IN VIDEO: The 35th Annual Stewardship Luncheon
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James Madison University
More than 400 donors, alumni, students and university leaders gathered on earlier this year for the 35th Annual Stewardship Luncheon. The celebration offers a firsthand look at how philanthropic investment transforms student lives — from scholarships and research to leadership development and innovation. Watch the videos below:
A welcome rooted in gratitude
Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement Nick Langridge ('00, '07M, '14PhD) highlighted the growing impact of JMU donors — fueling rising philanthropy, endowment growth and national momentum in athletics — before welcoming new Head Football Coach Billy Napier.
The Madison Singers set the tone
Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromý, director of choral activities, said her Madison Singers often have two or three side hustles and couldn't pay for school if it weren't for the generosity of the donors. The singers performed several selections, including JMU favorites Oh, Shenandoah! and JMU Alma Mater #2 by James Riley.
Honors College: cultivating leaders
JMU Honors College Dean Bethany Blackstone credited engaged philanthropic advisory boards with creating immersive learning opportunities for students. She introduced Hillcrest Scholarship recipient Will Jedrzejczak ('26), whose summer internship at Amazon Web Services allowed him to apply his skills in a national security setting.
Innovation in action: Business Plan Competition
Finance senior Madison Kozlowski described her first-place team’s experience in last year’s COB 300 Business Plan Competition, illustrating the impact of competition founder and donor Don Rainey’s ('82) mentorship and support. After 24 years of shaping the program, Rainey said nothing compares to the pride of watching students succeed.
President’s bold vision for the future
At his first Stewardship Luncheon, JMU’s seventh president, James C. Schmidt, thanked donors for strengthening opportunities for students and elevating JMU’s reputation, while sharing his vision for what comes next. “Ideas don’t become reality without people like you,” he said.
Photos by Rachel Holderman