Madison 101 - 2020-2021

MADISON 101 The Student Guide to JMU Fall 2020

Inside the mind of a JMU psychology professor The ultimate freshman year bucket list How to tackle gen eds

A letter to parents A conversation with the voice of JMU sports Madison 101 | 1

Staff Managing Editor Caty Murphy

Photo Editor Tristan Lorei

Articles Editor Mitchell Sasser

Creative Director Carli Woodyear

Letter from the Editor

D

ear reader,

College didn’t start out easy for me. As an introvert on a campus full of colorful and outgoing individuals, I wondered if I’d ever find my place. But, JMU will change your life, and the experience helped me break out of my shell. You’ll grow as a student, meet extraordinary people and learn to partake in the spirit of JMU. Most of all, you’ll find yourself calling it “home” more often than you expect.

Finishing this magazine during the COVID-19 pandemic felt out of place not being in Harrisonburg. How could we express our love for JMU while we weren’t there? It wasn’t easy producing this work at our home desks instead of our classrooms, but we never gave up. Every staff member played a part to make this the best work possible, and we strive to be a guiding light to all incoming students finding their way through their one-of-a-kind JMU experience.

If you’re curious about the craziest roommate experiences, creative activities for those who aren’t the biggest partiers or a day-in-the-life of a student athlete, Madison 101 is the place to look. Our staff wants to welcome each and every one of you to JMU, so turn the page and get excited to be a JMU Duke. Your journey has just begun.

Kailey Cheng, Executive Editor 2 | Madison 101

Copy Editor, Senior Editor Cat Falvey

Designer, Senior Editor Marjorie Bonga

Designer, Senior Editor Jazmine Otey

Cover Artist, Senior Editor Mina Johnson

Designer Traci Rasdorf

Senior Editor Michael Bechtold

Senior Editor Sabrina Goodwin

Senior Editor Devon Merritt

Senior Editor Morgan Phillips

Senior Editor Matthew Sasser

inside 4 6 8

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Roommate recall Students retell craziest roommate experiences

In the shoes of an athlete Day-in-the-life of a JMU golfer, balancing sports and school

The mind of David Daniel Psychology professor strives to make class worthwhile

Not all about the party Activity guide for those who prefer to stay in

Inside the music scene Local bands highlight show culture

The world of UREC UREC employees share what they love about the gym

Off-campus adventures Calling all foodies and VSCO girls — here are the places to be downtown

Madison 101 | 3

There are various elements that tend to collectively define each person’s college experience.

One of those is most certainly the freshman year roommate. Though some roommate pairings may end up being completely adequate, there are always a few that slip through the cracks. Here are some funny stories from JMU students and graduates about their freshman year roommates.

Words by Cat Falvey

Grossed Out Gertrude

“My roommate had daily contact lenses, and I’d just find them on our carpet. She was obviously laying in bed and taking them out and throwing them on the ground.”

In the Middle Mavis

Nervous Nellie

“My first roommate was dating a 24-year-old dude and cheated on him with a baseball player the floor above us who I knew from high school. Then, her boyfriend came to visit the next day and it was very awkward.”

“My roommate wouldn’t cross the street unless I did first, so she knew it was safe.”

Bystander Bart “My roommate started a drug ring in our hall. A little bit into first semester, he convinced a bunch of the guys in our hall to start buying a ton of weed to pass around the hall. I was never a part of it for the obvious reasons, but I overheard them spending hundreds each on a weekly basis either doing them or selling them. I ended up taking a strike for him because he had two by the first month.”

Witness Willy “My freshman year roommate got kicked out of school for doing drugs during class.”

Behind Her Back Brenda “My roommate came home hammered, and I could hear her outside of the door whispering, ‘Please don’t be home, please don’t be home.’ Then, when she came in and saw me, she slammed the door and proceeded to slap the wall, crying hysterically, before falling asleep. We never spoke about it again.”

Let Down Denise “I met my freshman year roommate on Facebook, and she turned out very different than I expected. She would follow me everywhere and stare at me all the time even when I changed.

At the dining hall, she would have to get the same exact meal as me even if she didn’t like the food. She even ended up taking my necklace that had my name on it.”

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Graphic by Traci Rasdorf

Words and graphic by Marjorie Bonga

Dear Mo m & Dad,

Four years ago, we parted ways as I started my new journey at James Madison University.

After 18 years of living together, you left me at my new home with a lot of “I love you’s,” “call me if you need anything” and “be safe’s.” I laughed it off and said that I’d be fine. We both pretended that we were going to be okay because, of course, we haven’t been separated for 18 years. My excitement to start a new chapter in my life overshadowed what I really wanted to say during that time, which was, “Can you stay longer?”

Meeting new people in my hall, joining new organizations and going to classes kept me busy, but after a while, I realized just how much I missed you guys. When I got tired of eating at E-Hall and Festival, I wished I got to taste one of your home cooked meals. When I was sick and bedridden, I wished you guys were there to take care of me. When I was having a hard time, I wished I called you guys more. I recognize that there was a lot left unsaid throughout the years, and even though I didn’t communicate it often, I wanted to thank you for trusting me to create my own life outside of your care.

In the many moments when I was uncertain about joining clubs, meeting new people and switching my major, you both were always the first ones to support me. Despite the ups and downs I’ve experienced during my college career, I wouldn’t change anything. Because no matter what I did, you both trusted me enough to believe in any decision I made. The point of this letter is to say thank you for letting me experience four great years of my life. As I move onto adulthood after graduation, know that you’ve made such a big impact in shaping who I am today. If not for the lessons you taught me and the overwhelming love and support you gave me, I wouldn’t be walking across the stage receiving my diploma with two important words in mind: “thank you.”

From now on when you look at all the accomplishments I’ve made, I hope you know that you’re the reason why.

Lo ve,

ke Yo ur favorite Du

Madison 101 | 5

In the shoes of a

student athlete

JMU golfer discusses her daily routine to balance school & sport Words by Michael Bechtold

“Beep! Beep! Beep!” goes the sound of the alarm at 8 a.m.

Lauren Comegys is a senior hospitality major from Lakeway, Texas, on the Women’s Golf Team. After rolling over to turn off her alarm, she makes her way downstairs to brew some coffee to start her day.

“After I start the coffee maker, I go back upstairs and make my bed,” Comegys said. “I’ve heard it helps you get yourself ready to have a more productive day.”

When her coffee is ready, she takes it to go and is off to class. She tries to schedule her classes every semester so they don’t interfere with golf.

“My major doesn’t offer very many options throughout the semester, so sometimes, golf becomes scheduled around my classes,” Comegys said.

Driving down Port Republic Road, the typical morning traffic piles up as hundreds of students try to pass through the four traffic lights.

Turning onto campus, the backup continues as a number of cars try to find a spot in the Champions parking deck.

“It’s always a hassle finding a spot in here,” Comegys said. “You just have to keep circling until hopefully someone pulls out of their spot.”

Finally, after traveling three levels up, a car was pulling out of the corner spot of the deck. Champions deck is located 6 | Madison 101

right next to Godwin Hall, the location of most of Comegys’ classes.

She said it’s convenient when she can find a spot there, because it’s easy to get straight to her car after class.

Walking into the old building, the halls are covered in white brick. Godwin is the oldest building on campus and is home to most of the JMU Athletics teams.

“Alright here’s my class,” Comegys said as she finds her seat in the middle of the room.

Following class, she likes to make her way up the Godwin stairs to Chick-fil-A in D-Hall for lunch in-between classes.

“I tend to get Chick-fil-A, but I love getting Freshens as well,” Comegys said.

“I try to get lunch with my teammates as much as I can when they are out of class as well.”

When academics are done for the day, she makes her way back to the bottom floor of Godwin where the Women’s Golf locker room is.

“After changing into my golf clothes, I get my car and drive to the course or practice facility,” Comegys explained.

“If we have a match, or are playing, I get to the course about an hour before, and if we’re at practice, I get there about 15 minutes before.”

Driving to practice was a short drive across Port Republic Road where the team has a short-game practice fairway.

Photo provided by Lauren Comegys

“Click Clack Click Clack,” go the clubs knocking together as she walks to the open area of green.

“When we are here, we usually practice for an hour and a half,” Comegys said. “Playing at the course is way longer, more like three-and-a-half to five hours.”

After the team meeting to go over practice, the women line up and drop their golf balls on the ground. Now, they’re working on hitting the green from a little distance.

Comegeys explained that aiming at something further away helps her setup when she’s ready to hit the ball.

“Smack … thud. Smack … thud,” the sound of golf balls being swiped off the grass, launched in the air, then sticking the green.

When the team was done, they proceeded to do the same from a shorter distance, and then worked

their way into putting. One after another, Lauren drained five putts in a row.

“I guess you caught me on a good day,” Comegys said, laughing.

The team brought it up for some closing statements and activities to look ahead too. “One, Two, Three, Dukes!” they yelled before picking up their bags and going to their cars. After heading back to the locker room to drop off her equipment, Comegys calls to order takeout from her favorite restaurant, Vietopia, for Vietnamese cousine.

“It’s easiest to just get takeout and get home,” Comegys said.

“This way, I get my homework done and still have time to relax.”

Sitting at the kitchen table with a meal on one side and a laptop open on the other is a typical night for her.

“Time is valuable,” Comegys said. “Being able to do two things

at once is crucial and saves a lot of time.”

With a workload of about seven to 10 hours of homework a week, she still finds making time for friends an important part of her day.

“Before I go to bed, I enjoy hanging out with my boyfriend or my roommates,” Comegys said. “It is a nice way to wind down before trying to go to bed at 10:30.”

Having gone through four years of collegiate golf, Comegys is knowledgeable about the game.

She said college golf has been the greatest time she’s ever had and has made memories that’ll last a lifetime.

“Practice hard, push yourself everyday and don’t take the opportunity you have for granted,” Comegys said. “My senior season got cut short, and I played my last hole and made my last putt without even realizing it.”

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Ii nnss ii d de e tt h he M i n d e mind of

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Passion for his dog, pickles s o

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dedicated e a ge r t o t e a c h to students

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David Daniel Psychology 101 professor has become a student favorite for his witty banter, caring attitude and, of course, his dog, Pickles.

Words by Morgan Phillips, photos by Tristan Lorei

Psychology professor David Daniel’s childhood dream was to train dolphins.

On a trip to Marine Land in first grade, he watched the trainers, and after the show, went up to where the dolphins were swimming and got them to do some of the same tricks from the show. He discovered how smart they were, and from then on, wanted to work with them. However, Daniel later decided that he liked working with kids because, like dolphins, they smile too.

It seems unusual that someone with these aspirations made their way to JMU. When I asked how he’d come here he answered: “A U-Haul,” Daniel said, laughing.

He started to take stand-up gigs, which occured right at the beginning of the comedy boom during the mid ’80s. He split his time taking classes in graduate school at West Virginia University and traveling, taking stand-up gigs. He later went on to get his PHD, but continued to pursue comedy.

In total, Daniel spent 13 years traveling and doing stand up.

Though the combination of his education and comedian career seemed like an unlikely mix, Daniel said he thinks it meshes well.

“The smartest people I ever hung out with were comedians,” Daniel said.

When Daniel was teaching at the University of Maine at Farmington in 1976, he was invited to be a visiting scholar at Havard University, where he helped develop the field of mind-brain education, now associated with neurosciences. His specific

focus was about how people learn and the best way to teach them.

Now, a professor of psychology and Cluster 5 coordinator at JMU, Daniel now only teaches one PSYCH101 class, a general education course.

Cluster 5 courses include the wellness and sociocultural domain. Though students often don’t understand the need for gen eds, Daniel is firm in his desire to make his class worthwhile.

“I think they’re the most important classes you can offer on a campus,” Daniel said. “I think if we’re going to tell you guys you have to take these classes, they need to have lots of value.”

Students across JMU’s campus soundly agree that his class is a useful gen ed. Anna Dix, a sophomore psychology major, took Daniel’s class after struggling in PSYCH101 with a different professor.

“For me, his class was so interesting because I was able to learn the material through applying it to our daily lives,” Dix said. “We were able to look at everything and how it affects us every day.”

Dix is now a teacher’s assistant for Daniel.

Right across the hallway from Daniel’s office is a meeting room that’s open for any student from his class to use and ask questions. Dix and other TAs are there to help students study, or help with questions they have related to class. It’s meant to be a student-to-student resource space, all a part of Daniel’s design.

“Their job is only to help people find answers and discuss things,” Daniel said. “They can’t tell

Madison 101 | 9

you the answer — they teach you how to read better and find answers …

So, we teach people how to do it for themselves, so they can do it on the test, but also for the rest of their lives.”

Daniel has contributed to over 100 publications, and frequently travels to speak at keynotes or invited addresses all over the world. In Spring 2020, he traveled to Cuba for the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) to speak to scientists, teachers and government officials about educational practice and policy.

The work he’s most passionate about is the indigenous population in the U.S. He’s traveled to South Dakota to two of the poorest counties in the U.S. to work with indigenous people. He said he was looking at the issue statistically rather than through the lens of mass media, which often lists native people at the bottom. That’s where Daniel decided to focus his efforts.

“There’s justice, and there’s just us.” Daniel said. “The worst things, like the highest poverty rate, percentage of most people killed by cops … they’re usually worse in indigenous communities.”

Though Daniel’s contributions are significant, the extent of his accomplishments aren’t recognized by most of the people he interacts with. His office is mostly bare, with a box full of awards he refuses to hang on the walls.

“He does a lot of stuff outside of school, I know he travels almost every week.” Dix said.

Daniel described himself as a sort of psych ninja, modeled after a website he created for students that lists studying strategies based on his research.

“I do a lot, but that’s the problem — I don’t like to talk about it,” Daniel said. “The students around me know about it because they know when I’m gone.”

Daniel said all his accomplishments and awards are small matters compared to his drive to show students that they can learn something of value through his class.

“One of the main ethics that I teach is I teach psychology,” Daniel said. “It’s everywhere — all around you. I don’t teach a psychology major class; I teach a psychology class for general education. You should be able to see this in all of your majors, all of your minors and all throughout your life.”

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Madison 101 | 11

How to unpack emotional baggage Moving away from everything familiar for the first time may be daunting. A number of routines and habits are about to change for incoming freshmen. There’s no more Mom reminding you to clean your room, Dad to watch football with or an older sibling to check in on your well-being.

freshmen wrestle with their mental health.

With several changes happening when moving into a college dorm, like taking on higher level classes and making new friends, sometimes self-care is the last thing on one’s mind.

Fortunately, there are several ways to cope with mental health issues.

Words by Sabrina Goodwin

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Nina Critz, who’s the associate director for administration for the Counceling Center, said students should get enough sleep and attend to their nutrition and physical needs while exploring all that JMU has to offer.

“I encourage students to embrace the many occasions for fun and growth while balancing their need for stability and self-care,” Critz said.

The Counseling Center is a resource students shouldn’t be afraid to use. Located on the third floor of the Student Success Center, the Counseling Center offers a variety of services in addition to formal counseling.

“The Studio and Oasis are excellent resources, even if a student just needs some self-care, or is not quite ready for therapy,” Traci Ballou-Broadnax , the coordinator of multicultural outreach for JMU’s Counseling Center, said.

Also, the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS), a building just off campus that’s walkable from the Hillside or Village dorms, also offers counseling sessions.

It’s a fee of $10 per session, making it more affordable than other outside resources.

Some other ways to take care of mental health include exercising — students should take advantage of the University Recreation Center while they can — walking outside, calling a friend or family member or joining a club or organization to get involved and meet new people.

Madison 101 | 13

Not all about

the party Words by Jessica Kronzer

While it can be tempting to go out to parties freshman year, JMU has a variety of activities for students to create new friendships and tap into interests or hobbies. Harrisonburg is your new home, and the downtown that you’ll grow to love is just a few minutes from main campus. Instead of participating in activities that could give you a strike or a criminal charge, look for ways to better your JMU experience.

Photo by Anelise Johnson

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1

Game Night

A good old-fashioned game night is a way to bond with your hallmates. Card games like “What Do You Meme,” classic board games like “The Game of Life” and playing video games bring people together. Take a walk to Walmart or look on Amazon Prime for games.

If board games aren’t your thing, try a game of assassin with your hallmates. Nerf gun wars can provide endless nights of fun.

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Get moving

Take a walk and learn the city of Harrisonburg.

Exploring downtown could look like going to dinner with your hallmates or window-shopping at small businesses.

If you ever can’t walk downtown, use methods like Bird scooters, pedicabs, UREC’s rented bikes or HDPT’s bus system.

If you play a sport, start an intramural team with your hallmates. Take advantage of large outdoor spaces at JMU such as the Quad. Ultimate frisbee and double dutch clubs thrive on these spots on campus.

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2

Arts and crafts

Take yourself back to the good old days and try some hands-on arts and crafts. JMU’s X-Labs offer options to create custom items, often for free. Temper, a literary magazine, and 3D printing club also provide creative outlets on campus. Look at Pinterest for inspiration: paint personal canvases, sew scrunchies and more. A trip to local thrift shop could find old treasures with a potential to be repurposed.

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Record the moment

Explore the arboretum and take a photoshoot with friends to get pictures for “the gram.” If your friends are starting to look for internships, grab your friend with the nicest iPhone and head to the Quad for headshots. Your LinkedIn will be taken up a notch if you have a more professional profile photo.

Consider using an app like “1 Second Everday” that’ll help you document your college years. The app compiles a series of one second long videos into one longer collage of memories.

On-campus fun During the week, the University Program Board (UPB) might put on a Funny Freakin’ Friday, a stand-up comedy show or host a showing of “Frozen 2.” Look up its movie schedule and mark off your calendar to see recently released films for a cheap price without leaving campus. If you can’t make it out of your dorm, have a movie night in your lounge and invite other people in your building to come. Raid Mr. Chips for comfort food.

Madison 101 | 15

SENIORS GIVE ADVICE to freshman selves During my first drive down to JMU, my stomach twisted in knots.

Within the next two hours and 30 minutes, I’d be at a new home surrounded by people I’d never met.

I — someone who hadn’t spent no longer than a week away from home — would be away from my family for nearly three months. A million questions swarmed throughout my mind, feeding into my anxiety. This feeling continued from the car ride to the time I first plopped down on my bed in the Village dorms and looked around, transfixed by my

new environment. I had no idea if I’d make friends or if college would be for me.

As a graduating senior, if I could give my past self advice, I would tell myself to cherish each and every second as if it’s my last, because with just a blink of my eye, my college career was nearly over. I’d also tell myself to not stress about making friends, because during these four years here, I’d develop friendships I’d grow to cherish for a lifetime.

Here are what other seniors wish they could’ve told their past selves.

Words by Jazmine Otey, photos provided by subjects

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Nico Penaranda Major: English Graduation date: May 2020 “If I had any advice for freshman year me, I’d tell him it’s okay to not know what you’re doing. I still don’t, but I made it this far, didn’t I? What I’ve learned about college is no one really knows what they’re doing. We’re all just trying to get through the days. Some are good and some are bad, but you learn from both. So, be present in every moment, and don’t worry about the rest.”

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Elizabeth Elia Major: Independent scholars Graduation date: May 2020 Valedictorian of May 2020’s graduating class “You are going to fail, and it will feel like the world is over, like your worth is lessened, but you are so much stronger than you think. Take the time to breathe, to spend time where you are, in the here and now, because before you know it, all the things that you were looking forward to will be happening.

You only get a few years at JMU — take it in.”

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Nico Penaranda Mostafa Ahmed Major: SMAD Graduation date: May 2020 “The advice that I’d give to my freshman self is to not feel like you’re the only one struggling to find the right circle. My first year at JMU, I spent every weekend alone in my room because I was losing energy trying to build relationships in my classes. I grew lonely and pessimistic about being happy here. Once I was accepted into SMAD and began studying digital video and cinema, things finally started clicking. There was finally a real connection with people who made me feel happy and a part of something. Everyone has their own path to find their circle.”

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FRESHMAN YR

BUCKET

L IST

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1

Go to a Football Game

Participate in Org Night

Bring your roommate or hallmates and try throwing a streamer or two, or take a picture with the Duke Dog. Attending at least one football game is an absolute must as a freshman, especially the home opener on Sept. 5. When you’re surrounded by a sea of purple and gold, the energy that encapsulates Bridgeforth Stadium will make you even more proud to be a Duke.

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You can’t begin freshman year without being introduced to a variety of different people. Student Org Night is one of the biggest events to attend as a freshman at the beginning of the year. This is where students can meet around 300 different organizations like club sport teams, music or academic organizations. Find an organization that suits you.

Explore Downtown

Walk around downtown Harrisonburg with friends and explore the variety of restaurants and stores.

Some JMU students' favorites are at Magnolias and “Sticky Nug Thursdays” at Billy Jacks.

4

Take a group class at UREC

Explore different UREC classes to take with friends or even by yourself. UREC offers a load of group fitness classes that’ll have you sweating, smiling and coming back for more. Are you stressed? Dance away in cardio dance party classes.

Don’t have time to work out?

Take a sculpt class. This is definitely a great way to bond with friends and make new ones.

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Try E-Hall Brunch 5 As a freshman, you have to try the best brunch on campus. Even if you live on the other side of campus, E-Hall Sunday brunch is worth the trek up the hills of JMU. There are various breakfast foods to choose from, whether it's pancakes, tater tots or omelettes.

6 Attend UPB Events Take advantage of living so close to events happening on campus. UPB hosts numerous events for students. From movies at Grafton Stovall-Theater to Late Night Breakfasts where students can eat, watch performances and hang out with friends. There are an array of events that different organizations are always hosting.

Madison 101 | 21 Words by Marjorie Bonga

From basements to bars, these musicians create their own sound and offer advice to those wanting to jump into the JMU scene

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Words by Mitchell Sasser, photo provided by Zach Benson

“Indie-pop folk.”

That’s how senior computer science major Nic Maoury describes his music, but he says it changes every day.

Maoury is the singer and guitar player for his band, Lilac War, which started in high school in Winchester, Virginia. When he came to JMU, it took him a semester or two to get involved in the music scene in Harrisonburg, but quickly found an accepting audience.

“The fact that there is this tight-knit community here at JMU that allows artists to kind of step out of their shell and experiment with who they are, and the kind of music that they make, is really important,” Maoury said.

Justin Kline has been playing with Maoury in Lilac War for the past four years. They’ve played at house shows at Easy Greasy, restaurants like Habana Café and events like MACROCK and JMU Relay for Life.

“The house shows have definitely been some of my favorites because we can get more personal with the audience,” Kline said.

Maoury currently has over 290,000 streams on his song “Caroline” on Spotify. Even though he said he’s spent hours handing out flyers and posting them at bus stops, he tries not to get lost in the marketing or number of streams.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about my emotional attachment to these songs and the kind of vibes I’m giving off,” Maoury said. “It’s about the authenticity of the music that you create and what it means to you and how you can share those emotions with other people.”

Kline’s advice for freshmen trying to get into the music scene is to “make friends, go to shows and keep trying.” Maoury says to find accepting people and to learn and grow from them.

During alumnus Zach Benson’s sophomore year

at JMU, he listened to the 1975, 21 Pilots and Jack Garratt, while also teaching himself how to produce his own music. Benson graduated in May 2019, but over his two years of performing in Harrisonburg, he said he’s played between 50 and 75 shows.

Benson’s piece of advice for freshmen is to talk to people and reach out. Even if it’s just the people who live in one’s hall or someone in a class, Benson said there are always opportunities for connections in the music scene.

“My main route of performing would just be asking people what they needed — seeing if I could hop on a show at Golden Pony, or hop on a show at TDU on campus, or do a house show in someone’s basement,” Benson said. “It was really whatever opportunity came up, and there was always opportunities to perform.”

Benson said that he’s “absolutely obsessed” with the Golden Pony, a restaurant and live music venue in downtown Harrisonburg, and that it consistently brings out fantastic artists. He said that through watching other artists, he walks away feeling inspired and ready to get back on stage.

Even though Benson has played at the Golden Pony and MACROCK, he said that the early moments of “just starting to figure everything out” are the memories he fondly looks back at.

“The thing I credit Harrisonburg for the most would be just giving me the opportunity to try and fail 50 times, and have shows where I played for two people and the sound was the worst sound system I’ve ever used in my whole life,” Benson said. “But, also giving me the opportunity to play shows for a hundred people and made me feel like I’m a rock star in Harrisonburg.”

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A conversation with Curt Curt Dudley, JMU’s director of multimedia communications, details his love for the school in a Q&A

Q: Where and how did you start your career?

District at that time, which A: “It would’ve been while I was still in school. My first paycheck came during the fall of my senior year, which would’ve been 1982. I started to do high school color commentary at that time for football and basketball. It was what was called the Valley

would’ve been Broadway High School, Harrisonburg High School — Spotswood High School had just come online. They were merged from two other schools — Turner Ashby High School and Fort Defiance. Those were the primary ones.”

Q: How did you end up at JMU? Bridgewater, and so they A: “During the school year — particularly during the breaks around December and early January when the students were away — JMU was still heavy into playing basketball games.

Those are played at the Convocation Center at that time. I was working at Bridgewater College as a sports information director, and at that time of year, Division III, they have a little longer break. So, I go through a stretch where I didn’t have any events and the folks over at JMU knew of my work over at

would call and say, ‘We’ve got a couple of games over the break. Can you come over and help us out and do statistics?’ So, that’s kind of where it started. I developed a rapport with them and then a couple of job openings came about for the baseball sports information director in the middle of the school year, and so they approached me in January of 1988 and my first assignment was in February of 1988. So, seven or eight weeks later, I was hired.”

Q: What is your favorite sport to cover?

A: “Well, that’s a hard one to

answer, and the way that I answer that best is that when I was just working strictly with individual sports, like five or six of them. Without hesitation, I would’ve said baseball because that’s what I was primarily known for earlier in my career. I’ve become much more active in covering the other sports, football, basketball and

24 | Madison 101

all the others that we do have. I’ve learned myself that it wasn’t a matter of the sport as it was working with the student athletes, so it didn’t matter what they played. Certainly, they all have their own individual characteristics that make it fun, but really, it was more of a matter of covering collegiate student athletes more than the sport itself.”

Q: What does a typical work day look like?

A: “It is different with different as it is becoming breaking seasons. Some of the basic things are that every day, I’m distributing information about JMU athletics, what you get when you receive the Inside Tracks (a daily email centered around JMU Athletics news). I’m sending out information to, generally during the school year, about 12,000 people directly with information about JMU. Much of the rest of the day is keeping up with some of that information

news. At the same time, I’m preparing, organizing, scheduling and on three or four days a week, actually doing live productions of JMU sports. And in doing so, managing a big, big group of students, whether that be practicum students or classroom students. So, a typical day would involve getting out that information and preparing for live productions three or four days a week.”

Q: Do a lot of people recognize you just by your voice?

A: “Yes, that does happen. I’ll

be standing in the line at the local grocery store and somebody could either start up a conversation with me because it’s a small area, so you do know people, but others are standing around you that don’t know you and you

can see them respond and say, ‘I’ve heard that voice before,’ or you can see a puzzled look because it’s like, ‘I know that voice, but how do I know it,’ or it’s an immediate, ‘I know who that is!’ It’s just kind of fun when that happens, but it’s also pretty humbling.”

Q: Do you see yourself doing this forever?

A: “Yes. It’s just the way things some guys that have very have evolved throughout my career, and I look at it with a sense that if I would come off the day-to-day operations, the talent and skill set that I have as a broadcaster is still very marketable as long as I can still communicate clearly, can keep my wits about me and keep up with the speed of the game. That is probably the biggest thing as you age. Can you keep up with the speed of the game? For some, you see

extended careers. Can you manage it and still manage your health, and that’s always something that could come into play. Yes, I can see where even if I were to step back from the full-time operation, I would still be involved in a part-time standpoint.

That could be with JMU, the CAA (Colonial Athletic Association), but there are a lot more people doing this kind of thing out there, so it is very well established.”

Words by Devon Merritt, photo provided by Curt Dudley

What is your favorite part of

JMU?

“Just the culture overall and the way that it has allowed me to evolve my own career. Certainly, I’ve had my mentors and my supervisors, but the university itself and the way that things operate have allowed me to

take my own ideas and expand on them, certainly with the support of the administration and the relationships that I’ve developed on a personal and professional level with the staff as well as the student-athletes.”

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How to tackle JMU 2024

gen eds

Words by Sabrina Goodwin

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graphic by Carli Woodyear

41 CREDITS 13 CLASSES 5 CLUSTERS 1. Print out the gen ed cluster sheet. JMU has a cluster system, which can be found online. It’s helpful to have the list printed out, so you know what you’ve taken and what’s left to take. Cross off the classes and sections of each cluster as you take them, making what you have left to take more clear.

2. Check Rate My Professor. For some gen ed classes, there are an overwhelming amount of sections offered with different professors, such as SCOM123. Navigating this process during the stress of enrollment can be tricky. Rate My Professor is a useful tool to alleviate some of that stress. It’s a website where former students write about their experiences with said professors in their classes.

3. Get to know your professors. Some of the gen ed classes can be an adjustment from high school because of their sizes. Several gen eds are big lecture halls that can make it hard to stand out.

“I talked to professors a lot, especially in the classes that were really not my strong points,” senior kinesiology major Lauren Farrell said. “Most gen ed professors are more than willing to help you out in office hours.”

Student end up taking a variety of classes outside their major, ranging from topics such as anthropology to philosophy. Many may groan at the thought of taking another math class, but JMU is a liberal arts college, meaning that its students graduate with a well-rounded education. Here are some tips for tackling your gen ed classes.

4. Take classes in subject areas that you don’t know much about. “I got as many gen eds done freshman year before I knew what I wanted to major and minor in,” JMU student Georgia Vaughan said. “These gen eds eventually led me to my major and minor. It was helpful to complete the majority of my gen eds the first three semesters at JMU because it helped me figure out my major.”

5. Complete Cluster 1 gen eds during your first year, so make sure to enroll in them first. Some first-year students don’t know this is a requirement when they enroll in classes for the first time, as enrollment typically happens before Summer Springboard. Luckily, it’s only three classes, so it’s not the end of the world if you haven’t enrolled in any of them yet.

6. Take your other gen eds whenever you want, as long as they’re all completed by the time you graduate. “Try and get the most out of gen eds, because they are a chance to explore interests other than your major or minor,” Vaughan said. “They can give you a better understanding of the world and are important for a rounded, comprehensive education.”

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More than

Just a Gym UREC employees give behind-the-scenes look at best parts of recreation center Words by Cat Falvey

The University Recreation Center may be intimidating for newcomers to JMU’s campus. The vast modern architecture and gleaming windows that stretch across the entirety of the building can be seen from many spots on both Main and East Campus. What many locals don’t know about this workout sanctuary is the sense of community that it brings to JMU. Junior health sciences major Clair Martin cited this social fabric as her motivation to use the facility and eventually begin a career there.

“I have made so many friendships not only within my department, but also with people from other departments, which is super amazing,” Martin said. “Everyone has the common similarity of being passionate about UREC, so it’s easy to find more common interests about everyone.”

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In addition to maintaining her studies, a social life and a membership in the Pre-Occupational Therapy Association, Martin recently accepted a position as operations supervisor at UREC. As a supervisor, Martin is responsible for overseeing all activity in UREC and UPARK, which is JMU’s off-campus outdoor location used for school events and team practices.

Despite the stereotypical images of bulging muscles and protein-packed gym rats at most university gyms, Clair said that UREC’s environment is different. She hasn’t had a lifelong passion for fitness, nor is she a hardcore exercise enthusiast today. Rather, her afterschool activities in high school included competitive dance and marching band.

Photo provided by Clair Martin “It’s not just a place for people who want to run or lift weights, but rather, it offers programs for every possible individual,” Clair said. “I think that it’s a unique center for everyone to come together and grow in an inclusive, healthy and safe environment.”

Martin listed the cycle, step and cardio kickboxing group classes as some of her personal favorites. UREC offers a plethora of “Group Ex” classes for all workout preferences.

Yoga, water aerobics and “Cardio Dance Party” are just a few on the extensive list of options. Sophomore Courtney Wiles said she found solace in UREC’s yoga classes during her freshman year.

“They were super calm and relaxing, but I still got a really good workout in,” Wiles said. “You could tell the instructors were super understanding and not judgemental at all if you couldn’t do something.”

Not only does UREC boast a hefty index of exercisebased classes, but there are also many cooking classes to enjoy as well. Clair recalled a black-bean brownie instruction and swore emphatically by their delicacy.

“They tasted so good,” she said. “It was such a cool experience.”

Although Clair doesn’t plan to continue an exercisebased career in her post-grad future, she said she thanks UREC for strengthening her leadership, communication and customer service skills. Clair will begin her new position as operations supervisor in the fall, so be sure to say “hi” when you find yourself at UREC. “Overall, UREC has given me so many connections that have definitely enhanced my experience at JMU,” Clair said. “UREC was such a positive environment for me and I wanted to continue to provide that environment for other JMU students.”

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Bring in the culture These organizations and more are spreading messages of diversity at JMU

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Words by Marjorie Bonga With over 300 organizations at JMU, there are plenty of multicultural groups that help spread awareness and educate Dukes about different cultures. JMU is a predominantly white institution, or PWI, and doesn’t seem racially diverse at first glance.

This can be intimidating for racial minorities who are trying to fit in.

However, through cultural and philanthropic events, students have found their home away from home by joining these organizations.

Black Student Alliance has served as an advocate for the black students at JMU for the past 50 years. The organization is based on four values: authenticity, advocacy, community and leadership. It hosts several events such as Fall Fest and Skate Jams throughout the school year that may help educate and provide a space to support black students.

“BSA has been the backbone of my experience at JMU,” Kyel Towler, a junior communications major, said. “BSA has given me an opportunity to be authentic in my individuality and my blackness. I love BSA as much as I do, because the organization has consistently and persistently served students in ways the university hasn’t and at times isn’t able to. BSA has brought about opportunities for me and many other students.”

Photo provided by BSA

Asian Student Union was established in 1971 and is one of the oldest multicultural organizations at JMU. Its goal is to educate students on the various aspects like the traditions or foods of various Asian cultures.

The organization hosts a variety of cultural events and collaborates with other groups to ensure representation of each culture accurately and respectfully.

“ASU has been my salvation when going through good and bad times,” Joanie Nguyen, a senior mathematics major, said. “It kept me grounded and made me want to be a better person to represent our community. The Asian Student Union is an Asian interest organization whose goal is to spread Asian culture. What that means to me is to bring awareness to Asian culture and normalize it, thus creating a safe space to practice one’s culture without fear of judgement.”

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Filipino Americans at Madison looks to promote awareness of Filipino culture to both the JMU and Harrisonburg community through cultural, social and philanthropic events such as FAM pageant and its annual culture show.

“I love how FAM has given me a sense of belonging, as any org should do,” Anika de Guzman, a senior education major, said. “Joining FAM helped me transition into college better, and I don’t know college without it. It has also helped me become more in touch with my Filipino culture when I’m away from home, and it makes me happy that the main mission of our org is to educate others on our culture.”

Photo provided by FAM

Vietnamese Student Association invites anyone who’s interested in Vietnamese culture to join. Through cultural and social events, it creates a safe space for all Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese people to learn about traditions, heritage and history of Vietnam.

“I joined VSA in hopes to better understand my culture values as a Vietnamese/Chinese-American,” Mykim Hang, a senior health adminstration major, said. “I love the organization because I’ve gained relationships with genuinely kind people who have supported and impacted me to further support others.”

Photo provided by VSA

Student Minority Outreach promotes diversity with minority organizations and students through coordinating diverse programs like Overnight at Madison Weekend and other programs that help bring attention to minority life at JMU. “I am a proud executive board member of this wonderful organization,” Catalina Mendoza, a senior hospitality major, said. “It’s rewarding to see all our efforts make a difference on students’ lives.”

Latin Student Alliance provides a forum to all those who are interested in learning more about Latin American cultures, as well as creating a network with others who share similar cultural backgrounds. “‘There are friends, and then there is family, and then there are friends that become family would probably be the best quote that represents what I love about LSA the most,” Anthony Rodriguez, a senior business major, said.

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Downtown delights Words by Kailey Cheng

The JMU experience is never truly complete without taking a trip downtown. There’s an abundance of hidden gems to explore. Whether you’re looking for the perfect ice cream cone for your “foodstagram,” or searching for those iconic stores that contribute to the Harrisonburg culture, here are the ideal places to go for every Duke.

For the

coffee lover

1) Shenandoah Joe Shenandoah Joe is a classic in the ’Burg.

It serves over 25 varieties of gourmet coffee using Arabica coffee from all over the world. The shop itself makes a wonderful atmosphere to socialize with friends.

2) Black Sheep Coffee Black Sheep serves coffee from local roasters and all of its baked goods are made in-house. The location is ideal for socializing or studying, and there are even a couple of vintage arcade machines to try out.

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3)

Breeze File Photos

3) Broad Porch Coffee Located in the Agora Downtown Market, this mini coffee shop strives to put the environment first. It offers discounts for customers bringing their own cups and containers, and chooses farms that practice environmental sustainability.

For the artsy 1) Downtown Books Walk into this little shop and you’re instantly surrounded by stacks and shelves of books, and the smell of crisp, old pages. If you’re a bookworm, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here, flipping through old novels, comic books and magazines.

1) 3) Water St. Vintage & Bohemian At this groovy shop, you’ll find everything vintage — the music, the clothing, the jewelry and even the shop owner, Mike Harlow.

And, don’t forget to go up the stairs for a unique art browsing experience.

2) Agora Downtown Market The downtown shopping experience isn’t complete without stopping by the Agora Downtown Market, a community of small businesses all housed under one roof.

From handmade wax lotion candles — yes, these exist — to gardening tools and beautiful wall prints, Agora has it all. It may even be the perfect little spot for a photoshoot with your friends.

For the foodie 1) Kline’s Dairy Bar Kline’s is truly a bucket list item every freshman needs to check off. There are two locations: one on South Main Street and the other on East Wolfe Street. Each offers a different flavor of the week among a plethora of tasty frozen options. Some flavors include brownie batter and peanut butter cookies and cream.

1) 3) The Little Grill Collective Brunch anyone? Everyone in Harrisonburg needs to eat at The Little Grill Collective. Toward the end of downtown, this restaurant offers delectable vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Try the buttermilk pancakes, the potato boat and the coffee.

2) Pulp Acai Bowls A hearty acai or smoothie bowl is available off campus at the Shenandoah Bicycle Company. Customers can choose from a variety of combinations or they can build their own.

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