The results will be significant
From generous gifts from alum and partners like Irene Piscopo Rodgers, UMW is able to establish ourselves as one of the premier institutions in Virginia leading STEM research programs. Read more on how UMW plans to allocate Irene’s $30 million gift focused on undergraduate research and scholarships in STEM programs in various programs across the University for new and current students.
Rodgers’ Fellows
The University of Mary Washington has received a $30 million gift – the largest in the institution’s 115-year history – from the estate of Irene Piscopo Rodgers, a 1959 alumna and lifetime supporter. Rodgers’ gift will grow UMW’s undergraduate research program, as students in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and environmental sciences, computer science and math will have even more opportunities to explore their research interests throughout the academic year and at the University’s Summer Science Institute, working alongside faculty mentors.
Alvey Scholars
Rodgers’ gift, and the additional $9 million given during her lifetime, also supports 12 Alvey Scholarships, providing full tuition, fees, and room and board for out-of-state undergraduate students for up to four years.
The Alvey Scholars program recognizes out-of-state high school seniors with exceptional academic credentials. One Alvey Scholarship will be awarded to an incoming first-year student for the fall semester of their incoming year.
Rodgers’ scholars are often inspired by their namesake, who made a name for herself in the field of electron microscopy and helped pave the way for UMW graduates, especially women, to excel in STEM subjects of their own choosing.
If you are a student, learn more and consider applying for an Alvey Scholarship.
Med School Early Admissions
UMW Honors students get a jumpstart on becoming a doctor through a partnership with The George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences. They can apply as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year, freeing up time to focus on the full undergrad experience, from service projects, leadership roles in campus organizations such as the Pre-Health Society and Global Medical Brigades, volunteer work and study abroad. It also encourages them to explore trailblazing research alongside faculty members. Recent projects have included studying a disease-causing parasite found in tropical climates, completing an Honors capstone project analyzing literature through a scientific lens, and researching the cancer-fighting potential of over-the-counter drugs. For details, read how recent students earned early selection to med school.
For current students: Apply to the GWU Med School Early Selection Program
Noyce Scholars
Students interested in becoming high-school STEM-subject teachers now qualify for up to two years of funding at the University of Mary Washington, with the establishment of the Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program at UMW. Funded by a $1.4 million five-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, the Noyce Program brings a nationally acclaimed teacher preparation program to one of Virginia’s historic teacher colleges.
Current and future UMW students and Germanna transfer students – whether majoring in education or not – can be considered for the program, which provides up to $24,000 per student in each of their last two undergraduate years. In return for each year’s scholarship, Noyce Scholars commit to two years of teaching biology, chemistry, computer science, Earth science, math or physics in qualifying schools.
Read our official media release for more information and we encourage students to check back here for details in the fall for details and to apply for the Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. To learn more about scholarship opportunities available to students, visit full-ride scholarships if you are a first-year student and scholarship opportunities for current students.
Summer Science Institute
Founded in 2000, UMW’s Summer Science Institute engages undergraduates in an intense 10-week research experience – in collaboration with their professors and peers – and provides a jumpstart on projects they’ll continue throughout the school year. The chance to publish collaboratively is one part of the appeal to student participants, who are generally asked by faculty to apply for specific SSI projects and who receive a stipend for their work. Just as important is the chance to do meaningful, professional-quality work under scientifically rigorous conditions. This program allows access to a UMW education that delivers high-impact learning experiences for students. Learn more about the Summer Science Institute
