Reaching New Heights

Political Science Alum Gives Back:

College of Arts and Letters alum Paul Holland (Political Science and Public Administration, ‘82) and his wife, Linda Yates, have invested $5 million in JMU, the largest cash gift in the university’s history. The Silicon Valley couple have dedicated part of the gift to creating a Faculty Support Endowment in Political Science for ongoing faculty research. The Endowment honors one of Holland’s favorite professors, Dr. Doug Skelley, Faculty Emeritus, who was known for his kindness and sound advice.

That balance of academics with humanity seems to characterize Holland’s positive experience at JMU. “When I look at JMU now,” he says, “it really was the gateway to the rest of my life. First was academic maturation, and I think JMU did a very good job there. The second, which I believe is more important, was social maturation — the notion of being able to go there and grow as a person. That’s where JMU excels, where it surpasses other schools.”

The gift also provides scholarships for student recruitment, entrepreneurship, and study abroad, and JMU has renamed Madison Hall “Holland Yates Hall” in the couple’s honor.

New Civic Engagement Scholarship:

The Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation has given $48,000 to establish the Morven Park Scholarship in the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement. Beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year, four freshmen who participate in the center’s activities and events will receive scholarships of $3000 each per year, renewable for four years.

Join us February 19th-14th for a week of giving, or make a gift now at https://www.jmu.edu/cal/giving.shtml