University of Mary Washington Class of 2024 Senior Spotlights

Jenna Diehl: Taking Care of Business

Meet Jenna Diehl, a standout student with a double major in business, with a focus in marketing and mathematics. While her primary efforts have been on her studies, Diehl has dedicated herself to various projects and activities, including participation in the Campus Christian Community and volunteering with the American Red Cross and a Fredericksburg Girl Scout troop. 

Diehl’s decision to attend UMW was influenced by her desire for a small school where professors truly engage with their students. A personal touch in the form of a handwritten postcard from a staff member she met during her campus tour sealed the deal. Her commitment to her education paid off with notable achievements, including creating a prototype app for her Alleviating Food Waste class, receiving the outstanding student award for business marketing and winning first place in UMW’s annual College of Business Case Competition.  

“It felt amazing hearing from the judges, audience and other participants how well our presentation went. It was a very proud and exciting moment, and it solidified that I have learned how to apply the information I have learned here at UMW to real world situations,” she said. 

Delving into interesting research during her time at UMW, Diehl participated in the Summer Science Institute, gathering and analyzing data on earned degrees to identify trends across majors and years at Mary Washington, in Virginia and throughout the U.S. Post-graduation, she plans to pursue a career in data analytics, and she’s working toward gaining certifications.  

Diehl said she’ll miss the supportive atmosphere and beauty of campus, where helpful professors and a vibrant community made her academic journey memorable. 

Logan Kurtz: Making an Impact Inside and Outside the Classroom

Logan Kurtz’s time at UMW was marked by a commitment to academics, community engagement and artistic expression. Majoring in history with a focus on secondary education, she’s immersed herself in various campus activities and leadership roles. As a Speaking and Writing Center consultant and peer mentor, Kurtz has provided invaluable support to fellow students. Additionally, her involvement as president of the Jewish Student Association and treasurer of the Student Education Association showcases her dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting education both on and off campus.  

Choosing Mary Washington was an easy decision for Kurtz, who was drawn to its close-knit community and vibrant traditions. “At UMW, I knew that I would be a person and not a number in my classes. When I toured, my tour guide seemed to know everyone, and I loved the connections I saw.” 

Throughout her college career, Kurtz has achieved several milestones, including leaving her mark on campus through her contributions, along with classmates, to the creation of the Venus Jones ’68 mural in the Jepson Science Center. This project showcased her artistic talents and provided valuable professional experience. 

After graduation, she’ll embark on a new journey, teaching sixth-grade history and English at Mayfield Intermediate School, where she’ll continue to positively impact young minds. Reflecting on her time at Mary Washington, Kurtz emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, creating meaningful experiences, and building friendships and memories. 

Sasha Poletes: The World at Her Fingertips

 Sasha Poletes embodies a sense of global citizenship shaped by her childhood abroad and her journey at UMW. Graduating high school overseas in Latvia, she sought a smaller school in the U.S., eventually finding her home at Mary Washington. As an honors scholar, she excels academically and engages in campus life, serving as a RISE peer mentor and Orientation leader, and contributing her talents to various roles within the University community. 

Throughout her undergraduate years, Poletes showed a passion for international affairs and social justice, highlighted by her capstone project on gender-based violence in Central Asia. A semester in Paris provided invaluable cultural immersion and reinforced her dedication to addressing global challenges. Recognized for her academic achievements with honors such as the Alumni Award for Outstanding International Affairs Major and the Donna Cannon Julian ’69 Endowment for International Study, Poletes is prepared to continue her journey of academic excellence and community leadership. 

She remembers her academic experiences and all her opportunities at UMW fondly. “Dr. Surupa Gupta supervised my honors thesis even though she was on sabbatical doing research abroad, and I am so appreciative and honored by how much she cared about my project and the work she put in to help me despite it all being virtual,” she said. 

Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in international affairs, driven by a desire to affect positive change on the global stage. With a solid foundation in community engagement and a commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding, she is poised to make a meaningful impact wherever her path may lead. Reflecting on her time at UMW, Poletes said she values the transformative experiences and enduring connections that shaped her into a dynamic scholar and leader. 

Luisa Restrepo: An Inspirational Voice for Voters

Committed to community building and cultural inclusivity, Luisa Restrepo poured her heart and soul into the Mary Washington community during her time as a student. Born in Colombia, Restrepo has made her mark by not only being a first-generation college student but by being the first in her family to graduate from school in the United States. A communication and digital studies major, she found herself in various campus roles throughout her four years, including president of the Latino Student Association. “As part of LSA, my mission was clear: create a space where everyone, especially my Latino community, felt safe, educated and celebrated,” expressed Restrepo. 

She held a pioneering position as the inaugural student chair of the Multicultural Alumni Affinity Group and dedicated herself to mentoring peers through the Impact Program. Restrepo’s transformative study abroad experience in Jamaica, where she delved into environmental science and cultural sustainability practices, further enriched her global perspective. During her time at UMW, she also took her commitment to civic engagement a step further by getting involved with UMW Votes and the NOW Foundation to engage the Latino community in the electoral process.  

Drawn to Mary Washington for its beauty and small-town vibes, Restrepo solidified her decision to attend UMW after hearing the personal experiences of alumni. As she prepares to embark on her post-graduation journey, she emphasizes the invaluable role of holding ASPIRE values close to her and feeling like Mary Washington helped her remain true to her morals and beliefs every step of the way.  

Conrad Tan: Swimming in the Sciences

Conrad Tan was a force to be reckoned with during his time at UMW, where he double majored in biomedical sciences and exercise science with a minor in chemistry. A recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, Tan has excelled academically and is graduating summa cum laude. Tan remembers fondly asking if he could study exercise science and being supported in creating his special major. Tan reflects, “The thing I will miss the most about UMW is how the University encouraged me to try new things…. With every door I knocked on, I was met with open arms.”  

One of Tan’s standout experiences at UMW was his research on the effect of exercise on the brain, conducted alongside Biological Science Professors Ginny Morris and Parrish Waters.  

Beyond academics, Tan has made his mark in various activities and athletics, including varsity swimming and track and field, as well as being an active member of the esports community. He also had a positive experience walking on the track team when he decided he wanted to learn to throw the javelin.  

He served as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee community service chair and Mortar Board president. Outside of school, Tan has dedicated his time as a medical scribe at Mary Washington Hospital and as an exercise physiology intern at Virginia Commonwealth University. After Commencement, Tan plans to take the MCAT in June and embark on a gap year doing medical research for the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense. From there, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in biodefense at Johns Hopkins University.  

Norah Walsh: Cultivating Creativity and Critical Thinking

Embracing the intersection of language and philosophy, Norah Walsh’s academic journey at UMW has been characterized by a dual passion for exploration and critical inquiry. Majoring in Spanish and philosophy with a focus on pre-law studies, Walsh has delved into the realms of communication and analytical thinking, supported by a series of scholarships that recognize her dedication and achievements. From the Fita Rivas Scholarship in Spanish to the Rowe Family Journalism Scholarship, Walsh’s commitment to her studies has been acknowledged and rewarded throughout her time at Mary Washington.  

For Walsh, the most important takeaway from her UMW experience is the transformative power of engagement and exploration. Walsh credits the supportive faculty for providing her with opportunities to pursue her passions and ideas, particularly cherishing the dynamic discussions of her Socratic seminars. 

Walsh’s engagement extends beyond the classroom, as she has actively contributed to campus life through various extracurricular activities. During her three-year tenure on The Weekly Ringer editorial board, she served in several key roles, including opinion editor, associate editor and, finally, editor-in-chief, showcasing her leadership and editorial skills. Her dedication to journalism is further evidenced by her publications in The Aubade, where she’s contributed her insights and perspectives.  

Her study abroad experiences in Bilbao, Spain, where she immersed herself in language, culture and international relations at the University of Deusto and undergraduate research with Associate Professor of Spanish Maria Laura Bocaz-Leiva remain highlights of her college years.