Giving Stories

Legacy Celebration Connects Generations of Mary Washington Alums

November 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

When Oliver Kemp ’27 checked the University of Mary Washington’s admissions portal at 7 a.m. on Nov. 10, he got the news he had been waiting for.

“By 7:01 a.m., his mother, sister, and I also knew he got into Mary Washington,” said his grandmother, Patti Boise Kemp ’69, who has shared her lifelong love of her alma mater with her grandson over the years. “He was still pinching himself when we were on ‘our campus’ last weekend.”

From left to right: President Troy Paino, Patti Boise Kemp ’69 and grandson Oliver Kemp ’27, and Kelly Paino. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

From left to right: Kerwin Miller Sr. ’95, Alanna Miller, Alethea “Lisa” Patillo Miller ’96, and Kerwin Miller Jr. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

The Houghton family chats with the Painos. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

From left to right: Zoey Lutterbie ’22, Lucy C. Lutterbie ’70, and Katherine Fox ’01. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

The Kemps were among the 22 families who attended UMW’s annual Legacy Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 12. Hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement, guests enjoyed lunch at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center, a student-led tour of campus, and an opportunity to meet and take family photos with President Troy Paino and wife Kelly at Brompton.

Legacy families with prospective students also had the chance to attend an Admissions Open House in the Cedric Rucker University Center and learn about a new Legacy scholarship. Students with a parent, grandparent, or sibling who graduated from or currently attends Mary Washington are eligible to apply for the $1,000 award, which is renewable each year.

Michael Gilchrist '20, Laura Gilchrist March '17, George March, E. Castro, Craig Gilchrist, and Laura Castro-Gilchrist. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

From left to right: Michael Gilchrist ’20, Laura Gilchrist March ’17, George March, E. Castro, Craig Gilchrist, and Laura Castro-Gilchrist. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

From left to right: John Poyer ’95, Julie Poyer ’95, and Corbin Poyer ’24. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

Stephen Lamm ’19 chats with Oliver Kemp, an incoming first-year student who was recently accepted to Mary Washington. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

Victor Catlett ’18 and his mother, Marci Catlett. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

“The Legacy Celebration gives the University an opportunity to recognize the family connections that exist between different generations of Mary Washington alumni and current and prospective students,” said Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Mark Thaden ’02.

Joanne Bartholomew Lamm ’85 and Christopher Lamm ’85 met and fell in love with each other – and with Mary Washington – when they were students. They returned to their alma mater this weekend with their children, including Rebecca Lamm ’13 and Stephen Lamm ’19, and enjoyed visiting with old friends and meeting prospective students.

From left to right: Christopher Lamm ’85, Joanne Bartholomew Lamm ’85, Rebecca Lamm Vail ’13, Johnny Vail, and Stephen Lamm ’19. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

Patti Boise Kemp ’69 and Kerwin Miller Sr. ’95 share a hug at the Legacy Celebration. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

From left to right: Kelly Paino, Caroline Greer, Jennifer Carter Greer ’92, Ryan Greer ’17, and President Troy Paino. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

“This place significantly shaped our lives and gave each of us our first taste of freedom and adulthood,” said Joanne, comparing the Legacy Celebration to a family reunion. “Having that common thread makes it so easy to jump right in and have meaningful conversations with other alums across the generations who are all devoted to Mary Washington.”

Do you know a high school senior or transfer student who would thrive at Mary Washington? Share the application fee waiver code UMW51 to waive the $50 application fee on the Common Application for admission to encourage the student to apply. Learn more here.

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

Why I Give: Bridget Binko ’74

November 17, 2022 Leave a Comment

Bridget Binko recalls telling her mother during high school that she wanted to pursue a career in biology.

“She introduced me to a woman who ran a laboratory,” said Bridget, whose first job as a teen was washing test tubes and syringes, and later, drawing blood from patients in that lab.

When she arrived at Mary Washington, Bridget’s work experience impressed then-Biology Department Chair Rosemary Johnson so much that she hired her as a microbiology lab assistant and secured her a small scholarship. Dr. Johnson even guided her in an independent research project during her senior year, which was rare for biology majors at that time.

“She truly moved mountains for me,” Bridget said. “So, I know first-hand the value of learning experiences outside of the classroom.”

That’s why Bridget supports UMW’s Beyond the Classroom Endowment, or BTC, established during the pandemic to raise much-needed funds for student research, study abroad, internships, and other high-impact learning experiences.

“Mary Washington encourages students to think, ask questions, and follow their interests,” said Bridget, who did just that, earning a master’s in microbiology before beginning a decades-long career in biotech drug development.

A registered oncology nurse, Bridget administered COVID tests to patients during the pandemic.

She helped bring numerous pharmaceuticals to the marketplace, including a leukemia drug her husband later took – and that she gave to patients when she switched careers in 2010 to become a registered oncology nurse. “That was such a rewarding experience,” she said.

When nursing jobs were hard to find in the aftermath of the Great Recession, Bridget spent three months on a humanitarian mission with Project Hope in the South Pacific, treating patients at pop-up clinics in remote places. She then worked in a cancer treatment center for over a decade, even pitching in to administer COVID tests before retiring earlier this year.

Bridget has always been ready to offer her help wherever it is needed, including at her alma mater, where she has made donations every year for more than four decades.

“Mary Washington gave so much to me,” she said. “You need to give back whenever you’ve been given something good.”

Q: How did you learn about the Beyond the Classroom Endowment?
A: I read a story about Cathie Woteki ’69, who was also a lab assistant. She did a big matching gift to BTC, and I thought that it sounded like just the right area to support.

Q: Why is it important for students to be able to conduct hands-on research with their professors?
A: It broadens your horizons. You learn to ask questions and find the answers yourself.

Bridget Binko in the 1974 Battlefield Yearbook.

Q: What’s your favorite place on campus?
A: The Heslep Amphitheatre and Zen Garden are such lovely and peaceful places to go when you need to sort things out.

Q: What is your most meaningful Mary Washington memory?
A: I was there during the Vietnam War and the feminist movement. I actually saw Gloria Steinem speak in Fredericksburg in 1972. Several years ago, the alumni magazine ran a photo from that event, and my college roommate pointed us out. I hadn’t even noticed us!

Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: I have hundreds of orchids that are getting exceptional care now that I’m retired. I also like to sail, cook, and go foraging for wild mushrooms.

Q: What’s your motto?
A: I’ve never had one, but a nursing instructor once said, “You too, can do hard things,” and I now remind myself that whenever I’m in doubt.

Learn more about the research Mary Washington students are doing Beyond the Classroom or make your gift. For information about the BTC endowment, please contact Jeremy Vaughn in the Office of University Advancement at jvaughn@umw.edu or (540) 654-2063.

For the month of November, alums Phyllis Quinn ’77 and Beth Craig ’77 have come together to sponsor a challenge: They will make a $10,000 gift after 200 gifts are made to BTC. In addition, a Giving Tuesday challenge on November 29 will unlock another $10,000 from UMW’s College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Advisory Board.

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

Beyond the Classroom Endowment Ramps Up Student Research

November 7, 2022 Leave a Comment

Senior Madeline Killian ’23 isn’t just hitting the books to study female scientists in 18th century Spain. In December she will travel to Madrid to delve into discoveries made by Junta de Damas de Honor y Mérito, the country’s first civic organization for women.

Senior Madeline Killian, seen here on a previous study abroad trip to Spain, received funds from UMW's Beyond the Classroom Endowment to travel to Madrid this winter to conduct research on Spain's first civic organization for women. — Senior Madeline Killian, seen here on a previous study abroad trip to Spain, received funds from UMW’s Beyond the Classroom Endowment to travel to Madrid this winter to conduct research on Spain’s first civic organization for women.

“They conducted groundbreaking medical experiments to improve infant health, and the group still exists today,” Madeline says. A physics and Spanish major at the University of Mary Washington, she plans to write her thesis on the topic.

This unique opportunity to explore Spain’s national archives and historical sites – and many other high-impact learning experiences for students – were made possible by UMW’s Beyond the Classroom Endowment (BTC). Established two years ago, the initiative supports student experiential learning, including independent research, internships, travel to academic conferences, and study abroad.

“We wanted to create a fund that allows us to direct the money where it is most needed,” said College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Keith Mellinger. When the cost of student research proposals in fall 2019 totaled twice the budget, he realized “this was the catalyst to finding other ways to fund these projects.”

Gifts to BTC throughout this November, when UMW celebrates undergraduate research, will help unlock a $10,000 gift from 1977 alums Phyllis Quinn and Beth Craig. A Giving Tuesday challenge on Nov. 29 will also help unlock an additional $10,000 from UMW’s CAS Alumni Advisory Board.

Phyllis and Beth both began giving to their alma mater soon after they graduated, increasing their donations over the years. When they learned about BTC, the longtime friends and CAS board members were inspired to team up for the challenge, citing the impact their liberal arts and sciences education had on their lives and public sector careers.

“It makes sense for us to do this together,” says Phyllis, who majored in chemistry and served with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. “It’s money well spent, helping students succeed – and sometimes even fail – as they refine their research.”

Beth, an international relations major, worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Her last job involved overseeing the EnergyStar program to make products, homes, and household appliances more efficient. Her interest in BTC was sparked when Dean Mellinger told the board that even small amounts of money can make a huge difference, she says. “With our help, these students are able to accomplish something they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.”

A Marine Corps veteran, junior Timothy Philbeck ’24 came to Mary Washington specifically to conduct research, majoring in biology and minoring in neuroscience. BTC helped him pay for equipment to study dominant behaviors in mice, which can shed light on negative human interactions like bullying, rejection, and isolation. He recently shared what he learned at a Virginia Academy of Science symposium and plans to also present his findings next spring at the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience Symposium.

Senior Devin Thigpen ’23 received BTC funds to attend the Association of American Geographers’ Southeastern Conference later this November. There, he and his classmates will team up with other college students from across the state to take back Virginia’s top spot, which they won in 2019, in the Geography Bowl.

“Going to a professional conference will help us make connections to others in our discipline,” says Devin, who is majoring in geography and earning a certificate in geographic information systems (GIS).

Senior Jay Boudreau studied phages – bacteria-specific viruses cultivated in a lab – to find new treatments for antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” They recently used BTC funds to present their findings at the Virginia Academy of Science symposium and the Virginia conference of the American Society for Microbiology.

Senior Devin Thigpen received BTC funds to attend the Association of American Geographers’ Southeastern Conference later in November, where he and his classmates will team up with students from across Virginia to compete in the Geography Bowl.

Junior Timothy Philbeck, a Marine Corps veteran, came to UMW to study biology and neuroscience. He used BTC funds to purchase equipment to research dominant behaviors in mice. He recently presented his findings at the Virginia Academy of Science symposium.

Jay Boudreau ’23 discovered a passion for biomedical sciences research when they transferred to Mary Washington. The UMW senior now uses phages – bacteria-specific viruses cultivated in a lab – to find new treatments for antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.”

Jay shared their research at the Virginia Academy of Science symposium on Oct. 29, where they earned a research grant, and on Nov. 4, at the Virginia conference of the American Society for Microbiology. And that’s just the start.

“Because of BTC and research opportunities outside of the classroom that have been made available to Mary Washington students, I was able to find a career path in research that I plan to pursue after I graduate.”

Learn more about the research Mary Washington students are doing Beyond the Classroom or make your gift. For information on the BTC endowment, please contact Jeremy Vaughn in the Office of University Advancement at jvaughn@umw.edu or 540-654-2063.

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

Campus Rec Scores Mary Washington Healthcare Sponsorship

October 25, 2022 Leave a Comment

The University of Mary Washington is getting a big boost from Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC), which has committed to a sponsorship that will provide support for Campus Recreation (CREC) over the next five years.

A new sponsorship by Mary Washington Healthcare will provide $100,000 in funding to Campus Recreation throughout the next five years.

“Mary Washington Healthcare exists to improve the health of all people in the region,” said MWHC Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Eric Fletcher. “Part of that commitment is to promote wellness, so partnering with UMW in these efforts is a natural connection. We hope our sponsorship helps students, faculty, and staff stay healthy and enjoy life to the fullest.”

A portion of the funds will go toward campus events that encourage wellness, exercise, and outdoor activities, like last week’s Big Ash Bonfire and Campout with Residence Life, and November’s Largest Gratitude Meditation.

But Director of Campus Recreation Kelly Shannon said the sponsorship will mainly help expand operating hours for the fitness center. More than 70 percent of the student body takes group classes, works out, or participates in other activities such as intramural or club sports, she said. “MWHC’s sponsorship is helping us better serve our mission of promoting student success, learning, and personal wellness.”

Students attend the recent Big Ash Bonfire and Campout, sponsored by MWHC and hosted by Campus Recreation. Photo by Paige Shiplett.

That’s a win for senior Kendall Wilkinson, facilities student coordinator, who said the fitness center’s atmosphere was different during the pandemic due to limited hours and CREC’s reservation system.

“COVID posed a challenge because students weren’t able to work out together, make friends, and find their community,” she said. “We’re now also able to sell outside memberships once again to bring in revenue.”

Fifth-year student Kevin Dougherty said those memberships are critical for him, as he is paid by the number of people who take the yoga classes he teaches. “I’ve definitely seen an uptick in attendees this semester,” he said, touting the benefits of regular exercise. “Any kind of movement is helpful physically, but it can also help you cope with stress.”

Fifth-year student Kevin Dougherty says that the fitness center's expanded hours mean that more people are able to attend the yoga classes he teaches. — Fifth-year student Kevin Dougherty says that the fitness center’s expanded hours mean that more people are able to attend the yoga classes he teaches.

Sophomore Olivia Pearce, a fitness center attendant, is a fan of the monthly professional development workshops – also covered through the MWHC sponsorship – that CREC employees are required to take.

She recently participated in one featuring a representative from UMW’s Office of Disability Resources, in which she and her peers discussed how they might help a patron in a wheelchair. “It makes you think a little harder about what you are responsible for in your job,” she said.

Joining UMW’s Club Swim team during her freshman year, senior Tess Wilhelm is now the student club sport coordinator for 20 teams. She said that CREC offers so many great career opportunities where “students can both work and workout.”

“Being a part of Campus Recreation has been vital to me both as a student and young professional,” Tess said. “This funding from MWHC has helped to ensure that this invaluable community resource is able to not only continue, but to thrive.”

For information on sponsorships at the University of Mary Washington, please contact the Office of University Advancement at advance@umw.edu or 540-654-1024.

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

Why I Give: Jerri Barden Perkins ’61

September 27, 2022 Leave a Comment

Jerri Barden Perkins, MD, came to Mary Washington aspiring to become a doctor. Growing up in a home where money was tight, a “small scholarship” of $100 made a huge difference, she said.

Now she’s helping current students succeed through her own gifts to UMW, including the John C. and Jerri Barden Perkins ’61 College of Arts and Sciences Student Research Endowment, which awarded scholarship funds to rising seniors Ava Spencer ’23 and Kevin Leong ’23 at the 2022 Summer Science Institute in July.

“At Mary Washington, I found the best possible education and professors who ensured that I was prepared for my career,” said Jerri, who paid her way through college with government loans and part-time jobs. A chemistry major, she says her liberal arts and sciences education also exposed her to lifelong passions like opera, art, dance, and golf.

Jerri later attended the Medical College of Virginia in her hometown of Richmond and earned a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, where she conducted trailblazing research on rheumatoid arthritis. She then became an FDA medical officer, recommending approval for one of the first drugs to combat AIDS. She presented her work around the world and opened Perkins & Perkins, a consulting firm to protect the rights of patients in clinical trials, in partnership with husband Cal, a Harvard grad who practiced internal medicine.

Jerri meeting Pope Francis several years ago in Rome, which she says was one of the highlights of her life.

Her first gift to Mary Washington was in the same amount as that scholarship that helped her get started as an undergrad all those years ago – but she didn’t stop there. She soon funded one in her own name and became a member of UMW’s Washington and Heritage societies.

“Whenever students phoned to ask for donations, Cal always encouraged them to call me Dr. Perkins,” she said. “We attended a study abroad luncheon once, and he was so impressed with the quality of education at Mary Washington. He told me that my school would benefit more from our gifts than Harvard.”

When Cal passed away in 2009, Jerri worked with UMW’s Jan Clarke to establish three endowments in her late husband’s honor. One provides funds for UMW students studying abroad, while another supports the Classics, Philosophy, and Religion department, one of Cal’s particular areas of interest.

Helping Mary Washington students succeed is incredibly rewarding, she said. “It brings me such joy to support students during my lifetime.”

Q: What would you say to fellow alums who are considering endowing a scholarship?
A: Do it now so you can see the benefits and help UMW students learn and grow just the way you did.

Q: What’s your most meaningful Mary Washington memory?
A: Receiving the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2019.

Q: Where did you like spending time on campus?
A: I loved the library in Trinkle (now James Farmer Hall) as a student. I have donated artwork that’s now in the Classics department and love visiting the Zen Garden outside the building.

Jerri with President Troy Paino, Jay Sinha '07, and Abas Adenan '85, after receiving Alumni Association Awards at Reunion Weekend in 2019. — Jerri with President Troy Paino, Jay Sinha ’07, and Abas Adenan ’85, after receiving Alumni Association Awards at Reunion Weekend in 2019.

Q: What was your favorite Mary Washington tradition?
A: Celebrating May Day. I love the campus when it’s in full bloom. I had a professor who taught astronomy, and I can recall stargazing on a spring night.

Q: How do you spend your free time?
A: Sailing, skiing, biking, and traveling. I’m excited to return to Paris this fall and recently went sailing near my home in Hilton Head, South Carolina, with Jan Clarke and Vicki Sprague Ravenel ’77.

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.

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