News at UMW
HEAD OF UMW ART GALLERIES PASSES AWAY
by Jeff Branscome
The Free Lance-Star
The head of the University of Mary Washington's art galleries died yesterday after a long battle with cancer.
Tom Somma was in his mid-50s, and had served as the director of the school's art galleries since 1998.
The New Jersey native leapt from a career in sciences to a career in the humanities.
He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Ph.D., specializing in American painting and sculpture and the history of photography.
He won the first-ever U.S. Capitol Historical Society Fellowship in 1987.
FORMER U.S. HOUSE SPEAKER ADDRESSES UMW GRADUATES
Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, delivered the commencement address for the University of Mary Washington’s class of 2007 on Saturday, May 12. In a Speaker-to-Speaker event, he was introduced by William J. Howell, speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.
Approximately 5,000 people, including graduates, family members, friends and faculty, gathered in Ball Circle for the 96th annual commencement.
A total of 1,154 degrees were awarded, including one master of arts in liberal studies degree, 65 master of business administration degrees, 129 master of education degrees, 38 master of science in elementary education degrees, 410 bachelor of arts degrees, 70 bachelor of liberal studies degrees, 56 bachelor of professional studies degrees and 385 bachelor of science degrees.
UMW AWARDS TOP HONORS AT COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
The top University of Mary Washington undergraduate student and four faculty members received honors from the university during commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 12.
Anna Mary Brownfield of Barboursville, Va., received the “Colgate W. Darden, Jr. Award,” which is presented annually to the student with the highest grade-point average (GPA) in the four-year undergraduate program. She finished with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Thomas G. Moeller, professor of psychology, was presented the “Grellet C. Simpson Award,” which is given each year as the institution’s most prestigious award for excellence in undergraduate teaching. The recipient is usually a senior member of the faculty.
Jason W. Davidson, assistant professor of political science and international affairs, received the “UMW Alumni Association Outstanding Young Faculty Member Award,” which is presented annually to an exceptional member of the faculty who has served the institution for at least two years, but no more than five years.
Kenneth D. Machande, assistant professor of business administration, was awarded the “Mary W. Pinschmidt Award.” The recipient of the award is selected by the graduating class as the faculty member “whom they will most likely remember as the one who had the greatest impact on their lives.”
Gail D. Brooks, associate professor of computer information systems, received the “College of Graduate and Professional Studies Outstanding Faculty Member Award,” which is presented annually to recognize an exceptional full-time faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching and professional leadership, and who has taught at the Stafford campus for at least two years.
UMW HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING FOR CENTENNIAL CAMPANILE, MAY 11
The University of Mary Washington held a ribbon cutting for the Carmen Culpeper Chappell ’59 Centennial Campanile on Friday, May 11. John Chappell, husband of the late Carmen Culpeper Chappell, spoke at the dedication, and then was joined by family members to cut the ribbon.
The 88-foot-tall tower was constructed within the traffic circle near George Washington Hall and the beginning of Campus Walk. The campanile matches the traditional Georgian Revival architectural style of other campus buildings. The base includes a fountain dedicated to Chappell’s class, the Class of 1959.
The campanile’s bronze bells were cast in Annecy-le-Vieux, France, at the world-famous bellfoundry of Paccard-Fonderie de Cloches. At the ribbon cutting, the bells rang in the “Centennial Era” of the university, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2007-08. They will continue to ring on a daily basis at noon and 6 p.m.
UMW TO AWARD EMERITUS STATUS AT COMMENCEMENT
Fredericksburg, Va. – Three individuals will be awarded emeritus status at the University of Mary Washington’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 12. Fredrick Davidson will be named Professor Emeritus of Business Administration; Victor A. Fingerhut will be named Associate Professor Emeritus of Political Science; and Ronald E. Singleton will be named Vice President for University Relations and Communications Emeritus.
An engineer by early training, Dr. Davidson’s interests in business include decision analysis, management science and operations research, organizational development and behavior, management intuition and creativity, and entrepreneurship. Having been self-employed as a consultant and trainer for many years, he also taught at Old Dominion University and the University of Virginia. He has been a member of the faculty at the University of Mary Washington since 1986, including a year as the acting chairperson of the Department of Business Administration.
An expert in political theory and public opinion with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Yale University, Fingerhut has taught at Mary Washington since the late 1960s while also remaining active in politics. Through the years he has conducted polls and designed communications campaigns for a variety of political candidates, parties and labor unions, including Hubert Humphrey, Lloyd Bentsen, Paul Simon, the United Steelworkers of America, the United Mineworkers, the New Democratic Party of Canada and the Australian Party.
Dr. Singleton served for a decade as Senior Vice President for Advancement and University Relations, and later as Vice President for University Relations and Communications, at the University of Mary Washington. His responsibilities included the institution’s fund raising, media relations, website, publications, marketing, community relations, alumni relations and legislative relations programs. He also served as executive director of the university’s two 501(c)(3) foundations, with assets totaling more than $45 million.
Recent News Releases
Former U.S. House Speaker Addresses UMW Graduates, May 12
UMW Awards Top Honors at Commencement Ceremony
UMW Students Recognized for Excellence at Commencement Ceremony
UMW Honors Seniors at Convocation Ceremony
UMW Students Receive Top Awards at College of Graduate and Professional Studies
UMW to Award Emeritus Status at Commencement
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