Senior Harmony Peura ’24 still can’t believe that she earned the Mary Janes Ahern ’46 Washington Scholarship, giving her a full ride to the University of Mary Washington.
“I’ve woken up every day for the past four years in complete disbelief,” said Harmony, a computer science major from Virginia Beach. She expressed her gratitude for receiving the prestigious UMW award for in-state students, which provides full tuition, fees, and room and board for up to four years.
“Mary Washington is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she advised her fellow scholars. “Take this time and cherish it and do as much as you possibly can with it.”
Harmony and more than a dozen other exceptional UMW students attended a reception for Washington and Alvey Scholars (a full-ride award for out-of-state residents), held at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center’s Kalnen Inn at the end of September. Eighteen recipients currently benefit from these scholarships, including five first-year students, who were welcomed into the ranks by their fellow scholars, UMW staff, and members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD), which established the first five scholarships more than 25 years ago. A total of 65 students have been awarded Washington and Alvey Scholarships since the program’s inception.
“This gathering is not only about building a connection between you all as recipients but also as soon-to-be alumni in a community that will treasure you for many years to come,” Assistant Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations Desmond Davis ’21 told the scholars.
Washington and Alvey Scholarships are renewable for four years of undergraduate studies with GPA and residential requirements. Recipients are accepted into UMW’s Honors Program and have access to funding for experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad and undergraduate research.
The senior class includes six scholars who were asked to share advice with the incoming first-year recipients. “You are going to make a lot of friends outside of your freshman dorm who are going to help you through stressful times,” said Sofia Taylor ’24, a psychology major and neuroscience and music minor who received an Alvey Scholarship. “Branch out and try new things outside of your comfort zone.”
Owen Chong ’24, a computer science major who earned a Washington Scholarship, encouraged the new students to form relationships with faculty members. “A lot of opportunities I’ve had, especially for research and jobs, have been because I’ve talked to professors. Don’t be afraid to get to know yours.”
“College is meant for growth and to make you a well-rounded individual. Put yourself out there. Study abroad if you can. Take advantage of your time here,” said Hannah Stottlemyer ’24. An Alvey Scholarship recipient, Hannah is a biomedical sciences and Spanish double major who serves as president of UMW’s chapter of Global Medical Brigades, which has helped treat underserved populations in Central America.
Sofia and Hannah were among the recipients awarded one of the eight Alvey Scholarships established by the late Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59 during her lifetime. Her transformational $30 million estate gift will create four more Alveys – bringing her total to 12 – while exponentially growing UMW’s undergraduate STEM research program.
“Irene opened so many doors for all of us,” said Abby Tank ’24, an international affairs and Spanish double major. “It’s important that we continue her legacy and advocate for others to give back.”
Ally Fletcher ’25, a biochemistry major, said: “It’s so gratifying to have my name associated with someone like Irene.”
One of Rodgers’ newest recipients, Sydney Kuck ’27, a first-year student from Aberdeen, Maryland, was amazed to have been admitted into this elite group of scholars at Mary Washington.
“I was so happy when I discovered I earned an Alvey Scholarship,” said Sydney, who plans to major in biochemistry. “All the hard work I had put into high school paid off in that moment.”
AABOD members were also asked to share advice with first-year scholars. Here are several responses:
“Be open to any opportunities that present themselves. Some of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in my life have been doing things I didn’t think I wanted to do.” – Lori Foster Turley ’81
“This is such an exciting time of life, so take the time to find yourself. It’s also a great opportunity to network and meet different people. You never know where that’s going to lead you.” – Sean Lynch ’95
“For the freshmen, just show up, whether it’s your 8 a.m. class, your professor’s office hours, or seeing the band you’ve never heard of that’s playing on campus. For the seniors, learning is a lifelong process. Embrace it and continue to be open to learning opportunities.” – Colette Strawn Johnson ’97
Learn more about eligibility for the Washington and Alvey Scholars program or how to fund a Washington or Alvey Scholarship.
Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04