Centennial Dukes Officers

Lindsay Dowd, president

Lindsay Dowd, Centennial Dukes president

My first choice

James Madison University was my first choice. My only choice, actually! There was just something about knowing I would have to walk uphill everywhere that I couldn't resist! Not really, but I do love the mountains and the view from ISAT is enough to make my day wonderful! I am from Virginia Beach and I am majoring in communication studies. Having grown up around the water, it's been hard being away from it for so long, but I would not trade my first year here at JMU!

Adjusting to JMU

Three and half hours from home, it was tough getting adjusted to having a roommate and being away from my mom. Realizations came -- going to class but also knowing that I had the option not to go, and realizing after about a week that I definitely couldn't eat dessert at D-hall with every meal! After being so involved in high school, I felt like I needed something to do here. I applied for the Make Your Mark On Madison leadership program and also made the JMU All-Girl Cheerleading team. I felt like I was finally ready to get started on this thing that people called college. I am excited to be a part of the year of the national champion football team and be a member of the Centennial Dukes.

The amazing spirit of the Centennial Dukes

The Class of 2008 has already proven itself to have amazing spirit! We have an awesome class that I know wants to be involved and is excited about making the best of the four years we have at JMU. With the Centennial Dukes club, we want to encourage everyone to submit stories, pictures, and little insights into their lives as college students for alumni and students to have for the next 100 years. By establishing a Web site, scrapbooks and fundraising for our class, we can give back to the university and make a difference on this campus. We want to be known and let everyone know that these are the years of the Class of 2008!

My experience so far

My freshman year was full of choices. Beginning with my acceptance to JMU, to deciding what classes to take, to what line to get in at D-hall, it was a great learning experience. I have made forever friends here and lost touch with ones at home. I have made decisions that have left me crying and others that keep me laughing until I can't breathe. I have learned how to go with the flow and not be so uptight, but I have also learned how to say no.

In all of the confusion and memories, I have found me. James Madison is one of the best things to have happened to me, and I cannot wait to see what the following years bring.

Contact Lindsay at dowdlm@jmu.edu.