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House committee advances new name for MWC Date published: 1/22/2004
RICHMOND--A House of Delegates committee yesterday took the first legislative step toward renaming Mary Washington College. On a unanimous vote, and with little discussion, the House Education Committee approved Del. Mark Cole's bill to rename the college "University of Mary Washington." That name is what the school's board of visitors chose to rename the school, and is endorsed by school officials. But some students and others are still unhappy with the choice, and appear to be waging a campaign for "Mary Washington University." College President William Anderson dismissed the conflict, saying support for the University of Mary Washington name is "really picking up now." The college has hired Vectre Corp., a Richmond lobbying firm, to help persuade lawmakers that "University" belongs before "Mary Washington" in the school's new name. Anderson, who attended Monday's committee hearing, said the school routinely hires a lobbyist for the General Assembly session, rather than keep permanent staff. "We're one of the few schools that doesn't have full-time staff down here," Anderson said. "Any time we have any bills through, or budget amendments, we hire a firm to do it." Cole said he was chosen to submit the House version of the name-change bill in part because he is an alumnus. "My personal preference is Mary Washington University, but I defer to the board of visitors," Cole said. Sen. John Chichester, R-Stafford, is introducing an identical version of the bill on the Senate side, which may be heard in committee today. In November, the Mary Washington College board of visitors unanimously voted for University of Mary Washington as the school's university name. The new name will link the Fredericksburg college and its James Monroe Center for Graduate and Professional Studies in Stafford County. The board's choice conflicted with the recommendation of the college's Image and University Name Committee, which several days earlier had voted Washington & Monroe University its top choice. University of Mary Washington was a close second. The day before the board's vote, several hundred students held a campus protest to insist "Mary Washington" be kept in the institution's umbrella title. Survey results from spring 2003 revealed that 65 percent of more than 2,000 college alumni preferred the name Mary Washington University over Washington & Monroe University. A survey of current MWC students found 91 percent favored Mary Washington University. Staff writer Kelly Hannon contributed to this report. To reach CHELYEN DAVIS: 804/782-9362 cdavis@freelancestar.com
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