JMU alumna Lesley Kipling (’99) shares message of service, purpose with new Dukes

For JMU alumna Lesley Kipling (’99), a career in service did not follow a straight line, and she told nearly 5,000 new Dukes that theirs may not either.

Kipling, Virginia’s deputy secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, encouraged new JMU students on Aug. 23 to use their talents and values to serve others, embrace unexpected opportunities, and remain open to where life may lead them.

Kipling spoke at the Lights of Madison: New Student Welcome in the Atlantic Union Bank Center, a new JMU tradition designed to celebrate the arrival of the university’s newest Dukes and inspire them to make their own mark on the JMU community.

Formerly known as New Student Convocation, Lights of Madison reimagines the university’s signature welcome event around the theme “Be the Light.” The program encouraged students to discover their influence, lead with courage, embrace challenges, and take meaningful risks that build confidence, character and resilience.

Representing the “Community Light,” Kipling drew on her own career to illustrate how service can take many forms.

Kipling earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in military science from JMU and received her commission into the U.S. Army through the university’s ROTC program. Her military career took her around the world and eventually led her to command a cyber unit in the Virginia National Guard, an unexpected assignment for a sociology major at a time when cyber units were still emerging in the military.

That unexpected turn became one of the most rewarding chapters of her career.

“So, for those of you who think you have to have your whole life figured out right now, sometimes life leads you down a more fulfilling path than you could have ever envisioned for yourself,” Kipling said.

She also reflected on her work with the National Guard coordinating disaster response efforts in the United States, describing it as one of her most meaningful assignments.

“Seeing police, fire, National Guard, the Red Cross, local, state and federal organizations work together, focused on saving lives and getting help to those most in need, made me appreciate the role that government can have,” Kipling said.

Her cyber experience provided another example of how specialized skills can become a form of service. While commanding a Virginia National Guard cyber unit, Kipling’s team conducted vulnerability assessments of IT networks for Virginia cities and counties. The work helped communities identify ways to use limited resources to strengthen their networks and ultimately contributed to the formalization of the program in Virginia law.

“When we think of military service or community service, we often think of specific buckets: a warrior, a firefighter, a local volunteer,” Kipling said. “But service can (also) be in developing network security protocols.”

Today, Kipling’s service looks different again.

“Today, for me, in state government, service means ensuring that our Virginia veterans and military families have the support, healthcare and benefits that they have earned. The venue changed, but the core purpose never did,” she said.

Kipling challenged students to look for opportunities to serve wherever they find themselves.

“You do not need to be in uniform or work in government to live a life of service,” she said. “In your daily life, you encounter things all the time that could be improved to make life better for others; you can be the one who makes that change in your community.”

President Jim’s “Be The Light” message, other notable speakers

Kipling was one of several speakers who represented different “lights” within the JMU experience.

As the “Campus Light” speaker, Vice President for Student Affairs Tim Miller (’96, ’00M) introduced students to the traditions, spirit and sense of belonging that make JMU distinctive. His message emphasized the importance of community and encouraged students to build meaningful connections while contributing their own experiences and perspectives to campus life.

Biology professor Dr. Morgan Steffen, serving as the “Academic Light” speaker, focused on the transformative power of learning, discovery and intellectual curiosity. Students were challenged to embrace new opportunities, pursue their passions, and view academic growth as a process that builds confidence, resilience and lifelong learning.

As the Student Engagement Light speaker, Christiana Pareja shared how involvement in campus organizations, leadership experiences and service opportunities can shape a student's college journey. New Dukes were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, seize opportunities and begin leading from day 1.

The event culminated with JMU President Jim delivering the program’s signature “Be the Light” message. Connecting the themes shared throughout the event to the Madison Promise, he reminded students that every Duke plays a role in shaping the future of the university and the world beyond it.

The celebration concluded with a universitywide light experience that symbolizes the collective strength and potential of the incoming class. Students, faculty and members of the stage party raised purple lights placed on their seats before the ceremony, creating a powerful visual reminder that each individual light contributes to something larger than themselves.

As JMU welcomes its newest Dukes, Lights of Madison served as both a celebration of new beginnings and a call to action, inviting every student to embrace the opportunities ahead and help brighten the future of JMU together.