Marymount University marked a major milestone this past weekend as the institution celebrated its 75th anniversary during Homecoming & Family Weekend, welcoming alumni, students, families, faculty, staff and community members to campus for four days of festivities honoring the University’s past, present and future.
The highlight of the weekend was Friday evening’s 75th Anniversary Celebration event in the Ballston Center Auditorium, featuring a special proclamation from the Virginia General Assembly and the public launch of Momentum: The Campaign for Marymount, a bold $50 million fundraising initiative to propel the University into a new era.
“We call on everyone who believes in Marymount—our alumni, donors, friends, faculty and staff—to support our students, our campus and our shared legacy,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University, during the 75th Anniversary Celebration. “Together, we are promoting access, innovation and purpose, empowering every student to reach their full potential and ensuring Marymount continues to thrive for future generations.”
During the event, Delegate Patrick Hope of Virginia’s 1st District presented an official proclamation from the Virginia General Assembly, recognizing Marymount’s 75 years of service to the Commonwealth and beyond.
“I’ve always considered Marymount to be the flagship University of Arlington County,” Del. Hope said. “And as long as I represent the people of Arlington, you will always have a friend in the Virginia General Assembly.”
In her remarks, President Becerra unveiled the public phase of Momentum: The Campaign for Marymount, a comprehensive five-year effort to raise $50 million in support of Marymount’s vision and future. More than $20 million has already been raised toward that goal through the leadership phase of this fundraising initiative, which began in 2022. During this three-year period, the University engaged key donors, strengthened its alumni community and boosted Marymount’s national recognition while carefully evaluating its facilities, scholarships and academic programs.
The campaign’s three core priorities include:
- Advancing student success: expanding access to a transformative education through increased scholarships and financial aid.
- Expanding learning and innovation spaces: creating state-of-the-art facilities such as the new Reinsch Pierce Family Campus Hub, Malek Welcome Center, Innovation Lab and Nursing Simulation Lab that foster collaboration and prepare students for high-demand careers.
- Energizing purpose-driven programs: endowing faculty chairs and supporting academic initiatives that emphasize ethics, impact and workforce relevance.
“Momentum, the campaign for Marymount, is critical to the University’s future success,” said J. Andrew Steele, member of the University’s Board of Trustees and campaign co-chair. “We must guide our community through these times of uncertainty and adversity, drawing upon our history and mission to inspire and reinforce the importance of social responsibility, ethics and civility within our changing world. Our recent accomplishments stand as proof of Marymount’s resilience and determination. As a close-knit university, we are not only steadfast—we are growing stronger every day.”
Michael Hershman, the new Chair of Marymount’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the campaign’s potential for broad, lasting impact.
“We want to give back to the community, the student body and the fine professors that we have here,” Hershman explained. “We’re dedicated as a Board to help achieve this goal of raising $50 million, but we need everyone’s support. This is not just about improving campus—this is about improving lives.”
The celebration also included the recognition of Dr. Lisa Turissini, Professor of Education and Executive Director of Marymount’s Early Learning Academy, as the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Halo Award, honoring her dedication to advancing innovative teacher preparation and leadership development.
The remainder of the weekend was full of spirited Homecoming activities that showcased the pride and energy of the Marymount community. Festivities began Thursday evening with the Alumni Speaker Series, featuring accomplished graduates Allen Wolfe and Ben Hughes in a conversation on leadership and resilience. On Friday afternoon, the Cody Gallery hosted an artist talk and reception for Tunnel Vision, a new exhibit by sculptor Foon Sham. Later in the evening, a Black Alumni Club Mixer was held on the rooftop of Placemakr Marymount Ballston while a Performing Arts Showcase took place in the Reinsch Library Auditorium.
Throughout Saturday, the Homecoming BBQ and Festival drew large crowds to the University’s front lawn for live music, games and family fun, alongside alumni athletic games, a “Meet the Colleges” showcase and home sporting events at Long Bridge Park and the Converse Family Fieldhouse. The weekend concluded with a Mass in the Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel on Sunday morning, offering a moment of reflection and gratitude.
Learn more about Momentum: The Campaign for Marymount.
