James Madison University’s Gamma Sigma Sigma, Circle K and Phi Gamma Delta hosted the second annual 5K Walk/Run for Autism at Westover Park on Saturday with Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation and Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership.
More than 400 showed up to participate.
The event is another great example of Madison’s students making a difference in the local community for a worthy cause.
“[Rawlings] made me proud to go to a school named after Madison.” That’s a quote from Amy Cerminora, 23, of Waynesboro. She was interviewed for the “Daily News-Record’s” report on the speech by Hunter Rawlings, president emeritus of Cornell University, at last week’s James Madison Day ceremony.
I say “Amen!” Rawlings speech emphasized Madison’s considerable achievements, but even more importantly in my eyes, his depth of personal integrity. A meek and patient man, Madison would not compromise his principles even in times of war. Rather than seeking personal glory, he opted for getting things done.
If you need inspiration for doing the right thing, listen to Rawlings’ speech and learn some valuable lessons from Madison’s life.
Got a lesson in stone masonry from Gabriel Henriquez’ article “Shaping JMU” in this morning’s “Breeze.” Things I didn’t know before: JMU’s bluestone area is ashlar style, which is characterized by large rectangular blocks; masons chisel the stones’ facings to give them a more aesthetically pleasing appearance; our bluestone is “Stonewall Gray” named for Civil War hero Stonewall Jackson.
Things I already knew about bluestone? It makes for one beautiful Quad.
Annual wreath-laying ceremony, free copies of “Liberty & Learning, the Essential James Madison” by our own Phil Bigler (‘74, ‘76M) and birthday cake are on the agenda for today at 11 a.m. near the Madison statue on Bluestone Drive.
A higher-ed hidden gem, that’s what MainStreet called us, citing our “impressive track record for helping place students in government and nonprofit jobs.” Hidden or not, Madison is certainly a gem.
One of my colleagues, Lisa Ha, a marketing program coordinator, has assumed a new role for the next week or so. Lisa is a “learning partner” for a group of 11 undergraduates on a JMU Alternative Spring Break trip. The group is working on a Native American reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, one of the “poorest area in the United States.”
Lisa is keeping a blog, and she’s invited us all to share her experience (the group is without Internet access during the trip, beginning Saturday, March 7, so blog entries will be posted one week after they are written. Catch the Monday, March 9th post on Saturday, March 16th, etc.) I’ve already found her insight into the challenge of service intriguing…thanks, Lisa, for sharing. Godspeed.
New world changers were getting posted to the Web site fast and furious in February. Did you keep up with our new additions? Among our new folks were Kevin Knight, a firefighter and former defender with the USL, Katie Schnable, a special ed teacher who is working to help Russian orphans, and Jeff Soule, an Army ranger who cycled cross country to raise money for cancer research. And, there’s more! Check ‘em out.
One of my colleagues received the following e-mail from JMU student Avery Daugherty. He shares his unique vision for being the change and invites others to participate in making dreams come true. If you’d like to lend a hand, a musical instrument, or other support, get in touch with Avery.
“My name is Avery Daugherty and I am a graduating student at JMU. I have enjoyed and appreciated musicianship for the past 5 years here at JMU through the MRD’s and various ensembles as well as my involvement with Kappa Kappa Psi.
“This is difficult for me to express, but I am driven and determined this semester. I am uplifted and inspired to give as much of myself as I possibly can before my time expires at JMU this May. In particular, I am wanting to give back to the community the gift of music as it has truly changed my life, especially during my time in college.
“One project that sticks out in my mind as something that could truly inspire future musicians is a donation.
“I feel driven to try and collect unwanted or unused instruments and share them with passionate students throughout Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. There is no greater of a gift that could be made than that of an actual instrument to student. This is not only a personal goal of mine, but also my mission to fulfill
before I graduate.
“Who better to lend some assistance with my dream of inspiring musicianship in students than those who feel the same passion and drive I feel?
“I have two basic ideas. One is to try and collect as many instruments as I possibly can in what ever condition and donate them to various schools and have them available for school use only. Another idea was for me to attempt to raise money and purchase a new performance instrument to donate to a deserving and aspiring musician. I would develop a close relationship with the four high school band directors Rob Nash, Gregg Oaks, Ben Frenchak, and J.R. Snow to assist in the selection process.
“While this is a dream of mine, I truly believe that your assistance can make this become a reality.
“If you can be of assistance in the collection of instruments and/or instrument accessories, please contact me so that I may fulfill not only my dream, but that of talented young musicians in the area.
“I was told, and truly believe, that it only requires the spark from one individual to craft an idea and inspire others, but it takes those inspired individuals to help change the world.
“Thank you for all that you do for musicians everywhere.”
Avery C. Daugherty
daugheac@jmu.edu
