UMW Students Thank Supporters at Spring Scholarship Luncheon and Showcase

As a cybersecurity major at the University of Mary Washington, Christopher Walker knows the importance of being cautious in his career.

Yet, the Mary Washington junior, who was initially concerned about in-person college after being homeschooled, has let down his guard when it comes to embracing educational and extracurricular experiences. He’s shown off his cyber skills at the Innovation Challenge @ Dahlgren, helped plan uniquely UMW events like Devil-Goat Day and Rocktoberfest as Class Council vice president and entertained classmates in epic Star Wars-style battles as part of the Light Saber Duels club.

“Your support means so much and has truly changed my life,” Walker said. The recipient of the Society for Worldwide Financial Telecommunications Inc. (SWIFT) Scholarship and funding through a Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership Grant (V-TOP), he’s been able to engage in his studies while interning at a local cybersecurity firm, where he’ll work full time after he graduates. “Without your generosity, many of us would not have the opportunity to pursue our dreams and make a meaningful impact in our chosen fields.”

UMW junior Christopher Walker with his parents, Angela and Charles Walker, at the 2025 Student Showcase and Scholarship Luncheon. A cybersecurity major, Christopher earned the Society for Worldwide Financial Telecommunications Inc. (SWIFT) Scholarship and funding through a Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership grant, which has enabled him to serve as an intern at a local cybersecurity company while earning his degree and engaging in activities across campus. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Edmund Garcia ’26, recipient of the Molly Bradshaw Clark ’59 Scholarship, chats with Emily Lewis ’62 and Anthony Andres during the Student Showcase. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

From left: Denny Cora ’25, recipient of the June Davis McCormick ’49 Scholarship, and Blaise Wingold ’25, recipient of the UMW Theatre Scholarship, chat with donors at the Student Showcase. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Amelia Bailey ’26, one of the Scholarship Luncheon student speakers, shares her research on Catherine deMedici and marriage diplomacy with a donor. Bailey earned the Alumni Legacy, Oscar H. Darter, Barbara Diane Hall and Polly Updegraff Champ scholarships, among others. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

From left: Director of Jazz Studies Doug Gately, Maria Riegger from the Fredericksburg Woman’s Club and Mima Manton ’25, recipient of the Henry and Grace Spicer and James E. Baker Community Orchestra scholarships. Manton sang Mary Washington’s Alma Mater to conclude the luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Bonnie Butler ’25, recipient of the Rebecca Culbertson Stuart Memorial Scholarship, poses with her donor, David Burgess. Bonnie, who served as a speaker at the luncheon, also received the Helen G. and Justin J. Piscopo Alvey Scholarship. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Walker expressed his gratitude to a roomful of donors at the 2025 Student Showcase and Scholarship Luncheon on March 22. The annual event celebrates supporters who have established private scholarships and members of UMW’s Washington and Heritage Societies who have either given or pledged significant funds to the University.

Attendees interacted with scholarship recipients who showcased their academic and artistic pursuits and projects on the first floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center. Afterwards, guests gathered in Chandler Ballroom for a springtime lunch and listened as UMW President Troy Paino and students thanked them for their generous gifts to Mary Washington.

“I’m always moved that we have so many people here who invest in our students’ lives,” said Paino, recognizing donors for contributing $14.5 million in gifts and pledges in the last fundraising year. “It’s our hope for the future. Your investment in these students will compound over time as they go out and make this world a better place.”

Read more at Giving.umw.edu.