Senior Goings On–Rheanna Martino

Dear Seniors,

Much as we don’t like to admit it, the sudden arrival of spring means more than sunny days spent on the Quad, nights spent enjoying rooftop restaurants and the soon to be summer weather bringing on vacations and beach days. This year, the arrival of spring means the fast approaching culmination of our years of hard work here at JMU. That’s right: graduation is coming. (To lessen the pain, let’s just call it the “G” word, okay?)

 Trust me—I hate saying it more than you hate hearing it. There is nothing fun about counting down the days until we part ways with our home of four years. But look at it this way: if we’re only here for a short time, we better make it a good time, right?

There are a lot of important (and fun!) things coming up in the next few weeks to not only prepare us for the big day but also to help celebrate the time we have left.  Below you will find details on some of these events as well as resources where you can find out even more.

April 2^nd-6^th: Bookstore Grad Fair

The annual Grad Fair is your one stop shop for all things related to the “G” word.  While it may not sound appealing, this is a vital week for all seniors. During this week you can order your cap, gown, hood, tassel and all other important things for the big day. Worried you don’t know what you need? Thankfully there will be an experienced team available to ensure that you select the correct regalia to be perfectly dressed come May 5^th. If you go to the bookstore during this week, you are guaranteed to leave with everything you need; no need to wait or order, it’s all guaranteed to be there (if you go after this week, there is no definite on how long it will take to get everything).

For those who are unsure, let me clarify once and for all: all caps and gowns this year, despite popular belief, are purple. 100% JMU purple. Did you order on-line and think you ordered a black one? Don’t worry; the website uses the black outfit for its display on the page (it’s easier than specifying for each school). It’s also okay if you ordered online; you’ll get the same outfit as the rest of us.

Aside from caps and gowns and all, there will be other senior-related things available, too. You will be able to look at the official JMU Class of 2012 Rings and place an order if you never had the chance before, check out diploma frames and get a sneak peek at some of the Alumni apparel (there’s that dreaded ‘A’ word…) that will be on sale for those of us who will soon be crossing into the post-grad world. As scary as it sounds, remember that you’re one of approximately 4,000 who are going through this all. Make a new friend or bring the ones you’ve cherished since your first days here. Either way, embrace this rite of passage that comes with being a Duke.

Graduation’s no fun. What kind of fun things are going on for the Senior Class?!

There are a lot of events lined up in the next few weeks that will allow us to celebrate the end of this chapter of our lives. Ranging from countdown nights to sporting events, there are tons of opportunities for enjoyment such as final study breaks, focus groups sponsored by the Duke Club, the Senior Picnic and the Candle Lighting ceremony.  

For more details on these events and more, check out the Senior Class Events schedule on the Alumni Office’s Website. Or, for daily updates you can follow @SGAjmu2012 and @SGAjmu on Twitter.

 You can also continue to purchase senior shirts. The last day to place an order will be Monday April 16^th. You can come by Taylor 203 anytime between now and then (daily from 10am-4pm) to place your order.

These next few weeks will be bittersweet ones for sure. There is no denying that we will miss this place, but it’s only natural to feel the excitement and hope of starting a new chapter of our lives, much like we did when we were on our way to start our JMU careers. Rather than spend our days longing sadly for more time, let’s celebrate all that we have left. Remember—we’re not here for a long time, so let’s make it a good time.

Best wishes in your last weeks here. And Go Dukes!

-Rheanna Martino

Class of 2012 President

P.s. Have a question, comment or concern? Email Rheanna at Marti2rk@dukes.jmu.edu.

Richmond Lobbying Trip–Rachel Francis

On Thursday February 16^th 2012, six SGA students drove from JMU to Virginia’s capital city to lobby with Virginia State legislatures. Our agenda started early in the morning with us attending over seven meetings with VA Senators and delegates to discuss the lack of financial aid offered to college students.

We teamed up with the lobbyist group Virginia CAN (College Access Network) who were the leaders of the Virginia21 campaign. Their main purpose was to poll students asking them for the amount of debt they will have by the end of their college years. After a total of 10,000 signatures, with JMU contributing over 1,400 of them, the average Virginia college student’s post-graduate debt surmounted to over $100,000.

The experience was very exciting for me because I had never been involved with the state legislature at such a personal level. This trip was my first lobbying experience but was not for sophomore Legislative Action committee chair, Shevy Chaganti and fellow committee member, sophomore Ben Copper. Their previous experience helped newcomer lobbyist Courtney Herb, a freshman in JMU’s student government organization, as well as myself. We learned to personally connect with each Senator and delegate and to seek out our own local constituents while attempting to persuade them about our financial aid problems.

We ultimately wanted the VA education budget to get revamped in hopes of utilizing every penny the state gives college institutions. In comparison to previous Richmond lobbying trips, Shevy believes that this one was the most effective trips SGA has taken. Later on this semester, a larger group of SGA students will be representing James Madison University in Washington D.C.

 

Left to right: Rachel Francis, Courtney Herb, Taylor Vollman, Shevy Chaganti, Ben Copper and Brian Estep

Charity Ball Details

As an annual event, charity ball takes place so that awareness and funds can be raised for a special cause.  This year it was decided to raise money for either a student proposed memorial or a donation to Madison Forever.  The ball will happen this Saturday February 11, 2012 in Festival from 7-10pm and will include hors d’oeuvres, guest speakers, and a DJ dance party!

Tickets will be sold beginning at 6:30p with doors opening at 6:45. They are $10 at the door (you can pay with either cash or check made out to JMU) for faculty, staff and students.  Tables can be reserved ahead of time through JMUcharityball@gmail.com but payment will still be taken the day of the event.  Also for sale that evening will be the JMUnited t-shirts for an additional $10.

Entertainment for the evening will consist of Spencer Dukoff from Big Creek Revival performing a live acoustic set as well as Cameron Triplett providing the music for the dance starting around 8:30.

There will also be idea boxes out with papers and pens so that any attendee can give their thoughts and ideas about what to do to honor our fallen friends.  The attire will be semi-formal and bows ties are encouraged.

Little Dukes, Big Apple by Andrew Luethke

Tired and content, we watched as the shadow of Manhattan receded into darkness. We sank back and recollected our adventure in the concrete jungle…

Awakening to a misty and overcast New Jersey morning, the three tardy freshmen, Courtney Herb, Lauren Holder and Kaitlin Thomas, (we would later meet up with Nicole) arrived at Russell Zeltner’s house at 9:30 A.M. The group originally delegated the leadership duties, which included heading the convoy to the Park and Ride, to yours truly. As the “elderly” guide to Manhattan, my fellow adventurers felt that age begot wisdom and directional awareness. They were wrong.

After missing the initial Park and Ride, along with subsequent detours and teasing (at my expense), Russ called an audible and we opted for the “more visible” Ridgefield Park and Ride. We purchased our tickets and we began our voyage through the Lincoln Tunnel. Thankfully, there we did not have to venture through seven levels of the candy cane forest.

Upon entering the Concrete Jungle, we met up with our Long Island native, Nicole Bologna. With a more appropriate emulation of the infamous JMU ratio, it was time to begin our adventure.

Our first stop on the NYC tour was Toys R Us.  When we first stepped in the behemoth of all stores, we were taken aback by the sight of a giant indoor Ferris wheel.

The store catered to the little Dukes within, and we quickly lost sight of Tyler and the girls in the giant Barbie house. After an hour of exploration, including the likes of adorable stuffed animals, giant Legos and a T-Rex, the SGA Team of 7 decided it was time to acquire good ole New York grub.Although the initial plan was to eat at an Italian restaurant outside Times Square, the group entrusted the duties of “finding” a cheaper and more eatery to me. After nearly 30 minutes of wandering Manhattan, we found ourselves in the restaurant next door to our initial choice. The freshman women “found” a good place to eat and declared Brooklyn Diner to be our lunch setting.

In the aftermath of three cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, pizza and a larger than life chicken potpie, we departed for more sights along Manhattan.

During the journey, the women of SGA were pleasantly distracted by the discovery of a Forever 21. The store, which numbered four levels, swallowed up Nikki, Kaitlin, Courtney and Lauren. Tyler, Russ and I, although apprehensive to descend the clothing oriented abyss, decided to find the girls before they maxed out their (parent’s) credit cards. The rescue mission was successful, although we had to descend all four floors of overpriced merchandise.

Following the rescue mission in Forever 21, the group headed to the Nintendo World Store.

Among customers half our age, there were larger than life models of both Mario and Pikachu; the former posed with Tyler and Russ, while I was seen with Pikachu.

The store also included a giant display of previous Nintendo handheld consoles, one of which survived the first Gulf War.After the Nintendo escapade, the crew decided to see Rockefeller Center where pictures were taken, and Kaitlin pestered the group to go to Tiffany’s. We relented.

The final stop, Tiffany’s, proved to be the greatest trial and tribulation. Upon arriving at the Tiffany’s entrance, the concierge rudely greeted Tyler, and insinuated that he would be only “window-shopping”. Manners aside, the rest of Tiffany’s proved to be very helpful and conscientious. Unfortunately, the group did not know the elevator existed and we ascended eight flights of stairs. The top floor brought a lot of nervous bachelors, many of which looked borderline suicidal. One exclaimed in a nervous shriek that his fiancée had his credit card, and feared it would be maxed out.

After the guys did their own “window-shopping”, the group rushed back to the Port Authority. Unfortunately, not many of us were great at interpretation public transportation schedules and we almost got on the wrong bus. Nearly 20 minutes later, we were on the bus headed home. In the extremely warm sauna bus, we watched the outline of Manhattan fade to black.

JMU SGA, Country Music and the White House–Alicia Pettis &Matt Klein

After representing JMU at the American Jobs Act Q&A at the White House back in September, an opportunity arose for us attend the Celebration of Country Music at the White House.  We were excited to see top-performing country music artists as well as to be in the presence of President Obama and other influential politicians.

Similar to our other trip to the White House, it was raining out, so Matt took the opportunity to take a picture “Singing in the Rain” outside the gates.

 

We walked through multiple security checks and proceeded to enter the White House through the front door.  Making our way down the historical hallways was exciting and we chatted with other guests who expressed similar feelings. Specifically we spoke with producers from PBS who were in charge of the video production for the night.  We were then ushered into a room where we received refreshments and had the chance to mingle with the other lucky guests.

Once we entered the East Room, we were directed to sit in the third and final row of chairs.  Little did we know, that we would be sitting amongst people with interesting stories and impressive titles.  Matt sat next to the President of the Country Music Association (CMA) and his wife, while Alicia sat next to a couple whose son had worked on the President’s campaign and now worked in the White House Administration.  It seemed as though many of the guests were either from Nashville or were involved in politics.

One memorable quote from the night was when Matt made small talk with the President of the CMA, Steve Moore.  When Matt asked him about his job, Mr. Moore joked around asking Matt not to hold his title against him.  Matt replied with, “I’m the President of the Junior Class at JMU, don’t hold that against me.” Mr. Moore laughingly answered with, “Touché.”  Common titles aside, Mr. Moore introduced us to Lyle Lovett later in the evening.

With two empty seats in the front row, we anticipated the arrival of the President and First Lady.  Then, President Obama and Mrs. Obama entered the room to the sound of applause.  The President walked up to the podium to give an opening speech on Country Music’s impact on America.  In his speech, country music was described as: “It’s about storytelling -– giving voice to the emotions of everyday life.”

Performances for the night varied and included: Dierks Bentley, Mickey, Darius Rucker, James Taylor, Lauren Alaina, Lyle Lovett, The Band Perry, Lauren Alaina, and Kris Kristofferson.  Artists not only sang their own songs, but also covered classic country songs and performed together in duets. The wide variety of songs sung represented the many facets of country music.

During Lauren Alaina’s time on stage, Matt claimed that she kept making eye contact with him.  He even went as far as to say she was singing to him.  Alicia disregarded the comment, only to find out later that Matt was right.  After the performances, the audience proceeded back into another room in the White House for a reception. There were hors d’oeuvres and desserts, but most excitingly, the artists came out to greet the guests.  We were both able to take pictures and speak with The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Lyle Lovett, and Lauren Alaina.  When Matt introduced himself to Lauren Alaina, she said, “I was singing to you out there,” and she added that she finds a select few in the crowd who look like they are enjoying themselves and chooses to sing to them.

At the end, both couldn’t believe the incredible opportunity they received in this fun experience. By continuing the contact within the White House, we are helping to keep JMU’s SGA in the minds of our Representatives in D.C. We are very fortunate to have been invited back for such a great event, and hope to keep fostering the relationship.

 

Here is the link to the video of the performance: (Heads up, look for Alicia’s bright red hair when the camera focuses on President Obama)

Leaving Behind a Legacy — Nick Keatts

No one will ever understand how the passing of such a bright, talented and excited individual comes about.  Nick Keatts is no exception.  However, this is not to talk about his death, it is to remember his life.

As a fifth year senior of JMU’s Cheerleading squad, Nick was best known for his enthusiasm for the game (which ever one he happened to be supporting that day) and spirit for JMU.  Teammates remember him as part of their family as the big brother they could turn to no matter what, and his loss has left a hole in the team that will never be filled.

This Saturday against Rhode Island marks senior night for the squad, and Keatts’ mother is flying up for the first time from Texas to be apart of the afternoon.

A memorial service for Keatts is scheduled for Tuesday night in the Convocation Center for all those who wish to remember such a vibrant life.  JMU Sports has released the details here.

“Live for today for tomorrow never comes.”

Those wishing to express their condolences can utilize the Tharp Funeral Home site, as they are helping the family make arrangements.

*some information was taken from the November 7th, 2011 Breeze article written by Geogina Buckley.  Contact her at breezenews@gmail.com. For the full article, click here*

A Chance to Relive the 90′s for a Whole Week? Yes Please!

University Program Board (UPB) is giving everyone the opportunity to relive your childhood beginning Tuesday November 8th.  Every day and every event features some form of throwback to your memories of growing up! It all kicks off with…

Tuesday: Crazy Commons, 11am-2pm on the Commons. FREE 90′s
tshirts, food and activities.

Wednesday: Nineties @ Nite, 8-10pm in TDU featuring 90′s snacks, raffle prizes, and our very own version of Don’t Forget the Lyrics made up of classics from Britney Spears, Semisonic, Backstreet Boys, Will Smith and more.  Test your memory with a group of your friends and stick around for a FREE show from The Overtones.

Thursday: 90′s Late Night Breakfast, 10pm-midnight in
Festival with crafts from the past including Perler bead creations, a Cootie Catcher station, and velvet coloring pages. Compete with your friends on the inflatable Ladder Climb and see if you can defeat the Aggro Crag!
Menu will include:
- Mickey Mouse Pancakes
- Tater Tots
- Bacon
- Fruit
- A SLIME FOUNTAIN

Also on Thursday night is Throwback Shows and Cheerios, 9-11pm in Festival.  Come watch 90′s classic TV shows and enjoy your favorite childhood cereals.

Finally, on Friday: Dave Coulier, 8pm in Wilson. JOEY FROM FULL HOUSE! Dave has done work for many other shows including, “Extreme Ghostbusters”, “Real Ghostbusters”, “Muppet Babies”, “Scooby-Doo and Scrappy Doo”, “The Jetsons”, and the Disney Channel original Movies, “The Thirteenth Year”, and “The Even Stevens Movie”. It is sure to be a hilariously entertaining evening.

Tickets went on sale in the Warren Box Office at 8:00 a.m. on October 28th. Tickets are$5.00 in advance and $8.00 at the door, for both JAC holders and the public.

Have questions? Concerns? Excitement? Let UPB know! They have a blog, a Twitter, a Facebook, give them your feedback, they plan these events for YOU.

Class of 2014 Ring Committee Application

Are you a part of the Sophomore Class looking to get involved in designing the class ring? The ring is a representation of your years at Madison that you will remember long after you’ve become an alum.

Therefore, Student Government is putting together a committee that consists of Class Council for 2014 as well as eight students.  We are looking for creative minds to design the ring, as well as organized people to help plan the Ring Premiere where the actual ring will debut.

If you are interested, here is the link to the Application.  They are due in full by Thursday October 27th by 5pm in the SGA office (Taylor 203) or via email to JMUclassof2014@gmail.com.  And if you are selected the interview’s will take place Saturday October 29th.

Questions can be sent to JMUclassof2014@gmail.com and you can of course follow them on Twitter @JMUClassof2014.

Mr. Madison Candidates and Voting

Everyone knows that JMU has the best students in Virginia, possibly the country, who are we kidding.  So, in order to honor the best of the best seniors, we put the vote up to you the students! Check out their Facebook event pages (click on their name to get there) to learn a little more about them and why they deserve the honor of Mr. or Ms. Madison! You can also get to the overall event page here.

You can also come out and see them EMCEE at the Pep Rally on Friday September 30th.

In order to vote, head over to our official website and click on the VOTE button starting Thursday September 29th at 7am and ending at 7pm. You will be directed to Be Involved, where you can make a profile and then place your vote. Don’t know how to make a profile? Check out our blog post from Fall Minor Elections. Then, see if who you voted for wins!

Each candidate answered the four following questions:

1) What org nominated you?

2) What else you are involved in on JMU’s campus or otherwise?

3) Why you love JMU?

4) Why should JMU students vote for you?

Mr. Madison:

Chet Craft 

 

 

1) I was nominated by the amazing organization SafeRides, which I have been a member of since the beginning of my sophomore year.  Last year I was a team leader for the organization and this year I am a member of the exec board, acting as the Fundraising Director.  SafeRides is an amazing group of people who do an amazing service, so I am so honored to not only be a part of the organization, but to represent them in this process.  Cali blue love forever!

 

2) Other than SafeRides most of my involvement is involved with my major, which is theatre.  I am a stage manager and have stage managed several productions for the department within my time here.  I stage managed the gala opening production of Kiss Me Kate last year, along with the Studio Produciton of Songs For A New World.  This weekend, I am stage managing another studio produciton, Lucky Stiff, so come check it out!  Stage management has become my passion here at JMU and is what I hope to pursue as a career when I graduate.  I also was a 2K9 FrOG with Orientation, which was an incredible experience, one that really jump started my involvement here at JMU.

 

3) I have loved JMU since the moment I stepped on the quad during my campus tour.  I love the place, the people, the atmosphere, the spirit.  I love how this place is home to so many different people, but we are all together a family.   There is no college campus like this one and I am blessed every day I get to call this place home.  JMU DUKES!!!!!

 

4) To be honest, I want people to vote for me if you feel I am the best choice.  I am so honored to be a part of the process at all, let alone to be in the finals.  The other nominees are all incredible and are greatly involved, so I ask that most importantly you VOTE, so that the event is a success.  If you feel I am the guy who best represents JMU and should be Mr. Madison, I would be honored and so appreciative of your vote.  Have a wonderful, exciting, spirited filled HOMECOMING week and GO DUKES!!!

Drew Savage

1)      Student Ambassadors

2)      I am the Coordinator for Pay it Forward at JMU, Membership Development VP of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Madison Society member and Club Swimming

3)      I love JMU because of the people. It is as simple as a smile on the quad to a three hour lunch date that make my JMU experience. The people I have met here have inspired me so much to challenge myself and make myself a better person. I couldn’t ask for anything more from a university.

4)      The most important thing is just to vote. Vote for who you think embodies JMU based on the descriptions. Each nominee is a giving member to the community so just choose the one you can relate to or see JMU within.
Carlos Ruiz 

1)  Air Force ROTC
2) – Freshman and Sophomore Class President
- Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity
- FrOG
- Assistant Greek Coordinator (AGC)
3) Life is like a puzzle; each choice one makes affects the final picture.  One must make choices every day and these decisions determine where one will be tomorrow. Each piece attempts to figure out life and testing new methods of solving the life puzzle. I not make all the right choices, but I made the best one I could have by being a part of JMU.This single decision has led me to find myself and will continue to help me in the future when I pursue my life goals.  Simply put, JMU is one of my corner pieces to life without which my frame could not be established.
4) This award is given to the person who best represents JMU and the mission that the university sets out to accomplish.  Every one of the candidates, I believe, has the attributes that JMU sets out for its students.  I can only set myself aside by sharing my personal enthusiasm for my school. I have been involved from the get go and have tried to make an impact on the campus through the organizations I am involved. This can be seen through Air Force ROTC finally being recognized as a student org on campus!
Lamar Walker

1) I was nominated by Divine Unity, one of the non-denominational Christian orgs on campus.

2) I am a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., A multicultural Attache in Eagle Hall, and last but not least a JMU Varsity Cheerleader.

3) I LOVE JMU because this is my home, not my home away from home, but my HOME.  The culture here is one that I want my life to reflect.  It’s positive, friendly and encouraging.  I think what I love most about JMU is the people that are a part of the community and their love for mankind.

4) I think people should vote for me only if they feel I am a good representation of what it means to be a DUKE.  I love this school and everything it stands for; and I will continue to PURPLE OUT at every chance that I get.

Purple Out Details

With the cool weather set-tling in for the beginning of Fall, you can practically feel the school spirit rising as temperatures drop. The reason? HOMECOMING 2011!!!!

Every year around this time SGA puts on the Purple Out event on the Quad. This year we are at it again with even more shirts to distribute, food to be consumed, and great music to listen to.  But this year, we’ve added a little bit of a twist…

In order to receive a shirt you can either:

1) Head FESTIVAL upper tables and pick up a TICKET. That’s right, a ticket, on MONDAY Sept. 26 from 11-2pm.
OR:

2) If you are usually on Quad side of campus, find us on the COMMONS to get your ticket TUESDAY Sept. 27 from 11-2.

These TICKETS will be the guaranteed way of receiving a shirt!!!!

3) Finally, bring your colored TICKET with you to the Quad on Wednesday Sept. 28th at 5pm to pick up your “I Bleed Purple” shirt and help to Purple Out the stands at Saturday’s game!                                                             To wrap up:
1) GET TICKET either Monday (26th) or Tuesday (27th) from 11-2
2) BRING TICKET Wednesday (28th) from 5-8:30pm and get your shirt
3) WEAR SHIRT on Saturday October 1 to the game!