Great Lives Separator A slash icon used to separate content Support Great Lives Separator A slash icon used to separate content Series Sponsors Separator A slash icon used to separate content 2025-2026 Donors

The following supporters have given generously to keep the William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series free and open to the public. Donations received between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026 support the Spring 2026 series.

Founding Patron

Mr. John Chappell established a substantial operating endowment that enabled the creation of the Great Lives Lecture Series, and his subsequent gifts enhanced the program immeasurably.

Series Sustaining Sponsors

  • Walter Jervis Sheffield
  • Chancellor’s Village
  • Coldwell Banker Elite
  • Davenport & Company
  • Synergy Periodontics and Implants
  • Roxanne M. Kaufman
  • Jubilation by Silver Companies
  • Fred and Barbara Rankin

Program Sponsors

  • Stephen Gaske and Patricia Powers Gaske ’75 
  • Irene and Curry Roberts
  • Jack and Marilyn Farrington
  • John and Linda Coker
  • UMW Dining
  • UMW Museums
  • Yuh Prosthodontics

Presenters

  • Dr. Gary and Tooie Garber
  • The Gemini 3 Group, Incorporated
  • Lila and Alex Mait
  • Joanna Reynolds
  • Joseph Nordsieck and Melanie Ringer
  • Kathleen Nagy Schabacker ’68
  • William and Carol Wachter

Supporters

  • Ed and Joyce Allison
  • David and Lisa Durham
  • John and Rosemarie McKeown
  • Martin and Elaine Miller
  • Archer C. Williams ’88

Friends

  • B. Gen (Ret.) Jack A. Apperson
  • Susan R. Barnes ’87
  • James and Ann Byrnes
  • Kim Conway
  • John and Gaye Copley
  • Bill and Terrie Crawley
  • Barry and Linda Dillon
  • Charles and Laura Fennemore
  • Vic Fingerhut
  • Mike Fray
  • Mary Katherine Goodwin Greenlaw ’61
  • Mike and Kelly Haden
  • Lucy Harman
  • Ralph and Elizabeth Joseph
  • Marc Kelley
  • Peggy Lundry
  • Paul and Ann Lusher
  • Kathleen M. Mahoney
  • Wayland and Melissa Marks
  • David and Nancy Montgomery
  • Carol Mullins
  • Janel and Joseph O’Malley
  • Martin and Ruth Poch
  • Al and Susan Roth
  • Bill and Rindy Sasser
  • Diane S. Shea ’81
  • Richard and Terry Shea
  • Lisa Simmermon
  • Rita Morgan Stone ’52
  • Marjorie Roszmann Tankersley ’69
  • Tom and Jessica Waltz
  • Roy and Lolly Weinstock
  • Stuart and Sylvia McJilton Woodcock ’61
  • ”The Bad Girls Book Club”

Great Lives

Help Great Lives Live On

This compelling lecture series offers insight into a wide and diverse range of figures of historical and cultural significance. These presentations are delivered by eminent authorities from throughout this country — and abroad. Thanks to a substantial initial endowment and continuing annual support from John Chappell, the program is open to the public free of charge and no admission tickets are required. Public support — via attendance, donations, and ideas about future lecture topics — is vital to the continuation of this program.

Give to Great Lives

Weather Cancellations

When the University of Mary Washington is closed due to inclement weather the Great Lives Lecture is cancelled for that evening. To check for cancellations due to inclement weather, visit the Campus Advisories page, or the UMW Information Line at 540-654-2424.