Giving Stories

As Sofia Taylor ’24 took the Weatherly Wing stage for her senior vocal recital at the University of Mary Washington in March, she knew it was a full circle moment.

“When I first arrived on campus four years ago, we couldn’t sing for a live audience,” said Sofia, who helped dedicate the space when it opened in Seacobeck Hall. “So, this was truly gratifying for me.”

Gearing up for a Ball Circle moment, Sofia will perform for her largest audience yet at UMW’s 113th Commencement on May 11. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she’ll conclude the ceremony by leading over a thousand of her fellow Class of 2024 graduates in Mary Washington’s Alma Mater, “High on Marye’s Hilltop.” Penned by Jean Crotty Machonis ’47 and Irene Taylor Robinson ’47, the beloved tune is sung at UMW milestones like Eagle Gathering and Commencement.

“It’s the perfect finale for my four years at Mary Washington,” said Sofia, a psychology major and music and neuroscience minor. Her college experience comprised a semester in Europe, performing in choral recitals and a UMW Theatre production, and research into the minds of the world’s great composers, which she presented last week at Mary Washington’s annual Research and Creativity Symposium. She was also recently named a semifinalist for the prestigious Fulbright Award.

Sofia summed up these experiences at this spring’s Scholarship Luncheon and Student Showcase. Serving as emcee, she sang the Alma Mater – and the praises of her late donor, Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59, who left the University a transformational $30 million estate gift, the largest in its history, when she passed away in 2022.

“I was so grateful that Irene gave me the chance to attend UMW and pursue all my academic interests, without the burden of having to pay for college,” Sofia said. A Michigan native, she received the Justin and Helen Piscopo Alvey Scholarship, providing full tuition, fees, and room and board for out-of-state students for up to four years of undergraduate study.

She often exchanged cards, letters, and emails with Rodgers, even sending her donor videos of her singing opera. “I’m so glad we got to know each other and bond over our shared love of science and the arts,” Sofia said.

Sofia (far left) with her fellow Washington and Alvey Scholarship recipients, who received full tuition, fees, and room and board to UMW. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Sofia (right) with Ron Pohl, Irene Piscopo Rodgers’ friend and attorney, and fellow UMW senior and Alvey Scholarship and Rodgers recipient Hannah Stottlemyer at 2023’s Celebration of Giving. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Sofia shares her research into the psychology behind Mozart, Beethoven, and other great composers with Bill Williams and Pat Poole at the 2024 Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Enrolled in UMW’s Honors Program, she made the most of the public liberal arts and sciences education at Mary Washington. Yet, psychology was always top of mind, after taking an advanced placement course in the subject during high school.

“I’m fascinated by the biological aspects of the brain,” said Sofia, who researched how dopamine production affects sleep. She also worked with neurology patients at Mary Washington Hospital, served as the community service-learning coordinator for the Department of Psychological Science, was inducted into the Psi Chi honor society, and coordinated a campus mental health fair.

In her free time, Sofia taught yoga for Campus Recreation and participated in UMW’s Honor Student Advisory Committee, Red Cross Club, Talk to the Hands ASL club, and Pre-Health Society.

But her high notes have been studying abroad in Vienna, Austria – the birthplace of psychology and a center for classical music – and performing in UMW Theatre’s production of The Rocky Horror Show. “Both were a dream come true,” Sofia said.

Sofia studied abroad in Vienna, Austria, in spring 2023. Here, she poses for a photo on the balcony of the Albertina Museum, overlooking the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera). Photo courtesy of Sofia Taylor.

Sofia (second from left) with cellist Riley Francis (left), flautist Madeline MacArthur, and Assistant Professor of Music Robert Wells (right) after her senior vocal recital in the Weatherly Wing in Seacobeck Hall. Photo courtesy of Sofia Taylor.

Sofia attended a Viennese masked ball while studying abroad in Vienna, Austria. Photo courtesy of Sofia Taylor.

Sofia (far right) with psychology classmates (from left) Valeria Duque, Dayton Keffer, Katherine Blair, and Ally Tingen, before presenting their research on dopamine at 2024’s Research and Creativity Symposium. Photo courtesy of Sofia Taylor.

Sofia rehearses with UMW’s combined choirs. Receiving a full-ride Alvey Scholarship gave her the chance to minor in music and neuroscience, in addition to her psychology major, and perform with the UMW choirs and UMW Theatre. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.

Sofia aspires to earn a Ph.D. and enter private practice, using music therapy to help patients. She’s considering the University of Michigan, where Rodgers earned a master’s degree in chemistry.

But, to quote the Alma Mater, Taylor will always be “forever true” to Mary Washington.

“I may be graduating and leaving campus,” she said, “but I know that a part of me will always belong to UMW. I’ll always be welcomed back by this community.”

Watch Sofia’s senior vocal recital as well as a video thanking science donors that was played at 2023’s Celebration of Giving.

Find scholarship opportunities that are available to UMW students, including Washington and Alvey scholarships. 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.

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

When entertainment journalist Maggie Lovitt ’15 reviewed a new period drama, she relied on the knowledge base she built while earning a bachelor’s degree in historic preservation at the University of Mary Washington.

“I come at it from a deeper well of knowledge than the average viewer,” Maggie said. For example, she asked more insightful questions when covering The New Look on Apple TV+, which follows Christian Dior and Coco Chanel launching their fashion empires in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. “Even if you don’t stay in the field you majored in, you can still use what you studied in your daily life.”

In just a few years, Maggie has gone from managing a historic site to rubbing elbows with the stars at Hollywood award shows. Yet, she still employs the skills she honed at Mary Washington – conducting research, writing and editing, and collaborating on a team – in her current career. As a critic, screenwriter, and actress, Maggie has earned accolades and approval from the Screen Actors Guild, Rotten Tomatoes, and the Critics Choice Association, which she shared in the spring edition of UMW’s Class Notes.

Maggie has been exploring these seemingly disparate interests since her fourth birthday, when her mother took her to a Star Trek convention, her first foray into fandom.

Around the same age, she also became fascinated by history. Growing up in Virginia, she and her family often visited Fredericksburg area locales like George Washington’s boyhood home, Ferry Farm, and his sister’s residence, Kenmore.

So, it was no surprise when she applied to Mary Washington, one of the few institutions in the country with an undergraduate major in historic preservation. At UMW, Maggie enjoyed the broad benefits of a public liberal arts and sciences education, taking courses in history, British literature, museum studies, geography, and journalism while volunteering at nearby museums and historic sites.

Maggie Lovitt (fourth row, second from right) with Department of Historic Preservation faculty members and classmates before Commencement in 2015. Photo courtesy of Maggie Lovitt.

Maggie with her parents, Karen and Brad Lovitt, after UMW’s Commencement in 2015. Photo courtesy of Maggie Lovitt.

Maggie explores a display at Ferry Farm in Stafford. Visits to George Washington’s boyhood home and other historic sites around Fredericksburg influenced her decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in historic preservation at Mary Washington. Photo courtesy of Maggie Lovitt.

But television and movies were still on her mind. “Anyone who was in class with me knew I was always reading reviews in The New York Times,” Maggie said. “I talked about ratings for my favorite shows ad nauseum.”

After graduation, Maggie earned a master’s degree online in engaged anthropology from the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, while working as the executive director of the Chapman-Beverley Mill in Fauquier, Virginia, where her family has had roots since the 1700s.

She oversaw the 19-century historic site, planned events and programs, coordinated volunteers, maintained the website and social media accounts, and wrote press releases and grant applications. Then came COVID, which slowed traffic to museums and historical landmarks.

That’s when her other passion came into play. She began reviewing films for online publications and launched a podcast, Petticoats & Poppies: History Girls at the Movies, with friend and fellow film buff Nicole Ackman. “I realized this wasn’t a dead end; it was a doorway to more opportunities,” Maggie said.

Hired by digital entertainment hub Collider, she rose to the role of senior lead news editor. She now manages a team of writers and produces prose on pop culture topics like the latest from the Star Wars universe, rom-coms, horror flicks, and historical dramas.

Maggie Lovitt (far right) on a panel with sci-fi actresses (from left) Alexa Kingston, Michelle Hurd, and Felicia Day. Photo credit: FanExpo.

Maggie with her mother, Karen Lovitt, and actor Robert Beltran, who played Chakotay on ‘Star Trek: Voyager.’ Photo courtesy of Maggie Lovitt.

Maggie Lovitt interviews ‘Harry Potter’ actors Matthew Lewis (left) and Jason Isaacs. Photo credit: FanExpo.

Maggie Lovitt interviews Diego Luga, an actor who has appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ vehicles ‘Andor’ and ‘Rogue One.’ Photo credit: FanExpo.

She has also been cast in a dozen onscreen roles, including in Wonder Woman 1984 and The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and designed costumes for several projects. And her screenplays have placed in film festivals in New York City, Los Angeles, and Richmond, Virginia.

Looking back at her time at UMW, she’s grateful to the alumni, donors, and faculty members who supported her endeavors in college and continue to root for her success. Among them is Professor of English Eric Lorentzen, who remembers having lively discussions with Maggie at Mary Washington over film interpretations of their favorite texts.

“I love when a piece of Maggie’s writing takes on instances of literary adaptation,” Dr. Lorenzten said, “so I can see the wonderful ways that echoes of our old conversations in class recur and expand in these brilliant new venues.”

Maggie’s advice for current UMW students? “No matter what you are currently studying, you never know what your future might have in store for you,” she said. “It’s important to always stay true to yourself and to go with the flow.”

– Article written by Advancement intern Tabitha Robinson ’24

When senior Sofia Taylor earned a full-ride Alvey Scholarship to attend the University of Mary Washington, she penned the first of many letters and cards she exchanged with her donor, Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59.

“Irene often said that Mary Washington ‘opened worlds’ for her,” said Sofia, a psychology major and neuroscience and music minor. Because of private support, Sofia’s own college experience comprised a semester abroad, singing with the UMW Choir, leadership roles in the psychology department, and researching the minds of the world’s great composers. “She truly did that for me.”

2024’s Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase, held on April 6, gave donors who established scholarships and those who gave or pledged significant gifts to the University of Mary Washington the opportunity to interact with their scholarship recipients and see the impact of their gifts. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

From left: seniors Maddie Baylor, Nate Huff, and Alex Lagon show Janet Hedrick ’73 costumes from recent UMW Theatre productions. Janet and her classmates established the Class of 1973 Reunion Scholarship. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

First-year student Katriana Meiman, recipient of the Helen D. Gawron Alvey Scholarship and a biomedical sciences major, discusses her research on the neurological condition known as postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

Junior Maha Momtaz, a studio art major at Mary Washington, shares her artwork with a donor at the Student Showcase. Maha is the recipient of the Lettie Pate Whitehead and the Nina G. Bushnell scholarships. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Senior Sofia Taylor, a psychology major and neuroscience and music minor who earned the Justin and Helen Piscopo Alvey Scholarship, shares her research into the minds of the world’s great composers with Bill Williams and Pat Poole, who established the Kendra Lynn Williams ’95 Scholarship in memory of their daughter. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

President Troy Paino and wife Kelly visit with donors and student scholarship recipients during the 2024 Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Sofia sang the praises of her late benefactor – who left her alma mater a transformational $30 million estate gift for undergraduate scientific research and to create new Alvey Scholarships – at the 2024 Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase on April 6. The annual event honored supporters who have established private scholarships and members of UMW’s Washington and Heritage societies, who have either given or pledged significant funds to Mary Washington.

Scholarship recipients displayed their academic pursuits and projects for attendees to peruse on the first floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center. Afterwards, guests gathered in the Chandler Ballroom for a spring-themed lunch and listened as President Troy Paino and student speakers expressed gratitude to donors for their gifts to the University.

“We always look forward to this occasion and for you to connect with our students who are the beneficiaries of your generosity,” Paino said, “so you can see, witness, and experience what is happening here because of your investment.”

In a campus update, Paino thanked donors for helping UMW achieve its highest fundraising year to date, with $21.3 million in gifts and pledges made in Fiscal Year 2023. He also highlighted the recent success of Mary Wash Day, which raised a preliminary record-setting $828,677 on April 4. “To feel the support of the Mary Washington family from across the globe means so much.”

Aloysious, who received the Thomas Howard and Elizabeth Merchent Tardy Scholarship, among others, chats with his donor, Al Merchent, during a Scholarship Luncheon. K Pearlman Photography.

Senior Abby Knowles, who earned the Penelope Ann Parrish Internship in Journalism, enjoys a conversation with her donor, Penny Parrish, and fellow journalism scholarship recipient Norah Walsh and her donor, Jeanette Cadwallender. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

First-year student Allie Davis, recipient of the Robert ’93 and Dodie ’95 Whitt Scholarship, poses for a photo with her donors, Rob Whitt ’93 and Dodie Denison Whitt ’95. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Senior Jessica Oberlies, recipient of the John C. and Jerri Barden Perkins ’61 CAS Student Research Endowment, chats with her donor, Dr. Jerri Barden Perkins ’61. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Senior Jarad Ponce, recipient of the Carrie S. and Arthur L. Galloway Scholarship, among others, poses for a picture with George K. and Sallie Galloway Gill ’65, who named their scholarship in memory of Sally’s parents. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Senior Brooke Prevedel, who came to UMW from Colorado, said that private support helped her pursue a double major in classical archaeology and historic preservation, as well as a GIS certificate, which necessitated staying a fifth year at Mary Washington.

Receiving scholarships helped ease financial pressure and gave her the chance to engage in high-impact learning experiences, she said. For example, she contributed her cartographic skills to create printed maps for the local Civil Rights Trail and a Fredericksburg Area Museum exhibit, collaborating on both projects with Professor of Geography Steve Hanna.

“I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities at UMW,” Brooke said. “Because of them, I’m graduating into a world where even more opportunities await me, already as an established professional in my fields.”

Shahir Mohsenyan, a graduate student in UMW’s College of Education, shared how as a child of immigrants, he wasn’t always accepted by his peers. Yet, his favorite teachers made him feel as though he mattered and inspired his decision to become an educator.

He thanked his donors for giving him the chance to ensure that all students feel welcome in his classroom.

“Your investment in education extends far beyond the confines of this University,” Shahir said. “It is a gift that keeps on giving, shaping the future, one student at a time.”

Senior Sofia Taylor, who received the full-ride Justin and Helen Piscopo Alvey Scholarship to attend UMW, served as emcee for the luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Graduate education student Shahir Mohsenyan, who received the Graduate Education Endowed Scholarship and other awards, shared how private support has enabled him to pursue his master’s degree while teaching elementary school students. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Senior Brooke Prevedel, who earned the Dovetail Cultural Resource Group Scholarship for Historic Preservation and other awards, said her scholarships gave her the opportunity to pursue a double major and a GIS certificate while contributing to community projects like the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

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. View photos and a video from the 2024 Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase.

Sofia Taylor ’24 is the recipient of the Justin and Helen Piscopo Alvey Scholarship.

Shahir Mohsenyan M.Ed. ’24 is the recipient of the Alice Warren Twiddy 1915 Scholarship, Graduate Education Endowed Scholarship, Hattie M. Strong Foundation Scholarship and the UMW Alumni and Friends Scholarship.

Brooke Prevedel ’24 is the recipient of the Ardiena Ann Tromley Scholarship in Archaeology, Dovetail Cultural Resource Group Scholarship for Historic Preservation, John D. Mac Isaac Scholarship in Classics, Laura V. Sumner Memorial Scholarship in Classics and the National Latin Exam Scholarship.

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

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science and International Affairs Jack Kramer taught countless students during his decades-long career at the University of Mary Washington.

After retiring in 2020, Kramer turned his attention to UMW’s Beyond the Classroom Endowment, or BTC. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) initiative supports experiential learning for students, such as internships, study abroad and undergraduate research.

“BTC is critically important, giving Mary Washington students the financial means to pursue their educational dreams and fulfill their human potential,” Kramer said. The endowment aligns with UMW’s mission of providing a quality public liberal arts and sciences education filled with high-impact learning opportunities, he said.

For today’s Mary Wash Day, for the second consecutive year, Kramer is sponsoring a challenge. This year, he will unlock a $15,000 gift if 750 donations are made to BTC or any other area within CAS. He and wife Mary Lou are also sponsoring a dollar-for-dollar match on gifts to the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, up to $2,024.

Kramer is among several current and retired faculty and staff members who have issued challenges and matches on April 4 to encourage the UMW community to participate in the 24-hour celebration of philanthropy and engagement.

The event, now in its seventh year, kicked off this morning with a “grab and go” breakfast for faculty and staff on the steps of the Cedric Rucker University Center. The celebration will continue with special events throughout the day where alumni, friends, families, students, faculty and staff can showcase their Mary Wash pride and give back in support of more than 80 areas across the University.

“Working on the front lines with our students, UMW employees are among our most dedicated donors,” said Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando ’14, who encourages supporters to make gifts of any size on the Mary Wash Day website. A total of 256 faculty and staff members contributed during 2023’s event, helping to raise $621,528 for Mary Washington students, faculty, and programs.

More than $400,000 in challenges and matches sponsored by generous donors is just waiting to be unlocked this year, Orlando said.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Digital Knowledge Center, DKC staff are sponsoring a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $1,000. For the past decade, the center has provided guidance, tools and spaces to help UMW students tackle ambitious digital projects and stay on the forefront of innovation and technology.

“We’ve seen students accomplish some incredible things over the last decade, from building a wealth of online resources that document UMW history to designing and 3D printing their own custom bagpipes,” said DKC Director Cartland Berge, who is teaming up with Associate Director Shannon Hauser and Digital Learning Support Director Jerry Slezak for the match. “We want to keep enabling amazing projects!”

Other challenges and matches include:

• If gifts are made from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Vicky Nichols Wilder ’80 and former UMW Chief of Staff Marty Wilder ’80 will donate $6,000 in support of current and future students
• Dean Emeritus Cedric Rucker ’81 will unlock a $1,000 gift to the Cedric B. Rucker ’81 SOS Fund when 100 current students make a gift to any area on Mary Wash Day
• Linda Lemanski Blakemore ’84 and Associate Professor Emeritus of History Porter Blakemore will unlock a $6,000 gift when UMW women’s basketball receives 60 gifts of $50 or more
• UMW Men’s Lacrosse Coach Drew Delaney and his wife, Linda, will give $1,000 when Friends of Men’s Lacrosse receives its first $2,000 in gifts

Professor of Communications Anand Rao, Professor of Psychological Science Miriam Liss, Professor of Marketing Kashef Majid and Center for Community Engagement Director Sarah Dewees have also issued a challenge to honor late Writing Center Director Gwen Hale.

They’ll make a $1,000 gift to the Gwen Hale Resource Center – which provides food, clothing, toiletries and other necessities to students in need – if 200 faculty and staff members make a gift to any area on Mary Wash Day.

“Gwen was my conscience, always encouraging me to be kind and understanding,” Majid said of Hale, who created a small food pantry in her office that later expanded into the two-room center in Lee Hall. Created to alleviate food insecurity on campus, the space has clocked more than 1,000 visits since it opened in 2019. “The center meant so much to her. It makes such a positive difference in our community here at Mary Washington.”

Browse areas of support and make your gift April 4 on the Mary Wash Day website. More information about Mary Wash Day can be found on the FAQ Page. Read more giving stories at giving.umw.edu.

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