President Jon Alger presented keys to the university to
Harrisonburg Mayor Ted Byrd and Chairman of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors
Fred Eberly following a brisk walk from campus to the city’s Court Square Thursday
afternoon. The ceremony represented President Alger’s desire for a new era of even
stronger engagement between JMU and the community.
Approximately 200 students, faculty, staff and community
members braved breezy spring weather to hike the half-mile to the cadence of
drummers from Harrisonburg, Turner Ashby, Spotswood, East Rockingham and
Broadway high school bands.
“This walk symbolizes solidarity between JMU and the
community,” said President Alger from the sundrenched steps of the courthouse.
The presentation of keys was intended to “make everybody feel welcome to come
to campus and be part of our university.”
“Today marks an important day in the history of JMU and in the
history of the community,” said Eberly. “Our community benefits from JMU’s
success and we thank you.”
“Doesn’t purple and gold look good on Court House Square?”
said Mayor Byrd. “This event represents the partnership we share that enables
us to achieve our goals together. “
Local alumnus Scott Rogers emceed the ceremony, which was
followed by a shift indoors to the Court Square Theater for an a cappella vocal
performance by JMU singing group Note-Oriety and a lecture, “Beyond the Marble
Man: Who Was James Madison?” by David Mattern, Associate Editor, The Papers of
James Madison, University of Virginia.
