The spring semester blooms with tributes at UMW, from the annual Eagle Awards and honor society inductions to recognizing retiring colleagues and honoring standout faculty. At its end-of-semester meeting, the University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors approved graduates, granted emeritus status to a retiring administrator, and celebrated excellence among the staff and faculty, including presenting the Faculty Leadership Award. Separately, at UMW’s commencement ceremony, students honored a faculty member with the Mary W. Pinschmidt Award for exceptional impact.
Faculty Leadership Award – Grant Woodwell
Having joined the faculty in 1986, Professor of Geology and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Grant Woodwell has a nearly 40-year tenure at Mary Washington. Following undergraduate work at Columbia University and graduate work at Yale University, he quickly built a remarkable record of scholarship and service while teaching courses in geology, mineralogy, plate tectonics, GIS applications and a very popular first-year seminar. Woodwell now adds the Faculty Leadership Award to his many honors.
He has been previously recognized with the Alumni Association Outstanding Young Faculty Member Award in 1991 and was twice nominated for the SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award. In addition to being promoted to the rank of professor in 1998, he served as chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences for nearly a decade, and then as Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for the past 13 years.
Woodwell’s service on University committees is extensive, particularly on curricular matters, where he has contributed in multiple capacities over several decades. As one nominator wrote, “Without question, no member of the faculty has had a broader impact on the development and delivery of our academic program.”
The Faculty Leadership Award was established in 2021 through an endowment created by the Board of Visitors. It recognizes a faculty member who supports the institution’s strategic vision by leading a major institutional initiative or program, who has consistently and over time provided outstanding leadership, or who has provided engaged or effective leadership during a particular institutional transition or issue.
Mary W. Pinschmidt Award – Ian Finlayson
This year’s graduates awarded Associate Professor of Computer Science Ian Finlayson the Mary W. Pinschmidt Award for having had the greatest impact on the lives of the Class of 2025.
Widely regarded as one of the most approachable professors at UMW, Finlayson is known for his deep commitment to supporting students, both academically and personally. One nominator wrote, “He’s kind and helpful to students seeking advice and assistance and makes sure that students understand the very complex ideas presented in class.”
Humility and patience were the qualities mentioned most often in nominations, along with an unwavering belief from students that – with his support – they could overcome any academic challenge and achieve their goals. Finlayson’s influence has left a meaningful mark on the 2025 senior class.
The Mary W. Pinschmidt Award, the only faculty award selected specifically by students, was established in 1999 in honor of the longtime professor of biology known for her enduring devotion to Mary Washington. It is awarded during commencement to a professor who exemplifies Pinschmidt’s enthusiasm for teaching and connection with students.
Administrator Emeritus – Jan Clarke
UMW considers faculty who have attained the rank of professor or associate professor, and administrators who have served the University of Mary Washington for at least 15 years, eligible for emeritus status, which is bestowed by the Board of Visitors. The 2025 administrator emeritus is Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning Jan Clarke.
Over more than two decades at UMW, Clarke’s contributions have positively influenced nearly every facet of the University. Under his leadership, Heritage Society membership grew, and planned gift commitments increased by more than $100 million to benefit students, faculty, staff and facilities. During his time at UMW, he visited with more than 1,650 individuals across 42 states and also staffed multiple UMW Alumni Abroad trips.
Beyond building relationships and growing gift commitments, Clarke personally invested in student success. His dedication to the University’s mission – and to his colleagues and alumni – was evident through his efforts and service, from travelling across the country to fly back with an alumna to visit campus to driving an hour out of his way to bring something to a colleague. His dedication and generosity leaves a lasting impact on Mary Washington.
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