Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement

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 

UMW Honors 2025 Alumni Award Recipients at Reunion Weekend

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A few weeks after earning a bachelor’s degree in economics, Jenifer “JB” Blair ’82 returned to her alma mater to volunteer at Reunion Weekend.

The University of Mary Washington's Alumni Association Board of Directors held its annual Alumni Awards ceremony during Reunion Weekend 2025, honoring Rob Eastman-Mullins '00 and Jenifer 'JB' Blair '82, as well as Shirley Martey Hargis '14 (not pictured). Here, they pose for a photo with Alumni Awards Vice President Lisa Maloney Keyser '05 and UMW President Troy Paino. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
The University of Mary Washington’s Alumni Association Board of Directors held its annual Alumni Awards ceremony during Reunion Weekend 2025, honoring Rob Eastman-Mullins ’00 and Jenifer ‘JB’ Blair ’82, as well as Shirley Martey Hargis ’14 (not pictured). Here, they pose for a photo with Alumni Awards Vice President Lisa Maloney Keyser ’05 and UMW President Troy Paino. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Since she graduated, JB has donated her time every year at the University of Mary Washington celebration, so it’s only fitting that she received the Frances Liebenow Armstrong ’36 Service Award during Reunion Weekend 2025. JB also spent more than 20 years working in UMW’s Office of Admissions and over a decade on the Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD), including two years as its president.

“I know the transformative nature of the education here, and I believe in it so much,” she said. It was an honor to receive the award, she said, especially since she knew its namesake, a dedicated former AABOD member who worked in the Office of the President when JB first began her career at Mary Washington. “Having had such a great experience as an undergraduate made volunteering and supporting UMW so easy for me.”

JB was one of several alumni honored at a May 31 ceremony in Seacobeck Hall’s Weatherly Wing. Alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, families, and friends joined UMW President Troy Paino in recognizing the honorees, including Rob Eastman-Mullins ’00 and Shirley Martey Hargis ’14. The recipients were selected by the AABOD and announced by Alumni Awards Vice President Lisa Maloney Keyser ’05.

President Paino delivered a university update, covering changing student demographics, the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education, facilities updates, fundraising successes, student recruitment and retention, and UMW’s unwavering commitment to the liberal arts. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
President Paino delivered a university update, covering changing student demographics, the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education, facilities updates, fundraising successes, student recruitment and retention, and UMW’s unwavering commitment to the liberal arts. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

President Paino also provided a university update, covering changing student demographics, the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education, and UMW’s unwavering commitment to the liberal arts. He touched upon facilities projects like the new theatre and renovation of duPont, Melchers, and Pollard Halls and thanked those who contributed to fundraising efforts, especially the record-breaking $1.3 million in donations on Mary Wash Day.

He touted ongoing student recruitment successes, citing UMW’s 85% retention rate – higher than the national average – and highlighted how the University will continue to lean into strengths, focusing on small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and its robust network of alumni who give back to the University through their philanthropy and engagement.

“We still believe that every individual student matters, and your investment in their lives can have a dramatic impact, not only on them and their families, but on the communities where they’ll work and serve,” the president said. “That’s what makes Mary Washington so special. That has not changed, whether you graduated 50 years ago or just a few weeks ago.”

JB Blair ’82, who has volunteered at Mary Washington for over 40 years, receives a standing ovation as AABOD President James Llewellyn ’87 looks on. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
JB Blair ’82 receives the Frances Liebenow Armstrong ’36 Service Award, named for a late member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD) who worked in the Office of the President when JB was a student. JB, who knew Mrs. Armstrong, later served 14 years on the AABOD, with two years as its president. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
JB Blair ’82 hugs President Troy Paino after receiving the Frances Liebenow Armstrong ’36 Service Award. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
JB Blair ’82 (center), recipient of the Frances Liebenow Armstrong ’36 Service Award, poses for a photo with Barbara Dixon ’82 (left) and her sister, Courtney Blair (right). Photo by Karen Pearlman.
JB Blair ’82 (center) poses with past and present members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, as well as Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Advancement Communications Mark Thaden ’02 (far left, back) and her former colleague, UMW Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski ’94 (far left, front), and Barbara Dixon ’82 (far right). Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Nominated by AABOD member Lori Foster Turley ’81, JB joined the Terrapins synchronized swim team as a student and lived in Framar Hall, then the senior women’s honors/leadership house. She also worked as a DJ at WMWC Radio, which she recently supported with generous donations both to the station and to its Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant.

After graduation, she moved up through the ranks of the Admissions team, eventually becoming dean of undergraduate admissions. She now serves as vice president of enrollment management at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics. JB holds an M.Ed. in social foundations of education and an Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Virginia.

JB spent 14 years on the AABOD and became a director emeritus in 2024. She also served six years on the Washington Scholars interview committee, helping award the prestigious full-ride scholarship to in-state students.

Shirley Martey Hargis '14 received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award during Reunion Weekend 2025. Photo courtesy of Shirley Martey Hargis.
Shirley Martey Hargis ’14 received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award during Reunion Weekend 2025. Photo courtesy of Shirley Martey Hargis.

Shirley Martey Hargis, who was unable to attend the ceremony, earned the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, recognizing graduates of the last 15 years who’ve distinguished themselves serving UMW or their professions and communities.

Shirley has over a decade of experience in security-related foreign affairs and domestic politics of the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan and has worked in D.C. think tanks and government agencies, using her Chinese language skills and experience in high-security work for a U.S. government contractor. She has published numerous articles and provided commentary to Politico, Al Jazeera, BBC News, and Bloomberg.

At UMW, Shirley earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. She was president of the Pi Sigma Alpha national political science honor society and was inducted into the Pi Gamma Mu international honor society, among others. She also earned a Fulbright English teaching assistantship and many other scholarships and fellowships. She is now enrolled in the Harvard Kennedy School’s mid-career Master in Public Administration program.

“Of the more than 4,000 students that I’ve taught at UMW, I’ve never known a student who worked as hard as Shirley,” said Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus, the department’s former chair.

Rob Eastman-Mullins received the Distinguished Alumnus Award, honoring graduates who’ve made significant contributions in their professions and communities, while being leaders in their fields.

At Mary Washington, Rob crafted a theatre management major, blending theatre and business courses and gaining experience as an actor, technician, designer, and director. He graduated summa cum laude with departmental honors and was inducted into the Alpha Psi Omega theatre honor society, among others. He earned the Albert R. Klein Scholarship, and in turn, he and wife Andrea established the Eastman-Mullins Scholarship for Theatre at UMW.

Rob Eastman-Mullins ’00 poses for a photo with his wife, Andrea, after receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award during Reunion Weekend. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Rob Eastman-Mullins ’00, who received the Distiguished Alumni Award, gives remarks while AABOD President James Llewellyn ’87 looks on. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
From left: President Troy Paino, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement and UMW Foundation Executive Director Katie Turcotte, JB Blair ’82, and her family and friends listen to the remarks by Rob-Eastman-Mullins ’00. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Rob Eastman-Mullins ’00 (right) poses for a photo with Professor and Chair of Theatre & Dance Gregg Stull ’82. Eastman-Mullins called his former professor an ‘absolute treasure’ and thanked him for his support throughout his time at Mary Washington and in his career. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Rob is artistic director for the U.S. submission to the 2027 Prague Quadrennial and has spent over two decades creating award-winning scenic, lighting, and costume design for theatrical productions across the country. He has taught at several institutions, most recently as a professor of performance design at Wake Forest University. He also founded the aWAKEn International Scenic Design Competition, participated in theatre festivals in Egypt and Uganda, and has advocated for intellectual property rights. Additionally, he has contributed to over 30 national and international academic presentations and co-authored Scenic Design: A Global Perspective, scheduled for publication by Routledge Press in 2026.

Rob thanked his wife as well as Professor and Chair of Theatre and Dance Gregg Stull ’82, whom he called an “absolute treasure.”

“He’s always been there when I called upon him,” said Rob, who also gave a strong endorsement of the liberal arts education at Mary Washington. “There’s no other state school that I know of that’s like it.”

Learn more about previous Alumni Association Award recipients. Nominations for 2026 will be open in January. 

-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

UMW Community Donates a Record-Breaking $1.33 Million on Mary Wash Day

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When Eagles come together, truly amazing things happen. The entire University of Mary Washington community recently demonstrated that, rallying to raise over $1.33 million on Mary Wash Day to support students, faculty, and programs.

A total of 2,565 donors helped crush participation goals, making 3,654 gifts during the 24-hour celebration of philanthropy and engagement, held April 2-3 from noon to noon. Alumni, families, friends, faculty, staff, and students collectively unlocked hundreds of thousands of dollars in challenges and matches sponsored by generous donors, doubling and tripling the impact of each gift.

2025’s Mary Wash Day was the most successful in the event’s eight-year history, with donors giving $1.33 million to support UMW students, faculty, and programs.
Student giving more than doubled from last year’s event, and many participated in activities at the Mary Wash Day headquarters on the Cedric Rucker University Center patio on April 2. Here, two students take photos at the selfie station with a puppy brought to campus by Old Dominion Humane Society.
A student poses for a photo with UMW mascot Sammy D. Eagle at the Mary Wash Day headquarters on April 2.
Students made gifts to many areas across campus, such as UMW Votes, and thanked supporters for their donations on Mary Wash Day.
At the Mary Wash Day headquarters, students had the opportunity to play games and win prizes, such as an illustrated Mary Wash tote bag, UMW bento boxes, and socks decorated with iconic Mary Washington-themed images of the Bell Tower and Adirondack chairs.
Students participated in a scavenger hunt to find stuffed eagles hidden across campus and win donations to the areas of their choice, thanks to a gift by Beth Craig ’77.
The UMW Pep Band (seen here) and UMW Symfonics a cappella group performed at the Mary Wash Day headquarters on the Cedric Rucker University Center patio.

“This achievement isn’t just about surpassing a financial goal – it’s a powerful testament to the extraordinary commitment of the UMW community to invest in the University’s mission,” said Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando ’14.

Mary Wash Day saw a 58 percent increase in giving over last year’s event and passed the million-dollar mark for the first time in Mary Wash Day’s eight-year history, she said. “This milestone shows that when Eagles unite around a shared purpose, there’s no limit to how high we can soar or what we can accomplish together.”

Donors from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., as well as those from overseas, made gifts to 124 different areas across the University, benefiting academics, arts, athletics, service, career, and cultural programs.

The unrestricted Fund for Mary Washington, which underpins every aspect for which UMW is known and loved – a leading liberal arts and sciences education, small class sizes, personal relationships with professors, and low student debt upon graduation – received the most gifts. Other popular designations included UMW Theatre, the College of Education, Women’s Basketball, Simpson Library, and the Marshall E. Bowen Scholarship, honoring the late geography professor.

“Breaking the million-dollar mark for the first time on Mary Wash Day is a truly historic moment for the University of Mary Washington,” President Troy Paino said. “These gifts directly enhance the student experience, empower our faculty, and strengthen the programs that define a Mary Washington education. We are deeply grateful, and this milestone affirms the enduring impact of our collective commitment to UMW’s future.”

Young alumni pose for photos at the happy hour and trivia night on April 2, sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Alumni Network.
Students celebrate a successful Mary Wash Day on the steps of the Cedric Rucker University Center, which was illuminated in Mary Wash blue on April 2.
Alumni of all ages gathered in the Hurley Convergence Center on the evening of April 2 for a happy hour and trivia night, sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Alumni Network.
The Jepson Science Center was illuminated in Mary Wash blue on the evening of April 2.
For the first time ever, Mary Wash Day spanned from noon to noon. UMW faculty, staff, and students enjoyed a brisk Mary Wash Day walk sponsored by Campus Recreation to kick off the morning of April 3.

Festivities kicked off with a celebration on the patio of the Cedric Rucker University Center, which served as the Mary Wash Day headquarters. Students played games, won prizes, took photos with UMW mascot Sammy D. Eagle, made gifts, and wrote thank you messages to the donors who made their Mary Washington experience possible. They also were treated to performances by the UMW Pep Band and the Symfonics a cappella group, as well as a campus-wide scavenger hunt to find stuffed eagles and win donations for the areas of their choice across the University.

The Fredericksburg Regional Alumni Network held a happy hour and trivia night that evening at the Hurley Convergence Center, and the Cedric Rucker University Center and Jepson Science Center were illuminated in Mary Wash blue. Faculty, staff, and students gathered for a brisk walk the next morning from the Anderson Center to the Bell Tower, sponsored by Campus Recreation.

Other giving highlights of Mary Wash Day include:

  • 2025 marks the first year Mary Wash Day giving has surpassed seven figures.
  • Alumni and students from almost every class year between 1948 and 2028 made a gift.
  • Student giving more than doubled from last year, and the Class of 2025 was among the top 10 classes to make the most gifts.
  • Mary Wash Day saw a 59 percent increase in first-time donors, with 649 new supporters making gifts in 2025.
  • The classes that made the most gifts (starting with the greatest amount) were 2020, 2004, 2024, 2002, and 2010.
  • The classes that raised the most funds (starting with the greatest amount) were 1973, 1968, 1969, 1971, and 1974.
  • Goats (even-year graduates) bested the Devils (odd-year graduates), with Goats making 1,082 gifts versus the Devils’ 851. The Goats also won the 99th annual Devil-Goat Day in April.
  • Giving from Friends of the University nearly doubled, with 290 making gifts in 2025.

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.

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

Chemistry on the Court

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Alumna establishes endowments to support science faculty and women’s tennis

Christy Copper '91 earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Mary Washington and a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. Now a chemistry professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, she established the Christine L. Copper '91 Endowment for Chemistry Research and the Christine L. Copper '91 Athletic Endowment for Women's Tennis at UMW.
Christy Copper ’91 earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Mary Washington and a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. Now a chemistry professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, she established the Christine L. Copper ’91 Endowment for Chemistry Research and the Christine L. Copper ’91 Athletic Endowment for Women’s Tennis at UMW.

When Christy Copper ’91 reflects on her four years at Mary Washington, a few names come to mind.

Ed Hegmann, UMW’s longtime athletic director and women’s tennis coach, taught her about leadership and accountability. Former President William Anderson and wife Jane rooted on her tennis team through two national championship wins. Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Ray Scott helped her secure a research internship that paved the way for graduate school.

“Mary Washington changed my life,” said Christy, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry there before pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee. “So many people cared and wanted me to be successful.”

A chemistry professor at the United States Naval Academy, she believes it’s critical that faculty have access to resources, equipment, and professional development so they can teach today’s students. That’s why she established the Christine L. Copper ’91 Endowment for Chemistry Research and the Athletic Endowment for Women’s Tennis at the University of Mary Washington through her estate plan.

“If you can make faculty feel valued and supported, it ensures a better experience for students,” said Christy, citing other influential chemistry professors she had like Bernard Mahoney and John George. “They were always available to help in the lab.”

Hailing from Worcester, Pennsylvania, Christy and her mother found Mary Washington in a college tennis guide and dropped in on Coach Hegmann while touring schools in the southeast. His enthusiasm for the tennis program, along with the regional scholarship Christy earned, quickly won her over.

At Mary Washington, Christy worked hard on the tennis court, becoming the only student-athlete in the school’s history to play on two national championship teams, both as a first-year student and a senior, securing her a spot in UMW’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002.

During college, she was recognized as a three-time All-America selection and the most decorated player in Mary Washington’s tennis history. In her four-year career, she held a singles record of 114-30, and was named the NCAA Division III National Senior Player of the Year and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 1991.

Through tennis, she bonded with President Anderson and his wife, who invited Christy and her roommate to live in the guest house on the property of Brompton during her senior year.

“They essentially adopted the team,” said Christy, who recalled mingling with faculty members at parties at their home. “It was very cool to feel like part of their family and tutor and hang out with their children.”

Christy (center, in front of trophy) with the rest of the Mary Washington women’s tennis team and Coach Ed Hegmann at the NCAA Tennis Championships in 1991. Photo courtesy of Christy Copper.
Christy has been recognized as the most decorated tennis player in Mary Washington history and the only student-athlete at the school to ever play on two national championship teams. Photo by Barry Fitzgerald/University Archives Centennial Image Collection.

Christy also enjoyed the broad liberal arts and sciences education she found at Mary Washington, taking classes in psychology, geography, and history with professors such as Christopher Kilmartin and the late Marshall Bowen and James Farmer. “It was like story time every evening with Dr. Farmer, hearing about all he had done in his life,” she said.

And she made lifelong friends both on the tennis team and with fellow chemistry majors, while earning top grades and scoring graduate admission to the University of Tennessee. There, she focused on analytical chemistry, a subject she had studied with Professor Scott at Mary Washington.

“It’s about finding a better way to look for a particular chemical in a sample,” Christy said. “In the post-9/11 era, we were looking at poisons in drinks, explosive residue in the environment, and better ways to analyze ink on paper.”

Now in her third decade at the U.S. Naval Academy, where she also serves as the faculty athletics representative, Christy explores human physiology and biochemistry, helping athletes and officers train and perform better.

“I wanted to be at a small school like Mary Washington, engaging in hands-on research with my students,” Christy said. “I hope I can make as much of an impact on them as my professors did on me.”

Now an analytical chemistry professor at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Christy’s research focuses on human physiology and biochemistry to help athletes and officers train and perform better. Here, the student on the bike is being fitted with a mask so Christy and her students can test his maximal oxygen uptake, which is an indication of his aerobic fitness. Photo courtesy of Christy Copper.
“I wanted to be at a small school like Mary Washington, engaging in hands-on research with my students,” Christy said. “I hope I can make as much of an impact on them as my professors did on me.” Here, one of her students pricks an athlete’s finger so a blood lactate level can be obtained to indicate how hard the body is working during exercise. Photo courtesy of Christy Copper.

For more information about estate planning, visit https://umw.giftlegacy.com/ or contact Executive Director of Gift Planning and Major Gifts Jeremy Vaughn ’08 at jvaughn@umw.edu or 540-654-2063.

-Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04 for the Gift Planning Connections newsletter, Spring 2025