The Green Approach

It’s nice to see JMU taking the initiative to be Green as well as purple and gold. Dining Services has eliminated trays to save water–over 320,000 gallons each semester, according to yesterday’s issue of “The Breeze.” Residence Life is replacing washing machines in dorms with newer washers that have increased water efficiency. Every small change contributes toward making a big difference.

On the academic front, our College of Business launched the Sustainable Business Certificate, the first undergraduate program in business sustainability in the U.S.

Great going.

It’s time to wear purple!

The Duke Dog is inviting fans to send off our football team in style this Friday, August 29, as they head off to play at Duke University. Be at the Plecker Center at 12:15 p.m., enjoy refreshments, hear Coach Matthews address the fans, and show your purple pride!

Buses leave at 12:30 p.m. Be ready to roar!

Number one public master’s level university in south

For the 15th year in a row, JMU has claimed top honors among public institutions. “U.S. News & World Report’s” 2009 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” ranks us the number one public master’s level university in the southern region. JMU also won praise for its first year experience–recognizing its innovative programs that help freshmen feel more connected.

That’s news that gets us off to a nice start for fall semester 2008!

The House Bunny

JMU alumna, screenwriter and executive producer Karen McCullah Lutz ‘88 has a new movie, “The House Bunny,” debuting this week. The film tells the story of socially clueless women who team up with an ex-Playboy bunny. The combination leads all the women to stop pretending and start being themselves.

On her blog Lutz says, “It’s a comedy starring Anna Faris. She plays a Playboy Bunny who gets kicked out of the mansion and becomes a housemother for a nerdy sorority. Anna is great in it, so please bring a 100 of your closest friends to go see it opening weekend!” Lutz co-wrote the movies “Legally Blonde,” “10 Things I Hate About You” and “She’s the Man.”

Check it out!

Moving in!

What a great week to be in Harrisonburg! We’ve enjoyed idyllic weather by August standards–great weather to welcome our incoming freshman students. The 3,850 new residential freshmen will be joined this weekend by JMU’s returning students. Monday, Aug. 25, starts the fall semester.

Welcome, Class of 2012; you’re gonna love it here!

David LaMotte participates in delegation to Middle East

Madison world changer David LaMotte has just returned from a two-week trip to Israel and Palestine. He joined 13 other participants in a delegation co-sponsored by Interfaith Peace-Builders investigating the question of apartheid in the Israeli-Palestinian context.

According to an IFPB press release, LaMotte said, “the trip has been both eye-opening and vision blurring; it’s hard to open one’s eyes to this kind of suffering and injustice without finding them suddenly full of tears. Still, it’s deeply inspiring to meet some of the people who are working for a better reality. I’m eager to get to work on doing my own small part in the struggle.”

LaMotte invites inquiries about his trip: He can be reached at 828-669-7188 or david@davidlamotte.com.

Are you thinking football?

Hard to believe summer is almost gone, but we’re gearing up for the return of our students to campus…and football season!

Remember, the JMU Alumni Association and the JMU Duke Club host tailgates on the road, so make your plans now!

“ties that are long and strong”

“…ties that are long and strong” — those words are part of the description of our newest addition to “Be the Change,” Judy Strickler (‘60). Judy not only graduated from Madison, she’s been actively involved in Madison life for decades. Right now she is serving on the JMU Board of Visitors, and she’s been a big supporter of the future Performing Arts Center. Welcome Judy! and thanks!

Changing the view of philanthropy

James Madison University’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign concluded with $70 million committed, surpassing the campaign goal by 40 percent. The accomplishment signals an important change according to Dr. Joanne Carr, senior vice president of university advancement at JMU. “While surpassing an unprecedented fundraising goal in the history of the institution, the comprehensive campaign was equally successful in heightening an understanding of the impact of philanthropy,” said Carr. “Contributors and campaign volunteers have played a major role in fundamentally changing how philanthropy is viewed at JMU. The deeper understanding of the importance of private gift support positions us well for the future.”

The generosity of contributors benefits every academic and administrative division of the university…improved facilities, more scholarships and additional support for teaching.