‘Burg Mayor Kai Degner holding summit

Harrisonburg Mayor Kai Degner (‘03/’05M) will use a summit to explore issues related to the environment and energy.

Degner’s no stranger to building relationships, you can read about his OrangeBand Initiative on “Be the Change.”

JMU alum a Supreme Court Fellow

One of my colleagues informed that JMU alumnus Timothy F. Averill is a 2008-09 Supreme Court Fellow.

The Supreme Court Fellows Program provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the administration of justice at the national level. Candidates selected for the program are creative, talented, and energetic individuals with proven records of accomplishment.

Another alum making us proud.

New “Madison Scholar” has plenty of interest!

Some great reading online in the new edition of “Madison Scholar” — a student invention that will assist in rebuilding an African village and JMU professors’ research with the Smithsonian incorporates undergrad students in the experience. Wow!

Karina Kline-Gabel wins All Together One award

Karina Kline-Gabel was selected for an All Together One award, which recognizes those who are exemplary in inspiring others and building community at JMU. She’s a natural choice for the award (and I can say from firsthand experience, she’s also a stellar Spanish professor!)

Congratulations, Karina; we’re glad to call you one of our own.

A positive voice for job seekers

Lately tough economic times have made job hunting an excruciating, and often unfruitful, pursuit. Marcy Morrison, founder of Careers with Wings has made it her mission to inspire others with hope and provide practical tools to find a job that they love. She recently published “Finding Your Passion: The Easy Guide to Your Dream Career.”

The right thing, at the right time, way to go Marcy.

The world needs you

Julie Schneider (‘99) participated in a recent Earthwatch program in the Arctic and shared her experiences with her second-grade class in Arlington, Va.

Earthwatch has a great video on YouTube. Their message: The world has one need – you!. Change the world. Yourself.

Check it out!

The Florence connection

JMU has partnered with Florence, Italy, as the city begins a required revision of its master plan.

Madison’s international programs office has a center in Florence for semester-abroad programs for undergraduates, and recently JMU began offering a Master of Arts in Political Science with a European Union concentration.

Florence Councilman Riccardo Nencini presented JMU President Linwood Rose with the keys to the city–the first time Florence has given the keys to anyone outside its boundaries. Read more in the Daily News-Record.