Giving Stories

Gwen Hale Resource Center Helps Feed UMW Students in Need

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Tamara Garrett ’23 arranges boxed macaroni and cheese, cans of soup, and packaged snacks on shelves. With the fall semester underway at the University of Mary Washington, she wants to ensure that the Gwen Hale Resource Center (GHRC) is fully stocked.

Tamara Garrett '23, an alum and AmeriCorps member, stocks shelves in the Gwen Hale Resource Center.
Tamara Garrett ’23, an alum and AmeriCorps member, stocks shelves in the Gwen Hale Resource Center.

“Most people don’t like to ask for help, but we want students to know that no matter what they need, Mary Washington has resources available for them,” said Tamara, who graduated in May. Now working on the UMW campus as part of AmeriCorps, she’s focused on alleviating food insecurity among college students.

Years in the making, GHRC began on a much smaller scale to address that very issue, thanks to a caring UMW administrator who noticed students who didn’t have enough to eat. Members of the Mary Washington community banded together, donating funds totaling $9,000 to open and operate a two-room food pantry in the attic of Lee Hall in 2019, joining other public and private colleges and universities across Virginia that have developed similar programs. Committed to carrying out Gwen Hale’s legacy, the University renamed the space in her honor after she passed away in 2021.

“So many students were coming to me and saying they had no laundry detergent, no winter coats, no clothing for interviews or student teaching, and no money for food,” said Dr. Hale, then director of UMW’s Writing Center, when GHRC first opened. “I figured if these students had the guts to come to me, how many did not?”

Tamara Garrett '23 makes regular trips to "shop" at the Fredericksburg Food Bank and collects donations of fresh produce from Giant Food and other area organizations. Members of the UMW community have also donated food and funds to keep the Gwen Hale Resource Center stocked for students.
Tamara Garrett ’23 makes regular trips to “shop” at the Fredericksburg Food Bank and collects donations of fresh produce from Giant Food and other area organizations. Members of the UMW community have also donated food and funds to keep the Gwen Hale Resource Center stocked for students.

That’s what Professor of Sociology Leslie Martin, who now runs GHRC, sought to figure out. She and her students administered two campus-wide surveys, receiving several hundred responses. More than 20% of students indicated they struggled with some level of food insecurity, while at least 11% said they frequently had to skip meals for financial reasons.

Additionally, a 2019 study by the Government Accountability Office found that an estimated 30% of college students nationwide are food insecure, a problem that has only been exacerbated because of the pandemic. Hundreds of food pantries have sprung up on college campuses to help answer the call.

“The goal of an institution cannot happen if people are hungry or can’t get their basic needs met,” said Alexanna Hengy ’17, an AmeriCorps member also volunteering at GHRC. The resource center serves a full spectrum of students, she said, from those who just need a snack between classes to those who don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

Financial donations from alumni, faculty, staff and community members have helped get GHRC up and running. Volunteers from Mary Washington and the Fredericksburg community keep it stocked with fresh produce, pantry staples, clothing, toiletries and more, which students can pick up for free. While the resource center maintains the anonymity of those who use it, more than 1,000 visits have been logged since 2021.

Junior Meghan McAndrew breaks down boxes in the Gwen Hale Resource Center, where she has worked as a volunteer and picked up items for herself. She has also helped friends find similar resources at their institutions.
Junior Meghan McAndrew breaks down boxes in the Gwen Hale Resource Center, where she has worked as a volunteer and picked up items for herself. She has also helped friends find similar resources at their institutions.

Nicole Ford ’21, who worked in the Writing Center as a student, decided to honor Dr. Hale by raising more than $1,300 for the resource center. “My fellow consultants and I were devastated when Gwen passed away. These funds are a testament to the impact she made at UMW,” said Nicole, who appreciates that GHRC provides “students who are struggling a discreet way to access basic needs.”

Professor of Economics Robert Rycroft had never considered food insecurity an issue among his students until Dr. Hale’s advocacy persuaded him to make a gift toward the resource center. “We were taking care of our own, and a request from Gwen just could not be ignored,” said Dr. Rycroft, who has also donated food. “Her commitment to UMW students was genuine and total, and I wanted to support my good friend’s efforts.”

Junior Meghan McAndrew first learned about GHRC through the student-run service program COAR. Now, in addition to volunteering, she has occasionally gotten items there. “I’ve been able to direct friends at other schools to seek out similar resources,” Meghan said. “College is expensive, and it’s so helpful to have these necessities accessible on campus.”

Make a gift (include “Gwen Hale Resource Center” as your designation) or donate goods to the Gwen Hale Resource Center.

Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04.  Former Office of University Advancement intern Ellis Winfree ’23 also assisted in the reporting and writing of this story. 

UMW Reports Record-Breaking $21.3 Million Raised in 2022-23

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The University of Mary Washington closed the books June 30 on its most successful fundraising year to date, with $21,362,093 in gifts and pledges – more than triple last year’s number – made during the 2022-23 fiscal year to enhance the UMW student experience.

The University of Mary Washington announces its most successful fundraising year to date, with $21.3 million raised in 2022-23 to support UMW students, programs, faculty, and staff.
The University of Mary Washington announces its most successful fundraising year to date, with $21.3 million raised in 2022-23 to support UMW students, programs, faculty, and staff.

Private support from 4,829 generous donors, more than half of whom are alumni, helped Mary Washington continue its commitment to providing students with an outstanding public liberal arts and sciences education filled with impactful learning opportunities. Gifts benefited 301 areas across the University, including academics, arts, athletics, service and leadership initiatives, career services, and cultural programs.

“We are so grateful to the many new and longtime supporters across the UMW community, and I am thrilled to thank them all for our most successful fiscal year ever,” said President Troy Paino. “Our alumni, friends, families, students, faculty, and staff give generously and invest in this institution. These funds will be a critical piece of our ongoing efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate successful Mary Washington students.”

This year’s grand total was bolstered by a portion of a transformational $30 million gift from alumna Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59, who passed away in July 2022, leaving the largest donation in Mary Washington’s 115-year history. Rodgers’ gift, which will be paid out over multiple years, exponentially grows UMW’s undergraduate research program in the sciences. The gift also creates four new Alvey Scholarships, providing full tuition, fees, and room and board for out-of-state students for up to four years, adding to the eight already created by Rodgers.

Making a UMW education accessible and affordable remains a major priority at Mary Washington, with 790 scholarships and awards, totaling more than $2.1 million, given to 550 students in this fiscal year. Fifteen scholarships were awarded for the first time, including the Class of 1966 Scholarship and the Class of 1973 50th Reunion Scholarship, which illustrate the investment alumni continue to make in their alma mater and its students. Five incoming students have been awarded full-ride Alvey or Washington scholarships (for in-state students) for the coming academic year.

Recently recognized as a “Top Employer for Interns” by the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership, the University announced in April the William H. Leighty ’78 and Martha Kearns Leighty ’75 Fellows Program. The couple, who are both former Board of Visitors members (Bill also served as chief of staff to two Virginia governors), made a $100,000 philanthropic commitment to the program to support UMW juniors and seniors in pursuit of public service internships in the commonwealth.

“This year’s success is due to the dedicated alumni, friends, families, students, faculty, and staff who make the University of Mary Washington a priority in their philanthropic giving,” said Vice President for Advancement Katie Turcotte. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of every donor and for their devotion to supporting UMW students, programs, faculty, and staff.”

Other 2022-23 highlights include:

  • The entire UMW community came together on April 4th’s Mary Wash Day, a high-energy celebration of school spirit, with alumni and friends sponsoring 52 challenges and matches to help raise $621,528 in 24 hours to support students, faculty, and programs.
  • Alumni donors spanning 84 years made gifts in FY23, totaling $10,135,909.
  • Current and former faculty and staff donors contributed $430,206 in FY23.
  • President Paino and his cabinet endowed the Charles Coleman Service Award for staff who demonstrate dedication to UMW and a concern for others. The first award went to Student Life Case Manager Betsy Southern, who served as COVID care coordinator during the pandemic.
  • UMW dedicated several spaces on campus, including the Weatherly Wing, the Mason Team Room and the Leigh Frackelton Classroom and Gibbons Team Room.

Donors also helped UMW reach its halfway mark of $500,000 for Beyond the Classroom, an initiative that supports undergraduate experiential learning such as independent research, study abroad, and internships. While BTC is already helping current students enhance their academic experience, the long-term goal is to create a $1 million endowment to generate tens of thousands of dollars for students each year.

The unrestricted Fund for Mary Washington received $687,052 in gifts and pledges, as well as a $2.2 million estate distribution to the Lynne Gourley Farrell ’62 Fund for Mary Washington Endowment, helping UMW address its most pressing needs.

This year also marked a full return to in-person advancement events that spotlight the power of philanthropy, including the Celebration of Giving and the Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase. More than 3,100 alumni participated in regional network and affinity group gatherings, presidential events, Mary Talks, UMW Alumni on the Road trips, Homecoming, and Reunion Weekend, which saw over 850 alumni return to campus to celebrate their milestone years in June.

“I’m so impressed and energized by Mary Washington graduates who support their alma mater through their engagement, as well as the alumni team and volunteers who put each of our exceptional alumni events together,” Turcotte said. “We look forward to seeing even more of you in the future, and if you haven’t been back to campus in a while, we hope you’ll visit soon.”

Make a gift for FY24, which runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. 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  

Why I Give: Lou Marmo ’94

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When Lou Marmo moved back to Virginia nearly a decade ago, he was looking for a fresh start in his corporate career. On a whim, he emailed Cedric Rucker ’81, then associate vice president and dean of student life at the University of Mary Washington, to ask for advice.

Lou Marmo '94
Lou Marmo ’94

“He called me 30 seconds later, looking to connect me with other people in his network,” said Lou, who soon landed a position on his own. But he credits that conversation with Cedric with reigniting his passion for his alma mater.

“I had donated $50 here and there, but I started to give more to Mary Washington after that,” said Lou, who went on to establish the Louis A. ’94 and Jill Marmo Scholarship five years ago, giving students at Richmond’s Midlothian High School a chance to attend UMW. He and wife Jill later created a second scholarship through local college prep program Partnership for the Future, geared toward students aspiring to study business administration, his own major in college.

“I wanted my community to be more aware of Mary Washington and the kinds of opportunities that exist for high school students,” said Lou, whose scholarship recipient, Zoe Hammond ’23, graduated from UMW with a biomedical sciences degree on May 6.

Lou with Zoe when she learned she'd received the Louis A. '94 and Jill Marmo Scholarship.
Lou with Zoe when she learned she’d received the Louis A. ’94 and Jill Marmo Scholarship.

Receiving the scholarship from Lou and Jill gave Zoe the opportunity to continue her education and helped cover necessary expenses. Next up, she’s applying to dental school. “I’m so excited for my future and feel so grateful to the Marmos for helping me get there,” she said.

Growing up in Holmdel, New Jersey, Lou hadn’t heard of Mary Washington until a family friend put it on his radar. He was sold when his parents told him he could keep his car if he attended college in Fredericksburg, but he also fell in love with the beauty of Mary Washington. “If you can get a student to visit here, the campus is a great selling point,” he said.

Beyond his major, Lou took liberal arts courses like history, geography, and English, which were beneficial as he began traveling abroad for work, he said. “When I visited South Africa, I already had some background on the continent.”

He also got to know faculty members like Leigh Frackelton, Bill Crawley, and the late Dick Palmieri, often hanging out with them outside of class. “Once I entered the workforce, I found that being able to build relationships with adults was an important skillset to have,” Lou said.

Now, as a member of the College of Business Executive Advisory Board, Lou – who also earned an MBA at New Jersey’s Monmouth University – uses his decades of experience as a C-suite executive to prepare Mary Washington students for their own journeys into the business world.

After retiring three weeks before his 50th birthday last year, he visits campus whenever he can and enjoys hearing how his scholarships are setting students like Zoe up for success.

“At this point in my life, it’s all about helping folks,” said Lou, who hopes to inspire others to give. “If you enjoyed your time in college, you can play a part in helping someone else experience Mary Washington.”

Q: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
A: If you’re responsive, decisive, and conscientious, you’ll be ahead of 95 percent of the people out there.

Q: What has been the most meaningful achievement of your career?
A: I was told that you shouldn’t be friends with people who work for you, but building relationships with my team has meant a lot to me.

Daughters Ally (left) and Danni at the fountain on Palmieri Plaza in 2014.
Daughters Ally (left) and Danni at the fountain on Palmieri Plaza in 2014.

Q: What’s your most memorable Mary Washington moment?
A: My friends and I were walking back to our residence hall in the rain one Friday around midnight. Ball Circle was a swamp, so we started slipping and sliding around in the mud. I guess we were too loud, because campus police came by and told us to have fun but keep it down!

Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus?
A: The fountain on Palmieri Plaza (named for the late professor) in front of Monroe Hall. My college roommate’s aunt even made a painting of it for me.

Q: How do you spend your free time?
A: I go to the gym, read, network, and serve on a few nonprofit boards. I also spend as much time as I can with my family. I just flew to Barcelona to meet up with my daughter, who studied in Rome this semester, to see Bruce Springsteen in concert with her.

Q: What might surprise your fellow alums to learn about you?
A: I have an MWC Eagle tattoo. Cedric was admiring it at Homecoming last fall, so I got the chance to remind him how much his phone call meant to me.

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

This story originally ran in the Advancing Mary Washington newsletter and was written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04. 

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