University of Mary Washington

10/25/2026

Parents, alumni, and anyone helping a student navigate the college search, this episode is for you! 🎙️

In this episode of What Matters Most, President Troy Paino sits down with two Mary Washington alumnae turned admissions professionals, Dean of Admissions Melissa Yakabouski and Director of First-Year Admission Sarah Lindberg. Melissa and Sarah share their personal journeys and reflect on what makes the Mary Washington experience special.

From campus visits and navigating the application process to the value of a liberal arts education, Melissa and Sarah also share some insights and advice for students and families preparing for the next chapter.

With Virginia College Application Weeks underway, it’s a great time to tune in! If your student is ready to apply to UMW, they can use code VCAW on the Common App.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on your preferred platform: https://tr.ee/WhatMattersMostPodcast

10/21/2026

Can you feel the energy? Us too. 🦅 ✨

If you’re thinking about applying, here’s a little something to make it easier: UMW is waiving its application fee through October 30 for Virginia College Application Weeks! Just use code VCAW on the Common App to apply for free.

Want to see campus for yourself? We've got a lot of amazing events happening this month and next. Visit umw.edu/visit for more information and details.

10/19/2026

For Virginia high school seniors, the next couple of weeks are a great chance to take a big step forward...without the application fee.

During Virginia College Application Weeks (Oct. 19–30), students can apply to UMW for free on the Common App using the code VCAW.

We know students can use extra guidance right now, so our team has been podcasting it up lately to share their insights with you. Dean of Admissions Melissa Yakabouski and Director of First-Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg recently joined Town Talk with Ted Schubel to share practical advice on finding the right college fit (hint: it's not a contest to be won, but a match to be made!). And keep an ear out because these two will be on the What Matters Most podcast with President Paino very soon.

Read more about the application fee waiver, upcoming FAFSA webinars, and catch the full Town Talk episode at

byFor Virginia high school seniors, the last two weeks of October offer a chance to take an important step toward college — for free. During Virginia College Application Weeks, Oct. 19-30, 2026, the University of Mary Washington will waive its application fee for students who apply through the Com...

10/17/2026

This past week, during our fall Employee Appreciation Luncheon, we had the privilege of honoring the staff whose dedication, character, and can-do attitudes make our university truly special.

Read more about the event and see the full list of this year's incredible award winners: https://www.umw.edu/news/2026/10/15/umw-celebrates-employees-for-service-dedication-and-a-commitment-to-community/

Thank you to President Troy Paino, Associate Provost Shavonne Shorter, events, dining, and everyone who helped make this celebration of commitment, community, and fun a success.

byAt the University of Mary Washington, exceptional service often happens in ways big and small, from support for students to campus caretaking, and with many employees stepping in and stepping up in their roles.UMW celebrated that spirit of service during the annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon m...

10/17/2026

Painting a picture of the quantum realm has long been the mission of Brendan Casey ’92. His quest, which has spanned nearly two decades, won him and his colleagues the 2026 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, one of the highest honors in the field.   “It’s real Ant-man kind of stuff,...

10/15/2026

UPDATE: The test has concluded.

This is a test of our emergency alert system.

10/15/2026

Today is the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. We will activate our UMW Alerts and test its emergency notification system at 10:15 am EST.

The test may include text messages, emails, desktop alerts, phone calls and sirens or messages from the area warning system on campus.

Read for more information on this annual drill:

byThe University of Mary Washington will activate UMW Alerts and test its emergency notification system as part of the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. EST. The test may include text messages, emails, desktop alerts, phone calls and sirens or messages from th...

10/14/2026

You HAVE to see Fredericksburg in the fall. Don't believe us? Take it from Southern Living!

The past and present blend seamlessly in Fredericksburg, Virginia, a small town just over an hour from Washington, D.C. History is all around, but the town is just as alive with antique shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table dining.

10/13/2026

Welcome back from fall break, Eagles!

We have a few campus parking and construction updates to keep in mind as you return.

College Ave: New parking signage was installed along College Ave. As previously communicated this semester, the campus side of College Ave. will be open to the following permit types from 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, spanning from the corner of William Street to Route 1: Off-Campus Student Permits, Faculty/Staff Permits, Contractor Permits, Visitor Permits.

Residential students with valid UMW permits may park there from 7 p.m.–7 a.m. on weekdays and all weekend. Follow posted signs to avoid tickets.

Route 1: You’ll also notice a VDOT Fredericksburg District road project adjacent to the Fredericksburg campus on Route 1. This project began at the end of September and will take approximately a year. Please be aware of this project for your commute to and from campus.

Wiliam Street Closures: Brick repairs will continue through November, with temporary sidewalk and lane closures. Pedestrians should use the sidewalk on the UMW Apartments side of the street.

For more details, check your UMW email or visit UMW Parking Management. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Stay alert and travel safely!

10/07/2026

Pat McAleer ’89 is cycling cross-country to raise awareness and support research for type 1 diabetes, a cause close to his heart after his daughter, Mary Kate, was diagnosed with the disease at age 10. Now an adult and a registered nurse, Mary Kate continues to inspire her dad’s journey.

After nearly three months on the road, Pat will be cycling through the UMW campus today as one of the final stops on his cross-country journey. He’ll wrap up his ride in Virginia Beach this weekend.

Pat McAleer ’89 remembers being in college when the bricks were laid to make the University of Mary Washington’s Campus Walk.He’ll ride that same route when he visits his alma mater Oct. 6 during the final stretch of his cross-country cycling journey – spanning more than 4,000 miles – to s...