Contributors, Staff Soundbites

Contributors

Becca Evans (’18, ’20M) earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication. As the communications and marketing specialist in the College of Arts and Letters, she oversees the college’s communication and branding strategies, social media and more. Evans wrote about CAL’s new, Latinx cohort hire on Page 16 and AAAD’s new director on Page 20.

Serena Johnson, a design assistant in University Marketing and Branding, is a senior Graphic Design major. She is actively involved in GIVE, a volunteer organization at JMU. She loves traveling to gain experience and inspiration for her designs. Her passions are package design, brand identity and web design. She will pursue a career in graphic design after graduation. Johnson designed this issue’s By the Numbers on Page 63.

Jen Kulju (’04M) is a passionate, results-oriented writer, journalist and communications/marketing professional with experience in corporate America, local government, television news and higher education. Kulju serves as the communications and marketing director for the College of Visual and Performing Arts/Forbes Center. She earned a B.S. in Business from Miami University, and a Master of Arts in Technical and Scientific Communication from JMU. Read her Q&A with a Musical Theatre-major-turned Broadway actor on Page 61.

Jamie Shaver Marsh is a creative marketing strategist for University Marketing and Branding. Marsh returned to JMU after a decade in Dallas, where she taught English as a second language to new immigrants and refugees, and became a homeschooling mom. She helped launch Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance and has written for magazines, radio stations and websites. Her story about Women for Madison appears on Page 10, and her feature on scholarships for Appalachian students can be found on Page 14.

Morgan Vuknic is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication and a Music Industry minor. During the school year, Vuknic writes for the culture section of The Breeze and for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, is an account coordinator for Bluestone Communications and social media chair for Students Against Sexual Violence. See her coverage of the Paralympians who visited campus on Page 17.

Staff Soundbites

How have you supported the success of a JMU student?

“I led the vision for a ‘Dance for Parkinson’s‘ video that illustrated community engagement. Helping to tell the story of students who were inspired by assisting their community was a privilege.”

KHALIL GARRIOTT (’04) executive editor “I offered portfolio reviews to give sophomores constructive critiques of their graphic designs. Teaching students to be successful includes learning from mistakes and having the right attitude.”

SERENA JOHNSON design assistant “Working with students, there was a lot of trial and error with filming and editing. To see them have lightbulb moments when I showed them how to do something on a camera was exciting. I love seeing students learn and grow.”

CODY TROYER manager of content production

Contents (CONT.)

22 Cole Johnson (’19) won CFPA National Performer of the Year.

22 JMU Nation

Update on key sports facilities; remembering Lauren Bernett and Tom Kuster (’95); 2021-22 Athletics highlights

26 Bright Lights

”Enjoy the journey” of first-time homebuying, real estate CEO says

BY KHALIL GARRIOTT (‘04)

30 Resistance and resilience

Recovering the life and legacy of Yuri Nemoto (’46), Madison’s first Asian American student

BY MEG MULROONEY

36 The good liar

Alumnus, “D.C.’s most honest con man,” weaves a web of deception

BY JIM HEFFERNAN (‘96, ’17M)

40 Haynes Scholars program

Residential learning community supports first-year STEM majors

BY KRISTEN ESSEX

42 Dukes for giving

Two students leave lasting impact on local community

BY KRISTEN ESSEX

43 Skate of mind

Photographer alumnus brings his passions into focus

BY AMY CROCKETT (‘10)

44 Alumni for Life

Alumni unite for JMYOU Serve Day; JMU connection leads to career experience in Puerto Rico; JMUAA president shares goals for fall; unforgettable Bluestone weekend; making magic in Disney studios; environmental justice at watchdog nonprofit; Mixed Media

54 Class Notes

50 years of Iota Alpha chapter; Staff Emeriti Association reunites; Celebrations; scholarship thank-you letters; inaugurations; landing a Broadway role

63 By the Numbers