Six Days, Six Values: Celebrate UMW’s Annual ASPIRE Week
The University of Mary Washington will celebrate community values across six days, providing a week’s worth of ways to ASPIRE. The annual tradition – set for Monday, Sept. 28, through Saturday, Oct. 3 – will feature student-led events inspired by the values behind the ASPIRE acronym: Accountability, Scholarship, Personal and Institutional Integrity, Inclusive Excellence, Respect and Civility, and Engagement.
“What makes ASPIRE Week so special is how it unites different groups across campus and town,” said Jaylyn Long ’24, the former Student Government Association (SGA) president who established the event in 2023.
Long envisioned activities that would remind campus of the importance of community, especially in a post-COVID world, and said she is pleased to see the event continue. “Seeing these values thrive is the most rewarding feeling,” she said.
Her successor, Amira Said ’26, helped grow the celebration. “Jaylyn created a solid foundation that made it easy for me to expand the events to include every part of campus,” she said. “As the tradition grew, everyone wanted to be part of it.”
This year, the role of ASPIRE Week chair falls to current SGA President William Goodman ’27, who’s looking forward especially to Friday’s Respect and Civility Day, highlighting the enduring legacy of civil rights leader and longtime Mary Washington professor Dr. James L. Farmer Jr.
“Dr. Farmer dedicated his life to advancing equality, civility and mutual respect,” Goodman said. “I encourage every student to reflect on what Dr. Farmer would advocate for today and to commit to concrete ways we can carry that mission forward.”
Goodman and the entire SGA Executive Committee are working alongside Associate Provost for Community Relations and Compliance Shavonne Shorter, all of whom are excited to see their planning come to life.
“Seeing everyone’s faces as they make their way from table to table at the daily events brings me feelings of cohesive unity and joy,” Shorter said. “I feel such a sense of Eagle pride during ASPIRE Week.”
The week begins Monday with Accountability Day. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., students can gather at Palmieri Plaza by the fountain outside Monroe Hall and meet campus partners who can help them take accountability for their academic, mental and physical well-being.
Activities continue Tuesday with Scholarship Day in the Cedric Rucker University Center Chandler Ballroom, where students can enjoy free desserts and network with alumni, faculty and staff from 7 to 9 p.m. Bingo will be played at 8 p.m., called by President Troy Paino.
Wednesday is Personal and Institutional Integrity Day. Students can return to Palmieri Plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to connect with SGA, the Student Conduct Review Board and Honor Council.
Thursday brings Inclusive Excellence Day. University Dining will host a multicultural lunch at the top of the Cedric Rucker University Center, where students can dig into diverse cuisines and discover study abroad opportunities with the Center for International Education. The day also features the Career and Internship Fair in Chandler Ballroom, the Disability Awareness Kickoff on Campus Walk in front of Lee Hall, and ASPIRE-themed trivia in the Underground.
Friday’s Respect and Civility Day honors civil rights leader and longtime Mary Washington professor James Farmer. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can participate in activities just outside James Farmer Hall and reflect on his life and enduring contributions.
ASPIRE Week concludes Saturday with Engagement Day. From 4 to 7 p.m., visitors can take part in Family Weekend festivities and attend Rocktoberfest on Ball Circle — an annual fall concert with food, giveaways, live music and more.
“I hope everyone enjoys the opportunities provided each day to live out these values in unique and exciting ways,” Shorter said. “There are so many ways to ‘aspire’ to be your very best self during this week.”
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