Donor Stories

Working Toward a Dream
Working Toward a Dream
Pat grew up in the Northern Neck region of Virginia. Her father died when she wasthree, and her mother worked hard to make ends meet...
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Living Life as a Journey
Living Life as a Journey
Lisa Rae Campbell Walker '77 and her husband, Andrew, believe in having fun. They bike, hike, kayak, and...
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Searching for Direction
Searching for Direction
Betty's major was undeclared, so she took classes in various fields while seeking advice from advisors and professors.
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Speaking the Language
Speaking the Language
"At first, it was challenging to be in a new country with a language barrier and cultural differences," says Marjahn.
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Behind the Scenes of a Heritage Society Member
Behind the Scenes of a Heritage Society Member
Debby Klein has been a part of the scenery around Mary Washington and the Fredericksburg-area community for more than 50 years.
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Gift Annuity Enables Alumna to Enjoy Act of Giving
Gift Annuity Enables Alumna to Enjoy Act of Giving
Margaret "Maggie" Walker MacAllister '62 says professors at Mary Washington changed her life. "I loved Mary Washington, and when I first...
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Lasting Impressions
Lasting Impressions
Nearly 50 years ago, a young student from Virginia Beach took an elective art class at Mary Washington. Although she eventually chose to major in...
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Life Is A Stage
Life Is A Stage
Sydney Collson came to MaryWashington for the scenery, and she left in 1960 with the background to perform multiple roles throughout her life...
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Sharing a Happy Legacy
Sharing a Happy Legacy
Three generations of Mary Washington women celebrated their special connections in May at the 2012 Commencement ceremony held in Ball Circle. Deb Stanley Leap...
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An Inspirational Turning Point
An Inspirational Turning Point
During her first weeks at Mary Washington in the fall of 1964, a young Merrilyn Sawyer was noticeably shy. Then one day, her roommate offered some valuable advice.
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A Champion for Learning
A Champion for Learning
The year was 1977. The original Star Wars movie was released, and Jay Leno made his first appearance on The Tonight Show. E. Lee Trinkle Library was still a quiet...
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A Benefactor Remembered
A Benefactor Remembered
Frances Liebenow Armstrong '36 was a strong, determined lady with a tireless work ethic and an everlasting spirit of service. A teacher for more than 45 years...
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Living an Adventure
Living an Adventure
Jerri Barden Perkins, M.D. did not venture outside her home state of Virginia until she was a junior at Mary Washington. She has since made up for lost time...
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A New Direction
A New Direction
In the spring of 2005, a freshman art student met the Mary Washington alumna who funded his Washington Scholarship. Now a practicing attorney....
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Performing Miracles
Performing Miracles
As far back as she can remember, Polly Updegraff Champ '61 of Cromwell, Conn., has been a performer.
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Fabulous Forty-Niners Share Link to UMW Student
Fabulous Forty-Niners Share Link to UMW Student
In May 2016, Claire J. Ashur of Vienna, Va., graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor of arts degree in music, election to Phi Beta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi, and multiple student awards.
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A Legacy of Education
A Legacy of Education
In the fall of 1916, a red-haired, hazel-eyed girl boarded a steamboat in Lancaster County, Virginia, to embark upon an adventure of...
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Analyzing Success
Analyzing Success
Phyllis Quinn '77 jokingly tells people her Mary Washington background led her to...
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Personal Connections
Personal Connections
For thirty years, Elizabeth "Betty" Fischer Gore '49 has supported scholarship students at Mary Washington...
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Gift Examples

Sale and Unitrust
Sale and Unitrust
Gene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. Now, Gene and Carol are looking for a way to save taxes.
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The Retirement Unitrust
The Retirement Unitrust
Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she inherited the farm. Now, several developers would like to build homes on the farmland.
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Part Gift and Part Sale
Part Gift and Part Sale
Susan and Kevin bought their first home many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their children could spend their summers along the lake.
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Current Gifts
Current Gifts
As is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving.
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Deferred Gift Annuity
Deferred Gift Annuity
Several years ago Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock. It turned out to be a very wise decision.
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Tax-Free Sale
Tax-Free Sale
Howard and Lynn were age 55 when they purchased some land outside of town, and they thought it would be a good investment that they could later sell.
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Fixed Income for Retirement
Fixed Income for Retirement
After working for decades as a pediatrician in a small rural town, Patricia was ready to retire.
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Peace of Mind Gift Annuity
Peace of Mind Gift Annuity
Many years ago, Clara bought a home. Since she was so pleased with the home, she decided to buy stock in the company that built it.
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