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A 'Historic Day' at UMW School throws welcome party for next president

School, community fetes UMW's next president

Date published: 2/7/2006

By MELISSA NIX

By MELISSA NIX

THE University of Mary Washington formally welcomed its next president yesterday, with one official hailing William Frawley as a leader who will take the school to "new heights."

At a reception for Frawley and his family at the Woodard Campus Center, waiters whirled through the crowded Great Hall with trays of dainty petit fours, tea cakes and cups of punch. Two students played a flute duet, and the school's choir sang the alma mater a cappella.

Mona Albertine, rector of UMW's board of visitors, introduced Frawley from a lectern in the center of the cathedral-ceilinged hall.

"This is an important day for the university. This is a historic day for the university," said Albertine, who chaired the Presidential Search Advisory Committee.

She described Frawley as "an accomplished academic, an exceptional fund-raiser and a truly outstanding leader who will lead the University of Mary Washington to new heights."

Frawley, 52, then presented his wife, Mariah, 14-year-old son, Christopher Barton, and 11-year-old daughter, Emma Sanford to the more than 200 university and community leaders gathered.

Frawley, dean of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at George Washington University, said he was happy to be given such an exciting job. He said he was drawn to UMW by its terrific students, faculty and staff.

"It's time to do new things, but we can't do so without standing on the past," he said.

Frawley then asked the crowd to join him in acknowledging President William Anderson Jr.'s service to the school.

"We owe him a great deal of gratitude for all he has accomplished," Frawley said, drawing applause from the crowd.

Once the formal remarks had ended, he walked directly across the room to shake Anderson's hand.

"It's a great day in the life of the university," Anderson said. "I am absolutely confident Dr. Frawley will do a wonderful job."

After 23 years of presiding over UMW, Anderson will retire June 30. Frawley takes over July 1.

Staff, students, faculty members and community residents stood in line to personally welcome Frawley and his family.

Mariah Frawley is an associate professor of English at GWU and said she expects to continue on the faculty there. Her husband plans to move into Brompton, the president's official residence.

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Date published: 2/7/2006