Giving to Mary Washington

Your passion is our passion. Help us move the university forward.

Give Now

Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement

UMW Students Thank Supporters at Springtime Scholarship Luncheon and Showcase

Leave a Comment

As a cybersecurity major at the University of Mary Washington, Christopher Walker knows the importance of being cautious in his career.

Yet, the Mary Washington junior, who was initially concerned about in-person college after being homeschooled, has let down his guard when it comes to embracing educational and extracurricular experiences. He’s shown off his cyber skills at the Innovation Challenge @ Dahlgren, helped plan uniquely UMW events like Devil-Goat Day and Rocktoberfest as Class Council vice president, and entertained classmates in epic Star Wars-style battles as part of the Light Saber Duels club.

UMW junior Christopher Walker with his parents, Angela and Charles Walker, at the 2025 Student Showcase and Scholarship Luncheon, where Christopher served as a speaker. A cybersecurity major, Christopher earned the Society for Worldwide Financial Telecommunications Inc. (SWIFT) Scholarship and funding through a Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership grant, which has enabled him to serve as an intern at a local cybersecurity company while earning his degree and engaging in activities across campus. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Edmund Garcia ’26, recipient of the Molly Bradshaw Clark ’59 Scholarship, chats with Emily Lewis ’62 and Anthony Andres during the Student Showcase. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
From left: Director of Jazz Studies Doug Gately, Maria Riegger from the Fredericksburg Woman’s Club, and Mima Manton ’25, recipient of the Henry and Grace Spicer and James E. Baker Community Orchestra scholarships. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Max Puckett ’26 (right), recipient of the Dovetail Cultural Resource Group Scholarship for Historic Preservation, chats with their donor, Mike Carmody, at the Student Showcase. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
From left: Denny Cora ’25, recipient of the June Davis McCormick ’49 Scholarship, and Blaise Wingold ’25, recipient of the UMW Theatre Scholarship, chat with donors at the Student Showcase. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Bonnie Butler ’25, recipient of the Rebecca Culbertson Stuart Memorial Scholarship, poses with her donor, David Burgess. Bonnie, who served as a speaker at the luncheon, also received the Helen G. and Justin J. Piscopo Alvey Scholarship. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

“Your support means so much and has truly changed my life,” Christopher said. The recipient of the Society for Worldwide Financial Telecommunications Inc. (SWIFT) Scholarship, he’s been able to engage in his studies while interning at a local cybersecurity firm, where he’ll work full time after he graduates. “Without your generosity, many of us would not have the opportunity to pursue our dreams and make a meaningful impact in our chosen fields.”

Christopher expressed his gratitude to a roomful of donors at the 2025 Student Showcase and Scholarship Luncheon on March 22. The annual event celebrates supporters who have established private scholarships and members of UMW’s Washington and Heritage Societies who have either given or pledged significant funds to the University.

Attendees interacted with scholarship recipients who showcased their academic and artistic pursuits and projects on the first floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center. Afterwards, guests gathered in Chandler Ballroom for a springtime lunch and listened as UMW President Troy Paino and students thanked them for their generous gifts to Mary Washington.

“I’m always moved that we have so many people here who invest in our students’ lives,” said President Paino, recognizing donors for contributing $14.5 million in gifts and pledges in the last fundraising year. “It’s our hope for the future. Your investment in these students will compound over time as they go out and make this world a better place.”

Merrilyn Sawyer Dodson ’68, poses with her recipient, Katelyn Gueci ’25, who received the Merrilyn S. Dodson/Class of 1968 Scholarship. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Judith Jackson Jones ’68 poses with her recipient, Allen Queen ’26, who received the A. Haskin & Edith N. Jackson Scholarship. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Meredith Walburn ’27, recipient of the Virginia H. Powell UMW Philharmonic Orchestra Scholarship, poses with her donor, Virginia Powell. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Marion Robinson ’25, recipient of the Katherine Edmondson Hopper ’30 Scholarship, poses with her donor, Rita Morgan Stone ’52. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Emily Chen ’28, recipient of the Wilder Family Scholarship III, poses with her donors, former UMW Chief of Staff Marty Wilder ’80 and UMW Foundation Board of Trustees member Vicky Nichols Wilder ’80. Photo courtesy of Karen Pearlman.
Betty Fischer Gore ’49 and her daughter, Carolyn Gore Ashe, attend the 2025 Student Showcase and Scholarship Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Barbara Willer and Ed Morawetz pose with their recipient, Marie Bob ’27, who earned the Christopher Edward Morawetz Scholarship. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

He also acknowledged the $36 million donation – adding that it was larger than previously announced – that Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59 left the University in 2022. The estate gift has exponentially grown UMW’s undergraduate scientific research program while establishing full-ride Alvey Scholarships that support out-of-state STEM scholars like Bonnie Butler, a senior biomedical sciences major who also earned the Rebecca Culbertson Stuart Memorial Scholarship.

Bonnie said these awards have helped her engage in meaningful learning experiences at UMW, such as presenting her research on mytonic dystrophy at professional conferences and treating patients in rural Panama as president of UMW’s Global Medical Brigades chapter.

“While my story may be unique, the doors my scholarships have opened are experienced by every student who has the privilege of having a scholarship at Mary Washington,” Bonnie said. An aspiring physician, she’ll attend The George Washington University School of Medicine after she graduates, through the early selection agreement with the UMW Honors program.

Junior Amelia Bailey, a history and art history major, said earning the Alumni Legacy, Oscar H. Darter, Barbara Diane Hall, and Polly Updegraff Champ scholarships, among other awards, has helped her pursue her academic passions while playing on the UMW women’s rugby team.

“I work hard every day to do my part in ensuring that the generosity of those who truly care about UMW never goes unnoticed,” Amelia said. On track to graduate in December, she’s planning a career in art and museum law.

“The close-knit community here is unlike any other school I know,” she said. “I’m so beyond grateful for the opportunities it will continue to provide me as an alumna.”

President Troy Paino recognized donors for investing in UMW students’ lives and for contributing $14.5 million in gifts and pledges to the University of Mary Washington in the last fiscal year. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
President Paino recognized longtime Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning Jan Clarke, who is retiring in June. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Senior Bonnie Butler shared how earning the Helen G. and Justin J. Piscopo Alvey Scholarship and Rebecca Culbertson Stuart Memorial Scholarship gave her the opportunity to study mytonic research and serve as president of UMW’s chapter of Global Medical Brigades. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
President Paino recognized longtime Associate Vice President for Advancement Services and Operations Catherine Seller, who is retiring in June. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Junior Amelia Bailey explained how receiving the Alumni Legacy, Oscar H. Darter, Barbara Diane Hall, and Polly Updegraff Champ scholarships, among other awards, has helped her pursue her academic passions while playing on the UMW women’s rugby team. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Senior Mima Manton, who earned the Henry and Grace Spicer and James E. Baker Community Orchestra scholarships, sang the alma mater to conclude the luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Find scholarship opportunities that are available to UMW students. Learn more about establishing scholarships and how private support makes a difference in the lives of UMW students who receive awards, research fellowships, and internship grants. View photos from the 2025 Student Showcase and Scholarship Luncheon.

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

UMW Community Gets to the Heart of Giving Back on Mary Wash Day, April 2-3

Leave a Comment

Justin Gerbereux ’97 met his wife, Allison Coleman Gerbereux ’96, when they were on the cross-country team together as Mary Washington students. After they fell in love and graduated, he proposed to her in front of Willard Hall, where she lived during her junior year of college.

The University of Mary Washington will hold its eighth annual Mary Wash Day, a 24-hour celebration of philanthropy and engagement, starting at noon Wednesday, April 2, and concluding at noon Thursday, April 3.
The University of Mary Washington will hold its eighth annual Mary Wash Day, a 24-hour celebration of philanthropy and engagement, starting at noon Wednesday, April 2, and concluding at noon Thursday, April 3.

“The University of Mary Washington has always held a special place in our hearts,” said Justin, who joined the UMW Foundation Board of Trustees to give back to his alma mater. “Reflecting on the many memories and opportunities available to us at this small liberal arts institution, I hope we can sow some seeds to inspire other graduates to support today’s students.”

The Gerbereuxs will give $10,000 to the unrestricted Fund for Mary Washington when 100 gifts are made by married alumni couples during Mary Wash Day, running from noon Wednesday, April 2, through noon Thursday, April 3. Now in its eighth year, this 24-hour celebration of philanthropy and engagement gives alumni, families, friends, faculty, staff, and students the chance to come #TogetherUMW and share their love of Mary Washington.

“This has the potential to be an absolutely record-breaking Mary Wash Day,” Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando ’14 said. “Every gift, regardless of size, holds the power to create lasting impact. When combined, these contributions shape the future of UMW students, enhancing their education and empowering them to make a difference for generations to come.”

Members of the UMW community have sponsored more than $500,000 in challenges and matches, exceeding totals from previous years. Their commitment will double and even triple the impact of each gift, helping the University reach its goal of 2,500 gifts from donors, including 1,200 alumni contributors and 350 new supporters.

Many participation challenges and dollar-for-dollar matches support the Fund for Mary Washington, which underpins every aspect for which the University is known and loved, such as a leading liberal arts and sciences education, small class sizes, personal relationships with professors and classmates, and more.

Last spring, $25,000 was distributed among eight campus projects and initiatives pitched by UMW students, faculty, and staff through the Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant program. More projects will be selected next month by an alumni committee to receive these donor-funded grants.

Mary Wash Day gifts help students have experiences both inside and beyond the classroom that prepare them for their careers and lives after Mary Washington, such as the ‘Are We Live?’ course in the Department of Communication and Digital Studies, which teaches students how to write, film, produce, and broadcast a weekly comedy show.
Contributions to the UMW Philharmonic on Mary Wash Day help students explore their musical passions while providing arts and cultural experiences for the greater Fredericksburg community. Gifts can also be made to UMW Theatre, UMW Galleries, Gari Melchers Home and Studio, the James Monroe Museum, and the William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series. Photo by Tom Rothenberg.
Gifts on Mary Wash Day to Friends of Athletics or to a specific sports program provide critical support to help enhance the UMW student-athlete experience. Contributions fund athletic facilities, competition travel, professional development opportunities, custom-training equipment, and more.
Mary Wash Day donations help keep UMW’s class sizes small and provide high-impact learning experiences such as undergraduate research and opportunities for students to work alongside faculty mentors.
Service and volunteer experiences give UMW students the chance to make a difference on campus and in the community while exploring leadership roles and potential careers. Gifts on Mary Wash Day support COAR and the Center for Community Engagement, the James Farmer Multicultural Center, the Gwen Hale Resource Center, and other entities that provide valuable and meaningful experiences for students.
Mary Wash Day helps students who participate in campus clubs, organizations, and other activities, such as UMW’s Esports team, pursue interests outside of class while building relationships with their peers.

Supporters can also contribute to student scholarships, academic departments, service and leadership opportunities, campus beautification, and more. This year’s goals include:

  • 540 gifts (Fredericksburg’s area code) will unlock $5,000 from Virginia Blackwell ’67 and John Rigsby
  • 1,908 gifts (UMW’s founding year) will unlock $16,000 from UMW Foundation Board of Trustees member Patti Boise Kemp ’69
  • 2,500 gifts will unlock $100,000 from a longtime contributor for the Lynne Gourley Farrell ’62 Fund for Mary Washington Endowment
  • When 100 first-time alumni donors give, UMW Foundation Board of Trustees member Donna Sheehan Gladis ’68 and husband Steve will donate $20,000
  • When 350 first-time donors give, the UMW Foundation Board of Trustees will unlock a $50,000 gift
  • UMW President Troy Paino and wife Kelly will make a $100,000 gift when 1,200 alumni donors contribute
  • A gift from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. will unlock a $10,000 gift from UMW Foundation Board of Trustees member Vicky Nichols Wilder ’80 and Marty Wilder ’80, former chief of staff at Mary Washington
  • The Alumni Association Board of Directors and Young Alumni Council are sponsoring challenges and matches to encourage alumni of all ages to give back to their alma mater
  • UMW Foundation Board of Trustees member Kourtney Whitehead and husband Terrance, parents of a UMW student, will unlock $5,000 when 500 gifts are made by parents of current students or alumni
  • UMW Foundation Board of Trustees member Mike Charnoff ’95 and Katie Valentine Charnoff ’04 are sponsoring a Devil-Goat contest to encourage friendly competition between odd- and even-year graduates
  • Share the Love Challenge: When the Mary Wash Day 2025 video is shared 100 times (from the official UMW Facebook page) by midnight on April 2, Margaret Birch ’79 will donate $10,000

After making a gift at givingday.umw.edu, supporters can spotlight their names and gifts on the donor wall or remain anonymous, and track progress on dynamic leaderboards.

Festivities will kick off April 2 at the Mary Wash Day headquarters on the Cedric Rucker University Center patio (or inside in case of rain) at 11 a.m., with food, games, prizes, a photobooth, and stations for donations, selfies, and writing thank-you notes to donors. The UMW Pep Band and UMW Symfonics will perform, and students can pet and play with puppies brought by Old Dominion Humane Society.

Students can also participate in a scavenger hunt to find 10 stuffed eagles hidden across campus, which can earn a $100 donation to the area of their choice at UMW, courtesy of Beth Craig ’77.

UMW Dining will serve up a Mary Wash Day-themed menu, with frosted blue cookies and dishes named for key people and places on campus. Downtown businesses will offer discounts and incentives for donors.

The Fredericksburg Regional Alumni Network will host a happy hour and trivia night April 2 at the Hurley Convergence Center from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and the Cedric Rucker University Center and Jepson Science Center will be lit in Mary Wash blue lights.

Campus Recreation will also sponsor a Mary Wash Day walk on April 3 at 8 a.m., starting at Goolrick Hall.

Members of the UMW community are invited to sign up as Mary Wash Day ambassadors. They’ll receive a customized dashboard and social media toolkit to inspire others to contribute, and a chance to win an exclusive UMW duffel bag. Those who post on social are asked to tag @umw_alumni and @marywash and use #TogetherUMW and #MaryWashDay.

More information about Mary Wash Day can be found on the FAQ Page. For additional questions, please contact the Office of Annual Giving at umwgift@umw.edu.

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

Give Back to Get Back

Leave a Comment

Prioritize year-end philanthropy to save on taxes

UMW Fall Branded Photoshoot 2023 photo of signpost with blue University of Mary Washington flag against maple trees on College Avenue. During the holidays, charitable giving is a great way to spread goodwill and make a positive impact. Not only does it benefit organizations and individuals that receive support, but you can also earn valuable benefits, such as owing less in taxes in 2025.

CASH GIFTS

Consider making monetary donations to Mary Washington and other charitable organizations before the end of the year. Many employers provide matching gift programs, which may still be available even if you or your spouse are retired. If applicable, obtain a matching gift form from your employer and submit it to UMW along with your donation.

Donating up to $100,000 can fulfill your annual IRA required minimum distribution (RMD). Although you won’t be able to claim a deduction, you’ll benefit from not having to pay taxes at your current rate. Ensure that your administrator makes the distribution directly to Mary Washington.

CAPITAL ASSETS

Assess what you already own, such as stocks, property, furniture, art, coin or stamp collections, jewelry, or other precious metals. If you intend to donate something other than publicly traded stock, a qualified appraiser can help determine its estimated value.

A gift of a capital asset to a qualified charity offers several benefits:

  • You avoid paying capital gains tax.
  • The asset is removed from your estate, which can reduce the tax burden for your beneficiaries.
  • There are savings on the costs of maintaining, insuring, and repairing the asset.
  • You may be eligible for an income tax deduction of up to 30% of your adjusted gross income for the current year. If the deduction exceeds this limit, you can carry it over and use it over the next five years.
  • You experience the satisfaction and joy of knowing your asset is being used in a meaningful way.

ESTATE PLANNING

Now is an ideal time to review your will and account records to ensure beneficiary information is up to date. If you’ve included Mary Washington in your estate plans, please reach out to the Office of Gift Planning so we can assist in honoring your wishes.

LEARN MORE

Visit https://giving.umw.edu/make-a-gift for information about cash gifts, IRA distributions, matching gifts, and direct stock transfers. If you have questions or would like to learn more about giving options, please contact Jan Clarke at jclarke@umw.edu or 540-654-2064. As always, consult with your legal and tax professionals.

– Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04 for the Gift Planning Connections newsletter, Fall 2024

A History of Giving Back

Leave a Comment

Alumna’s gift honors her past while looking toward the future

If Gloria Shelton Gibson ’69 could pick one person at Mary Washington who made the greatest impact on her life, it would be her history professor and advisor, Andrew Buni.

Gloria Shelton Gibson '69 established an endowment for the Department of History through her estate. Photo by John Bambach.
Gloria Shelton Gibson ’69 established an endowment for the Department of History through her estate. Photo by John Bambach.

“He challenged me, pushed me, and taught me to think,” said Gloria, who tracked down her former professor years later to thank him for his encouragement.

She has also thanked her alma mater, establishing the Gloria Shelton Gibson ’69 Program Endowment in History through her estate plan, which earned her a spot in UMW’s Heritage Society. Funds will help history students and faculty attend academic conferences, host guest speakers, engage in professional development, and more.

“I wanted to fund something outside the budget that was meaningful for the department and students,” Gloria said. “If Mary Washington made a difference in your life, you can help a future scholar by making a legacy gift to the University.”

Growing up in Halifax County, Virginia, Gloria learned about Mary Washington from her high school history teacher, who helped her secure a private scholarship. Gloria quickly fell in love with the Georgian-style architecture and green spaces on campus, and the generous faculty who fostered her love of learning. She majored in history, she said, because “it’s important to understand how our country came into being and has evolved.”

Gloria Shelton Gibson '69 is welcomed by President Troy Paino at the reception at Brompton during Reunion Weekend in 2024. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Gloria Shelton Gibson ’69 is welcomed by President Troy Paino at the reception at Brompton during Reunion Weekend in 2024. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Gloria had many special moments at Mary Washington, including joining the Junior Dance Company, serving in student government and as a junior counselor in Virginia Hall, and being inducted into Mortar Board. But one of her favorite memories was performing in an emotional dance called War Widows at the height of the Vietnam War. “Many of my classmates had married Marines, some of whom never came home.”

After graduation, Gloria earned a master’s degree in teaching and taught social studies before beginning a decades-long career in human resources in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It was the right fit for me,” said Gloria, who has also served on numerous nonprofit boards.

For Mary Washington, Gloria has also been involved in the Charlotte Regional Alumni Network and helped publish the Mary Washington Alumni cookbook. She regularly attends Reunion Weekend and has donated to the Beyond the Classroom Endowment, the Class of 1969 50th Reunion Scholarship, and other areas across UMW.

“I don’t think I can put into words how much Mary Washington has meant to me,” Gloria said. “I hope
my gifts show an appreciation for how I was helped along the way.”

For more information about estate planning, contact Jan Clarke at jclarke@umw.edu or 540-654-2064.

-Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04 for the Gift Planning Connections newsletter, Fall 2024

Bringing the Past Into the Present

Leave a Comment

Scholarships help history and Spanish major achieve her dreams

At the University of Mary Washington, Ruth Curran ’25 discovered a passion for social history, researching what a person experienced during a historical event or period.

Ruth Curran '25 earned scholarships to major in history and Spanish at the University of Mary Washington. Photo courtesy of Ruth Curran.
Ruth Curran ’25 earned scholarships to major in history and Spanish at the University of Mary Washington. Photo courtesy of Ruth Curran.

“It shows us how we are connected to people from long ago and can increase our empathy and understanding of people around the world today,” said Ruth, whose own story wouldn’t be possible without those who came before.

She’s especially grateful for the donors who established the Hamlin A. Caldwell Jr. and Joseph C. Vance Memorial Scholarships in History and the Ethel R. Chrisman ’48 Modern Foreign Language Scholarship. These awards have helped Ruth major in both history and Spanish, while working as a yoga instructor and a server in a restaurant to support her family.

“These scholarships have lightened my financial load so I can focus on my education while being a single mother and a commuter student,” said Ruth, who first visited UMW with a friend, not realizing how close the campus was to home. “Hearing about his success here made me feel like I could finally finish my education, which I had wanted to do for so long.”

Ruth chose to study history after realizing how much historical misinformation could be found on the internet. “It’s critical that we look at history accurately and objectively, exploring different perspectives to see things from new angles,” she said.

That outlook influenced her decision to pursue a master’s degree to become a librarian and help the public access information. Her Spanish major will help her interact with diverse communities, she said.

“It’s a career that’s in line with my values,” said Ruth, who recognizes the role her scholarships have played in her present and future. “I appreciate that my donors have invested in my education and empowered me and other students to reach our goals.”

For more information about creating scholarships now and through your estate plans, contact Jan Clarke at jclarke@umw.edu or 540-654-2064.

– Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04 for the Gift Planning Connections newsletter, Fall 2024