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College name-change bill heads to the governor Date published: 2/26/2004
RICHMOND--Legislation to change Mary Washington College's name to the University of Mary Washington is headed for the governor's desk. The Virginia House of Delegates voted 90-7 yesterday to approve the bill. The Senate approved it earlier in the week, leaving Gov. Mark Warner's signature as the only remaining hurdle. House members did not debate the bill, although the name change has been a controversial topic. The college's administration and board of visitors want the "University of Mary Washington" name, while many students and alumni preferred "Mary Washington University." But efforts earlier in the session to amend the bill failed, and most lawmakers have said they do not want to micromanage the college by thwarting the board of visitors' preference. Even the primary sponsor of the bill in the House, Del. Mark Cole, R-Spotsylvania County, wasn't all that fond of the new name. "My personal preference is Mary Washington University, but I defer to the board of visitors," Cole said at the time the bill was introduced. Cole said he was chosen to submit the House version of the name-change bill in part because he is an alumnus. Besides Cole, local Dels. Bill Howell, R-Stafford, Bobby Orrock, R-Spotsylvania, Albert Pollard Jr., D-Lancaster, and Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, voted for the bill. The college had hired Vectre Corp., a prominent Richmond lobbying firm, to help persuade lawmakers that "University" belongs before "Mary Washington" in the school's new name. Sen. John Chichester, R-Stafford County, was the primary sponsor of the bill in the Senate. In November, the MWC 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. To reach CHELYEN DAVIS: 804/782-9362 cdavis@freelancestar.com
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