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UMW’s Mock Interview Competition Helps Students Build Career-Ready Skills

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University of Mary Washington sophomore Maggie Alt’s strong response to a question about her greatest weakness impressed judges during last month’s Mock Interview Competition.

“I told them I need time and a few conversations with people before I can fully open up and make connections with them,” said Maggie, a historic preservation major, who added that UMW’s Student Alumni Ambassador (SAA) program has helped her acclimate to others more quickly.

Three smiling students in professional dress.
From left: Mock Interview Competition finalists Elaina Dongieux ’27, Maggie Alt ’28, and Zoë Mueller ’26. Maggie won the competition, held every other year for UMW’s Student Alumni Ambassadors to help them hone career-launching strategies and techniques. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.

The confidence-boosting moment – the judges applauded her thoughtfulness – helped Maggie clinch the competition, held every other year to equip SAAs with career-launching strategies and techniques. Organized by UMW’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, it’s one of numerous initiatives that help connect students with alumni whose advice and expertise can prepare them for Life After Mary Washington.

Maggie was one of 20 students who vied for a fictional position planning programming for Mary Washington graduates. Yet, she received a real reward – an overnight stay at a regional alumni event and a recommendation from Katie Turcotte, vice president for advancement and alumni engagement and executive director of the UMW Foundation.

“I was thrilled, knowing I went up against such strong competition,” said Maggie, who hopes to work in urban planning and geographic information systems (GIS). “I now know the mindset I need to bring to an interview and how to prepare for success.”

The made-up job was updated to tie into competitors’ experiences as SAAs and to teach them about philanthropy, said Assistant Director of Annual Giving Cadi Treviño Pinto ’22, who was a competition finalist during her senior year at Mary Washington.

Now the SAA staff advisor, she oversees students who support alumni and donor events, along with planning résumé writing workshops, networking mocktail mixers, and dinners to teach professional etiquette.

These events, along with Network MaryWash – a platform designed to connect students with UMW’s vast network of alumni in various fields – build upon resources offered by the Center for Career and Professional Development to help students strengthen their career-readiness skills.

A panel of judges including (from left) Fredericksburg Regional Alliance President Curry Roberts, Tara Corrigall ’82, and Vice President for Student Affairs Mike Walsh interview Elaina Dongieux ’27, a business administration and political science major. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.
“After going through a challenging round, being able to practice questions that not only relate to your skills and experience, but ones that are more personal, make you feel like a more well-rounded interviewee,” said Elaina Dongieux ’27, seen here with Tara Corrigall ’82, a financial services director, and Curry Roberts, president of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.
2025 Mock Interview Competition winner Maggie Alt ’28, a historic preservation major, shakes the hand of Tara Corrigall ’82, who previously was a member of UMW’s Board of Visitors, the UMW Foundation Board of Trustees, and Alumni Association Board of Directors. A director at a financial services firm, she served as one of the judges in 2025’s Mock Interview Competition. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.
Members of UMW’s Student Alumni Ambassadors watched the finalists participate in the second round of interviews from the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.
From left: Vice President for Student Affairs Mike Walsh, Elaina Dongieux ’27, Tara Corrigall ’82, Maggie Alt ’28, Fredericksburg Regional Alliance President Curry Roberts, and Zoë Mueller ’26. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.

The competition begins with an initial round of questions from judges, who score applicants on their answers, wardrobe, eye contact and body language, communication techniques, and other factors. The top three advance to the final round, while others watch and discuss the interviews during a viewing party in the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium.

“We were impressed to see these students rise to the stressful challenge of interviewing with highly experienced professionals in front of their peers,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Mike Walsh. Serving as a judge with Tara Corrigall ’82, a director at a financial services firm, and Curry Roberts, president of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, he said all three finalists excelled, but Maggie’s personal anecdotes set her apart. “She displayed overall confidence, illustrated her answers with real-life examples, and asked great questions.”

Elaina Dongieux ’27, a business administration and political science major, gained confidence about interviewing for internships and jobs, and delivered a strong answer about personal skills she’d like to develop. “I’d love to learn multiple languages,” said Elaina, who plans to pursue a career in government or corporate law. “It would help me build communication skills while making my workplace a more welcoming environment.”

Zoë Mueller ’26, an international affairs major, relied on her previous experience interviewing for her current internship with the Institute for the Study of War, a public policy research nonprofit in Washington, D.C. She felt prepared for some questions but also knew how to think on her feet.

“Being in SAA has absolutely helped with my interviewing skills,” said Zoë, who plans to apply for graduate programs focusing on the Middle East and international affairs. “This competition gave me much more confidence in myself as a candidate.”

Learn more about the Student Alumni Ambassador program at the University of Mary Washington by contacting Assistant Director of Annual Giving Cadi Treviño Pinto ’22 at ctrevino@umw.edu or 540-654-1153.

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

The Heart of Giving

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Honoring Jan Clarke’s long career and years of meaningful connection and thoughtful giving

Jan Clarke was just a few years out of college when he got a call from his alma mater, a private Baptist school in southern Virginia, inviting him to interview for their first position dedicated to gift planning.

“I didn’t know much about the field, but I enjoyed working with people who were passionate about philanthropy or open to learning about it,” said Jan, who got his start in fundraising as a student phonathon caller.

Jan Clarke earned a bachelor’s degree from Averett University and worked there and Radford University before spending over two decades in gift planning at the University of Mary Washington.
Assistant Vice President for Gift Planning Jan Clarke was named an administrator emeritus when he retired in June, after serving UMW for over two decades.

That job launched a lifelong career in advancement for Jan, who spent over two decades at the University of Mary Washington as assistant vice president for gift planning, after working at Averett and Radford universities. He often met with alumni and friends across the country, helping them shape their legacies while supporting future generations of UMW students. In recognition of his own lasting impact on Mary Washington, the University named him an administrator emeritus when he retired in June.

“I loved hearing people’s stories – what they studied, how a professor inspired them, the lifelong friends they made, and the careers they had because of Mary Washington,” Jan said, “and helping them connect those memories to a gift that could change a student’s life.”

Among the donors he worked with were Marcy Weatherly Morris ’50 and her late husband, Juney Morris ’50, who met and fell in love at Mary Washington when they were both students; a decorated World War II veteran, Juney attended college on the G.I. Bill. Five generations of their family have attended Mary Washington, starting with Juney’s mother, who graduated in 1919.

“Words cannot express our experience with Jan during his tenure at Mary Washington,” Marcy said. She and Juney, who passed away in 2024, made many generous gifts to support their alma mater over the years, including the Weatherly Wing in Seacobeck Hall, the Morris Stage at Heslep Amphitheatre, student scholarships, and a portrait of UMW’s ninth president, Richard V. Hurley. “Jan became our ‘forever’ friend, and he and Mary Washington have been such an important part of our lives.”

Jan with Marcy Weatherly Morris ’50 at the president’s reception at Brompton during Reunion Weekend in 2024. Jan worked with Marcy and her late husband, Juney Morris ’50, for decades, helping them tell their Mary Washington story and support current and future students through their gifts. With Jan’s help, the Morrises made gifts to name the Weatherly Wing in Seacobeck Hall, the Morris Stage at Heslep Amphitheatre, several scholarships, and a portrait of Richard V. Hurley, UMW’s ninth president.
Jan skiing with Dr. Jerri Barden Perkins ’61 in Sun Valley, Utah. He helped Dr. Perkins, who received a chemistry degree from Mary Washington before earning a medical degree, and went on to conduct trailblazing research on rheumatoid arthritis among other accomplishments, establish six scholarships and fellowships to support UMW students during his years in the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement.
Longtime colleagues Jan Clarke and Jeremy Vaughn ’08 outside the Cedric Rucker University Center at Reunion Weekend. Jeremy recently became the executive director of gift planning and major gifts, carrying on Jan’s work of helping Mary Washington donors fulfill their wishes while supporting current and future students through their estate gifts.

Jan, who grew up in Charlottesville, earned a bachelor’s degree at Averett University, where he took accounting, marketing, and psychology to help him build the skills needed for his career. But it was the people – donors, students, and colleagues – who made the work fulfilling.

“It takes the entire team to secure a gift,” said Jan, who helped donors support scholarships, faculty excellence, academic programs, campus beautification, and more. “It wasn’t about the size of the gift. It was about what it meant to the donor – and what it would mean to Mary Washington.”

Jan (bottom left) with Professor of English Gary Richards (bottom right) and a group of Mary Washington alumni during an On the Road trip to Ireland in 2024.
Jan on a camel during his travels to Morocco with Mary Washington alumni on a trip through the On the Road program.
Jan (second from left) with Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life Emeritus Cedric Rucker ’81 (right) and other Mary Washington alumni on a UMW On the Road trip to Morocco in 2020, prior to the pandemic.

As a member of UMW’s Heritage Society, Jan’s own gifts contribute to areas that are meaningful to him, like the Fund for Mary Washington and study abroad. An avid traveler, he visited Morocco and Ireland with Mary Washington alumni through UMW’s On the Road program and just returned from a vacation in Portugal.

Besides traveling, Jan now spends his days kayaking, biking, and gardening. Still a proud supporter of UMW, he stays connected to many donors he’s worked with over the years. And he’s glad to see his longtime colleague, Jeremy Vaughn ’08, step into the role as executive director of gift planning and major gifts.

“Jeremy brings such heart to the work,” Jan said. “He’s thoughtful, genuine, and understands how to build real trust with donors. I couldn’t imagine a better person to carry our mission forward.”

For more information about estate planning, 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 

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 

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

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