Oakview Circle Event

The first Women for Madison circle event was hosted by Mary Ann Alger, JMU's first lady and a member of the Executive Advisory Council. She welcomed a group of 60 Harrisonburg area women to Oakview, the Alger home. Mrs. Alger talked about the importance of being role models for the next generation of philanthropists, and how invaluable women will be to the future of James Madison University.

Vanessa Evans, chair of the Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council, spoke about the creation of Women for Madison and plans to build a network of JMU alumnae, parents, faculty and friends of the university. She explained that Women for Madison would offer a platform from which to launch ideas, increase involvement and encourage investment in Madison.
 
The Circle was happy to have President Jon Alger as the first featured speaker. Mr. Alger talked about the great strength of women coming together around a common purpose and causes that they care about.  Women for Madison offers that opportunity as it reflects the university's focus on people and relationships. This organization will be key as JMU moves forward with the launch of its comprehensive fundraising campaign.
 
The president unveiled the university's new strategic plan - the Madison Plan. The vision statement is to be the national model of the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world. Mr. Alger explained that Engaged Learning, Community Engagement and Civic Engagement are essential pillars of this new aspiration. "The strategic plan will transform lives and developing a culture of philanthropy will be our key to success," the president said.