Check out our newest addition to the profiles on our “Be the Change” Web site–Brian Balmages ‘98 composed the music for Madison’s Centennial Celebration and has been an inspiration to many up-and-coming musicians. He often receives e-mails from students who performed his music and decided that they, too, wanted to become music majors in college. He’s definitely found the way to Be the Change–through music.
Archive for May, 2008
He communicates through music
May 30, 2008JMU makes “best graduate school” list
May 28, 2008Three of our graduate programs have been ranked among the nation’s best by “U.S. News & World Report” — our audiology program, our speech-language pathology program, and our master of fine arts program. Great!
The transformative power of dance…
May 27, 2008According to JMU professor Kate Trammell, “all of us are constantly dancing throughout our lives…” She has a lot more to say about the importance of creative expression and its connection to human experience. Read her Be the Change profile and her interview with MadisonOnline.
On campus this holiday weekend?
May 23, 2008If you are on or near JMU’s campus this holiday weekend, check out these events:
On Saturday, May 24, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum will be hosting its annual Memorial Day Herb and Garden Festival. You can load up on rare and unusual plants, garden ornamentation, and water features. Then you can start your personal natural retreat in your own backyard!
JMU’s Outdoor Summer Music Series begins on Sunday, May 25, with a performance by the Massanutten Brass Band. Concerts are held on the lawn in the Sculpture Garden between the Music Building and Duke Hall. Bring your picnic, some lawn chairs, and sit back and relish this performance by one of only two British-style brass bands in the valley.
Our weather looks promising. Enjoy!
Sarita Hartz returning to Africa
May 19, 2008Madison World Changer Sarita Hartz is returning to Africa. She’ll attend a three-month training course in Mozambique, go to the Sudan with IRIS ministries, and then return to Uganda. “This training will equip me to … participate in healing [that] will bring lasting positive change,” she writes. Sarita was on the JMU campus earlier this year for a week of activities designed to bring awareness to the plight of girl child soldiers in Uganda. She founded Zion Project as a means to bring “God-inspired” healing to those in need.
In Uganda, Sarita says she will “umbrella underneath Favor of God in Gulu, Uganda, and work with them on youth projects…”
We wish her continued success. Godspeed.
Children’s Playshop opens next week
May 15, 2008An annual summer delight for patrons of all ages, JMU’s Children’s Playshop begins its 16th season with “The Wind in the Willows,” which runs from May 22 to June 1. The “Daily News-Record” has a nice article online about the playshop’s productions.
Check out Bill Buck and Pam Johnson on “Be the Change” — they’ve had a huge impact on many Madison students and have found ways to bring our university and the community together in a most delightful pastime.
New to “Be the Change”
May 13, 2008Our newest addition to “Be the Change” is Mandy Woodfield (‘05), a Presidential Management Fellow. A JMU communications studies major, Mandy received a Master’s of Public Health in administration and policy from the University of Minnesota and is currently working at the National Cancer Institute assisting scientists in communicating the results of their cancer studies to doctors, patient advocates and the public. Check out her “Be the Change” profile.
Dr. Carrier heads up United Way campaign
May 9, 2008Ron Carrier, JMU president emeritus, will serve as executive officer for the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham campaign. According to the “Daily News-Record” report, the campaign will count on Carrier to provide strategy for their fundraising effort–a tough job in view of the softening economy.
Dr. Carrier is no stranger to challenges … check out his “Be the Change” profile, and you’ll get a glimpse of the big things he accomplished for our university. And while you’re online, read “The Wit and Wisdom of Ronald Carrier” on the JMU Centennial Web site. You’ll learn why he’s a man known for his charisma.
JMU students interested in nonprofit work
May 8, 2008“Daily News-Record” reported that JMU’s plans for a new philosophy program, a doctorate in strategic leadership designed to train people how to lead nonprofits and school divisions, has been forwarded to the State Council of Education for approval. If approved, the program should be met with increasing student interest…JMU students are noted for their enthusiasm for the nonprofit arena.
Makes me think of Madison World Changer, Joy Petway (‘07), who was chosen to participate in the Phoenix Project’s 2007 Nonprofit Leadership Program. Joy said the program helped her gain the “skills and understanding to make a difference.” Like many Madison students, she already had the motivation.
Centennial Commencement; 100,000 degrees; 100 years
May 5, 2008By the time JMU’s Centennial Commencement concluded on Saturday, May 3, 2008, more than 100,000 people had received a degree from Madison during its 100 year history. Madison World Changer Tom Dingledine, was the commencement speaker. His grandparents, Raymond and Agness, were among the first faculty members at the school.
Our grads were wearing purple academic regalia this year, a special touch recognizing our school colors of purple and gold in honor of our centennial! Congratulations to all!
