What Matters Most with Steve and Donna Gladis - Live at Reunion Weekend 2026

What Matters Most with Steve and Donna Gladis - Live at Reunion Weekend 2026

In this special live episode of What Matters Most, recorded during Reunion Weekend 2026, President Troy Paino welcomes longtime UMW supporters and friends Donna and Steve Gladis for a conversation spanning decades of Mary Washington history. Donna reflects on her experience as a student in the 1960s, sharing memories of campus life, lifelong friendships, and the unique environment of an all-women's college during a time of profound social change. Steve discusses his military service, career in leadership and coaching, and the inspiration behind his novel The Brides of War, which explores the experiences of Mary Washington women whose lives were shaped by the Vietnam War. The conversation also highlights the couple's enduring commitment to the University through volunteer leadership, philanthropy, and support for the Center for Artificial Intelligence and the Liberal Arts. Along the way, Donna and Steve share their thoughts on lifelong learning, leadership, resilience, community, and the importance of staying engaged. The episode concludes with reflections on what matters most to them today—and why the values they discovered at Mary Washington continue to guide their lives.

What Matters Most with UMW 2026 Commencement Speaker Lou Marmo

In this episode of What Matters Most, we sit down with distinguished alumnus Lou Marmo, a 1994 graduate whose journey from Mary Washington to the C-suite spans business, education, and leadership at the highest levels. Lou reflects on why he chose Mary Washington, the friendships and faculty relationships that shaped his undergraduate experience, and how a liberal arts education prepared him for an evolving career across multiple industries. The conversation also explores his return to UMW as a member of the Foundation Board and his many contributions and connections to his alma mater, including an iconic and lasting symbol. He also shares a snippet of his commencement speech and timeless advice for graduating seniors. This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on April 16, 2026.

What Matters Most with Sammy D. Eagle(s)

In this episode of What Matters Most, we sit down with two highly involved seniors from the University of Mary Washington who have spent their college years immersed in academics, leadership, and campus life. Both guests share why they chose UMW, what they study, and how their diverse experiences have shaped their time on campus. And in a special moment during the episode, these seniors reveal a shared campus involvement that most students never knew about—a spirited role that has allowed them to support the UMW community in a memorable way. This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on March 17, 2026.

What Matters Most with UMW Men's Basketball Captains

In this episode of What Matters Most, President Troy Paino sits down with UMW Men’s Basketball co‑captains Kye Robinson ’28 and Jay Randall ’27—two standout leaders driving the Eagles through one of the strongest seasons in program history. Together, they talk about the influences that shaped them, the mindset behind their success, and what matters most to them as student-athletes. This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on February 6, 2026.

What Matters Most with Professor and Director of the Arts Gregg Stull

In this episode of What Matters Most, President Troy Paino sits down with Gregg Stull, Professor of Theatre and Director of the Arts at the University of Mary Washington. A UMW alumnus with nearly five decades of connection to the University, Stull reflects on his journey from first‑year theatre student to influential educator and leader. He shares why a Mary Washington education is about far more than a major, how experiential learning shapes confident creators, and why the arts play a powerful role in helping students understand themselves and the world around them. Stull also offers an inside look at UMW’s emerging arts initiatives, including the new theatre complex and his vision for elevating the arts across campus and throughout the community. This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on January 20, 2026.