Cedric B. Rucker '81 S.O.S. Fund
After 32 years of service to Mary Washington, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Student Life Cedric Rucker is retiring in May 2022. Cedric graduated in 1977 from John Marshall High School in Richmond. He is recognized as the first African-American residential male to graduate from Mary Washington. He received a BA in sociology from Mary Washington in 1981 and a master's degree from UVA in 1983. He returned to Mary Washington in 1989 to begin a decades-long career in student life. He is known around campus for his bowties, sweaters, annual Winnie the Pooh costume, his scooter, and his unique laugh. He has been a mentor to many and has become a central figure during commencement ceremonies. Funds from this endowment in “Support of our Students,” will be used as needed to support students with unexpected and life-altering emergencies.
First Generation Scholarship
Some Mary Washington students are the first members of their family to attend college. These first generation students often inspire others in their family to pursue a college education. In the fall of 2020 nearly 200 students from the Class of 2024 were the first members of their family to attend college. The First Generation Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who are the first in their family to attend college to help them succeed on their educational journey.
Nearly $2 million in donor-funded scholarships are awarded to more than 500 Mary Washington students each year. Yet the need for financial assistance is much greater. Nearly half of all undergraduates qualify for need-based aid. Many of these students would not be able to afford a college education without the support of the University's generous donors. Your gift to the General Scholarship Fund will help at-risk students stay in school, take on less debt, and graduate on-time. If you would prefer to designate your gift to a specific scholarship, please choose "Other" on the donation form and note the name of the scholarship in the text box provided.
The General Scholarship Fund is used to augment other sources of financial aid. It gives us the flexibility to help students who are most vulnerable, those facing a financial crisis, or who need extra support.
Last year, the University received CARES ACT funding to help support student's technology needs to ensure they were able to fulfill their course schedule and succeed. While the CARES ACT funding was greatly utilized, we know that this source of funding will not be here in future years, but the need will remain. Your gift to the Technology Assistance Fund helps eliminate the gap in access for students, equalizing their opportunity to perform at their highest potential. The fund may assist students through a number of solutions, including the following:
- internet access for remote students
- access to specialized software
- personal wifi or hotspots to ensure consistent internet access for coursework
- the student laptop loan program
Gifts supporting our Technology Assistance Fund will make it possible for these students to successfully finish their course material.