Dear UMW Community,
As we leave winter behind, we look forward to warmer weather, flowers and trees in bloom, more hours of daylight, and outdoor activities that we enjoy each spring. This is also an exciting time of year as we work toward presenting and showcasing the results of hard work, research, and discovery in the many projects and endeavors of this year.
UMW’s College of Business which is accredited by AACSB International was recently ranked in the Poets&Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2025. This distinction highlights our faculty’s expertise and focus on innovation, as well as the success of our graduates.
At UMW, we celebrate the liberal arts and sciences and continually strive to expand programming and outreach in the community. Earlier this month, approximately 120 Virginia students competed in the fourth annual High School Innovation Challenge@ Dahlgren, highlighting the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in solving real-world challenges. Rappahannock High School captured first place and the Academy of Technology and Innovation at UMW (ATI-UMW) received the newly introduced Esprit de Corps Award. And, at the Virginia Science Olympiad (VASO) competition, hundreds of 3rd through 12th grade students competed in STEM challenges with top performers qualifying for the 2025 state tournament in Charlottesville.
It’s almost Mary Wash Day, which this year spans 24 hours over two days, April 2-3, as we aim to achieve fundraising goals of 2,500 gifts, 350 first-time donors, and 1,200 alumni donors. UMW Theatre prepares to launch its final production this semester, Peter and the Starcatcher, April 3 through April 19, while arts and culture events in music, fine arts, dance, and more offer a wealth of programming throughout the semester.
The 35th Multicultural Fair is scheduled for April 5. This free event is open to the public and features varied cultural and ethnic entertainment, craft vendors, children’s activities, food, and more. And, a wide variety of events and celebrations are planned for April 14-19 during ASPIRE Week, based on our shared community values and founded by Jaylyn Long ’24 alumna and former Student Government Association (SGA) President. This student-led, week-long celebration showcases many departments and areas and includes a Majors Fair on Tuesday, April 15.
The General Assembly reconvenes on April 2nd to consider gubernatorial amendments and vetoes on the biennial budget and we expect to learn the impact on UMW’s budget shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, much progress is being made on campus construction projects, including preparing campus and Ball Circle for Mary Washington’s 114th Commencement on May 10. We’re excited to welcome alumna Melanie Kay-Wyatt ’92, M.Ed. ‘07, superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools as the commencement speaker. With degrees in business administration and educational leadership from Mary Washington, she exemplifies our interdisciplinary education and is sure to share insights from her impressive career.
UMW student-athletes pursue excellence in and out of the classroom and this winter was no exception. With much grit and determination, the UMW men’s basketball team advanced to the NCAA Division III Sweet 16 for the second time in program history. Kye Robinson was named first team All-Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Athletic Conference, as well as the C2C Rookie of the Year. In addition, UMW Athletics has a full schedule of spring athletic competitions through mid-May. I encourage you to support your fellow student-athletes on the court and on the field, and from April 7-10, you can join them in Flip the Field by signing up for an immersion clinic during DIII week.
Admissions enrollment yield season is here! On Saturday, April 12, admitted students will visit campus for Destination UMW, featuring student life and academic experiences, family information sessions and panels, campus tours, residence hall visits, etc. In addition, on Friday, April 18, we have an Admissions Open House, our final event this semester to welcome prospective students and their families to campus. Join me in welcoming our future Eagles and guests!
As we approach the final full month of the semester, students, I encourage you to meet with your academic advisors and resource offices to ensure your course schedules, research projects, internship and summer plans, etc. are on course. And seniors, I encourage you to utilize the resources available at the Center for Career and Professional Development, including garnering tips for completing job applications, polishing your resume, honing your job interview skills, and more.
I look forward to seeing you on campus over the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Troy Paino
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