Mary Walters Petricoin

Prior to joining the Class of 1963, Mary Walters Petricoin lived the life of a military daughter, traveling wherever her father would be stationed. This nomadic lifestyle allowed her love for dance to flourish in unique ways. Memorable experiences included folk dancing in the Philippines at the age of five and learning Flamenco while her father was stationed in Texas. She added modern dance to her repertoire while attending Wilson when she joined Orchesis. Her dream was to pursue dance as a career but, after her father’s passing, the assistance that Petricoin received through the Veterans Administration would not cover dance courses. This did not stop her from weaving dance into her life at every opportunity. At Wilson, not only did Petricoin participate in Orchesis but some professors allowed her to submit dances she had choreographed in place of required papers in several of her English literature courses. Petricoin was even invited back to Wilson to perform one of these pieces, based on Shaw’s “St. Joan,” with Orchesis in 1965. “Wilson gave me the chance to dance and still get my degree,” she said.

After graduation, Petricoin continued to find creative ways in which she could infuse dance into her life even as she married, raised a family, and became a banker. She took dance classes, even taking “ballet for those over 40” classes. She also taught dance, including creative dance for children through the Maryland parks and recreation system.