Sarah Ciccone joined the University Events team as an Event Manager in December 2016. She has been with James Madison University since 2012, starting in the Center for Global Engagement (formerly the Office of International Programs) as an Administrative Assistant before being promoted to Coordinator. In her role as Coordinator for Study Abroad, Sarah organized the annual Summit Series conference, managed the Cross-Cultural Program that hosted international students during the summer, and supported international visiting scholars.

In June 2019, Sarah was promoted to Associate Director and, in June 2023, advanced to Director. Prior to her work at JMU, she spent over five years as the Life Enrichment Coordinator at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, where she planned activities and events for supportive living residents, including those with dementia. Her activities included outings, recitals, and socials.

At University Events, Sarah leads commencement exercises, oversees departmental operations, and organizes high-profile presidential events. She also manages groundbreakings, dedication ceremonies, and co-manages the Presidential Suite during home football games.

While working full-time, Sarah began part-time studies in the Adult Degree Program at JMU and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in individualized studies, concentrating in business management and human resource management, in May 2020. She plans to pursue a master’s degree at JMU in the coming years.

Since July 2023, she serves as the Regional Director for the North American Association for Commencement Officers (NAACO) for the Southeast region. Sarah has participated in numerous campus committees during her time at JMU.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking, camping, and gardening, as well as cooking, baking, and crafting. She loves spending time with her two daughters, husband, family, and friends. Fall is her favorite season, as she enjoys the cooler weather and fun activities with her children.

Jeff Campbell joined the University Events team as Associate Director in September 2024. He has been with James Madison University (JMU) since 2008, holding various positions. His career at JMU began in Athletics, where he coordinated Game Operations events and game day logistics. He later transitioned to JMU Libraries, serving as Head of Library and Information Services, overseeing front-line services and operations for the campus’s library facilities and events.

Beyond JMU, Jeff has worked with several Parks and Recreation departments in Virginia, as well as with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union. His roles included coordinating youth sports activities, community outreach, and organizing events like the annual Cocktails & Cleats fundraiser, supporting community growth and programming.

In his current role with University Events, Jeff manages key events such as commencement, departmental operations, and high-profile presidential functions. He also supports the Presidential Suite during home football games, Board of Visitors meetings, Faculty and Staff Service Recognitions, senior class events, Commencement Expo, student events, and other presidential engagements.

A proud triple Duke, Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Recreation Management and a master’s in Sport Leadership from JMU. His service to the university includes membership on the JMU Alcohol Council, advising UREC Sports Clubs, volunteering for JMU’s CHOICES Day, and participating in numerous university search committees.

In his free time, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, twin sons, and friends. He is an avid sports fan and player, often found on JMU’s intramural fields.

Amethyst Carter grew up in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and holds an associate’s degree in education from Blue Ridge Community College. She has experience as a co-head teacher at a private school in Harrisonburg, where she led K-8 science classes and coordinated after-school activities, including school trips, class parties, summer camps, and special events.

During her time at the school, she was frequently asked by coworkers and event guests to help plan their personal events, which led to the creation of her business, A La Carter Events. For two years, she balanced teaching with planning a variety of events, including baby showers, corporate functions, private parties, and weddings.

Every summer, Amethyst contributed to the production and promotion of the Vacation Bible School at Mt. Olive Brethren Church in McGaheysville, VA, which served hundreds of children. Her responsibilities included design, decoration, scheduling, staffing, and managing the showcase finale.

In 2019, she became a nanny for a family with eight children, taking on tasks such as organizing schedules, meal preparation, transportation, and assisting with homework. Her role also included traveling both domestically and internationally with the family, which comprised six boys and two girls.

Now, as the Event and Office Manager, Amethyst is excited about this new chapter in her career and looks forward to growing as part of the University Events team.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new Pinterest crafts and recipes with her nieces, singing karaoke, traveling, and learning about different cultures.

Kate Buswell (’28)

Kate joined the University Events team as an intern during her freshman year. She is from Woodbridge, Virginia, and is a Psychology major with a minor in Criminal Justice. She plans to graduate in Spring 2028 and hopes to become a Forensic Psychologist. During her time at JMU, she has been involved in JMU Fitness Club, JMU Psychology Club, and works on the Atlantic Union Bank Center Events team. She was also a research assistant working on advancements and research regarding motivational psychology of college students. Kate enjoys event planning and working with JMU’s University Events Team! 

Olivia Figurelli (’26) 

Olivia is a hospitality management major with a minor in general business from New Jersey. She joined the University Events team her senior year and hopes to pursue a career in event planning after graduating from JMU in 2026. At JMU, she is a member of the Hospitality Management Honors Society, Eta Sigma Delta, and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She also serves on the executive board for the Panhellenic Council. She is very excited to join the University Events team and be a part of an amazing team!  

Eleanor Nichols (’28)

Eleanor joined the University Events team during her freshman year. She is from Northern Virginia and is a Hospitality Management major with a minor in General Business. She is in a social sorority, Phi Mu, where she serves on the Recruitment/Membership Committee. Her goal is to eventually move into a position on Phi Mu’s Executive Board. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2028 with a Bachelor's of Science in Hospitality Management and pursue a job in the Hospitality industry but is excited to explore her possibilities.   

Sydney Roscoe (’27)

Sydney joined the University Events Team during her freshman year as an intern. She is from King William, Virginia, and is a Hospitality Management major with minors in General Business and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. She plans to graduate in the fall of 2027 and hopes to pursue a career in event or resort management. On campus, she is a part of JMU Young Life and Hart School Ambassadors. Sydney has a passion for event planning and is excited to be a part of the University Events Team. 

We welcome your phone calls and emails regarding event planning or past and present events.

To submit an RSVP or for general questions, please call 540-568-RSVP (7787)
or email University Events.