Six alumni chapters
are going above and beyond sponsoring job fairs, service projects and
networking events. These alumni are securing a JMU experience for future
Dukes through endowed scholarships.
The first-ever
JMU chapter scholarship, sponsored by the Richmond Chapter, began in
1983 with an initial $3,000 gift and quickly reached endowment level.
Kristin Lazenby and Stephanie Schuster received the Richmond Chapter’s
2001-02 Scholarships.
The Metro Washington
Chapter began its scholarship fund in 1992 with a $2,500 contribution.
Through member donations and proceeds from the chapter’s golf
tournament, the fund was endowed in 2001.
The Philadelphia
Chapter began its fund in 1998 and brought it to endowment level this
year. Chapter president Michael Mafodda (’98) says, “By
awarding the money to an incoming freshman from our area, we’re
attempting to attract quality students, who we hope will remain active
alumni. We hope that an award, no matter how small, will sway a student’s
decision to attend JMU, and at the same time expose them to the close-knit
community we have as alumni.”
The Black Alumni
Chapter Scholarship Fund, established in 1995, awarded four 2001-02
scholarships to African-American freshmen, Jacquelyn Alexander of Fairfax,
James Cotto of Reston, Tonya Graham of Fairfax and Chelsea Washington
of Woodbridge.
The Elizabeth M.
Finlayson Scholarship, created by the Bachelor of Individual Studies
Program Alumni Chapter in 1999, honors professor Finlayson, who was
instrumental in the founding of the Bachelor of General Studies program,
[now called BIS].
Via an anonymous
alumni challenge gift, the Charlotte Chapter has begun a scholarship
project. The donor will match the chapter’s funds up to $5,000.
“We want to help increase JMU’s endowment and its national
presence,”says chapter president A.J. Fisher.
Endowed scholarships
are a permanent legacy to JMU. The principal remains intact, and the
fund’s interest is used to create scholarships. The minimum level
to endow a new scholarship is $25,000. Learn more by calling Tracey
Kellogg, assistant director of alumni relations, at (540) 568-6234.
