Keiskamma Gospel Choir to perform Dec. 2

An upcoming event on JMU’s campus has special “Be the Change” significance.

The Keiskamma Gospel Choir from South Africa will be coming to campus on 
Dec. 2. The concert is being coordinated by two of JMU’s “Be the Change” folks, Debra 
Sutton, health science professor, and Amy Zacaroli (‘88), founder of 25:40, who 
are bringing the choir to campus as part of commemorating World AIDS Day.

The JMU/25:40 relationship has continued to build since Sutton’s and Zacaroli’s 
initial meeting, which was featured in the Spring 2008 “Madison.” Amy’s 
nonprofit worked with Sutton’s study abroad programs this summer, and JMU 
students got to go with AIDS workers door-to-door in South Africa in the work 
to help those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

There’s a blurb about the choir event on MadisonOnline, 
as well as the full article 
on Sutton and Zacaroli from “Madison” magazine.

If you’d like to know more about the event, contact Dr. Sutton at suttondl@jmu.edu or Amy at 2540@cox.net.

Just goes to show how the desire to make a difference continues to reverberate!

MRD’s on parade

Our “Be the Change” communications campaign has been blessed with talented and enthusiastic communicators. Writing intern, Emily Reid, (who writes great copy and plays a mean trombone) will be performing with the JMU Marching Royal Dukes in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! She’s promised to tell us all about the experience when she gets back from the Big Apple!

Go MRDs!

Research that can change the world

…at least for the frog population; and, if their future is a clue to the state of the globe’s ecosystem, perhaps this JMU research can make a difference for people as well.

Biology professor Reid Harris has been studying the deadly fungus that is killing frogs and found a potential solution that begs further exploration. Animal Planet will be airing a segment on “The Vanishing Frog” that highlights the researchers at JMU have been doing.

And more about field hockey

As several conscientious readers have noted about the earlier post re Meghan Bain, field hockey is her sport. The post has been corrected so we don’t promulgate wrong info. Thanks for getting in touch, readers!

BTW, if you visit the women’s field hockey Web site, you’ll get a nice welcome from Coach Antoinette Lucas.

Remarkable recovery for JMU field hockey player Meghan Bain

Just months after a critical injury, JMU field hockey player Meghan Bain is back on the field. Matt McGovern with “The Breeze” writes about her miraculous journey back to health in “Remarkable Return: Bain back to excellence after major brain injury.”

“She feels like she’s back to her super-normal self.” That’s good news, for Meghan and JMU field hockey.

Being the change, a family affair

I had a chance to speak to one of our Madison world changers yesterday, Gladys Lisanby. As we caught up on the latest news, Gladys asked if I’d seen the “Good Morning America” report on the new methods of treating depression with electro and magnetic stimulation. One of Gladys’ daughters, Sarah Lisanby, is in the forefront of this research and resulting treatment, which is proving very effective for people whose depression has been unmanageable for years.

Seems the Lisanby family has a tradition of making a difference.

JMU students, being the change, every day

Volunteer Day in Harrisonburg was marked by great support from Madison students, who have a well-deserved reputation for community service. Making a difference in the neighborhood has a positive impact, not just on the individuals who benefit from the assistance, but also on the students, who report that nothing compares to the joy of serving others.

Thanks for being the change!

Geoff Polglase

Received this nomination for one of our own: Geoff Polglase has touched many lives through his enthusiastic and diligent work as the Alumni Director, Assistant to the President, and now Deputy Director of Athletics at JMU. He works tirelessly to ensure that you have an excellent experience with JMU whether you are checking out the Duke’s web page or visiting campus for one of our sporting events. His employees – both staff and student routinely remark on the positive influence Geoff has had on their careers.

Hip Hop!

Kids, ages 5-14, can sign up for a hip hop dance workshop to be held on Friday, Nov. 14…followed by a fashion show and performance. Great chance for fun and dance with the Mozaic DanceTeam! For info: MozaicDance@gmail.com.

Is the stage set for American engagement with Africa?

JMU’s J. Peter Pham, has been making the case for Africa’s strategic significance to the U.S. for several years. Obama’s election as the 44th President of the United States, celebrated in his ancestral homeland, might open the door to increased American engagement in the continent. Learn more in Pham’s article “Strategic interests” on “World Defense Review.”