News Topic: Alumni News

A Royal Honor: King Named Honorary Alumnus
Jun 30, 2025: The JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors voted to honor Charlie King, with their highest recognition, Honorary Alumni status, on June 13, 2025.
JMU staff warns of scams targeting Dukes
Jun 27, 2025: Armed with tips and intuition, Dukes can sidestep common scams.
Soak up the sun with a good book
Jun 20, 2025: Summer is the perfect time to slow down, unplug and lose yourself in a great JMU story.
Musical Theatre major stars in Tony-winning Broadway hit
Jun 13, 2025: In high school, Brent Comer (’19) mistakenly signed up to study theater; now he's starring on Broadway.
Real Criminal Minds
May 30, 2025: Crime scene investigation is more involved than it looks on TV.
'The fire is still roaring'
May 23, 2025: Twelve years after graduating, alumni rock duo Illiterate Light is more inspired than ever.
Outstanding Seniors leave marks on Hart School and beyond
May 20, 2025: Outstanding Senior award recipients look back on their four years.
Year in South Africa inspires novel, lifelong friendships
May 2, 2025: Marcus O’Malley (’04) traveled to South Africa hoping to change one or two lives, and the experience changed him forever.
IIHHS aims to improve the human condition
Apr 28, 2025: A JMU institute works with communities to advance a culture of health and equity.
Leaving an imprint at JMU and abroad
Apr 28, 2025: For 26 years, Dr. Suzanne Fiederlein guided CISR through its challenges and successes.
JMU partnering with Virginia Clean Cities on clean-transportation initiatives
Apr 25, 2025: The venture aims to advance knowledge and foster innovation.
Organization for young alums makes its pitch
Apr 23, 2025: Young alums often want to give back, but don’t know how.
Reaching across the aisle
Apr 22, 2025: Virginia Senate leaders Scott Surovell (’93) and Ryan McDougle (’93) discuss bridging divides and serving the commonwealth.
From Madison to the first grade
Apr 15, 2025: At her 50th reunion, Faye Pleasants (’66) discovered a way to support future teachers at JMU — without breaking the bank.
Madison Investment Fund: Beyond the portfolio
Apr 11, 2025: The Madison Investment Fund offers students hands-on opportunities for professional development.
University Career Center offers expert guidance and resources
Apr 11, 2025: Dukes find that JMU gives them an advantage.
Alumna receives presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
Apr 4, 2025: Dr. Kristie Norwood’s (’04) journey is one of leadership, advocacy and lasting impact in mental health.
MBA in New Zealand
Mar 31, 2025: 15 years later, MBA 695 students are still trotting the globe.
Royal succession
Mar 28, 2025: Dukes pass the baton atop the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
JMU wins eighth annual Virginia Cyber Cup Competition
Mar 27, 2025: Six students from JMU’s Cyber Defense Club won the eighth annual Virginia Cyber Cup Competition held Feb. 21–22 at the Virginia Military Institute.
'Challenge' celebrates banner decade
Mar 19, 2025: Scholarship competition marks 10 years of rewarding values-based business ideas.
A perfect match
Mar 18, 2025: One alumna’s selfless act leads to a lifesaving connection.
Building a big business in small batches
Feb 28, 2025: Mike Norwood ('89), founder of the Wears Woody apparel brand, is chasing his dreams while giving back.
M.S. in Accounting program consistently produces top performers
Feb 27, 2025: Students in JMU’s M.S. in Accounting program significantly outperform the national average on the CPA exam.
From JMU to the PGA
Feb 26, 2025: For Derek Sprague (’88), success comes from passion, perseverance and making the most of every opportunity.
Timeline highlights ‘Black Firsts’ at JMU
Feb 26, 2025: Black pioneers and initiatives paved the way for future generations of Dukes.
Scholarships: Created and lived by Dukes
Jan 17, 2025: Meet the scholarship recipients
Graduates of the past change Carrier Library’s future
Jan 15, 2025: Donors make gifts to name the library's entrances.
Positive career outcomes
Jan 13, 2025: While the world of work has changed fundamentally, JMU graduates are fully prepared to succeed.
Leadership rooted in action
Jan 7, 2025: Maureen Metcalf (’84), CEO of the Innovative Leadership Institute, combines expertise and groundbreaking leadership.
Men’s Rugby Club 50th anniversary
Dec 12, 2024: Past players and coaches gift current students five decades of knowledge and stories.
Alumni-student partnerships play vital role in CIS 434
Nov 22, 2024: CIS 434 marks a quarter-century of engaged learning.
Overcoming great odds, refugee alumnus imagines a greener future
Nov 22, 2024: Vietnamese refugee and entrepreneur Tan H. Nguyen (’92) pioneers a food-waste solution.
Career success in the AI era
Nov 20, 2024: Alumna shares insights on how AI is impacting the tech industry.
Q and A with JMU's Dr. Carole Nash
Nov 13, 2024: Dr. Carole Nash (’83) was recently appointed by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to the board of trustees of the Virginia Museum of Natural History.
Couple invests $2.5M to name new wing of Carrier Library
Nov 13, 2024: New wing of Carrier Library named through $2.5 million philanthropic gift.
Discovering new horizons: An international student's journey through the JMU Washington Semester Program
Nov 6, 2024: The program stands out as a transformative experience for many students.
Semester in Florence and Semester in Salamanca celebrate milestone anniversaries during Homecoming
Nov 5, 2024: CGE honors four decades of two flagship study-abroad programs.
There is no place like Home(coming)
Oct 30, 2024: A recap of a winning finish
Summer intern program a first for JMU, Ellucian
Oct 18, 2024: The X-Labs Reimagined Internship was a resounding success.
Video expertise, teaching makes SMAD professor a Game Changer
Oct 11, 2024: SMAD technology director and instructor John Hodges (’78) was recognized as a “Game Changer” Thursday during a JMU football game.
Dukes holding doors
Oct 9, 2024: Join the Alumni Association Board to help continue the tradition of fostering community, inclusivity, and opportunity for current and future students.
River deep, mountain high
Oct 4, 2024: Dukes support rival App State in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
International Week brings in renowned filmmaker
Oct 3, 2024: Environmental activist Shalini Kantayya was the keynote speaker.
Harrisonburg Innovation Hub
Sep 30, 2024: Local co-working space to foster collaboration, conversation.
Virginia AG Miyares to speak at winter commencement
Sep 25, 2024: Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a 1998 JMU graduate, will be the featured speaker for winter commencement Dec. 14.
A family legacy, a JMU love story
Sep 24, 2024: Past JMU Parent of the Year makes $1 million planned gift in honor of late husband.
'JMU gave me a springboard'
Sep 17, 2024: Malcolm Taylor’s (‘82) esteemed career of service and mentorship started with a chance JMU encounter.
Dual success of student-athletes
Sep 17, 2024: Student-athletes face challenges in both the business and sports worlds, while also reaching their goals.
Keeping the wheels of government turning
Sep 17, 2024: Dukes are making a difference at local, state and federal levels.
JMU celebrates inaugural 'Game Changer'
Sep 9, 2024: Doreen Liccione (’92), an academic adviser in the CoB, is recognized as a “Game Changer” for her outstanding work benefiting JMU Athletics.
Expecting the (un)expected
Sep 6, 2024: Rachel Garmon-Williams (’10) works to make improv accessible to all at Bridge 9 Theater.
When an alum(not) falls for a JMU alumna
Sep 3, 2024: When Tom Dyer met Robin (’87) and “married into” the JMU community, he didn’t expect he’d become part of it.
Leaving an impactful legacy
Aug 29, 2024: Alumnus is using his career to enact change in the world.
The unsung heroes of democracy
Aug 23, 2024: Educator Wesley Hedgepeth (’08, ’09M) reveals the transformative power of social studies teachers.
A ‘catalyst’ comes home
Aug 22, 2024: Chemistry major-turned-entrepreneur Rick Kushel (’87) invests in student business-plan competition.
In a year of change, Dukes deliver
Aug 22, 2024: Dukes gave more than $28.1 million in charitable gifts to JMU during fiscal year 2024, the second highest in JMU history and the highest outside of a campaign.
Alumni kick off Carrier Library fundraising by naming spaces
Aug 16, 2024: Carrier Library memories inspired a few JMU alumni to kick off fundraising efforts for Carrier Library by naming new spaces.
Rehab reimagined: Alumna honored for innovations in stroke recovery
Aug 14, 2024: Occupational Therapy graduate receives the Innovation Award from NBCOT for her groundbreaking work in stroke rehabilitation.
Open Educational Resources address college costs
Aug 9, 2024: JMU faculty are putting in the work to make classroom materials more affordable and inclusive.
JMU recognized as a national leader in first-generation student success
Aug 8, 2024: James Madison University was selected as one of 14 higher education institutions to join the inaugural class of FirstGen Forward’s Network Champion Institutions.
Storied Green Book house a ‘time capsule’ rich in Black history
Aug 2, 2024: Former boarding house welcomed George Washington Carver and the Duke Ellington and Count Basie bands.
Family traditions, Madison Spirit
Jul 31, 2024: A family of Virginia educators hits 81 years of giving to JMU.
95% of 2023 JMU grads achieve positive career outcomes
Jul 22, 2024: More than 2,500 James Madison University undergraduates from the class of 2023 found work within six months of receiving their diplomas.
Dukes return to Capitol Hill
Jul 15, 2024: JMU hosted approximately 100 alumni and federal staff members at the 18th edition of “JMU on the Hill,” a reception held last month in Washington, D.C.
JMU math professor awarded for excellence in undergraduate mentorship
Jul 10, 2024: Caroline Lubert was recently selected for this year’s Mathematical, Computing, and Statistical Sciences Division Advanced Career Faculty Mentor Award.
Bridging worlds: A collaborative journey in accessible STEM education
Jul 8, 2024: JMU’s Center for STEM Education and Outreach and the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind are paving the way for inclusive learning experiences.
Charlie King begins role as interim president of James Madison University
Jul 8, 2024: As King begins his new position, he will draw on his vast knowledge of the university to continue its ascent as one of the top public universities in the nation.
The benefits of membership in a local alumni chapter
Jul 1, 2024: Local chapters help alumni transplants get woven into the fabric of their new cities.
Four purple-and-gold reads for the Fourth
Jul 1, 2024: Check out these four titles written by JMU alumni and faculty members.
Volunteers today, leaders tomorrow
Jun 27, 2024: Service-learning at JMU helps students find their purpose.
A time of goodbyes and new beginnings
Jun 24, 2024: President Alger delivers a farewell message to members of the JMU community.
JMU's Forbes Center announces 2024-25 Masterpiece Season
Jun 21, 2024: The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University has announced its 2024-25 Masterpiece Season lineup.
Celebrating a journey of innovation and leadership
Jun 20, 2024: As Kolvoord steps into his new role as interim provost, CISE celebrates his journey marked by outstanding achievements and innovative programs.
New downtown mural memorializes professor and birder Charles Ziegenfus
Jun 18, 2024: The artwork pays tribute to the late math professor’s passion for ornithology in Virginia.
Public notice: Presidential search committee meeting
Jun 6, 2024: The presidential search committee will meet on Monday, June 10.
CSPA learning improvements recognized with Provost Award
May 30, 2024: Strategic improvements in the structure and curriculum of the College Student Personnel Administration program were recognized.
The challenge to do good
May 22, 2024: Students raise more than $30,000 for the local community through T-shirt competition.
Students develop an app to detect early skin cancer
May 14, 2024: Selina Matolak (’24) and Amber Oliver (’23) bridge the gap between technology and public health.
JMU awards record number of doctoral degrees
May 10, 2024: The numbers reflect the university’s new designation as an R2 Doctoral University with high research activity.
Mother, son to receive diplomas during JMU graduation
May 9, 2024: Friday will be doubly exciting for a Chesapeake family who will celebrate two graduations.
PHOTOS: Welcome back and welcome home
May 3, 2024: Where has the time gone? Madison College alumni return to campus for their 50th reunion.
Social Work alumnae, senior empower families through community health initiatives
Apr 30, 2024: Two alumnae from JMU’s Social Work program are key forces in community health efforts for Harrisonburg and surrounding communities.
Washington Semester’s 25-plus years of alumni engagement
Apr 30, 2024: Director David Jones reflects on 25+ years of the Washington Semester experience
REACH seeks to address rural needs by building community capacity
Apr 26, 2024: Organization helps communities identify their greatest resources, needs
Dukes show their star power on awards night
Apr 24, 2024: JMU honors outstanding alumni, nominated by their peers
Announcing the 2024 Public Service Awards honorees
Apr 23, 2024: Public Service Awards at James Madison University has announced the 2024 honorees, recognizing four Valley residents for their exemplary public service work.
Opening doors for Dukes
Apr 20, 2024: Join the Alumni Association Board to help continue the tradition of fostering community, inclusivity, and opportunity for current and future students.
A new alum is Bourne
Apr 20, 2024: The JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors has voted to honor Jeff Bourne, the retiring Director of JMU Athletics, with their highest recognition, Honorary Alumni status, on April 20, 2024.
JMU to honor leaders for their tenure
Apr 19, 2024: The JMU Board of Visitors voted to name two streets in honor of two long-time employees and rename one building in honor of JMU’s sixth president.
JMU prepared music producer for the big time
Apr 19, 2024: Scott M. Riesett (’93) took home a 2024 Grammy for the Broadway cast recording of “Some Like It Hot.”
Matt Roan selected as director of athletics at James Madison
Apr 18, 2024: JMU President Jonathan Alger and the university Board of Visitors announced the appointment of Matt Roan as the new director of athletics.
Jeweler Emily Warden (’17) urges students to trust themselves, learn all they can
Apr 12, 2024: For Virginia-based jeweler, success comes from creativity in work and in life.
Saluting an uncommon colonel
Apr 11, 2024: Frances Weir (’49) paved the way for generations of Army women.
Culture of opportunity
Apr 11, 2024: Leadership professors discuss key to success for JMU alumni.
The Graduate School Alumni Newsletter: December 2024
Nov 15, 2021: December 2024 Alumni Newsletter

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