JMU Alumni

The next stop on the Presidential Search Committee Listening Tour is the McLean Community Center in Northern Virginia! Join the committee to share the qualities and characteristics important to you in our next JMU President.
📅 Tuesday, July 23
🕟 7-8 p.m.
📍McLean Community Center, Community Hall C., Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101

For information about additional stops on the tour, visit the search website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.jmu.edu/.../offices.../presidential-search.shtml

Life at Nike: Creative Leadership Lessons and Emotions by Design
Greg Hoffman
July 23rd at noon (EST)

Emotion is what elevates the most successful brands above the rest, allowing them to occupy a rarefied place in consumers' hearts and minds. These brands transcend functionality, offering emotional value that resonates deeply with their audience. In this engaging webinar, bestselling author and former CMO at NIKE Greg Hoffman unveils the concept of "Emotion by Design," illustrating how we can all harness its power to craft products, stories, and experiences that make people feel that even their most audacious pursuits are possible to achieve. He will share the philosophy and methodology behind creating a brand that empowers and deeply resonates with people, unveiling his three guiding principles: Creativity is a Team Sport, Dare to Be Remembered and Spark a Movement. These principles served as the cornerstone of Hoffman's leadership at Nike, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company's brand identity and voice through compelling storytelling and immersive experiences. Every story was distinct, yet the result was always the same: a strong emotional attachment between products and people—quite literally, emotion by design.

Register for this webinar and check out other online events here: https://alumlc.org/jmu

The Presidential Search Committee wants to hear from YOU! The first stop on the Listening Tour is July 18 Harrisonburg! Join the committee to share the qualities and characteristics important to you in our next JMU President.

📅 Thursday, July 18
🕟 5:30-6:30 p.m.
📍Holland-Yates Hall at JMU
🅿️ Parking: Mason Street parking deck

Additional stops for the Listening Tour will be in Richmond, Northern Virginia, Roanoke and Norfolk, along with a virtual option. Visit the search website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.jmu.edu/president/offices-and-staff/presidential-search.shtml

Get to the Point: Communicate More By Saying LessDiane DiRestra
July 16th at noon (EST)

Are you comfortable speaking one-on-one but not in groups?
Are you confident speaking to groups but not on video conferencing?
Do you do most of the talking?
Do you take too long to get your point across?
Do you allow the conversation to go down a rabbit hole?

Whether you’re an executive, manager, or starting out, you can’t seal the deal or make your point unless you can speak clearly and concisely. In this eye-opening webinar, author and certified speaking professional Diane DiResta will share how to create a crisp message, discover where you stumble, and identify your most common speaking situation. You will benefit from these tools she has built from decades of experience. You will learn to be crisp in your delivery, and your credibility will soar!

Register for this webinar and check out other online events here: https://alumlc.org/jmu

3 Keys To Healthy Boundaries: Say No, Speak Up For Yourself, And Confidently Express What You WantDr. Aziz Gazipura
July 11th at noon (EST)

Do you struggle with feeling over-committed, stretched thin, or overwhelmed by all the demands of your life? Perhaps you feel guilt or fear about saying no, letting others down, or missing out. If so, you are one of millions who might struggle with boundaries without even knowing it. In this illuminating webinar, join Confidence Expert and author of the bestselling book Not Nice, Dr. Aziz Gazipura will discuss The Secret To Skillfully Stand Up For Yourself, How To Say No Gracefully (Without Guilt or Fear), and How to Speak Up Directly (Without Hesitation or Over-Explaining). After this webinar, you will instantly feel a more spacious sense of freedom and power to direct your own life. Use your newfound skill of setting healthy boundaries to create better relationships, deeper connections, and more confidence in your work life.

Register for this webinar and check out other online events here: https://alumlc.org/jmu

We are excited to announce that the 2024 Homecoming website is up and running, and registration is now open for all of the fun events we have in store this year!

We look forward to celebrating with you, Dukes! 🐾

https://www.alumni.jmu.edu/s/1591/18/interior.aspx?sid=1591&gid=3&pgid=1096

Happy 4th of July! Have a fun and safe Independence Day, Dukes! 🇺🇸

Grammy~winning music producer says JMU prepared him for the big time Scott M. Riesett (’93) took home a 2024 award in the Musical Theater Album category for the original Broadway cast recording of “Some Like It Hot.”

As we roll into July, four amazing JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors are finishing up their terms on the board. Zac Hittie ’’06, ’10M, Carrie Hawes ’04, Kaitlin Holbrook ’13 and Dave Urso ’03, ’05 have more than 30 years of combined service! Thank you so much for your years of dedication and support!

Show Zac, Carrie, Kaitlin and Dave some love in the comments 💜💛

Are you ready, Dukes? Single game tickets for JMU Football are on sale today! 💜💛

Don't miss your chance to be at Bridgeforth Stadium this fall - single game JMU Football tickets are on sale NOW!

🎟️ | https://bit.ly/3qFE27j

The JMU Alumni Charleston Dukes had a AWESOME turnout at the All Virginia Schools Happy Hour tonight at Edmund’s Oast! There were reps from , Radford University, Virginia Tech Alumni , UVA Alumni Association , William & Mary, Virginia Military Institute, Lynchburg College, and VCU!

Popular. Purple. Pocket-sized. Usually given to students, the pocket constitutions are back and available to alumni. Make a generous gift to the Madison Vision Fund before June 21 and you will receive a copy AND can send one to a friend. Claim your copy: https://dukesfunder.jmu.edu/project/41333

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, uncles and role models who hold a special place in our hearts! 🐾💜💛

Unscripted: How to Communicate and Connect using the Improv ApproachCaitlin Drago
June 18th at noon (EST)

Do you often find yourself struggling to communicate effectively? Do you struggle to hear and be heard despite that being what you desire? We all like to think of ourselves as active listeners, open to considering another’s perspective to collaborate toward shared goals successfully. What if there was a simple yet flexible format through which we could improve not only our listening skills but also our ability to ask for and get what we want successfully? Enter stage right: The Improv Approach. The Improv Approach takes the principles of improv comedy and applies them to everyday interactions, empowering you to navigate even difficult conversations that might typically prove anything but mutually satisfying. In this eye-opening webinar, actor and author Caitlin Drago will discuss the foundational principles of improv, common communication mistakes, how to solve them, and how to increase your empathy and understanding even when dealing with difficult people and situations.

Register for this webinar and check out other online events here: https://alumlc.org/jmu

“No” Problem: Strategies to Stop Saying Yes at Work When You Want to Say NoCandace Doby
June 13th at noon (EST)

Have you ever responded to a request — to add a task to your already full plate, express grievances to the boss on behalf of the group, or cover for a co-worker — with a reluctant "no problem?" It might be because you've got a "no" problem. Learn how to confidently decline requests and assert boundaries in this empowering webinar featuring author and national speaker Candace Doby. Discover the psychological reasons behind the difficulty of saying "no" and gain insights into the essential elements needed to decline effectively without guilt or apology. Candace will also unveil seven practical strategies for courageously saying " no, " empowering you to manage your workload and relationships confidently and clearly. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your assertiveness and prioritize your well-being!

Register for this webinar and check out other online events here: https://alumlc.org/jmu

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts and role models who hold a special place in our hearts! 💜💛💐

Class of 2024! Today (5/8) is your last chance to pick up your champagne glass. Stop by the Leeolou Alumni Center between 12-5 today to pick one up!

Voting for the Spring 2024 Grad Cap Contest ends tonight, April 30 at 11:59pm, so be sure to cast your vote today!

The winner will be announced tomorrow!

Vote here: https://brnw.ch/21wJk1p

📣 Calling all Dukes in the DMV area. If you are a young alum, or just young at heart, join us for the first ever ALUMNI MEGA MIXER! Virginia Tech, University of Virginia and are getting together for the BIGGEST alumni party of the year. Join us on Thursday, May 2 from 6:30-9:30 pm at Wilson Hardware.

🗓️ Register by April 30 at midnight for the advanced ticket rate of $15. Tickets at the door are $20 while supplies last.

Register to attend: https://brnw.ch/21wJi75

🚨Deadline approaching 🚨 Be sure to register for the Dukes Hike by May 1 to ensure your swag arrives before the start of the hike. Registered participants will have the choice between a JMU branded hammock in a bag or a snazzy 6ft pet leash. Or, get both items for a discounted price! Get outside, explore and have an adventure! 🐾 ⛰🚶‍♀️🐾
Register: https://brnw.ch/21wJhIA

Voting for the Spring 2024 Grad Cap Contest is now underway, and ends on April 30. There are some really creative submissions, so be sure to cast your vote for your favorite design today! The winner will be announced on May 1.

Vote here: https://brnw.ch/21wJ5M3

The JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors voted to honor Jeff Bourne, the retiring Director of JMU Athletics, with their highest recognition, Honorary Alumni status. Alumni Board President Tripp Hughes (’09) joined current and former Directors of the JMU Alumni Association to present Bourne with the framed proclamation at half-time during the spring football game. Congrats Jeff!

Dukes from day one, Alumni for life!

The JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors voted to honor Jeff Bourne, the retiring Director of JMU Athletics, with their highest recognition, Honorary Alumni status. Alumni Board President Tripp Hughes (’09) joined current and former Directors of the JMU Alumni Association to present Bourne with the framed proclamation at half-time during the spring football game. Congrats Jeff! Read more: https://www.jmu.edu/news/alumni/2024/a_new_alum_is_bourne_24.shtml

Dukes from day one, Alumni for life!

JMU Football James Madison UniversityJMUSports

Welcome home Roan Family!

The next chapter begins!

Excited to welcome Matt Roan as the new Director of Athletics!

Welcome home, Roan family 💜

📰 | https://bit.ly/4aGfy48

There is still time to get your caps decorated and photos uploaded for the Spring 2024 Grad Cap Contest! Get creative and then upload a photo of your decorated grad cap before April 17 for your chance to win a $100 JMU Bookstore gift card!

Voting begins on April 18, and the winner will be announced on May 1.

Good luck, Dukes! 💜💛

Enter here: https://brnw.ch/21wISiP

Congrats Neal!

Congrats Hugh! We are excited to celebrate you this Friday at the Alumni Awards Banquet!

Health Sciences student wins Alumni Association Award, reflects on impressive journey at JMU Health Sciences senior and Honors student Hugh McFarlane was selected for the Student Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Award by the JMU Alumni Association, which is awarded to a student who “provides leadership and serves a