UMW Senior Maps Out Career With Bowen Geography Scholarship

When University of Mary Washington senior Anders Barretta was a child, he was fascinated by the maps his father kept around the house.

“He told me that his favorite geography professor, Marshall Bowen, taught some of the most influential classes he took in college,” Barretta said. His father, John Barretta ’90, said students would sit on the floor of Monroe Hall just to hear the late professor speak. “Dr. Bowen inspired my dad’s 30-year career as a geospatial intelligence officer.”

Anders Barretta ’25, a double major in geography and political science, is the first-ever recipient of the Marshall E. Bowen Scholarship, established by Susan Liebenow ’71 for the distinguished professor emeritus, who passed away in 2020. Photo courtesy of Anders Barretta.

The late Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography Marshall Bowen was beloved by Mary Washington students, including Anders’ own father, John Barretta ’90, who told his son that students would sit on the floor of Monroe Hall just to hear the professor lecture. Photo courtesy of Dawn Bowen.

That made it even more special when the younger Barretta, who is double majoring in geography and political science and earning a geographic information systems (GIS) certificate, learned he would be the first-ever recipient of the Marshall E. Bowen Scholarship at UMW. Barretta has traveled to professional conferences, engaged in timely research and competed twice in Virginia’s World Geography Bowl, helping UMW’s team beat the buzzer to become the 2022 champions – all of which helped him earn the prestigious geography award.

“Anders truly embodies my husband’s interest in geography, and his curiosity about the places around him is incredibly refreshing,” said Professor of Geography Dawn Bowen, who serves as Barretta’s advisor. She invited him last year to participate in a small group discussion for other students. “He embraced the idea of learning something new and engaging with others.”

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography Marshall E. Bowen joined the Mary Washington faculty in 1965, where he was dedicated to helping students understand the world around them. He also served as the first men’s basketball coach until 1976. He retired from Mary Washington in 2001 and lived in Fredericksburg with his wife until he passed away in 2020.

“It’s such a great honor to receive this scholarship,” said Barretta, expressing gratitude toward Susan Liebenow ’71, who established the award in honor of her former professor. “I’m so thankful to her for investing in the department and students like me.”

Read more and view photos at Giving.umw.edu.