News Topic: Alumni News

“We Don’t Just Make Food. We Make Memories”

It is no small feat to purchase a restaurant right before the COVID pandemic hit. Curtis Perry (’02) and his dedication overcame such obstacles and ensured that The Desserterie remained a space of joy.

A born leader

Melvin Petty (’84) wins the Mid-Atlantic Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Protecting the Capitol

JMU alum and police officer was put to the test during the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Mashita: “it’s delicious!”

It is a beautiful exchange when a perfect plate of food gets handed to you through a window. A restaurant on four wheels delivers a unique experience because the chef gets to express freely.

Bleed purple, go gold

The JMU club Dukes Against Childhood Cancer was built from the ground up by three dedicated students.

From Diver to Passenger

Longtime university bus driver is heading back to campus this spring for his 50th Bluestone Reunion.

African Food is not a Monolith

Emmanuel Baiden (’17) grew up in Accra, Ghana. His resilience in a new country helped him venture into business, thrive in a foreign country, and develop a voice for young Black chefs.

For The Love of Chocolate

Matthew Sibley (’11) is a self-taught chocolatier who creates unique flavor pairings such as ‘toasted rice with matcha’ or ‘earl grey tea and blueberry,’ all made from the finest ingredients.

A Grandfather's Love

Bud Grey (’80) is also known fondly as "baba" by his granddaughter, Cece, who lives far away. Missing her deeply inspired Grey to illustrate a story for her called "The Buddy Bridge."

Living the dream

Kaitlin Porter (’06) and her wife and children are proof that even if you're living tiny, you can live large with more quality family time.

‘How can I be a solution?’

Alumna aims to leave her mark on the world through her advocacy, writing and poetry.

A Toast to Port City Brewing Company

Port City Brewing Company located in Alexandria, Virginia, has delivered world-class quality, locally produced craft beer to the Washington, D.C. area for over a decade.

Gamifying Exercise: One Fun Run At A Time

VA Momentum is focused on hosting running and walking fun-focused events to promote fitness. The goal at VA Momentum is to gamify exercising and making it a social experience for people of all ages and abilities.

Bringing Her Vision to Life

JMU alumna Jenny Reid (’05) is a professional photographer at Be Thou My Vision where she captures the light and joy of each and every person she photographs.

Reverse Engineering Your Way to Success

Murray graduated in 2000 with a major in art and a minor in art history before working his way up as an accomplished executive with over twenty years of professional experience from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups.

Remembering Cynthia Coolbaugh

Cynthia Coolbaugh (’70) was an active fighter for peace throughout her life. With the help of Barbara Benham (’70), we reflect back on her passions and progressive work that ultimately led to a Nobel Peace Prize.

A sweet treat

Alexis Cosby ('18) is taking the capital region by storm with her tasty and professional-looking creations.

A Journey Well-Written

JMU alumnus and former football player Vad Lee (’15) shares his journey of transitioning away from the sport through books and motivational speaking in the hopes to help others.

Alumni Chapter Spotlight: NC Triangle Dukes

JMU’s North Carolina Triangle alumni chapter has become one of the most active chapters for the school during the pandemic thanks to Patrick Gotimer (’14) and the rest of its new leadership team.

1971 Men of Madison

Steve Smith (’71) was a part of the first group of men allowed to live on campus at Madison College. He reflects back on his time as the Class of 1971 prepares for their 50-year reunion.

Teaching Spanish to Make A Difference

Alumna Thea Paul (’93) is the founder of Language Institute of Virginia, a business that teaches Spanish to service professionals to help them communicate better with their clients.