Honoring Our Alumni
During Reunion Weekend, we announce three awards honoring alumni who have excelled in service, career, and other accomplishments.
The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award honors graduates within the last 15 years who have distinguished themselves through service to Mary Washington or accomplishments in their career or community.
The Frances Liebenow Armstrong ’36 Service Award honors alumni who have demonstrated a lifetime of exceptional service to Mary Washington.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors alumni who have made significant contributions to their career field and community and who are a source of inspiration to UMW students and of pride to the University.
Our latest award winners are profiled below.
See a full listing of all past award recipients.
Outstanding Young Alumnus
Shirin Afsous ’12
Congratulations to our 2026 Outstanding Young Alumnus, Shirin Afsous, Class of 2012! Shirin earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy on the pre-law track from UMW and a J.D. from Suffolk University. An accomplished commercial litigator, Afsous also takes on pro bono cases for domestic violence survivors, immigrant communities, and other vulnerable populations. She has repeatedly made “The Best Lawyers in America” list and has been designated among top lawyers in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Afsous has served as president of the D.C. chapter of the Iranian American Bar Association, vice president of the national organization, and membership chair of the UMW Legal Affinity Group. She also mentors UMW graduates pursuing law careers. “It is such an honor to be back at Mary Washington,” said Shirin, a first-generation immigrant who found her place at UMW. “I’m such a huge proponent of giving back and public service.”
The Frances Liebenow Armstrong ’36 Service Award
Mary Helen Dellinger ’90
Congratulations to the 2026 Frances Liebenow Armstrong ‘36 Service Award recipient, Mary Helen Dellinger, Class of 1990! Mary Helen holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Mary Washington and a master’s degree in history from George Mason University. She served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for five years and the Fredericksburg Alumni Chapter (now Regional Network) for over a decade. She helped establish an endowed scholarship and sends birthday cards, notes of encouragement, and graduation gifts to recipients. Curator at the City of Manassas Museum, Mary Helen assists with UMW’s Museum Professionals Affinity Group and networks with students considering pursuing museum careers. She also volunteers at Homecoming, Reunion Weekend, and other alumni events and plans activities for the Class of 1990. She is a member of UMW’s Heritage Society. “I want to thank my parents, who modeled for me from an early age what it means to give back and volunteer,” Mary Helen said. “The staff at Mary Washington make it easy for me to stay involved.”
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Edith Gilbert Smith ’62
Congratulations to the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient, Edith Gilbert Smith, Class of 1962! After studying home economics at Mary Washington, Edith taught the subject to children and adults for nearly three decades. Becoming a caregiver for her disabled husband, a retired U.S. Marine who was denied military benefits, led her to a life of service as a citizen advocate for veterans and their families. Guided by the motto “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” Edith has spent 30 years helping families fight and win battles for their rightful survivor benefits. Her quest for justice led her to countless meetings on Capitol Hill, where she doled out homemade cookies to open conversations with legislators. She testified before numerous congressional committees and spent decades educating surviving spouses on engaging with elected officials. Their efforts resulted in military spouses successfully reversing a decision on property taxes and eliminating an offset to the Survivor Benefit Plan known as the “widow’s tax.” Edith’s recognitions include the 2016 President’s Volunteer Service Award and being named a Gold Star Family Advocate. “I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Edith. “More than any accomplishment, it is the people with whom I’ve worked who I most valued.”