Alumni group awards record 50 scholarships, stipends

The Ole School Alumni Scholarship Group awarded scholarships and stipends to a record 50 JMU students during Homecoming weekend, marking the largest number of recipients in the organization's history.

During a ceremony Oct. 17, the group awarded 38 scholarships ranging from $750 to $3,000 and 12 stipends ranging from $150 to $1,000. The awards totaled approximately $52,000.

Founded in 2003 by Charles May ('83), Derek Steele ('84) and Devena McLaurine ('84), the Ole School Alumni Scholarship Group was created to support student recruitment and retention efforts. What began with two scholarships has grown into a support network that provides financial assistance, mentorship and professional development opportunities for students.

"This year was our largest class ever," said May. "We try to award something to all the students who follow the application process."

The organization also provided internship funding and support for JMU's African, African American and Diaspora Studies Center.

The scholarship group became a nonprofit organization in 2005 and has steadily expanded its support for students. By 2020, it had secured 16 corporate sponsors, along with contributions from members and other donors, to help fund scholarships.

May said scholarships and stipends are awarded annually during Homecoming and are not based solely on academic performance.

In addition to financial assistance, OSASG supports students through recruitment, mentorship, internships, job placement, and community and international engagement opportunities.

May praised JMU's commitment to student success and said the scholarship group's mission is to complement the university's efforts.

"The Ole School does not do anything that JMU does not already do very well," he said. "We are force multipliers to JMU processes. We align with the JMU strategic plan and work hard to ensure that we support all the wonderful things JMU does."

Including this year's recipients, the organization has awarded nearly 260 scholarships since its founding, May said. By 2030, OSASG hopes to present a $1 million endowment to JMU.

The next application deadline is May 31.