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100 Years in 800 Pages	Andrea Nealon
A Hundred Years of Reflection Student life during the Vietnam War at the University of Mary Washington mirrored a tense time in the nation’s history. A map of Vietnam and photos of American Marines draped the walls of many dorm rooms at the University of Mary Washington during the 1960’s. Girls stayed up late into the night, sitting cross-legged on their beds talking about the future and trying not to think about the very real dangers of the present. If the hall telephone ever rang at that hour, they froze – prepared for the bad, but fearful of the worst. A stone’s throw from the Marine base at Quantico, the University of Mary Washington and its all female student body held the letters, rings and photos of many brave young men close to their hearts. At a time of national crisis, protestors from the community and UMW students united in an unprecedented effort to protect their loved ones fighting overseas. This vivid and poignant narrative is from Dr. William B. Crawley Jr.’s newly published book, The University of Mary Washington: A Centennial History: 1908-2008. The excerpt is an example of how Crawley effectively depicts the parallel paths of events on campus and developments in the nation as a whole. “Writing about some situations can be pretty emotional,” said Crawley, distinguished professor of history and American studies and UMW’s historian. He has lived through many of these experiences as a faculty member for nearly four decades. Currently, he and his alumna wife are co chairs for the University’s Centennial Campaign. The book, over 800 pages, is the culmination of 20 years of research and more than 100 interviews. Released in conjunction with the university’s 100th anniversary, the account features colorful profiles of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members who have invigorated the institution. “I wanted to write it in such a way that readers see the college community in the larger context of social and cultural change,” said Crawley. Covering its humble beginnings as a normal and industrial school for women to its current status as a highly acclaimed liberal arts coeducational institution with a graduate and professional studies program, Crawley includes the decision for coeducation, student traditions, academic and architectural expansion and the centennial celebration. A native of Chatham, Va., Crawley does not shy away from controversial topics, including the institution’s move to university status or the brief presidency of William Frawley. “Many people are surprised to learn that I included the Frawley era in the book,” he said. “But it was a part of our history.” Perhaps more entertaining but at times just as shocking, are the colorful anecdotes about student life. Crawley recounts such traditions as Devil Goat Day, May Day and Halloweens, and describes the development of the school’s honor system, service organizations and the successful athletic program. “Writing about the students was the most enjoyable part of the process,” said Crawley. The commencement exercises of 2008 bring the book to a bittersweet close. “What better way to end than with a beginning?” said Crawley. University of Mary Washington: A Centennial History, 1908-2008 is available at the UMW Bookstore for $34.95. For more information or to purchase the book, call (540) 654-1055 or visit www.umw.edu/bookstore. Andrea Nealon is a senior at the University of Mary Washington.
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