Professors at the University of Mary Washington are being offered various developmental opportunities, such as panels, reading groups and round-table discussions, to learn more about navigating the use of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom.
Several faculty members have opted to create an AI usage policy for their courses. UMW does not currently have a university-wide AI policy and discretion is left to individual professors.
“AI certainly is not going anywhere, I believe that we must help prepare our students for life after Mary Washington, by ensuring that, first, everyone has equal/equitable access to AI and everything it has to offer and, second, that our students know how to use it responsibly and with a discerning, critical eye,” said Associate Professor of Spanish Antonia Delgado-Poust.
Some professors have had to change their class structure and assignment descriptions to adapt to the rapid increase in AI usage.
“Like many of my colleagues in modern languages, I have moved any substantial writing exercises in my beginner and intermediate language courses back into the classroom,” said Delgado-Poust. “In my more advanced literature and culture courses, I’ve created more scaffolding for writing assignments, so as to try to discourage the urge to plagiarize.”
Associate Professor of Communication, Elizabeth Johnson-Young, explained that she changes her AI policy every semester and that the policy differs between the courses she teaches. Johnson-Young discourages heavy reliance on AI and encourages students to create critical content on their own.
“If AI is doing their work for them now, how will they be able to demonstrate confidence and competency in their work and talk about
their own critical use of AI when they’re on the job market?” she said.
This year, UMW introduced Microsoft Copilot as an AI tool available to all students and faculty paid for by the university. CoPilot is an AI program that is included in students’ tuition and grants full access to the program as a part of Microsoft 365.
“I do think it’s a positive that we have access to CoPilot. It allows all of us equal access, which is important, and by encouraging any AI use through CoPilot we can equal the playing field at least a bit in the classroom,” said Johnson-Young.
Because of the rise in prominence of AI programs, some professors, including Associate Professor of Communication Adria Goldman, created policies to help students understand classroom expectations regarding the technology.
“AI (such as ChatGPT or similar technology) should not be used in our class for assignment assistance or as a research source. It can be used in the course as a topic of discussion or as an artifact for study (with proper citation),” Goldman’s policy says. “If using AI in the course, it is recommended to speak with Dr. G prior to starting to make sure the use is in line with our course practices.”
While Goldman prohibits the use of AI in some of her courses, she allows limited use for outlining and brainstorming in others. She acknowledges that students will have to use AI eventually, so she wants to teach them ways to use the technology appropriately.
While UMW equips students with access to Microsoft Copilot at no cost, some prefer to use other programs. Senior psychology major Bailey Weatherby explains that she likes to use Chat GPT and Grammarly because she enjoys seeing how fast AI is improving and growing. She has also been in classes where the use of these programs has been encouraged or required.
AI surge
“We used [AI] for making art designs online,” she said. “I liked it because it helped my picture design come more to life and it was a unique way to make art.”
Trey Rudisill, a senior accounting major, said that he was surprised to hear that in his Accounting Information Systems class, AI use was heavily encouraged. He finds Microsoft CoPilot especially useful when trying to understand accounting in Excel.
However, junior communication and digital studies major Erin Landfair said that she does not use AI because she has never felt a need for it.
“...I have done activities where we are encouraged to use AI to compare and contrast,” she said. “I didn’t mind using it to compare but I definitely am not a fan of using it for an actual assignment”.
Many students think that professors should be required to receive training on AI use in the classroom. Landfair said that AI is a “gray area” and there should be a university-wide policy.
“I do believe that professors should receive training regarding AI as it seems to be a tool that is here to stay within the collegiate realm and will only grow in future career paths,” Rudisill said. “If collegiate academia decides to ignore AI in the classroom, it will result in its improper use by students in their assignments and future graduates will be left unprepared as to how to implement AI in their future jobs.”
Many expressed a hope that the university will continue to provide opportunities for both students and professors to further their understanding of AI use in the classroom, and compliance with the Honor Code.
“As I become more familiar with AI and the ways in which it can help both my students and me in and outside the classroom, I’m sure that I will be using it more frequently and effectively,” said Delgado-Poust.
This summer, five new Civil Rights Trail markers were unveiled on the UMW campus. These markers showcase several stories from Fredericksburg residents and notable UMW alumni and faculty. The project was coordinated by Chris Williams, assistant director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center, and Victoria Matthews, tourism stadium and sales manager of the Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism.
The Trail highlights important places and figures from the civil rights movement in Fredericksburg. According to the Trail’s website, there are currently 21 markers and updates will be added as more stories are discovered.
“[The markers] represent UMW’s embrace of and contributions to the city’s efforts to tell a more complete version of Fredericksburg’s history. It is very, very rare to have a university campus included as part of a heritage trail,” said Steve Hanna, a
Five
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The first stop, located outside of Combs Hall, memorializes Venus Jones, the first Black UMW graduate; The second stop commemorates James Farmer’s contributions as a UMW history professor and civil rights activist and is located by his bust outside of James Farmer Hall.
“These five wayside panels really tell a comprehensive story of campus desegregation,” said Williams. “Finding out [about] the barrier breakers, people like Dr. Farmer, some of the first Black students and Black organizations that were here on this campus…All of these people have contributed to the rich history of this campus.”
The third stop can be found outside of the James Farmer Multicultural Center, which strives “to provide the highest quality of programs and services to embrace multicultural education and cultivate cultural learning and appreciation, as well as nurture an atmosphere of inclusion and positive social change,” according to the
Stop four is located at Monroe Hall, UMW’s oldest academic building and home of several departments such as political science and sociology.
“These five markers make the Mary Washington tour stops visible on the landscape for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and visitors,” said Hanna. “While the online version to the trail contains more details and maps out the full route, placing waysides on campus ensures that stories of Mary Washington students and staff from the 1960s-1990s can be seen by everyone, including people who don’t know about the trail.”
Morgan Lewellen, a senior international affairs and women’s, gender and sexuality studies double major, shared her thoughts on activist works being presented to the community.
“Having the honor of Dr. Farmer’s work along with other legendary activists enshrined in another way here in
faculty members receive accolades
At the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester, five members of the University of Mary Washington faculty were presented with awards in recognition of their leadership, significant professional achievements and demonstrated excellence in teaching. According to the Office of the Provost, all five faculty members were nominated by their peers and have at least two years of experience teaching at UMW.
The Topher Bill Award was given posthumously to Jane Huffman, an associate professor emerita of education who taught at the College of Education for 17 years. This award recognizes outstanding service in a variety of roles: department, college, university and community service. Huffman passed away this past March and those who wished to send flowers as condolence were directed instead to donate to their favorite animal welfare charity, according to an article in EagleEye.
Named after the former University President, the Grellet C. Simpson Award was given to Professor of Classics, Angela Pitts. This award is given in recognition of excellence in teaching undergraduate students, according to the Academic Catalog.
“It’s really an honor, frankly, because so many of my colleagues at Mary Washington are phenomenal teachers and faculty members,” Pitts said. “I have learned so much from my colleagues and my students over the years.”
Pitts gives an insight into the innovations and teachings that led to her candidacy.
“It’s hard to know exactly why the committee tasked with choosing the recipient chose my candidacy, but I will say that I think part of it has to do with the fact
that I have really tried over the years to find innovative ways to bring the ancient world of the Mediterranean to life in various ways,” she said. “For example: liveaction role-playing in a course on Athenian Democracy, by teaching students how to meditate, and encouraging students to do interesting and creative digital projects.”
Alex Delano, a senior classics major, has worked with Pitts since their sophomore year.
“I just really love her classes, she just makes the time for you even though she has no time because she’s also helping every student that she can,” said Delano. “She genuinely cares about what you’re interested in and what you’re doing,”
Delano continued, “I know a lot of students take her classes even though they’re not Classics majors just because it’s Dr. Pitts’ class.”
Delano spoke to Pitts’ dedication and the positive classroom environment she fosters.
“She’s an exceptional professor and she works closely with so many students and she always treats you like you’re the foremost thing on her mind,” said Delano. “She one hundred percent deserves it, she’s a wonderful professor all around.”
The Graduate Faculty Award was given to Professor of Education, Kyle Schultz. This award was established in 2003 and recognizes excellence in leadership in a graduate program at UMW.
“It was really nice to be recognized by my peers and to represent the College of Education with the award,” Schultz said. “It was also nice to know that my graduate students who I work with thought kindly enough of me to put in their support.”
Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail honors campus activists,
while UMW as an institution struggles to do the same
CLAIRE MARSHALL WATKINS
Opinion Editor
In mid-July, after a quick visit to the registrar’s office in Lee Hall to submit a transfer credit re-evaluation form, I exited down the front steps facing Ball Circle where I noticed a new sign. “Campus Activism” it read, the words printed in bold lettering. And underneath: “During the Civil Rights Movement, a select group of MWC students answered the call to join their peers in the fight for freedom, justice, and equality.”
The text continued in smaller print, praising campus activists from the 1960s: Erin Simms, who left Mary Washington for a semester to work with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; Nan Grogan, who led a march against police brutality following Bloody Sunday, when Civil Rights marchers were attacked by law enforcement on the Edmund Pettus Bridge; and other unnamed students from that era who engaged in other non-violent forms of protest. The sign also informed readers of campus activists’ response to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr—singing and holding hands on Ball Circle, then marching downtown to St. George’s Episcopal Church where students and faculty participated in a memorial service.
To say I was shocked upon seeing the sign is an understatement. I was baffled, honestly, that the university would erect a sign honoring and celebrating student activism just three short months after Virginia State Police arrested a dozen campus activists, nearly all of them students, for nonviolently protesting the slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza.
I posted a picture of the sign to my Instagram story and immediately received an influx of messages from upset friends and fellow students. People were hurt by this hypocrisy. How dare the university install this sign just after devastating my peers and violating our freedom? How dare they silence our fight for justice, then praise the very principle?
Following the arrests of those peaceful protestors on Jefferson Square on April 27, I was one of 17 students who met with University President Troy Paino to discuss this injustice. During the meeting, as he scrambled to justify the arrests, Piano continually contradicted himself. It would have been fine to have the tents if there had been no “outsiders,” he said at one point, claiming that some present community members were known to local law enforcement.
Someone pointed out to him that after the students who were arrested graduated, by his logic, they would
then be the very “outsiders” of whom he disapproved. Later in the meeting, Piano said that it would have been fine to have non-UMW Fredericksburg community members present if there had been no tents.
Paino quoted Martin Luther King Jr. in an attempt to justify the arrests. He also referenced the late civil rights leader and UMW faculty member James Farmer and declared that since those arrested from the encampment were participating in an act of civil disobedience, they were thus asking for the arrests. I really wish I was joking, but he regurgitated these sentiments in an email he sent to the entire campus a few days later.
This section of his email reads as follows:
Don’t these arrests violate the legacy of James Farmer?
I do not think so. Much like James Farmer and other civil rights activists of the 1960s, the 12 protesters engaged in an act of civil disobedience, which they are entitled to do. But civil disobedience is distinct from First Amendment-protected speech. It involves breaking a law and accepting the consequences. I do not agree that a prohibition to build an encampment in this context is unjust, but the protesters took a different view and chose to civilly disobey.
The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. described civil disobedience in this way: “When one breaks the law that conscience tells him is unjust, he must do it openly, he must do it cheerfully, he must do it lovingly, he must do it civilly – not uncivilly – and he must do it with a willingness to accept the penalty.”
The fact of the matter is, the encampment was booked and approved through the Student Activity Board, and it wasn’t until April 26, that organizers were told that the encampment posed an alleged safety risk. There was no mass communication, and the university changed its protocol in live time, so it would have been impossible for everyone to receive this information. The university set a trap and violated its own ASPIRE values.
With this in mind, I quickly deemed the sign hypocritical and upsetting. Later that day, I looked closely at the picture I took of it so I could do some digging.
I learned that the university didn’t install this sign at all. The “Campus Activism” sign is one of five new markers along the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail, the product of extensive research and passion championed by Victoria Matthews, City of Fredericksburg Tourism, Stadium, and Sales manager, and Chris Williams, assistant director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center. The markers on campus, Part Two of the citywide trail, recognize several aspects of the Movement where they intersected with Mary Washington:
“The Big Five,” honoring a group of five women who attended Mary Washington in the mid-1960s who were some of the first Black students at the College;
“Campus Desegregation,” which honors the first Black students and faculty members at the University;
“James Farmer Multicultural Center,” which opened in 1990 and has since operated as a space for multicultural programs and events, and was renamed in 1998 after Farmer, a distinguished professor of history at the school and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom;
“Campus Activism”;
and “Breaking Barriers,” the final marker in the series which highlights Claudith “Dottie” Holmes, one of “The Big Five,” who served as the first president of the Afro-American Association (now the Black Students Association), advocated for Black male admissions to the college, and laid the framework for the African American Studies minor.
“We have been working on this for over a year in advance, prior to anything that happened from a global standpoint,” said Williams. “Part Two [of the Fredericks-
burg Civil Rights Trail] has always been here on campus. This was part of the initiative in 2020 when we first got together.”
“We had students who traveled to Mississippi to help with Freedom Summer, which I think is amazing,” he added. “We had Mary Washington College students, then, take that torch and run with it. I think it should be celebrated. It’s a noteworthy achievement to have young people your age back then who saw, ‘I can really make a difference,’ and then make a difference.”
At the unveiling of these markers on July 16, Paino told attendees that he hoped they would serve as “a symbol of hope for our students.” According to an article in the FXBG Advance, Paino also said the markers are “on brand” for the university.
Some students said they weren’t on board with the president’s comments.
“I disagree with [Paino], because it takes more than just a historic reminder for change to happen and for student activism to be acknowledged,” said Vivian Pearl Wilkins, a sophomore political science and international relations double major. “I think that lessons on the signs would hold more significance if the stories were also recent events of students exercising their First Amendment right, especially since UMW was a segregated women’s college.”
I recognize and admire the effort, dedication, history and time that went into the creation and expansion of the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail. Williams and Matthews set the date for the unveiling as four years to the day after the project began, though they moved it up a day due to scheduling issues. They began working specifically on Part Two in the fall of 2023 with the help of Stephen Hanna, professor of geography, and Christine Henry, associate professor and director of the Center for Historic Preservation.
As with nearly everything, the timing of these two events—the arrests and the unveiling—prompt nuanced discourse. I believe that the addition of these markers to the Trail is important, with significant historical and educational value, while at the same time, the timing of the installation calls for us to challenge the university on the authenticity of its values, especially pertaining to its alleged support of campus activism. I wish the university was consistent in living up to its moral claims.
As one student recently asked: “Are we a university that believes in ethics or are we a business?”
The “Campus Activism” trail marker stands in front of Ball Circle, facing Lee Hall. Claire Marshall Watkins / The Weekly Ringer
UMW boasts its moral ASPIRE values on banners attached to lamp posts around campus. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
The liveliness of campus is back and better than ever as Ball Circle opens for the enjoyment of all
ALEXA DELACONCEPCION
Staff Writer
The wait is finally over. After more than a year of anticipation, Ball Circle, which is located at the heart of campus, has officially reopened. The host venue of many of UMW’s numerous traditions and activities now welcomes visitors back to its ground following an extended closure.
“When you walk [around] campus, you see people hanging out with their friends and enjoying campus life,” said junior education major Caitlyn Fitzgerald. “I have seen so many people playing frisbee and rugby on Ball Circle and it’s so exciting to see.”
As students were effectively barred from the central green space, many felt as if there was a decline in general excitement and engagement surrounding events.
“Losing Ball Circle was really tough,” said Class Council Executive President and senior political science major Shadwick Yoder. “Especially after nearly three years of off and on construction, re-opening dates being pushed back constantly and having a massive dirt hill was demoralizing to all event programmers across campus.”
Fitzgerald found that the most upsetting aspect of the closure was the lack of liveliness.
“Losing Ball Circle was really tough. Especially after nearly three years of off and on construction, reopening dates being pushed back constantly and having a massive dirt hill was demoralizing to all event programmers across campus.”
- Shadwick Yoder
“It’s the same feeling you get when the fountains are turned off,” she said. Other students, like junior business administration major Emmanuel Yibass, frequently used Ball Circle as a quick route to get across the area between buildings like the CRUC and Lee Hall. The closure created an inconvenience and made his commute slightly longer.
“I have seen so many people playing frisbee and rugby on Ball Circle and it’s so exciting to see.”
- Caitlyn Fitzgerald
“Walking to and from [class] was not as easy without Ball Circle,” he said. Additionally, the closure impacted several events typically hosted by Class Council and the Office of Student Activities and Engagement. Several events were downsized or moved to different locations. For example, events such as Fall Fest 2023 and the Earth Day Festival were relocated to be hosted on the Alvey Green, while Devil-Goat Day
2023 and Club Carnival 2023 took place on Jefferson Square.
As previously reported in The Weekly Ringer, Ball Circle has undergone extensive maintenance since 2021. Director of Landscape and Grounds, Holly Chichester-Morby explained that these projects took an excessive amount of time to complete because of interruptions caused by large events that were still permitted to take place on Ball Circle, such as commencement and Eagle Gathering.
Now that Ball Circle has formally reopened, students are back to freely enjoying the traditions that embody the university.
“Eagle Gathering was so much fun and a great initiation experience that made me really feel welcomed into this environment,” said freshman Abby Mitchell.
The UMW community is visibly cherishing the serenity of Ball Circle, with many seen enjoying the Adirondack chairs and taking advantage of the green space that is ideal for a pickup frisbee game. Various clubs and organizations are also grateful for the returned access.
“After a long hiatus, Class Council along with many other clubs that host events on Ball are so excited to have the center of campus back open for use,” said Yoder.
Ball Circle’s luscious green grass is the perfect sanctuary for UMW Eagles to escape the stresses of everyday life.
Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Students revel in the outdoor oasis that is Ball Circle and are thankful that they now have the space reopened for all to enjoy. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Bingo nights become big nights with incredible turnouts
UMW Bingo, which is hosted by the Campus Programming Board, has seen what could hardly be described as anything other than an explosion in popularity. According to Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Melissa Jones, when speaking at the leadership summit, 300 people showed up for the first round of Bingo and 200 for the second, with the average last year being around 50 people. Samuel Chacra contributed to reporting for this article.
“I love the sense of community it builds and it’s so fun being in a room with so much energy. It’s nice to see everyone come together just to have a good time.”
- Lucas Fick
Sophomore biomedical sciences major Jolene Adu listens intently to the caller as she anticipates filling up her card. Sitting beside her, sophomore Theresa Oetgen is a physical therapy major who looks forward to bingo every Tuesday night. Grace Wagner, sophomore communication and digital studies major is pictured on the right as she plays alongside her friends in a competitive game of bingo. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Lauren Hall and Maddie Nyman, freshmen psychology majors, pose together with their bingo cards in hopes of winning a prize. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Chandler Ballroom, located on the ground floor of the CRUC, is full of people as bingo nights have become a popular campus activity. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
The callers were dressed to impress with their tin foil hats to align with the alien theme of last week’s bingo night. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
GRACE WAGNER & ABBEY MAGNET
Life Editor & Photo Editor
Students are enthralled in the game and focus on filling up their cards while they race to “bingo!” Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
For Five Coffee Roasters swoops in to fill on-campus vacancy left by controversial Katora Coffee shop
ENYA CEA-LAVIN Staff Writer
As the Fall 2024 semester begins and a new on-campus coffee shop opens, previous Katora staff currently employed at the new cafe start to see positive improvements as they navigate some of the negative aspects of For Five Coffee Roaster’s first few weeks.
As previously reported in The Weekly Ringer, Katora Coffee began a downward spiral starting last spring when employees stopped receiving paychecks on-time and it was revealed that the company was in the depths of financial woes. According to several employees, during this period, excessive pressure was placed on members of staff and unfair expectations created a lack of trust amongst employees and a decrease in communication from management.
Now with the opening of For Five, payment is contracted under Sodexo—UMW’s dining company—which has helped create consistency and security in pay.
Previous Katora employee and current For Five employee, sophomore psychology and communication and digital studies double major Beaumont Sherman, expressed that the pay he is receiving feels sufficient at the new coffee shop. Katora’s standard hourly pay was $12, For Five starts at an hourly rate of $15.60.
“I feel like I’m actually being paid fairly now for the amount of work that I’m doing.”
- Beaumont Sherman
“I feel like I’m actually being paid fairly now for the amount of work that I’m doing,” Sherman said. Inconsistencies surrounding payment were the primary issue with Katora, according to several employees and personal experience. The unreliability surrounding pay caused unnecessary stress.
During my time at Katora, I observed firsthand the negative impact this stress had on the work environment. An additional point of strife was perceived—and occasionally blatant—favoritism. Some of my coworkers were paid more and promoted quicker, despite their lack of experience compared to other employees.
Sydney Tadlock, a junior music major and previous Katora shift lead, spoke about the difference in pay.
“People were hired at different starting rates, which
led to some conflict because it objectively wasn’t fair,” she said.
It was a difficult situation for all employees, as everyone felt that they were being paid too little for their efforts. As a shift lead, Tadlock felt immense pressure from upper management despite inadequate compensation. Because of this, she was grateful Katora would not be returning to the UMW campus.
“I was uncomfortable with the amount of dependence the owners had on me and one other specific coworker, so I was honestly relieved when I was told Katora was not returning to UMW,” Tadlock said.
In my experience as a Katora employee, I saw the unfair treatment of my coworkers and the dependency placed on us. I ultimately resigned from Katora due to the lack of pay and poor treatment by upper management towards myself and my coworkers.
Oliver Kemp, a sophomore studio art and cybersecurity double major, was hired as a Katora employee close to the coffee shop’s closure in April. He currently works at For Five but says that his previous employer did not properly train or prepare staff.
“It was a good experience to learn how to make coffee, but, like, I wasn’t really even making coffee, just pressing buttons,” he said.
“I was uncomfortable with the amount of dependence the owners had on me.”
- Sydney Tadlock
He felt like there was not much being done to support him, and that his training was more of a self-taught experience.
“I was not trained. I ‘yoloed’ the coffee, I ‘yoloed’ the food.”
Now that For Five has opened, not only do customers seem happy, but the employees have seen a great change. Several For Five student staff members have expressed their appreciation for their supervisors.
“My supervisors Ty, Eric and Zeriah are all good leaders and are very sweet and enjoyable to work with,” said Tadlock.
The demeanor of our supervisor staff has been more positive and understanding. We all are collectively learning how to run For Five together and it adds a stronger connection between student, non-student and supervisor
employees.
In addition to improvements in the general work environment and employee-manager relations, the quality of the products has also greatly improved.
“The coffee is genuinely way better, and I am being paid a standard barista wage instead of minimum wage,” said Tadlock.
As For Five continues to work out the kinks that accompany many new businesses, some students have complained about the high prices and lack of consistent menu offerings.
“The food that we can make is really, really good, but it’s really expensive, and a lot of the time we don’t even have all of the ingredients to make most of the things on the menu, which is just ridiculous at this point,” said Sherman.
Overall For Five seems to be a better environment for student employees. We get our pay and customers are happy with their food. Where Katora lacked in their ethics, For Five made up for it.
For Five Coffee Roasters has great sips and great servive for UMW Eagles to enjoy. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
For Five hosts a warm and welcoming environment where students can sip, study and socialize. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
For Five’s casts a slogan in neon lights on their coffee shop wall. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Fredericksburg civil rights activists honored by markers
FROM MARKERS, PAGE 2
Fredericksburg and at UMW on such a national level is truly something to behold,” said Lewellen.
Hanna echoes Lewellen’s excitement and believes that the visibility of the markers is beneficial for the campus community and visitors alike.
“We wanted to make it clear that young Black women led the effort to desegregate Mary Washington and that, ever since, certain students, staff, and faculty have worked very hard to make our university more welcoming for all students - an effort that continues to this day,” he said.
Lewellen recalls discussing Farmer’s legacy
with Williams and feeling inspired by his passion and enthusiasm.
“I remember the first time I met Mr. Williams, he talked about how he knew Dr. Farmer as a young man and put his heart and soul into the project,” said Lewellen.
Williams grew up in Fredericksburg and was involved in the James Farmer Scholars program as a high school student in the 1990s.
“My hope is that when students walk this campus, they understand that contributions of African Americans have only enriched the story of Mary Washington,” said Williams.
Hanna reflects on the progress made by those featured on the Civil Rights Trail and encourages future generations to build off of that work.
“It requires activism, building relationships and networks, dealing with failure, and perseverance,” he said. “It requires present and future generations to learn from and build upon the efforts of those who have gone before us.”
UMW faculty nominate peers for achievement awards
FROM AWARDS, PAGE 2
Throughout his career thus far, Schultz has helped a plethora of UMW students navigate their graduate studies.
“I’ve helped over 200 students develop research proposals for their Masters Thesis, I’ve done a lot of mentoring, and taught a lot of graduate courses,” he said.
The Alumni Association Outstanding Young Faculty Award was given to Assistant Professor of Psychological Science, Marcus Leppanen. This award was established in 1989 and recognizes excellence in a faculty member who has been with the university for two to five years.
“It feels really great. I feel like the hard work I put in to do the best job that I can for my students, colleagues and the university is really being validated,” said Leppanen. “It’s a major honor for me, particularly because this is something I’ve earned early on in my career.”
Leppanen has been a professor at UMW for four years.
“They take into account the combination of your teaching, your service, and your research or scholarship,” he said. “Am I doing what I can to teach as well as I can, and make an impact on my students? Do I care about what I’m doing in the classroom? Do I demonstrate to my colleagues that the things I’m doing are meaningful and fit the goal of teaching students?”
The Waple Faculty Professional Achievement Award was given to
Fraud/Larceny
On Sept. 6 at 11:14 a.m., there was a case of fraud and larceny at the UMW Police Department Headquarters. This case is pending.
Associate Professor of Psychological Science, Laura Wilson. This award was established in 2013 and is based on the impact of a faculty member’s achievements during their time at UMW.
“I’ve watched 10 people receive this award over the years and have always been amazed by the professional achievements of the winners,” said Wilson. “When I think about the faculty who have won this award before me, including several in my own department, I feel very honored to join that list.”
The faculty member nominated for this award must have at least seven years of experience with the university and their achievements must have taken place during their time at UMW..
“I was selected because I’ve maintained an active pattern of publishing and presenting research in the area of trauma psychology,” said Wilson. Wilson continued, “I owe a lot of my success to my amazing collaborators, including many UMW undergraduate students.”
The awards presented to UMW faculty are a recognition of the years— and often decades—of service they have given to the university through grading late into the night, having long office hours, answering countless emails from students and taking the time and dedication out of their day to create lectures and lesson plans that enrich and expand student’s knowledge.
Crime Column
EMMA KINGKEO News Editor
The Crime Column is based on UMW Police reports from Sept. 3 - Sept. 10.
Vandalism
On Sept. 8 at 12:04 a.m., there was a case of vandalism at the UMW Apartments. This case was referred to O.S.C.A.R.
Extorwtion/Attempted Larceny
On Sept. 7 at 5:12 p.m., there was a case of extortion and attempted larceny at the UMW Police Department Headquarters. This case is pending.
Attempted Rape
On Sept. 10 at 7:30 a.m., there was a case of attempted rape at Double Drive. An arrest was made.
James Farmer Hall is one of the stops on the new Civil Rights Trail markers added to campus. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Sports
The UMW field hockey team buries talons into Bridgewater College in 3-0 dominating victory
AMANDA SHEWARD Staff Writer
The UMW field hockey team defeated Bridgewater College in a 3-0 victory on Sept. 4. The Lady Eagles extended their winning streak to a record of 3-0.
“As a coach, a win is always great because players have worked so hard to get to that point and you know how much they want it, so it’s always rewarding to be able to walk away with the W and see everyone so excited,” said Head Coach Jamie Tierney.
UMW scored first with a goal from graduate student Emma Bernard who is obtaining her master’s in business administration. Bernard scored the lone goal of the first half, however, junior marketing major Grayson Scott reignited the crowd with two goals in the second.
“Scoring was such an exciting feeling, especially celebrating after with hugs from my teammates being on our home turf,” Scott said. “My goals would not have been possible without my teammates and all glory to God for the health and opportunity to play.”
Scott transferred from Longwood University and is in her second season with the UMW team. As a sophomore in 2023, she started in all 19 games and scored a teamhigh of 15 goals.
“Scoring was such an exciting feeling, especially celebrating after with hugs from my teammates being on our home turf.”
- Grayson Scott
“It really feels like I have been here from the beginning,” she said.
Tierney, who has been involved with the UMW field hockey program since 2018, gave her thoughts on the team’s early success.
“I think our returners are really showing their experience and what we have been working towards the past couple of seasons,” she said. “We are connecting and playing at a higher pace that we usually don’t see until later in the season.”
Paige Stewart, a senior mathematics major in the secondary education program, shared her joy with the result of the game.
“The team really showed up against Bridgewater. We executed our transfers smoothly and clicked on the field,” she said. “It was awesome to see all the skills and drills we’ve worked on in practice come together. The energy, both on and off the field, made us hungry for that win.”
Tierney emphasized the importance of connections and trust between teammates this season.
University of Mary Washington Spring Sports
Schedule
THOMAS JACKSON Sports
Editor
Men’s Soccer (4-0)
Sept. 6 vs. Bethany (5-0)
Sept. 8 vs. Marymount (Va.) (3-1) Sept. 13
vs. University of Mount Union Sept. 15 vs. Rhodes College
“We need to continue to trust each other and ourselves,” she said. “Sometimes we back off tougher competition, but we have shown that we can hang with ranked teams.”
“The team really showed up against Bridgewater. We executed our transfers smoothly and clicked on the field. It was awesome to see all the skills and drills we’ve worked on in practice come together. The energy, both on and off the field, made us hungry for that win.”
- Paige Stewart
She continued, “We need to trust and be confident in our own play to push ourselves and each other.”
As Stewart begins her senior year, she reflects on what makes the team special.
“I’m really going to miss the girls, especially the bonds we’ve built over the past four years,” she said. “The sense of community we’ve created, both on and off the field, is something I’ll always cherish.”
The Eagle’s next game is on Sept. 14, where they will travel to Shenandoah University and face off against the Hornets.
“Overall I think we look great and will continue to build off each game and look at what we need to improve on and what works,” said Tierney.
Women’s Volleyball (5-4)
Sept. 7
vs. University of Lynchburg (3-1) vs. Gettysburg College (0-3)
Sept. 14 vs. Rutgers-Newark @ Swarthmore College
Sept. 18 vs. Virginia Union University
Men’s Rugby (1-1)
Sept. 7 vs. Mount St. Mary’s (Md.) (40-18) Sept. 14 @ Army West Point
Women’s Rugby (2-0)
Sept. 7
vs. Longwood University (1-0)
Sept. 14 vs. Virginia Commonwealth University (1-0)
Field Hockey (3-1)
Sept. 11
vs. University of Lynchburg (0-2) Sept. 14 @ Shenandoah University Sept. 18 @ Washington and Lee University
Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage www.eagles.com/composite
UMW passes the ball upfield as Bridgewater College defends. Amanda Sheward / The Weekly Ringer
The University of Mary Washington Lady Eagles advances the ball past midfield as Bridgwater College sets up their defense. Amanda Sheward / The Weekly Ringer
