Virginia Green Bartlett ’01 and Preston Robinson ’99 met at Mary Washington – and even attended grad ball as friends – but went their separate ways after college. A UMW online course they took several years ago led them to rekindle their relationship-turned-romance.
“This feels like home to us,” said Bartlett, who returned for her 25th milestone reunion with Robinson, whom she married last year. He agreed, adding, “Mary Washington is still such a peaceful place in a hectic world.”
Hundreds of alumni, along with their friends and family, came to the 2026 Reunion Weekend to reunite with each other, their favorite faculty members and their college home. With sunny skies and balmy temperatures, they participated in parties and picnics, presentations, printmaking workshops, campus tours, beverage tastings, family fun and trolley trips to Carl’s for frozen treats. They also honored Alumni Award recipients and learned about campus updates, including plans for the new theatre, which broke ground this spring, and the upcoming fine arts and music renovation.
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New activities included a live recording of UMW President Troy Paino’s What Matters Most podcast, a student journalism gathering, a retired faculty and staff reception and a “Bites and Sites” dinner that culminated with a lively karaoke party at Palmieri Plaza.
Graduates across the generations spent the weekend reconnecting, reminiscing and reflecting on the past while hearing about Mary Washington’s many accolades today. Alumni were proud to learn that UMW has consistently ranked in U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Fiske Guide to Colleges and more. They were also pleased that their alma mater has remained true to its mission as a public liberal arts and sciences university.
“It’s invigorating to be back,” said Carolyn Crum Pannu ’61, who, with classmates Lloyd Tilton Backstrom and Pat Scott Peck, marveled at the beauty of the campus where they met seven decades ago.
Rob Strassheim ’96 praised the University for “remaining committed to its traditions while balancing the needs of future students and the Fredericksburg community.”
“I want to ensure that this institution thrives,” said Irene Thomaidis Roberts ’86, who chatted excitedly with her friends about the UMW men’s basketball team winning its first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship this spring.
Alison Haworth Regan ’76 came to celebrate her class’s 50th Reunion Weekend, which made her part of the 1908 Society, honoring those who graduated 50 years ago or more. “We bonded, matured and grew up together,” said Regan, who couldn’t believe that much time had passed. “But our friendships have lasted a lifetime.”
