This series in the university's Montpelier magazine profiles donors.

Donna Burcham Fowlkes ('72)

Eugene and Georgia Munday Mosier

David Parker ('82)

Peter and Phyllis Pruden

Jack Railey ('79, '81M)

Buddy ('50) and Dolly ('54) Showalter

Alpha Spitzer ('37) and Margaret Spitzer ('37)

Phil ('73) and Christina Updike ('73)

JMU employees contribute more than $323,00 to university

JMU employees contribute more than $323,000 to the university

The employees of James Madison University presented a check for $323,085.77 to President Linwood H. Rose at the opening faculty and staff meetings of the academic year. The check represents the personal financial contributions made to the university by staff and faculty members during fiscal year 2005-06 as part of the Madison Needs EveryONE Employee Giving Campaign.

Almost 35 percent of JMU's full-time employees made a gift. Employees attribute their giving to their desire to make a difference for students and their belief in JMU's mission.

Bus driver Roger Myers, who gave to a scholarship fund, said he really wants to help a student go to college. "Giving means you can make a difference in someone's life," he says.

Shannon Kennan from Student Affairs says, "I am passionate about JMU and the difference I see it making in students' lives each day. I believe in the mission, and I give financially so that it can continue."

Kinesiology professor Judith Flohr, Ph.D., sums up many employees' sentiments. "You choose to be in higher education, not to make money, but because you have the desire or belief that you can make a difference. If you truly believe in it, giving allows you to affirm your commitment."