Newest additions to our “Be the Change” Web site are Jim and Julie Riley who established the Riley Family Centennial Scholarship, the first privately funded Centennial Scholarship to promote diversity on JMU’s campus. Notably, neither of the Rileys attended JMU, but the university couldn’t ask for more loyal supporters!
Do you know a great “Be the Change” candidate? Let us know!
The “Daily News-Record” reported on the valley’s favorites … and, no surprise, JMU’s Edith J. Carrier Arboretum was voted best place to relax and (for all you sweethearts) propose. And, there’s no time like now to enjoy the arboretum. Madison World Changer, Dr. Norlyn Bodkin, is conducting Wildflower Walks on April 30 and May 4–a great way to see and learn more about the wide variety of native plants in the area.
Speaking of flowers, JMU alumna, Carla Van Pelt Yoder, owner of Artistic Florist, was voted the best in the valley!
JMU’s Kate Amos ( ‘08 ) wrote to the “Daily News-Record” about JMU’s Green Collar Job Fair noting that because of the awareness of global warming, industries are shifting their focus to sustainability and less impact on the environment.
“…green collar jobs [are] the fifth largest market sector in the United States” she notes, and “we want to make sure that JMU is doing its best to provide its students and graduates with the opportunity to become involved with this growing job market.”
It’s great to see our students seeking to change the world for the better and encouraging others to do the same.
Matt Fenzel and Colin Wright designed a sustainable water pumping and irrigation system as seniors in JMU’s integrated science and technology program. They’re hoping their design will net them a $75,000 grant so they can implement their project in Kenya. They’ve already received nearly $6,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency for the project and are competing in the National Sustainable Design Expo in Washington, D.C., April 20-22.
According to the project proposal, “when implemented, [the system] will increase crop yield and economic well-being of the community, decrease hunger, educate and increase the overall quality of life for the Namawanga Community.”
Sounds like a world-changing idea. We wish them well in the competition.
“…she inspires the will to do right in others” … that’s what sculptor Paul DiPasquale said about his neighbor, community leader, and Madison World Changer Mary Ellen Garber Otto (‘58), who is a great example of the willingness to make a difference exhibited by all Madison graduates.
The Class of 1958 will be participating in Bluestone Reunion activities next weekend April 24-26, 2008, along with members of the classes of 1933, 1938, 1943, 1948 and 1953. Congratulations to all–you make us proud!
Culture Klatsch, a new lecture series on JMU’s campus, launched Monday. It’s the first program of its kind at JMU designed with interdisciplinary liberal studies majors in mind, an effort to bring their college experiences closer to their future careers as teachers. In addition to JMU students, current pK-12 teachers and the general public are welcome to attend.
The lecture series will feature JMU experts presenting information on various cultures — specifically the six cultures emphasized by Virginia’s Standards of Learning: Egypt, Greece, China, Mali, West Africa and Native Americans.
Monday’s Culture Klatsch covered the History of Ancient Mali, West African Culture, Mansa Musa, Timbuktu and Islam as well as Gold salt, slave trade and European exploration.
According to The Breeze, the series will continue for the next three semesters. The next Culture Klatsch will be held in late September and will focus on Native Americans.
You don’t have to be an aspiring teacher to attend; it’s a great opportunity to broaden your world view. Check it out.
Our JMU community will pause for a moment of silence at noon today in remembrance of the tragic shootings on the Virginia Tech campus last year. Flags fly at half-staff today and a candlelight vigil is planned for tonight on the Festival Lawn on East Campus.
One of our Madison World Changers, Janet Phillips, will be recognized with the 16th annual Outstanding Alumnus Award from the James Madison University Department of Kinesiology on Wednesday, April 16. Phillips is the co-owner of the Windy Hill Sports Complex in Midlothian, a member of the Professional Golf Association and was named 2006 LPGA Professional of the Year. In true “Be the Change” fashion, she’s known for giving back to her community…Phillips organized the Richmond area’s first Special Olympics. She makes us proud!
The weeklong celebration of Earth Day on our campus is a collaborative effort and features a variety of learning, and sharing, opportunities. Today, Joel Salatin, owner of Polyface Farms, presents “Beyond Organic Farming in the Shenandoah Valley.” Tonight in Grafton-Stovall theater you can enjoy a free showing of “The 11th Hour” a documentary starring Leonardo DiCaprio on climate chaos and the need for change.
Madison World Changer Sarita Hartz is busy organizing her last major fundraising event before she moves back to Uganda in June. An exhibit of photography by Ugandan girl child soldiers as well as the work of Joseph Michael is planned for April 25 in Old Town, Alexandria, Va. You can make a donation to this worthy cause or contact Sarita at the Zion Project for more information.
