Giving Stories

Earlier this summer, alumni authors assembled their latest publications during 2024’s Reunion Weekend at the University of Mary Washington. More than 40 books were displayed during the event, covering poetry, short stories, novels, essays, biographies, travelogues, self-help books, children’s stories, and more.

Pick up these pages by classmates with a few summer reading recommendations below. Copies can also be found in Simpson Library or through online vendors. Kick back and read on …

Pushing Your Boundaries: A Memoir
By Jerri Barden Perkins, MD ’61
July 2023

Dr. Perkins’ memoir chronicles her fascinating life as a chemist, physician, researcher, author, and philanthropist. Growing up as a young woman in the 1950s, she went on to work with the Food and Drug Administration during the AIDS epidemic, established six scholarships to support UMW students, met Pope Francis during her world travels, and has made health and well-being a priority through teaching yoga and other athletic endeavors.

Along the way, she earned a chemistry degree from Mary Washington and a medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia and completed a fellowship with the National Institutes of Health, where she conducted groundbreaking research into rheumatoid arthritis.

“We never know what awaits us on the road ahead and being open to possibilities could bring about many surprises,” the book’s description reads. “So just say ‘yes!’” All proceeds from the book’s sales support UMW’s General Scholarship Fund.

A pioneering chemist, physician, and researcher, Jerri Barden Perkins, MD ’61 published her memoir, ‘Pushing Your Boundaries,’ in 2023.

Jerri Barden Perkins, MD ’61 met Pope Francis several years ago in Rome, which she chronicles in ‘Pushing Your Boundaries: A Memoir.’ Photo courtesy of Dr. Perkins.

Jerri Barden Perkins, MD ’61 at 2023’s Celebration of Giving with Harrison Miles ’15, ’23, the recipient of John C. and Jerri Barden Perkins ’61 College of Arts and Sciences Student Research Fellowship. Dr. Perkins has established six scholarships to support Mary Washington students. Proceeds from her book’s sales support UMW’s General Scholarship Fund. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Everybody Here Is Kin
By BettyJoyce Nash ’73
Madville Publishing, September 2023

This coming-of-age novel was named first runner-up in the commercial fiction category for the 2024 Eric Hoffer Award.

Living on Boneyard Island, Georgia, 13-year-old Lucille navigates life without her mother, who left her and her half-siblings to rekindle a romance with an old flame. The book’s description reads: “Everybody Here Is Kin explores the lives of this sinking family, the island community, and fears of exposing wounds, old and new, when natural disaster forces them to trust, and depend on, strangers.”

BettyJoyce Nash’s writing has been published in literary journals, newspapers, magazines, and online. Her work has earned prestigious fellowships and awards, including from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, which selected her as a fiction fellow for the Tyrone Guthrie Center in Ireland. She currently teaches at WriterHouse, a nonprofit literary arts center in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Capitol Secrets: Leadership Wisdom from a Lifetime of Public Service
By William Leighty ’78
Holon Publishing/Collective Press, April 2023

As chief of staff to two former Virginia governors, Bill Leighty has shared moments with the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and Tom Hanks and enjoyed the satisfaction of a career promoting the common good. His recent memoir, Capitol Secrets, is packed with riveting anecdotes and insider details about getting things done at the highest levels of government.

He and wife Marti, both former UMW Board of Visitors members, returned to their alma mater in spring 2023 to announce a $100,000 philanthropic commitment to the William H. Leighty ’78 and Martha Kearns Leighty ’75 Fellows Program.

Proceeds from the book will support Mary Washington juniors and seniors who aspire to careers in state government, helping to provide funding for internships with state legislators, public officials, or state agencies.

What Makes You Think You’re Supposed to Feel Better
By Jody Hobbs Hesler ’90
Cornerstone Press, October 2023

Jody Hobbs Hesler’s story collection is full of bleak portraits, including a young mother affected by the death of a loner in her community and a husband who is wracked with guilt over a long-term affair as his wife is dying.

“Told with restraint and deep compassion against the backdrop of Virginia back streets and small towns,” the book’s description reads, “[Hobbs’] collection shines with its portraits of longing, disconnection, and the ache for renewal and redemption that comes from our own frailties.”

Hobbs’ début novel, Without You Here, will be published by Cornerstone Press this fall. Based in the Blue Ridge Mountains, she teaches at Charlottesville’s WriterHouse and is assistant fiction editor for The Los Angeles Review.

Jody Hobbs Hesler ’90 has written a story collection that explores themes of longing, disconnection, redemption, and renewal.

Jody Hobbs Hesler ’90 at the alumni authors meet-and-greet during 2024’s Reunion Weekend. Photo courtesy of Sarah Amick.

Join the Mary Washington Mother of All Book Clubs to connect with fellow bibliophiles. The club, which is run by alumni volunteers, is open to alumni, students, families, faculty, and staff.

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

Jay Dugger ’90 was always ready to go toe-to-toe in debates with his political science professors. In the decade after he graduated, the scholarship and legal acumen he once showcased at Mary Washington helped him earn a law degree from the College of William and Mary, pass the bar, go into private practice, make partner, and become the youngest sitting judge in Virginia.

“Jay has been a champion for not only what is the law, but also for the people who are impacted by those laws,” Rich Cooper ’90 said of his friend. Now the chief judge of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Hampton, Virginia, Jay has helped create programs to reunify families, reduce child truancy, and provide educational and behavior services to children in the delinquency system.

2024 Alumni Award recipients Simran Kaur-Colbert ’11, Susan Leavitt ’83, and Jay Dugger ’90 with President Troy Paino at UMW’s Alumni Awards ceremony on June 1 during Reunion Weekend. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

From left: AABOD Past President Jennifer Blair ’82, Alumni Awards Vice President Sean Lynch ’95, former BOV Rector Dori Eglevsky, and President Troy Paino. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

His support of underserved communities earned him the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Mary Washington, honoring graduates who have made significant contributions in their profession and community, while being leaders in their fields.

Nominated by Rich – who received the same award in 2020 – and Michael Michalowicz ’90, Jay was honored in a June 1 ceremony in Seacobeck Hall’s Weatherly Wing during Reunion Weekend. Alumni joined President Troy Paino in celebrating Jay, Susan Leavitt ’83, and Simran Kaur-Colbert ’11, as well as Dori Eglevsky, former rector of UMW’s Board of Visitors (BOV), who was named an honorary alumna. Alumni Awards Vice President Sean Lynch ’95 announced the honorees, who were selected by the Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD).

Susan received the Frances Liebenow Armstrong ’36 Service Award, recognizing alumni who have provided a lifetime of service to the University.

“People gravitate to Susan, and her style shows she is a leader in every sense of the word,” said Karen Laino Giannuzzi ’71 in her nomination. The two alumnae were charter members of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Advisory Committee, on which Susan still serves.

Jay Dugger ’90 receives the Distinguished Alumni Award while Jenifer Blair ’82 looks on. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Susan Leavitt ’83 accepts the Frances Liebenow Armstrong ’36 Service Award from Jenifer Blair ’82. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Simran Kaur-Colbert ’11 shakes President Paino’s hand after receiving the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Susan majored in economics and French literature and minored in Italian at Mary Washington. She then received a master’s degree in international relations, with a focus in African studies, from Johns Hopkins University. A successful realtor who was recognized by Washingtonian as a “Lifetime Top Producer,” Leavitt is the vice president of Compass, a residential real estate firm. She was also named Philanthropist of the Year by the National Capital YMCA in 2010.

At UMW, she is a member of the Washington and Heritage giving societies and contributed to the $52 million raised during the Mary Washington First Campaign. She has given to CAS’s Beyond the Classroom initiative, named a Hurley Convergence Center collaboration space, established scholarships for students in need, and served on Reunion Weekend committees.

Simran earned the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, for graduates of the last 15 years who have distinguished themselves serving Mary Washington or their professions and communities.

Natalie Grossman ’11 nominated Simran “for her vision and dedication in fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging at UMW and beyond.” Simran helped found UMW’s Multicultural Alumni Affinity Group and serves as its chair. She also holds leadership roles at several organizations dedicated to antiracism, decolonization, and Black health.

At UMW, Simran, a business administration major, was a Student Transition Program counselor and a resident assistant. She was also active in the Asian Student Association, Eagle Bhangra, Model United Nations, and the James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Committee.

Simran earned a Ph.D. at Miami University, where she joined the Celebrating Global Sisterhood Planning Committee, Graduate Student of Color Association, Asian/Asian American Faculty Staff Association, and the Sikh Student Association. She was recognized as the 2019 Contemplative Justice Scholar by the Association for Contemplative Mind in Higher Education and earned a 2018 fellowship by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management’s Equity and Inclusion.

The Honorable Jay Dugger ’90 with his wife, Rhonda Dugger. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Susan Leavitt ’83 with her husband, Jon Kim Andrus, MD. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Simran Kaur-Colbert ’11 with her partner, Jarrod Colbert. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Former BOV Rector Dori Eglevsky with her daughter, Cristy Eglevsky Reeder ’93. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Jenifer Blair ’82, AABOD past president, announced the naming of Dori Eglevsky as an honorary alumna in the Class of 2024. Dori has served Mary Washington for over 30 years, including a decade as the BOV’s rector and vice rector. She then joined the UMW Foundation Board of Directors, chaired its operations finance committee, and served as its vice chair.

As a community member, volunteer leader, and a parent of an alumna, she has been an enthusiastic proponent of Mary Washington and has given generously to support its students.

“UMW has held a very unique place in my heart,” Dori said. “I want to thank everyone who participated in this exceptional gift and meaningful honor.”

Read more about Mary Washington’s Alumni Award recipients from past years. 

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

Edna Gooch Trudeau ’59 and Danielle DeSimone ’14 graduated 55 years apart. Yet, each returned to the University of Mary Washington’s Reunion Weekend for the same reason.

“I’ve kept in touch with friends I met here 69 years ago,” said Edna, tearing up as she recalled classmates she has lost over the years. But her face brightened as Ann Brooks Coutsoubinas ’59 arrived. Edna added, “I absolutely loved my time at Mary Washington.”

Danielle expressed the same sentiment after reuniting with friends she met on her first night in college. “It’s so wild that it has been a decade since we graduated. We can’t wait to relive everything.”

Over 600 graduates and guests gathered for 2024’s Reunion Weekend, held May 30 through June 2. Some came with canes and walkers, while others were there with strollers in tow. Yet, everyone was excited to reconnect with the campus and each other and rediscover all the things they loved about UMW.

Kate Barbuto Charette ’04 showed her daughter around Virginia Hall. Susan Willis Tomaiko ’84 remembered the fun times she had in the Lee Hall Underground. Lorenza Amico ’79 wanted to see old friends and make new ones. And Gloria Shelton Gibson and Lin Hawkins Brannon, both 1969 graduates, stayed in their former residence, Ball Hall, which housed dozens of alumni during the weekend.

The four-day celebration featured parties and picnics, faculty lectures, campus tours, family festivities, a fun run and walk across campus, class photos, arts and culture, trolleys to downtown Fredericksburg and Carl’s for ice cream, and more. Alumni visited the academic departments where they learned, the residence halls where they lived, and the favorite haunts where they made meaningful memories at Mary Washington.

The Class of 1974, who celebrated their 50th reunion, were welcomed into the 1908 Society, for alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more. Thursday, May 30 was a special day of festivities specifically for these graduates. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Graduates across the generations enjoy popular Alumni College events, including ‘An Exploration of the City Cemetery,’ led by Professor of Historic Preservation Andrea Livi Smith. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

1979 graduates peruse a Battlefield yearbook during the welcome reception at Brompton on Friday. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

1974 alumnae sit for a spell on the Adirondack chairs on Ball Circle. Ball Hall served as housing for dozens of alumni during Reunion Weekend. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Alumni show off their best moves on the dance floor during the all-class party on Saturday evening. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

1979 alumni enjoy themselves at the all-class party. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Class of 2014 graduates, including Danielle DeSimone (right) and Shelby Orlando (center), enjoy the Virginia wine, beer, and cider tasting at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center on Saturday. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Kathy Vi ’04 (second from left) and her classmates cool off with ice cream at Carl’s, a time-honored tradition during the University of Mary Washington’s Reunion Weekend, which will be held May 30-June 1, 2025. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

“It’s fun to come back to an environment where you began as kids and left as adults,” said Jennifer Henley ’04, whose class was the last before Mary Washington became a university. The name and the campus may have changed, she said, “but the vibe is still the same.”

That’s what drew Sean Mahoney ’94 as a student. “I visited my cousin, also an alum, when I was in high school and was amazed at how welcoming the campus is,” said Sean, whose son is a rising junior at UMW. “Several people stopped to give me directions, including Bill Crawley.” Sean planned to see the distinguished professor emeritus speak about his “Fifty Years on the Heights,” a popular Alumni College session.

Living on Long Island for the last few decades, Andrea Schwalm Stolz ’89 said she missed her alma mater, so she joined the Reunion Committee. “I wanted to reconnect with my classmates and this place.”

Iris Harrell ’69 made the 3,000-mile journey from California because of the impact Mary Washington made on her life and career. She spoke about her admiration for President Troy Paino – who gave a university update before the Alumni Awards ceremony on Saturday – as well as his predecessor, Rick Hurley. “They are both such incredible leaders.”

Laurie Root Carter ’74 and husband Bob reminisced about getting married under the Brompton Oak the year after she graduated. She and her class celebrated their entrance into the 1908 Society, which honors alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more.

Brompton, home of President Troy Paino and wife Kelly, was the site of two welcome receptions for hundreds of alumni who returned for 2024’s Reunion Weekend at Mary Washington. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Laurie Root Carter ’74 and husband Bob visited Brompton on Thursday to kick off her 50th reunion. The couple, who still live in Fredericksburg, got married under the Brompton Oak a year after she graduated. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

2009 grads take their class photo on Saturday during the picnic on Ball Circle. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Iris Harrell ’69, who traveled more than 3,000 miles from California, was eager to reconnect with her alma mater and the friends she made here. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

1994 graduates, who celebrated their 30th reunion, pose for a photo under the shade of trees along Campus Walk. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Gloria Shelton Gibson ’69 is welcomed to the reception at Brompton on Thursday by President Troy Paino. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Alumnae enjoy an early morning fun run and walk across campus. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

1984 grads enjoy reminiscing and reconnecting at Mary Washington. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

A proud alumna of the Class of 1949, Betty Fischer Gore celebrated her 75th reunion. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

From left: Edna Gooch Trudeau, Ann Brooks Coutsoubinas, and Dodie Reeder Hruby, all alumnae from the Class of 1959, returned to campus to celebrate their 65th reunion. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

This year’s event celebrated classes ending in 4 and 9, but all were welcome to participate throughout the weekend.

Catching a trolley to the Mary Washington House, Bev Turney Rawlings ’73 looked forward to learning more about the University’s namesake. She reflected on her own years pursuing a bachelor’s degree in American studies while being a mother.

“It was hard for me to participate as a student,” said Bev, who began attending events offered by UMW’s Office of Alumni Engagement last year, including processing with the 1908 Society at Commencement in May. “Being here has made me feel like I belong.”

More photos from Reunion Weekend 2024 will be uploaded to the UMW Alumni SmugMug in the coming weeks. Learn about upcoming Alumni Engagement events.

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

For Deb Hodges Shelton ’94, Reunion Weekend is a chance to reconnect with college classmates, hang out at old haunts, and fall in love with Mary Washington all over again.

“Our alumni really do have a unique relationship with our alma mater since it’s a smaller school,” said Deb, a longtime Reunion Committee member who enjoys getting to know graduates of other classes. She looks forward to spending future reunions with one soon-to-be alum, in particular. “My daughter is a rising sophomore at UMW, so our traditions will carry on!”

More than 700 alumni, families, and friends are expected to return to the University of Mary Washington for the four-day Reunion Weekend, held May 30 to June 2, celebrating classes ending in 4 and 9. Yet, all are welcome to participate in parties and picnics, campus tours, lectures, family fun, class photos, arts and cultural events, beverage tastings, trips to downtown Fredericksburg and Carl’s for ice cream, and much more.

2024’s Reunion Weekend celebrates classes ending in 4 and 9, yet all are welcome to take part in parties and picnics, campus tours, lectures, family fun, class photos, arts and cultural events, beverage tastings, trips to downtown Fredericksburg and Carl’s for ice cream, and much more. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Alumni are invited to a welcome reception at Brompton, hosted by President Troy Paino and wife Kelly. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Members of the 1908 Society, for classes who graduated 50 years ago or more, will have a special day on Thursday with events planned just for them before joining other alumni at events on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Grads and guests of all generations will have the chance to take a trolley to Carl’s for a sweet treat. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Alumni of all ages can enjoy themselves at a Virginia wine, beer, and cider tasting at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center, while children enjoy a family movie under the supervision of UMW staff and students. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

The all-class party is open to grads and guests across the generations and features live music and dancing with drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

“Reunion Weekend is full of celebration and reconnection, not just with our lifelong friends and classmates, but also with our alma mater,” said Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Mark Thaden ’02. “We hope our alumni leave Mary Washington next week with even more memories than they had before.”

Festivities kick off Thursday with a special day planned for the 1908 Society and the Class of 1974, who are commemorating 50 years since their graduation. The day will include student-led campus tours, a trolley ride through historic Fredericksburg, a Mary Washington House tour, a welcome reception at Brompton with President Troy Paino and wife Kelly, and a three-course dinner. Throughout the weekend, UMW Galleries, Simpson Library, and the UMW Bookstore will also be open for browsing.

These graduates will also be treated to a Friday night cocktail hour and dinner at Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont. Other classes will have gatherings across campus and downtown Fredericksburg that evening.

Alumni will have the chance to reminisce with their college classmates and make new friends across the generations. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Graduates can enjoy the picnic on Ball Circle while taking class photos on the Lee Hall steps. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

UMW’s Alumni Affinity groups, such as the Black Alumni Affinity group, seen here with President Paino and Dean Emeritus Cedric Rucker ’81, are invited to a special breakfast Saturday morning in the Cedric Rucker University Center. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Alumni will receive a university update on Saturday from President Paino, who will also announce Alumni Awards recipients. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Alumni and their families can enjoy student-led campus tours or explore favorite spots, like the fountain on Palmieri Plaza, on their own. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Alumni College lectures on Friday and Saturday will feature faculty members delving into fascinating topics like killing cancer cells with heartburn medications, why college newspapers matter, campus biodiversity, and a collaboration to craft the world’s spiciest beer.

Saturday begins with an early morning fun run and walk across campus. The Cedric Rucker University Center will host a breakfast for members of UMW’s Alumni Affinity groups.

Academic and athletic departments will hold open houses that morning. In the afternoon, alumni can get a sneak peek at plans for the new theatre and the fine arts and music buildings renovation and attend a meet-and-greet and book signing with alumni authors.

President Paino will also present a university update and Alumni Awards in Seacobeck Hall’s Weatherly Wing, followed by a picnic lunch on Ball Circle and class photos on the Lee Hall steps.

Activities continue with a wine, beer, and cider tasting to let alumni unwind while their little ones watch a children’s movie in the Jepson Alumni Executive Center, followed by the all-class party in the Cedric Rucker University Center.

The weekend wraps up Sunday with a farewell brunch and a tour of Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont.

Register for Reunion Weekend and download the Reunion Weekend app for a full schedule of events, updates, and announcements. View the Reunion Weekend brochure. Search “Mary Washington Alumni” in your iOS or Android app store and use the code UMW2024. Follow “UMW Alumni” on Instagram and Facebook and tag #MaryWashReunion and #LifeAfterMaryWash.