Giving Stories

Sixth Annual Mary Wash Giving Day is One for the Books

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Cullen ’90 and Rosemary Seltzer ’91 made a perfect match when they met in college.

The entire University of Mary Washington community came #TogetherUMW for the sixth annual Mary Wash Giving Day April 4, raising $621,528 to support UMW students, faculty, and programs.
The entire University of Mary Washington community came #TogetherUMW for the sixth annual Mary Wash Giving Day April 4, raising $621,528 to support UMW students, faculty, and programs.

Recently, the alumni couple, who will celebrate 30 years of marriage this summer, made another perfect match – this time at the University of Mary Washington’s sixth annual Mary Wash Giving Day. The Seltzers sponsored a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $6,000, to inspire their fellow 1990s alums to give to the Fund for Mary Washington, which addresses the University’s areas of greatest need.

“Mary Washington will always have a special place in our hearts,” said Rosemary, whose sister, Anne Golden Danforth ’94, and daughter, Kate Seltzer ’21, are also alums. “We are delighted our match was met and can’t wait to see what the future holds for our beloved alma mater.”

They were among the 2,224 supporters – a number that includes 455 donors who made their first-ever gift – who came #TogetherUMW to raise a grand total of $621,528 on April 4 to support Mary Washington and its students.

For the first time, donors in all 50 states (plus Washington, D.C.) and seven countries participated in the 24-hour fundraising extravaganza, unlocking a $5,000 gift from Marty ’80 and Vicky Wilder ’80. They made 2,985 gifts to 124 different areas across the University, benefiting academics, arts, athletics, service, career, and cultural programs.

The Fund for Mary Washington received the most support on Giving Day, followed by UMW Theatre, Friends of Women’s Basketball, the Geography Alumni Scholarship, and the Beyond the Classroom Endowment.

“It’s truly inspiring to see how the UMW community continues to make a meaningful investment in our students, faculty, and programs,” said Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando ’14. “The gifts that were made this year are already providing students with impactful learning opportunities, such as research with faculty mentors, study abroad, internships, and more.”

UMW students took pictures in the Cedric Rucker University Center to express their gratitude toward the 2,224 donors who gave on the sixth annual Mary Wash Giving Day.
The areas that received the most gifts included UMW Theatre, which encouraged donors to “Be a Part of It.”
Donors made 2,985 gifts to 124 different areas across the University, benefiting academics, arts, athletics, service, career, and cultural programs.

Alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends helped make the day a success, sponsoring 52 challenges and matches that doubled and tripled the impact of each gift. They also inspired others to donate by serving as Giving Day Ambassadors on social media, and posted photos of their pets donning Mary Washington bandannas, courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement.

The festivities continued at the Giving Day student headquarters with games, pizza, and prizes in the Cedric Rucker University Center and at an evening bingo game in the Underground, hosted by Patti Boise Kemp ’69 and Clark Billups ’17.

Videos posted on social media throughout the day showed UMW President Troy Paino and Vice President for Student Affairs Juliette Landphair quizzing students on Mary Wash trivia while driving a Cash Cart (based on the early 2000s game show Cash Cab) down Campus Walk.

Young alumni donors, who graduated in the last decade, topped last year’s gifts, making 365 donations totaling more than $24,000.
Alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends helped make the day a success, sponsoring and participating in 52 challenges and matches that doubled and tripled the impact of each gift.
Alumni and students spanning 81 classes, from 1945 to 2026, donated on Giving Day.

Here are some of the other highlights of Mary Wash Giving Day 2023:

  • Alumni and students from the classes of 1945 to 2026 donated on Giving Day.
  • The Class of 1973 – celebrating their 50th reunion in June – made the most gifts, followed by the classes of 1995 and 2022.
  • Goats won Devil-Goat Day this year, but the Devils eked out a Giving Day win, with 889 gifts from odd-year graduates versus 881 from even-year graduates.
  • Young alumni donors, who graduated in the last decade, topped last year’s gifts, making 365 donations totaling more than $24,000.
  • By sharing their referral links, 149 Giving Day Ambassadors inspired their networks to give 257 gifts totaling nearly $22,000.

If you missed Giving Day, or want to support Mary Washington students even more, there’s still time. The University’s giving year ends on June 30, and online gifts can be made at umw.edu/gift.

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

UMW College of Business Classroom Named for Longtime Accounting Professor

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When Professor Emeritus Leigh Frackelton retired from the University of Mary Washington’s College of Business (COB) in 2021, the pandemic left little room for fanfare.

Rob Strassheim ’96 wanted something more for his former professor, who taught business law and accounting at the University for 35 years.

The University of Mary Washington dedicated the Leigh Frackelton Classroom on April 20 in honor of Professor Emeritus Leigh Frackelton (center) and the Gibbons Team Room, thanks to a generous gift from Bill, Susie, and Michelle Gibbons ’16. Both spaces are in Woodard Hall, home of UMW’s College of Business. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.
The University of Mary Washington dedicated the Leigh Frackelton Classroom on April 20 in honor of Professor Emeritus Leigh Frackelton (center) and the Gibbons Team Room, thanks to a generous gift from Bill, Susie, and Michelle Gibbons ’16. Both spaces are in Woodard Hall, home of UMW’s College of Business. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

“Leigh is an institution here at Mary Washington,” said Rob, who now serves as vice rector of UMW’s Board of Visitors. He helped raise tens of thousands of dollars to name a classroom for Frackelton. “I felt this would be a fantastic endeavor to thank someone who has been so impactful in the classroom and in the community.”

Former students and colleagues, family, and friends finally had the chance to fête the longtime faculty member, dedicating the Leigh Frackelton Classroom, as well as the Gibbons Team Room, in Woodard Hall on Thursday, April 20.

Gathered in the airy, technology-rich space, COB Interim Dean Ken Machande ’94 and guests swapped stories about “Frack,” known for using his own career experiences – and golf games – to illustrate key business concepts. The dean also announced a scholarship for accounting students that Frackelton was instrumental in creating, before giving the professor himself an opportunity to share more tales.

“I always enjoyed hearing his real-world examples,” said Michelle Gibbons ’16, who majored in business administration. “He helped ignite my desire to pursue a career in accounting.”

Michelle attended with her parents, Bill, a member of COB’s Executive Advisory Board, and Susie, a former certified public accountant (CPA), who named a team room in their daughter’s honor. Machande thanked the Gibbons family for their generous gift, which will benefit business students for years to come.

Frackelton, who grew up in a neighborhood next to UMW, majored in history at Washington and Lee University. He later earned a law degree at the University of Richmond School of Law and a Master of Law in Taxation from the College of William and Mary. He also became a CPA, studying for the exam with several of his students.

Hired by Mary Washington in 1986, he spent over three decades in the classroom. He now serves as counsel at Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLC, while supporting numerous area community organizations.

From left: Rob Strassheim ’96, COB Interim Dean Ken Machande ’94, and Professor Emeritus of Business Law and Taxation Leigh Frackelton in front of the classroom. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.
Michelle Gibbons ’16, with her parents, Bill and Susie Gibbons, holds the BOV resolution naming the Gibbons Team Room, a collaboration and study space that will be used for business students for years to come. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.
Leigh Frackelton and wife Justin laugh as guests share stories about the professor emeritus, who retired from UMW in 2021. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

At UMW, he developed a reputation for being a tough grader. “He had high expectations of his students,” said Rob Whitt ’93, who attended the dedication. Both he and his daughter, Emily Whitt ’23, took classes with Frackelton and enjoyed comparing notes. “He was always enthusiastic and loved the material and teaching,” Rob said.

But beyond his gruff exterior, “you’ll find someone who truly has a passion for helping his students,” said Machande, sharing an anecdote about a time when Frackelton paid a semester’s tuition for a senior who was struggling financially.

“I heard from alums who said Leigh was singlehandedly the reason they made it through accounting,” Rob Strassheim said. “He once opened his home in Richmond to a student who needed a place to stay for his internship.”

And Frackelton was always focused on concerns of others, Rob said. In return, David and Nancy Honeywell, of the Honeywell Charitable Fund, issued a generous challenge grant, which motivated others to give toward Mary Washington’s goal of raising $100,000 for the COB Endowment.

Leigh Frackelton, who taught at Mary Washington for 35 years, shares a few stories of his own in the Woodard Hall classroom named for him. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.
Leigh Frackelton, who taught at Mary Washington for 35 years, shares a few stories of his own in the Woodard Hall classroom named for him. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Finally, it was Frackelton’s turn to speak.

“If I had a classroom like this, I might have taught for 55 years,” he joked, before thanking those who cheered him on throughout his career, calling them his “balcony people.”

He acknowledged many of those individuals, including his wife and children, his father-in-law, and his favorite professor, who encouraged him to practice tax law instead of teaching. Years later, the man was pleased that Frackelton was able to do both.

“That’s what I always told my students,” Frackelton said. “Do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do.”

To learn more about naming gifts or establishing scholarships at the University of Mary Washington, please contact the Office of University Advancement at (540) 654-1024 or advance@umw.edu. 

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

Scholarship Recipients Give Thanks at Donor Appreciation Luncheon

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University of Mary Washington junior Norah Walsh ’24 remembers taking a strenuous uphill hike with classmates on the Spanish island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe on a hot day last year. Their sweaty bus ride back was a bonding experience, she said, but it remains one of her most memorable moments since coming to Mary Washington.

“I would not have been able to go to Spain without the Abbott International Study Abroad Scholarship,” said Norah, a Spanish and philosophy major who earned four scholarships at UMW. “So, thank you very much, Marty Abbott.”

Junior Norah Walsh speaks at the 2023 Donor Appreciation Luncheon on March 25. The annual event, held in person for the first time in four years, celebrates donors who have established scholarships to support students. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
Marty Abbott ’72, who established the Abbott International Study Abroad Scholarship, listens as Norah Walsh, her recipient, speaks about how her scholarships enabled her to study abroad in Spain. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

Norah expressed those words of gratitude at the 2023 Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase on Saturday, March 25, at the Cedric Rucker University Center. Held in person for the first time in four years, the annual event honors supporters who have established private scholarships for students, as well as members of UMW’s Washington and Heritage societies, who have given or pledged significant funds to the University.

Guests mixed and mingled with scholarship recipients who displayed their academic pursuits and projects, then dined in the Chandler Ballroom and later listened as student speakers and UMW President Troy Paino thanked them for their generous gifts to Mary Washington.

Seniors Oscar León and Mina Sollars chat about costumes from UMW Theatre productions with Mark Ingrao ’81 and Lisa Taylor ’85 during the Student Showcase. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
Deborah and James Llewellyn ’83 with the Llewellyn Scholarship in Psychology recipient, sophomore Robert Oehler. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
Sophomore Docia Atanda, the recipient of the Bernard L. Mahoney Jr. Student Research Fellowship in Science chats with the late professor’s wife, Kathleen Mahoney. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
From left: Carolyn Gore-Ashe, Betty Fischer Gore ’49 and sophomore Saud Abdul Aziz, who received the Martha Fischer Leighton ’47 Memorial Scholarship and the Linda Loy Endowed Emergency Fund. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
Ed Morawetz Jr. chats with Noel Shenk ’24, the recipient of the Christopher Edward Morawetz Scholarship, during the Donor Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

“You are making a dramatic difference in the lives of students so they can access a public liberal arts and sciences education,” said President Paino, announcing that the University awarded $2.2 million through 817 privately funded scholarships in the last fiscal year.

He also highlighted the “transformational” gift from the estate of Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59, who passed away last July. The $30 million gift will create four new full-ride Alvey Scholarships and exponentially grow UMW’s undergraduate scientific research program, he said. “We are so grateful to Irene and to all of you who invest in our students.”

Because of her own experience studying in Madrid as a Mary Washington student, Marty Abbott ’72 embarked on a career in foreign language education. Creating a scholarship to help UMW students experience travel overseas, she said, was the natural next step.

“Norah truly embodies the reason why I created this scholarship,” said Marty, who swapped stories about Spain with Norah at the luncheon. “I always appreciate hearing from students how scholarships have impacted them professionally and personally.”

Sophomore Davy Washington explains how the Susan Leavitt ’83 Scholarship helped them pay tuition after their mother passed away. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
President Troy Paino provided a university update, announcing that UMW awarded $2.2 million through 817 privately funded scholarships during the last fiscal year. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
Sophomore Kaylah Lightfoot, recipient of the Balfour Scholarship for Leadership, served as emcee of the 2023 Donor Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

Serving as emcee, sophomore Kaylah Lightfoot ’25 shared how receiving the Balfour Scholarship for Leadership has helped her hone those skills and serve in campus leadership roles, including as the newly elected vice president of UMW’s Student Government Association.

Sophomore Davy Washington ’25, a creative writing major, said they needed the Susan Leavitt ’83 Scholarship, designed for students who experience a personal hardship, in order to help cover the cost of tuition.

“After my mom died unexpectedly, it gave me the chance to focus on my studies and live the ideal college student experience,” said Davy, who read a poem about their mother to the audience. “Being a student in need and knowing that there are donors who support students like me has been one of the most heartwarming experiences I’ve had in college.”

To learn more about establishing scholarships, please contact the Office of University Advancement at (540) 654-1024 or advance@umw.edu. View photos and videos from the 2023 Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase.

Norah Walsh is the recipient of the Amanda Elizabeth Dresser ’95 Scholarship, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, the Abbott International Study Abroad Scholarship, and the Fita Rivas Scholarship in Spanish.

Davy Washington is the recipient of the Susan Leavitt ’83 Scholarship.

Kaylah Lightfoot is the recipient of the Balfour Scholarship for Leadership.

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

2023 Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase

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Timothy Philbeck '23 chats with Patti Boise Kemp '69 at the 2023 Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Timothy Philbeck ’23 chats with Patti Boise Kemp ’69 at the 2023 Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, the University of Mary Washington hosted its annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase, held in person for the first time since 2019. Donors who have created and supported scholarships and members of the Washington and Heritage societies gathered in the Cedric Rucker University Center, where they engaged with UMW students who shared their research and projects.

After that, they enjoyed lunch in the Chandler Ballroom and listened as scholarship recipients shared how private scholarship support gave them access to a public liberal arts and sciences education filled with impactful learning experiences. President Troy D. Paino provided a university update and thanked donors for their shared commitment to Mary Washington and its students.

View photos and videos from the Luncheon and Student Showcase:

Visit Flickr to view or download photos, courtesy of the Office of University Advancement. Event photos taken by Karen Pearlman Photography.

Click links below to view short video clips from the program.
(Approximate viewing times are noted by each title.)

Welcome by Kaylah Lightfoot ’25 (3:25 minutes)
Balfour Scholarship for Leadership

Remarks by President Troy D. Paino (17:40 minutes)

Recipient Appreciation by Davy Washington ’25 (5:46 minutes)
Susan Leavitt ’83 Scholarship

Recipient Appreciation by Norah Walsh ’24 (6:15 minutes)
Amanda Elizabeth Dresser ’95 Scholarship, Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, Abbott International Study Abroad Scholarship, Fita Rivas Scholarship in Spanish

Alma Mater by Grayson Jones, Emma Manger, and Harmony Peura of One Note Stand (1:47 minutes)

If you have questions or comments, please contact Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Laiacona ’04 at jlaiacon@umw.edu.

Sixth Annual Mary Wash Giving Day Brings #TogetherUMW

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Clark Billups ’17 was a senior when he made his first-ever gift to the University of Mary Washington.

Now, he’s sponsoring his first Mary Wash Giving Day challenge, encouraging other young alumni to make their first-ever gift on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. All donations during this 24-hour fundraising celebration – themed #TogetherUMW – go to supporting Mary Washington students and programs.

“I owe so much to my alma mater,” said Clark, who majored in business and now works at Liberty Mutual in Fredericksburg. After donating on every Mary Wash Giving Day since its inception, he pledged to give $1,000 this year to the unrestricted Fund for Mary Washington to help address UMW’s most critical needs. “I want to ensure that current and future students have access to the same public liberal arts and sciences education that I did.”

He’s not alone. Generous donors have committed to challenges and matches to inspire the entire UMW community – alumni, students, faculty, staff, families, and friends – to participate on Giving Day. Every gift, regardless of size, can help Mary Washington reach its goal of 2,600 gifts and 400 first-time donors, said Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando ’14.

Hazel Lam-Mackintosh and Harper Thaden (left) make bead bracelets with UMW students Jenny Vuong and Boramy Meng at last year’s Multicultural Fair. Challenges and matches during Mary Wash Giving Day will help ensure favorite campus events – and other Mary Washington traditions – continue. #MaryWashDay #TogetherUMW
UMW students Jessica Oberlies (left) and Jazmine Montecino return from a hike during a ‘UMW in Spain’ study abroad trip. Mary Wash Giving Day totals help provide learning experiences like this one at UMW. #MaryWashDay #TogetherUMW
UMW men’s soccer player Nelsar Castillo (16) makes a run during last year’s NCAA tournament. Donations made during Mary Wash Giving Day help support UMW athletics and so much more. #MaryWashDay #TogetherUMW

With $211,000 in challenges and matches waiting to be unlocked at givingday.umw.edu, every donation has the potential of doubling and even tripling its impact, resulting in thousands of extra dollars to be invested in UMW student success. This year’s goals also include:

  • 1,908 gifts (celebrating UMW’s founding year) to unlock a total of $5,000 for the Fund for Mary Washington from Board of Visitors (BOV) Rector Devon Cushman ’93 and member Deborah Santiago ’90
  • 2,600 gifts to unlock an $18,000 gift from Steve Gladis and Donna Sheehan Gladis ’68
  • When 400 first-time donors participate, BOV member Rob Strassheim ’96 and Sarah Gildersleeve Strassheim ’01 will contribute $5,000
  • 200 gifts to the Fund for Mary Washington from alumni will result in a $15,000 gift from an anonymous donor
  • Sylvia McJilton Woodcock ’61 has pledged $5,000 when 10 individuals make a President’s Council-level gift ($500 for classes 2013-2022, $1,250 for classes 2008-2012, $2,500 for everyone else) to support the Fund for Mary Washington
  • Rob Whitt ’93 and Dodie Denison Whitt ’95, who are parents of a UMW student, will make a $2,500 gift when 500 current and former parents donate
  • Patti Boise Kemp ’69 will give $15,000 to the scholarship of her choice when $15,000 is raised for scholarships
  • A group of 1973 alums will match every gift to the Class of 1973 Reunion Scholarship up to $10,000
  • Former Chief of Staff Marty Wilder ’80 and Vicky Nichols Wilder ’80 will give $5,000 if UMW receives a gift from all 50 states

In addition, a Devil-Goat contest by Mike Charnoff ’95 and Katie Valentine Charnoff ’04 will encourage friendly competition between odd- and even-year graduates. Justin Gerbereux ’97 and Allison Coleman Gerbereux ’96 have sponsored a challenge for alumni who are married to other Mary Wash graduates. And 2008 grads Jeremy Bloom, Kate LeBoeuf, Alyssa Lee and Jeremy Vaughn will give $1,000 – and take a pie in the face – if 30 of their 2008 classmates give on Giving Day.

The Cedric Rucker University Center will serve as Giving Day headquarters, with games, prizes, food and fun for students. Clark Billups will also host a Bingo game that evening in the Underground.

Kevin Dougherty uses the UMW Fitness Center. Mary Wash Giving Day donations fund everything from the arts to campus preservation projects. This year’s goal is 2,600 gifts. #MaryWashDay #TogetherUMW
UMW students participate in the annual Into the Streets community service event. Each gift during the 24-hour Mary Wash Giving Day event contributes to enhancing life and experiences for UMW students. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography. #MaryWashDay #TogetherUMW
UMW historic preservation students worked with the Patawomeck and Rappahannock Indian tribes on a Native American heritage driving trail in King George County. Mary Wash Giving Day gifts help fund hands-on research and academic experiences, and contribute to areas across campus. #MaryWashDay #TogetherUMW

Dynamic leaderboards will track progress throughout the day. Meanwhile, over 100 Giving Day Ambassadors have signed up online to receive a unique referral link and digital tool kit to help spread the word on social media. Data shows that each ambassador post inspires three additional gifts. Alums and friends can also follow Mary Wash Giving Day on Facebook to learn which areas are still in need.

The Mary Washington Alumni Association will provide free pet bandannas with a fresh design to alums, who are asked to share their photos on social media, tagging #MaryWashDay and @UMWAlumni.

On the Mary Wash Giving Day Donor Wall supporters can spotlight their names and gifts or remain anonymous. Contributions can be made online, over the phone or in person toward the Fund for Mary Washington, academics, arts and cultural programs, athletics, diversity and inclusion initiatives, campus preservation projects and much more.

Learn more by visiting the Mary Wash Giving Day FAQ page or by contacting Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando at sorlando@umw.edu or 540-654-1361.

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