letter from the editor
When the breeze caught the University of Mary Washington flag being
unfurled for the first time one bright morning this summer, I felt a
slight quiver. It was similar to what I feel each May when hundreds
of cap-and-gown-bedecked students process on Ball Circle to the strains
of Pomp and Circumstance. Both are commencements. Both signify change.
The July 1 flag-raising was just as soul-stirring to me as any graduation
ceremony. The blue banner imprinted with stylized columns and the words
“University of Mary Washington” fluttered in the wind. Faculty,
administration, staff, alumni and guests shared a cake bearing the same
insignia. Like those students who march across the stage, Mary Washington
was graduating. It was becoming a university.
Anna Barron Billingsley |
How overwhelming! How challenging! How exciting!
Similarly, this publication is experiencing a graduation. Most obvious
is the name. It’s still TODAY, but the masthead now includes “University.”
You will notice other changes: an updated design, use of color throughout
and more stories about alumni. Our aim is to pack in as much information
as possible about your alma mater and to present it in a lively, interesting
way.
Even with its new status, most of what we all love about Mary Washington
remains the same – one-on-one interaction between students and
faculty, a close-knit community, a verdant campus.
In the same way, much of what you have enjoyed about your alumni magazine
remains the same – Class Notes, faculty highlights and updates
on campus developments.
This is your magazine. I want it to reflect your interests. My aim is
to bring Mary Washington to those of you who don’t have the privilege
I do of being on campus every day.
I am thrilled to be serving as Director of University Publications and
to succeed a retired staff member who cared passionately about this
institution. I long have worked with words – as an alumni magazine
editor at another university, as a daily news journalist and as a college
writing instructor. I relish the opportunity now to be in a setting
that brims with stimulating activity. I love peering out my Lee Hall
window at students playing games in Ball Circle, strolling down campus
walk or chatting with professors.
I am excited about the new Jepson Alumni Executive Center and about
other buildings planned for both University campuses. I take tremendous
pride in the accomplishments of faculty members and alumni from this
distinguished institution. And, like so many others, I eagerly anticipate
Mary Washington’s 100th anniversary in 2008. This issue highlights
significant moments in the institution’s past and it spotlights
the Centennial Class.
I hope you enjoy reading TODAY as we reflect on yesterday and look forward
to tomorrow. Let me hear from you. Ask questions; tell me what you like
and don’t like; brag about yourself; suggest story ideas. Call
me, write me, e-mail me. Or, if you happen to be on this hallowed ground,
stop by and visit me.
Anna Barron Billingsley
Editor
540/654-1056
Photo by Doug Buerlein