$500,000 gift marks first private investment in JMU’s future Madison District transformation

The Charlie Obaugh Auto Group of Staunton, Virginia, has committed $500,000 to support James Madison University’s vision for the Madison District, becoming the first philanthropic partner in the university’s effort to reimagine the heart of campus. The gift includes the 10-year naming of the Champions Parking Deck and will help advance the plans for a vibrant, connected district that enhances learning, student life and the campus experience.

“It is exciting to see the Obaughs step forward so early to invest in our innovative vision,” said JMU President Jim Schmidt. “I’m grateful for their longstanding relationship as alumni and donors, and I’m especially energized by their enthusiasm for the Madison District of our campus. This naming reflects the power of partnership. When community leaders and businesses invest in JMU’s future, they help create opportunities for students, strengthen our region, and advance projects that serve the greater good.

“Gifts like this, along with other kinds of investments and partnerships, will be essential to turning our plans into reality,” he said. “It is heartening to see that our campus vision is already resonating with the JMU community and beyond. I look forward to what we can accomplish together.”

The parking deck, built in 2001, sits adjacent to Bridgeforth Stadium in the central or mid area of campus. Early on in his inaugural listening tour, the JMU president identified the area as a priority for revitalization with multiuse facilities to enhance student learning, student life and the fan experience for the JMU community. 

“As proud alumni, longtime donors and corporate sponsors of James Madison University, we find it especially meaningful to know that our gift is the first one for the Madison District,” said Eric W. Obaugh, president of the Charlie Obaugh Auto Group. “We hope it will kick off many more gifts and investments from JMU alumni and friends. 

“Our family’s connections go all the way back to the ’90s when I was a student. Jennifer received her master’s at JMU, our daughter is a recent graduate, and our son is a JMU student today,” Obaugh said. “It has been wonderful to be associated with JMU and its growing reputation on the national stage. This gift reflects our belief in President Jim’s vision for an even bolder future for our alma mater.” 

The Charlie Obaugh Auto Group is a family-owned business located in Staunton, Virginia. The headquarters is easily recognizable because of the giant American flag that flies overhead. On Thursday, August 6, the auto group announced the addition of a Waynesboro Ford dealership to their company. 

Charles R. Obaugh Jr. opened the business in 1976, and the company is now led by the family's second generation, Eric W. Obaugh. What started as a small Pontiac Buick GMC store has expanded in the last 50 years to include the brands of Chevrolet, GMC, Kia and Mitsubishi, as well as an RV and Outdoor Center. The Charlie Obaugh team serves the local communities of Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County and surrounding region. 

The Charlie Obaugh Auto Group gift seeds a general expendable account with the JMU Foundation, established to receive charitable contributions supporting naming opportunities for university buildings and structures such as parking decks and dining services. 

JMU’s new strategic plan, the Madison Promise, underscores the university’s commitment to transform JMU's physical environment, calling for new residential facilities, the Madison District, and a Living Lab framework that unites learning, living, and community engagement.