Rays of Sun – and Success – as UMW Graduates Class of 2024

From the front steps of the Cedric Rucker University Center to the Lee Hall terrace and around the rim of Ball Circle, proud family and friends cheered their hearts out Saturday morning for the University of Mary Washington’s 2024 graduates.

Nearly 1,000 students from UMW’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education received bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University’s 113th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11. Puffy clouds dotted a bright blue, sun-filled sky as the ceremony unfolded all morning long.

The culminating moment of years’ worth of work was “exciting” and “awesome,” said Veronica Namulondo, who left home in Uganda to earn an MBA at Mary Washington.

Tayin Drea Rivera-Dorazio, a transfer student from Richmond, Virginia, predicted the emotional impact of earning a degree in communication and digital studies would come to him in waves throughout the day.

Taylor Johnson, a first-generation college student whose grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from the Caribbean, studied art history. “I’m just so grateful I got the opportunity and followed through,” she said.

Biomedical sciences major Cidney Collins wore a rainbow of cords signifying academic success, service, leadership, study abroad and other collegiate accomplishments. “UMW became my home and my lifelong friends. Even the professors here became my friends,” she said. “I’m definitely going to miss Mary Washington.”

Veronica Namulondo received a master’s degree in business administration during UMW’s 113th Commencement ceremony. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Cidney Collins received a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences during UMW’s 113th Commencement. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Brian Veranga received a bachelor’s degree in applied economics during UMW’s 113th Commencement. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Taylor Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in art history during UMW’s 113th Commencement. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Arieanna Stevens received a bachelor’s degree in accounting during UMW’s 113th Commencement. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

The University awarded 443 Bachelor of Science degrees, 322 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 30 Bachelor of Liberal Studies degrees, 39 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees and 46 Bachelor of Science in Education degrees. It also awarded four Master of Geospatial Analysis degrees, 50 Master of Business Administration degrees, 27 Master of Education degrees and 12 Master of Science in Elementary Education degrees.

Members of the Class of 2024 also celebrated a unique four years. As the first class to arrive at UMW during the pandemic, many had missed experiencing in-person high school graduations.

“Let us make up for what was lost four years ago and make this an especially joyous and celebratory occasion you can remember for a lifetime,” UMW President Troy D. Paino told the degree candidates. “Take pride in what you have accomplished and use your Mary Washington foundation to help you lead a life of meaningful purpose.”

UMW alum Mark McClure ’96, vice president of technical operations for Major League Soccer (MLS), delivered the Commencement keynote address. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

UMW President Troy D. Paino excitedly awaits the confirmation of graduates for the Class of 2024. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

UMW Board of Visitors Rector Devon W. Cushman ’93. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Class President Madison DeWitt ’24. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Class President Madison DeWitt, a biomedical sciences major, called the time she shared with her classmates an “incredible adventure.” Learning took place in classrooms, she said, but also across campus and beyond. “The greatest lesson I learned is that home is not just a place. I call Mary Washington home because of the people. For each of us, Mary Wash is a unique collection of friends, professors and memories that have framed our four years and created a home wherever we go.”

UMW alum Mark McClure ’96, vice president of technical operations for Major League Soccer, delivered the keynote address, chronicling his career journey and how the lessons he learned at Mary Washington helped lead him to success. “When it is your time to speak up and help solve the big problems, I know each of you will be ready,” he told the soon-to-be grads. “Mary Washington has taught you to find creative, effective solutions.”

The music of the Eagle Pipe Band is a traditional sound at UMW Commencement ceremonies. This year’s group featured a 3D-printed bagpipe made entirely by UMW senior AJ Gluchowski. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Students got creative with their mortarboards. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Faculty members line up on either side of Campus Walk to cheer on the graduates. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Faculty members line up on either side of Campus Walk to cheer on the graduates. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Friends and family gathered on the University of Mary Washington’s Fredericksburg campus to cheer on the 2024 graduates. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

The three-hour ceremony was filled with plenty of pomp and circumstance, with the grand marshal carrying the official academic mace, the bagpipes of the Eagle Pipe Band and the singing of the alma mater. Graduates in blue gowns wore colorful collars and cords denoting academic merits, and mortarboards personalized to what matters to them.

Board of Visitors Rector Devon W. Cushman ’93 praised the graduating class for all they’d achieved during their time at the University of Mary Washington – research, internships, volunteerism, travel, athletics and more.

“We are so proud of you, Class of 2024,” she said. “We wish you all the best.”

The Colgate W. Darden Jr. Award for students and the Mary W. Pinschmidt Award for faculty, were announced during Saturday’s ceremony, as were the names of the faculty who received emeritus status.