UMW Student-Leader Helps Others Feel Welcome at Mary Washington

May 4, 2026

Sarah Moon

Photo of Ashley Lam in a lab coat in a UMW science classroom — University of Mary Washington senior Ashley Lam, a biomedical sciences major, has remained devoted to student leadership while discovering a passion for organic chemistry. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.

At the University of Mary Washington, senior Ashley Lam has built a reputation for making campus life more welcoming for others by helping classmates and prospective students feel confident and connected from day one.

A few days each week, the biomedical sciences major departs the lab and can be found sporting a blue polo, welcoming future Eagles to campus. She serves as a Washington Guide for UMW Admissions  –  a group of tour-givers who introduce prospective students to college life. But the role extends beyond showing families around the grounds. Many Washington Guides have been trained by Lam herself.

That commitment centers around the student community and reaches all corners of campus. In her role as director of training, she helps prepare current students to effectively engage with prospective families and make them feel at ease the moment they arrive at Mary Washington. Now, as she prepares for graduation in May and a future career in healthcare, she hopes her guidance will continue to inspire the next wave of UMW student leaders.  

“Being part of the training process is a rewarding experience,” said Lam, a native of McLean, Virginia. “Getting to meet future students and help them through the anxieties of starting college life is also very special – you’re with them at the very beginning of their college experience.” 

Lam demonstrates leadership elsewhere  too. As president of the Campus Programming Board (CPB), she helps organize some of UMW’s most popular events, like Bash on Ball – where students celebrate the last day of classes with food trucks and tie-dye – and the annual Block Party concert, which draws crowds of Eagles ready to unwind and enjoy live music together. She’s also part of the reason students are shouting bingo puns on Tuesday nights and singing their hearts out on Wednesdays at karaoke. 

“She has been essential to the planning of campuswide activities,” said Director of Student Activities and Engagement Shannon Finney. “She’s always the first person to help move chairs, call bingo or clean up after a late event.” 

Photo of Ashley Lam in a blue polo inside Lee hall at UMW

Ashley Lam holds a snow cone at a student event outdoors on campus

Ashley Lam in the lab doing an experiment with a fellow student in a UMW classroom

Ashley Lam poses with friend outdoors at 2026 CPB Block Party, one of the many events she helped organize

Ashley Lam sits in a swing at the National Association for Campus Activities conference

Ashley Lam gets food outdoors at a student event

UMW senior Ashley Lam welcomes future Eagles to campus as a Washington Guide for UMW Admissions – a group of tour-givers who introduce prospective students to college life.

Lam participates in First Friday, an event she helped plan through her work supporting campus life.

Lam (left) has done technological-based research during her time at UMW, and plans to work in healthcare and study for the MCAT after graduation. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.

Lam (right) pictured with friend Haley Miller (left) at the 2026 CPB Block Party, one of the many events she helped organize as President of the CPB.

As President of the Campus Programming Board and Vice President of her class, Lam volunteers at campus events such as First Friday, where CPB hosts indoor and outdoor activities on the first Friday of the semester.

Lam attended the National Association for Campus Activities conference, networking with student leaders and exploring new ideas and vendors for campus events at UMW.

Lam (center) works with fellow Campus Programming Board members to host Mary Rocktoberfest, an outdoor Family Weekend concert featuring food and music.

When Lam isn’t guiding prospective students or working with CPB, she serves as vice president of her class on UMW’s Class Council. In this role, she addresses student concerns, particularly those related to campus engagement. It’s a fitting position for someone as involved as Lam.   

“Ashley is one of the strongest student leaders I have ever worked with,” Finney said. “She’s always willing to put in the extra time and effort to make sure everyone feels like they have a home here  –  she just gets it.”   

Now just weeks from graduation, Lam is reflecting on how her leadership roles have shaped her college career.  

“I’ve experienced a lot of academic and social growth, and I’ve built important skillsets for the future,” she said. “The connections I’ve made with staff and faculty, and the ability to communicate and be professional in so many spaces, are things I will definitely take with me.” 

After devoting the past four years to helping Mary Washington students feel at home, Lam is prepared for her upcoming journey into the medical field. Still, she knows her time on campus has helped students feel more involved, and she hopes that impact will inspire future leaders. 

“When I first came to UMW, I never imagined I would be a campus leader,” Lam said. “Now, I hope my work motivates other students to take on leadership roles and shows that it’s possible to balance being both a student and a leader.”   

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