Giving Stories

UMW Education, Scholarships Help Alumna Whip Up Career as L.A. Times Food Writer

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Savory meatball subs smothered in mozzarella. Sizzling birria tacos with spicy salsa. Smoky barbecue brisket with all the fixings. And a rainbow of Italian cookies.

Hungry for small classes and more facetime with professors, Stephanie Breijo ’09 studied journalism at the University of Mary Washington. Now, she covers Los Angeles’ culinary culture as a food writer for the L.A. Times.
Hungry for small classes and more facetime with professors, Stephanie Breijo ’09 studied journalism at the University of Mary Washington. Now, she covers Los Angeles’ culinary culture as a food writer for the L.A. Times.

Just try looking at the Instagram account of Stephanie Breijo ’09 on an empty stomach.

“Food is universal,” says Stephanie, a Los Angeles Times food writer who graduated from the University of Mary Washington. “It’s a lens everyone sees the world through, whether they’re aware of it or not.”

Reporting takes her to every corner of L.A.’s restaurant community, from pop-ups in Koreatown to bistros in Santa Monica. But before she began highlighting epicurean happenings throughout the city and curating cuisine on social media – an art that didn’t even exist when she was a student – she acquired the recipe for great storytelling at Mary Washington.

A Los Angeles native, Stephanie learned to cook from her grandmother, before starting college in San Diego. Hungry for smaller classes and more facetime with professors, she transferred to UMW, where she majored in English and landed an internship at Fredericksburg’s Free Lance-Star newspaper.

She also earned the Class of 1943 Scholarship in Memory of Levin J. Houston III and the Thomas Howard and Elizabeth Merchent Tardy Endowment, which allowed her to continue feeding her knowledge.

“As a student responsible for paying for their education, every bit helped, every semester,” Stephanie says. “These scholarships made obtaining my degree possible — especially as I was balancing part-time jobs and internships to get a jump on my career before graduation.”

Stephanie also spent countless hours in former Mary Washington dining hall Seacobeck … but not for the smorgasbord. There, in the basement, she edited stories and helped design the student newspaper, then called The Bullet.

“Some students need help learning the craft and finding their voice,” says Steve Watkins, who taught journalism at UMW for over two decades. “Rare others, like Stephanie, show up fully formed. The best you can do is point them in the right direction and get out of the way.”

In the L.A. Times and on her Instagram account, @breij, Stephanie covers everything from fine dining establishments to street food. Before moving to Los Angeles, she was an editor at Richmond Magazine.

After graduation, she worked for a variety of media outlets before using her writing and photography skills to land a gig covering D.C. restaurants and bars. “It became a beat I loved more than any other,” says Stephanie, whose career took off.

As dining editor at Richmond Magazine, she managed a team of 20 writers and produced award-winning work spotlighting an up-and-coming food scene, before heading back to the West Coast to work for Time Out Los Angeles. Then came the pandemic, wreaking havoc on eating establishments everywhere. Finding herself furloughed, Stephanie began freelancing for the Los Angeles Times.

Now a full-fledged reporter and news columnist, she captures the city’s culinary culture, from making Michelin announcements to introducing new fare at Disneyland. And she explores everything L.A. has to offer: Báhn mì and burritos, kimchi and kabobs, pizza and sandwiches piled high with pastrami.

Stephanie Breijo pays homage to her Italian culinary roots by dressing up as one of her favorite restaurants in Los Angeles, Dan Tana’s, for Halloween in 2020.
Stephanie Breijo pays homage to her Italian culinary roots by dressing up as one of her favorite restaurants in Los Angeles, Dan Tana’s, for Halloween in 2020.

“There’s no denying I’ve had some incredible meals, but we’re also covering food policy, history and culture,” Stephanie says, citing a piece she wrote about an L.A. Natural History Museum digital series highlighting the local bread-maker community.

Through her Mary Washington education, supported by the scholarships she earned, Stephanie learned to craft these types of narratives with the same kind of care she gave the Italian wedding soup she made with her grandmother, who passed away early this year. After eating a bowl from that last batch they’d created together, Stephanie wrote recently on Instagram, “I marveled at each meatball, knowing one of our hands had formed it, indistinguishable as to whose.”

Her penchant for such palatable prose, Stephanie says, is perfect for tackling topical themes like food waste and insecurity.

“One of the things I hope I can do more, and do more effectively, is telling the stories of people whose stories deserve to be told.”

– Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04. Betty Emrey of Mindpower Inc. contributed to the reporting and writing of this story, which originally ran on the UMW news site. 

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

Chemistry Alums Mourn Passing of Beloved Professor

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Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Emeritus Bernard Mahoney was in his element teaching and advising students during his nearly four decades at Mary Washington.

Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Emeritus Bernard Mahoney
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Emeritus Bernard Mahoney

When alumni learned he had passed away on May 9 of this year, tributes began pouring in, reflecting on his many attributes: his “laughing” Irish eyes, his delightful Boston brogue, his knack for making even the most challenging of courses fun. Most of all, they spoke of how he made an impact on their lives and livelihoods, cheering them on for years, even after they graduated.

“He was my catalyst to succeed,” said Amanda Bruch McNeil ’80, crediting Dr. Mahoney for helping launch her career in the oil and gas industry at a time when it welcomed few women. “Without him, I never would have pursued that dream.”

Dr. Mahoney came to Mary Washington, then the women’s college of University of Virginia, in 1965. He held bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boston College and a doctorate in physical chemistry through University of New Hampshire. He also earned several prestigious fellowships, including from Harvard Medical School, the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the National Science Foundation.

At Mary Washington, he served as department chair, was instrumental in creating the Bachelor of Liberal Studies program, and helped design the Jepson Science Center. He became a distinguished professor, earned UMW’s Grellet C. Simpson Award, and was granted emeritus status upon his retirement in 2002.

Dr. Mahoney in 1958, after earning his bachelor’s degree from Boston College. Photo courtesy of the Mahoney family.
The Mahoney family: son Brian Mahoney, wife Kathleen “Kathy” McCabe Mahoney, Dr. Bernard Mahoney, son Brendan Mahoney ’93 and daughter Karen Mahoney O’Donnell.
Dr. Mahoney with his longtime friend, Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus William “Bill” Crawley. Photo courtesy of the Mahoney family.

Inspired by the impact her former professor had on her, Marilyn Shull Black ’69 made a significant gift in 2018 to establish the endowed Bernard L. Mahoney Student Research Fellowship, providing financial support to UMW students majoring in the sciences.

Dr. Mahoney “showed me how to make learning fun,” said Judy Farrell Bechtold ’69, who taught high school chemistry, making up electron dances and using mnemonic devices to teach the periodic table. “He was always great at explaining the material and helping you see the light.”

Amanda Bruch McNeil recalled how Dr. Mahoney conducted mock interviews for her when she was applying for her first job. Periodically, she’d reach out as she moved up through the ranks. “He’d always reply, telling me how proud he was.”

Amanda Bruch McNeil at her Mary Washington Commencement ceremony in 1980. Photo courtesy of Amanda Bruch McNeil.
Dr. Mahoney with Judy Farrell Bechtold at her Mary Washington Commencement ceremony in 1969. Photo courtesy of Judy Farrell Bechtold.
Dr. Mahoney with Marilyn Shull Black ’69, who made a significant gift in 2018 to establish the endowed Bernard L. Mahoney Student Research Fellowship, providing financial support to UMW students majoring in the sciences. Photo courtesy of the Mahoney family.
Kathy Diehl Hartman ’77 (left) and Kathye Baldwin Geary ’77 (right) with Dr. Mahoney at their 25th Mary Washington Reunion in 2002. “We always reconnected with Dr. Mahoney at every Reunion Weekend,” Kathye said. Photo courtesy of Kathye Baldwin Geary.
Dr. Mahoney fondly referred to Kathye Baldwin Geary ’77 (left) and Kathy Diehl Hartman ’77 (right) as “the two Kathys.” Here, he poses with them for a picture at their 40th Reunion Weekend. Photo courtesy of Kathye Baldwin Geary.

Kathye Baldwin Geary ’77 said he made the chemistry department a welcoming place and earned the respect of his students and colleagues.

“When I began my graduate program – which Dr. Mahoney helped me apply to – I felt like I already had such a strong foundation from Mary Washington,” said Kathye, who went on to teach elementary school and run a summer science academy for children.

Her friend, Kathy Diehl Hartman ’77, said he opened science majors up to the vast array of chemistry careers available to them. Throughout her 37 years studying cancer drugs at the National Institutes of Health, she always followed his advice.

“Dr. Mahoney encouraged us to take meticulous notes, to be able to prove our data and methodology,” she said. “His philosophy on turning in quality work and the reputation you gain from it carried me throughout my career.”

For more information about the Bernard L. Mahoney Student Research Fellowship in Science or other giving opportunities, 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

Alum Honors Friend’s Supportive Spirit with Scholarship and Bench

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John Anstey ’93 remembers meeting Carl “Coby” B. Frye ’93 on the first day of their freshman year at Mary Washington.

“His infectious laugh and broad smile immediately put me at ease,” John says. The pair, who lived a few doors down from each other in Westmoreland Hall and later roomed together, became inseparable. “And that friendship carried us through our time at Mary Washington and into adulthood.”

After Coby died unexpectedly in spring of 2019, John decided to channel his grief into something meaningful. He and his wife, Kara Lee Matala ’94, established the endowed Carl B. Frye Jr. ’93 Scholarship for University of Mary Washington students who embody Coby’s positive, “can-do” attitude. In addition, the couple raised funds, along with six of their classmates, to memorialize their friend by naming a bench for him on Campus Walk, a place where they made so many memories together as students.

Class of 1993 alums and friends of Coby Frye, who helped fund the bench. From left to right: Patrick Fines, Warren Fischi, John Cheatham, Keith Park and John Anstey. Photo courtesy of John Anstey.
Coby’s sons, Boice and Cole, unveil the memorial bench outside of George Washington Hall at the dedication ceremony at UMW on Sept. 19, 2021. Photo courtesy of John Anstey.
Coby’s sons, Boice and Cole, sitting on their dad’s bench after the dedication ceremony last fall. Photo courtesy of John Anstey.

“Coby had a big personality, and that’s what everyone loved about him,” says John, recalling that his friend “was the only person besides my dad who called me ‘Big John,’ another thing that drew me to him.”

At Mary Washington, the friends grew close, bench sitting, watching movies in Dodd Auditorium, double dating in downtown Fredericksburg and tubing on the Rappahannock. They experienced many college firsts together – parties, exams, broken hearts, job offers – and supported each other through it all.

Coby encouraged John to run for Honor Council president, which he won. John, an English major, edited and proofread Coby’s business term papers, once pulling an all-nighter to help him with a challenging assignment.

Then, there was the time that Coby was cut from the Mary Washington baseball team. In his remarks at the bench dedication last September, John shared how Coby returned to their room with a frown on his face, dragging his blue equipment bag behind him.

“But, in classic Coby fashion, he didn’t stay down for long,” John says. Coby picked up a lacrosse stick, taught himself a new sport, and became a star player on the team. “If there was an obstacle, he’d always find his way around it.”

Coby Frye’s Mary Washington friends and their spouses at his celebration of life ceremony in Richmond in April 2019. Photo courtesy of John Anstey.
From left to right: 1993 alums Warren Fischi, John Anstey, Coby Frye and Patrick Fines return to Mary Washington for Reunion Weekend in fall of 1993. Photo courtesy of John Anstey.
From left to right: John Anstey, Coby Frye and Keith Park inside Jefferson Hall before their senior formal in 1993. Photo courtesy of John Anstey.

After graduation, the friends moved far apart but continued to cheer each other on through all of life’s milestones: graduate school, weddings, promotions, business ventures and the births of their children. When John’s father was diagnosed with dementia, Coby frequently checked in. And Coby, the eldest of four children, even helped put two of his younger siblings through Mary Washington. “That’s just the kind of person he was,” John says.

So, when John and Kara learned that Coby had passed away, they wanted a way to celebrate the life of someone who was always there for those he loved.

“Setting up the scholarship at Mary Washington gave us a chance to reflect on all of Coby’s wonderful qualities and helped us in the healing process,” Kara says. “This has been a great way to remember him and benefit future UMW students.”

As for John, he hopes the scholarship’s recipients will be inspired by Coby’s supportive spirit.

“Our ultimate goal is to move his legacy forward here at Mary Washington,” he says. “It’s the kind of place that fosters friendships like ours.”

For information about naming opportunities 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

Business Class: Alums Name Classroom for Beloved Professor

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For Rob Strassheim ’96 and his wife, Sarah Gildersleeve Strassheim ’01, the idea to honor one of their favorite faculty members began with a passed note. Not in class, Rob says, but during a meeting nearly a decade ago about naming classrooms in Woodard Hall, now home of University of Mary Washington’s College of Business, or COB.

Professor of Business Emeritus Galen deGraff stands with Rob Strassheim '96 in the doorway of the newly named Galen deGraff Classroom in Woodward Hall. Photo courtesy of Rob and Sarah Strassheim.
Professor of Business Emeritus Galen deGraff stands with Rob Strassheim ’96 in the doorway of the newly named Galen deGraff Classroom in Woodward Hall. Photo courtesy of Rob and Sarah Strassheim.

“I remember it vividly,” says Rob, who serves on UMW’s Board of Visitors. He recalls slipping a piece of paper to his wife with the name of someone who made a tremendous impact on both of their lives and professional careers: Professor of Business Emeritus Galen deGraff.

But the contents of that note didn’t stay secret for long. The couple soon embarked on a fundraising effort to name a classroom after their former professor, who taught business courses, primarily finance, for over two decades at the University until he retired in 2015. COB recently dedicated the Galen deGraff Classroom, thanks to generous gifts made by Mary Washington alumni, friends and former colleagues. The Strassheims also led a fundraising campaign to create an endowed scholarship in Dr. deGraff’s name to help recruit out-of-state students who plan to major in business.

“Dr. deGraff and the University of Mary Washington changed my trajectory,” says Sarah, now global chief financial officer for Merkle, a worldwide customer experience management company. “As a professor, he saw something in me that I didn’t have the confidence to recognize in myself.”

Rob Strassheim '96 and Sarah Strassheim '01 at lunch with Dr. deGraff and his wife, Amy, after sharing the news that they had reached their goal of raising funds to name the Galen deGraff Classroom. Photo courtesy of Rob and Sarah Strassheim.
Rob Strassheim ’96 and Sarah Strassheim ’01 at lunch with Dr. deGraff and his wife, Amy, after sharing the news that they had reached their goal of raising funds to name the Galen deGraff Classroom. Photo courtesy of Rob and Sarah Strassheim.

COB Dean Ken Machande, who has known Dr. deGraff for more than 20 years, says this of his former colleague: “He taught students that the pursuit of anything meaningful requires effort beyond what most people are usually willing to give.”

During the years Dr. deGraff taught at Mary Washington, he steered students toward impactful learning opportunities like internships and independent studies, Rob says, which propelled them to success in their careers. But the former professor also inspired Rob to teach undergraduate courses at Mary Washington.

“I wanted my classes to have the same level of rigor and challenge students, while also gaining and maintaining their respect as a learned person in the subject matter,” says Rob, who has taught management, marketing and other COB courses for more than two decades. He also serves as vice president for business operations for Navisite, a cloud service provider.

Dr. deGraff gives a brief lecture to current UMW students at the unveiling of the new business classroom named for him in Woodard Hall. Photo courtesy of Rob and Sarah Strassheim.
Dr. deGraff gives a brief lecture to current UMW students at the unveiling of the new business classroom named for him in Woodard Hall. Photo courtesy of Rob and Sarah Strassheim.

Rob says the fundraising effort gave him the chance to reminisce with fellow Mary Washington alums about Dr. deGraff’s engaging lectures, in which he often recounted experiences in the business world, during graduate school and as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

But nothing could have prepared Rob for seeing Dr. deGraff return to the classroom for the dedication ceremony, where current UMW students sat in rapt attention as the former professor offered sage business and career advice.

“It gave me goosebumps,” Rob says. Several business majors came up to him afterwards, saying that they wished they could have been students of Dr. deGraff. “Seeing him teach again, in a classroom that now bears his name, made all the work worthwhile.”

For information about naming opportunities 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

Fifth Annual Mary Wash Giving Day Breaks Records

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The numbers are officially in! Last month, the University of Mary Washington community came together on Tuesday, April 5, in celebration of the fifth annual Mary Wash Giving Day, a 24-hour fundraising extravaganza to support UMW students, faculty and programs.

Now that all online, mailed and phoned-in contributions have been counted, the day’s official results show that this year’s total broke previous Giving Day records: $670,811, from 2,882 gifts made by 2,093 supporters, including 479 first-time donors.

Generous donations were made by alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends to 122 different areas across the University, including academic, arts, athletic, service, career and cultural programs. “It really highlights how broad interests are at Mary Washington,” Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando ’14 said. “Our supporters can give anywhere their passion lies.”

The entire UMW community helped make the day a success, sponsoring challenges and matches, using social media to inspire others to give, and posting photos of their pets donning Mary Washington bandannas. Here are some of the highlights of Mary Wash Giving Day 2022:

  • Contributions were made by donors in 48 states and five countries.
  • Alumni and students spanning more than 80 classes, ranging from the Class of 1941 to the Class of 2025, donated on Giving Day.
  • The classes of 2019 and 2005 were tied for the most donors, while the classes of 1995, 1982 and 2014 were the top three with the most gifts.
  • The Goats – alumni who graduated in even years – bested the Devils when it came to the number of donors and gifts. Goats made a total of 937 gifts, while Devils – alumni who graduated in odd years – made 816 donations.
  • Young Alumni donors, who graduated in the last decade, made 324 gifts totaling more than $22,000.
  • By sharing their referral links, 195 Giving Day Ambassadors inspired their networks to make 277 gifts totaling nearly $32,000.
  • More than $152,000, including challenges and matches that doubled and even tripled each gift’s impact, was raised to address the University’s most pressing needs through the Fund for Mary Washington.

Gifts made on April 5 are already helping the University provide students with impactful learning opportunities. Held earlier this month, the Research and Creativity Symposium showcased some of the meaningful work that happens every day in UMW classrooms, labs, studios and performance spaces.

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

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