When Jenell Poling ’24 arrived at the University of Mary Washington as a first-year student in fall 2020, their art classes were a bright spot when the world seemed at its bleakest.
“I fell in love with UMW’s Department of Art and Art History and knew I wanted to pursue this as a major,” said Jenell, who spent four years expanding their knowledge of drawing, painting, sculpture, video art, and more in Melchers Hall.
Jenell’s commitment to their craft earned further validation when they received the Alfred Levitt Memorial Scholarship three years ago. The renewable award – named for a late artist and teacher who was a loyal supporter of Mary Washington – is given to a rising junior or senior majoring in studio art who aspires to pursue a career in the visual arts after graduation.
“My scholarships have made me feel like my work is truly being recognized and appreciated,” said Jenell, who also earned the Shannon A. Broom ’97 and Stanley A. Owens scholarships and the Emil R. Schnellock Award for Excellence in Painting while at UMW.
Growing up in Bristow, Virginia, Jenell wanted to make art from the start. At age 8, they had already begun researching renowned artists and gaining inspiration from their work. “I’ve always had a wild imagination.”
At Mary Washington, Jenell’s talent flourished under the guidance of dedicated professors like Carole Garmon and Jason Robinson. “Jenell is the epitome of an art student,” Professor Garmon said. “They are curious, dedicated to their studio practice, and most importantly, fearless.”
Receiving private donor support covered part of Jenell’s tuition and provided much-needed funds to purchase art supplies and equipment, often a large expense in a college student’s budget.
Furthermore, being a scholarship recipient also earned Jenell’s whimsical oil painting, “Mice Night Out,” a spot on the cover of the Fiscal Year 2023 Endowment Report, published by UMW’s Office of University Advancement and the UMW Foundation.
While the piece began as a challenge at first, painting the brightest spots – bursts of blues and reds, with splashes of orange and green – helped Jenell find their way to a finished work.
“Being an artist has helped form me into the best version of myself,” said Jenell, who is planning to pursue a career that aligns with their artistic interests before beginning graduate school. “It’s given me a space to share my ideas and express my passion.”
For information about creating scholarships at the University of Mary Washington, visit giving.umw.edu or contact the Office of University Advancement at advance@umw.edu or 540-654-1024.
– Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04
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