UMW Department of Cultural and Philosophical Inquiry

05/06/2026

In very old news, Dr. Mathews joined with distinguished PSIA faculty to play Jeopardy! against students last month. The faculty won, and the event raised funds for honors cords for PSIA honors grads. Bonus points if you know the answer to the question pictured here!

04/10/2026

Congratulations are in order for UMW students of Latin who ranked and won awards this year from the National Latin Exam, an international assessment exam for high school and college students which is housed right here at UMW (in James Farmer Hall). This year, 16 of our students “placed”—winning top scores and awards. Special kudos to Visiting Assistant Professor of Classical Studies, Dr. Rebecca Boyd—these students’ professor through Latin 101 and Latin 102.

Out of 26 students who took the Beginning Latin Reading Comprehension exam, 18 of Dr. Boyd’s students earned awards:

Gold summa cm laude - Tressa Ballard

Gold summa cm laude - David Fitzpatrick

Gold summa cm laude - David Segovia Menjivar

Silver maxima cm laude - Charlie Pargoe

Silver maxima cm laude - Maggie Robbins

Silver maxima cm laude - Erika Marie Tross

Silver maxima cm laude - Lily Heiner

Magna cm laude - Zenith Guerin

Magna cm laude - Sophia Heinbach

Magna cm laude - Fania Mercedes Ocasio

Magna cm laude - Ember Burke

Magna cm laude - Spencer Lombardo

Magna cm laude - Kelsey Skees

Cum laude - Lily Payne

Cum laude - Samantha Wall

Cum laude - Alexander Oliver

Cum laude - Megan Pope

Cum laude - Vesper Padgett

Gaudeamus igitur vobisque valde congratulamur.

04/08/2026

Ancient Romans customarily gave laurel wreaths to victorious athletes. The Department of Cultural and Philosophical inquiry, which houses a wonderful major in Classical Studies, congratulates the members of our Division III national championship-winning men’s basketball team who returned to campus this week as champions. We are so proud of each and all of you!

Congratulamur Aquilis!

(We congratulate the Eagles!)

02/09/2026

Interested in what you can do with a Classics degree? Join our Classics Alumni Career Panel on Thursday, February 19 from 3:30 to 4:30 on Zoom. Use the QR code!

12/02/2025

Exciting update! Inspired by the incredible response to Paddy's match, Distinguished Professor Emeritus Jack Kramer has stepped forward with his own: he will generously match every gift to the CAS General Fund, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000 before midnight tonight. Let's keep the momentum going and make an even greater impact for the CAS General Fund-your gift can go twice as far today!
Donate now at: https://givingday.umw.edu

12/02/2025

12/02/2025

givingday.umw.edu/MakeItPossible

12/01/2025

If you're as passionate about the humanities as we are, please consider donating tomorrow.

11/30/2025

UMW students do amazing work! Please consider donating to the UMW College of Arts and Sciences on Giving Tuesday.

11/28/2025

Our dean is everywhere!