Zac Hittie (’06, ’10M)
Zac Hittie graduated in 2006 as an ISAT and CS double major with a music minor. In 2010, he earned a master’s in ISAT and Software engineering. During his time at JMU, he was a Resident Advisor, student employee at UREC, involved with Marching Band and the Water Polo team. Hittie currently lives in Harrisonburg, Virginia and is a Systems Engineer for a private firm.
What made you choose to go to JMU?
Fate? I had never heard of JMU when I enrolled in 2002. It came up as a match when I was searching preferences for colleges and programs. When it came time to choose a college, I had narrowed my choices to a very large public school, JMU and a small private university. Ultimately my decision was to go “down the middle”, and I chose JMU. After a campus tour, the decision was a lock.
Where did you live freshman year?
Chesapeake Hall! I lived in Skyline for two years. For being an ISAT student, this was super convenient. In fact, if it wasn’t for Gen Eds or rehearsal for Marching Royal Dukes, I may never have spent time on the traditional side of campus, so I’m glad I was involved in so many campus groups. As a Junior, I was an RA in the Tree Houses so I actually spent three years on campus, which is rare but I really enjoyed it. With my graduate degree work I had plenty of time to catch up with off-campus living
What professor or class made the most impact on you?
I wouldn’t be able to pick one. A thing that is special about JMU is that everyone is a champion for your success. I could name professors, housekeepers, coaches, administrators, and other staff members such as UREC, dining services, copy services, etc. who genuinely cared about my success at JMU and beyond.
What do you think makes JMU so special?
Connections! JMU graduates are overwhelmingly satisfied with their college experience, and when you meet a stranger at an airport, workplace, tailgate, etc it’s so fun to see how closely connected we really are through academics, social circles, similar experiences, etc. Meeting other JMU grads and getting to know them & their connections has opened so many doors for me personally and professionally, and it is so fun to see how JMU connections impact others as well.
What have you done since graduating from JMU?
I worked in the DC area before returning to JMU for my graduate degree. As a grad student, I took a full-time job working for the Harrisonburg Fire Department as a Systems Analyst. After college, another JMU grad and I co-founded two companies; Sam’s Cornhole Bags, and Chesapeake & White Enterprises. Getting involved with the Harrisonburg Alumni Chapter introduced me to my amazing wife Laura, and we were married in June 2017. I am currently working as a Systems Engineer for a private company in the Valley.
How have you stayed connected to JMU and other alumni since graduating?
A few years after graduation, a friend involved with a local Alumni chapter encouraged me to come to some chapter events. One thing lead to another and it wasn’t long before I was serving as the president of the Harrisonburg Alumni Chapter. Connecting with other JMU alumni and learning about their experiences has been the most fulfilling part of that experience with the chapter leadership team.
Why did you decide to serve on the JMU Alumni Board of Directors?
My JMU experience ultimately made me into who I am today and prepared me for life. I had been connected by giving, volunteering, etc., but wanted to give back in another way. I feel like I owe it to JMU to help further the University’s mission in order to help other students and alums reach their goals in life.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term on the Board?
Getting other/more alumni to engage with the conversation about JMU. There has never been a more exciting time in the history of the University than right now. JMU continues to thrive in the national conversation of academics, athletics, and community & civic engagement. If we want to build our brand, alumni can be our greatest asset to spread the good news about James Madison University.
What is your favorite JMU memory?
Too many to name! A lot of them involve athletics. MRD trips around the country, Macy’s, and Europe. Rooting for football championships in Chattanooga & Frisco. Men’s and women’s basketball championships and NCAA appearances (PEP BAND HOOOO!). Going on alternative breaks with complete strangers and coming back with life-long friends.