Giving Stories

Paths Made Possible

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Scholarships Power Student’s Journey, From Cancer Research to Celtic Culture

Biomedical sciences major Mallory Thompson '26 received the Rae Elizabeth Smith ’59 Washington Scholarship, providing her full tuition, fees, and housing and dining to attend UMW, as well as the Grellet C. Simpson International Scholarship, giving her the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland.
Biomedical sciences major Mallory Thompson ’26 received the Rae Elizabeth Smith ’59 Washington Scholarship, providing her full tuition, fees, and housing and dining to attend UMW, as well as the Grellet C. Simpson International Scholarship, giving her the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland.

When Mallory Thompson ’26 was interviewed for the Rae Elizabeth Smith ’59 Washington Scholarship, she asked the committee what experiences she shouldn’t miss out on as a University of Mary Washington student.

“They told me, unanimously, that I should study abroad,” said Mallory, a senior biomedical sciences major from Spotsylvania who went on to earn the prestigious award that provides full tuition, fees, and housing and dining for in-state students. “Receiving that scholarship totally changed my college experience.”

Mallory also recently earned the Grellet C. Simpson International Scholarship, which is supporting her studies this semester at the University College Cork in Ireland. At this world-class research institution, she’s taking courses in anatomy and philosophy for her practical ethics minor, along with Celtic cultural classes like Irish mythology and step-dancing, as well as a lesser known form of traditional folk dancing known as “Irish sets.”

“I’m so grateful to my donors for providing me with these experiences,” Mallory said. An aspiring physician, she joined UMW’s Pre-Health Society, volunteers with Red Cross blood drives and Mary Washington Healthcare’s emergency department, and traveled with Global Medical Brigades to treat patients in rural Panama – and dances with the Performing Arts Company for fun.

Mallory (back row, third from left) with her fellow Washington and Alvey Scholars at a reception at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center’s Kalnen Inn in fall 2023. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.
Mallory Thompson and her faculty mentor, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Laura Sipe, in front of their research poster at the Virginia State Capitol during a student showcase presented by the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia last spring.

She has also conducted trailblazing research with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Laura Sipe. “We’re trying to engage and alert the immune system to search for leftover breast cancer cells after a patient has undergone chemotherapy,” said Mallory, who presented her findings at a student showcase hosted by the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia, held in Richmond last spring.

“Mallory uses her strong foundation from biomedical sciences courses to ask insightful questions and make new connections,” said Dr. Sipe. “Because of her intellectual curiosity and diligence, she will move our understanding of cancer recurrence forward.”

With a cancer research center near her apartment in Cork, she hopes to shadow doctors and learn more about the Irish healthcare system while exploring the country. She especially enjoyed visiting the Titanic Experience museum in Cobh, where the last passengers departed in 1912, she said. “It’s one of my favorite films!”

Mallory near the city center of Cork, Ireland, right outside of the English market.
Mallory in front of St. Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, Ireland.
Mallory takes in views of Kinsale from Charles Fort, a late 17th century military fortress in Ireland.
Mallory standing in front of colorful houses known as the “Deck of Cards,” a popular tourist attraction in Cobh, Ireland.
Mallory outside of the Titanic Experience museum. “It was an interactive experience where they treat you like a passenger and give you a card with someone who had boarded the ship,” she said. “My passenger survived! It was such a neat thing to do in Cobh!”

A UMW Honors Program scholar, Mallory will continue her studies at The George Washington University School of Medicine, where she was accepted through Mary Washington’s Early Selection Program, along with several of her peers.

“Being a part of the UMW community will make acclimating to medical school easier,” said Mallory, who plans to practice oncology or dermatology. “I’m so grateful for all Mary Washington has given me.”

For information about supporting student success through scholarships now and through your estate plans, contact Jeremy Vaughn at jvaughn@umw.edu or 540-654-2063.

This story originally ran in the fall 2025 Gift Planning Connections Newsletter.

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

A Message from President Troy D. Paino

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Dear Alumni and Friends:

UMW President Troy D. Paino
UMW President Troy D. Paino

As we embrace another exciting fall semester, I want to express my gratitude for your generous gifts to the University of Mary Washington. Your decision to support UMW through your estate plans speaks volumes about your commitment to our mission and our students.

Thanks to you, our students are engaging in transformative experiences both in and out of the classroom. They’re conducting hands-on undergraduate research, participating in vibrant extracurricular activities, studying abroad to broaden their perspectives, and gaining real-world experience through meaningful internships. Your planned gifts help make all of this possible, and I find Mallory’s story a powerful reminder of how your gifts shape futures in profound ways.

Furthermore, your belief in our students and in the future of UMW is being recognized nationally. This year, we’ve again been named among the top higher education institutions in the country in the likes of U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Fiske Guide to Colleges, and Washington Monthly — a testament to the strength of our community and the impact of your generosity.

I’d like to again thank Jan Clarke for his legacy of connection, and I’m confident that Jeremy Vaughn will build on that tradition with his own thoughtful leadership.

Thank you for helping to shape the lives of our students — and helping carry out Mary Washington’s mission — for generations to come.

Troy D. Paino
President
University of Mary Washington

This letter originally ran in the fall 2025 Gift Planning Connections Newsletter

Six Smart Tax Moves for Year-End Savings

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Cupped hands holding a small slip of paper that says "Make a Change" and a handful of coins. As the year winds down, so do our wallets – between holidays, travel, and other year-end expenses, it’s a costly time for many. Here are some simple strategies that can help you save on taxes and get yourself set up for financial success in the new year:

  1. Review Your IRA: If you’re 73 or older, you may need to take a Required Minimum Distribution. Stick to the required amount to avoid unnecessary taxes.
  2. Give to Charity: Donations to qualified nonprofits can lower your taxable income while supporting causes that matter to you.
  3. Rebalance Your Investments: Offset capital gains by selling underperforming stocks at a loss and review your overall portfolio.
  4. Make Early Payments: If you have deductible expenses such as medical bills or property taxes, pay them before year-end to take advantage of this year’s deductions.
  5. Defer Income: If you’re expecting a year-end bonus or freelance income, delay it until the new year to reduce your 2025 tax bill.
  6. Pay Your Mortgage Early: If you own a home, make your January mortgage payment in December to increase this year’s deductible interest.

These tips are a great starting point for year-end financial wellness. Want to make a meaningful impact while continuing to save? Consider a gift to support the University of Mary Washington before Dec. 31, 2025. It’s a wonderful way to close out the year while creating future opportunities for UMW students.

Please note: Mary Washington will have limited business hours and mail delivery Dec. 22-31, so all gifts sent by mail must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2025, for charitable deduction eligibility. To give by credit card, visit umw.edu/gift and select GIVE NOW by Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m. If making a gift via IRA distribution or securities, please contact Jeremy Vaughn at jvaughn@umw.edu or 540-654-2063.

This story originally ran in the fall 2025 Gift Planning Connections Newsletter.

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

Shaping Business Futures

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

From the classroom to the boardroom, Galen deGraff’s impact echoes in every business success story he helped launch

Professor of Business Emeritus Galen deGraff, who passed away on July 12, 2025, made a lasting impact on business students during his years teaching management and finance at UMW. Known for sharing real-world insights from his career — including his time as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam — deGraff brought course material to life and encouraged students to pursue internships and independent studies.

“He was a professor, mentor, and friend to Sarah and me,” said Rob Strassheim ’96, who, with wife Sarah Gildersleeve Strassheim ’01, honored deGraff by naming a classroom after him in UMW’s College of Business and established an endowed scholarship in his name to attract out-of-state business administration majors. “This provides a way for his students to support future UMW business students by donating in his memory.”

To make a gift to the Galen F. deGraff Scholarship in Business, visit alumni.umw.edu/degraff. 

This story originally ran in the fall 2025 Gift Planning Connections Newsletter.

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

UMW’s LaunchPad Program Propels Students to First-Year Success

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University of Mary Washington first-year student Crow Sindelar spreads out glitter pens and neon highlighters on a table in the Cedric Rucker University Center and begins plugging this semester’s courses into a new day planner.

First-year student Crow Sindelar shows off their new day planner provided by the LaunchPad program. Supported by a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant, the four-week program gives incoming students a crash course in syllabus organization, time management, campus involvement, and how to utilize computer tools like Canvas and Microsoft Office.
First-year student Crow Sindelar shows off their new day planner provided by the LaunchPad program. Supported by a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant, the four-week program gives incoming students a crash course in syllabus organization, time management, campus involvement, and how to utilize computer tools like Canvas and Microsoft Office.

“It’s helpful to review your syllabus and expectations so you can track assignments, midterms, and finals – and make it aesthetically pleasing,” said Crow, a sociology major who color-codes classes in the calendar with sparkly blue, purple, green, and pink ink. “I want to stay organized and manage everything in college.”

That’s the goal of LaunchPad, a new series of events helping incoming students transition to UMW by building executive functioning and social skills critical for college success. Supported by a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant, the four-week program, which concluded last week, offers a crash course in syllabus organization, time management, campus involvement, and using computer tools like Canvas and Microsoft Office.

“College is one of the biggest transitions these students have faced since kindergarten, and they’re navigating it on their own without their parents,” said Melissa Jones, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students. In her role, Jones leads New Student Programs and co-created LaunchPad with UMW First-Year Experience Director April Wynn. “We want them to know they’re not alone,” Jones said.

Wynn, an associate professor of biological sciences, said LaunchPad emerged from conversations with faculty who noticed students needed help adjusting to post-pandemic college life shaped by new technologies, including discussions around using AI in the classroom.

“These students are part of the Chromebook generation and often have little experience using Microsoft products,” said Wynn. LaunchPad meets them where they are, she said, helping them build the confidence, community, and skills they need to thrive academically and socially.

The first week of LaunchPad saw 225 students attend its sessions on syllabus organization, which also gave them the chance to print syllabi in the nearby Center for Career and Professional Development.
The first week of LaunchPad saw 225 students attend its sessions on syllabus organization, which also gave them the chance to print syllabi in the nearby Center for Career and Professional Development.

After seeing the success of another donor-funded initiative, Soft Landings, a pre-arrival program for UMW students with autism spectrum disorder, Jones and Wynn, along with Assistant Director of New Student Programs Lillian Lester ’20, secured a $5,000 Impact Grant, which covered peer mentor stipends, day planners and supplies, workshops, outreach, and more.

While LaunchPad is geared toward first-year students, Jones said they hope to plan it around the fall senior class meeting in the future to provide a refresher for soon-to-be graduates. “They’ll need these skills for the workforce, and it aligns with Life After Mary Washington,” she said.

First-year sociology major Jasper Hocker learned about the program from a pamphlet handed out at Orientation. He worked with sophomore peer mentor Eliot Suh, a business administration and accounting major, to print his syllabi at UMW’s Center for Career and Professional Development. “I mostly used Google products in high school, so I’m hoping to attend the Microsoft sessions,” Jasper said.

UMW first-year student Lucy Rabung (left) sought the help of her peer mentor, Lauren Spagnuolo, a sophomore, who helped her organize all her syllabi and record the dates of her assignments in a new day planner provided by LaunchPad.
UMW first-year student Lucy Rabung (left) sought the help of her peer mentor, Lauren Spagnuolo, a sophomore, who helped her organize all her syllabi and record the dates of her assignments in a new day planner provided by LaunchPad.

Lucy Rabung, a first-year psychology major, texted her peer mentor, Lauren Spagnuolo, in a panic after receiving syllabi for five different courses.

“Starting college can be overwhelming,” said Lauren, a sophomore psychology major and disability studies minor, who remembers a peer mentor guiding her as a new student. “I wanted Lucy to know she didn’t have to do it all alone.”

She encouraged Lucy to attend a LaunchPad session, where she helped her break down each syllabus and record due dates in her planner.

“If not for these resources, I’d feel like I was struggling,” said Lucy, whose family and friends at other institutions have been impressed when she’s told them about the program. “Everyone at Mary Washington has made me feel welcome and cared for.”

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