JMU student activists head to DC

WHSV.com reports that 30 JMU students will join thousands of other students from across the state this weekend in Washington, D.C., demanding action on climate, energy and the economy and hoping to achieve “significant, lasting changes.” Power Shift promises to connect these young people with new ideas and the methods to accomplish their dreams.

Our “miracle worker”

JMU alum Dave Sanderson was one of the last people off U.S. Airways Flight 1549. When you read his comments about the disaster, you’ll be struck by his “ready to serve” attitude. Dave figures it wasn’t bad luck that he was on the flight. “God wanted me there to help people and to do the right thing,” he says. This husband and father of four stayed on the plane, leaving only after he made sure others had gotten off safely.

Check out Katie Thisdell’s and Allie Conroy’s report in The Breeze on RecycleMania. Madison world changer Christie-Joy Brodrick Hartman is quoted on changing the culture at JMU, “What I’m hoping is that recycling becomes what we do. So at orientation when students come in, they understand at JMU we minimize our waste.” That’s another change for the better.

Pink, purple, red, Oh My!

Have you been keeping up with the arboretum’s offerings?

Right now, you can choose a flowering potted plant in pink, purple or red for someone you love (including yourself!) at the Frances Plecker Education Center and your purchase supports the arboretum.

Carriage rides, Historic Garden Week events, and more are coming in the weeks ahead. Think spring!

Coach Matthews sets the example

When JMU head football coach Mickey Matthews received a financial award as the 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year for Division 1AA, he knew just what he wanted to do with it–make a difference and set the example for others. He gave $15,000 to the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

The “Daily News-Record” quotes Matthews: “I tell my players they’ve got to make a difference in people’s lives,” Matthews said. “I am humbled by being a member of this community. You all give [wife] Kay and I your friendship. We love this town.”

Thanks, Coach, for leading the way.

JMU English professor’s “The Millionaires”

JMU English professor Robert Inman Majors’ new book “The Millionaires” has received positive reviews. Get your copy signed on Friday at Barnes and Noble!

Dennis Tracz, entrepreneurship, sustainability

JMU world changer Dennis Tracz is in the news this morning. WVIR’s Web site has a feature on JMU’s Sustainable Business Plan Competition, a challenge to entrepreneurs and ecopreneurs to create a viable business plan–one that can survive in this tough economy and that has sustainability goals at its core.

Dream big and be the change!

Teach America and learn about yourself

Rosie Grant’s article in The Breeze, “Students Volunteer to Teach America After Graduation,” quotes one of our world changers, Erin Peacock, now in her second year in the Teach for America program. Erin highly recommends the program, not just for the educational benefits it provides for the country’s disadvantaged school children, but also for the personal benefits. She says she’s learned a lot about life in general from her experience teaching second graders in South Bronx, N.Y. Grant’s article provides details on entering the program for those interested in making a difference. Nice.

Read Foley’s firsthand account

Madison world changer “Lea Foley” wrote a great essay about a childhood lesson that led to her decision to advocate for a greener world. Take a few minutes and check it out, it’s inspirational.

Keep moving forward

JMU world changer, Marcy Morrison, has handed out lots of career advice, and her most recent newsletter was no exception. Marcy talks about the inspiration she received from talking to a group of Hispanic production workers recently laid off. Their philosophy, and her advice: Keep Moving Forward. Read her article on Careers with Wings.