For Immediate Release: May 13, 2006

UMW HONORS SENIORS AT CONVOCATION CEREMONY

Fredericksburg, Va. – Outstanding University of Mary Washington students were honored during Senior Convocation on Friday, May 12. Smita Jain Oxford, senior lecturer in business administration, delivered the evening’s address. Afterward, the following seniors were recognized:

Amy Katherine Jessee of Wytheville received the “UMW Alumni Award” for demonstrating an outstanding combination of academic excellence, leadership and service to the university;

Paul M. Whitley of Midland was presented with the “UMW Alumni Association Bachelor of Liberal Studies Distinguished Graduate Award” for academic excellence and citizenship;

Carissa Culbreath of Falls Church, Mandy Gabriel of Fairfield, Conn., Grant Lahmann of Olympia, Wash., Frank Puleo of Westminster, Md., Genevieve Sullivan of South Bend, Ind., were given the “UMW Outstanding Student Leadership Award” for leadership and service through involvement in activities and organizations;

Autumn Brown of Elkton received the “Elizabeth M. Baumgarten Leadership Award” for outstanding service to the university and community;

Erin Polk of Midlothian was awarded the “Clara Boyd Wheeler Senior Service Award” for a graduating senior who exemplifies grace, a spirit of service and the ability to change lives;

Kristen Borkoski of Southampton, N.Y., and Shin Fujiyama of Falls Church received the “Alex J. Naden Memorial Award” for students who show a spirit of leadership throughout their college career.

In addition, two employees of the university were honored at the ceremony. Gary Stanton, associate professor of historic preservation, received the Mortar Board “Outstanding Professor” award, Scott Powers, assistant professor of French, received the “Outstanding Service to Students” award from the senior class.

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News release prepared by: Teresa Mannix