Madison 101 + 15 StudenT AND ide u g t n e Par
unique student jobs
like Alec’s job with puppies!
find your
GREEK match!
Day in the life
Upperclassmen dish on their majors
Downtown harrisonburg exclusive inside!
Finding SuccesS
Learning to use campus to your advantage
PLUS A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO FOOTBALL TICKETS!
Contents
Culture and Campus
4 6
I Love JMU But...
M101 staff reflects on time as Dukes
You know you go to JMU when...
10 best things about being a Duke
12
Alternative Greek Life
16
Spotted on campus
24
On that grind
26 32
Not sure the social scene is for you? Check out JMU’s professional and service fraternities and sororities
You’re officially a Duke, here’s how to look the part
Cool on campus jobs and the students that work at them
Why stay on campus?
Upperclassmen give their two cents about a second year in the dorms
52
JMU is for lovers Volleyball coaches find love in the valley
36 Keep on truckin’ Review Harrisonburg’s staple food trucks
45
This is Jacktown
48
Built for success
Life of a ______ major Honest accounts of what it’s like to be in some of JMU’s most popular majors
GAME DAY A freshman’s guide to JMU football
10
Downtown Harrisonburg institutions 5 years in the making
New Student Success Center is all about the students
18 22 36 40 54
Alumni advice
JMU veterans lend some of their wisdom
In the know Brush up on your JMU lingo
AWKWARD
Students’ most embarrassing moments at JMU
So you wanna go off campus?
10 hotspots to hit when you venture out of the JMU bubble.
Juice time
Coach Everrett Withers ushers in a new era of JMU football
On the cover Alec Moss is a senior at JMU who works at the Gap View Kennel & Ranch — or “puppy farm” — as it’s known to JMU students. Emma, the puppy featured with him on the cover, is one of the many golden retrievers Alec helps to care for at his job. For more on interesting jobs that students have here at JMU, check out our story on page 24. photo by Mauricio Cimino
Editor’s Note
Hayley Thompson | Editor -in-chief
First off, congratulations on becoming a Duke. You are about to begin the best four (or five) years of your life, yet. You are going to be surrounded by genuinely wonderful people in one of the most beautiful places on this Earth, the Shenandoah Valley. That being said, here’s what our goal was with Madison 101 this year: We wanted to bring our JMU experiences to you in a way that would pass on our knowledge without trying to tell you how to live your life. This campus has more opportunities than any one person could ever dream of. Try anyway. College can be a tough time, but you are here because you have the heart it takes to wear the JMU name on your chest with pride. It is an honor to call this place home, and it’s not just because we have amazing food or a gorgeous Quad. If you let it, JMU can change your life. Get involved. Whether it’s Greek Life or the University Program Board or College Republicans or Madison Equality or YoungLife, it all matters. Every single person on this campus matters, and they each contribute in a different way. Writing this as a graduating senior, I can tell you there were days I wasted trying too hard for something that may not have been worth it in the end, but it’ll touch someone, and that’s the goal here. Be the change. You’ll hear that so many times through your JMU career, but it won’t make sense to you until you’re facing graduation nearly four years from now. So thanks for reading Madison 101, and I hope our time here at JMU will help make yours just as great as ours have been.
Class of ‘14 Havre de Grace, MD Hayley works in game entertainment in minor league baseball and loves Mexican food, craft beer and One Tree Hill.
Madison 101 Staff
Griffin Harrington Photography
Staff Lauren Stearns
Lead Design Editor Class of ‘15 Doylestowsn, PA Lauren Stearns is a junior media arts and design major with an art minor. She has experience as a graphic designer for The Bluestone and focuses on responsive website design in her major. Stearns chose to work on Madison101 because it blended her passion of design and student involvement. This summer she will be a graphic and web design intern for a marketing agency outside of Philadelphia, PA.
Jessica Bagby Designer Class of ‘14 Richmond, VA During her time at JMU ,Jessica was a Student Manager at Madison Grill, a Dining Services Marketing Intern, and participated in PRSSA and LPH. The future is an open book that she can’t wait to write upon graduation. She may not know where she’s going or what she is going to do but she does know that wherever she goes or whatever she does she will always keep JMU in her heart.
Kaitlyn Hammack App Creator & designer Class of ‘14 Woodbridge, VA Kaitlyn graduated in May from the School of Media Arts and Design, concentrating in Covereged Media and minoring in Studio Art. I love everything Disney, my team is the Nationals, Mexican food is the way to my heart and I couldn’t have picked a better place to go to school. By the time you read this I’ll have moved to Florida and I’ll be missing JMU terribly, so live it up for me will you?
Jeff McCallister
Brittany Azzouz Articles Editor Class of ‘14 South Riding VA Brittany graduated with a double major in Media Arts and Design and Psychology. During her time at JMU, she wrote for Her Campus, The Breeze, and several psychology newsletters. She enjoys good music, travelling, writing and going to the beach. After graduation, she hopes to land a job as a magazine writer and move somewhere tropical.
Hannah Spurrier
Neal Hollowell Copy Editor Class of ‘14 Sterling, VA Neal is a Media Arts and Design major, with a concentration in journalism. After graduation, he hopes to land a job as an editor. In his free time he enjoys fencing, go-kart racing, reading, and playing his beloved set of Great Highland Bagpipes.
Kali Newlen Photo Editor Class of ‘14 Richmond, VA Kali’s passions include writing, photography, videography and design. Smiley faces, good music and the color orange are the ways to her heart. She will judge you if you eat Chinese takeout with anything other than chopsticks. She craves adventure and loves to travel and explore new cultures. After graduation, Kali plans to pursue her childhood dream of moving to California.
Writer Class of ‘14 Chestertown, MD Hannah enjoys writing and food. Although she has no set career goals, after graduation she hopes to marry Channing Tatum and live by the water with her 17 dogs.
Asst. Photo Editor Class of ‘14 Virginia Beach, VA Jeff graduated in May of 2014 and will hopefully be working in the music industry. During his time at JMU he was involved in UPB concerts, served as a FrOG, studied abroad in London, helped create Madipalooza, had a show on WXJM and interned in Charlottesville. He enjoys tortilla chips, “Parks and Recreation,” the ocean, music and running.
Krista Samek Designer Class of ‘14 Bowie, MD Krista is a Media Arts and Design major with a concentration in corporate communication. She holds a leadership position in the JMU advertising club and co-chaired the marketing for JMU’s annual Madipalooza. She worked on story writing and layout design for Madison 101, and interned with Global Marketing Concepts. Krista hopes to pursue a career in advertising.
I love JMU, but ...
... Why are Reese’s $1.30 in the vending machines? This girl needs her chocolate! - Lauren ... The parking situation sucks! - Brittany ... The hobbit-sized bathroom stalls have to go!” - Krista
... It’s really not necessary to send nine JMU emails within 15 minutes. - Hannah
... UREC could afford a few more treadmills. - Kaitlyn ... I don’t love [JMU Information E-mail]s. - Jeff ... The place is too big. It’s a hike
... the weather is so unpredictable and I never know what to wear! - Kali
to get to classes. I’m not about this whole “exercising” thing. - Neal
M101 | 5
You know you go to JMU when ... James Madison University is filled with outgoing and very friendly students. But have you ever stopped to wonder why? It’s simple. The JMU community upholds many lifestyles and traditions that have kept students smiling for decades. Newsweek ranked JMU the 20th happiest college in America in 2011. This is impressive, considering the thousands of academic institutions scattered throughout our country. Three years later, JMU Dukes are still as happy as ever. Perhaps the reasons for this behavior are the core values that James Madison University students hold dear to their hearts. These following 10 points highlight JMU student life at its finest. If you don’t do at least a few of these things, you probably don’t belong here. But of course I say that in the nicest way possible, because that’s just how we handle things here in the valley. story and photos by Kali Newlen
1
We BLEED purple
I actually wouldn’t be surprised if our oxygenated blood was a deep purple, as opposed to bright red. JMU students sure do wear their purple and gold with pride. Whenever prospective students come to visit for Choices, we get all decked out in our purple attire. The same holds true for every game day, so we can cheer our athletes on to victory.
Lauren Gordon | The Breeze
We throw streamers at fooball games This happens whenever our team scores a touchdown or a field goal. Other than entering the stadium dressed head to toe in purple and gold, this is the best way we exhibit school spirit. “It adds to the excitement to see all the purple and gold covering the sky over the stadium,” said Senior Sydney Clarke.
2
3 We’re a very trusting community Seeing students’ belongings laying around in libraries or academic buildings with no one guarding them is completely normal. We don’t have to worry about lugging our heavy backpacks around in a dining hall, for instance. We feel free to just leave our things in a particular spot and we trust that our laptops and books will still be there upon our return, whether it be minutes or hours later. Stealing is not in the JMU dictionary.
We hang out on the Quad like it’s our job I’m pretty sure the entire JMU student body would have straight A’s if our assignments were to spend countless hours playing Frisbee, slacklining, hanging out with friends or tanning out on the beautiful grass covering JMU’s Quad in the springtime.
4
We have been nationally ranked for having great food a dozen years in a row The Princeton Review ranked JMU No. 2 out of 378 colleges for having the best campus food in 2014. JMU has been in the top five for the past seven years. The addition of the East Campus Dining Hall (what we call E-Hall) in 2009 was a significant factor in these high ratings.
5 6
We hold doors open for people
This courteous act is something often surprising on other college campuses, but here it is expected. “It’s a small gesture but it really means a lot,” said Sydney Clarke. On campus, you never have to worry about a door being slammed in your face. Instead, you can look forward to friendly classmates or professors doing their part to make your day.
7
We get free t-shirts
Who doesn’t like free shirts? And let’s face it, as poor college students, we need all the help we can get. Free T-shirts are handed out at sporting events, on the Commons, and before the big “pink out” football game (for breast cancer awareness), to name a few. Every October, the Student Government Association puts on the annual Purple Out event to kick off Homecoming week. These shirts say “I Bleed Purple” on the back, and they’re 100 percent free.
We support each other like a family
8
Just call us a big JMU family. Especially in the face of tragedy, we come together to show support for fallen JMU Dukes, sometimes with candlelight vigils. We also gather on April 16, the anniversary of the mass shooting at Virginia Tech. On that day, we bleed maroon and orange, in addition to purple.
10
We let our school spirit transform into holiday spirit JMU has many traditions leading up to the Christmas and Hanukkah season. We have the annual tree lighting ceremony on the Quad and a cappella concerts, to name a few. People always seem to be happier around the holidays, but here at JMU this joy is heightened.
9
We have an awesome JMU chant
Wherever you are, when you hear “J-M-U,” it is expected that you respond with “Duuuukes” and then do the corresponding hand motions. It may look slightly like Soulja Boy’s “superman” but here at JMU we don’t care what people think. We do what makes us happy. Hearing school spirit reverberate through the halls does just that.
Becky Sullivan | The Breeze
These ten things exemplify the true JMU spirit. Will you embrace them too? I’m signing off with a “J-M-U…” Now it’s your turn.
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GAME DAY You’ve heard the phrase “work hard party harder,” and at JMU, it’s the way of life, especially for nostalgic alumni. Don’t miss out on the tailgating action this football season just because you’re a freshman and can’t have a car on campus. Student tailgates are primarily in the Convocation Center parking lot. If you don’t have upperclassmen friends to tailgate with by the time the first home game rolls around on September 13, don’t worry! Parking and tailgating is free in the Convo lot, so just take your friends over early, grab a spot or two, and enjoy the game day atmosphere. The key to being able to tailgate from a dorm is using things that you either already own, store easily or can be re-purposed in your room. Sean Cassidy | The Breeze
Easy tailgate recipes that can be made in a dorm - Seven layer dip - Vegetable kabobs - Homemade salsa - Southwest salad - Pigs in a blanket If you’re up to grilling, this Coleman Roadtrip Grill takes the cake. This grill is great because it folds flat, small enough to fit under the bed, and can still cook enough food for six to eight people at a time. And the propane tanks are only a few bucks at Walmart.
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- Fruit salad - Pasta salad - Sandwich sliders - Caprese skewers - Mac ‘n’ cheese
Any kind of folding chairs will do for tailgating. So those big fuzzy butterfly chairs you got at Kohl’s during the back to school sale are perfect for the occasion!
Butterfly chair $20, Kohl’s (kohls.com)
Folding table $30, Walmart Roadtrip Grill $99, Coleman
(coleman.com)
(walmart.com)
Let’s be real, your desk is always cluttered, often with everything but schoolwork. So some extra counter space is always a plus. And this table folds flat, too, so storage is a cinch when you’re not using it.
Home Games
Stadium Dedicated Fans
jmusports.com
Visit JMUSPORTS.COM.
This site is the official source for all JMU dukes athletics and sports information.
Select TICKETS then STUDENT TICKETS & EVENTS.
This page has information regarding JMU student athletic tickets.
Select RESERVE TICKETS.
Next create an account using your JMU id. Tickets are available two mondays before the game.
GAME DAY!
On the day of the game enter the stadium through Gate C. Don’t forget your JMU pride, spirit and JAC card. Jessica Bagby | Madison 101 Jessica Bagby | Madison 101
Find your fit SERVICE
HONOR
CO-ED
NONSELECTIVE
SELECTIVE
Casey Wagner Photography
There are 49 fraternities and sororities at JMU. While it may be common to see someone wearing Greek letters, students should not assume that if they know about one chapter, they know them all. The friendships, professional experiences and service opportunities of Greek life can be a positive experience for JMU students. Here are the facts behind some unique letters! by Lauren Stearns
Alpha Phi Omega Rush Process: - Two-week process that includes getting to know the brothers of APO through various fellowship and service events. - Rushes are welcome to attend committee and chapter meetings to obtain an understanding of how the brotherhood runs. - APO incorporates three cardinal principles: leadership, friendship and service throughout the rush process in order to convey commitment to these values.
Why Alpha Phi Omega? - Opportunity to become involved on JMU’s campus as well as the chance to be active within the Harrisonburg community through service.
Responsibilities: - As a brother, one must complete 27 community service hours, three fundraising hours and attend four fellowship events. - Must be in “good standing” each semester with JMU to remain an active brother.
Special Events: - Involvement with events on and off campus including Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, the Big Event, Youth Service Day, MadiTHON and other on-campus organizational events. - APO participates in 10 weekly service projects within the Harrisonburg community.
Gamma Sigma Sigma Rush Process: - Non-selective. Accepts everyone who is interested in service. - Rush week is one week of planned events where potential new members can come and meet the current sisters and get a feel for the sorority. (The events are not required, but they are highly recommended) - Pledges of Gamma Sigma Sigma are required to complete 15 hours of community service as well as attend a certain number of unity events and fundraisers for the sorority. - Rush/pledging is an eight-week process to become a sister.
Why Gamma Sigma Sigma? - It’s an entirely non-selective community service sorority. For this reason there is diversity among sisters.
Phi Sigma Pi Rush Process: - Rush process in both fall and spring semesters. - Two-week process consisting of two informational sessions and eight nights of activities. Activities related to values of scholarship, leadership - Must have at minimum GPA of 3.0 and have at least three remaining semesters at JMU. Freshman cannot rush first semester because of GPA requirement but are encouraged to rush in the spring.
Why Phi Sigma Pi? - Co-ed honors fraternity. Combine aspects of social, honors, and service groups. - Encourage incoming freshman to start their college career off right with a strong academic record, and hopefully we will see them at rush in the spring.
Responsibilities:
- Attend events in areas of scholarship, service, fundraising, and brother bonding for points, as well as mandatory events.
Special Events: - Involved in two philanthropies: Teach For America and Multiple Sclerosis research. - Most prominent event is MS Week, a weeklong event to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis on campus and donations for the National MS Society. MS Week is filled with educational speakers and performances from various student organizations. The event culminates in the MS Sleep Out, where the fraternity camps out on an area of campus to raise awareness.
Responsibilities: - Each sister must complete a minimum of 30 service hours, and at least 15 of those must be with Gamma Sigma Sigma. - Sisters are required to attend weekly chapter meetings. However, it is highly recommended that a sister attend committee meetings, unity events and fundraisers. Benefits for attending those things include reimbursement of chapter dues, free apparel and friendship with the sisters.
Special Events: - Fall semester: host Mothers Against Drunk Driving benefit concert. - Spring semester: Autism 5K fundraiser for philanthropy and Relay for Life. - Weekly volunteering at Salvation Army and Second Home.
Sigma Alpha Lambda Rush Process:
- Non-selective organization in regards to rush process. However, requirements to join SAL include: must have completed at least one semester of college and a minimum GPA of 3.0 after your freshman year. - Three guiding principles are service, academics, and leadership. - One-time initiation fee of $60. Accepts members on a rolling basis. Students can go to its website to request an invitation.
Special Events:
- Cleaning up Pear St. in Harrisonburg as part of the Adopt-AStreet program. - Volunteering at the JMU Arboretum. - No specific philanthropy. They believe in trying to help as many community organizations that they can.
Responsibilities:
- Members must maintain a 3.0 GPA during their membership. - Recommend three service activities per semester, attend three academic study sessions, and three social activities. - Operate on a point system, incentive to give rewards to members.
Why Sigma Alpha Lambda?
- Only non-selective honors and community service organization on campus. - Almost entirely student run, therefore members have many leadership opportunities.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Rush Process:
Responsibilities:
Special Events:
Why Zeta Phi Beta?
- Attend a formal informational/ interest meeting or an individual may speak with a member of organization to express interest. - Minimum one semester of college completed with a GPA requirement of 2.5
- Ten to 12 programs each school year focusing on female empowerment, social action and motivational discussions. - Partnership with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. - Involvement in the March of Dimes Foundation.
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- Maintain a 2.5 GPA. - Required to pay yearly dues (varies each year). - Variety of responsibilities assigned to foster an enjoyable experience while in the chapter.
- Among all of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek fraternities and sororities Zeta Phi Beta was the first sorority to charter chapters in Africa. - First NPHC Greek sorority to have auxiliary groups to aid young, assist women who may not have opportunity at a college education. - First and only sorority bound to a brother fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated.
Darkwood
Sigma Gamma Rho Rush Process:
- Rush process is called: T.O.R.C.H, which stands for: “Teaching, Obligations, Rights, Characteristics and History. - Accepts both undergraduates and graduates. - Minimum GPA requirement of 2.5. - May be eligible to rush after completing one semester.
Responsibilities:
- Required to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5 to maintain active in the local chapter on campus. - There are not a specific number of community-service hours required; however, sisters are encouraged to participate in community service.
Special Events:
- The Lambda Iota Chapter has put on numerous programs that include: - Operation Big Bookbag (collect supplies for low income schools and families) - Sex Masquerades (teaching about safe sex) - Interracial Panels, - Bone Marrow Drive - StRHOLL Off Exhibitions - Senior proms - Baby showers for teen moms - Project Cradle Care (pregnancy awareness) - Sigma Symposium (Discussions with youth about social issues)
Why Sigma Gamma Rho?
- Sigma Gamma Rho is a diverse organization that does not consist of one race, ethnic group or religion.
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Wear What’s Fair
Artisans
Ethically made clothing, jewelry, accessories & more
821 Mt. Clinton Pike
H’burg 22802
www.facebook.com/ArtisansHope
M101 | 15
JMU sweatshirt $45 JMU Bookstore (jmu.bkstr.com)
Large Agenda $45, Lilly Pulitzer (lillypulitzer.com)
MacBook Pro $1,299, Apple (apple.com)
Wayfarers $150, RayBan (raybanusa.com)
Le Pillage $145 Longchamp (longchamp.com)
Authentic 2-eye original $85 Sperry-TopSider (sperrytopsider.com)
Lip balm $3 eos
Charm bangle $32 Alex and Ani (alexandani.com)
Spotted on campus
Bean Boots $109 L.L. Bean (llbean.com)
You’re officially a Duke, now here’s how to look the part By Jeff McCallister
(eos.com)
Better Sweater $139, Patagonia Shorts $30, Nike
Lip balm $3 Burt’s Bees
(nike.com)
(patagonia.com)
Better Bottle $15 Camelbak (camelbak.com)
(burtsbees.com)
iPhone 5s $199 Apple
Coffee $2 (starbucks.com)
(apple.com)
Original tall wellies $115, Hunter (hunter.com)
Burrito $7, Chipotle (chipotle.com)
Classic Short $155, UGG (uggaustralia.com)
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M101 | 17
“ In
four years I wan t _____ to be _____ !
Ready to
becomealum? Four years may seem like a long way off, but it goes by quicker than you think! Before you know it you’ll be off to the adult world (yikes!) of jobs and apartment hunting! To help calm you and to lend advice on how to make the most of these four years, some alumni have returned to share their wisdom and fill you in on what it’s like to be an alum of James Madison University! All of these students started exactly like you, a freshman moving into JMU with four great years ahead of them. They were apart of clubs, had jobs around
“
an
campus and dreamed of the perfect job to follow their perfect JMU experience. Now they are ready to share with you some tips before you start your first year here in Harrisonburg. From all of us here at M101, (most of whome will also be out in the working world by the time you read this!) we wish you the best of luck as you start your time here at JMU. There is no way it couldn’t be the absoulte best time of your life, so get involved and make the most of it.
Maria Porto
Career Center Specialist with Loudoun County Public Schools JMU Class of 2012 • Psychology M101 : Tell us a little more about your job? Maria: I’m currently a career center specialist with Loudoun County Schools. Essentially my position entails operating a high school career center to act as a guide to career and college resources. I assist students in finding information about college and career opportunities and post information on entrance exams, scholarships, volunteer opportunities and many other things. I help to plan career development units with other counselors! M101: That’s awesome! Was this your first job after graduation? Maria: Nope! My first job after graduation was working for a private preschool as a premium program Montessori teacher. I did this for a year before deciding I wanted to get more involved with public secondary education.
class 2012of
M101: Were you involved in any clubs here at JMU? Maria: I was not part of any clubs. I spent a lot of my time working for the Department of Psychology as a student assistant. I loved all the opportunities to support the clubs on campus, though. my favorite events were things like the a capella concerts and Late Night Breakfast! M101: Do you have any advice for our incoming class? Maria: Follow your ambitions with confidence and passion. College is a great time to explore your interests and grow as an individual. Therefore, make good choices, study hard and have fun!
M101 | 18
Gus Cramer
Local Development Officer for the English Lacrosse Association Class of 2012 • International Affiars with a minor in German M101 : So what exactly is a development officer? Gus: Basically my job is to coach lacrosse in primary schools as well as coach a club team and play on a club team. Ideally I want to try to grow the sport of lacrosse in the U.K. because it’s a very small market here at the moment. My situation now is perfect because I’m doing a job that is exactly what JMU prepared me for. I studied international affairs and played lacrosse ... now I’m playing lacrosse internationally. Got to love it!
of ss 2 a l c 01 2
M101: That’s amazing! So you’re working in London? Is that where you went after graduation? Gus: No, no haha. My first job out of college was with Dell. I worked with them in D.C. until I found this job. M101: What were you involved in here at JMU? Gus: As you can probably guess, during my senior year I was the president of the club lacrosse team.
M101: Is there a message you’d like to pass onto the incoming students? Gus: Get involved right away. Don’t slow down. Don’t look back. Enjoy and embrace every experience, good or bad, because you only get a brief stay in paradise.
Katelyn Diehl
Convention Services Assistant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort JMU Class of 2011 • Hospitality and Tourism Management M101 : So Disney is a huge company. What do you do for them? Katelyn: I’m currently a conventions services assistant. Some of my duties include working with corporate and associate clients who want to host conferences and events at Disney. I work directly with clients to sort out logistics, assemble contracts, event orders and communicating key information to internal and external partners. M101: Wow, that’s a lot. Did you go straight to Disney after graduating? Katelyn: Oh no. I was a server at Cally’s (currently Capital Ale House) in Harrisonburg and worked as a summer assistant at JMU right after graduating. I left for my internship at Disney in August 2011 and became a full-time Cast Member at the front desk of Disney’s All Star Resorts by January 2012.
class o 2011 f
M101: Awesome! Were there any clubs here that you were in? Katelyn: I was a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon (business fraternity), Safe Rides, The University Program Board, PCMA (professional hospitality organization) and Alternative Spring Break. M101: What advice would you like to pass on to the incoming class? Katelyn: Don’t be afraid to pursue what you really want to do, even if that means moving far away from family and friends. Consider it an adventure and embrace the opportunity while you can.
M101 | 19
Karlyn Doyle
Assistant at Universal Music Group JMU Class of 2013 • SMAD M101 : Tell us a little more about your job? Karlyn: I’m an executive assistant at Universal Music Group in New York City. I work for the EVP of Legal and Business Affairs for East Coast Labels (Republic, Island, and Def Jam). Think Devil Wears Prada, but everyone’s friendly and occasionally I see T.I. in the lobby. M101: That’s amazing! Did you do this right after graduation? Karlyn: After graduation I hung out in Harrisonburg for as long as possible (all of May) and then moved back home to DC where I worked as a waitress in an Irish pub until I landed the UMG gig in November. M101: What organizations were you a part of here at JMU? Karlyn: UPB! I joined my freshman year and ended up on the exec board for my junior and senior years. I mainly worked on booking shows for the JMU campus, and met some of my best friends there.
class of 2013
M101: Do you have any advice for our incoming class? Karlyn: Enjoy every single second you have at JMU, and get involved on campus as much as you can. It really is the best place on earth, so make sure you take advantage of everything offered to you while you’re there. Also, always go where there’s free food. Always.
M101 | 20
Dani Antol Co-Owner and Art Director • Rock Paper Scissors Class of 2007 •Studio Art - Graphic Design M101 : So what exactly is a development officer? Dani: I am co-owner and Art Director of a stationery and invitation store, rock paper scissors. We have an adorable shop right on the downtown mall in Charlottesville where we hand select design-worthy greeting cards, gift wrap, desk and life accessories. We also work with clients to create custom stationery and invitations that are specific to their needs. As Art Director (along with my fabulous design team), we specialize in event branding (designing papers from save the dates to menus), invitations and small business design. f ss o cla 07 20
M101: That’s amazing! So you’re working in London?! Is that where you went after graduation? Dani: My first real job was a Junior Art Director at a Charlottesville marketing & advertising firm, Payne, Ross & Associates. We worked on the branding of companies local, national and international. Definitely enjoyed my time there and gained a lot of valuable experience and inspiration!
M101: What were you involved in here at JMU? Dani: I was a member of the Kappa Pi Art Fraternity and really enjoyed partnering up with all my crazy-talented art friends participating in activities around campus and in the community. During my last 2 years of undergrad at JMU I worked as a designer at the Alumni Association. Here I was able to gain a lot of real world experience designing and doing production work on alumni mailings, invitations, posters, t-shirts, etc. In my senior year, I did a design internship with the Madison Art Collection, designing posters, exhibit pieces, logos, and more. I landed a great gig for a few months doing design & photoshop work at Rosetta Stone in Harrisonburg. Collectively, all of these really helped me prepare for my first job and my current business. M101: Is there a message you’d like to pass onto the incoming students? Dani: Soak up as much experience and knowledge as you can while it is easily at your fingertips---I know it sounds cliche but its the total truth! Sometimes you don’t realize what you have until it is gone; so study abroad, go see that random play, take a class you would never take and snag a job or internship on campus. Because it isn’t just the classes that help shape you into an awesome citizen, it’s also the experiences you grab along the way! All of my classes, jobs, internships and other projects have definitely helped formulate me in many ways to become a well-rounded business owner at the age of 24. You never know where life will take you...
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‘In the know’ Inside the ‘JMU Bubble’ we have our own secret language. Here’s what you need to know to keep up.
ANTS
Assisting New Transfer Students are transfer students who guide new transfer students through Summer Springboard and Transfer 1787.
IDOCs Incident
DOCumentation Forms filled out by Resident Advisors and Hall Directors to document misbehavior in dorms.
FLEX
JAC Card
A declining-balance account that can be used throughout campus and at various off-campus locations. Unused balance carries from year to year. FLEX is a necessity to pay for printing and laundry.
Your JMU Access Card is your means of getting into your dorm or paying for food with punches, dining dollars and FLEX. It’s also your student ID.
FrOGs First yeaR Orientation Guides help freshmen adjust to college life during 1787 August Orientation, which is the week before classes start.
MyMadison The website where you plan your academic years. This is where you search and register for classes, check your semester grades and request transcripts. Don’t forget to change your password every 90 days.
350 University Blvd Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 433-9496
WE ACCEPT JAC CARDS!
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Punches Certain dining deals that you can use throughout a week. They are worth $5 if used for food not considered a punch.
The Quad Cats Two black cats, Jimmy and Dolly, have claimed JMU, more specifically the Quad, as their home.
UREC
The Quad Adjacent to Wilson Hall and surrounded by bluestone buildings, this long, grassy area is a popular student hangout on a nice day.
University Recreation is the oncampus home to exercise equipment, a rock wall, a pool, racquetball courts and several group fitness classes. Zumba anyone?
Rose Library
The Stacks On the third floor in Carrier Library you will find double-stacked desks and chairs where you either feel on top of the world or buried deep within a dark hole of study internment.
The newly named East Campus Library that is still referred to as ECL by upperclassmen.
The Commons The area surrounded by D-Hall, Warren and Hillcrest. Different organizations pass out fliers or hold fundraisers there. Not to be confused with the apartment complex.
Duke Dog
Alley
The tunnel that cuts under I-81 and connects the main campus to East Campus.
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On that grind
Between adjusting to a new environment, living with another person, not having a car, and generally being broke, life as a freshman can be tough. And while we can’t help with the first three, here are a few opportunities around campus to make some scratch. by Neal Hollowell photos by Jeff McCallister
Nathan Saxman Desk Assistant, Music Library Nathan Saxman is a senior International Affairs major who works in the Music Library (with that name, he never had a choice) in the basement of the Music Building. As a desk assistant, his role is to manage the vast array of musical media and hardware available for rent. In addition to cataloguing, he makes any necessary repairs to the library, like cleaning CDs and erasing pencil marks on sheet music. For the most part, Saxman works alone, but assists students in locating any media they wish to find. “I would recommend this job to any students looking for a taskoriented, part-time job that works very well with your class schedule.” Saxman works anywhere from 9 to 12 hours a week, and uses his income to supplement his living expenses. He says that this is a great opportunity for students who have an interest in music, and the ability to work independently. “A basic interest in music and understanding of using online library resources is helpful, but many of these skills can be developed on the job,” says Saxman.
Alejandra Buitrago Public Relations Director, University Program Board The University Programming Board, or UPB, is the student-run organization that brings entertainment to JMU. In addition to bringing acts like last spring’s Convo artist Juicy J, they also fill smaller venues around campus, and plan events like late night breakfast, battle of the bands, and Madipalooza. As its public relations director, it is Alejandra Buitrago’s job to get the message out to the JMU community. Buitrago, a senior SMAD major, manages UPB’s social media sites, oversees flyers around campus, and coordinates press releases, all within her 9 to 15 hour work week. “It feels like a real job” says Buitrago, “you get this real world experience.” UPB is an organization with a lot of responsibility. With minimal oversight from JMU, the students must coordinate with artists, and manage their budget. Positions like Buitrago’s require an application process, but general membership is open to all students. “It’s so fulfilling to see your events come to fruition,” says Buitrago “and to see people enjoy them.”
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Wayne Epps, Jr. Sports Editor, The Breeze Wayne Epps Jr., a junior SMAD major, wanted to be The Breeze’s Sports Editor, even before coming to JMU. After a brief stint as a writer, Epps found out the spot had vacated, and applied, securing the job while still a freshman. He says the experience has been invaluable. “I’ve learned a lot about managing things, through working with other editors and writers to put together the sports section each week,” he says. As an editor, Epps is tasked with assigning story ideas to writers, coordinating photographers, designing page layouts, and of course, editing articles. Even with this workload, he still manages to find time to write for the Breeze, including travelling to Texas to cover the women’s basketball NCAA run. Between time in the office, and covering sporting events, Epps puts in about 30 to 35 hours a week. This job has been great for me. There’s nothing that compares to hands-on experience.” says Epps, “ I want to continue with sports journalism as a career, so my experience at The Breeze has been invaluable.”
Ryan Esch Chef, E-Hall Paying for tuition, room and board, and living expenses all on his own, Ryan Esch is no stranger to hard work. The senior Communication Sciences and Disorders major admits that working in dining services is not an entirely glamorous job, but it is one he holds very dear. Most of the students that work in dining services, like Esch are part time, with the full time staff coming from around the Harrisonburg community. “You get to meet and interact with these people with all of these different backgrounds,” says Esch “And they’re working to pursue their dream here.” Esch takes this opportunity to practice conversational Spanish with his coworkers from Hispanic countries, as well as interacting with native Iraqis, Thai, and Russians. Esch also dabbles in Arabic, and looks to his co-workers for assistance with vocabulary. Along with gaining new ideas for recipes, working at the Tandoori station at E hall has fostered Esch’s culinary techniques. “Working the prep shifts has definitely made me more consistent with knife work. It gives you more accuracy and consistency in cutting” Esch recommends applying for dining services at the beginning of each semester, when the demand for students is high. “Personally, I perform better academically when I have a more rigorous schedule” says Esch “So to me, the extra hours in my week gives me a narrower time to which I can balance leisure and academics.”
Other jobs on campus Resident Advisor Teaching Assistant Madison Union Building Manager Library Assistant Parking Services Figure models Projectionist Campus Cadets Department Office Assistant Computer lab assistant Concert planner University Program Board
Advertising designer The Breeze
Sales representative The Breeze
Dining Services Madison Connection UREC Adventure Leader Campus Representatives: Adobe Dell Apple Victoria’s Secret Red Bull Monster Spotify Cosmo Honest Tea and more
More student jobs available at joblink.jmu.edu
Why stay on campus?
Where to live? On campus or off? Who to live with? What dorm should I choose? These are the questions facing many rising sophomores as they consider their options for the coming year. It is not a simple decision and is one that requires some thought. Some say the most important thing to consider where to live is location ‌ or is it? Living on campus is convenient for classes, access to professors and university resources and meeting up with friends. In the dorms, there is always someone around who is up for a pizza run at 2 a.m. or a game of Super Smash Bros. Being part of a dorm is a social experience that is hard to get anywhere else. by Krista Samek photos by Kali Newlen
Living with friends, round two
Location, location, location
In the dorms, friendships are made easily, and will often last for life. Maybe your freshman year wasn’t the social experience you imagined and the “potluck” roommate you got didn’t quite pan out. Living in the dorms for a second year could offer a chance at experiencing the “campus life” that evaded you your freshman year. Now, a year older and wiser, and with a few more choices in hand, you can pick your roommate and dorm to fit your interests. Lauren Privette, class of 2014, loved her experience living in Rockingham Hall sophomore year. “Freshman year I chose a random roommate, and it was one of the worst experiences of my life,” says Privette. “We were extremely different, and it just really didn’t work.” Sophomore year, Privette lived with her friend, and they loved the huge rooms, convenient parking and attached bathroom that Rockingham had to offer. Erwin Will, class of 2014 and Integrated Science and Technology major, said his favorite part of living in Chesapeake Hall sophomore year was being within a stone’s throw of E-Hall (arguably the best food on campus). He also really enjoyed making a new group of friends that he would not have met had he moved off campus.
Are you tired of the freshman “party dorm” lifestyle and want to live in a dorm with a more reserved feel? Maybe something close to the library? Or are you a fitness freak and want to be near the gym? Whatever your hobbies or interests, it is almost certain that the convenience of living on campus can’t be beat. It is easier to get involved, and if you don’t have a car, no big deal, you can walk to everything. That factor alone is worth the on campus experience for some. Chandler Hall became the home of Tim Cypull, a class of 2014 Biotech major, his sophomore year. He said even though it was convenient having Mrs. Greens located in the same building, his overall experience paled in comparison to his freshman year. It’s up to you to figure out what is most important to have around your dorm. “It’s all a matter of convenience,” says Cypull. “You give up the extra freedom for the convenience of being close to everything. As long as you have a buddy or two, you’ll still have a fine time living on campus.”
Free at last
What if you had a great roommate freshman year but you are tired of the lack of privacy? What if you are tired of the “bonding experience” so easily obtained by sharing a bottle of shampoo? It is true that sharing a room and putting up with a community bathroom has its disadvantages, (despite the fantastic housekeeping service). Maybe moving off campus is an attractive option. For some the trade-off is worth it. There may be a lot more responsibilities, but the independence is freeing. You will have more control over the state of your room, who is invited over and what you will eat, plus a lot more privacy. There won’t be as many rules to follow and usually not as much noise, which is something to consider for optimal studying or sleeping. Freedom and independence sounds great; however, don’t forget that the dorm experience is usually something you only get once in your life, so don’t be so eager to abandon it for the lure of off-campus life.
So which do I chose? It all comes down to what is important to you. What are your priorities? Is it the camaraderie or convenience you want in on-campus living, or do you need more space and independence? There are many things to consider and many trade-offs when deciding on a place to live. Every person interviewed for this article who stayed on campus sophomore year said they would do it again if given the opportunity. The choice is ultimately one that only you can make as you look forward to your sophomore year.
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e n i l y Sk
Quad
Chesapeake Hall
Floors: 5 Number of Occupants: 250–499 Bathrooms: Communal, suite Co-ed: Yes Residents: Freshmen and upperclassmen Room Types: Doubles, suites (doubles) Special Features: Air conditioning, community kitchen, elevators, laundry facilities, study lounges, TV lounges
Spotswood Hall
Pros: Pros:
- Near E-hall and Festival - Newer construction - Hall Style dorm - Close to ISAT - Air conditioned
Cons:
- Far from the Quad - Communal bathrooms
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- Convenient for Art, History, Music, and Communication majors - Near D-hall, Chick-fil-a, Starbucks, Market One, and Einstein Bagels - Close to Carrier Library - Close to bus stop
Cons:
-Far from ISAT
Floors: 2 Number of Occupants: 100–249 Bathrooms: Suite Coed: Yes Residents: Freshmen Room Types: Suites (doubles) Special Features: Community kitchen, laundry facilities, study lounges, TV lounges, vending machines
Lakeside
e g a l Vil Chappelear Hall
Floors: 3 Number of Occupants: 100–249 Bathrooms: Private, suite Coed: Yes Residents: Upperclassmen Room Types: Quads, suites (doubles) Special Features: Community kitchen, laundry facilities, recreational equipment, study lounge, TV lounge, vending machines
Eagle Hall
Pros: Pros:
- Central campus location - Close to PC Dukes and Top Dog - Near the book store
Cons:
- No air conditioning - Older construction
- Right across from the stadium - Convenient for Business majors - Close to Mrs. Greens
Cons:
- Old construction - No air conditioning
Floors: 8 Number of Occupants: 250–499 Bathrooms: Communal Coed: Yes Residents: Freshmen Room Types: Singles, doubles Special Features: Community kitchen, computer lab, elevators, laundry facilities, TV/study lounge
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A P P LY T O D AY F O R F A L L
YOUR HOUSING
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fitness centers • sand volleyball & basketball courts • all utilities included (electricity up to a mont
apply online today @ harrisonburgstudent STONE GATE • THE COMMONS • SOUTH amenities & utilities included subject to change.
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THE COMMONS
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Life of a ___major Zack Owen Photography
Upperclassmen spill the ins and outs of their majors to help you decide if your dream major is really what you want! Interviews conducted by Hannah Spurrier Portraits by Kali Newlen
Integrated Science & Technology Jon Gellings Class of 2016 New Kent, VA Prerequisite Classes: None. There are foundation classes, but everything you need to take is built into the curriculum. Example classes: “Some of the foundation courses are calculus, physics, science and technology in society, and instrumentation/measurements. The foundation classes also include an intro to five of the six sectors.” Typical class size: Ranges between 20-60 What opportunities have come with this major? “Even if you don’t intern somewhere, seniors are required to complete a capstone project related to their concentration. This is either in a team or individually, however you choose to do it. This gives students an idea of what real-world careers are available to them. A lot of projects are in conjunction with nearby companies and corporations! I think it’s pretty neat that seniors get to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting before graduating. There are also a lot of other opportunities for undergrad research with professors, which can turn into a senior project.” What do you wish you knew about it before you decided to commit to this major? “I wish I had known what each of the six sectors was about. My recommendation: Take ISAT 101 your first semester! It teaches you about each of the 6 sectors and will help you get a better idea of what you can do with ISAT.”
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Dance Emily Iannotti Class of 2015 Jacksonville, FL Prerequisite classes: “There are technically no pre-reqs, just an audition process.” Example classes: “Dance majors take at least two technique classes a semester, usually modern and either ballet, jazz, or modern. There are also two levels of dance composition required, dance history, methods of teaching dance, anatomy and somatic studies.” Typical class size: 10 for compositional classes, 25 for technique classes Application Process: “You audition, interview, and provide a package of information about yourself including a resume and letters of recommendation.” What opportunities have come with this major? “During your sophomore year you can audition for the pre-professional track known as the Virginia Repertory Dance Company. Being in the company has given me the privilege of teaching class and performing in China last summer as well as attending the American College Dance Association festival every spring. They also bring in a guest artist every week for the advanced level modern students, who teaches a master class at the end of the week. Meeting different guests artists gets our face out there and that networking/relationship-building is so crucial to pursuing a professional dance career.” What’s the hardest thing about it? “Choreography always has a deadline whether you’re ‘feeling inspired’ or not. Also, the double major aspect is awesome but challenging because rehearsal times and show weeks cannot be changed. You have to work your life around the demands of the dance program. Time management is so key.” What do you wish you knew about it before you decided to commit to this major? “Everything about it is an audition, not just getting into the program initially. Performing is never a guarantee.”
Kinesiology (Exercise Science) Lauren Price Class of 2014 Spring Grove, PA Prerequisite classes: General Kinesiology classes, Intro to Calc, Statistics, Physiology, Anatomy, Physics and General Chemistry Example classes: “Most of the kinesiology classes we have to take involve the science behind physical activity and also teach us how to prescribe exercise for various populations. Some examples are exercise physiology, human biomechanics, principles of exercise testing and prescription, etc. A lot of the classes have labs as well which give us the chance to practice what we learn in class and apply it to real life clients.” Other classes: Exercise prescriptions for various populations, nutrition, efficiency of the body during exercise and how it varies among various populations, psychology behind physical activity, biomechanics of various movements in sport, and so many more. Typical class size: Usually around 60-80 students What’s the best thing about the major? “All of the professors in this major are awesome! They love what they do and they show it when they teach their material. I have met awesome friends through the program as well! Also, you get to do some really cool labs like VO2 max tests and stuff like that.” What’s the hardest thing about it? “The hardest thing about the major is the sciences you have to take…general chemistry, biology and physics are all very challenging.” What do you wish you knew about it before you decided to commit to this major? “More about the practicum and internship that are required towards the end of the program, so I could start thinking about what I wanted to do for them.”
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Nursing Cassidy Larkin Class of 2014 Catonsville, MD Prerequisite classes: Human Physiology, Human Anatomy, Allied Health Microbiology, Concepts of Chemistry, Nutrition for Wellness, Elementary Statistics, Life Span Human Development Example classes: Pharmacology, Health Assessment, Clinical Applications and Reasoning in Nursing Care I, II & III, Foundations of Nursing, Art and Science of Nursing, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Psychiatric Mental Health, Population Centered Care in the Community, Transition to Practice, Informatics, Capstone Typical class size: “The science classes that we take for prerequisites are much larger classes around 100; however, all of the sciences except Chemistry require a lab and they usually only have about 20 people in each lab.” Is there an application process? “Yes there is an application process. Each student needs to declare nursing as their major and complete 36 credits worth of prerequisite and general education classes. Need a minimum JMU GPA of 3.00. Transfer students need to complete one full semester as a full time student prior to applying. 90 students [are accepted] per semester; they take new classes every spring and fall.” What opportunities have come with this major? “A lot of students in my class have gained great experience through summer internships at hospitals such as Georgetown. Also the nursing program offers two study abroad opportunities, one going to Kenya and the other to Costa Rica. Once a year the nursing students are invited to the National Student Nursing Association Convention which is a great learning opportunity and a great way to network.” What’s the hardest thing about it? “The hardest thing about nursing is time management. Nursing takes up a lot of time and sometimes you have to give up your free time to study a little bit more for a test you’re not ready for.” What do you wish you knew about it before you decided to commit to this major?“I wish I would have known about the time commitment when it comes to clinical days. A majority of the clinicals require 90 hours each semester and some require driving over an hour away to get there. I just assumed that all of our clinicals would have been at the local hospital, RMH, but I have driven all the way to Charlottesville and Winchester, which can be far when you have to be there at 6:30 in the morning.”
Marketing Kelsey Fuller Class of 2014 Ellicott City, MD Prerequisites: Financial and Managerial Accounting, Interpersonal Skills, Business Statistics, Management Science, Economics, Business Law, Computer Information Systems Sample Classes: Consumer Behavior, Retail Marketing, Personal Selling, Internet Marketing Typical Class Size: Relatively Small. Typical class is about 25 people or less. Application Process: Must complete the prerequisites and have a GPA of 2.7 or higher Years to Complete: Four What’s the hardest thing about it? “COB 300 (dun dun dunnn..), which is four classes intertwined that requires the creation and completion of a business plan for a pseudo-company with a group.” What sorts of topics do you study? “Anything and everything from going inside the minds of consumers, to persuading consumers to purchase your product, to the legal aspects of business.” Best part of being a business major? “There are great job opportunities to enter a life long and rewarding career. Business majors have the opportunities to meet some pretty neat and important people.”
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Sports & Recreation Management Michael Civello Class of 2014 Annandale, VA Prerequisite classes: “There are classes called the ‘foundation classes’ which you take freshman year if you have the SRM major declared. They are for both SRM and [Hospitality Management] majors before you get into core classes for either SRM or HM.” Example classes: Foundations of Leadership, Foundations of SRM/HM, and Foundations of Ethics Typical class size: 50 people in foundation classes, core classes range from 25-40 people Why did you choose this major? “My love and passion for sports. I’ve played sports my whole life since I can remember. I am a passionate fan for my teams and all sports. I could not see myself working any other job not involving sports. Also there are so many things that you can do in the sporting world.” What opportunities have come with this major? “The sports industry is one of the biggest out there. It’s also fast-growing. There are so many avenues that you can take with an SRM degree. You quickly realize that once you get into the core classes. All the professors have a good deal of experience and do a good job of relating it to the course they teach. On top of that you are required to work a practicum that is 90 hours of work for a semester. I did mine with JMU athletics as a building manager. It gives you some solid work experience and I got to meet people from different areas in JMU athletics. Another required course is the SRM 400 hour internship. I did mine during the summer, which I recommend. It’s a great experience to really experience what the sports industry is like in whatever field you are interested in. I am really focused on working in professional sports and I was able to land an internship with the Washington Spirit of the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League).” So basically networking is a huge deal with this major? “There is a Sport and Leisure Association of Madison (SLAM) club that is very helpful with that. You become close with not just other students but professors as well. You also get the chance to go to the SINC conference held in Washington D.C. It is a professional sports conference where you can go listen to over 100 professionals talk about their fields and then have a chance to talk to them and get in contact with them. It’s a great experience and one I would recommend when it comes time to do internships.” What do you wish you knew about it before you decided to commit to this major? “To get involved with something early on. Don’t wait to potentially get an internship that is required around junior or senior year. Go out and volunteer because the more practical experience you get the better not only for you, but also for your resume.”
Hospitality Management Olivia Lobdell Class of 2014 Boston, MA Prerequisite classes: There are as you move through the business classes for the minor. Example classes: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, CIS (Computer Information systems), Hospitality Leadership, Ethics in Hospitality, Culinary Lab, Event Planning, Hotel and Lodging, Themed Event Planning Typical class size: In the 3 introductory classes with Sport and Recreation students there’s around 90. Then classes get smaller and more intimate towards the end, around 20-30 students. How long does it take to complete the major? “They spread it out throughout 3-4 years depending on your [general education classes work] load and based around when you plan and execute your themed event.” What opportunities have come with this major? “There is a lot of excitement and passion in both the faculty and students in HM. [You] get to really know the professors, and it seems like a tight-knit community. as you make your way through the program. I know just about everyone in my grade in HM, and I feel like I have been given a lot of opportunities to work with different combinations of them. You also get to complete your senior year theme dinner/brunch capstone which is a ton of work but the most rewarding experience I have had in college.” What’s the hardest thing about it? “Probably the event planning semester. People also find the business classes to be extremely difficult, mostly Accounting and Finance. Also, there are multiple internship and externship requirements.”
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Keep on truckin’
James Chung | The Breeze
Take in beautiful Valley weather while enjoying some of the best food Harrisonburg has to offer — ranging from Korean to homemade donuts — all out of a truck. By Hayley Thompson
Mashita
Best Snacks
James Chung | The Breeze
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Mashita, which means “delicious” in Korean, is a newcomer to the Harrisonburg food-truck scene, but they’ve already made a name for themself. Mashita has a Korean barbeque-inspired menu, but with a fresh American twist. They offer two entrees: ho-pang and ssam. Ho-pang is a bun stuffed with specialty meats and sauces. Ssam (pictured on the left) is like a lettuce wrap, but it’s all served family style for customers to make themselves. Diners have the choice of slow-braised pork or chicken, or beef bulgogi, a thin-sliced sweet and savory beef. Mashita also carries three sauces: sweet soy, spicy gochujang and sweet and spicy Mashita sauce. The seasoned bean sprouts were a great side with my pork and chicken ho-pang, but for the more adventurous,
Mashita also offers their quick-pickle kimchi. If neither of those suit you, they also have plain steamed white rice. Personally, I thought that Mashita was a great change of pace and very, very delicious. What killed me was the price tag. It cost me $8 for two small ho-pang buns and the bean sprouts. I also ordered one of the desserts, which were steamed versions of mini cinnamon rolls, and those were another $2. I would definitely suggest Mashita, but maybe just as a snack; the portions are small and a full meal may break the bank. However, because the owners’ focus is on fresh ingredients, Mashita has enough of an American influence that it is a safe stop for any one, regardless of their taste. A good portion of the menu is glutenfree, too. Visit eatmashita.com for more info and to see the full menu.
Grilled Cheese Mania Best Meal
Easily Harrisonburg’s most acclaimed food truck, Grilled Cheese Mania is as close to mom’s rainy day special as it gets. That is, if mom made you grilled cheese with mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes and sriracha sauce on a perfectly toasted torta roll. Grilled cheese may be a simple concept, but the mother and daughter duo behind Grilled Cheese Mania take it to a new, gourmet level. This truck has something for everyone in the family. The Casey Snowcap, a roast beef and mozzarella cheese on a garlic butter baguette creation, is perfect for dad. For the youngsters, the Classic Johnny is made on white country bread with butter and their choice of cheeses. There’s a cheddar, colby and monterey jack sandwich on sourdough bread with baby spinach and bacon crumbles that pairs perfectly with the fresh-squeezed limeade, available, literally, by the bucket. It only comes in a 32-ounce size, which sounds like enough to share but I promise you, it’s not. It was so delicious I finished it before my sandwich and almost ordered another. In addition to the expected grilledcheese fare, these women serve mac and cheese so popular it often sells out, vegetarian chili and tomato soup. The tomato soup is even available as a shot — I mean, this is a college town. For the love of cheese and a menu that appeals to all appetites, Grilled Cheese Mania is the best quick stop in the ‘burg for lunch or dinner. Visit grilledcheesemania.com to see the full menu.
Alex Thornton | The Breeze
Alex Thornton | The Breeze
Strite’s Donuts Guilty Pleasure
Lauren Gordon | The Breeze
This truck is mobile and unlike the others mentioned here, only visits Harrisonburg a few times a week. The truck can be found at the old Liberty gas station downtown or venture over to Port Republic and visit the permanent location to get yourself some fresh made Mennonite doughnuts. Available in three flavors — glazed, cinnamon sugar and jellyfilled —the doughnuts are made on the spot, and the demand is so high, that even on a cold Valley morning, the beautiful fluffy pastries are sold and gone before they even cool. What sets these doughnuts apart is in the batter. Light and fluffy like any good doughnuts, Strite’s are substantial to the point that they are also dense and taste like butter. Light, fluffy and dense don’t sound like they would fit together, but that’s what makes these doughnuts so amazing. My suggestion is to get one of each kind and experience them all for yourself.
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Jack Brown’s
All-American Crowd Pleaser These Kobe beef quarter pound burgers are hands down the greatest in the ‘burg. These masterpieces are topped with 13 unique combinations of dips, other meats, peppers and even pasta. Yes, a pasta-topped burger. Fridays, JB’s — as it is informally known by locals — serves up what has been coined The Greg Brady, a burger topped with creamy mac and cheese and Martin’s barbecue-flavored chips. There are certain types of burgers customers can get any day of the week, and some that are only available on certain days, like The Greg Brady. Luckily for Family Weekend travelers, Saturday is the best day of the week at JB’s: freestyle day. Each Saturday is a new creation, so there’s no telling what the JB staff will be serving up next. Jack Brown’s other claim to fame is their extensive beer list. Ranging from local craft brews like Starr Hill to Xingu, a Brazilian black beer, JB’s is a beer lover’s paradise with new ones on tap every day and hundreds always available by the bottle. The truck is actually up toward Massanutten Mountain in Elkton, about a 15 minute drive from campus. They say the journey is half the fun, and that’s definitely true in this case, as the drive to the base of Massanutten where the truck is located is beautiful, as is the atmosphere at the truck. But if you’re not up for the drive, call ahead to the downtown location and order take-out. Jack Brown’s is usually packed to the brim, regardless of the time of day. But if you’re into the craft beer scene, grab a brew and wait it out, the atmosphere is worth it. Visit jackbrownsjoint.com for the full menu and beer listing, or check out their Facebook for special events and photos. John Buller | courtesy of Jack Brown’s
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Jeff McCallister | Madison 101
Tacos El Primo Best Street Food
This mecca of Harrisonburg food trucks was not only one of the first, but really started the trend with JMU students. When I was a freshman four years ago, it was not uncommon to walk from Shenandoah Hall down Reservoir to get one of these spicy, slightly mushy, $5 burritos. I have to say up front, Tacos El Primo is not for the weak of stomach. The meats range from shredded chicken to spicy Mexican chorizo, and the radishes, salsa verde and optional jalapeno peppers on top make this stop the hottest in Harrisonburg. Everything at Tacos El Primo is made fresh and authentic by a sweet old lady; you can literally taste the love she puts into every burrito. If it weren’t for the stomach pains that come with eating this street food goodness, I’d have it at least twice a week, it’s that delicious. If you go to any of this city’s food trucks, this would be my recommendation. Just don’t eat it right before you plan on hanging out in your (very) small dorm room with friends.
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So you want to
venture off campus...
Art Pekun | Madison 101
We have 10 ways to get you out of the JMU Bubble!
If JMU’s 700 acres are beginning to feel a little small, it may be time to cover new ground. Good news: You don’t have to wait until you’re an upperclassman to experience off-campus life. Harrisonburg offers plenty of activities that are just a five-minute walk from the Quad or a few minute drive through town so you can pop out of the JMU bubble. by Hannah Spurier photos by Kali Newlen and Jeff McCallister
1 PLAY
How to get there: Turn left from the Quad onto South Main and walk for about a mile and a half and the park is on the left. Funky’s is also along that street on the left. The Quad can get a little crowded in the Spring, so grab some friends and a football and head to one of the local parks. Purcell Park is about a 10-minute walk from the Quad and has room to stretch out and hang. Close by is a rollerblading arena called Funky’s, where you can dance and rollerblade for only $2 on Wednesday nights.
3
4 CREATE Right on South Main Street is a little shop where you can create your own pottery. You Made It! pottery is open on the weekends until 8 p.m. and on weeknights until 7. Grab your friends and make something memorable to decorate your dorm room or a gift for someone special. How to get there: Head downtown and it’s on the left side of South Main Street.
2 EAT
How to get there: Take a right off of the Quad and walk five minutes until you’re downtown. That’s the easy part. The hard part is choosing where to eat!
Harrisonburg’s downtown is lined with excellent restaurants, cafes and rooftop eateries. And guess what? You don’t have to be 21 to enjoy them. Try out Jack Brown’s daily burger special (my suggestion is the Greg Brady—a burger covered in gooey macaroni and cheese served on Fridays) or Beyond’s sushi and Asian cuisine. When you’re done with dinner, head up to Kline’s Dairy Bar for their ice cream specials, which can be found on their website, www.klinesdairybar.com.
CUDDLE This one might take a little longer to get there, but it’s worth the trip. The Gap View Ranch & Kennel has dozens of golden retrievers for visitors to socialize with. It requires a driver to get there, so ask your FrOG or RA to drive you if you don’t have a car. Trust me, the drive is totally worth it. Who doesn’t love to cuddle with fluffy puppies? How to get there: It’s in Broadway, VA, about 20 minutes from JMU. 13445 Cooley Spring Lane, Broadway, VA 22815.
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5
SHOP
How to get there: Just like the restaurants, most of the stores are right on South Main Street if you turn right off the Quad.
Another great part about downtown is the shopping. Sure, the mall has all of the basic stores like Target, Express and Dicks Sporting Goods, but downtown has boutiques and outdoor stores you can’t find anywhere else. Bluetique and The Yellow Button have the hottest seasonal styles that will make any JMU girl drool (think Pinterest in a store). There are stores for the guys too. Walkabout Outfitters has plenty of gear for the outdoorsman (Patagonia and North Face are popular brands).
6 EXPLORE If you want to feel more a part of the Harrisonburg community, try to learn its history or buy from the town’s farmers market. The Virginia Quilt Museum and Explore More Discovery Museum are located right downtown and have unique features to add to Harrisonburg.
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7 WATCH
If Grafton isn’t showing the blockbuster you’re How to get there: Downtown, off the main street. dying to see, head to Regal Cinemas right down the street past East Campus. Not only is it a really nice theater, but it also has a handful of movies playing at all times.
SWEAT
How to get there: Gyms are located all over the city, so check their websites for more information. Even though UREC offers great exercise classes, downtown also has a lot of places to get your sweat on (especially after eating all that Kline’s ice cream). The Center has classes such as Heated Yoga and Pilates. Check their schedule online for rates and classes. Halterman Karate Institute offers kickboxing and karate classes for all ages and experience levels. Rocktown Crossfit has discounted rates for students.
10
VOLUNTEER JMU does so much for its students, and Harrisonburg for its guests, so it’s always a good idea to give back to the community. There are plenty of places to offer a helping hand, including SPCA, Cat’s Cradle or Our Community Place. At SPCA and Cat’s Cradle you can walk dogs and play with cats. Our Community Place is a facility to help people in the area focus on positivity, and good, stable relationships. You just need to apply to volunteer. How to get there: SPCA is about a 10-minute drive past North 38 apartments. Cat’s Cradle is down the street from the Discovery Museum on South Main Street. OCP is on Johnson Street, a few minutes off of South Main.
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How to get there: Either take the shopper bus or walk five minutes past the East Campus light by the field hockey fields. The theatre is located off of University Boulevard.
9 LISTEN
A few times a year, downtown holds music festivals for everyone to enjoy. In the spring, there is the Rocktown Beer and Music Festival, where those under 21 can purchase a ticket for $22 and enjoy the live music and food from local businesses. There’s also Blue Ridge Music and BBQ Festival in August with live music and food. How to get there: Rocktown’s festival is smack in the middle of downtown Harrisonburg. The Blue Ridge festival is at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds.
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PUT ALL YOUR SKILLS TO WORK Whether you’re preparing for a job in the media or in some other field, The Breeze will give you valuable experience working for a real business. When you work for The Breeze, you work for a multimedia organization that informs, entertains and engages the JMU community with information relevant to Students, faculty, and staff.
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This is
JACKTOWN
Kali Newlen | Madison 101
Since Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint opened five years ago, Harrisonburg has been enamored with the hole in the wall craft beer and burger bar. When Billy Jack’s opened a few years later, there was no denying it: this is officially Jacktown. By Andrew Geraci
If you happen to find yourself walking down South Main Street around lunch or dinner time (or somewhere in between), you may run into quite the predicament. If you’re headed toward the iconic Court Square, into the city, you’ll first come to Billy Jack’s Wing and Draft Shack. However, if you take a few more steps, you’ll quickly be standing in front of Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint. Do you pick Billy Jack’s or Jack Brown’s? Will you choose Wing and Draft or Beer and Burger? Even though these bars are owned by the same partnership known as Jacktown, they both provide a different dining experience. Choosing between the two will be one of the more difficult decisions you will have to make when enjoying downtown Harrisonburg, but do not panic. What follows is a guide to help make your decision just a little bit easier. It won’t be simple, but there will definitely be food in the end. Let’s begin with the original: Jack Brown’s. Since its establishment in 2009, Jack Brown’s has stayed true to its name, serving only the most unique and
delicious beers and burgers. Actually, “unique” is an understatement. Any burger joint that includes ingredients such as peanut butter or mac and cheese on its burgers is beyond unique. Jack Brown’s burger list features a different style for each day of the week. So, if your taste buds are demanding that peanut butter burger (dubbed “The Elvis”, it also includes mayo, smoked bacon, and cheese), then you’ll have to visit Jack Brown’s on a Wednesday. Make sure you get there early on a Sunday if you want to experience the bacon, egg and cheese breakfast burger, “The Chiflet.” Other days are just as eclectic. You’ll also want to pick up a couple of fried Oreos for dessert, if you have any room left in your stomach. If you’re visiting Jack Brown’s on the weekend, make sure to get there relatively early. Compared to other locations downtown, Jack Brown’s is a small place. At only 400 square feet it’s split in half by a bar and grill equipment. It’s cozy, but it can be difficult to find a seat. There is some outdoor seating,
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Jeff McCallister | Madison 101
so make sure you take advantage of that if the weather permits. Inside Jack Brown’s, the walls are covered with bright signs, colorful handwritten menus and clothing items of all shapes and sizes. There is a large collection of bras hanging from a chandelier, but underwear artwork is just one of the many aspects of Jack Brown’s that makes it stand out from other burger joints. Now let’s walk one shop over to Billy Jack’s Wing and Draft Shack. As opposed to Jack Brown’s cheeseburgers, Billy Jack’s focuses more on its chicken dishes. It is still possible to create your own burger at Billy Jack’s, but the chicken is really what makes this place special. Whether it’s a chicken salad or fried chicken and waffles, the wing and draft shack knows its bird. One particularly interesting item on the menu is the “sticky nugs.” These bite-size pieces of chicken are drenched in any house-made wing sauce of your choice and come with a side of either ranch or bleu cheese. They are sweet, spicy and very hard to put down. Like Jack Brown’s, Billy Jack’s includes a changing menu of specials. You can get an order of “sticky nugs” for only $3 on Thursdays, making it the perfect lowbudget snack. Billy Jack’s is noticeably different from Jack Brown’s in its size. Although it lacks outdoor seating, it is almost double the size. It won’t be as difficult to find seating at Billy Jack’s, but that doesn’t mean it won’t fill up quickly. Inside you’ll find a large square bar with stool seating around each side and a generous amount of tables for groups to take a seat. The bar itself is playfully decorated with built in coasters from various breweries. Around the ceiling of the building resides hundreds of beer bottles that shimmer light throughout the restaurant. You’ll begin to see how the two bars are related with their décor. Again you’ll see colorful chalkboard signs next to novelties hanging off the rafters and walls. Billy Jack’s is filled with fun things
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to look at and it’s likely you’ll discover something new each time you visit. Although they may have their differences, these two restaurants are similar. Firstly, both of these places don’t skimp on the beer. Billy Jack’s is constantly changing out their beer taps and the cans they have on stock, while Jack Brown’s boasts over 100 different beers with three revolving taps to serve the brew. They even make sure you keep track of which beers you’ve tried with the help of the master beer list. Fill the entire list and you receive a prize and your picture on the wall. They also both have extremely friendly and helpful staff. Do not be afraid to ask for a drink suggestion or dining advice when entering both of these restaurants for the first time. Finally, the overall quality of these bars is top notch. It will be difficult to have a bad experience with Jacktown, no matter which restaurant you choose.
Jeff McCallister | Madison 101 Jeff McCallister | Madison 101
Some of our favorites GREG BRADY Topped with house-made mac n’cheese & Martin’s bbq potato chips
THE CHIFLET Topped with applewood smoked bacon, cheddar & egg
JACK ON PIGGY BACK Topped with a split & grilled hot dog, with pickled jalapenos & cheddar
THE ELVIS Topped with peanut butter, mayo, applewood smoked bacon & cheese
JALAPENO POPPER Topped with pickled jalapenos & cream cheese
CHILI VERDE Topped with roasted poblano chilis & pepper jack cheese Jessica Bagby | Madison 101
What’s in the new Student Success Center? by Brittany Azzouz photos by Kali Newlen
F
or the past two years, students and staff at JMU have watched the growth of the Student Success Center, constructed under the roof of what used to be Rockingham Memorial Hospital. The $77 million project has created a space for students to achieve success and gain access to the departments that can provide them with services throughout their next four years. Many people and organizations have been involved in the planning and creation of the center, facilities management, public safety and housekeeping, to name a few. The design of the SSC is unlike anything that JMU has ever experienced before, and is projected to assist future generations of students. Although the center has only been in construction for the past two years, planning has been in the works since 1998. JMU officials visited other schools to gather ideas and view examples of how other institutions house these types of facilities before planning the center for JMU. JMU’s most recent renovation is located on West campus behind Burruss Hall, directly next to the West Grace parking deck. The health center
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portion of the building opened March 17, 2014, in the two-story section of the building, while the rest of the departments opened this summer. The building includes five stories in which 20 different departments are located, including: the Counseling Center, Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar, Peer Educator rooms, Judicial Affairs, Community Service Learning and many more. Current JMU students have been hearing about the SSC for the past two years and have watched its construction transform, but freshmen and transfer students will learn about the facility through orientation. “I am excited for the building to open! They have been working on it for so long, I want to see what it looks like,” senior Lauren Millikin said. The purpose of the SSC is to support “student learning, student health and student service.” “Students will benefit by having greater access to programs, services, resources and personnel designed to enhance student engagement, student development, and student learning,” said Randy Mitchell, associate vice president of student success programs and the project administrator
for the SSC. The center will support its vision through student use of its design, which involves experimental classrooms, technology support, dining facilities, learning commons and accessibility. “It is our hope that students will have better tools to support their academic efforts, that increased student/faculty/staff interactions will lead to gains in student academic performance and satisfaction, and that community will be fostered, leading to greater student engagement and educational activity,” said Mitchell. The center is meant to be a “one-stop” service center for everyone on campus. It is intended to emphasize “proximity, choice and chance” by putting these departments under one roof. In addition, students who come to find one resource will be exposed to many others. “JMU will benefit from the creation of a new campus landmark and a laboratory for innovation that promises to enhance student and faculty recruitment,” said Mitchell. Previously, service departments were scattered all around campus in buildings such as Wilson, Warren, Sonnor and several others. “It will be much easier for new students to find these places instead of having to trek all over campus to get things done,” senior Courtney O’Connor said. The buildings that previously housed departments that have moved into the SSC will become home to new programs. Varner House will become a home to Institutional Research; Wilson Hall will be used for the College of Arts and Letters and the History department. Parts of Roop Hall will go to University Advising, and Warren Hall will return to University Unions for further development. The future of some other vacated buildings and rooms are still unknown as to what they will be-
come. Aside from the service centers, the SSC also houses dining facilities, such as Dunkin’ Donuts and several convenience pods. There are several study spaces and lounges for students to collaborate or study on their own. A computing helpdesk can be found inside, as well as a campus police substation. A plaza outside the building, called “Madison Square,” is a new addition to campus, and there are interactive kiosks as part of the facility where students can find information on campus or the building, itself. The facility also holds a unique addition to campus: experimental classrooms. “We believe that faculty and staff will benefit through developing new techniques in a dynamic experimental setting,” Mitchell said. The faculty and staff who will be providing services in the SSC designed these special classrooms, which stand under the heading of “Enhancing Pedagogy through Innovative Classrooms.” Giving professors the opportunity to design these classrooms allowed them to create facilities more appropriate for their specific uses. Although students are excited to see the progression of the SSC, several upperclassmen have expressed some concern over the location of the SSC.
first floor Assembly Room Campus Police Substation Dunkin’ Donuts Information and Guest Services Learning Centers
Madison Square Disability Services Safe Rides SSC Operations University Health Center
Second Floor Bistro 1908 Card Services Centennial Scholars Community Service Learning Grace Street Market
Orientation Peer Educator Activity Room University Health Center Offices
Third floor Administrative Offices Career and Academic Planning Conference Suite (3200 & 3202 Counseling Center Student Affairs Technical Services
Fourth Floor The EPIC Center Information Technology Help Desk Test Scoring Center
Fifth Floor Financial Aid and Scholarhship Office of the Registrar University Business Office
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“I think the idea behind the SSC is great; however, my only issue with it is its location. Parking at the grace street deck is already hectic and it’s a farther walk than Warren,” said Lindsay Nguyen, class of ‘14. Although there may be some downsides to the location of the SSC, the pros of putting all service programs into one building will most likely outweigh the cons. Junior Summer Tarpley is excited to use the SSC, but is unsure about whether enough people understand what it is. “It [the SSC] can be very beneficial if word gets out more because I was unaware of it until recently,” Tarpley said. Now that the SSC is open for use, students will hopefully get a chance to explore the new addition to campus and come to a better understanding of its’ uses and what it has to offer.
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JMU is for lovers From romantic sunsets at Reddish Knob to the fated Kissing Rock on the Quad, JMU is a breeding ground for young love. But it’s not just the students who are catching the fever: JMU Volleyball coaches Lauren and Casey Steinbrecher have built a family since landing here in our town. Here’s their story, from the proposal to raising a kid with a little help from their Dukes. by Dylan Garner
Photos by Kali Newlen Madison 101
Volleyball coaches Lauren and Casey Steinbrecher try to promote a family atmosphere with their team. But even they might not have expected the diapers that show up after every game. “We made it to eight months without buying diapers,” Lauren said. The pack of diapers serve as a gift from the players’ parents. It’s a gift that wouldn’t usually be seen anywhere near a volleyball court, but it’s much appreciated for these coaching spouses. After playing collegiate volleyball at Georgia Tech and as a pro in Spain, Lauren found herself at the University of Kentucky as an assistant coach. Casey worked his way through the ranks of club teams after playing on his club team at Ball State. They crossed paths for the first time at the 2008 American Volleyball Coaches Association Convention in Omaha, Neb. Mutual friends and nearby hotel rooms eventually brought the two together. Their love of volleyball was an obvious connection for the two — among other things. “We were both tall,” Lauren joked. They started dating immediately after and maintained a long-distance relationship while
Casey was still in Indianapolis. He took a job at Georgetown College in Kentucky to bridge that gap. He also helped win a national championship in the process. At the suggestion of Kentucky head coach and former JMU coach Craig Skinner, Lauren applied for the vacant job at JMU. She fell in love with the school, and she was offered the job without applying anywhere else. She did have one request. “I just asked when they offered, ‘Would it be OK if I hired my boyfriend?’” she said. Lauren and Casey’s big steps forward in their careers wouldn’t be the only big change for them upon landing in Harrisonburg. A scavenger hunt through some of the city’s “landmarks” they had been to — Kroger, Dunkin’ Donuts, Days Inn and the Children’s Museum — led Lauren to the volleyball court where they would begin coaching in just a few months. It was on the old Godwin court where Casey proposed. They would get married only three months later in May — to avoid volleyball season, unsurprisingly. “We moved here, started working together,
Casey and Lauren get their “game faces” on. Casey’s proposal to included a scavenger hunt that had Lauren visit some of their favorite places around Harrisonburg.
got engaged and got married all within four months,” Casey said. “When we came back, the girls completely bombarded our office with balloons and decorations. They all wanted to come to the wedding, but they weren’t invited.” Of course, with all the festivities taken care of, they still had their jobs to do. But as far as their coaching is concerned, their relationship only opens up doors that others might not have access to. As the head coach, Lauren calls the shots and sets up the team in her vision, but it’s the open communication that Casey can have with her that allows for some constructive criticism. There’s always one thing they have to keep in mind, however: Work talk is never exclusive to the office. “I get to say things to her that a lot of assistants probably wouldn’t say,” Casey said. “At the same time, we gotta leave here and we’re still with our co-workers. We try to separate [from volleyball] and it never happens.” More than what he just says, Casey also gets extra freedom with player interaction. Lauren lets him handle the middle hitters because of his expertise at the position, and she also made him the recruiting coordinator. The family environment is something that Casey takes with him on all of his recruiting visits. A married couple isn’t what all recruits look for in their collegiate coaches, but the current players are usually able to back them up. “Some of them have good experiences with married couples in the high school or club situation,” Casey said. “Or some of them have awful experiences and they’re like, ‘Eh, maybe I don’t want to play for a married couple.’ But that’s why we have them meet our girls and hang out with them. They can ask them those questions: How are they? What’s it like playing for a married couple? That kind of stuff.” Lauren and Casey might be the two closest members of the team, but they never forget to give credit to the rest of their JMU family: assistant coach Brett Versen, their players and the parents. The ones that believe in them enough to donate to the diaper collection of the Steinbrechers’ nine-month-old son. That sense of family is what ultimately drives the couple and the entire squad. “It’s a culture of family, like Brett’s in our family. All the girls are family to us,” Lauren said. “That’s where it helps the most.”
The legend of
the Kissing Rock
Back when JMU was still “Madison College” and had only female enrollment, all students lived on the Quad. When curfew rolled around, the ladies of Madison College would bid their boyfriends farewell from the Kissing Rock. JMU legend has it that if you get kissed on the Rock, you’ll end up getting married. In the fall and spring, seniors can often be found being proposed to at the Rock.
Drinking the
KOOL AID Coach Everett Withers has revitalized the football team and is ready to take on familiar CAA lineup
by Wayne Epps Jr.
This fall will officially usher in a new era in JMU football. Not only will new head coach Everett Withers lead the Dukes into their first campaign under his tutelage, but he’ll be leading a group with changes at some key positions. While it seems clear that Withers is bringing a new energy, or “juice as he calls it, to the program, what’s less clear is how those personnel changes will play out on the field. Perhaps the splashiest change is coming at quarterback. What was first billed as a competition between redshirt junior Vad Lee, a January Georgia Tech transfer, and the incumbent, junior Michael Birdsong, looks to be Lee’s job all the way. Two days after the spring football game in mid-April, Birdsong announced his decision to transfer from JMU and pursue a spot at another school. Birdsong led JMU in an up-and-down season in 2013, that saw the team finish 6-6 overall and 3-5 in the Colonial Athletic Association after a three-game losing streak to end the year. The Dukes missed the playoffs for the second year in a row and the fourth time in five seasons. In his first full season in the starting role, Birdsong set a JMU singleseason passing touchdown record with 22. But he also set a JMU singleseason interception record with 15. Birdsong finished with 2,728 yards passing and another 310 yard and three touchdowns on the ground.
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But Withers and his new staff wanted to spice up the quarterback depth chart, and landed the transfer Lee within their first couple of weeks on the job. Lee was Georgia Tech’s starter last season, but wasn’t satisfied with the Yellow Jackets’ offense and ended up making the move to Harrisonburg. He passed for 1,561 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 13 games last season. He also ran for 513 yards and eight touchdowns. Birdsong and Lee battled throughout spring practice. Lee earned the upper-hand statistically in the spring game though, going 11-for-18 for 149 yards passing and a touchdown. He also added six rushes for 69 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Birdsong was 9-for-24 for 112 yards and an interception. Elsewhere on offense, JMU will have to replace All-CAA first-teamer Dae’Quan Scott at running back. Scott led the Dukes with 1,040 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, plus 329 yards and three touchdowns receiving. In spring practice, Withers put an emphasis on having an effective running game to be able to open up the passing game. A key player in that effort looks to be sophomore Khalid Abdullah, who’s the leading returning rusher with 347 yards and three touchdowns in nine games last season. Abdullah was originally going to be redshirted by former
Lauren Gordon | The Breeze
head coach Mickey Matthews, but talent and injuries afforded him a spot behind Scott. And he showed flashes of what JMU fans could see this season, especially on an early October touchdown run against the University of Albany, breaking multiple tackles on his way to the house. Regardless of who’ll be throwing to him, last year’s leading receiver is also back. Redshirt senior Daniel Brown had the best season of his career in 2013, with 665 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. The 6-5 wideout showed his ability to use his height to snag passes last year, and looks to be a favorite target of whichever quarterback is under center for the Dukes. On defense, an eye will be on the defensive backs unit that was JMU’s Achilles heel last season. The group contributed to JMU finishing ninth out of 11 teams in the CAA in pass defense, giving up 251.2 yards per game. The unit is bringing back experience this season though. At cornerback, starters and redshirt sophomores Taylor Reynolds (started seven games) and Kwe’shon Williams (started all 10 games he played in) are back. At safety there’s senior Dean Marlowe (started every game last season) and sophomore Raven Greene (started the last five games of the season). But spots aren’t guaranteed, and JMU is still working on finding the right fits at defensive back.
JMU lost one of its most accomplished players in linebacker Stephon Robertson, whose career came to a close at the end of last season. Robertson was 2013 CAA Defensive Player of the Year, won the Dudley award as the top Division I football player in Virginia, was a runner-up for the Buck Buchanan award as the top defensive player at the Football Championship Subdivision level and was also named an All-American by multiple outlets. He racked up a CAA-best 141 tackles last season, plus five sacks and an interception. But a replacement emerged last season in redshirt sophomore linebacker Gage Steele. Steele is the leading returning tackler with 106, plus three sacks, playing alongside Robertson last season. At kicker, JMU will have to replace Cameron Starke, who was 12-17 on field goals and 33-36 on field goals in 2013. The Dukes do have redshirt junior Connor Arnone returning though. Arnone averaged 39.4 yards per punt and 57.4 yards per kickoff last season. Withers and staff ’s process of changing the culture of JMU football was set in motion from day one in December. But we’ll have to wait and see what immediate effect that will have for the on-the-field product this fall. The Dukes kickoff the 2014 season at the University of Maryland on Saturday, Aug. 30.
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A WKWARD
Kali Newlen | Madison 101
Just like the Valley weather, not every day is sunny for JMU students. Take a clue from their most embarrassing stories to keep yourself cool all year long.
Syllabus Struggle May the odds be ever inyour favor After a few hours of homework in Rose Library one night, my friend and I decided to go on an emergency Cookout run. On the way back to our seats we saw a study room full of our friends. We were exchanging funny faces when… BAM. The whole second floor of the library — which was jam-packed because of midterms — watched me walk straight into a pole. If that wasn’t awkward enough, some girl came over to me to congratulate me on embarrassing myself in front of everyone. W elcome to hell week, may the odds be ever in your favor.
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I had an 8 a.m. art history class freshman year that the teacher allowed students to attend a later section of the class if we missed ours. I overslept one morning so I went to my classroom for one of the later classes — I even arrived early — and took a seat. I sat next to a friend from high school who was surprised I was in this class. Ten minutes later the professor comes in, only it’s not my art history professor. Apparently the later sections were in a different room. I slowly picked up my backpack, threw the professor a deuces and laughed, saying “my bad, wrong class.” Once I finally got the right room — I had to call my roommate to check my syllabus for me — I was late and had to take the only seat left, which was in the very middle of the giant lecture hall. Lesson to all freshmen: read your syllabus.
Froggy Friends I lived in Eagle my freshman year and on my second night of college, there was an aftershock from that freak earthquake Virginia was hit by in 2011. The dorm had to be evacuated at 1 a.m. and I was in the shower. I had to go outside in my robe that I’ve had since middle school — it had little frogs all over it. Great way to make friends during FrOG week, I suppose!
Accidental Bus Tourist My freshman year roommate and I were trying to go to Walmart but we didn’t know which bus to take. We got on the wrong one so we ended up riding around Harrisonburg for an hour and a half until the bus driver noticed us still sitting in the back and told us he doesn’t even go
Cleaning Carousel
I once sent my iPhone through the rotatingdirty-dish-thing at E-hall and everyone cheered when I got it back.
Wrong room... and house One time when I was coming home I walked into the wrong apartment and the four guys who lived there were all sitting in the family room. I started yelling thinking it was my room-
Care Package Catastrophe
The summer before my freshman year at JMU, my grandparents and I went to Switzerland. My grandfather kept joking that while we were there I would meet and fall in love with a sexy mountain man. He said “Hans” was waiting to meet me and that we would live happily ever after in the Swiss countryside, content with our family and a few goats. While we were abroad, I came across a postcard that depicted a few rather built men, skiing, wearing nothing but red g-strings. I sent that postcard home telling my parents we’d met Hans and his friends on the mountain and that he would be coming home with me!! About two months into my first semester at JMU I received a package from my grandparents. I eagerly opened it on the quad with one of my good guy friends. My grandmother, with all of her free time, had knit me my own red g-string and my grandfather had written a letter to me from “Hans” saying he couldn’t wait to be reunited with me in the States. I was dying. I was crying. And then I was mortified when my friend began to try it on right there on the Quad! If nothing else has come from this embarrassing moment, I now know not to open any other packages from my grandparents in public.
Flustered at Festival I was working the register at Festival and this girl came up to pay for her meal and I heard “how is your day?” I started to answer her and soon after the two girls were laughing. Turns out she was talking to her friend next to her.
Longboard troubles I used to have really bad ankles from high school volleyball injuries. When my friends got tired of piggy-backing me everywhere, they gave me a longboard to sit on and said they would push me. Inevitably, my left thumb got run over by one of the wheels on the longboard. It was swollen and bruised for a week and my friend still won’t let me forget it four years later.
Baseball Backfire
I was getting out of my car in the Baseball Lot when a baseball rolled my way. The baseball boys practicing on the field asked me to chuck it back, so I wind up my arm to throw it. I threw it as hard as I could and ended up hitting a car. They all busted out in laughter. I was mortified and ran away! Thank goodness the car wasn’t damaged!
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