University of Mary Washington Class of 2025 Senior Spotlights

As the Class of 2025 prepares to soar from University of Mary Washington, we turn the spotlight on graduating seniors. These Eagles have spent their college years finding what matters most, rising to challenges and lighting the way for others. Before they take flight, meet some of UMW’s seniors whose stories reflect the spirit of our campus community.

Kaira Otero: The Voice Behind the Mic

You’ve seen her all over UMW socials – on the mic, in front of the camera, chatting with fellow students. Kaira Otero, a senior historic preservation major, has spent the past few years as a University Communications intern, creating positive, campus-centered content like Mary Wash Mic Talks and PS: I Love U(MW).

But her impact goes beyond social media. She’s served as president of the UMW Girl Gains weightlifting club and explored history hands-on during an internship with the National Museum of the Marine Corps. She also earned a spot with the Monticello-UVA Archaeological Field School, a selective program where she helped excavate an 18th-century site once occupied by enslaved laborers.

“Tangibly holding history in my hands after digging it up myself is something I’ll never get over,” Otero said.

The recipient of a UMW Talon Scholarship and a Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) internship grant, Otero’s proudest achievements include making the Dean’s List, receiving an Unsung Hero Eagle Award and being featured in a Mary Washington ad while working in the field. She credits the Department of Historic Preservation for giving her the guidance and skills to make “life-changing” moments like these possible.

After graduation, she hopes to combine her love for history and media to share stories from the past in creative, new ways. What she’ll miss most about Mary Washington? “The people and the place that gave me the confidence to try new things and go after it, particularly mentorship from Sam Cahill in University Communications,” Otero said. “You’ll never know if you never try!”

Yonatan Asfar: A Solution-Shaper Set on Making a More Accessible World

From his hometown in Addis Abada, Ethiopia, to Fredericksburg, Virginia, Yonatan Asfaw brought global perspective and personal drive to his journey at Mary Washington. A computer science major passionate about accessibility, he used much of his time at UMW exploring how technology can improve lives.

Asfaw was invited to the Honors Program and five honor societies; his proudest moments include representing UMW as a Virginia Intern Day ambassador and conducting research on accessibility devices, like hearing aids, for individuals with special needs. Relying on a hearing aid himself, he was driven by a desire to help others access the tools and technology they need to thrive.

On campus, Asfaw stayed active in both academics and service, joining Model UN and Men’s Club Soccer and volunteering at the Gwen Hale Resource Center. Off campus, he was involved with entrepreneurial business ventures and completed three internships, including one with the Federal Communications Commission. He’s appreciative of the Beyond the Classroom and Center for Career and Professional Development grants that helped make these opportunities possible.

After graduation, Asfaw plans to pursue a master’s degree and work with the U.S. Department of Defense while continuing his business pursuits. He’ll miss the cozy feel that drew him to the Mary Washington campus, the friendships he made and the close-knit community. His biggest takeaway for incoming students is to make your time count.

“At the end of your college career, you’re left with what you’ve achieved and what you’ve attempted to achieve,” he said. “Use your time wisely and stay intentional.”

Shadwick Yoder: Leading With Purpose On Campus and Beyond

With interest in civic engagement and a passion for making an impact, Shadwick Yoder spent four years at UMW embodying scholarship, leadership and service. A political science major with a minor in environmental sustainability, he quickly became a familiar face on campus, serving as executive president of Class Council and leading groups like the Ecology Club, Student Alumni Ambassadors, Young Democrats and several honor societies.

Yoder championed initiatives like Narcan access in residence halls, led an active Student Senate, supported University admissions, participated in UMW Theatre and helped shape campus life. “I’ve had the chance to create something meaningful for my classmates to enjoy their time here,” he said. “That’s something I’ll always be proud of.”

His interest in politics and policy extends beyond campus. In his Honors capstone, he explored grassroots resistance to fracking in his home state of Pennsylvania. He also served on the President’s Council on Sustainability, helped plan the Fredericksburg Climate Summit and learned about environmental practices in Ireland during a study-abroad trip.

Yoder earned numerous accolades, including the Gail Madden Shedlick ’78 Internship, Helen D. Gawron Scholarship, UMW Theatre Scholarship and two Eagle Awards, claiming the Prince Woodard Emerging Leader and Outstanding Leader distinctions for his exceptional contributions to UMW.

After graduation, Yoder plans to return to his hometown in Lehigh Valley to teach high school social studies and government while preparing for a future in elected office. While excited for what’s next, it’s the support and generosity of the Mary Wash community he’ll carry with him. “The students, faculty and staff give so much to one another,” he said. “That spirit will always make UMW feel like home.”

Jacob Lohr: A Run Toward a Greener Future

From the trails he runs to Campus Walk, Jacob Lohr has made the most of every step at UMW. The social environmental science major with a certificate in Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) has blended academic ambition with a passion for sustainability and service.

Lohr has served as a captain of UMW’s cross-country and track and field teams, balancing athletics with a demanding courseload. He’s thrived in the Honors Program, served as a resident assistant for two years and earned conference medals in track, including winning the 5K at his final conference championship meet.

For his Honors capstone, he used geospatial tools to study Fredericksburg’s evolving hydrological landscape, applying classroom knowledge to real-world ecological issues. “Being a good learner is a lifelong skill,” he said.

After graduation, Lohr plans to continue his quest for knowledge through travel to Spain with friends before pursuing a career in environmental GIS. He was supported by a UMW Talon Award and a scholarship from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association and leaves Mary Washington with momentum and a vision for meaningful impact.

“I’ll miss peaceful walks on campus and the camaraderie of my teammates the most,” he said.

Maria Werner: Teaching With Heart and Purpose

Maria Werner has spent her time at Mary Washington building connections and giving back, from leading campus tours to tutoring children at a local shelter. An Honors student and elementary education major with a special education endorsement, Werner, who hails from Centereach, New York, quickly found a second home in Fredericksburg.

“From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was surrounded by staff and peers who wanted to know me personally,” she said. “I came to Mary Washington because I wanted a home away from home.”

With a Joy of Teaching Scholarship to help support her educational goals, Werner made her mark on campus in roles that centered on service and student support. She mentored new students as a RISE Peer Mentor, coordinated service trips as a COAR Council Leader and planned events as director of programming for the Washington Guides.

Her proudest achievements include induction into Phi Beta Kappa as a junior, promoting community service through COAR and earning a place on the President’s List every semester. Now, her next steps are taking shape – she’ll begin her career as an elementary school teacher in Fredericksburg City Public Schools after graduation.

“My time at UMW has shown me that the vulnerability of working as a group is worth it to accomplish incredible things,” Werner said. “That sense of community is what I’ll miss the most.”

Justin Woehrle: A Non-Traditional Path to an Exceptional Journey

Justin Woehrle’s route to a degree in leadership and management from Mary Washington may not have been traditional – but it has been remarkable. As a full-time employee, single father of three and online student, he balanced work, family and school with determination and discipline, graduating with a 3.95 GPA. And he made history this year as the first fully online student to receive the Alumni Association Distinguished Bachelor of Liberal Studies Eagle Award.

Woehrle, who has more than 17 years on the job at Dominion Energy, currently serves as manager of electric distribution operations and construction for the West Broad Street district in Richmond, leading a team of 75. His work includes maintaining power lines, coordinating storm response and providing mutual aid across the country after major weather events. Under his leadership, his team recently reached a milestone – one million accident-free working hours.

Beyond his professional role, he volunteers with the Roc Solid Foundation and JROTC, and helps out at his kids’ schools, including speaking on career days.

“Earning my degree while managing my professional and personal responsibilities required significant time management and dedication,” said Woehrle, who’s now pursuing a Juris Master program with plans to attend law school and take on higher-level leadership roles. “But it was a rewarding experience.”

Congratulations UMW Class of 2025!

There are so many stories to highlight! To see more, visit the commencement website and download and share graphics with your family and friends to celebrate. When sharing on social media, don’t forget to use #UMWGrads and #UMW2025; and if you know where life will take you after graduation, consider using #LifeAfterUMW. Congratulations Class of ’25 Eagles!