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Senior Madeline Brunt began studying ballet at age 5, but by the time she enrolled at the University of Mary Washington, the pandemic had put her passion on pause. A year later, once restrictions were easing up, she discovered UMW’s Performing Arts Company and auditioned on a whim.
“It’s a strange combination,” Brunt said of her biological sciences major and her art form, which both involve performing a sequence of steps to achieve a successful result. “Biology exercises my logical thinking, while dance allows for creative expression.”
Dance – especially her role as president of the Performing Arts Company – also gives Brunt a respite from her rigorous research into genetics, an area that hits close to home due to hearing loss she and twin sister Meredith were diagnosed with as children. Earning private scholarships has meant that Brunt, who graduates on Saturday, has been able to enhance her academics with extracurriculars and experiential learning opportunities that will prepare her for life after Mary Washington.
“When I’ve told my sister about my studies, she’s blown away that I’m doing this level of research here,” said Brunt, who grew up in Gainesville, Virginia. Her parents, Amy Acker ’94 and Andrew Brunt ’96, are both alumni. “I really enjoyed having a one-on-one relationship with my professors, which you don’t always get at larger universities.”
Filed Under: Commencement, Top Stories
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