Giving Stories

Taking Flight

Leave a Comment

Alumna’s veterans scholarship gives former airman his wings

A photo of a UMW student who is a U.S. Army veteran in fatigues in front of a helicopter when he was still on active duty.
Evan Fletcher ’26, a U.S. Army veteran, majored in biology at the University of Mary Washington with the support of the Col. Patricia Hess Jernigan ’64 Veterans Scholarship and other awards. Photo courtesy of Evan Fletcher.

As a teenager, Evan Fletcher ’26 spent a summer working for the University of Mary Washington facilities department. Doing construction alongside a UMW student majoring in biology helped him begin laying building blocks for his own future.

“Hearing him talk about scientific breakthroughs sparked an interest in me to pursue this field of study,” Evan said.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army right after high school, becoming a helicopter pilot. But he never forgot the conversations he had with his construction crew co-worker at UMW. Eventually, Evan was medically discharged and returned home to Spotsylvania and Mary Washington, this time as a student.

Now a biology major himself, Evan is grateful for the generous donors who established the Roland J. and Frances Holsclaw Brown; Thomas Lee Johnson, Ph.D.; and Biology scholarships. He’s also the first-ever recipient of the Col. Patricia Hess Jernigan ’64 Veterans Scholarship, created by an alumna who passed away in January.

“I’m sorry we never had the chance to meet, but Col. Jernigan made a tremendous impact on my life,” said Evan, who was, coincidentally, stationed in his donor’s hometown of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, during his service.

Evan has enjoyed learning from UMW professors like Andrew Dolby – he’s conducting field research with him on the rapid urbanization effects on downy woodpecker populations this spring – and providing a student perspective on the Bachelor of Liberal Studies committee.

He also connects with fellow service members in the Veteran’s Resource Center on the first floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center. “It’s a big blessing for the campus,” he said.

With his military experience and biology background – and the security and conflict studies minor he recently added – Evan hopes to work for the federal government, preventing biological warfare or embarking on a career in conservation biology. Wherever he lands, he’ll remain thankful for the private support that made his UMW education possible.

“College would not have been a reality for me without the donors who’ve given back,” Evan said. “In the future, I hope I’ll be able to make similar donations to help veteran students like me.”

For information about supporting student success through scholarships now and through your estate plans, email Executive Director of Gift Planning and Major Gifts Jeremy Vaughn ’08 or call 540-654-2063.

This article was written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04 and originally ran in the Spring 2026 Gift Planning Connections newsletter. 

A Spring Legacy Tune-Up

Leave a Comment

Five quick checks worth doing now

Spring has a way of nudging us toward fresh starts – clearing closets, opening windows, and getting life a little more in order. It’s also a perfect season for a light “legacy clean-up.” These small updates can spare your family confusion and ensure your philanthropic intentions are honored.

Here are five actions that typically take less than 30 minutes. Small updates, done regularly, tend to prevent the biggest headaches later on.

A photo of UMW's Monroe Hall in the spring with blossoms on the trees.
UMW’s Monroe Hall

Review your beneficiary designations. Retirement accounts and life insurance pass by beneficiary form – not your will – so take a moment to be sure the names, percentages, and backup heirs (who can receive your assets if loved ones cannot) still reflect your wishes.

Revisit your “who and why.” Life changes such as marriage, divorce, a new grandchild, a move, or a cause that’s become especially meaningful. Make sure your plans still reflect what matters most to you.

Update decision-makers. Are your executor, powers of attorney, and healthcare agent still the right people for the job? Be sure they know where to find important documents when they’re needed.

Create a “legacy file.” One page is enough: your key contacts, a list of accounts, where passwords are stored, and any notes about your intentions. Even a simple checklist can be a gift to those who may one day need to help.

If you’ve included Mary Washington in your estate plans, please let us know. Sharing your plans allows us to honor your generosity and welcome you into our Heritage Society – there’s no minimum gift, only our sincere gratitude.

At Mary Washington, Heritage Society members receive a pin, invitations to special events throughout the year, and more –so your spring tune-up can also keep you connected to the people and programs you care about.

This article was written by Executive Director of Gift Planning and Major Gifts Jeremy Vaughn ’08 and originally ran in the Spring 2026 Gift Planning Connections newsletter. For more information about estate planning, visit our website, email Jeremy, or call 540-654-2063.

A Message From President Troy D. Paino

Leave a Comment

Dear Alumni and Friends,

A photo of UMW President Troy Paino wearing a gray suit and black tie and a UMW pin on his lapel, standing outside on campus with trees in the background.
UMW President Troy D. Paino

Spring is such a special season at the University of Mary Washington. The air is filled with energy and excitement as we celebrate our UMW men’s basketball team winning its first-ever national championship, beloved traditions like the 100th anniversary of Devil-Goat Day, and, of course, Commencement. I also recently enjoyed the Scholarship Luncheon and Student Showcase, where we witnessed the impact of your generosity firsthand and heard how you’ve made a UMW education a reality for so many students.

Soon, each new graduate of the Class of 2026 will begin a bright future shaped and supported by your belief in them and by your thoughtful investments in Mary Washington. One example is Evan Fletcher ’26, a veteran majoring in biology and preparing for a future career of continued service to his country, thanks to a scholarship created by the late Col. Patricia Hess Jernigan ’64. Likewise, Sallie Galloway Gill ’65 and her husband, George, have given back to her alma mater, establishing a scholarship to ensure that those who have served our nation and their families have access to a transformative education at UMW. I hope you feel inspired by their stories.

Thank you for remaining forever true to our students and to the University of Mary Washington.

Troy D. Paino
President

This letter originally ran in the Spring 2026 Gift Planning Connections newsletter. 

A Life of Learning

Leave a Comment

As a Mary Washington student, Carolyn Eldred ’66 discovered a love of the liberal arts and a nurturing environment for inquiry and learning that continued throughout her entire life.

An alumna seated in a rocking chair with a glass of wine.
The late Carolyn Eldred ’66 at the Class of 1966’s 50th Reunion Weekend in 2016.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Carolyn pursued a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in the field. She then spent 35 years as an applied research psychologist, surveying underserved populations, exploring interventions, and conducting research to help design and administer social programs. She later helped facilitate Mary Washington ElderStudy, an organization focused on fostering lifelong learning among local retirees.

Carolyn, who passed away on May 14, 2025, recognized her alma mater in her estate plans, establishing the Carolyn Anne Eldred ’66 Scholarship for psychology students and an endowed internship for theatre majors, also in her name. These awards will ensure that future generations of students benefit from a UMW education throughout their lives, just as she did.

Learn more about estate planning, or contact Executive Director of Gift Planning and Major Gifts Jeremy Vaughn ’08 by email  or call 540-654-2063.

Impact Grant Program Boosts Positive Change Across Campus and Community

1 Comment

University of Mary Washington junior Journey Mason understands the challenges often faced by the unhoused children she tutors through Loisann’s Hope House.

“From day one, College of Education professors hammer into us building the foundation of a learning space,” said Journey, an elementary education and English literature double major. “Resources and organization are literally the cornerstones of learning.”

She and her fellow volunteers in UMW’s Community Outreach and Resources program (COAR) can now purchase educational and organizational tools to build a space at Hope House to help their K-12 students succeed, thanks to a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant. “This will have a lasting impact on their lives and open a world of opportunities and access,” she said.

Eight projects and initiatives pitched by UMW students, faculty, and staff earned Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants in spring 2026. K Pearlman Photography.
Junior Journey Mason, an elementary education and English literature double major, earned a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant to help purchase educational resources and organizational tools for a tutoring space for unhoused K-12 students at Loisann’s Hope House in Fredericksburg. K Pearlman Photography.
Alumni Association Board of Directors President-Elect Charmayne Staloff ’05 (left) and Young Alumni Council member Jaylyn Long ’24 listen to presentations. K Pearlman Photography.
Alumni Association Board of Directors Immediate Past President Vicki Sprague Ravenel ’77, who oversaw the past two Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant Awards, speaks to her fellow alumni on the AABOD and the Young Alumni Council, as well as the student, faculty, and staff presenters. K Pearlman Photography.
From left: Alumni Association Board of Directors members Meghan Kishman ’13, Lisa Maloney Keyser ’05, and Susan Leavitt ’83 listen to presentations. K Pearlman Photography.
Senior Bethanie Hackett (left) and junior Garrett McKenzie, both computer science majors, present ‘Project Frozone’ on behalf of the Department of Computer Science. They’ll use the Impact Grants they received to support their research focused on online political discourse using AI. K Pearlman Photography.
Junior Allie Davis helps with a presentation to fund a professional conference for UMW’s Student Alumni Ambassadors and students in similar programs at other Virginia colleges and universities. K Pearlman Photography.

Earlier this month, UMW’s Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD) and Young Alumni Council (YAC) awarded $25,000 in donor-funded grants to eight projects and initiatives proposed by students, faculty, and staff on behalf of recognized campus organizations.

The brainchild of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, the program has given funding to 25 different ventures across campus over the past three years. These include an initiative to teach critical college success skills to incoming students, a public-facing printmaking event, and introducing technology upgrades to the Hurley Convergence Center’s Charnoff Production Studio.

Each applicant was required to submit a slide deck outlining their proposed project’s measurable objectives, budget, sustainability plan, and targeted audience, along with a short pitch video. Members of the AABOD and YAC evaluated the presentations, also considering how closely projects aligned with UMW’s ASPIRE values.

As a Washington Guide, sophomore Natalie Froustet shows off UMW’s beautiful campus to prospective students and families. But the unexpected wintry weather early this semester came as a surprise to her and her fellow guides. The grant she earned will help purchase additional gear in the form of UMW-branded jackets to protect them from the elements.

“Donors are helping us keep warm and dry while promoting Mary Washington,” said Natalie, a double major in historic preservation and environmental science. “And we can ensure our guests leave with a positive and professional impression of the University.”

Laurie Zdenek, a junior historic preservation major who serves as president of the Living History Club, received a grant to purchase historically accurate costumes for reenactment events in the Fredericksburg area.

During the U.S. Civil War, soldiers would be issued a basic uniform, Zdenek said. But the same attire today costs several hundred dollars, putting it outside the campus organization’s budget. “By providing costumes in a variety of sizes, we can ensure that financial position or body size aren’t barriers to participation.”

From right: Sophomore Natalie Froustet (far right) and junior Caty Taylor clap with other students for the presentations. The two Washington Guides will use the Impact Grant they received to help purchase additional gear in the form of UMW-branded jackets for the guides. K Pearlman Photography.
Junior Shane Maguire, a philosophy: pre-law major (at the podium) and sophomore Kimberlyn Pasch, a biomedical sciences and psychology major, pitch a program to create laundry vouchers for students in need, on behalf of UMW’s Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter. K Pearlman Photography.
Professor of Historic Preservation Andréa Livi Smith shares her presentation to help secure funding to reorganize and display the Department of Historic Preservation’s historical fragment collection. K Pearlman Photography.
From left: Alumni Association Board of Directors members Kathy Vi ’04, Alex Clegg ’17, Sye Smith ’96, and Colette Strawn Johnson ’97 listen to presentations. K Pearlman Photography.
Center for Career and Professional Development Director Michael Dunn and Associate Director of Employer Engagement Linda Catullo pitch an expansion of the Career Trek program, which provides students with on site visits to local employers. Assistant Vice President for Development and Campaign Operations Beth Hunsinger ’01 listens in the background. K Pearlman Photography.
Assistant Director of Annual Giving Cadi Treviño Pinto ’22, staff advisor for UMW’s Student Alumni Ambassador program, pitches a professional conference to help SAAs with networking and leadership. K Pearlman Photography.
Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte, who is also executive director of the UMW Foundation, chats with Young Alumni Council member Alex Obolensky ’16 (center) and YAC Chair Reid Merritt ’20. K Pearlman Photography.

The Department of Historic Preservation earned a grant to reorganize and display its historical fragment collection, while the Department of Computer Science plans to use its funds to support its research focused on online political discourse using AI.

The Center for Career and Professional Development will put its award toward expanding its Career Trek program, which brings students on site visits with local employers so they can tour workplaces and network with Mary Washington alumni working in the field.

UMW’s Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA) received funds to pilot a professional development conference for its students and those from other Virginia colleges and universities.

“Our goal is helping SAAs gain confidence in their networking skills so they’ll be able to navigate a professional space with ease,” said Assistant Director of Annual Giving Cadi Treviño Pinto ’22, the organization’s staff advisor. “They’ll also acquire the leadership experience that comes with planning, hosting, and leading a conference.”

Kimberlyn Pasch, Shane Maguire, and Keely Butler secured a grant for laundry vouchers for students, a longtime goal of the Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter at Mary Washington. Their proposal shared that many students reported having to choose between clean clothes and buying other necessities.

“With such a great demonstrated need, we couldn’t think of a better project to devote our time and energy to,” said Kimberlyn, a sophomore double majoring in biomedical sciences and psychology. “Knowing I was presenting to alumni who care just as much about UMW as I do was truly heartening.”

UMW’s Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants program is made possible through donors’ gifts to the Fund for Mary Washington. These gifts are vital to the University’s ability to improve the student experience and support faculty, providing crucial flexibility to respond to emerging challenges and seize opportunities as they arise. When alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff give to the Fund for Mary Washington, they are choosing to be part of a community that is committed to giving back and making the world a better place – enabling students to make positive change through programs like the Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants.

-Article by Assistant Director of Assistant Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04