Uncategorized

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.

Class of 2024 Celebrates Commencement, Mary Washington Milestones

Leave a Comment

Like most of the Class of 2024, Arden Jones missed out on meaningful moments at the end of her final year of high school.

“We all went into quarantine, so we didn’t have a proper graduation or senior year celebrations,” Arden said. When she arrived at the University of Mary Washington, she made up for lost time, making friends and attending a mini prom after activities resumed. “It was so much fun, dancing with the other first-year students.”

So, Arden didn’t want to miss out on making more memories with her classmates during UMW’s Commencement weekend. Festivities kicked off with the Senior Toast, a longstanding tradition that was revived two years ago, welcoming 2024 graduates into the Mary Washington alumni family. Gathered in the Jepson Alumni Executive Center, the home of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, the graduates reveled in and reminisced about the past four years, while President Troy Paino raised a glass to the class that came together to create community and connections, even during COVID.

Class of 2024 grads pose for a selfie with President Troy Paino outside the Jepson Alumni Executive Center during the Senior Toast. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
The Senior Toast, a longstanding tradition that was revived two years ago, welcomes graduating seniors into the Mary Washington alumni family. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
At the Senior Toast, which was organized by UMW’s Office of Alumni Engagement, seniors enjoyed a glass of champagne and hors d’oeuvres provided by UMW Dining. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Nearly 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students earned degrees on May 11. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Students pose with President Paino in the Jepson Alumni Executive Center courtyard. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Friends from the Class of 2024 toast to the last four years and their futures. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

“Despite beginning your college career with isolation and physical distancing, you formed relationships, got engaged on campus, and made a difference here,” Paino said. “To the Class of 2024, you will always be in our hearts and our history at Mary Washington.”

Many seniors participated in uniquely UMW traditions this year like Devil-Goat Day, Eagle Awards, and Cram Jam, a late-night breakfast held during finals week in the Cedric Rucker University Center.

Ella Peck and Caitlin Moore both looked forward to getting dressed up to attend Grad Ball that evening after the Senior Toast. “I’ve actually liked college much better than high school,” Ella said. “You feel a sense of community at a smaller school like Mary Washington.”

That sentiment was shared by Sebastian Melin and Kapri Robinson, who said they made friends at PRISM prom that they never would have otherwise met. “It’s surreal that we’re graduating,” Sebastian said. “I’m so excited to search for jobs and start this new chapter in my life.”

Sebastian Melin and Kapri Robinson celebrate their graduation and look forward to the future. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Ella Peck and a guest enjoy themselves at the Senior Toast before attending Grad Ball. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
President Paino raises his glass to toast the 2024 graduates. Referencing the University’s emphasis on experiential learning, he said that coming to UMW in the midst of a pandemic made the Class of 2024 among the “best prepared graduates in the history of Mary Washington.” Photo by Karen Pearlman.
2024 graduates raise a glass of champagne as President Paino makes his toast. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
2024 graduates toast to their futures and celebrate becoming Mary Washington alumni. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Alex Lagon planned to fête her future with a night on the town in Fredericksburg with her friends. “There was so much that I wanted to do in 2020, so now I just say yes,” Alex said, as the trio recollected their favorite memories from senior year.

For Eliana Nachman, it was presenting her UMW Honors capstone for the Women and Gender Studies program. Emma Sullivan, a psychology major, said hers was an internship focused on mental health. And Alex said she’d never forget going on a UMW Theatre trip to New York City. “I had heard about it on my high school tour, so it was amazing that I finally had the chance to go.”

Ethan Ropp, who was a first-year student at the start of the pandemic, reflected on how he made the most of his college experience upon returning to campus.

“Getting to the finish line, you start to appreciate all of the hard work you’ve done,” said Ethan, who majored in linguistics while being active in UMW’s Performing Arts Company, club sports, and Jewish organizations on campus. “I finally got to experience Mary Washington and definitely got what I needed from my undergraduate experience.”

After being welcomed into the Mary Washington alumni family, the Class of 2024 poses for a photo outside the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
2024 graduates pose for a photo together during the Senior Toast. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Students from the Class of 2024 celebrate their Commencement. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Class of 2024 graduates enjoy celebrating together during Commencement weekend. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Members of the Class of 2024 reminisced about their last four years. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
2024 graduates pose for one last photo before celebrating the rest of their Commencement weekend. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Read more about UMW’s 113th Commencement and the Class of 2024:

Rays of Sun and Success: UMW Class of 2024

Perfect Day, Perfect 4.0 for Five UMW Grads

UMW Announces Faculty Awards, Honors Faculty Emeriti

University of Mary Washington Class of 2024 Senior Spotlights

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

Gift Planning Connections – Spring 2024

Leave a Comment

In this issue:

Meet scholarship recipient Hadley Mantia ’24 as she pursues a career that merges her passion for the French language and her aptitude for business.

Discover how Fredericksburg-area residents Al and Sue Roth have become members of the Heritage Society by supporting Great Lives in their estate plans.

Learn how to use your IRA to fund a charitable gift annuity, earn a regular income, and save taxes.

Update your information and consider specific designations to ensure your assets pass directly to your beneficiaries without going through the probate process.

Read a special message from President Paino.

See how the family of Allene Atkinson Hull ’56  is honoring their mother’s legacy through an estate gift to benefit UMW music students.

Read each story in the spring edition of Gift Planning Connections by selecting the links above, or click here to view a PDF version.

Honoring a Mother’s Legacy

Leave a Comment

Allene Atkinson Hull ’56 is honored by her five children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The children of Allene Atkinson Hull ’56 recently contacted the UMW Office of Gift Planning to arrange the transfer of a gift from their mother’s estate.

Allene attended Mary Washington and then married her childhood sweetheart in 1956. She engaged in the life of a Navy officer’s wife and then settled back in Norfolk, where Allene and Bill co-owned Atkinson Dredging Company and Atlantic Yacht Basin of Great Bridge. Allene enjoyed gardening, tennis, and playing the piano.

She often talked about her time at Mary Washington and the wonderful friends she made along the way. This gift will pay tribute to Allene, while offering support to Mary Washington music students.

For information about becoming a member of the Heritage Society, contact Jan Clarke at jclarke@umw.edu or 540-654-2064.

A Message from President Troy D. Paino

Leave a Comment

Dear Alumni and Friends:

Our beautiful campus has sprung to life over the last couple of months, bustling with events, activities, athletic competitions, performances, and more. I recently had the opportunity to witness the philanthropic spirit of the UMW community at Mary Wash Day and the Donor Appreciation Luncheon and Student Showcase.

It was such a joy to watch as many of you had the chance to see firsthand the remarkable work our students have engaged in alongside their faculty mentors over the past semester and year. All of this was made possible because of your private support.

Soon, we’ll graduate the Class of 2024, whose members will then go out into the world to put into action the public liberal arts and sciences education they earned at Mary Washington. While they’re making a difference in their respective communities and fields, I hope they’ll continue to be inspired by the generous investments you have made in their lives and education.

Thank you for supporting public higher education and for remaining forever true to Mary Washington.