Giving Stories

Alumna’s Gift Creates Collaboration Space for Aspiring Teachers

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When Helen Chiles Mason ’50 graduated from Mary Washington, she immediately set out on a cross-country road trip, landing a teaching job when she arrived in California.

Helen's children (from left) Ann, Lee, Ben, and Mary Margaret visited the University of Mary Washington on Nov. 21 to dedicate the Mason Team Room in honor of their late parents.
Helen’s children (from left) Ann, Lee, Ben, and Mary Margaret visited the University of Mary Washington on Nov. 21 to dedicate the Mason Team Room in honor of their late parents.

Helen, who earned a degree in dramatic arts, spent her years passing along a love of learning to her elementary school students and her four children. So, when she passed away on Thanksgiving Day in 2021, Helen found her way back to her alma mater in the form of a generous unrestricted gift to the University of Mary Washington, which put the funds toward a collaboration space for aspiring educators.

Nearly a year later, the University dedicated the Mason Team Room – named for Helen and her late husband, Judge Leslie Mason Jr. – on Nov. 21, 2022, in the newly renovated Seacobeck Hall, now home to the College of Education (COE) and the Office of Disability Resources. The couple’s four children and a grandson traveled across the commonwealth, the country, and the globe to attend the ceremony and see Helen’s wishes carried out.

Helen Chiles Mason's photo from The Battlefield yearbook in 1950. Photo courtesy of Special Collections and Archives.
Helen Chiles Mason’s photo from The Battlefield yearbook in 1950. Photo courtesy of Special Collections and Archives.

“Our education students are … eager to have spaces like this where they can collaborate, engage in discussions, and share ideas,” COE Dean Pete Kelly said. Prior to the ceremony, he gave the family a private tour of Seacobeck Hall, including the Mason Team Room, already being utilized by students.

Having access to spaces like this where education students can work as teams, Dean Kelly said, means that “when they graduate, they are well-equipped to meet the needs of future generations of students.”

Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning Jan Clarke read the Board of Visitors’ resolution and explained at the dedication how naming gifts can help teach the UMW community about the value of philanthropy. “Many of the beautiful places we enjoy on campus are because of private support from generous donors like Helen, who want to help the University move forward.”

Jan also thanked the Mason family for traveling such long distances – some came from California and even Vietnam – to visit Mary Washington and celebrate their mother and grandmother’s life. “Especially her time on this campus that shaped her during her formative years,” he said.

The Mason Team Room will be used as a collaboration space for students in the College of Education.
Helen’s grandson, Ben; daughters Mary Margaret, Lee, and Ann; and son Ben pose for a photo in Seacobeck’s Dome Room after dedicating the Mason Team Room in honor of their parents.

Ben Mason, Helen’s son, expressed gratitude on behalf of his family to the University for finding such a fitting way to pay tribute to his late parents.

“Education was so important to both of them,” he said. “Mom liked teamwork and for people to gather together, so we appreciated that you did this for her, for us, and for Mary Washington.”

For information on naming gifts 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

Weatherly Wing Dedication Hits High Note for Devoted Alums

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Marceline “Marcy” Weatherly Morris ’50 remembers how her parents saved and sacrificed, taking out loans so she could pursue a music degree at Mary Washington.

“They just knew it was important for their only child to have an education,” said Marcy, who also fell in love with a young sailor in college, Elmer Morris Jr. ’50, who came to his mother’s alma mater on the GI Bill. At her parents’ request, Marcy waited until after graduation to marry her beloved “Juney,” so that her maiden name, Weatherly, would be on her diploma.

Elmer “Juney” Morris Jr. ’50 and Marceline “Marcy” Weatherly Morris ’50 fell in love while they were students at Mary Washington. Lifelong supporters of their alma mater, the couple gave a generous gift to name the Weatherly Wing in Seacobeck Hall after Marcy’s late parents, William Rupert and Lavon Gardner Weatherly. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
Marcy and Juney (right) with Marcy’s parents, William Rupert and Lavon Gardner Weatherly, in the 1950s. Photo courtesy of Marcy Weatherly Morris.

That surname will now live on at the University of Mary Washington, with a significant gift from the Morrises to name the Weatherly Wing in the newly renovated Seacobeck Hall for Marcy’s late parents, William Rupert and Lavon Gardner Weatherly. The alums returned to their alma mater on Nov. 17 to dedicate the 150-seat multipurpose auditorium, which is being used for lectures, recitals, and other special events. They, along with family and friends, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the Board of Visitors (BOV) and Foundation Board, listened as a series of speakers honored their contributions to the University.

“One of the greatest joys I’ve had as president here is getting to know dedicated alums such as you,” said President Troy Paino, praising the couple for their lifelong commitment and service to Mary Washington, which has educated five generations of the Morris family. “You embody so much of what we try to impart onto our students.”

The president also thanked them for their continued support of UMW, including establishing the Marceline Weatherly Morris Musical Theatre Scholarship and funding the renovation of the Morris Stage at Heslep Amphitheatre, where Marcy was crowned May Queen her senior year. “Your generous gifts help our students learn, grow, and pursue their interests and passions, just as the two of you did while you were here at Mary Washington.”

The Morrises were visibly moved throughout the dedication ceremony. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
Junior Sofia Taylor thanked the Morrises for the Weatherly Wing on behalf of the student body. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
The Morrises and their family and friends, members of the Board of Visitors and Foundation Board, UMW faculty and staff, and others listen as President Paino shared the Morrises’ story. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

BOV Rector Devon Williams Cushman ’93 read the BOV’s resolution and spoke about her shared connection to Marcy and Juney as Mary Washington alums, calling them an “inspiration” for the UMW community.

Pete Kelly, dean of the College of Education, now housed in Seacobeck Hall, told the couple that students and faculty are already learning and performing in the Weatherly Wing. “I know that generations to come will enjoy it.”

Expressing her gratitude on behalf of the student body, junior Sofia Taylor ’24 sang the opening of an aria from The Tales of Hoffmann, which she performed in the space earlier this year. Aquila Venti, a student chamber music trio, also played, showcasing the room’s incredible acoustics.

“The Weatherly Wing is the perfect place for music,” said Sofia, a full-ride Alvey Scholarship recipient who is majoring in psychology and minoring in music and neuroscience. “I’m sure if this space was a part of the Mary Washington campus in 1950, Mrs. Morris would have enjoyed performing here as a student.”

Marcy Morris spoke of how her parents took out loans to pay her tuition to Mary Washington. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
Board of Visitors Rector Devon Williams Cushman ’93, President Troy Paino, and College of Education Dean Pete Kelly all spoke at the dedication, offering their congratulations and thanks to the Morrises. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.
The Morrises, who come from a five-generation legacy family, attended the dedication with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, many of whom attended Mary Washington. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography.

At last, Marcy took the mic, sharing her appreciation to the University for giving her and Juney the opportunity to pay tribute to her parents and the Weatherly name.

“We love Mary Washington, we love our family, and we love each other, and that’s pretty good after 72 years of marriage,” she said. “Thank you for being here and for letting us be a part of this special place.”

For information on naming gifts 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 

Planning Matters – Fall 2022

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In this issue:

Read each story above or click here to view a PDF version of the fall edition of Planning Matters.

Legacy Celebration Connects Generations of Mary Washington Alums

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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.

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

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

Bridget Binko ’74
Bridget Binko ’74

“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.
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.
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.