Letter to Alumni from JMUAA Board of Directors President Bill Luth

Dear Fellow Dukes,

If you have ever walked across the Quad on a crisp morning or hurried into Carrier Library between classes, you know the quiet gesture that defines James Madison University: someone always reaches back to hold the door open. It is one of our simplest traditions, yet it captures the genuine care and community that define what it means to be a Duke. 

As I begin my term as President of the JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors, I believe that spirit is our greatest opportunity. JMU’s national momentum has never been higher, and we stand on the shoulders of dedicated alumni leaders who built an extraordinary foundation. Today, our focus is meeting Dukes where they are right now with real connections, open doors, and practical opportunities.

Our purpose  is clear: We are holding doors open to the Madison Promise.

Vibrant networking already happens across our 170,000-strong alumni community. Our goal is to unify and scale that goodwill into a connected powerhouse—transforming the Madison bond into an unrivaled competitive advantage for Dukes everywhere. To lead this evolution, our work centers on four core pillars:

• Networking: Scaling our network into a coordinated powerhouse that creates direct career pathways, cross-industry alignment, and accessible regional engagement.
• Mentoring: Expanding structured mentorship that pairs experienced alumni leaders with emerging talent, ensuring no Duke navigates their career alone.
• Giving: Mobilizing alumni who lead with generosity by investing their expertise, shared stories, and resources to champion JMU’s national standing and opening doors for the next generation.
• Connecting: Strengthening the lifelong relationship between every graduate and our alma mater, welcoming all Dukes into an active, value-driven community.

In this journey, the true strength of our community is you—the alumnus holding the door open for the Duke walking behind you. Whether mentoring a young graduate, connecting within your regional chapter, or sharing your professional expertise, your partnership drives our collective momentum.

Let’s Build This Future Together

• Connect with Me Personally: Connect directly on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-luth-0524b525/or email Luth3@gmail.com.
• Engage with the Association: Visit jmu.edu for chapter gatherings and career resources.
• Office of Alumni Relations: Reach our team at alumni@jmu.edu or (540) 568-6234.

Together, let’s hold the doors wide open and unlock the Madison Promise for every Duke.

Go Dukes!

Bill Luth (’89)
President, JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors
On behalf of the JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors