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Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Treasured Tradition

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A uniquely University of Mary Washington celebration, Devil-Goat Day pits students graduating in odd years (Devils) against those graduating in even years (Goats). Over the decades, the friendly rivalry has transformed into a lively contest of fun and games to celebrate the end of the academic year and give students a respite before final exams.

With the beloved event’s 100th anniversary approaching on April 23, the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement has launched the inaugural Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge, giving Mary Washington graduates across generations a chance to get in on the action.

The University of Mary Washington celebrates the 100th anniversary of one of its oldest and most beloved traditions, Devil-Goat Day, on April 23, 2026. UMW’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement has launched the Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge, giving graduates across generations the chance to get in on the action.

“For many alumni, Devil-Goat Day was an important part of their Mary Washington experience, while others are discovering and embracing it for the first time,” said Mark Thaden ’02, associate vice president for alumni and donor engagement. “It’s a powerful reminder that even century-old traditions can create opportunities to engage, reconnect, and celebrate our alma mater.”

Devil-Goat Day dates to 1926, when Mary Washington juniors picked a green goat as their class symbol, pinning it to their shirts. Not to be outdone, seniors selected a red devil as their emblem.

Today’s students engage in a spirited competition that fills campus with giant inflatables, carnival-like contests, tasty treats, and more. With bragging rights at stake, seniors and sophomores compete against juniors and first-year students in obstacle courses and lawn games, culminating in an epic tug-of-war battle.

“To me, Devil-Goat Day is such a significant part of Mary Washington’s identity, as our oldest and largest campus tradition,” said Shad Yoder ’25, who organized the event during all four years of college as part of UMW’s Class Council. Now a Young Alumni Council member, he’s excited to return to volunteer for the event this spring. “I’ve always loved to see the enthusiasm and intensity that students bring to the competition, and I’m excited to experience it as an alum.”

This milestone year promises to be even more spectacular, with a campus-wide Devil-Goat printmaking event organized by Assistant Professor of Art Coorain Devin, supported by a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant. Team Goat also got a boost when Good Steward Farm welcomed a dozen goats to campus this winter to clear invasive plants in a sustainable manner.

The Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge gives graduates across generations the opportunity to join in the fun and support their alma mater.

Running from January through May, the Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge mirrors the on-campus competition, giving grads the chance to earn participation points and prizes by engaging with their alma mater in meaningful ways. Participants, who will track points using a reporting form (following the UMW Honor System), can complete activities at any time throughout the challenge, but each month will feature a special spotlight category:

January – Be an Admissions Advocate:

  • Invite prospective students to use the Refer An Eagle code (UMWFAM) on the Common App when applying to Mary Washington. Feb. 1 is the Regular Decision deadline for first-year students and April 1 is the Priority Filing date for transfer students. 
  • Encourage someone to schedule a campus visit
  • Host a prospective student for a campus conversation
  • Contribute a gift of any amount to a scholarship

February – Spread the Word:

  • Engage with alumni social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, or X)
  • Submit news to the biannual Class Notes publication
  • Update your information with the Office of Alumni Engagement
  • Write a Google or social media review of Mary Washington
  • Display UMW pride (show off Mary Wash gear or diplomas) using #UMWDevils or #UMWGoats

March – Give Back:

  • Make a gift to Mary Washington
  • Be an ambassador on Mary Wash Day, which runs noon to noon on March 25-26
  • Submit a “Why I Give” testimonial when you make a gift
  • Check if an employer participates in corporate gift matching
  • Inquire about volunteering (as a Class Notes agent, Regional Network or Affinity Group leader, Reunion Committee member, etc.)

April – Life After Mary Washington:

May – Show Up

The winning team, be it Devils or Goats, will receive bragging rights, glory, and a prize to be determined and will be announced during Reunion Weekend, held May 29-31, 2026. Those who complete at least one activity in each category will also earn an exclusive gift. All participants will receive a commemorative pennant, as well as the joy of reconnecting with their alma mater, supporting students, and celebrating a century of one of UMW’s most treasured traditions.

Learn about the Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge. Use our form to report your activities.

– Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications (and a Goat!) Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04 

UMW Reports Record-Breaking $37.8 Million Raised in 2024-25

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The University of Mary Washington wrapped up its most successful fundraising year ever June 30, with a record $37,867,639 in gifts and pledges made in 2024-25. Giving participation increased across every UMW constituency, including alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and students.

The University of Mary Washington announces its most successful fundraising year to date, with $37.8 million raised in 2024-25 to support UMW students, programs, faculty, and staff.
The University of Mary Washington announces its most successful fundraising year to date, with $37.8 million raised in 2024-25 to support UMW students, programs, faculty, and staff.

“We’re truly grateful to both our new and longtime donors for investing in the mission of this University,” UMW President Troy Paino said. “Your contributions play a vital role in helping us recruit, retain, and graduate students who are not only prepared for life after Mary Washington but for the rapidly changing digital world and workforce of the 21st century.”

This record-setting year also pushed UMW’s endowment to surpass $100 million, creating lasting philanthropic resources for merit- and need-based scholarships, academic programs, experiential learning, faculty resources, and more.

“Reaching the $100 million milestone for our endowment demonstrates the power of philanthropy to strengthen UMW today and to help secure its future,” said Katie Turcotte, vice president for advancement and alumni engagement and UMW Foundation executive director. “The generosity of our donors combined with strong fiscal management from the UMW Foundation Board of Trustees ensures that the Foundation contributes directly to the University’s success, while providing lasting support for students, faculty, staff, and programs for generations to come.”

Achieving this milestone was possible in part, Turcotte said, because of the final distribution of the transformational $36 million estate gift that Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59 left her alma mater when she passed away in 2022, funding four new full-ride scholarships for out-of-state students, in addition to the eight she established during her lifetime, and creating one of the largest endowments for undergraduate STEM research in the country. Her generosity has inspired both current and first-time donors to prioritize the University in their philanthropic giving. Yet, even outside of that single large gift, the fundraising team at Mary Washington has continued to increase its work with donors, reaching new heights for new outright and multi-year gifts each year.

Bucking national trends, UMW saw an 8% increase in unique donor count in the last year. A total of 5,526 supporters, over half of whom are alumni, helped Mary Washington reaffirm its strong commitment to delivering students an exceptional public liberal arts and sciences education filled with high-impact learning experiences such as internships, study abroad, and undergraduate research opportunities.

Contributions supported 317 areas across the University, spanning academics, arts, athletics, leadership and service programs, career development, cultural initiatives, and programs to help prepare and educate students on the advancement of AI and other emerging technologies.

Making a UMW education affordable and accessible remains a priority at Mary Washington, with donors giving $3.57 million to support endowed and non-endowed scholarships in 2024-25. More than 824 scholarships and awards totaling $2.3 million were given to 553 students who received one or more awards. Seventeen awards were given to students for the first time, including the Curie Darwin Newton, Marshall E. Bowen, Colonel Patricia Hess Jernigan ’64 Veterans, and Ralston Costume Design and Technology scholarships.

Mary Wash Day 2025 shattered previous records for dollars raised, with donors contributing over $1.3 million – the first time in the event’s history that totals exceeded six figures. This year also saw a 58% increase in dollars raised over last year and a 12% increase in donations, with 3,654 gifts made to support students, faculty, and programs.

For the first time in almost a decade, giving to the Fund for Mary Washington surpassed $1 million. The unrestricted annual fund underpins every aspect for which the University is known and loved – a leading liberal arts and sciences education, small class sizes, personal relationships with professors, and more. UMW reported a 133% increase in gifts from first-time donors to the Fund.

The Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants program, now in its second year, awarded $25,000 in donor-funded grants to power student- and faculty-led projects. These include a first-year success workshop, essential technology upgrades, vital accessibility improvements, vibrant campus art initiatives, and passport grants that enable life-changing study abroad experiences for first-time travelers.

Other 2024-25 highlights include:

  • A 24% increase in young alumni donors (from the Classes of 2015-2024)
  • A 43% increase in first-time donors and a 76% increase in young alumni first-time donors
  • A 13.7% increase in parent donors (parents of current students and alumni)
  • A 24% increase in University friend donors (community members, grandparents, and other non-alumni supporters)
  • A 7% increase among UMW faculty and staff donors

In addition, UMW’s College of Arts and Sciences’ Beyond the Classroom Endowment surpassed $1 million in gifts and pledges to support undergraduate experiential learning. More than $576K was raised for arts and cultural initiatives like UMW Theatre, Philharmonic, Galleries, Music, and Dance, as well as the William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series, Gari Melchers Home and Studio, and the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library.

Event attendance was up for the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, with hundreds of donors taking part in the Celebration of Giving and the Student Showcase and Scholarship Luncheon. More than 3,400 alumni participated in regional network and affinity group gatherings, presidential events, Mary Talks, UMW Alumni On the Road trips, Homecoming, and Reunion Weekend, which welcomed 400 attendees to campus last spring.

“I’m inspired by the dedication and passion of Mary Washington alumni who give back to their alma mater,” said Mark Thaden ’02, associate vice president for alumni and donor engagement. “I’m equally grateful for the incredible alumni team and volunteers who serve on boards and bring these events to life. We hope to see more of you in the future – and if you haven’t been back to campus in a while, it’s a great time to visit.”

Make a gift for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. To learn more about giving options, please contact the Office of University Advancement at advance@umw.edu or 540-654-1024. Explore upcoming Mary Washington alumni events.

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

Mary Washington Alumni Come Home for 2025 Reunion Weekend

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Living across the Atlantic couldn’t keep Rachel Selle ’05 from celebrating her 20th Reunion Weekend at the University of Mary Washington.

Now a teacher and young-adult author in Germany, she looked forward to staying overnight in Randolph Hall, where she served as a resident assistant two decades ago. “I’m really excited to reconnect with classmates and see what life – and Mary Washington – has brought us all since we graduated,” she said.

Rachel was among the hundreds of alumni to return for UMW’s Reunion Weekend, held May 30 to June 1. The forecast called for rain, but showers soon gave way to clear skies, sunshine, and even a rainbow as classes ending in 0 and 5 participated in parties and picnics, faculty lectures, campus tours, beverage tastings, family festivities, a fun run, and cool treats at Carl’s.

Rachel Selle ’05 (second from left) and fellow 2005 alumni join 1980 alumni for a photo on Campus Walk during Reunion Weekend. This year’s event celebrated classes ending in 0 and 5, but all graduates are welcome to participate in the annual celebration held at the end of May. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Alumni participate in the time-honored tradition of visiting Carl’s for its famous frozen custard. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Alumni families take a photo by the fountain on Palmieri Plaza on Saturday after the Ball Circle picnic. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Alumni enjoy the Ball Circle picnic in front of the Cedric Rucker University Center. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
The forecast called for rain, but showers soon gave way to clear skies, sunshine, and even a rainbow over the University of Mary Washington campus. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Alumni pose for a picture after the Virginia wine, beer, and cider tasting, held in Monroe Hall this year. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Syd Collson Chichester ’60, a member of the 1908 Society (for alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago), said she became more involved after co-chairing her 50th reunion. “It brought me back to this place,” said Syd, who still gets emotional when she sings UMW’s Alma Mater.

“Hosting Reunion Weekend is a highlight for our team each year,” Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Mark Thaden ’02 said. “Seeing alumni return to visit their favorite places on campus, connect with friends and faculty, and spend a few days reliving their college days brings us so much joy.”

Renee Allen Kuntz ‘85 said being back on campus with Lisa Taylor, Alison Metzger LaMura, Kim Slayton White, and Cuff Gibbons Kunkel “was just like coming home again.” The five friends, all who graduated in 1985, spent Friday morning picking the perfect matching Mary Washington sweatshirts in the UMW Bookstore while reminiscing about watching the soap opera General Hospital together and calling their parents from the residence hall phone booths.

“At what other point in your life do you get to spend all your time with your best friends?” said Shelby Hill Brooks ’95, who toured campus on a golf cart with her husband and Michelle Arcari Rose ’95. As recent grad Shadwick Yoder ’25 drove the cart past Virginia Hall, Shelby said, “It wasn’t that long ago that was my window.”

Members of the 1908 Society, for those who graduated 50 or more years ago from Mary Washington, pose for a photo on the Lee Hall steps. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Recent grad Shadwick Yoder ’25 gave golf-cart tours of campus throughout Reunion Weekend. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
From left: 1985 graduates Kim Slayton White, Alison Metzger LaMura, and Cuff Gibbons Kunkel pose for a photo during the welcome reception. Typically held at Brompton, the event was moved to the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom due to passing thunderstorms. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Courtney Quinn Hampton ’00 silkscreens a Mary Washington College bag with Assistant Professor of Studio Art Coorain Devin as part of an Alumni College lecture. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Mark Thaden ’02 (front row, right) and members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors pose for a photo during the 2025 University of Mary Washington Reunion Weekend. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Members of the Class of 1975, who celebrated their 50th reunion and entrance into the 1908 Society, pose for a photo on the Lee Hall steps. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Mary Helen Dellinger ’90 recalled looking out of those same windows to check how long the line was to get into the Underground, a popular campus hang-out, and engaging in an epic snowball battle on Ball Circle.

Mary Washington students have a lot of fun, Mary Helen said, but the perk of attending a smaller school is always having faculty, staff, and administrators looking out for you. “When people care about you, it makes you want to work harder and treat others with kindness and respect,” she said.

Maggie Lovitt ’15 and Melissa Schmidt Estevez ’00 praised UMW’s supportive professors. “They have a vested interest in your outcome,” Melissa said. “You don’t always realize it when you’re here, but the University truly cares for your whole being.”

Jason Ford ’20 and Karen Lebo ’75, who both served as Student Government Association president – 45 years apart – spoke about how their alma mater inspired them to pursue leadership roles. “This place makes you aspire to your best self,” Karen said.

Her classmate, AJ Jenkins ’75, reminisced about being one of the first male students after Mary Washington went co-ed. “We had a true feeling of brotherhood,” he said of the 11 young men who lived together on Trench Hill, now the location of the Jepson Alumni Executive Center.

After attending the Class of 1975’s 50th reunion dinner in the building and reconnecting with his female classmates, AJ said, “I found myself thinking what strong women graduated from Mary Washington and how I benefited from going to school with them.”

From left to right: Artist Nicole Horn poses with Professor Emerita of Art Carole Garmon, Dean of Student Life Emeritus Cedric Rucker ’81, and UMW President Troy Paino after the unveiling of Cedric’s portrait inside the Cedric Rucker University Center. The building was named for the longtime – and beloved – Mary Washington administrator. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Members of the staff, including Director of First Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg ’08 (front), and the Alumni Association Board of Directors clap for Rucker following the unveiling of his portrait. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Live entertainment by the 10 Spot was part of the all-class party festivities during the 2025 Mary Washington Reunion Weekend. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Alumni take part in a Virginia wine, beer, and cider tasting outside of Monroe Hall. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
A group of Mary Washington alumni pose for a photo on Campus Walk during the recent Reunion Weekend. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
From left to right: Mary Washington alumni Karmel James ’13, Sean Lynch ’95, Vicki Sprague Ravenel ’77, and Alumni Association Board of Directors President James Llewellyn ’87 join Kelly Paino, wife of UMW President Troy Paino, and Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement and UMW Foundation Executive Director Katie Turcotte during the 2025 Reunion Weekend. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

On Friday, the University honored Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Life Emeritus Cedric Rucker ’81, who provided visionary leadership in student affairs during his 33-year career at Mary Washington. A crowd gathered for the unveiling of his portrait, completed by Fredericksburg artist Nicole Horn and featuring a wood frame made by artist and adjunct instructor Larry Hinkle ’00. The painting will hang on the first floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center.

“I love the University of Mary Washington … because it has been and continues to be a place that invigorates and works with the community and the region,” said Cedric, who also was the first Black male student to live on campus. “I’ve had the opportunity to grow in so many ways – in so many heartfelt ways – and I’m delighted that I’ll continue to be a part of this place forever.”

More photos from Reunion Weekend 2025 will be uploaded to the UMW Alumni SmugMug in the coming weeks. Learn about upcoming Alumni Engagement events.

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

New Alumni of Distinction Gallery Honors Mary Washington Grads

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A New York Times bestselling author. An Emmy-nominated television host. A past poet laureate. Two previous U.S. ambassadors. The former CEO of Rolls Royce North America. An award-winning chef and restauranteur. And the newly minted assistant general manager of the Chicago White Sox.

A member of the inaugural Alumni of Distinction class, Jin Wong '97 was recently named assistant general manager of the Chicago White Sox after 24 years with the Kansas City Royals. He visited UMW this month to speak with business administration students, student-athletes, the baseball team, and alumni. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.
A member of the inaugural Alumni of Distinction class, Jin Wong ’97 was recently named assistant general manager of the Chicago White Sox after 24 years with the Kansas City Royals. He visited UMW this month to speak with business administration students, student-athletes, the baseball team, and alumni. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.

Those are just a few of the individuals recognized in the University of Mary Washington’s inaugural Alumni of Distinction class, featuring 35 exceptional graduates who excel in the fields of business, law, medicine, arts and entertainment, sports, literature, human rights advocacy, philanthropy, scientific research, higher education, and more. Spanning generations and professions, their accolades can be found displayed on the first floor of George Washington Hall and in an online gallery. The University is accepting new submissions – grads can nominate themselves or others on the UMW Alumni website – and fresh faces will be added every five years.

“For the past 115 years, Mary Washington graduates have gone on to become accomplished leaders in every discipline, highlighting the power of a liberal arts and sciences education,” said Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Mark Thaden ’02.

The new gallery will help provide a fuller picture of the Mary Washington story, Thaden said, accompanying the restored murals originally painted by late art professor Emil Schnellock and his students in the 1940s. “I’m so excited that we are able to prominently display these amazing alumni in one of the most iconic buildings on campus.”

So are the members of the Alumni of Distinction class themselves. Jin Wong ’97, who was recently named assistant general manager for baseball administration of the Chicago White Sox, visited the gallery when he came to campus earlier this month to speak to students in the College of Business, student-athletes, fellow alumni, and the UMW baseball team. He previously worked his way up through the Kansas City Royals organization, serving the team for 24 years, including during its World Series-winning season in 2015.

Nellie King '92, pictured on the cover of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers 'Champion' publication, is the organization's immediate past president.
Nellie King ’92, pictured on the cover of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ‘Champion’ publication, is the organization’s immediate past president.

“Mary Washington holds a special place in my heart,” said Jin, who majored in business administration at Mary Washington and was a Division-III All-American outfielder on UMW’s baseball team.”I’m very proud and humbled to be honored by my alma mater.”

Nellie King ’92 considers the honor a highlight in her much-lauded career focused on protecting and expanding civil and constitutional rights in the criminal justice system.

“My personal and professional choices were distinctly influenced … by the network of friends, professors, and administrators who supported and mentored me after graduation,” said Nellie, who also was shaped by her experiences as president of UMW’s Honor Council. “The University’s emphasis on service to others encouraged me to question, explore, and engage in order to impact individuals and communities.”

Fitz Maro ’11, manager of design technology at Amazon’s Brand Innovation Lab, was one of several business administration majors from Mary Washington’s College of Business to earn a spot on the wall.

“UMW … was pivotal in discovering my professional direction,” said Fitz, who also earned a master’s degree at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Brandcenter. “The expansive coursework I found at Mary Washington gave me a panoramic perspective that continues to be indispensable in my career.”

While several graduates in the gallery continue to live and serve locally in Fredericksburg, some have moved overseas, including 2019 alumni Jalen Brown and Maria Dubiel.

2019 graduates Jalen Brown and Maria Dubiel publish The Francofile, an online project documenting their life and work in France. Photo courtesy of Jalen Brown and Maria Dubiel.
Fitz Maro ’11 is manager of design technology at Amazon’s Brand Innovation Lab. Photo courtesy of Fitz Maro.

Shortly after earning degrees in French and international affairs from Mary Washington, the couple created The Francofile, an online project chronicling their life in France and providing information on going to graduate school and working abroad.

“Everything we’ve accomplished in France bears the mark of the excellent liberal arts and sciences education that can only be found at UMW,” Maria said. “We’re thrilled that our alma mater has chosen to recognize our achievements in this way and thankful for an undergraduate experience that continues to challenge us to realize our potential.”

Alumni can browse the gallery display online or in person in George Washington Hall, and a celebration will be a prelude to the annual Alumni Awards ceremony during Reunion Weekend. 

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