University of Mary Washington junior Hannah Jadgchew has been able to do it all in college. She has worked on a research team with her faculty mentor, participated in a clinical internship, competed on UMW’s varsity field hockey team, held leadership roles, and even spearheaded an effort to donate 20,000 lbs. of food to local shelters.
“My scholarships have given me the freedom to flourish and engage in everything Mary Washington has to offer,” said Hannah, who came from San Diego to major in psychology and minor in neuroscience at UMW. She’s preparing for a career in speech and occupational therapy, hoping to “give a voice to children in this world who weren’t necessarily born with one.”
She thanked the donors who established the Llewellyn Scholarship in Psychology, the Kenneth L. Steen Scholarship, and the Civic Leadership and Community Engagement Scholarship that have supported her at Mary Washington over the past three years.
“Your investment doesn’t just fund education,” she said. “It transforms lives.”
That resounding message summed up the 2026 Scholarship Luncheon and Student Showcase on March 21. The annual event honors supporters who’ve established and funded private scholarships and members of UMW’s Washington and Heritage Societies who have contributed or pledged significant gifts to the University.
Attendees learned about academic research and artistic pursuits showcased by scholarship recipients on the first floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center before enjoying a springtime luncheon. They then listened as students expressed their gratitude and heard from UMW President Troy Paino and longtime donor Rev. Trenda Powell Jacocks ’82, who created the First-Generation Scholarship Endowment with her husband, Jake.
First in her family to attend college, Rev. Jacocks earned a bachelor’s degree in American studies at Mary Washington and a master’s degree in theological studies in Northern Virginia, where she now serves as a pastor. She’s currently pursuing a doctor of ministry degree, which she’ll complete next year.
“We wanted to model our journey for today’s students – to give them the same launch into the world my family gave me,” said Rev. Jacocks, who is sponsoring a challenge during Mary Wash Day on March 25-26. Quoting the late poet laureate Maya Angelou, she said, “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
President Paino thanked donors for their generosity over the past year, which saw a record-breaking $37.8 million in gifts and pledges from alumni and friends. Donors gave $3.57 million to support endowed and non-endowed scholarships in 2024-25. More than 824 scholarships and awards totaling $2.3 million – including 17 scholarships presented for the first time – were given to 553 students who received one or more scholarships.
“Your investments make such a difference in the lives of these students to be able to reach their true potential and make this world a better place,” President Paino said. “I hope that being able to interact with some of the beneficiaries of your generosity today is meaningful to all of you.”
Senior Savannah Sinor, an international affairs major and French and sustainability minor, shared how receiving the Paul and Judith Dresser Merit Scholarship all four years made it financially feasible to attend Mary Washington as an out-of-state student from North Carolina.
Her awards helped her study abroad on a faculty-led trip to rural Guatemala, intern full time at the U.S. State Department, and present her undergraduate research paper at a national political science conference.
Savannah, who also received the Elizabeth Baylor Neatrour ’54 and Mary Ellen Stephenson Memorial, Marjorie Jean Frost ’44, and Smith International Affairs scholarships, thanked her donors for “believing in my potential and making my education and these life-changing experiences possible.”
William Goodman, a junior double majoring in history and Middle Eastern studies from Virginia Beach, shared how he had his own transformative experiential learning opportunities after earning the Dr. Hamlin A. Caldwell Scholarship in History and Dr. James Farmer Scholarship.
“My scholarships unlocked worlds I couldn’t have afforded otherwise,” said William, who spent a semester attending the American University in Cairo last fall, courtesy of the Constance Booth Logothetis ’61 Study Abroad Scholarship. Not only did it support his academic studies, he said, but he was able to explore the country and expand his horizons.
“The altruism shown by those who’ve established scholarships and donated to Mary Washington is truly admirable,” he said. “You are helping the next generation succeed.”
Find scholarship opportunities that are available to UMW students. Learn more about establishing scholarships and how private support makes a difference in the lives of UMW students who receive awards, research fellowships, and internship grants. View photos from the 2026 Scholarship Luncheon and Student Showcase.
-Article by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04
