The Mary Washington Geography Department's campaign to build an endowment to mark our 50th Anniversary just passed an important milestone!

Thanks to major gifts and pledges from Alyson Greiner (1998) and her husband Luis Montes; Dawn (1986) and Marshall Bowen; Ellen and Keith Littlefield (1979) and the generous donations of other alumni and faculty, we have now matched Jeff (1991) and Lisa Rountree's initial gift of $20,000.

That means that in 5 years we'll have at a $40,000 endowment that will yield about $2,000 per year to help student take advantage of study abroad opportunities, pursue their own research, and participate in the department's field courses.

That's great!  This only confirms that Mary Washington Geographers are among the most active and giving alumni at Mary Washington.  I and the rest of the Department thank you for all that you continue to do!

But, $2,000 a year will not help that many students.  So, if you have not already given, please make a donation to the 50th Anniversary Geography Endowment.  It doesn't take very much to make a big difference.  If 100 alumni each gave $50 per year for 5 years, we'd add $25,000 to the Endowment!

To make such a gift, please note your intent on the form when you make your gift online (Please be sure to type the words "Geography 50th Anniversary Endowment" in the "Other gift designation" box on the online or printed pledge form.) For more information, contact me at shanna@umw.edu or call the Office of University Advancement at (888) 692-0004.

Thanks!

Stephen