UMW Receives International Award for Freedom Rides Tribute

A 1960s-era bus and life-sized historical photos helped tell the story of the Freedom Rides.

The University of Mary Washington has been recognized with the prestigious international “Grand Gold” Circle of Excellence Award by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for its 2011 tribute to James Farmer and the 1960s Freedom Rides. UMW received the top award in the special events category and was one of only 19 institutions to win the “grand gold” award for exceptional entries. CASE received more than 2,800 entries in 40 categories from 567 member institutions, independent schools and nonprofit organizations around the world. The International Circle of Excellence awards program distinguishes outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising and marketing. The work was judged by peer professionals as well as those from outside the educational arena. “In the marking of an event that changed the course of history, I’m thrilled that the rest of the world now recognizes what I long have believed: the … [Read more...]

A Look Back at UMW’s 101st Commencement

NS Graduation 107

The University of Mary Washington graduated a total of 1,193 students during its 101st commencement in a graduate ceremony on Friday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the William M. Anderson Center and in an undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 12 at 9 a.m. in Ball Circle on the university’s Fredericksburg campus. The university awarded 73 master of business administration degrees, 102 master of education degrees, 21 master of science in management information systems, 30 master of science in elementary education degrees, 463 bachelor of arts degrees, 41 bachelor of liberal studies degrees, 80 bachelor of professional studies degrees and 379 bachelor of science degrees. Four graduates received both the MBA and the MSMIS in a dual-degree program.   … [Read more...]

UMW Students Showcase Undergraduate Research

Professor Randall Helmstutler is working with sophomore Claire Gianelle on a calculus research project.

More than 125 University of Mary Washington undergraduate students presented their work at the sixth annual Research and Creativity Symposium on Tuesday, April 17. The 96 presentations came from all disciplines, including the sciences, mathematics, social sciences, art and humanities. In one session, groups of students under the direction of Associate Professor of History Jeff McClurken presented “Digital History: James Farmer Lectures,” “Historic Buildings of the University of Mary Washington” and “Digital History: The James Monroe Museum Political Cartoon Archive.” Other presentations covered a myriad of topics, including zombie films, “helicopter parenting,” soil erosion in the Rappahannock River and the effects of cell phone radiation on genes. The UMW Research and Creativity Symposium is sponsored by the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The symposium showcases collaborative work between faculty and students and celebrates the … [Read more...]

UMW Theatre Ended Season with ‘Hedda Gabler’

Hedda Gabler_web

The University of Mary Washington Department of Theatre and Dance concluded its 2011-12 season with a production of Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler,” adapted by Jon Robin Baitz. Performances ran from Thursday, April 12 through Sunday, April 22 in Klein Theatre. “Hedda Gabler,” set in Norway in the late 1800s, tells the story of George Tesman, a scholar and aspiring professor, and his new wife Hedda.  Hedda’s life with George has left her bored and dissatisfied, so when Eilert Lovborg, George’s academic rival and Hedda’s old flame, re-emerges as a successful writer, Hedda decides to stir up trouble. Little does Hedda know that her desire for an exciting life will lead to an end that no one could have foreseen. Since the first performance in Munich, Germany, in 1890, “Hedda Gabler” has had numerous productions in the U.S. and abroad. The most recent Broadway production, revived by the Roundabout Theatre Company at the American Airlines Theatre in 2009, starred … [Read more...]

James Monroe Museum Receives City Economic Development Grants

museum-web

The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library has been awarded two event support grants totaling $3,000 by the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) on April 9.  Both grants were awarded under the EDA’s JumpStart! program, which stimulates economic development by supporting events and projects undertaken by city businesses and nonprofit organizations. One grant, for $1,000, supports performers at two museum events commemorating the birthdays of James Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe. The presidential birthday event, on April 28, features the performance “I Love My Love with an ‘A,’” by harpist Eve Watters. This lively presentation of authentic sounds from the parlors and hearths of Monroe, Jefferson, Madison and their neighbors reveals glimpses of historic everyday Virginia from a fresh and fascinating perspective. The day-long event also includes living history presentations by Monroe character interpreter Jay Harrison. The award also … [Read more...]

Student Job Seekers Satiated with Good Food and Sage Advice

UMW students enjoyed a recent six-course meal in Seacobeck dining hall.

Students might’ve come for the fabulous fare, but food wasn’t the only thing on the menu at a recent etiquette dinner on the University of Mary Washington’s Fredericksburg campus. Before the meal, UMW events coordinator Susan Worrell issued one important caveat to the 50 soon-to-be graduates: “This is not just a class about silverware.” The students – all prospective employees – joined President Richard Hurley, alumni and administrators in Seacobeck dining hall for a six-course meal served with a lesson on proper table manners and interviewing strategies. The dinner was sponsored by the Office of Career Services and the Office of Alumni Relations. Sometimes it’s the small things that matter most to a potential employer. “When you’re interviewing, every single thing that you do is important,” Worrell said.  “All of your actions are important.” Hurley, who personally delivered small etiquette books to the student diners, said that he … [Read more...]

Fun and Learning Foremost at UMW Play Lab

Play lab Laura Johnson

When senior Laura Johnson registered for classes for her last undergraduate semester at the University of Mary Washington, she added one that wasn’t required—the Play Lab, an education course that gives students hands-on experience working with disabled students. Johnson, a historic preservation and elementary education major with a focus in museum studies, thought the class would be beneficial to her as a teacher. “You can’t control who comes into your classroom,” she said.  “As a teacher, you’re responsible for giving every student the best education that you can, so I thought it was part of my responsibility as a teacher.” The Play Lab, in its third semester at UMW, is a parent resource and clinic for children with developmental delays, such as autism and intellectual disabilities. Bolstered through community donations and grant awards, the course has been cited as a model program by Virginia Commonwealth’s Center for Autism Excellence. UMW … [Read more...]

Experienced Educational Leader Named as UMW Interim Provost

Ian Newbouldweb

Ian D.C. Newbould has been named to the position of interim provost of the University of Mary Washington. Newbould’s career in higher education spans more than 30 years, and includes presidencies at three institutions. Most recently, he served as president of Richmond, the American International University in London, U.K., from 2008-2011. Newbould will serve as the chief academic officer of the University of Mary Washington and will be responsible for oversight of all academic programs, academic planning and budgets and faculty matters. Working with the deans and the faculty, the provost provides leadership of major university initiatives in teaching, research and creative activities and has responsibility for all university educational and academic policies. Newbould will begin work on April 16 and will serve through the 2012-2013 academic year. The University of Mary Washington contracted for Newbould’s services through the Registry of College and University Presidents, the … [Read more...]

Seven UMW Professors Named to Princeton Review’s “Best 300″ List

Best Professors 2012_web1

Seven University of Mary Washington professors have been named to the Princeton Review’s inaugural publication of “Best 300 Professors.” The list of best professors, announced Tuesday, April 3, features 300 teaching faculty members from 122 public and private colleges and universities. Profiled in the publication are Beverly Almond, adjunct professor of English; Dan Hubbard, associate professor and chair of accounting and management information systems; Miriam Liss, associate professor of psychology; Jeffrey McClurken, associate professor and chair of history; Warren Rochelle, professor of English; Gregg Stull, professor and chair of theatre; and Steve Watkins, professor of English. The Princeton Review partnered with MTV to choose “challenging and inspiring” educators from across the U.S. The publication is available in bookstores. “We are thrilled to have seven professors recognized among the top in the nation,” said President Richard V. Hurley. “Our more … [Read more...]

UMW President Richard V. Hurley Receives National Recognition Award

President Richard V. Hurley

The College Orchestra Directors Association has recognized University of Mary Washington President Richard V. Hurley for his support of the university’s collegiate orchestra program. UMW Philharmonic Director Kevin P. Bartram presented Hurley with the national award during the orchestra’s “March Musical Mix” concert on Saturday, March 17. The College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) is the largest professional organization of collegiate orchestra conductors across the country. The award honors individuals within member colleges and universities who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of college and university orchestras. National CODA President Anthony Holland said that Hurley “surpasses expectations as a supporter of the Arts and of his community. It is apparent that President Hurley has demonstrated extraordinary faith in the ability of the UMW Philharmonic to promote the institution as a community partner. He sets an example for … [Read more...]