donors also generously contributed $770,523 for the Fund for Mary Washington, providing unrestricted support that underpins every aspect for which the University is known and loved – a leading liberal arts and sciences education, small class sizes, and personal relationships with professors.

The inaugural Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant program awarded $25,000 in donor-funded grants in spring 2024, supporting eight projects or initiatives pitched by students, faculty, and staff. UMW Votes, WMWC Radio, the Gwen Hale Resource Center, UMW Galleries, the Hurley Convergence Center’s Charnoff Production Studio, and several other projects received full or partial funding.

Making a UMW education affordable and accessible remains a top priority at Mary Washington, with donors giving $3.3 million for endowed scholarships in 2023-24. More than 800 scholarships and awards, totaling more than $2.4 million, were given to 814 students during this fiscal year. Eighteen scholarships were awarded for the first time, including the Class of 1972 Dr. Michael L. Bass Scholarship, the Carl B. Frye ’93 Scholarship, and the Kelly Ragsdale Paino Scholarship for Future Educators. Six incoming students have been awarded full-ride Alvey or Washington scholarships for the upcoming academic year.

Other 2023-24 highlights include:

  • $133K raised for the Beyond the Classroom Endowment, supporting undergraduate experiential learning like internships, independent research, and study abroad
  • $637K raised for arts and cultural programming, including UMW Theatre, Philharmonic, and Galleries, as well as the Great Lives Lecture Series, Gari Melchers Home and Studio, and the James Monroe Museum
  • The new Family Leadership Circle recognizes parents and guardians of currently enrolled students who make annual gifts of $1,000 or more to any area across UMW, while the Forever True Circle recognizes loyal donors who make gifts to the University for three or more consecutive years or who have set up a recurring gift plan

A portion of this year’s grand total came from the transformational $30 million estate gift left to Mary Washington by the late Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59 for scholarship and undergraduate scientific research. Last month, UMW named the Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59 Summer Science Institute, a 10-week undergraduate STEM research program established 25 years ago. The University also honored Rodgers and other pioneering alumnae in the sciences at December’s Celebration of Giving and April’s Scholarship Luncheon and Student Showcase.

More than 2,683 alumni participated in regional network and affinity group gatherings, presidential events, Mary Talks, Alumni on the Road trips, Homecoming, and Reunion Weekend, which welcomed 617 attendees spanning the classes of 1949 to 2024 to campus in June.

“I’m truly inspired by the dedication and passion of Mary Washington graduates who actively support their alma mater, as well as the alumni team and volunteers who serve on boards and organize these events,” Turcotte said. “We hope to see even more of you in the future. If it’s been a while since you visited campus, we invite you to come back soon.”

Make a gift for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. 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