When Kathy Vi ’04 returned to the University of Mary Washington last year for her 20th Reunion Weekend, it was exactly what she had in mind, filled with meaningful conversations, college memories, and making connections with friends both old and new.
“It was a fantastic and focused weekend dedicated to these cherished relationships,” said Kathy, who now serves on UMW’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. “Our college experience laid a crucial foundation for our lives, and the University continues to offer valuable resources, networks, and a sense of belonging that enriches our lives today.”
As this year’s Reunion Weekend chair, Kathy is excited to welcome back more than 500 alumni, families, and friends to Mary Washington for 2025’s Reunion Weekend, held May 30 through June 1. While the event specifically honors classes ending in 0 and 5, all Eagles are invited back to campus to rediscover everything they loved about Mary Washington as students.
Attendees can look forward to a vibrant three-day schedule filled with lively class gatherings, a Ball Circle picnic, guided campus tours, thought-provoking lectures, family activities, commemorative photos, art exhibits, beverage tastings, and more. And no Reunion Weekend would be complete without the time-honored tradition of visiting Carl’s for its famous frozen custard.
“Reunion Weekend is when the spirit of Mary Washington truly comes alive, with graduates from every generation reconnecting with our campus and each other,” said Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Mark Thaden ’02. “It’s a celebration of shared experiences, lasting friendships, and the enduring impact of a Mary Washington education.”
Festivities will kick off Friday morning with student-led tours of campus, the popular wine-pairing lunch, and a portrait unveiling of Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Life Emeritus Cedric Rucker ’81 in the building that bears his name.
Alumni College lectures, held both Friday and Saturday, will feature faculty and staff delving into fascinating topics like the impact of A.I. on higher education, Mary Washington fashion through the generations, and learning how to use a “maker mindset.” The Hurley Convergence Center will cover a decade of digital convergence, and current students will present a panel discussion about life today at Mary Washington. Alumni can also create their own souvenir tote bag in a silkscreen workshop taught by Assistant Professor of Studio Art Coorain Devin.
All alumni are invited to attend a welcome reception at Brompton on Friday evening, hosted by UMW President Troy Paino and wife Kelly. The 1908 Society – honoring those who’ve graduated 50 years ago or more – and 1975 alumni will then be treated to celebratory dinners, while other grads will enjoy class gatherings on campus and in downtown Fredericksburg.
Saturday will feature an early morning fun run across campus, a special breakfast for alumni affinity groups, an alumni authors meet and greet, and departmental open houses. President Paino will present a university update and the alumni awards ceremony in Seacobeck Hall’s Weatherly Wing, followed by the reunion picnic on Ball Circle, along with class photos and a children’s playtime.
During the afternoon, alumni will get a sneak peek at plans for the new theatre and fine arts renovation and can sample Virginia wines, beers, and ciders in Monroe Hall and on Palmieri Plaza, while their little ones watch Monsters, Inc.
Grads and their guests can dance the night away at the all-class party Saturday evening in the Cedric Rucker University Center. The Eagles in Recovery program will also have a support meeting, facilitated by UMW’s peer recovery specialist.
The weekend wraps up Sunday with a farewell brunch in the Jepson Alumni Executive Center’s Rappahannock Grand Ballroom.
The UMW Galleries will also have a traveling exhibit called Self Adjacent, featuring the work of 20 artists examining the transforming experience of parenthood across North America, on view in the Ridderhof Martin Gallery, Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The UMW Bookstore and Simpson Library will also be open select times throughout the weekend.
Register for Reunion Weekend and view the Reunion Weekend brochure. Download the Whova app and search for “Mary Washington Reunion Weekend 2025” for a full schedule of events, updates, and announcements. Follow “UMW Alumni” on Instagram and Facebook and tag #MaryWashReunion and #LifeAfterMaryWash.
-Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04