Alumni named 2009 YMCA Volunteer of the Year

Alum named 2009 YMCA Volunteer of the Year JMU graduate Brent Bennett (’95) has been named the 2009 Volunteer of the Year by the Covington Family YMCA.

A coach and former semi-pro soccer player, Bennett has worked developing the soccer program for the Covington YMCA for the past eight years. As director, he has organized every aspect of the soccer program and steps into referee positions when needed. Honored for his commitment to keep children active and on a positive life track, Bennett is always there to encourage the kids on and off the soccer field.

A resident of Covington, Ga., Bennett works for the DeKalb County Director of Motor Vehicles as deputy tax commissioner. Bennett and his wife, Nyasha, have three soccer-playing sons.

Homecoming was a hit!

It was incredible to see so many alumni at Homecoming last weekend - we hope you all had as much fun as we did!

Check out www.jmu.edu/homecoming for photos, contest results, our Homecoming blog, and more!

And, don't forget to submit your favorite Homecoming photos to www.facebook.com/jmualumni. The fan photo with the most "likes" will be published in Madison magazine!

Alumni support Madison for Keeps

The current economic downturn is stressing many of our students' families. Without aid, we fear more than 200 JMU students may not be able to return next semester.

Madison for Keeps, the emergency student aid fund, has raised more than $195,161, but still needs your help. Learn more.

In support of Madison for Keeps, the JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors made a $25,000 gift during Homecoming Weekend, and each member of the board has pledged to make an individual gift as well.

Check out media coverage of the gift: Breeze article, WHSV story, Staunton News-Leader article.