Former OPAs reunite nearly two decades after their JMU experience brought them together.

Orientation Peer Guides (OPAs) have become exceptional campus leaders and mentors, helping new students navigate their transition to JMU. From Summer Orientation and Weeks of Welcome to other student transition events, these student leaders embody JMU's welcoming atmosphere through their relationships with incoming students and the connections they build with one another.

For one group of former OPAs, those connections have lasted nearly two decades. Eleven members of the 2009 OPA team, Ashley Johnson, Brett Pearsall, Erin Mosher, Jeff Henderson, Jess Lonett, Joe Rishell, Josh Mlynar, Jul Laura, Lauren Guthrie, Morgan Nichols, and Nehali Shah, have remained close since their time at JMU, making an effort to reconnect at least once a year. This year, they decided to bring their reunion back to where it all began: the JMU campus. Although two members, Lauren Guthrie and Brett Pearsall, were unable to attend in person, they joined the group in spirit and through FaceTime.

The reunion offered an opportunity to revisit familiar community places, reflect on shared memories, and recognize how their OPA experience helped shape the people and professionals they are today.

The impact of their OPA experience extends far beyond their time at JMU. Through the role, the group developed valuable skills in communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and leadership that they continue to draw upon throughout their careers.

Nehali Shah, Senior Manager of Learning and Development at The Brattle Group, reflected on how the experience shaped her understanding of leadership and teamwork:

"OPA in particular gave me a lot of knowledge in leadership and team cohesion from how people behave and think and helped me understand how people communicate. There are still concepts I lean on when leading teams through conflicts or facilitating workshops. This experience opened my eyes to what good leadership and teamwork can create."

Beyond professional development, the friendships formed during their time as OPAs remain one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. The group shared memories of early morning walks to D-Hall, late-night conversations around the Quad, and the countless moments of laughter that made their summer together so memorable.

One particularly memorable tradition was an overnight gathering on Festival Law in JMU's Astronomy Park. Joe Rishell recalled how the group spent their final night on campus playing games, taking pictures, and enjoying time together. After a summer of early mornings, the group finally had an opportunity to sleep in. However, just as everyone was settling down, one of the campus sprinklers turned on, leaving the entire group drenched!

Nearly two decades after serving as OPAs, this group continues to demonstrate the lasting impact of student involvement and leadership at JMU. What began as a summer of welcoming new students became an experience that shaped their careers, strengthened their leadership abilities, and created friendships that have stood the test of time. Their reunion is a reminder that the JMU experience does not end at graduation. The connections and lessons students develop along the way continue to bring Dukes together long after they leave campus.