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SUMMARY: Purple Pride was on full display during Homecoming 2025, Oct. 17-19.
Purple Out: The Student Government Association and Alumni Office teamed up for Purple Out, an annual tradition. In addition to handing out approximately 1,000 Purple Out T-shirts, the students lent a hand — literally — to paint the Spirit Rock and enjoyed snow cones from the Kona Ice truck.
Sign contest: Dukes showed off their creativity during Homecoming with the Annual Duke Dog Alley Yard Sign Decorating contest. JMU Information Technology Computer Support took first place with the depiction of a classic, IT-support dilemma. Have you tried turning it OFF and back ON again? We’ve all been there. Check out all of the designs: https://m.shortstack.page/pdl8Vk.
Duke Dog Dash: Back for a sixth year, Dukes participated in the annual Duke Dog Dash by running or walking anywhere, anytime, and any distance during the week. Kimberly Gerhardt (’92), left, and Steven completed their Dash alongside their K-9 companions in Spring, Texas. JMU fan Erin Miller, right, took to the trails to complete her Homecoming Duke Dog Dash after kayaking on Chris Greene Lake in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Little Dashers: Little hands, little feet, our YCP kids can’t be beat! Little Dashers from the Young Children’s Program stretch before completing their Homecoming sprint across Duke Lawn. Of course, Duke Dog was there to cheer the children to the finish line.
Golf tournament: The sun was shining for the 26th annual Homecoming Golf Tournament, hosted by the local Harrisonburg Alumni Chapter. Proceeds from the tournament support the chapter’s scholarship. Of course, Duke Dog couldn’t miss out on the fun.
Homecoming parade: The JMU Color Guard wave their flags while crossing the Carrier Drive bridge during the Homecoming parade, with King Hall in the distance.
QuadFest: The Quad was painted purple and gold for QuadFest 2025. With more than 25 vendors, tons of giveaways, performances from the MRDs’ Cheer teams and Dukettes, and 2,000-plus Dukes, there was no better place to be on Friday night.
Reunion Reception: Class years ending in 0’s and 5’s celebrated their milestone reunions during Homecoming 2025 at a special reception in the Hall of Presidents.
Alumni Tailgate: Dukes at the Official Alumni Tailgate on Hanson Field paused to pose with special guest President Jim Schmidt (center).
JMU vs. ODU: James Madison football scored 42 unanswered points and forced three second-half turnovers, while Alonza Barnett III accounted for six touchdowns in a dominant 63-27 Homecoming victory over Old Dominion University in front of a sold-out Bridgeforth Stadium.
