Tamela Graham Noboa ('92) headlines as Women for Madison rally to open doors

May 12, 2016 – Tamela Graham Noboa (’92) was the keynote speaker for the Women for Madison “Opening Doors” Rally at the International Country Club in Fairfax.  She delivered a powerful testimony to the power of the JMU “Be the Change” attitude that inspired her and her husband, Aric (’93).  Their vision to help create the Discovery Learning Alliance is positively effecting educational outcomes around the world – particularly in marginalized regions.

The rally was organized by the Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council in an effort to channel women’s growing professional influence and financial leadership. Chair Vanessa Evans-Grevious (’93, ’97M) opened the rally. Speakers encouraged women to extend the transformational impact of their own Madison Experience by making an impact on future students through volunteering and philanthropy.

Students, alumni and donors told one another how their Madison Experience has been transformational in their lives. Each testimony ended with the refrain, “I’m a Woman for Madison.”

Speakers connected today’s movement with JMU’s founding as a woman’s college in 1908 due to the efforts of early pioneers and producing graduates who have achieved great things in their fields.

“All of these Madison women remind us of the many doors JMU women have already opened for us,” said WFM vice chair Beth Bliss (84). “Many of us in this room have done remarkable things too. We have raised families. Started businesses. Taught school. Become thought leaders in our fields. Fostered change in our communities.”

JMU First Lady Mary Ann Alger urged women to reflect on their personal philanthropic mission statement.  “Think about how you give back,” she said. “Because you do—every day. Ask yourself what that means—what you believe in. Imagine the doors you will open at JMU.”

Former Ms. Madison and Centennial Scholars Chiquita King (’09, ’11M) underscored the importance of women becoming “deeply involved in the life of James Madison University—to become philanthropists for JMU. Students are counting on us. The faculty is counting on us. The future of JMU is counting on us. It will take our commitment for JMU to become the national model of the engaged university.”

She urged women to sign up to become involved in JMU through Women for Madison.

• Cheerleader—spread the word about the Madison Plan and our goal to become the national model of the engaged university.
• Player—volunteer at a JMU event.
• Coach—serve as a guest speaker, mentor or adviser to a student
• Champion—host a Women for Madison Circle or organize for a JMU cause.
• Booster—make a financial gift to JMU.

Being a Woman for Madison requires making an annual gift of any amount to JMU.