SUMMARY: The Bluestone Society grew again. Members of the Class of 1974 returned to campus to celebrate their 50th reunion and their induction into the Bluestone Society. Altogether, the class raised more than $1 million dollars in lifetime support of JMU and $11,700 for Valley Scholars.
Every spring, members of the Bluestone Society who graduated 50 years ago or more return to campus for a weekend of sharing their Madison memories and making new ones together.
Some alumni brought memories with them. Pat (’74) and Doug Dickey (’76) met as students through their involvement with the Bluestone yearbook. Pat served as the editor, and Doug was a photographer.
Alumni toured the Atlantic Union Bank Center, where a panel of student-athletes shared their JMU experiences.
At class dinner, the Class of 1974 Reunion Planning Committee unveiled a check for more than $1 million to support JMU. The committee directed its class gift of $11,700 to the Valley Scholars Scholarship, which enables deserving future Dukes to become the first in their families to earn a college degree.
Intergenerational connection and learning has long been a Madison hallmark. On Friday evening, the Bluestone Induction Class of 1974 and the JMU graduating Class of 2024 participated in one of Madison’s oldest traditions, the Senior Candle Lighting and Toast.