UMW’s Celebration of Giving Generates Global Connections

University of Mary Washington senior Hayley Madden had an unforgettable experience while visiting England’s National Gallery on a faculty-led trip. An art history major, she presented her own research to her professor and classmates on French painter Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s “Self Portrait with a Straw Hat.”

“I’m so grateful to everyone who believed in my potential,” Madden said. The recipient of the Emil R. Schnellock Scholarship and other awards, she’s now applying to graduate art history programs in London. “You’ve made my Mary Washington education possible while helping to nurture my dream from a simple sketch into a vibrant masterpiece.”

Hayley Madden ’25 was among the student speakers who shared their stories at the 2024 Celebration of Giving. An art history major, Madden studied abroad in England and France and now serves as a peer advisor in UMW’s Center for International Education. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte quoted late chef and globetrotting TV host Anthony Bourdain as she welcomed donors to the 2024 Celebration of Giving, held in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

President Troy Paino and wife Kelly (right), who were the evening’s hosts, and other guests listen to UMW student speakers talk about their international education experiences at Mary Washington. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

With a study abroad theme, tables were decorated with globes, suitcases and postcards from far-flung locales across the globe. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Keeping with the international education theme, ‘Eagle Airlines’ screens outside Chandler Ballroom announced flight arrival and departure times. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Madden shared her story – including how she explored museums in nine countries while spending a semester in France and now helps her fellow students plan their own excursions as a Center for International Education peer advisor – at the Celebration of Giving on Nov. 21. Held in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom, this year’s event honored 200-plus donors who listened as students and administrators thanked them for supporting the University’s renowned study abroad program and the international students who live and learn at UMW.

“These pillars of the Mary Washington experience cultivate global perspectives and foster meaningful cross-cultural connections, yet can also be costly for our students,” Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte said. “Your gifts help strengthen UMW’s reputation as a hub for international education and student success.”

Turcotte thanked supporters for prioritizing UMW in their philanthropic giving during the past fiscal year, with $14.5 million in gifts and pledges raised from 5,146 donors. She shared 2024 highlights, including the Beyond the Classroom Endowment, which supports student experiential learning like study abroad, surpassing its $1 million goal this fall.

“We’re grateful not only for your investment, but also your example to our students,” UMW President Troy Paino said. Noting UMW’s distinction as top producer of Peace Corps volunteers and Fulbright scholars, he said that curiosity, open-mindedness, humility and a desire to learn about other cultures are critically important in today’s world. “These are traits that we hope to develop in young people so they can be successful and make a difference.”

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