Anderson helps dedicate Mary Washington College's new baseball field--V. Earl Dickinson Stadium--in 1988 with Rebecca Murphy of the Class of 1990; the stadium's namesake, Del. V. Earl Dickinson of Louisa County; and the college's Eagle mascot. When Anderson was named president of Fredericksburg's Mary Washington College, he became the youngest president at any of the state's senior colleges and universities. Today, he is the longest-serving president of any public institution in Virginia. UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON

Virginia Gov. Charles Robb joins 1,200 well-wishers in applauding the new college president at Anderson's inauguration in April 1984. UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON

William Anderson Jr. hands a diploma to a graduate in 1984, overseeing his first commencement as president of Mary Washington College. UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON

UMW president oversees final commencement ceremony before his retirement. By Jenny Strobel

Date published: 5/13/2006

THE SUN DID COME OUT--eventually--on gradua- tion day 1984, but not before a downpour drenched Ball Circle at Mary Washington College and the record class of 508 graduates, along with faculty, guests and William Anderson Jr. (sheltered by the umbrella in the photo at right).

Anderson was overseeing his first commencement as college president. Today, May 13, marks his final commencement ceremony as president before he retires on June 30.

In the intervening years, class size has more than doubled, to a new record.

At today's 9 a.m. ceremony, Anderson will award approximately 1,120 diplomas to the largest class ever. He has always made a point of greeting each graduate and handing out the diplomas personally.

When Anderson was named president of Fredericksburg's Mary Washington College, he became the youngest president at any of the state's senior colleges and universities. Today, he is the longest-serving president of any public institution in Virginia.

Major achievements during his term include the creation of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies in Stafford County, which prompted the institution's attainment of university status in 2004. Accordingly, the name was changed to the University of Mary Washington.

During his tenure, more than $120 million in capital improvements have been made, including a new library, a science center, a student center, an alumni center, an art gallery, an enclosed campus walk, new residence halls and the development of the Stafford campus. He has overseen the growth of the institution's endowment from $1.3 million to $24.5 million.

A look back in UMW and Free Lance-Star files shows Anderson in any number of official capacities. In the photo at right, Virginia Gov. Charles Robb is among 1,200 well-wishers applauding the new college president at his inauguration in April 1984. In the photo below, Anderson is on hand for the dedication of the college's new baseball field in 1988. With him are (from left) Rebecca Murphy, Class of 1990; Del. V. Earl Dickinson; and Mary Washington's Eagle mascot. This photo, from the UMW files, came from a publication marking Anderson's 10th anniversary as president.

UMW will soon be marking another milestone--its hundredth birthday. The university was founded in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women. In 1913, its first graduating class had 32 students.

--Jennifer Strobel

Date published: 5/13/2006