University of Mary Washington
07/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/23/2024 10:25
Surprise Connections Tie Together Recent UMW Grad’s College Success
When Abby Tank '24 graduated from the University of Mary Washington, her grandmother had one of the best seats in the house.
Ruth Ann Foiles Brunet '62 and granddaughter Abby Tank '24 at UMW's Commencement in May. They attended Mary Washington more than six decades apart, but Abby's beloved 'Meena' was a constant presence on campus during her four years at UMW. Photo courtesy of Abby Tank and Ruth Ann Foiles Brunet."I missed out on my high school graduation four years ago, so having her there made it even more special," Tank said. As a member of the 1908 Society, Ruth Ann Foiles Brunet '62 processed onto Ball Circle and watched the ceremony with other alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more. Seeing her granddaughter earn a bachelor's degree in international affairs and Spanish, she said, was "absolutely one of the highlights of my life."
Brunet attended Mary Washington over six decades ago, before transferring to another institution. She was a constant presence on campus throughout Tank's four years of college, cheering on her granddaughter in UMW women's volleyball games, including the team's conference championship win, and attending departmental events for families. She even bonded with her granddaughter's friends and roommates.
"They were all so excited to hug her and take photos with her at Commencement," said Tank, who was surprised to learn of her grandmother's ties to the University when she first visited campus for a high school volleyball camp. When Tank applied to Mary Washington, her mother told her that her grandmother had studied dietetics there in the late 1950s.
"It was strictly serendipitious that Abby ended up at UMW," Brunet said. The strong science education she earned in college helped her land various administrative roles in the healthcare field throughout her career. Meanwhile, she kept in touch with former classmates, attended reunions and donated to support current students. "I may not have graduated from here, but I consider Mary Washington my true alma mater."
Another surprise came when Tank earned the prestigious Justin and Helen Piscopo Alvey Scholarship for out-of-state students, providing her with full tuition, fees, and room and board for up to four undergraduate years. She became close to her late donor, Irene Piscopo Rodgers '59 - a Mary Washington student at the same time as her grandmother, though they never met - who left UMW a transformational $30 million estate gift for Alvey Scholarships and undergraduate scientific research.