For five Washington and Alvey Scholars starting their undergraduate studies this fall 2025, the University of Mary Washington checked all the boxes. It met their major expectations, ranging from biochemistry and biomedical sciences to music and Spanish, while also showcasing picturesque grounds and a supportive campus community, including student clubs and organizations. They will have access to experiential learning opportunities, including internships, study abroad and undergraduate research – all funded through their scholarship.
Likewise, each scholar applied ready to share their accomplishments and accolades, including exceptional academic credentials, extracurriculars, leadership abilities and community engagement. The highly selective scholarships attract National Merit finalists and semifinalists, valedictorians, salutatorians and students that stand out throughout high school. The awards recognize Virginia students through the Washington Scholarship and out-of-state students through the Alvey Scholarship.
Each Washington and Alvey Scholar is admitted to the Honors Program at UMW, enhancing their experience through early arrival to campus and courses selections, including the opportunity for early admission to medical school for those on the pre-med track. As they pursue their undergraduate degree, these students will have a full scholarship, renewable up to four years, and equal to tuition, fees, room and board.
Meet the 2025 Washington and Alvey Scholars at UMW:
Libby Benton is coming to Mary Washington from Chesapeake, Virginia, where she graduated from Great Bridge High School. She’s been an active member of her school’s National Honor Society (NHS) her junior and senior years, and was elected to the NHS reporter position, which consists of organizing events, overseeing communication and helping to run monthly meetings. Benton pursued the German language throughout high school and became a member of the National German Honor Society (Delta Phi Alpha), serving as a class officer both junior and senior years. She also rowed for Great Bridge Crew Club for three years, serving as team captain and student president.
Outside of school, Benton has volunteered her time tutoring fellow students in mathematics and working with Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism to maintain and improve outdoor public areas. She has also worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor. At UMW, Benton intends to explore the natural sciences, particularly biochemistry. She’s excited about the opportunity to perform her own scientific research, side-by-side with faculty. “From the second I stepped on campus, I knew that Mary Washington was the place I would be for the next four years,” Benton said, expressing gratitude for the Washington Scholarship and noting she plans to use this opportunity to continue her education past the graduate level to become a scientific researcher.
Jordyn Chaimiti is from Columbia, Maryland, and is a graduate of Wilde Lake High School, where she pursued a healthcare and EMT pathway. She is a licensed EMT as well as First Aid + CPR + Stop the Bleed certified. She has participated in ambulance ride-alongs as an EMT Pathways student intern and volunteered with the Howard County Medical Center. In addition, she’s earned Foundations of Healthcare Student of the Quarter and the Black Student Achievement Program Awards. Her roles in school clubs include president of the Future Medical Professionals Club, vice president of the Class of 2025 Council, and secretary of the National Honor Society. She also played volleyball at the club, junior varsity and varsity levels.
Chaimiti has attended the Youth Climate Institute as an Ambassador with Honors for the Howard County Conservancy. She co-founded HerCare – a social media account aimed at raising awareness about the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S. and shadowed at an ob-gyn clinic. In addition, she has been a student leader at her church, participating in a Mexico mission trip and serving as student captain for the BridgeKids Ministry. “At Mary Washington, I plan to major in biomedical sciences on the pre-med track. I’m especially looking forward to becoming part of the close-knit UMW community, where I can build meaningful relationships with different students and professors,” Chaimiti said. “I’m excited to engage in undergraduate research and explore different organizations on campus like the Global Medical Brigade, Student Council and cultural clubs.”
Caroline Hopper is from Churchton, Maryland, and graduated from Southern High School, where she had numerous honors, including the National School Orchestra award, the National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Program award, the AACPS STEM Student of Excellence award, and the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Maryland Affiliate award. She also won the Maryland Women’s Singles 2A South Tennis Regional Championship in 2024.
While in high school, Hopper served as president of the Girls Who Code Club, captain of the Variety Tennis Team, director of the Chamber Strings, and section leader of the Southern High School Orchestra. She has been named to the Anne Arundel County Public Schools All County Orchestra and is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. She’s also part of the book club and served as a high school library intern. She plans to stay involved with clubs at UMW and join the Honors Program. An aspiring computer science major, she would also like to be part of a music ensemble at UMW.
Elijah Smith from Arlington, Virginia, graduated from George C. Marshall High School with a focus in physics and Latin. They earned the George C. Marshall Department Award for Latin and attended the Governor’s School for Latin in the summer. They have served as captain of the cross-country team, mid-distance captain of the indoor and outdoor track teams, and as a board member for the International Baccalaureate Student Board.
An avid e-sports student-athlete, they view video games as a learning tool, and as part of the Mason Game & Technology Academy, they designed and created a multi-level platform video game and developed skills in 2D digital art. They have also been a member of the Statemen Sinfonia Orchestra. Drawn to UMW for the beautiful campus, particularly the trees and the community, Smith praised the stellar academics, aspiring to major in physics and classics and concentrate in Latin.
Reed Anderson Ullrich is from Rock Hill, South Carolina, graduating with highest honors from South Pointe High School where he was named 2025 South Pointe Student of the Year. He was captain and 2025 MVP of the varsity soccer team, also running cross country all four years. In addition, he served as president of the Beta Club, was a member of the National Honor Society, and engaged in many community service and employment opportunities.
Ullrich plans to major in accounting and minor in Spanish at UMW while pursuing a pre-med track. He is eager to get connected to the broader Fredericksburg community and engage with local non-profits, extending his interest in community service to his new college hometown. “I was drawn to Mary Washington due to its location and the relatively small size of the student body,” Ullrich said. “I’m very excited to engage in undergraduate research in the sciences and to study abroad.”
About the Washington and Alvey Scholarships for First-Year Students at UMW
The Washington Scholarship is available for Virginia residents, with priority given to those who apply for admission to UMW by Nov. 15. UMW’s Alvey Scholars program recognizes out-of-state students, again with priority for applying by Nov. 15. Several Alvey Scholarships focus on STEM majors, with generous support from Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59, who funded 12 Alvey Scholarships during her lifetime and through a transformational estate gift, leaving $30 million to the University of Mary Washington to fund scholars in science, technology, engineering and math through scholarships and undergraduate research. Applicants are automatically considered for UMW scholarship opportunities, including these top awards.
The application for fall 2026 admission opens August 1.
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