Spring, Spring, Spring at UMW!
With the conclusion of Spring Break, Mary Washington’s transition away from winter is especially refreshing. Looking out of the front door of Marye House this evening, I noticed that they were back. The deer who seasonally grace the campus have ventured back to the cascading hillside of the amphitheater to nibble on the fresh green grass reemerging from winter’s frost. Like the resident Red Tail Hawk soaring above the elegantly brick and columned buildings, it seems that the spirit of springtime brings reinvigorated energy to campus. This spark of renewal truly mirrors much of what begins to unfold for the every day lives of students on campus as well.
Upon their return from break, underclass students begin to think beyond the current semester into the horizon of the next academic year. This is the time of year to select courses for the fall semester, or even consider a summer session course, operationalize study abroad opportunities, explore summer job or internship options, declare a major or minor, as well as secure housing for the term ahead. Seniors work furiously to complete capstone or honors projects, purchase regalia for the upcoming big day, send out those special invitations for the commencement ceremony, and make those important decisions about professional opportunities or which graduate school to attend. Students have a lot of their plates, and knowing that their faculty advisors and professors are on hand to assist with these weighty decisions is always a plus.
The return of the cherry blossoms lining campus walk also brings traditions to balance some of the stressors associated with the academic work that must be completed in the coming weeks. The return of the gurgling sounds of the Monroe Fountain is a true symbol of spring, and seems to refresh and rejuvenate the central campus, as many students literally soak in that University tradition of taking a dip at some point before the year is done. Student elections signal the transition of leadership on campus, as new leaders are installed, and those having served take their bow. The Eagle Awards recognize individuals and student organizations who have distinguishingly enhanced UMW through their commitment both on and beyond the campus. Junior Week, the Holi Festival, Spring Formal, the Multicultural Fair, seasonal celebrations and concerts, and Devil-Goat Day, are among an array of annual events that populate the calendar in the receding weeks of the term. Like the flowers that blossom, the campus truly bursts with offerings of colorful entertainments and distractions to balance the pressures of academic endeavors.
As the Dean of Student Life, I love this time of year, witnessing the campus take on the hues of the season, and the life of students emerge from the frosty grip of winter. As our community navigates these concluding weeks of the semester, know that your student has much to anticipate before the exam cycle takes hold. Spring at Mary Washington is truly magical.
Cedric Rucker, Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Life