Mary Wash Day has ended!
Mary Wash Day
Academics and the Colleges
The academic experience at UMW provides opportunities to explore intellectual passions, engage in scholarly inquiry, develop disciplinary expertise, and connect learning to real-world impact. A Mary Washington education, by design, integrates rigorous coursework across colleges and programs to prepare students for lives of purpose and professional excellence. Faculty and academic advisors across departments and programs support students in aligning their academic interests with their long-term goals, guiding them toward careers and graduate study that reflect their strengths and values. When you support the colleges and academic programs listed below, you help students discover their intellectual identity and their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the world.
Early Eagle Power Hours
The early Eagle gets the worm! Sylvia McJilton Woodcock '61 is challenging the Mary Washington community to wake up and make a difference for students. If we receive 300 gifts between 6 and 9 a.m. on March 26, she will unlock a gift of $3,000 to the Fund for Mary Washington.
Completed
Alumni Kickstart Power Hour
WE DID IT! It may be the afternoon, but Mary Wash Day is just getting started. If we receive 150 gifts from alumni in the first hour of Mary Wash Day, Kathy Vi ’04 will make a $1,500 gift to the Fund for Mary Washington. Alumni, let’s start this day strong by increasing your impact!
150 / 150 Gifts
Completed
1,010 Gift Challenge
We did it! To recognize and honor Troy Paino's 10th year as Mary Washington's 10th president, when 1,010 gifts are made during Mary Wash Day, we will unlock a $10,000 gift from UMW Foundation Board of Trustees Member Vicky Nichols Wilder ’80 and Marty Wilder ’80 to support current and future students. Make a gift to any designation to help unlock this challenge!
1,010 / 1,010 Gifts
Completed
2,500 Gift Goal Challenge
We did it! When we reach our goal of 2,500 gifts during Mary Wash Day, Diane Harvey Smith '74 will give $100,000 to support scholarships, the Fund for Mary Washington, and faculty/staff development.
2,500 / 2,500 Gifts
Completed
200 First-Time Donor Gift Challenge
WE DID IT! When 200 gifts are received from first-time donors to UMW, the Alumni Association Board of Directors will unlock a $14,000 gift to the Fund for Mary Washington increasing their impact. Mary Wash community, make your first-ever gift to Mary Washington today and help unlock an extra $14,000 of student support and getting us to the halfway mark of our 400 new-donor gift goal!
200 / 200 Gifts
Completed
1,200 Alumni Donor Challenge
When we reach 1,200 alumni donors on Mary Wash Day, a long-time Fund for Mary Washington supporter will make a $100,000 gift supporting the Lynne Gourley Farrell '62 Fund for Mary Washington Endowment which underpins the student experience and university priorities. Alumni, this one is for you!
Completed
Young Alumni First-Time Donor Challenge
WE DID IT! When we receive 55 gifts from young alumni (Classes of 2016-2025) who are making their first-ever gift to UMW, Matt ’19 and Sarah Good ’19 will unlock a gift of $1,500 to the Fund for Mary Washington. Graduates of the last decade, make your first-ever gift(s) to any area of your choice today and help unlock an extra $1,500 to support our students!
Completed
Married Alumni Challenge
WE DID IT! When 100 gifts are received from alumni who are married to other alumni, UMW Foundation Board of Trustees member Justin ’97 and Allison ’96 Gerbereux will give $5,000 to the Fund for Mary Washington! Married alumni, make your gift to any area to help unlock an extra $5,000 to benefit students!
100 / 100 Gifts
Completed
Faculty and Staff Gift Challenge
WE DID IT! When we receive 250 gifts from faculty and staff members to any area of the University during Mary Wash Day, Katie Turcotte, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement and UMW Foundation Executive Director, will unlock a gift of $5,000 to support students and programs. Faculty and staff, support your area of choice and help unlock an additional $5,000 when you do!
250 / 250 Gifts
Completed
Senior Class Challenge
WE DID IT! Lee Murray '04, Rector of the Board of Visitors and Karli Murray ’05, would like to challenge the Class of 2026 to give back and pay it forward for future Eagles. When 35 seniors make a gift to any area during Mary Wash Day, Lee and Karli will unlock a gift of $2,026 to the Fund for Mary Washington. Seniors, make a gift today and increase your impact!
35 / 35 Donors
Completed
Happy Hour Power Hours
Let's toast to Mary Washington! If we receive 250 gifts between 6 and 8 p.m. on March 25, Sylvia McJilton Woodcock '61 will unlock a $3,000 gift to the Fund for Mary Washington. Raise a glass to the University’s past, present, and future, and help unlock this bonus gift!
Completed
Devil-Goat Challenge Leaderboard
UMW Foundation Board of Trustees member Mike Charnoff '95 and Katie Charnoff '04 are taking their Devil-Goat rivalry to a new level. If more Goats (alumni of even class years) make Mary Wash Day gifts than Devils (alumni of odd years), Mike will make a $5,000 gift to the area Katie chooses. If more Devils participate than Goats, Katie will give $5,000 to the area Mike chooses. Watch the Devil-Goat Leaderboard throughout the day to track the competition live!
| Rank | Answer | Donors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goat | 536 |
| 2 | Devil | 496 |
Ended
The Eagle Pipe Band Challenge
WE DID IT! When 20 gifts are made to the Eagle Pipe Band during Mary Wash Day, an anonymous donor will unlock a $1,000 gift in support of this signature Mary Washington ensemble.
20 / 20 Gifts
Completed
2
Match
The UMW Galleries Match
WE DID IT! An anonymous donor will match all gifts to Friends of UMW Galleries, dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000
$1,000 MATCHED
Completed
2
Match
Geography Alumni Scholarship Match
WE DID IT! Keith '79 and Ellen Erskine Littlefield '79 will match all gifts to the Geography Alumni Scholarship dollar-for-dollar! To qualify for this match, choose "College of Arts and Sciences" as your Area of Support and "Geography Alumni Scholarship" as your Fund Designation.
$12,157 MATCHED
Completed
Historic Preservation Challenge
WE DID IT! If the Department of Historic Preservation receives 50 gifts during Mary Wash Day, an anonymous alum will contribute $25,000 to establish a new endowment for experiential learning opportunities for Historic Preservation students.
50 / 50 Gifts
Completed
3
Match
Lutterbie Scholarship 2:1 Match
WE DID IT! Lucy Lutterbie ’70 will match all gifts 2:1 to the Carlton R. Lutterbie Jr. Scholarship, up to $4,000. For every dollar you give, Lucy will give $2, tripling your impact on students majoring in English! To designate your gift to the scholarship and qualify for this match, choose “College of Arts and Sciences” as your Area of Support and “English-Carlton R. Lutterbie Jr. Scholarship” as your Fund Designation.
$4,000 MATCHED
Completed
The UMW Philharmonic Challenge
WE DID IT! When 25 gifts are made to the UMW Philharmonic during Mary Wash Day, an anonymous donor will unlock a $5,000 gift.
25 / 25 Gifts
Completed
2
Match
COB Bloomberg Lab Match
An anonymous donor wants to double your impact! They will match all gifts made to the COB Bloomberg Lab, dollar for dollar, up to $35,000! When we reach $35,000 it unlocks an additional 9 terminals to help increase access to data in support of their studies and research!
$13,675 MATCHED
Ended
2
Match
UMW Nursing: Two Programs, Twice the Opportunity
WE DID IT! As we grow from one nursing program to two (BSN and MSN), Beth and Thomas Talisman ’86 will match every gift to UMW nursing, dollar for dollar, during Mary Wash Day, up to $2,000.
$1,125 MATCHED
Ended
Center for AI and the Liberal Arts Challenge
WE DID IT! When 25 gifts are made to the Center for AI and the Liberal Arts during Mary Wash Day, Jennifer Dockeray Muniz '94 will unlock a $3,000 gift to support the Center. Increase your impact today and help inform how the liberal arts and AI can work together!
25 / 25 Gifts
Completed
Mary Wash Day Gift Leaderboard
Which designation or area will receive the most gifts?
| Rank | Department | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of Arts and Sciences | 1,079 |
| 2 | Athletics | 998 |
| 3 | Fund for Mary Washington | 309 |
| 4 | College of Education | 120 |
| 5 | Simpson Library | 83 |
| 6 | College of Business | 72 |
| 7 | General Scholarship Fund | 44 |
| 8 | James Farmer Multicultural Center | 42 |
| 9 | Talley Center for Counseling Services | 39 |
| 10 | Great Lives | 35 |
| 11 | Gwen Hale Resource Center | 34 |
| 12 | First Generation Scholarship | 30 |
| 13 | Center for AI and the Liberal Arts | 27 |
| 14 | Student Leadership/SAE | 27 |
| 15 | Cedric B. Rucker '81 S.O.S. Fund | 26 |
Ended
Mary Wash Day Dollars Raised Leaderboard
Which designation/area will raise the most dollars?
| Rank | Department | Raised |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of Arts and Sciences | $185,049.65 |
| 2 | Athletics | $130,869.28 |
| 3 | Fund for Mary Washington | $83,160.11 |
| 4 | College of Business | $21,760.00 |
| 5 | General Scholarship Fund | $14,405.00 |
| 6 | Simpson Library | $10,340.00 |
| 7 | College of Education | $9,995.00 |
| 8 | First Generation Scholarship | $8,080.00 |
| 9 | Great Lives | $7,820.00 |
| 10 | Jane Reese-Coulbourne '76 Research Fellowship | $6,926.00 |
| 11 | Honors Program | $3,926.00 |
| 12 | Cedric B. Rucker '81 S.O.S. Fund | $2,735.00 |
| 13 | James Farmer Multicultural Center | $2,510.00 |
| 14 | Center for AI and the Liberal Arts | $2,205.00 |
| 15 | Campus Tree Fund | $2,190.00 |
Ended
#TogetherUMW Dollars Raised Leaderboard
When the Mary Wash community bands together, we can do amazing things.
| Rank | Answer | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alum | $298,987.71 |
| 2 | Other/Friend of UMW | $94,988.10 |
| 3 | Parent of a Current Student | $71,356.39 |
| 4 | Current Faculty/Staff | $31,729.63 |
| 5 | Parent of an Alum | $26,514.00 |
| 6 | Retired/Former Faculty/Staff | $24,203.00 |
| 7 | Grandparent of Student | $15,893.50 |
| 8 | Current Student (Non-Senior) | $2,234.00 |
| 9 | Current Student (Senior) | $1,007.15 |
Ended
Class Year Total Leaderboard
Which class year will raise the most funds?
| Rank | Answer | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1971 | $37,032.00 |
| 2 | 1969 | $20,664.71 |
| 3 | 1984 | $18,321.52 |
| 4 | 1974 | $18,103.00 |
| 5 | 1977 | $14,525.00 |
| 6 | 1997 | $9,308.53 |
| 7 | 1982 | $9,175.01 |
| 8 | 1976 | $7,126.00 |
| 9 | 2020 | $7,031.23 |
| 10 | 1955 | $5,200.00 |
| 11 | 2006 | $5,015.03 |
| 12 | 1970 | $4,700.00 |
| 13 | 1998 | $4,675.08 |
| 14 | 1973 | $4,575.00 |
| 15 | 1991 | $4,503.02 |
Ended
Share the Love for Mary Wash Challenge
When the Mary Wash Day 2026 video is shared 100 times (from the official University of Mary Washington Facebook page) by midnight on March 25, Steve and UMW Foundation Board Member Donna Sheehan Gladis '68 will unlock a gift of $10,000 supporting the Fund for Mary Washington.
Completed
540 Gift Challenge
WE DID IT! An anonymous member of the Class of 1965 will unlock a $5,000 gift to the Fund for Mary Washington when we reach our first milestone of the day: 540 gifts, a nod to Fredericksburg's area code.
540 / 540 Gifts
Completed
1,908 Gift Challenge
We did it! When 1,908 gifts are made to any area during Mary Wash Day, a $50,000 gift from Ken and Jenny Fankhauser Osterman '73 will be unlocked in support of student scholarships!
1,908 / 1,908 Gifts
Completed
100 First-Time Donor Gift Challenge
WE DID IT! When 100 gifts are received from first-time donors to UMW, Betty Olander Adams ’69 will unlock a $10,000 gift to the Fund for Mary Washington increasing their impact. Mary Wash community, make your first-ever gift to Mary Washington today and help unlock an extra $10,000 of student support!
100 / 100 Gifts
Completed
400 First-Time Donor Gift Challenge
We did it! When we receive 400 gifts from first-time donors during Mary Wash Day, The UMW Foundation Board of Trustees will unlock a $47,500 gift to the Fund for Mary Washington. Make your first-ever gift to Mary Washington today and help unlock an extra $47,500 of student support!
400 / 400 Gifts
Completed
9th Mary Wash Day Celebration Challenge
In honor of our 9th-annual Mary Wash Day, the person who makes the 9th, 90th, 900th, and 999th gift gets to choose an area of campus to receive an extra $250. This challenge is sponsored by Beth Craig ’77.
Completed
YAC Young Alumni Gift Challenge
We did it! Young Alumni, increase your impact! When we receive 300 gifts from young alumni donors (classes of 2016-2025) to any area, the Young Alumni Council (YAC) will unlock a gift of $3,800 to the Fund for Mary Washington.
300 / 300 Gifts
Completed
500-Gift Parent Challenge
WE DID IT! Bill and Carolyn Carpenter, parents of a current student, are inviting you to help increase their impact! Bill and Carolyn will unlock a $5,000 gift to the Fund for Mary Washington when we receive 500 gifts from parents of current UMW students and parents of alumni. Support any area of the University and help meet our challenge!
500 / 500 Gifts
Completed
100-Gift Student Challenge
WE DID IT! When 100 gifts are made by Mary Wash students to any area, past Board of Visitors Members Deborah Santiago ’90 and Princess Moss ’83 will give $2,500 each to the Fund for Mary Washington. Students, support your peers, faculty, and programs when you give back during Mary Wash Day!
100 / 100 Gifts
Completed
5pm Boost Challenge
If we receive 1,010 gifts by 5pm on March 25, Karmel James '13 will unlock a $2,500 gift to the Fund for Mary Washington. Make your gift early to any area to help unlock these bonus funds!
Completed
Burning the Midnight Oil Power Hours
WE DID IT! Bedtime is approaching, but the Mary Wash Day momentum is still going strong. If we receive 130 gifts between 10 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on March 25, Sylvia McJilton Woodcock ’61 will unlock a gift of $3,000 to the Fund for Mary Washington. Pull out your best late-night study habits and help unlock these bonus funds!
130 / 130 Gifts
Completed
The College of Arts and Sciences Challenge
WE DID IT! If 750 gifts are made to any College of Arts and Sciences program or department on Mary Wash Day—including the Beyond the Classroom Endowment—it will unlock a $7,000 gift from Bridget Binko ’74 to the Beyond the Classroom Endowment.
750 / 750 Gifts
Completed
Economics Challenge
WE DID IT! When we reach $2,500 in donations to the Department of Economics, Colin E. Jennings ‘13 will unlock a $10,000 gift for an economics scholarship! Make your gift today to help us unlock these extra funds and student support! To designate your gift to the Econ Department and qualify for this challenge, choose “College of Business” as your Area of Support and “Economics” as your Fund Designation.
$2,500 / $2,500 Raised
Completed
The Gari Melchers Home and Studio Challenge
WE DID IT! If 25 gifts are made to Gari Melchers Home and Studio for the Belmont Conservation Endowment during Mary Wash Day, Brian ’84 and Erma Baker ’82 will unlock a $9,500 gift in support of GMHS exhibitions, conservation, and public programs.
25 / 25 Gifts
Completed
Give2Theatre Challenge
WE DID IT! When 350 donors give to UMW Theatre during Mary Wash Day, Everett M. Jr. and Kathleen M. Geno will unlock a $25,000 gift to UMW Theatre! Support UMW Theatre students with a gift today!
350 / 350 Gifts
Completed
2
Match
James Monroe Museum Match
WE DID IT! An anonymous donor will match all gifts made to the James Monroe Museum on Mary Wash Day, dollar for dollar, up to $2,500. Gifts will support the Museum’s educational programs for all ages. Increase your impact today!
$2,500 MATCHED
Completed
UMW Music Challenge
WE DID IT! If we receive 20 gifts to Friends of Music during Mary Wash Day, Emerita of Music Dr. Martha V. Fickett will unlock a $10,000 gift to UMW Music.
20 / 20 Gifts
Completed
2
Match
Political Science and International Affairs Match
WE DID IT! Professor Emeritus Jack Kramer and his wife Mary Lou will match all gifts to the Political Science and International Affairs department during Mary Wash Day, up to $2,026. This is your chance to DOUBLE your impact! To qualify for this match, choose "College of Arts and Sciences" as your Area of Support and "Political Science and International Affairs Department" as your Fund Designation.
$2,026 MATCHED
Completed
College of Education 100-Gift Challenge
WE DID IT! When the College of Education receives 100 gifts during Mary Wash Day, Barbara Bishop Mann ’66 will unlock a $35,000 gift to support UMW students completing their student teaching internships.
100 / 100 Gifts
Completed
2
Match
Academy of Technology and Innovation (ATI) UMW Match
WE DID IT! The Academy of Technology and Innovation PTO wants to double your impact! They will match all gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $1,000, made to the ATI during Mary Wash Day! Double your impact for ATI current and future students today!
$550 MATCHED
Ended
Great Lives Challenge
WE DID IT! When 35 gifts are made to the Great Lives Lecture Series by midnight on Thursday, March 26, a $2,000 gift to Great Lives from an anonymous donor will be unlocked.
35 / 35 Gifts
Completed
Mary Wash Day Donor Leaderboard
See which area will bring in the most donors!
| Rank | Department | Donors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athletics | 919 |
| 2 | College of Arts and Sciences | 872 |
| 3 | Fund for Mary Washington | 279 |
| 4 | College of Education | 102 |
| 5 | Simpson Library | 74 |
| 6 | College of Business | 69 |
| 7 | General Scholarship Fund | 44 |
| 8 | James Farmer Multicultural Center | 40 |
| 9 | Talley Center for Counseling Services | 36 |
| 10 | Gwen Hale Resource Center | 34 |
| 11 | Great Lives | 33 |
| 12 | First Generation Scholarship | 28 |
| 13 | Center for AI and the Liberal Arts | 27 |
| 14 | Student Leadership/SAE | 27 |
| 15 | Cedric B. Rucker '81 S.O.S. Fund | 25 |
Ended
#TogetherUMW Participation Leaderboard
When the Mary Wash community bands together, we can do amazing things.
| Rank | Answer | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alum | 1,465 |
| 2 | Parent of a Current Student | 483 |
| 3 | Other/Friend of UMW | 444 |
| 4 | Current Faculty/Staff | 406 |
| 5 | Parent of an Alum | 184 |
| 6 | Grandparent of Student | 126 |
| 7 | Current Student (Non-Senior) | 112 |
| 8 | Retired/Former Faculty/Staff | 70 |
| 9 | Current Student (Senior) | 39 |
Ended
Academics Leaderboard
Which College or academic area will raise the most funds?
| Rank | Fund Designation | Raised |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UMW Theatre | $39,716.00 |
| 2 | Geography Alumni Scholarship | $12,157.00 |
| 3 | UMW Library Fund | $9,740.00 |
| 4 | Historic Preservation | $9,695.00 |
| 5 | College of Education | $8,520.00 |
| 6 | Friends of Great Lives | $7,820.00 |
| 7 | Beyond the Classroom Endowment | $6,502.00 |
| 8 | UMW Galleries | $6,040.00 |
| 9 | English - Carlton R. Lutterbie, Jr. Scholarship | $4,265.00 |
| 10 | Honors Program | $3,926.00 |
| 11 | Friends of UMW Music | $3,855.00 |
| 12 | School of Science | $3,675.00 |
| 13 | James Monroe Museum | $3,515.00 |
| 14 | Accounting, Economics, and Finance | $3,395.00 |
| 15 | Friends of Eagle Pipe Band | $3,180.00 |
Ended
Class Year Gift Total Leaderboard
Which class year will have the most gifts?
| Rank | Answer | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 | 54 |
| 2 | 2004 | 53 |
| 3 | 2014 | 47 |
| 4 | 2020 | 42 |
| 5 | 2022 | 41 |
| 6 | 2008 | 37 |
| 7 | 1982 | 37 |
| 8 | 1977 | 34 |
| 9 | 2007 | 34 |
| 10 | 2001 | 31 |
| 11 | 2017 | 30 |
| 12 | 1971 | 30 |
| 13 | 1996 | 30 |
| 14 | 1994 | 30 |
| 15 | 2006 | 29 |
Ended
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