The University of Mary Washington’s radio station entertained Eagles for decades, but it was in disrepair when rising senior Davy Washington first stepped foot inside its studio.
“Our overarching goal in the next school year is to reestablish WMWC as an essential part of the UMW community,” said Davy, who has ramped up engagement since becoming station director, recruited 80 student deejays, and organized events like “Eagles in the ’80s.”
Restoring the station, which now broadcasts online, also requires new microphones, a mixer, and other updated technology. That’s why Davy took the mic on April 20 to present a proposal, which secured a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant. Piloted this spring by UMW’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, the 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.
“These grants help expand the impact of donors’ gifts to the Fund for Mary Washington, sparking innovation and creating opportunities across campus and beyond,” said Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte, who conceived of the program.
Applicants were asked to submit a pitch video and slide deck, demonstrating financial need and outlining measurable objectives, a detailed budget, a sustainability plan, and a targeted audience. Each project was evaluated on those criteria as well as how closely it aligned with UMW’s ASPIRE values.
“The Fund for Mary Washington gives the University the flexibility to put money where it is most needed, so this program embodies that,” said Jenifer “JB” Blair ’82, immediate past president of UMW’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. She oversaw a committee composed of members of the Alumni Board and the Young Alumni Council, who reviewed 27 initial applicants, winnowing the pool down to the 11 teams that gave their final pitch to the full board and council last month.
Eagles in Recovery, Gwen Hale Resource Center, UMW Galleries, the Hurley Convergence Center’s Charnoff Production Studio, and a new Residence Life program for incoming students with autism spectrum disorder were among those that received grants. Recipients have one year to use grant funds and must participate in a reporting workshop this fall.
Several donors committed to funding projects that weren’t chosen, as well as providing additional resources to those that need them. “As one of the original deejays in the late 1970s when WMWC was revived, I was moved by Davy’s request and to hear of the significant interest among students,” said JB, who made her own contribution to help resurrect the radio station.
UMW Votes, a nonpartisan, student-led organization that promotes student voting and civic engagement, earned a grant to rent a trolley to transport students to the polls on Election Day.
“Before coming to UMW, I didn’t know anything about how register to vote, what was going to be on the ballot, or when elections are,” said first-year student Sarah Tyree-Hermann during her presentation. Through her participation with UMW Votes, she educates her fellow students on voting and works to make the ballot box more accessible.
“Some UMW students, especially first-year students, don’t have any way to get to the polls to vote,” said Center for Community Engagement Director Sarah Dewees, who also helped pitch the proposal. “Being able to offer rides will help our students be more civically engaged.”
During rising senior Martina Nicholson’s presentation, “Preventing Period Poverty,” she explained how Women and Gender Studies Club members have used Student Finance Committee funds to stock bathrooms at UMW with menstrual products for those who cannot afford them.
The grant she received will purchase four “Aunt Flow” machines to provide free pads and tampons in the Cedric Rucker University Center and other campus hubs.
“Being able to build on the foundations of this initiative was important to me,” said Martina, who wants the program to remain sustainable after she graduates. “Students all over campus will benefit from having easy access to these basic necessities.”
Learn more about UMW’s Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants.
– Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04
