Shannon Kennan ('97M)

Shannon readily admits to her enthusiasm for JMU: "As soon as I stepped foot on the JMU campus when interviewing for grad school, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. … I think it's because JMU has a strong sense of "self" as a university. Its values and beliefs are clear throughout the organization from the mission statement, to the palpable school spirit, to the way students describe it back home.… JMU can change your life." Nominated by three co-workers and a student assistant, Shannon was one of four 2006 All Together One award recipients. It's easy to understand why when you learn more about her. She serves as acting chair and provides guidance to the judicial hearing process; she implemented the university-wide lost-and-found system, makes a yearly contribution to training information ambassadors, serves as a learning partner on an Alternative Spring Break trip each year, serves on the university's professional development committee, and has served as an adviser for student ambassadors. As if that is not enough, she is also a member of the Exploring Dimensions of Diversity: The Value of One as a way to foster diversity awareness.

"I am passionate about JMU and the difference I see it making in students' lives each day. I believe in the mission and I give financially so that it can continue."