Hampton Roads Chapter JMU Duke Club

The Duke Club is the only athletic fund-raising organization recognized by the university. Hampton Roads is one of only 13 chapters. For more information visit http://www.jmusports.com/

Mission Statement:
To raise unrestricted donations specifically and solely to fund student-athlete scholarships.

To increase awareness of JMU athletics in the community among alumni, parents, prospective students, and the media.

To support the overall mission of JMU in developing individuals for future volunteer leadership.

 Vision Statement:
We will identify and develop individuals who have the desire and capacity to give of their time and financial resources through local events that raise the awareness of JMU Athletics in the Hampton Roads Community.

Membership Benefits:

• Priority Points (allow the member to take advantage of other benefits such as tickets, parking, etc.)
• Majority of donations are tax deductible
• Opportunity to meet and get to know JMU coaches and athletic administrators
• Opportunity to be on the "ground floor" of a rapidly growing fan base, which will translate to greater benefits in the future
• Knowledge that you are giving back to JMU in a tangible and significant manner

 Local Annual Events:

• ODU Basketball Pre-game Reception (January or February)
• Scholarship Golf Tournament(November 4,2005)
• Coaches Social (April or May)
• Duke Club Weekend in Harrisonburg (September)
• William & Mary Football Tailgate (Every other fall)

 Local Contacts:

President Jeremy Starkey jstarkey@monarchbank.com

Vice President Robert Ruhl (Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development) 437-6464(w) or rruhl@vbgov.com

Treasurer Craig Stallings (Witt, Mares & Company) 365-0200(w) or tcraig_cpa@msn.com

Dear Duke Club Friend,

This spring, women's lacrosse player Kelly Berger was placed on the U.S. Elite team, Annie Wagner was named CAA Player of the Year and Kylee Dardine was named CAA Defensive Player of the Year. On the diamond, Kellen Kulbacki was named CAA Player of the Year, First Team All-American, and drafted 40^th overall by the San Diego Padres. Just this fall, women's basketball player Tamara Young was named preseason CAA Player of the Year. The football team had yet another successful year, reaching the FCS playoffs for the 3^rd time in four years (a JMU record). Tony LeZotte was named CAA Defensive Player of the Year. Men's Soccer player CJ Sapong was named CAA Freshman Player of the Year. Field Hockey posted a number of impressive victories including a win over Duke in the NCAA tournament. Kelsey Cutchins was named First Team All-American. Dolores de Rooij was named First Team Rookie All-American. Women's Soccer experienced the most successful season in the program's history. Not only did they break a record for most wins in a season and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Cate Tisinger was named CAA Rookie of the Year and Coach Dave Lombardo was named CAA Coach of the Year. Both men's and women's basketball have gotten off to an electric start with the women currently holding the nations longest home court winning streak. To say the least, it has been an exciting year for JMU Athletics.

On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, thank you for your 2007 Duke Club membership gift. Your generous support and leadership gift helped the Duke Club provide a record $963,116 in scholarship support for our hard-working student-athletes this year.

Scholarship dollars allow us to attract the "difference-makers" to JMU athletic programs. Those difference-makers help us compete and win championships. They broaden the exposure, recognition and reputation JMU enjoys both in Virginia and beyond. Because of that increased exposure, more people prospective students, employers, foundations hear the JMU story.

If you face year-end tax consequences, you may make a donation by December 31 as your 2008 Duke Club gift. Here are several ways to join the Duke Club before then:

1) By Mail. Attached are the 2008 pledge card and 2008 benefits table. As long as your envelope is postmarked by December 31, you may receive 2007 tax benefits for your payment while making your Duke Club donation for benefits in 2008. Please specifically designate on the pledge card that you are making your 2008 gift. Mail the pledge card and your payment to:
JMU Duke Club
MSC 0402 Bridgeforth Stadium
241 Bluestone Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

2) Online. Why not head to the Internet and make your gift online? Visit the following website by December 31 and join securely online: https://secureweb.jmu.edu/madisonfund/onlinegiftform.html

3) By Phone. Call the Duke Club at (540) 568-6461 weekdays from 8 am-5 pm and a member of our staff will be happy to accept your membership contribution. We'll even be in the office Dec. 27, 28 and 31 from 11 am-2 pm!

4) In Person. Visit our office inside Bridgeforth Stadium (on the parking deck side) weekdays from 8 am-5 pm. For your convenience, we'll be in the office Dec. 27, 28 and 31 from 11 am-2 pm and would love to see you!

5) Stock Transfer. Stock transfers are also welcome and for further information, call our office at (540) 568-6461 or visit the following website:http://www.jmu.edu/foundation/GIVING/gifts_of_stock_to_james_madison_.htm

One of the reasons the holiday season is so special is because we share it with family and friends. Consider the JMU Duke Club your extended family of over 4,000 members. We're looking forward to your joining us again.

From our family to yours, enjoy a special and healthy holiday season.

Go Dukes!

Brandon S. Stevens
Associate Director, JMU Duke Club