MORE THAN 300 ALUMNI  AND FAMILY MEMBERS FILLED THE LEEOLOU ALUMNI CENTER ON AUGUST 18 as Dukes brought their sons and daughters to campus to begin the next generation's Madison Experience. The Class of 2008, which graduates as JMU turns 100 years old, includes 193 legacy students, whose moms, dads, grandparents, sisters and brothers blazed a purple path to JMU.

The JMU alumni association board awarded Legacy Scholarships to 27 freshmen this year. The $26,850 in scholarship funds was raised through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles/JMU license plate program. For every JMU license plate purchased, $15 of the $25 specialty plate fee goes toward JMU scholarships. There are currently two JMU plate options available.

On their first day on campus, Legacy Scholarship recipients, their families and special guests celebrated at the alumni association's annual Legacy Luncheon with a spread of the university's famous cuisine. JMU ranked No. 11 nationally in 2004 for "great campus food" in The Princeton Review's annual college guide, The Best 357 Colleges.

Deborah Dillon Barnard ('77) was proud to show her daughter the Leeolou Alumni Center. "This area was just an open field when I was a student. I can't believe how fantastic the campus is," she said. (Top) Barnard officially passes on the Purple Pride to daughter, Meredith ('08), who is interested in being a cheerleader for the Dukes. Deborah and Barry Barnard are also parents to Robert, a May 2004 graduate.

-- Michelle Hite ('88)