One of Hannah Stottlemyer’s most memorable moments at the University of Mary Washington came on a Global Medical Brigades trip to treat underserved communities in Panama. There, she put her majors in biomedical sciences and Spanish into practice when she extracted a patient’s tooth and watched his sudden relief.
Having this experience as an undergraduate was possible because she earned an Alvey Scholarship, she said, providing her with full tuition, fees, and room and board. “I feel such gratitude toward my donor,” said Hannah, a Mary Washington senior who plans to apply to dental school this spring. “She achieved success and decided to selflessly invest in UMW students to ensure they also have opportunities to succeed.”
At the Celebration of Giving, Hannah shared her story, honoring her late donor, Irene Piscopo Rodgers, who passed away in July 2022. The 1959 alumna left the University a transformational $30 million estate gift for undergraduate STEM research and to establish four new Alvey Scholarships for out-of-state students, in addition to the eight she created in her lifetime. This year’s event, held Dec. 6 at UMW’s Jepson Alumni Executive Center, focused on the tremendous impact that Irene and other alumnae in the sciences have made at Mary Washington by prioritizing the University in their philanthropic giving.
“They overcame obstacles at a time when there were few women in STEM, found success in their fields, and gave back to their alma mater so students could follow their dreams and change the world,” said Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte, who shared highlights from the past fundraising year and thanked those who donated in 2023.
2023 marked the most successful fundraising year in Mary Washington’s 115-year history, she told the 200-plus guests in attendance, who contributed toward the $21.3 million raised in donations and pledges over the past year in support of UMW students, faculty, and programs. “Through your philanthropy, your volunteerism, and your engagement, you have given so much back to the University, and our students see that and are inspired by each of you.”
Seated at tables adorned with microscopes, drones, and beakers and flasks filled with colorful liquids, guests embraced the evening’s science theme, especially a chemistry concoction for dessert created by UMW Catering. Showcasing a broad liberal arts and sciences education, junior Sasha Murphy, a biochemistry major and neuroscience minor, played flute, accompanied by Department of Music Professor and Chair Brooks Kuykendall on piano. Attendees then listened as a series of speakers thanked donors for their contributions.
“When you invest in a student’s education, it not only transforms their lives, but they have the opportunity to go out and pay it forward,” President Troy Paino said. “You model exactly what we hope to instill in our students.”
Ron Pohl, Irene’s attorney and friend, spoke about how Mary Washington transformed her life. “Nothing made her happier than giving money to this school, creating Alvey Scholarships, seeing students get their tuition paid for, and watching them grow up and have careers,” he said.
Guests also heard from several recipients, including Harrison Miles, a 2015 alumnus pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree in conservation biology. His research using fungus extracted from the invasive spotted lantern fly earned him the John C. and Jerri Barden Perkins ’61 College of Arts and Sciences Student Research Fellowship at this year’s Summer Science Institute.
“Dr. Perkins, I’m incredibly grateful to you for recognizing my research and for the invaluable role you played in my Mary Washington journey,” said Harrison, who will begin a Ph.D. in forestry this spring. “Thank you for contributing to my undergraduate education and that of so many others at UMW.”
Senior Sofia Taylor, who received an Alvey Scholarship to study psychology, neuroscience, and music, spoke about her close relationship with her benefactor, who often kept up with her recipients through emails, cards, and letters.
“Irene, I hope you know that everything I’m doing here at UMW was made possible because of your generosity,” Sofia said. “I will continue to make you proud as a woman in STEM and sing your praises for all past and future Alvey Scholars to hear.”
Learn more about establishing scholarships and how private support makes a difference in the lives of UMW students who receive scholarships, research fellowships, and internship grants.
View photos from the 2023 Celebration of Giving.
– Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04
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