James Madison University - Alumni Association - Awards
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JMU Alumni association Awards
Ronald E. Carrier Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Created in 1977, the award recognizes an individual who has excelled in his or her profession for a minimum of five years and has attained recognition from peers or other professionals as an outstanding member of their field. All James Madison University alumni are eligible.
Nomination form
Recipients
1977 - Dr. Sarah Lemmon ('34)
1978 - Dr. Marylou Riddleberger Barnes ('52, M.A. '68)
1979 - Beverly McGinnis Lowe ('59)
1981 - Dr. Margaret Lee Moore ('42)
1982 - Mary Stewart Hammond ('39)
1983 - Dr. Martha Boaz ('32)
1984 - Anna Pence Keller ('42)
1985 - Gill Temple Hanlon ('51)
1986 - Christine M. Shelton ('70, M.S. '78)
1987 - Garnet Hamrick Owen ('32)
1988 - Dolores Phalen Lescure ('38)
1989 - Dr. Dorothy Harris ('53)
With a friendly smile and a paintbrush in hand, David Gill (’76) repeatedly has honored James Madison University with his talents. The 6-foot-2 Richmond native always fostered a love for both the arts and sports. He majored in art education as a student at Madison College and was a forward on the men’s basketball team.
After graduation, Gill taught art at Lancaster High School and painted between his teaching and coaching duties. Now a full-time painter, Gill owns an art gallery in Richmond and exhibits his work in 25-30 shows a year from Miami to Cleveland. He specializes in watercolor, offset lithographs and limited edition prints, and has compiled more than 150 awards throughout his career.
1991 - Anne Duncan ('84)
Dorothy Crowder Coffey (’51) is an example of the prime quality and merit of a Madison education. She graduated with the intention of becoming a teacher before an unexpected turn of events led her to become the CEO of Crowder Corporation/United Van Lines in Alexandria, Va.
The English and history double major and a Spanish and music double minor taught sixth grade for one year in Falls Church, Va. before joining the family business, Crowder Transfer and Storage.
Coffey became active in industry affairs, served as President of the Northern Virginia Household Carriers Association and served two terms as President of the Virginia Movers and Warehousemen Association (VMWA).
In 1992 Coffey won the City of Alexandria’s Outstanding Women in Business Award and in 1995 she received the VMWA Commonwealth Award. After her retirement, Coffey served on the District 7610 Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee as well as the JMU Foundation’s Board of Directors.
With more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Joe Damico’s (’76, ’77M) career is one to be admired. As a founding partner and co-chairman of RoundTable Healthcare Partners, Damico is a prime example of why James Madison’s College of Business continues to garner national attention as one of the country’s finest.
Remembering his purple and gold roots, Damico — who completed an eight-year term of service on the JMU Board of Visitors in 2001 — is a regular on the Madison campus and a generous supporter to the College of Business.
Elected as rector to the BOV in 2006, Damico successfully led the search for Madison’s sixth president as chairman of the JMU Presidential Search Committee. In 2004, Damico and his wife Pamela ('77), an education graduate, donated $1 million to the Jackson E. Ramsey Eminent Scholars Centennial Chair in Business.
Grounded in the Madison way of initiating change through education, film producer Steve James (’77) helped revitalize the documentary genre. Along the way, he won the Director’s Guild of America award, a Peabody award and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism award, Oscar nominations, and continuing national acclaim soon followed.
His breakthrough documentary Hoop Dreams (1994) won nearly every major critical award and brought James the MTV Movie Award for “Best New Filmmaker.” For his next documentary titled Stevie (2002), James retuned to Southern Illinois to reconnect with a boy he mentored 10 years earlier as a “Big Brother.” The film won festival awards at Sundance, Amsterdam, Yamagata and Philadelphia and also was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award.
James recently appeared in These Amazing Shadows, a documentary investigating what makes the films listed in the National Film Registry the treasures of American cinema — a fitting topic for this distinguished filmmaker.
If you’ve listened to the Washington Wizards during the past decade, you probably recognize the signature “Daggggggger!” call from play-by-play announcer Steve Buckhantz (’77). After 37 years of broadcasting experience, Buckhantz, a four-time Emmy winner, is one of the longest-tenured sportscasters in the D.C. Metro area.
Before television, Buckhantz was the voice of the morning radio show on DC 101 and AM 1260, was the official play-by-play announcer for Navy football and was a freelance play-by-play announcer for professional and college teams, including an occasional JMU game, on HTS.
For the past 15 years Buckhantz has been the spokesman for the Steve Buckhantz/St. Jude Celebrity Golf Tournament, which to date has raised close to $3 million to benefit research at the children's hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
1996 - Suzanne Dickson ('52)
Steve Leeolou (’78) earned a B.S. in communications and was developing a successful broadcasting career when he changed gears completely. With an instinct for entrepreneurship, Steve co-founded Vanguard Cellular Systems in 1984 — one of the largest non-wireline cellular carriers in the 90s before it merged with AT&T at a value of $1.5 billion.
In 2000, Steve and his wife Dee Dee Collins (’78) funded the JMU alumni center — named in their honor — and became the first alumni to make a $1 million gift to the university. Six years later at the Madison century capital campaign kickoff, Steve announced a second seven-figure donation, stating that they know it will be “an investment with compounded returns on producing people who can make a real contribution to society going forward.”
Steve was a member of the Board of Visitors for eight years and was co-chair of Madison’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign.
According to Philip Bigler (’74, ’76M), the classroom is a battleground and a place to inspire. A high school teacher, historian and author, Bigler gained national attention as the 1998 National Teacher of the Year.
For 23 years Bigler turned his classroom into a place of exploration rather than a place for teachers to practice oration and students to practice listening. He went with a hands-on approach incorporating historical and interactive lessons into his curricula.
"In teaching, we sow the seeds of a harvest unseen,” Bigler said.
With the ultimate goal of igniting a lifelong thirst for knowledge, Bigler —the director of the annual Virginia Teachers of Promise Institute ¬— is a frequent speaker and presenter at conferences throughout the nation. He recently retired as the director of the James Madison Center for Liberty & Learning.
1999 - Clint F. Heiden ('90)
With a comedic edge and stern determination, Phoef Sutton (’81) rose to the top of one of television's most popular and highly acclaimed comedy series in history, and he has continued to find success on the movie screen, the stage and in the book store ever since. The two-time Emmy-Award winning executive producer of Cheers also is a celebrated playwright, screenwriter and novelist.
As an undergraduate, Sutton’s first full-length work, “The Pendragon Institute,” won acclaim at the American College Theatre Festival. His play went on to win the Norman Lear Young Playwrights competition, earning Sutton an internship in Hollywood that would lead to a lifelong fascination with entertainment.
Sutton has worked as a writer, producer and creative consultant on shows including two Bob Newhart sitcoms, Almost Perfect, Kristin, Boston Legal, Valentine and Terriers.
Sutton, who earned degrees in communication arts and theatre, is a two-time JMU commencement speaker. With a comedic and inspiring speech, Sutton told 2007 December graduates that “the future doesn’t start 27 years after you’ve graduated — it starts every second of every day. … There, it just started.”
2002 - Phil Vassar ('85) & Mr. Jeff Grass ('92)
Cited in Time as one of the top 25 most influential Americans, Dr. Marcia Angell (’60) has a reputation in the medical community that few can match. This Madison College alumna went on to become a Fulbright Scholar, a graduate from Boston University School of Medicine, a board-certified pathologist and the first woman to serve as editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Today, Angell is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is the author a highly acclaimed book, Science on Trial: The Clash of Medical Evidence and the Law in the Breast Implant Case, published in 1996. She also co-authored Basic Pathology with Dr. Stanley Robbins (revised in ’78 and ’81), now considered a must-read in the medical school community.
Angell is a member of the Association of American Physicians, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of the Sciences, the Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Medical Society and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
A versatile and ferocious defender, Charles Haley (’87) brought JMU football to new heights in the mid-1980s. A two-time All-American and a three-time Defensive MVP, Haley’s 506 career tackles are the most in Madison history. He had three seasons of more than 100 tackles and was named the Virginia Division I defensive player of the year in 1985.
In 1986, Haley was selected in the fourth round of NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers — the highest-selected player in JMU history. After two Super Bowl titles in San Francisco, Haley was traded to Dallas in 1992. The 28-year old defensive end, known for his aggressive and practically unstoppable presence on the field, helped turn the Cowboys into a dynasty, with Super Bowl victories in 1992, 1993 and 1995.
In 12 pro seasons, Haley — the only player in NFL history with five Super Bowl rings — totaled 100.5 sacks, appeared in five Pro Bowls and was named the 1990 NFC defensive player of the year.
Haley is a 2011 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, a 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist, and recently was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor.
2004 - Elizabeth Wilson Gauldin ('50)
2005 - Barbara Hall ('82)
2006 - Dr. Carole C. Baldwin ('81)
2007 - Brig. Gen. Raymond Mason ('78)
2009 - Gay Finlayson ('76)
The advancement of education is woven into JMU’s DNA. It also has been the life’s work of Methodist University President Ben Hancock (’74, ’75M).
Dr. Hancock grew up near Petersburg, the son of blue-collar factory workers, and was the first person in his family to attend college. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at JMU, where he fell in love with the campus atmosphere.
His career in higher education has been characterized by distinction and impact. He served as vice president for university advancement at Ball State University, vice president for institutional advancement at Albion College, executive director of the Boise State University Foundation and university advancement positions at Penn State and Maryville College.
From 1977 to 1979, Dr. Hancock worked in a capacity familiar to many in the Madison community — as the Director of the JMU Office of Alumni Relations. During his career in higher education, he has received fellowships from the University of Edinburgh, Oxford and the University of Auckland.
Inez Graybeal Roop ('35) Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Created in 1971, the award recognizes an alumnus or alumna whose dedication and volunteer commitment has significantly enhanced the goals and mission of the university and the alumni association and/or who has given of themselves for the enrichment of others and the betterment of their communities. All James Madison University alumni are eligible. Nomination form
Recipients
1971 - Helen Mugler White ('25)
A lifelong Harrisonburg resident, Mary Spitzer Etter (’34) taught in Waynesboro and Harrisonburg for 39 years, never ceasing to educate and contribute to the community.
Etter earned her M.A. from the College of William & Mary and completed graduate work at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Virginia. She was president of JMU’s Bluestone Society and founded several scholarships at Shenandoah University and Bridgewater College.
With a passion for art and history, Etter donated garments and ephemera to the JMU Historic Clothing Collection as part of the “The Fashionable Mrs. Etter” collection. She also donated her family’s historic residence, a few blocks west of Court Square, to Central Shenandoah Arts to establish a community art center and gallery.
Etter was president of the Madison College Alumni Association from 1964 to 1966. She served as chaplain of the Retired Teachers Association and scholarship chair of the Delta Kappa Gamma's Key Women Teachers Community and was an honorary member of the Bridgewater College Alumni Association.
1973 - Chester Lee Bradfield ('62)
1974 - Thelma Lee Crenshaw ('47)
1975 - Jean L. Shelley ('49)
1976 - Mary McNeil Willis ('28)
1977 - Inez Graybeal Roop ('35)
1978 - Mary Wright Thrasher ('41)
1979 - Faye Morgan Dundore ('60)
One year after graduating from Madison College with a home economics degree, Emily Lewis Lee (’43) moved to Atlantic City. But she wasn’t there for vacation — Lee was carrying out her basic training to became a dietician in the Army Medical Corps and working in the hotels that served as hospitals to ships unloading the wounded from Europe’s battlefields.
During World War II, Lieutenant Lee worked at a hospital station where she supervised nearly 60 employees. She later was stationed at Ft. Bragg, in North Carolina.
In 2003 Lee donated $50,000 to establish the World War II Garden Patio at the Leeolou Alumni Center in honor and remembrance of JMU alumni and friends who served in WWII.
From 1980-83, she served on JMU’s Board of Visitors, where she chaired the Education and Student Life Committee and the Alumni Relations Committee. Lee also served as Secretary for the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
1982 - Herman W. Hale ('73)
1983 - Mrs. Nellie Lantz Long ('49)
1984 - H. Dan O'Donnell ('60)
1985 - Francis E. Turner ('51)
1987 - Ruth P. Stephenson ('39)
1988 - Dario Savarese ('86)
1989 - William McAnulty ('81, M.P.A. '87)
1990 - Jeffrey Harper ('87)
1991 - David Caldwell ('75)
1992 - H. Daniel O'Donnell ('60)
1993 - Judith S. Strickler ('60)
1994 - Frank Ridgway ('80)
1995 - Deborah Tompkins ('78)
1996 - Paul Weber ('80)
1997 - Dr. Carl Lentz ('73)
1998 - Jennifer Norvell ('85)
1999 - Gregory S. Dawson ('84)
2000 - Jon D. Craver ('83)
2002 - Hugh ('73, M. Ed. '80) & Nancy Bowman Lantz ('71)
2003 - Thomas A. Carr ('85)
2004 - Elizabeth Keane Martin ('85)
2005 - David L. Grimm ('74) and Kenneth R. Bartee ('83)
2006 - Mr. Matthew A. Miller ('98)
2007 - Mary G. Jones ('91)
2009 - Lois Forbes ('64)
Emmy-award winning news reporter Tracey Neale ('89) is living proof that sometimes the work you do becomes bigger than you and bigger than the task.
Neale creates social impact. In 2000, she won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for a documentary she produced on AIDS in Africa. During her coverage, she walked into an orphanage in South Africa and met a little girl named Veronica who changed her life. Veronica was HIV-positive, and could not be adopted. After her documentary aired, and after it received unanimous praise from her peers in the news community, Tracey received the World Health Organization's Pan-American Award for Excellence in International Reporting. With it came award money, which Tracey used to create the Africa Action Fund, collecting thousands of dollars to benefit Pediatric AIDS clinics and orphanages.
Today, through her hard work and dedication to children worldwide, Tracey Neale has created Veronica's Story, an organization dedicated to preserving the memory of the little girl she met years ago — and one that gives hope to orphans and vulnerable children worldwide.
JMU Distinguished Alumni Award for Teaching
Created in 2007, the award honors the founding principles of the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg, now James Madison University. The respected career path of present and past classroom teachers has had a multi-faceted influence on youth. This award to one gifted classroom teacher elevates and honors all JMU teachers for their contribution to society. This award is given to a JMU graduate who is an exemplary classroom teacher, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, who has shown by spirit and professionalism to be outstanding in her/his profession. All members of the JMU Alumni Association who are classroom teachers, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, with at least five years of teaching experience, are eligible. Nomination form
Recipients
2007 - Lisa Melroy ('94, '95)
2009 - David Savino ('78)
Crystal Smith bases her teaching methods on the needs and interests of the student. She believes one of the most important aspects of teaching is getting to know the children she works with.
That mentality — of breaking down barriers and building a family-like community in her classroom, led to Smith — the math department chair at Christiansburg Middle School — being named Montgomery County Teacher of the Year.
A commitment to students is at the core of her teaching philosophy. As a JMU undergraduate, she worked in the tutoring center, providing support to her peers with one-on-one instruction. Smith puts in extra time before and after school — and even during lunch — to help students.
It's a mentality created by her family, who placed an emphasis on education — an emphasis this Madison graduate continues to live by today.
James Madison Distinguished Faculty Award
Created in 1996, the award recognizes professional achievement in and outside of the classroom. The recipient will have demonstrated a consistent pattern of excellence in classroom teaching and student motivation, and will have enriched this experience through participation and professional activities outside of the classroom. The recipient will receive $500 to be used for professional development and departmental expenses. All full-time faculty with a minimum of five years of service at the institution are eligible. Nomination form
Recipients
1996 - Dr. Harold Teer
1997 - Dr. John Patrick Rooney
1998 - Dr. Mark Warner ('79, M.A. '81, Ed.S. '85)
1999 - Dr. Challace J. McMillin
2000 - Dr. Clarence R. Geier
2001 - Dr. Carmenza Kline
2002 - Dr. Lennis G. Echterling
2003 - Dr. Robert Kolvoord
2004 - Dr. In Dal Choi
2005 - Dr. Joanne V. Gabbin
2006 - Rustin P. Greene
2007 - Dr. Susan E. Kruck
2009 - Dr. David Jones
As a child, Jonathan Monroe never predicted he would turn into a leader. Yet the confidence he gained through teaching and research, and the desire to help others, led to a series of leadership roles at JMU and nationally.
He has held several positions in the American Society of Plant Biologist (ASPB), at both the regional and national levels. He initiated a national award called the CUR Fellows to honor highly successful mentors of undergraduate researchers. He co-initiated a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program that supports up to 15 international students each summer. This program currently is in its 11th year and is permanently funded by ASPB.
Dr. Monroe’s 19 years at JMU have been trademarked by continuous efforts to providing the best learning experiences for students and improving teaching and learning practices at the university and on a national scale.
Honorary Alumnus Award
Recognizes non-graduates who have given unselfishly of themselves to James Madison University and significantly contributed to the progress and development of the university. Awarded by the university.
Recipients
1998 - Dr. Ronald E. Carrier
2003 - Dr. Challace McMillin
2003 - Zane D. Showker
2005 - Ralph Roop
James Madison Distinguished Service Award
Awarded from 1996 to 2011, the award recognized a staff or non-teaching faculty member whose service to JMU and/or local, national or international communities continually advanced the mission and goals of the institution.
Recipients
1996- Dr. Elizabeth Neatrour (M.A. '60)
1997- Dr. Norlyn Bodkin
1998- Dr. Cecil Bradfield (M.A. '68)
1999 - Ms. Donna Harper ('77, Ed.S. '86)
2000 - Ms. Sherry P. Hood
2001 - Mr. Rich Harris ('77)
2002 - Ms. Glenda Rooney
2003 - Ms. Pat Buennemeyer
2004 - Ms. Christina Updike ('73)
2005 - Ms. Michelle Hite ('88)
2006 - Ms. Hillary Wing-Richards ('94)
2007 - Sheila Santee
2009 - Dennis Barlow
As a faculty advisor for the Student United Way, Dr. Cara McFadden spends much of her free time inspiring others. Last year she took a group of students to a national conference, after which — armed with the tools of knowledge and inspiration —they returned to campus and implemented a plan within the local community.
The result? Nearly $2,000 and more than 300 pounds of canned goods raised for residents in Elkton, providing Thanksgiving dinners to 270 needy families.
The Student United Way organization is the first of its kind in Virginia. But Dr. McFadden’s service doesn’t end there. She embodies the mentality that successful members of communities are ones who are actively involved. Dr. McFadden has participated in community service at the university, local, state and national levels, volunteering her time with the Special Olympics, as a Civic Learning Mentor and as an Assembly Member for the National Intramural-Recreational Sport Association.
- February 15:
MetroDukes Business Networking Event - February 23:
Charlotte Dukes February Happy Hour - March 6:
10th Annual JMU on the Hill Alumni Reception
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