Zeina Hamad ‘09 is an elementary school teacher and the author of the children’s book series Matti and Massi Missions. She earned her bachelor’s from the University of Virginia, and her M.Ed. from Marymount. After graduating from Marymount, Zeina taught in Fairfax County for six years before teaching abroad in Spain and Dubai.

During COVID, Zeina decided she wanted to take the ideas she’d had for children’s books and finally make them a reality. After getting signed with a publisher, she released her first book, Matti and Massi Missions Rome, in May of 2021. Since then, she has published two other books in the Matti and Massi Missions series that take place in Dubai and, most recently, Washington, D.C.

The inspiration for her books, she says, comes from her students, as well as her own two children. As a teacher, she encourages her students to read and enjoy creative writing, and as a mother, she loves coming up with creative bedtime stories to tell her kids.

In her free time, Zeina loves yoga, painting, and traveling with her husband and children. You can watch the trailer for her new book here, find her on Instagram here, and read more on her website.

Doug Ball is a former Professor of Education who taught at Marymount from 2008-2015. Recently, he was featured in an exhibit at the Arlington Arts Center titled, New Visions, Vibrant Memories, where his work showcased the changing landscape and development of Arlington, VA.

Growing up, Doug’s love of art started early on, and was inspired by his mother who was a painter. He spent time living in Arlington, and even delivered newspapers in the neighborhoods next to Marymount. He started his career in theater, attending drama school in London and working as an actor and set designer. While living in New York, he began taking art classes and showcasing his work in experimental and avant-garde art shows.

Doug returned to Arlington to be a professor at MU, teaching courses in special education and psychology. Being back in Arlington, he noticed how the community had changed and developed over the years, and was worried about the city’s rich past being lost. His recent paintings draw attention to these changes, and encourage Arlington residents to be aware of the issues that affect the wellbeing and quality of life in our community.

You can read more about the New Visions, Vibrant Memories exhibit at the Arlington Arts Center here.

Paintings from Doug Ball featured in the New Visions, Vibrant Memories exhibit.

Join Marymount President Irma Becerra for an evening of complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and conversation with Marymount alumni, prospective students, and guests in Charlotte, NC. Click here for more info. RSVP to alumni@marymount.edu.

Join event host, Bettilyn Molter Smyth '88, for an evening of complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and conversation with Marymount alumni, prospective students, and guests in Raleigh, NC. Click here for more info. RSVP to alumni@marymount.edu.

Save the Date: Day of Giving 2022

October 12, 2022

On October 12, join the movement with fellow alumni, parents, students, and friends as we celebrate Day of Giving!

Day of Giving is a 24-hour event to increase scholarship, strengthen curricula, fund research and community service, and meet the greatest need of the university.

Are you ready to make your Move? Make your gift today by heading to our website.

Registration for Homecoming Weekend is open NOW! Click here to register and view the schedule of over 15 events for you and your family to enjoy. We can't wait to welcome you back to campus!

Save the Date: Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner

Thursday, October 13, 2022 @ 6:00 p.m.

The Westin Arlington Gateway

To read about the Induction Class of 2022, click here. To purchase tickets, click on the link above.

Save the Date: Halo Awards Dinner

Thursday, February 23, 2023 @ 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Washington Golf & Country Club

6:00 – 6:45 p.m. – Cocktail Reception, Jefferson Room

6:45 – 7:45 p.m. – Dinner, Presidents Hall

7:45 – 8:30 p.m. – Program, Presidents Hall

Join us at Washington Golf & Country Club to celebrate the achievements and service of our outstanding alumni, faculty and community members. Click on the link above to purchase tickets.

Katherine Hall ‘19 received the W. Y. Smith Award, which recognizes extraordinary individual or group contributions to the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) from non-research staff members who contribute to IDA’s success. Katherine earned her master’s degree in management and leadership from Marymount in 2019.