The University of Mary Washington’s radio station entertained Eagles for decades, but it was in disrepair when rising senior Davy Washington first stepped foot inside its studio.
“Our overarching goal in the next school year is to reestablish WMWC as an essential part of the UMW community,” said Washington, who has ramped up engagement since becoming station director, recruited 80 student deejays and organized events like “Eagles in the ’80s.”
Restoring the station, which now broadcasts online, also requires new microphones, a mixer and other updated technology. That’s why Washington took the mic on April 20 to present a proposal, which secured a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant. Piloted this spring by UMW’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, the program awarded $25,000 in donor-funded grants, ranging from $1,200 to $5,000, to eight projects or initiatives pitched by students, faculty and staff on behalf of recognized campus organizations.
“These grants help expand the impact of donors’ gifts to the Fund for Mary Washington, sparking innovation and creating opportunities across campus and beyond,” said Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte, who conceived of the program.
Applicants were asked to submit a pitch video and slide deck, demonstrating financial need and outlining measurable objectives, a detailed budget, a sustainability plan and a targeted audience. Each project was evaluated on those criteria as well as how closely it aligned with UMW’s ASPIRE values.
“The Fund for Mary Washington gives the University the flexibility to put money where it is most needed, so this program embodies that,” said Jenifer “JB” Blair ’82, immediate past president of UMW’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. She oversaw a committee composed of members of the Alumni Board and the Young Alumni Council, who reviewed 27 initial applicants, winnowing the pool down to the 11 teams that gave their final pitch to the full board and council last month.
