MBU in the News: June 2024

A selection of news stories and media mentions featuring Mary Baldwin University alumni, students, faculty, and staff from the month of June.

Senior student-athletes posing after receiving their stoles.

Senior student-athletes receiving their stoles before Commencement; this year, the Fighting Squirrels achieved a record 86 student-athletes on the USA South All-Academic Team.

Barbra Lee, MBU Volunteer and Community Beacon, Recognized at Commencement and in Staunton News Leader

MBU president Jeff Stein in graduation regalia sharing the stage with Barbra Lee. This photo shows the moment in which she was recognized with this award.

Barbra Lee, a civil rights activist, perennial MBU volunteer, and standout member of the Staunton community, was recognized at MBU’s Commencement ceremonies with the the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Service Award.

Read more about Lee and her incredible story in the Staunton News Leader’s coverage linked below.

Beloved MBU Cat, Clinton, Remembered

Patricia Hunt, MBU’s chaplain emerita and News Leader columnist, wrote in memory of Clinton, a beloved (and long-lived) campus cat.

Hunt recalls, “He became legendary. If there was an event, he was there: parties, dedications of buildings, gatherings of any kind.”

A photo of Clinton the cat's memorial plaque, bearing the text "Clinton, MBC's devoted campus cat, 1992-2010."

A Record-Setting All-Academic Conference Team

A team photo of the fighting squirrels softball team, who had the second-most student athletes qualify for the all-academic.

2024 has been a year of record-setting performances for the Fighting Squirrels, who achieved a record 86 student athletes on the USA South All-Academic Team.

The All-Academic team recognizes student-athletes who earn a 3.30 grade point average. MBU’s previous record was 68 students.

Heifetz Institute’s Student-Focused Performances Return to MBU

The Heifetz International Music Institute puts students at the front and center of their renowned summer festival line-up, which began this month on MBU’s Staunton campus.

Hailing from 15 countries around the world, 170 students ages 8 to 28 come to the institute to build skills in technique, stage presence, and repertoire.

Unlike many festivals which put faculty members and distinguished guests in the spotlight, 90% of Heifetz Institute performances focus on the students.

New Men’s Basketball Coach Generates Buzz

Daniel Eacho headshot

The university’s announcement of Daniel Eacho as the new head coach for men’s basketball made local headlines.

Eacho takes the helm as only the second men’s basketball coach in MBU history, taking the helm after last year’s record-breaking season that saw the team advance to the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time.

See coverage from: