Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement

UMW Reports Over $14 Million in Gifts and Pledges Contributed in 2025-26

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The University of Mary Washington wrapped up its 2025-26 fundraising year June 30, announcing that 5,434 donors contributed $14,081,090 from 10,912 gifts and pledges. 

A photo of campus in fall with the Bell Tower at the center.
UMW announced over $14 million raised in gifts and pledges during the 2025-26 fundraising year.

Their collective generosity helps UMW uphold its commitment to providing students with a transformative liberal arts and sciences education filled with meaningful learning experiences. These include undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, and participation in arts and athletics, as well as service and leadership activities on campus and in the community. 

“We’re deeply grateful to our new and longtime supporters for their continued investment in the future of the University,” said Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte, who also serves as executive director of the UMW Foundation. “You’re helping students discover their purpose, seek new opportunities, find their voices, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a difference in the world.” 

UMW’s endowment reached $132.6 million, with donors contributing to a permanent source of support to strengthen scholarships, academic excellence, faculty innovation, and the student experience.  

This year also saw a significant increase in donors who recognize UMW in their estate plans, with a 41% increase in new planned gifts and pledges.  

“We believe so strongly in UMW’s mission and the Department of Geography and wanted to give back to this incredible institution that has shaped my life,” said Brian Reagan ’04, a member of the Alumni Association Board of Visitors. He and wife Ashley recognized his alma mater in their estate plan this year, establishing the Brian Reagan ’04 Endowment to support geography majors, while also contributing to the Fund for Mary Washington. “There’s no better time to think about future investment than the present.”  

The University had its most successful Mary Wash Day to date, with a record-breaking $1.34 million in contributions to support UMW students, faculty, and programs. Eagles across the country participated in the 24-hour celebration of philanthropy and engagement, making 3,579 gifts April 2-3.  

Donors generously gave $811,912 to the Fund for Mary Washington, providing the University with resources for student success and investing in faculty members dedicated to maintaining UMW’s reputation for excellence in teaching and mentoring students.   

Gifts bolstered the Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant program, fueling innovative solutions across campus through projects and initiatives proposed by UMW students, faculty, and staff. Recipients included UMW’s Student Alumni Ambassadors to host a professional development conference, the Center for Career and Professional Development to take students on site visits to meet with alumni employers, and Washington Guides for new UMW-branded gear to wear while giving campus tours to prospective students and their families. 

Donors contributed $1.34 million on Mary Wash Day, a 24-hour celebration of philanthropy and engagement, to benefit UMW students, faculty, and programs. K Pearlman Photography.
Eight projects and initiatives pitched by UMW students, faculty, and staff earned Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants in spring 2026. K Pearlman Photography.
Hannah Jadgchew ’27 and other scholarship recipients shared their stories at the annual Scholarship Luncheon and Student Showcase in April. Here, Hannah poses with several of her donors, Mark Ingrao ’81 (left) and Deborah and James Llewellyn ’87 (right), immediate past president of UMW’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.
Kate Stoneman ’26, who majored in environmental science, spoke at last fall’s Celebration of Giving about the internship they completed at UMW, which was funded by scholarships established by donors. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.
Recent graduates returned to their alma mater attend Homecoming in 2025. K Pearlman Photography.
Nearly 600 alumni and their families and friends returned to campus for Reunion Weekend in 2026. K Pearlman Photography.
A group of UMW graduates wearing matching “Kahn Ball” T-shirts in honor of Coach Marcus Kahn celebrate the men’s basketball team’s NCAA Division III win at a watch party in Indianapolis.

Making a UMW education affordable and accessible remains a top priority for the University and its supporters, with 700 donors giving $2.16 million for endowed scholarships in 2025-26. More than 462 scholarships and awards, totaling more than $2.68 million, were given to 594 students during this fiscal year.

Twelve endowed scholarships were awarded for the first time, including the Carrol Adair Gury ’68 Environmental Sciences Scholarship, Donna Frances Drake Smith ’66 Music Education Scholarship, and Drs. Woodward and Herban Undergraduate Research Endowment. Five incoming students earned full-ride Alvey or Washington scholarships for the upcoming academic year.  

Other 2025-26 highlights include: 

  • 1,550 first-time donors, a 5.6% increase from 2025
  • 100 more student donors than the previous year, with over 30 more graduating seniors making gifts
  • A 19% increase in giving from friends (community members, grandparents, and other non-alumni supporters) 
  • A 38% increase in dollars raised from faculty/staff donors 
  • A 7% increase in dollars raised from current and former parent donors
  • A nearly $400,000 increase in multi-year pledges  

The University was also honored with the “Philanthropy Excellence” Award during the 2025 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign Awards, recognizing UMW employees’ strong commitment to giving back to Mary Washington. 

Hundreds of donors attended the Celebration of Giving and Scholarship Luncheon and Student Showcase, where they learned how their investments provide a transformative education for UMW students and experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for their lives and careers after Mary Washington.  

More than 3,854 alumni and friends attended regional network and affinity group gatherings, presidential events, On The Road trips, Mary Talks, and Homecoming, as well as Reunion Weekend, which welcomed 559 attendees to campus in May. Over 600 guests attended watch parties in Fredericksburg and nationwide before UMW men’s basketball won its first national championship.  

“I’m truly inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment of Mary Washington graduates who support their alma mater, along with the alumni team and volunteers who serve on boards and bring these events to life,” Turcotte said. “We look forward to welcoming even more of you in the year ahead. If you haven’t been back to campus in a while, we hope you’ll return and reconnect with the Mary Washington community soon.” 

Make a gift for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. 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 Reconnect, Reminisce, and Reflect at 2026 Reunion Weekend

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Virginia Green Bartlett ’01 and Preston Robinson ’99 met at Mary Washington – and even attended grad ball as friends – but went their separate ways after college. A UMW online course they took several years ago led them to rekindle their relationship-turned-romance.

“This feels like home to us,” said Virginia, who returned for her 25th milestone reunion with Preston, whom she married last year. He agreed, adding, “Mary Washington is still such a peaceful place in a hectic world.”

Hundreds of alumni, along with their friends and family, came to the 2026 Reunion Weekend to reunite with each other, their favorite faculty members, and their college home. With sunny skies and balmy temperatures, they participated in parties and picnics, presentations, printmaking workshops, campus tours, beverage tastings, family fun, and trolley trips to Carl’s for frozen treats. They also honored Alumni Award recipients and learned about campus updates, including plans for the new theatre, which broke ground this spring, and the upcoming fine arts and music renovation.

Mary Washington alumni show off their UMW pride during Reunion Weekend. Hundreds of graduates and their guests returned to campus for the 2026 event, which celebrated classes ending in 1 and 6. K Pearlman Photography.
Alumni attend a welcome reception at Brompton hosted by President Troy Paino and wife Kelly. K Pearlman Photography.
Preston Robinson ’99 and Virginia Green Bartlett ’01 became friends at Mary Washington and reunited and married over two decades later. They returned to celebrate her 25th milestone reunion. K Pearlman Photography.
From left: Kate Stoneman ’26 takes a photo of Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life Emeritus Cedric Rucker ’81, Sarah Gildersleeve Strassheim ’01, Rob Strassheim ’96, and Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte during the welcome reception at Brompton. K Pearlman Photography.
Alumni and their families and friends enjoyed the timeless tradition of taking a trolley ride to Carl’s for its famous frozen custard. K Pearlman Photography.
From left: Young Alumni Council members Hollis Cobb ’23 and Alexis Kochanski ’22, UMW Advancement Specialist Sophia Weldi-Miller ’22, and Student Alumni Ambassador Allie Davis ’27 at the wine, beer, and cider tasting. K Pearlman Photography.
1990s alumni take a selfie during the Virginia wine, beer, and cider tasting at Reunion Weekend. K Pearlman Photography.
Two alumnae share a hug at the welcome reception at Brompton during Reunion Weekend. K Pearlman Photography.
Alumni of all ages dance the night away at the all-class party during Reunion Weekend. K Pearlman Photography.
Alumni had the opportunity to screenprint Mary Washington bags during a popular Alumni College session with Assistant Professor of Studio Art Coorain Devin. K Pearlman Photography.

New activities included a live recording of UMW President Troy Paino’s What Matters Most podcast, a student journalism gathering, a retired faculty and staff reception, and a “Bites and Sites” dinner that culminated with a lively karaoke party at Palmieri Plaza.

Graduates across the generations spent the weekend reconnecting, reminiscing, and reflecting on the past while hearing about Mary Washington’s many accolades today. Alumni were proud to learn that UMW has consistently ranked in U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Fiske Guide to Colleges, and more. They were also pleased that their alma mater has remained true to its mission as a public liberal arts and sciences university.

“It’s invigorating to be back,” said Carolyn Crum Pannu ’61, who, with classmates Lloyd Tilton Backstrom and Pat Scott Peck, marveled at the beauty of the campus where they met seven decades ago.

Rob Strassheim ’96 praised the University for “remaining committed to its traditions while balancing the needs of future students and the Fredericksburg community.”

“I want to ensure that this institution thrives,” said Irene Thomaidis Roberts ’86, who chatted excitedly with her friends about the UMW men’s basketball team winning its first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship this spring.

1976 alumnae celebrate their 50th milestone reunion at their class dinner in the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. K Pearlman Photography.
Alumni stop in front of Lee Hall during a student-led tour of campus. K Pearlman Photography.
Michelle Lesko Parker ’91 learns how to screenprint a Mary Washington bag during an Alumni College session taught by Assistant Director of Studio Art Coorain Devin. K Pearlman Photography.
Alumni take a tour of Farmer Hall (formerly Trinkle) led by Reference and Humanities Librarian Emeritus Jack Bales, who was named an honorary Mary Washington alumnus during Reunion Weekend 2026. K Pearlman Photography.
UMW President Troy Paino interviewed Donna Sheehan Gladis ’68, a member of the UMW Foundation Board of Trustees and a longtime volunteer leader at Mary Washington, and her husband, Steve, for the first-ever live recording of his podcast, ‘What Matters Most.’ They discussed Donna’s experiences of attending Mary Washington during the Vietnam War, which inspired Steve’s new novel, ‘The Brides of War.’ The Gladises also made a generous gift to establish UMW’s Center for AI and the Liberal Arts. K Pearlman Photography.
1976 alumnae celebrated their 50th Reunion Weekend and became part of the 1908 Society. K Pearlman Photography.
1986 alumnae pose for a photo during their Friday night class party in the Underground, a popular hangout at Mary Washington. K Pearlman Photography.
For the first time, Mary Washington hosted a reception where alumni could reconnect with retired faculty and staff during Reunion Weekend. K Pearlman Photography.
Members of the Young Alumni Council and Student Alumni Ambassadors, as well as UMW Advancement and Alumni Engagement staff, pose for a photo during the Brompton welcome reception. K Pearlman Photography.
Alumni enjoy appetizers, cocktails, and conversation at the Heslep Amphitheatre, which was the second stop during the ‘Bites and Sites’ event. Designed for 2000s classes (but open to everyone), the event brought alumni to five spots across campus, culminating in karaoke and dessert on Palmieri Plaza. K Pearlman Photography.
A group of 1961 alumnae, who are members of the 1908 Society (for alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more), pose for a class photo in front of Lee Hall during the Ball Circle picnic. K Pearlman Photography.

Alison Haworth Regan ’76 came to celebrate her class’s 50th Reunion Weekend, which made her part of the 1908 Society, honoring those who graduated 50 years ago or more. “We bonded, matured, and grew up together,” said Alison, who couldn’t believe that much time had passed. “But our friendships have lasted a lifetime.”

That sentiment was shared by Geraldine Sargent Habas ’66, who sat in the shade with classmates Anne Meade Clagett and Patricia Bergin Bergman and discussed what Mary Washington was like when it was still a women’s college, before becoming a co-ed institution in the early 1970s. “It’s fun to see the new changes, but we just want to remember when we were young,” Geraldine said. “We’re not so young anymore, but we’re still dear friends.”

Alumni of all ages acknowledged that having small class sizes, close relationships with faculty mentors, and service and leadership opportunities as students set them up for success in their lives and careers.

“Dr. Bulent Atalay shaped the course of my future, challenged me, and taught me how to solve problems,” said Michelle Lesko Parker ’91. She majored in physics and worked for NASDAQ and Liberty Mutual before moving on to managing communications and marketing for a private Catholic school.

Karen Laino Giannuzzi ’71, who studied German, remarked that Mary Washington taught her and her classmates “how to maneuver in the world and embrace differences.” She led a storied career in the U.S. Marines and Navy, handled special intelligence for NATO, and still travels the world in her retirement.

“UMW taught me critical thinking and research skills,” said Kevin Diana ’06. Majoring in political science and music provided a path for him to pursue a federal government career and his passion as an opera singer.

Alumni dance to a live band performing at the all-class party. K Pearlman Photography.
2006 alumni reconnect during the all-class party. K Pearlman Photography.
UMW’s ninth and tenth presidents, Rick Hurley (left) and Troy Paino, at the all-class party. During his remarks, President Paino thanked the Hurleys for their continued commitment to Mary Washington and for encouraging the Painos to come to Mary Washington a decade ago. K Pearlman Photography.
1990s alumnae reunite at the all-class party. K Pearlman Photography.
2016 alumnae on the dance floor at the all-class party.
2020 graduates Michael Gilchrist (left) and Reid Merritt, vice chair and chair of the Young Alumni Council, during the Sunday farewell breakfast. K Pearlman Photography.
1981 graduates Cedric Rucker, Bridget Meaney Weaver, and Lori Foster Turley with Giles Parker ’93 and Lisa Maloney Keyser ’05 at the Sunday farewell breakfast. K Pearlman Photography.

Many of those who returned for Reunion Weekend noted the importance that UMW volunteer leadership roles have played in their lives since graduation.

“It’s a good way to honor the experience we had as students,” said Meganne Lemon ’11, a current Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD) member who helped found the Young Alumni Council (YAC). “We’re using our talents and the education we received here to give back to support current students and our fellow alumni.”

AABOD member Lori Foster Turley ’81 noted that coming to Reunion Weekend and other gatherings help alumni stay connected with old friends and make new ones.

That’s the case for Ray Celeste Tanner ’16, a longtime volunteer and YAC member, who looked forward to reuniting with Gayle Weinberger Petro ’79 at the Ball Circle picnic.

“I’ve met many of my closest friends through Reunion Weekend,” Ray Celeste said. “I’m always in awe that Mary Washington alumni, no matter when they graduated, are so passionate about our love for this place.”

More photos from Reunion Weekend 2026 will be uploaded to the UMW Alumni SmugMug in the coming days. Learn about upcoming Alumni Engagement events.

-Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04 

UMW Community Raises a Record-Breaking $1.34 Million on Mary Wash Day

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Cameron Gittings, a senior psychology major and neuroscience minor, is grateful for all the generous gifts made by University of Mary Washington supporters. For Mary Wash Day, she was invited to take over the University’s Instagram account, creating posts and sharing videos that gave donors a glimpse into the fun and hard work that made the 2026 event the most successful ever.

“The appreciation we feel for our donors and the opportunities they provide students like me is something words truly cannot express,” said Cameron, a UMW Student Alumni Ambassador who also helped coordinate activities at the Mary Wash Day student headquarters and the alumni bingo game. “It was so much fun to show everything happening behind-the scenes of this huge event and to encourage everyone to give.”

UMW mascot Sammy D. Eagle and students (clockwise from top right) Cameron Gittings ’27, Allison Olivar ’27, Sophie Hubbard ’26 (the Office of Annual Giving’s digital media and marketing intern), Jo Lent ’28, and Zoe Mueller ’26. Cameron, Allison, Jo, and Zoe are also Student Alumni Ambassadors and helped coordinate student and alumni activities for the 2026 Mary Wash Day. K Pearlman Photography
Students showed up wearing their Mary Wash gear, ready to thank donors for their generosity. K Pearlman Photography.
Students wrote messages expressing gratitude to donors for their Mary Wash Day donations. K Pearlman Photography.
Students played Mary Wash trivia games and won prizes like UMW socks, playing cards, and bento boxes at the Mary Wash Day student headquarters. K Pearlman Photography.
UMW’s Pep Band treated students to a performance at the Mary Wash Day student headquarters on the Cedric Rucker University Center patio. K Pearlman Photography.
Students – and their dogs – turned up at the Mary Wash Day student headquarters to take photos, make gifts, and write thank you notes to their donors. K Pearlman Photography.
UMW students pose with the Mary Wash Day sign in front of the Cedric Rucker University Center. K Pearlman Photography.

The entire Mary Washington community helped crush participation goals throughout the 24-hour celebration of philanthropy and engagement, with $1,347,438 raised to support UMW students, faculty, and programs. A total of 2,577 donors made 3,579 gifts during the ninth annual event, held March 25 to 26 from noon to noon, benefiting 135 different areas across the University, including academics, arts, athletics, service, career, and cultural programs.

Alumni, families, friends, faculty, staff, and students unlocked over $800,000 in challenges and matches sponsored by generous donors. Their collective efforts doubled and even tripled the impact of each gift, making a Mary Washington education more accessible and affordable for students.

“Reaching this milestone reflects far more than financial success,” said Executive Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando ’14. She noted that giving from parents of alumni and from current faculty more than doubled from last year, while friend giving saw an increase in dollar amounts and gift counts over 2025. “It highlights the UMW community’s deep dedication to supporting and strengthening the University’s mission.”

The unrestricted Fund for Mary Washington received the most funds, which will help the University continue to provide students access to a leading liberal arts and sciences education, small class sizes, personal relationships with professors, and low student debt upon graduation.

Other popular designations included Friends of Belmont, UMW Theatre, the Soccer Complex Fund, Men’s and Women’s Tennis and Lacrosse, the Geography Alumni Scholarship, and the College of Business’ Bloomberg Lab Fund.

Students posed for photos with UMW mascot Sammy D. Eagle at the Mary Wash Day student headquarters at the Cedric Rucker University Center. K Pearlman Photography.
Donors contributed $1.34 million on Mary Wash Day, a 24-hour celebration of philanthropy and engagement, to benefit UMW students, faculty, and programs. K Pearlman Photography.
UMW women’s lacrosse players pose for a photo after making a $5 donation to pie faculty, staff, and student volunteers in the face. K Pearlman Photography.
Students had the opportunity to pie UMW faculty, staff, and student volunteers in the face after making a $5 donation on Mary Wash Day. K Pearlman Photography.
Students enjoyed Mary Wash Day-themed treats made by UMW Dining. K Pearlman Photography.
The Richmond Alumni Regional Network (seen here) hosted a happy hour at Väsen Brewing in Forest Hill, while the Fredericksburg Alumni Regional Network hosted a bingo game in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom.

While Devils (those who graduate in odd years) earned the most points during the 100th anniversary celebration of Devil-Goat Day in April, Goats (those who graduate in even years) made the most contributions during Mary Wash Day, with 939 gifts to the Devils’ 781 donations. As the Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge wraps up this week, alumni are encouraged to report their giving and engagement to help Team Devil and Team Goat. The winning team will be announced Saturday at the all-class party during Reunion Weekend.

Mary Wash Day festivities kicked off with a celebration on the patio of the Cedric Rucker University Center, which served as the student headquarters. Students played games, won prizes, took photos with UMW mascot Sammy D. Eagle, made gifts, and wrote thank you notes to the donors who made their Mary Washington education possible. They also were treated to a UMW Pep Band performance and gave $5 donations to pie faculty, staff, and student volunteers in the face.

In the evening, the Alumni Regional Networks in Fredericksburg and Richmond held celebrations. The following day, President Paino recorded a message of gratitude and preliminary totals with Mary Washington graduates across the generations who gathered at an alumni event in Cary, North Carolina.

Mary Wash Day highlights include:

  • 2026 marks the second year Mary Wash Day surpassed the million-dollar mark.
  • Alumni and students from almost every class year since 1950 made gifts.
  • Giving by friends of Mary Washington increased 5% in dollars raised and 8% in gift count from 2025.
  • Giving by parents of alumni increased 53% from 2025.
  • Giving by current faculty increased 56% from 2025.
  • The classes that made the most gifts were 2004, 2014, 2025, 1994, and 1982.
  • The classes that raised the most funds were 1971, 1969, 1974, 1984, and 1977.
  • The classes with the most donors were 2020, 2025, 2024, 2010, and 2017.

If you missed Mary Wash Day or want to support UMW students even more, there’s still time. The University’s giving year ends on June 30, and online gifts can be made at umw.edu/gift.

-This article was written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04

Taking Flight

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Alumna’s veterans scholarship gives former airman his wings

A photo of a UMW student who is a U.S. Army veteran in fatigues in front of a helicopter when he was still on active duty.
Evan Fletcher ’26, a U.S. Army veteran, majored in biology at the University of Mary Washington with the support of the Col. Patricia Hess Jernigan ’64 Veterans Scholarship and other awards. Photo courtesy of Evan Fletcher.

As a teenager, Evan Fletcher ’26 spent a summer working for the University of Mary Washington facilities department. Doing construction alongside a UMW student majoring in biology helped him begin laying building blocks for his own future.

“Hearing him talk about scientific breakthroughs sparked an interest in me to pursue this field of study,” Evan said.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army right after high school, becoming a helicopter pilot. But he never forgot the conversations he had with his construction crew co-worker at UMW. Eventually, Evan was medically discharged and returned home to Spotsylvania and Mary Washington, this time as a student.

Now a biology major himself, Evan is grateful for the generous donors who established the Roland J. and Frances Holsclaw Brown; Thomas Lee Johnson, Ph.D.; and Biology scholarships. He’s also the first-ever recipient of the Col. Patricia Hess Jernigan ’64 Veterans Scholarship, created by an alumna who passed away in January.

“I’m sorry we never had the chance to meet, but Col. Jernigan made a tremendous impact on my life,” said Evan, who was, coincidentally, stationed in his donor’s hometown of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, during his service.

Evan has enjoyed learning from UMW professors like Andrew Dolby – he’s conducting field research with him on the rapid urbanization effects on downy woodpecker populations this spring – and providing a student perspective on the Bachelor of Liberal Studies committee.

He also connects with fellow service members in the Veteran’s Resource Center on the first floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center. “It’s a big blessing for the campus,” he said.

With his military experience and biology background – and the security and conflict studies minor he recently added – Evan hopes to work for the federal government, preventing biological warfare or embarking on a career in conservation biology. Wherever he lands, he’ll remain thankful for the private support that made his UMW education possible.

“College would not have been a reality for me without the donors who’ve given back,” Evan said. “In the future, I hope I’ll be able to make similar donations to help veteran students like me.”

For information about supporting student success through scholarships now and through your estate plans, email Executive Director of Gift Planning and Major Gifts Jeremy Vaughn ’08 or call 540-654-2063.

This article was written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04 and originally ran in the Spring 2026 Gift Planning Connections newsletter. 

UMW Spanish, International Affairs Major Fosters Campus and Cultural Community

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University of Mary Washington senior Olivia-Lena De Veaux has traveled to Mexico, Guatemala, and the Czech Republic since coming to college. The trio of trips has instilled confidence and curiosity, she said, but she loves coming back to a campus that feels like home.

“You can’t walk between Combs and Jepson Halls without seeing someone you know,” said Olivia-Lena, a double major in Spanish and international affairs from Falls Church, Virginia. “It’s a place overflowing with opportunities to try new things, meet new people, and grow into the best version of yourself.”

That’s what Olivia-Lena, who graduates next month, has been doing at UMW over the past four years. Her academic pursuits have given her the chance to study abroad and complete an internship overseas, courtesy of the Gail Madden Shedlick ’78 Scholarship. Meanwhile, her activities on campus – including serving as Inter-Club Association president – have instilled leadership skills she’ll carry into her career and life after Mary Washington.

UMW Spanish and international affairs major Olivia-Lena De Veaux had the opportunity to study abroad in Mexico and Guatemala as well as complete a summer internship in Prague (where she visited the National Museum, seen here), thanks to the Gail Madden Shedlick ’78 Scholarship. Photo courtesy of Olivia-Lena De Veaux.
Olivia-Lena poses for a photo in Oaxaca, Mexico, with her host mother, Martha, and Martha’s son, Nacho, before returning to the United States. Photo courtesy of Olivia-Lena De Veaux.
Olivia-Lena poses for a photo with UMW President Troy Paino and friend Blake Bauer ’26 during an ice cream social at Brompton. Photo courtesy of Olivia-Lena De Veaux.
Olivia-Lena in Kutná Hora, a Czech Republic province and a UNESCO World Heritage site, during her internship abroad. Photo courtesy of Olivia-Lena De Veaux.
Olivia-Lena, before speaking at the Celebration of Giving last fall, posing for a photo with Student Alumni Ambassador Cameron Gittings ’27. K Pearlman Photography.
Olivia-Lena with friends Jorge and Alicia watching a soccer game in Guatemala. Photo courtesy of Olivia-Lena De Veaux.

“These roles taught me that involvement fuels success,” said Olivia-Lena, who also became a NEST coordinator and peer mentor for New Student Programs and the front desk manager for UMW’s Office of Student Activities and Engagement. “I’ve seen firsthand how being connected to your peers and your campus can transform a student’s confidence and trajectory – my own included.”

As a high school student, she toured college campuses across the Commonwealth and beyond, but something about Mary Washington stood out. “It was vibes; a gut feeling,” she said. “I chose to come here because UMW radiated a sense of belonging.”

Part of that, she said, came from the Impact Program, which offers experiential learning for first-year students, helping them gain unique skills, networking opportunities, and knowledge through service and volunteer work and community and civic engagement. “It gave me the chance to connect with other students who share my values.”

Olivia-Lena also connected with Professor of Spanish Jeremy Larochelle, who oversees the program. Courses like Ideas on Nature in Latin American Literature, which he teaches, inspired her to study in Oaxaca, Mexico, during her sophomore year.

She then traveled with Professor of Geography Dawn Bowen and classmates on a grassroots development trip to remote mountain villages in rural Guatemala, where they learned about cloud forest conservation, community development, and traditional Mayan ecological practices.

“My professors haven’t just given me new knowledge; they’ve given me new questions,” she said. “They’ve encouraged me to stretch my thinking, explore cultures and values outside of my own, and better understand why I’m pursuing the path I’ve chosen.”

That path took her to an internship at a hotel in Eastern Europe last summer. Living in Prague, she navigated professional life for the first time while translating her academic studies into the workplace and embracing a new culture.

Olivia-Lena enjoys a Czech delicacy, ovocné knedlíky, a dessert of fruit dumplings. Photo courtesy of Olivia-Lena De Veaux.
Olivia-Lena and Blake Bauer ’26, who served as student speakers at 2025’s Celebration of Giving, posing in the Office of Student Activities and Engagement, where they both work, before the event. Photo courtesy of Olivia-Lena De Veaux.
Olivia-Lena, who serves as the front desk manager in the Office of Student Activities and Engagement, poses for a photo with UMW mascot Sammy D. Eagle before welcoming students as part of the 2025 NEST cohort. Photo courtesy of Olivia-Lena De Veaux.
Olivia-Lena and her fellow NEST coordinators during a lunch with UMW Dean of Students Melissa Jones, who also serves as associate vice president of student affairs. Photo courtesy of Olivia-Lena De Veaux.
Olivia-Lena was among the student speakers who shared their stories at the 2025 Celebration of Giving. K Pearlman Photography.
From left: Olivia-Lena De Veaux ’26, Martina Nicholson ’25, Shadwick Yoder ’25, Allie Davis ’27, and Amira Said ’26 at a Board of Visitors luncheon, where Olivia-Lena spoke and was voted in as Inter-Club Association president. Photo courtesy of Olivia-Lena De Veaux.

“Because of my scholarship, I could focus entirely on making the most of my work and growth,” said Olivia-Lena, when she expressed her gratitude to UMW supporters at the Celebration of Giving, held last fall by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement. “That freedom made all the difference.”

After graduation, she hopes to continue contributing to meaningful initiatives that foster cross-cultural engagement and have a tangible, lasting impact on others.

“It’s been exhilarating to expand my horizons in ways I couldn’t have imagined four years ago,” she told UMW donors. “You’ve helped create a community where students can belong, dream bigger, and push themselves further than they thought possible.”

Learn more about establishing scholarships and how private support makes a difference in the lives of UMW students who receive scholarships, research fellowships, and internship grants. Find scholarship opportunities that are available to UMW students.

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