June additions

We’ve had some new faces appear on Be the Change this month: Vickie Dodson (‘90), a teacher with a big heart; Towana Moore, JMU associate vice president for business and a practical environmentalist; Maria Papadakis, integrated science and technology professor and sustainability educator; Avery Daugherty (‘07, ‘09M), who shares his passion for music in a unique way; Margaret Bagnardi, JMU nursing professor; Brittany Williams (‘05), Miss United States 2008; and Bobby McMahon with Habitat for Humanity International.

Check out their profiles!

Caitlin Uze (‘10) competing in Miss Virginia

Just learned that Caitlin Uze (‘10) will also be competing in the Miss Virginia pageant (another JMU student, Erika Thomas is in the competition as well). You’ll enjoy Caitlin’s remarks about her platform “Building Positive Self Image” reported in “The Winchester Star.” It’s a great message.

Inman Majors & “The Millionaires”

Read a nice profile on JMU’s Inman Majors, author of “The Millionaires,” in Knoxville, Tenn.’s “Metro Pulse.”… Have you read his novel? It’s popular in Knoxville!

A challenge to change

Gov. Tim Kaine has challenged all Virginia employees to find ways to reduce our collective impact on the environment.

At JMU, that’s a challenge we’ve already begun to seriously commit ourselves to. Madison’s Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World is guiding the university’s efforts to become a more sustainable operation.

It’s time for a change.

Are you following Teddy Folkman?

Did you catch last night’s episode of “The Next Food Network Star?” JMU alum Teddy Folkman (‘98) is still in the running!

Greater Madison awards scholarships to local seniors

WHSV reports that six local high-school seniors received scholarships from Greater Madison, a community organization that advances a mutually beneficial relationship between JMU and the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County community.

We’ll look forward to seeing these students on campus this fall. Welcome!

Recent grad competing for Miss Virginia

Just learned that recent graduate Erika Thomas, Miss Alexandria, will be competing for the Miss Virginia title June 21-27.

Erika Thomas, Miss Alexandria

Erika’s platform is reducing truancy and increasing school attachment, attendance and achievement. While at JMU, she served as the vice president of Sigma Alpha Lambda National Honor Society. She was a member of the Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honor Society, and the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honors Society. She was on the dean’s list at JMU, and her career ambition is to own a public relations company.

Chef Teddy Folkman (‘98)

Did you catch the premiere of “The Next Food Network Star”? JMU alum Teddy Folkman (‘98) is competing alongside nine other hopeful TV chefs for the chance for his own Food Network show.

In the Sunday night premiere, while his potatoes won praise for their taste they earned a thumbs down for being too raw. But, he’s hanging in there. Can’t wait to see what next week brings! Rooting for you, Teddy!

Check out his story on MadisonOnline…you’ll love the way he’s chosen to be the change in his community in Washington, D.C.

Graduation rates

JMU public affairs announced that the university ranks number one in its category for graduation rates in a new report by the American Enterprise Institute. The study suggests that institutional practices play a role in college completion.

Getting to college is good. Graduating from college, priceless (or a close second).