Shelley Hillberry ’10 will represent UMW at the EducationUSA Forum

Shelley Hillberry, international admissions representative and 2010 alumna, will represent UMW at the conference. The forum is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Colleges and universities, including the University of Mary Washington, play an important role in strengthening ties between the United States and countries around the world.  By welcoming international students and encouraging U.S. students to study abroad, we enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. educational system.  Not only do higher education institutions connect future global leaders with the American people, foreign students also have a positive economic impact on the United States.  As the premier study destination for international students, the education sector represents the fifth largest U.S. services export and added nearly $23 billion to the U.S. economy in 2011-12.

The EducationUSA Forum offers practical information and strategies to help internationalize U.S. campuses. Workshop sessions, presented by international education experts, U.S. higher education representatives and government officials, will offer unique and valuable information on recruiting and enrolling international students.

EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State-supported network of hundreds of advising centers around the world.  Each year, EducationUSA advisers provide millions of international students with accurate, comprehensive and current information about how to apply to U.S. colleges and universities.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs promotes mutual understanding between Americans and people from around the world through a wide range of academic, cultural, private sector, professional and sports exchange programs. These international exchanges engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes and emerging leaders from the United States and nearly 170 countries. Alumni of these exchanges comprise over one million people around the world, including more than 50 Nobel Laureates and more than 350 current or former heads of state and government.

The UMW Philharmonic Orchestra will perform its eighth annual Independence Day concert on Thursday, July 4.

The concert will cap a full day of activities at downtown Frederickburg’s Heritage Festival. Last year, more than 6,000 people attended the event.

This year’s concert will include performances by the U.S. Marine Band from Quantico and actors from Riverside Dinner Theater. The Marine Band will perform from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will be joined by the UMW Eagle Pipe Band and Philharmonic violinist Lavar Edmonds in a selection from “Riverdance.” The cast of “Les Miserables” from Riverside will perform songs from the musical at 7 p.m. The UMW Philharmonic, under the direction of conductor Kevin Bartram, will take the stage at 8 p.m. for patriotic music and crowd favorites. At approximately 9:15, the Philharmonic will kick off the fireworks show and will continue playing music to the display.

This year, the Philharmonic welcomes back Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron, a past Celebrity Series Artist and a contestant in UMW’s upcoming “Dancing with the Fredericksburg Stars” event. Cameron’s songs, produced exclusively for her and the UMW Philharmonic, include “One Night Only” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Other featured songs include “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Over the Rainbow” and “God Bless the USA.”

The concert is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The performances will be broadcast live on WFLS 93.3 FM. For more information, contact the Department of Music at (540) 654-1012.

Andy Leonard (in pink shirt) celebrates with his team after winning the Startup Weekend Fredericksburg event on Sunday, June 9. Photo by Matt Armstrong.

During the weekend-long event, Leonard led a team to present CampusIDeas, an app that enables users to store and access their college IDs on their smart phones or other devices. The win is the second one for the app formerly called Campus Connect, which also took first place at the UMW Eagle Start-Up Challenge.

“We want to bring our app to the local college campuses. That is the first step of many,” said Leonard who is already talking with businesses about partnerships around Germanna Community College where the event took place.

The idea, which he hopes will someday spread nationwide, is that students will use the app for instant ID access and businesses can then use the app to advertise their services.

The CampusIDeas team is now automatically accepted into the FredXchange Startup Accelerator and the Made in FredVA “Shark Tank”-style business plan competition Oct. 24 and can enroll in a free eCornell University online course.

Leonard plans to begin a Master of Business program in the fall, but, in the meantime, he is happy to be pursuing a startup business as an entrepreneur.

Athletic Director Ken Tyler (left) and President Richard V. Hurley showcase UMW’s Richard C. Cook All-Sports Award.

The Richard C. Cook All-Sports Award is named in honor of Richard “Dick” Cook, who was the first commissioner of the CAC and served the conference for 15 years before retiring in 2007.

“We are extremely proud and excited to win the Capital Athletic Conference All-Sports Trophy” said UMW Athletic Director Ken Tyler. ”This outstanding accomplishment is the direct result of our talented student-athletes, our dedicated coaches and support staff, and our strong commitment to a broad-based program.  It’s a great day to be an Eagle!”

Mary Washington captured the CAC trophy in men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s cross country, field hockey and women’s indoor track & field on the way to scoring 156.0 overall points.  Salisbury also captured seven team championships, but ended the year with 155.5 points.

UMW also gained top honors in the Women’s Commissioner’s Award chase for the second time in three years, scoring 90.0 points in 11 championship sports.  Salisbury placed second in the women’s sports standings with 85.0 points.  The Eagles tied Salisbury for the Women’s Commissioner’s Award in 2010-11.

In addition to the seven championships, UMW finished second in men’s cross country, men’s indoor track & field, men’s and women’s outdoor track & field and women’s basketball on the way to the school’s conference-leading 12th time in the 22-year history of the CAC.

On the men’s side, Salisbury compiled 70.5 points in 10 championship sports to win the Men’s Commissioner’s Award.  UMW totaled 66.0 points in the men’s sports while two-time defending champion York College of Pa. was third with 64.5 points.

Salisbury collected the championship hardware in baseball, men’s indoor track & field, men’s and women’s outdoor track & field, volleyball, women’s lacrosse and softball.  The Sea Gulls also finished second in men’s and women’s tennis, women’s indoor track & field and men’s lacrosse after finishing first in the regular-season standings.

York, with team championships in men’s cross country, men’s soccer and men’s golf, took third place across the board, scoring 121 all-sport points, 56.5 women’s points and 64.5 men’s points.  The Spartans also finished second in women’s cross country, women’s lacrosse and during the regular season in men’s lacrosse.

St. Mary’s outdueled Frostburg State for fourth place in all three categories.  SMC, which won championships in men’s basketball and men’s lacrosse, totaled 79.5 all-sport points while Frostburg State, boasting a title in women’s soccer, had 73.0 points.

Wesley (48.5) edged Marymount (41.5) for sixth place in this year’s all-sports chase.  The Wolverines topped MU in the men’s standings, 27.5-11.5, but the Saints, who won the 2013 CAC women’s basketball crown, held a 30.0-21.0 advantage in women’s sports.

Meta R. Braymer (center) poses with Joy Crump and Beth Black (left to right), the inaugural recipients of the Meta R. Braymer Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Joy Crump and Beth Black, co-owners of the Fredericksburg restaurant FOODE, received the inaugural Meta R. Braymer Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award for their involvement in the small business community. The award is named after Meta R. Braymer, vice president for economic development and regional engagement, who will retire next month after 23 years at UMW.

Thomas Keogh, owner of Corp Solutions LLC, and Christopher Sharon, owner of Adaptive Training and Consulting Services LLC, received the Virginia Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year Awards. The awards are a tribute to their commitment to business development and to the community where they reside and serve. Keogh also won the state-level award of the same name given by the Virginia Small Business Development Center.

Christopher Sharon and Thomas Keogh (second and third from left) received the Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year Awards. Mary Parnell (left) and Susan Ball work with the UMW Small Business Development Center.

During the awards ceremony, the Center for Economic Development also recognized 11 professional service providers with Volunteer Champion Awards for their service to the UMW Small Business Development Center. The award recipients included Richard Roanelli and Tom Miglas of the Mason Enterprise Center for a procurement technical assistance program; Will Vehrs of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance for state procurement; Heather Rosen of FranNet for franchise compatibility and selection; Lisa Pecunia of Avarra Solutions for digital media marketing; Don Bowler of Zebrareach for traditional media marketing; Teri Tosti of Sonbank for the Small Business Administration Guarantee Programs; Jamie Scully of Cushman and Wakefield-Thalhimer for  commercial  real estate; Debby Girvan of Flair Communications for digital media marketing; Geary Rodgers of Compton and Duling for business legal matters; and Micah Dalton from North Highland Consulting for providing experiential learning opportunities to UMW Master of Business Administration students. Each of the award recipients demonstrated passion and commitment, leadership, proven business success through sustainability and growth and dedication to the community.

The Hon. Pamela J. White, left, with Washington and Lee President Kenneth P. Ruscio prior to Judge White’s receiving an honorary degree. Photo courtesy of Washington and Lee University.

Since 2007, White has served as a judge for the circuit court of Maryland for Baltimore City.

Before that, she practiced law in Baltimore for three decades, with the bulk of her work being cases of discrimination, harassment, benefit disputes, wrongful discharges and equal-pay violations. A talented and tenacious attorney, she became the first woman to be named a partner at Ober/Kaler, Grimes & Shriver.

White, a 1974 graduate of UMW, earned her law degree at Washington and Lee University’s School of Law, where she served as editor of the Law News and a member of the Law Review.

She has served as president of both the Maryland State Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association. A longtime supporter of legal services for the poor, she has done extensive pro bono work and served the Maryland Legal Services Corp.

“In all these capacities, you have been an advocate for access, diversity, integrity and quality in higher education,” the degree citation from W&L stated. “By your own example, you have shown how a lifelong commitment to learning can foster professional success and civic responsibility.”

In addition, this diehard Baltimore Orioles fan has been a celebrated softball player in the Lawyer’s League. In 2006 and 2007, she was named one of the best attorneys in America. In 2007, White was selected as a Maryland Super Lawyer, an honor that involves recognition of extraordinary professional powers and “the ability to leap tall courthouses in a single bound.”

For the institutions from which she earned degrees, she has been a tireless alumna and dedicated leader. In addition to leading UMW’s Board of Visitors, she served on the Board of Trustees at W&L and as president of the W&L Law Council. White continues to be an advocate for access, diversity, integrity and quality in higher education.

White’s award was presented at W&L’s commencement exercises on May 23.

James Fournier

As general manager for the hotel, Fournier will cultivate and lead the hotel’s executive team and manage the hotel through the pre-opening phase into opening and full operations, with responsibility for day-to-day operations upon opening.

Fournier brings 23 years of experience to his role, including 12 years in operations leadership as a general manager with Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott properties. Most recently, he was general manager at the Residence Inn in Alexandria, where he successfully managed the hotel through the construction phase to opening.

During his tenure with Marriott, Fournier received numerous accolades, including the Top Operations Excellence Award in 2010 based on high quality assurance and guest service satisfaction scores.

“Jim is a top performer in the hotel business and brings the level of service and experience to our hotel that both we as owners, and Hyatt as a global brand, will expect from a general manager,” said Jeff Rountree, CEO of the UMW Foundation. “Our goal is to run a hotel with the customer service and friendliness of a Ritz Carlton, but within the body of a select-service hotel product. We believe this can be done and we believe Jim is the right man for the job.”

Fournier has a degree from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass.

The premium select-service Hyatt Place Fredericksburg hotel is located at 1241 Jefferson David Highway.  Upon completion, the hotel will have 93 spacious guestrooms featuring the Hyatt Grand Bed™ and Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper; 2,000 square feet of meeting space; an indoor pool and fitness center; Gallery Menu, Fresh 24/7 and Gallery Market for a la carte items; a coffee and spirits bar; a complimentary hot breakfast; and complimentary Wi-Fi in guestrooms and throughout the hotel.

The Blue Star Museums project, started in 2010, offers free admission to museums for military families.

“Like others of his generation, James Monroe not only served his country, he helped create it,” said Scott Harris, director of the James Monroe Museum. “He fought with courage and distinction in the Revolutionary War and suffered a near-fatal wound at the Battle of Trenton. For the rest of his life he had nothing but praise and respect for veterans. It is therefore especially appropriate for the museum that bears his name to be one of the Blue Star Museums.”

The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps – and up to five family members. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families.

“Gari Melchers Home and Studio is delighted to participate in the Blue Star Museum program to honor and thank those who serve us so well both here and abroad,” said David Berreth, director of Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont. “We hope that our quiet corner of the world will offer respite and inspiration to service members and their families throughout the summer.”

For a complete list of participating museums, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, dedicated to supporting, connecting and empowering military families. The organization hosts numerous morale and empowerment programs, including Books on Bases, Blue Star Museums, Operation Honor Corp, Blue Star Careers and Operation Appreciation. Blue Star Families also works directly with the Department of Defense and senior members of local, state and federal government to bring the most important military family issues to light. For more information, visit http://www.bluestarfam.org.

The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies and the philanthropic sector. For more information, visit www.arts.gov.

Gari Melchers Home and Studio is a 28-acre estate and former residence of the artist Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne. The property, which is operated by the University of Mary Washington, is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. Located at 224 Washington St. in Falmouth, Va., a quarter mile west of the intersection of U.S. 1 and U.S. 17, it is open daily with an admission charge. The museum also serves as the official Stafford County Visitor Center.  For directions and other information, call (540) 654-1015 or visit the museum website at www.GariMelchers.org.

The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library is a National Historic Landmark owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and administered by the University of Mary Washington.  Founded in 1927, it is the nation’s largest repository of artifacts and documents related to the fifth President of the United States.  For hours of operation, directions, and other information, call (540) 654-1043, or visit www.jamesmonroemuseum.org.

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Keith Mellinger received the 2013 Young Alumni Achievement Award from his alma mater, Millersville University.

Mellinger received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Millersville in 1995 and earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Delaware. Since joining the UMW faculty in 2003, he has received numerous internal grants, including a Jepson Fellowship. In 2006, Mellinger was awarded a young investigator grant from the National Security Agency and in 2008, he was recognized with the UMW Alumni Association Outstanding Young Faculty Member Award. In 2010, Mellinger and a Virginia Tech colleague received the Carl B. Allendoerfer Award, a national writing award, from the Mathematical Association of America.

Mellinger has delivered professional presentations throughout the country and in Greece, Italy and Canada. He also has published many articles on both mathematical research and pedagogy in a variety of professional journals.