James “Jim” Schmidt was announced to be JMU’s seventh president Wednesday in Wilson Hall. Schmidt is the chancellor at University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and will assume his JMU role July 1.
NEWS Drake Miller & K. Mauser breezenews@gmail.com
Jim Schmidt to be JMU’s seventh president
By ELEANOR SHAW AND SIXUAN WU The Breeze
After nearly a year of searching, JMU’s Board of Visitors voted via Zoom to vote in the university’s seventh president: former University of Wisconsin at Eau-Claire Chancellor James “Jim” Schmidt.
He made his JMU debut during an 11 a.m. event at Wilson Hall.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to join the JMU community,” Schmidt said at the event. “I look forward to working with you and helping to move this institution forward with your help, guidance and support, and I look forward to getting to know you all.”
Who is Jim Schmidt?
Schmidt will enter the role July 1 after finishing his tenure as UWEC’s chancellor — a role he has held for over a decade. Besides serving as UWEC’s chancellor, Schmidt’s LinkedIn indicates he currently chairs the board of directors for WNB Financial, a community bank in Minnesota. He also chaired the NCAA’s DIII Presidents Council during 2022-24.
“What Jim has been able to accomplish over the 12 years at the University of Wisconsin EauClaire has been nothing short of remarkable,” JMU Board of Visitors Rector Suzanne Obenshain said, highlighting Schmidt’s fundraising achievements at UWEC — most recently, securing $70 million to construct a 170,000 square foot indoor athletic facility and events center.
Before his time in Wisconsin, according to Schmidt’s LinkedIn, he started his professional career in higher education as Riverland Community College’s vice president for student affairs in Minnesota for 11 years, before moving to Winona State University (WSU) in the same state to work as its vice president for university advancement for over 15 years.
In 2017, Schmidt told UWEC’s student newspaper Spectator News that he grew up in the small farming town of Houston, Minnesota and, immediately after college, spent one year in Washington, D.C. working for former Minnesota Rep. Timothy Penny — a Democratic-FarmerLabor when elected, according to the Minnesota Legislature’s website.
According to the University of Wisconsin, Schmidt earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from WSU, then got his master’s in Business Administration at the University
of St. Thomas and finally received his Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Minnesota. While at WSU, Spectator News reported he was active in student government.
Schmidt’s first JMU address
During his speech, Schmidt expressed his excitement to learn more about the passion and enthusiasm of JMU students and “what it means to be a Royal Duke.”
He said he aims to be JMU’s “president and chief storyteller,” and he looks forward to further JMU’s distinction during his tenure — including in academics, research, innovation and community engagement.
“Together, we will develop a new strategic plan that will maintain this momentum and position JMU for distinction and long term success in a challenging higher ed environment,” he said. “We will be known as the center of innovation, as a trusted partner locally and at the state level, in Richmond and across our commonwealth and beyond.”
Schmidt added that he hopes to continue building JMU’s national reputation regarding nurturing civic leaders, and that he recognizes JMU’s important role of “Being the Change” in the community, especially during a critical time for higher education institutions.
“There’s a lot of static going around higher ed,” Schmidt said. “The value of higher ed has become a little bit of a political punching bag, and it’s important that we not hang our heads low, but we pull our heads high, because the work we do together is a noble effort — one that lifts lives, creates societies, and dare I say, it is the cornerstone of the American Dream that everyone has an opportunity to lift themselves, and that is your work. That is our work. It is worth holding our heads high for.”
Schmidt concluded his speech by saying he looks forward to listening, learning from and working alongside Dukes.
“It’s time to dream bigger. We need to dream bigger, because there’s nothing that can stop an institution like this,” Schmidt said.
CONTACT Eleanor Shaw at breezeeditor@ gmail.com and Sixuan Wu at thebreezeculture@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
Jim Schmidt will begin his term as president on July 1. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze
SGA allocates $9,000 in funds during the first meeting back from break
By EMMA NOTARNICOLA The Breeze
Student Government Association (SGA) Senate allocated roughly $9,000 in funding to the a cappella group Unaccompanied, the Asian Student Union, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and dance team Grupo Candela as well as heard a presentation from JMU Pathfinders during its Tuesday meeting.
$3,000 to a cappella group
Unaccompanied for anniversary concert
The SGA unanimously allocated $3,000 in contingency funds for Unaccompanied’s “first-ever reunion concert” on April 12, said junior Madison Florenz, the group’s treasurer. Unaccompanied is JMU’s “latest upper voices a cappella group” that formed based on its members’ “passion for music,” Florenz said during her presentation to the senate.
The group performs at different universities and in- and out-of-state music events, collaborates with other organizations, and raises money for music foundations to “keep music in the schools,” Florenz said. Unaccompanied is also releasing its first-ever EP, “Between the Lines,” this Saturday across various streaming platforms.
With the contingency funds, the club will host its first reunion concert since its 10-year anniversary celebration was delayed in 2020 due to COVID-19. Florenz said that this year, club members are “super excited” to finally host Unaccompanied’s 15th anniversary reunion concert.
Freshman and Sen. Nyla Baker said the concert is a great way for Unaccompanied’s “current members to show up their current pieces that they’ve been working on all year” as well as a way for “alumni to come back” and perform with their former group.
“We hope to share our spirit and passion with our audiences,” Florenz said.
This event will feature songs from Unaccompanied’s “current route,” new songs and pieces from over the group’s 15-year history, she said.
The concert will take place at Grafton-Stovall Theater and will be open to the public for free, with contingency funds covering sound system, photography and song arrangement costs
“The event is an opportunity to share music with our friends, family and the community, but it’s also an opportunity to recognize, celebrate and perform alongside alumni,” Florenz said
$3,000 to the Asian Student Union for East Coast Asian American Student Union Conference
The SGA unanimously allocated $3,000 in contingency funds to the Asian Student Union (ASU) to cover conference ticket fees for the East Coast Asian American Student Union Conference (ECAASU) — an annual nonprofit conference created to “inspire, educate, and empower those interested in Asian and Asian American issues,” according to its website. It will take place in Washington, D.C. from April 11 to 13.
Freshman and ASU Treasurer Annisa Siyit said the
organization promotes “awareness and understanding of Asian American culture” in the JMU and Harrisonburg communities. With around 137 active members, the club hosts events including culture shows, group study sessions, night markets and volleyball tournaments, Siyit said with the goal of building community, and sharing its culture.
Dukes are abuzz after presidential reveal
By ELEANOR SHAW
The Breeze
Soft purple stage lights illuminated a packed Wilson Hall Auditorium, the crowd of roughly 1,300 whispering to one another in anticipation as JMU finally answers the question after a year of waiting: Who is our next president?
“Since 1908, this is only our seventh president, so anytime you have a change like this … there’s just a palpable energy and excitement,” Vice President for Student Affairs Tim Miller said.
As lights dimmed, the room was silenced and the Board of Visitors took its seats on stage. First, a brief introduction by the board’s Rector Chair Suzanne Obenshain. Then, soonto-be President James “Jim” Schmidt took the lectern and addressed the audience.
Schmidt’s speech praised JMU, storied his “incognito” visits to campus and cracked the occasional joke to the audience’s delight. With the announcement still fresh, Dukes now take this time to get to know their next leader.
What Schmidt is bringing with him to the
’Burg
“My wife and I are overjoyed,” Schmidt said after the event, smiling ear-to-ear.
Schmidt will move from University of Wisconsin at EauClaire to Harrisonburg, and with him, he said he’s bringing an emphasis on transparency — especially as it comes to faculty, staff, students and “other key stakeholders.” To achieve this, he said he is looking to demonstrate his commitment to JMU and its values by “doing whatever it takes to make sure our students are getting opportunities they couldn’t get anywhere else.”
“Where could they answer that question? Only at JMU,” Schmidt said.
In Schmidt’s eyes, the way to enable this is through partnerships and relying on experts.
What JMU leaders think about the seventh president
While Miller only met Schmidt for 30 minutes, Miller said what stood out to him was Schmidt’s “student focus.”
“I’m also incredibly impressed that he talked about coming to campus without anybody knowing,” Miller said. “For you to show up on a campus without even knowing you would
get the job and spend a day and a half here, walking around, talking to our students, experiencing this place, that says that there’s an investment in what this job is. This is not just a job. He’s called to this work. He’s called to serve this place.”
Miller said although Schmidt comes from outside the university, Schmidt “got it.”
“He’s not an outsider, he’s a Duke and he doesn’t even live here or go here yet,” Miller said.
After getting to know Schmidt, Miller said he’s confident the seventh president will understand JMU’s ins and outs — “he already has the tie, and the First Lady already has the purple dress.”
Junior Sydney Stafford is the recently re-elected student representative to the Board of Visitors and the sole student member of the presidential search committee.
“I am so grateful to have been involved in this process,” Stafford said. “It was a real honor representing every single student on this campus, and I know this next president really embodies what everyone was looking for.”
Immediately after Schmidt’s speech, Stafford said she’s “really, really excited” to see the direction Schmidt will take JMU during his tenure.
“I loved how engaged he was and how in tune he is to the JMU culture,” Stafford said. “What we have here is so unique. I think it’s something that should be celebrated by anyone who would happen to cross paths with JMU, and I think that’s exactly what he did here today.”
What the next presidency may look like
For Miller, he’s confident Schmidt will challenge him and his team to “be even better.” The vice president said he’s looking forward to Schmidt pushing the university and its students to their fullest potential.
In a time of uncertainty as executive orders and other federal developments ripple through higher education, Miller said Schmidt is well-equipped to support JMU through his experience as UWEC’s chancellor and interim President Charlie King’s guidance.
“What’s most important is [to] stay focused on your mission and make sure this generation of college students has every opportunity that I might’ve had when I went to college,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt said his primary focus is JMU’s students and ensuring they receive all the tools they need, and everything else “you deal with is a challenge” to analyze and strategize about.
“That doesn’t mean we ignore what’s coming out of Washington, that doesn’t mean we don’t take things seriously, but we only give it the amount of energy necessary to move forward,” Schmidt said.
The first thing on Schmidt’s agenda is learning more about JMU, its people, its stories and culture, he said.
When asked what her fellow students have to look forward to, Stafford answered simply: students should be excited to have someone they can call “President Jim.”
Olivia Williams and McKenna Schonbrun contributed to this report.
CONTACT Eleanor Shaw at breezeeditor@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
Student Government Association allocated roughly $9,000 in funding to four student organizations during its Tuesday meeting. Ashley Dondes / The Breeze
A crowd of roughly 1,300 gathered in Wilson Hall on Wednesday for the announcement of JMU’s seventh president.
Landon Shackelford / The Breeze
‘We cannot afford to let up’ Carter-Hoyt speaks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
By DRAKE MILLER & EMMA NOTARNICOLA The Breeze
JMU’s Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Malika Carter-Hoyt made her first address since federal challenges to DEI programs during Wednesday’s Innovate Educate Elevate: Building an Inclusive Future conference — a series of DEI-related workshops for JMU faculty, staff and “community partners” — and emphasized that getting rid of DEI would damage the university and its community.
Carter-Hoyt said during her presentation that, despite a “shifting narrative, each and every one of us are still diverse people,” continuing that inclusion is a “human thing to do.” Inclusion is built not only into our biology, she said, but into the way our communities function, as well.
“The university is closely monitoring the Executive Orders and federal agency reviews released by the new administration,” university spokesperson Chad Saylor wrote in an emailed statement to The Breeze on March 26. “These reviews are consistent and common with a change in leadership at the state and federal levels. In partnership with our affiliated national organizations and colleagues at other institutions, we will continue to assess how changes in federal policy will impact JMU programs and ensure our full compliance.”
DEI’s place at JMU
“What we are doing, in effect, is the art of fighting without fighting — and I’m going to show you how,” Carter-Hoyt said.
During her presentation, Carter-Hoyt showed conference attendees a visual comparison of JMU’s Non-Discrimination Statement and the Virginia Human Rights Act’s list of protected classes.
“We [at JMU] have more of them than the state of Virginia,” Carter-Hoyt said. “What does it mean that our university is more inclusive than the state itself?”
Carter-Hoyt said that, as a school named after the father of the Constitution, “we really do believe that everyone’s voice here is valid.” In line with this, Carter-Hoyt then showed an illustration matching protected classes to departments and programs at JMU.
“I hope what you’re starting to see — as quickly as I do — is that we all do the work of diversity, equity and inclusion,” CarterHoyt said.
Carter-Hoyt said that, if DEI programs were to be removed, it would “literally gut the institution.”
“I hope you all can see how important this is, no matter what the nomenclature is, it is important for our collective thriving for us to pay attention to make sure people are protected,” Carter-Hoyt said.
She said that any institution has a history of inclusion and exclusion, and the Dukes "cannot afford to exclude people when they are qualified to be in place.” Carter-Hoyt said what Dukes can do is make sure more people know JMU is a place that is “viable for them.”
Carter-Hoyt thanked educators and those in academia for serving students “without negative bias in regard to their protected class.”
“If come next semester you don’t see me — cause it may happen — I’ll miss you, but just know you have a collective responsibility to
speak out on account of others who are absent, non-visual or marginalized,” Carter-Hoyt said.
Carter-Hoyt said that, working in higher education, “We should be chasing that to undercut the negativity that we’re seeing and have the accumulation of knowledge wealth to combat what we don’t want to see.”
“Our opposition is not going anywhere,” Carter-Hoyt said. “And we cannot afford to let up.”
Hoyt also addressed the potential for her departure from DEI work with the university, stating “If I do step off the path, for whatever reason, I want you to know: there are several different ways that we do this work, as evidenced by what you have seen in this presentation.
Carter-Hoyt on looking forward
“I am very surprised with myself that I did not pour my emotions out into this talk today,” Carter-Hoyt said. “I hope I came across very clearly, because sometimes when your emotions are in place, it can displace a message.”
Following the event, Carter-Hoyt spoke on the importance of DEI and its future at JMU.
“Diversity, in and of itself, is human difference,” Carter-Hoyt said, adding that without it, people aren’t able to “learn differently,” “participate differently” and “contribute differently.”
To describe equity, Carter-Hoyt used an anecdote from her past, remembering an Oprah
episode during which audience members were given the same shoe sizes. No one could participate because they didn’t have the size they needed.
“If we right-size things to make sure that everybody feels that inclusion,” Carter-Hoyt said, “whether it’s visible or not, we can make sure that people have what they need in order to contribute to the role.”
Rounding out the acronym, Carter-Hoyt said inclusion is important because it promotes belonging.
“Many colleges and universities are built upon a sense of belonging,” Carter-Hoyt said, “If you don’t have it, then it is hard to acquire.”
Though JMU already has DEI, she said, it’s important to encourage others to continuously strive to create a sense of belonging to “start to solve many of the world’s problems that have forever eluded us.”
The conference’s first half was canceled to allow the JMU community to experience the announcement of the President due to the rarity of the event, Carter-Hoyt said.
“It was not without our fancy footwork,” she said.
JMU’s DEI committee is looking to present the canceled programs’ information in an alternative format. While at conferences, CarterHoyt said she gets to build her professionalism and connect with others.
“I don’t want to rob people of that opportunity,” she said, “and I think the committee feels the same.”
“The more that things change, the more they stay the same” Carter-Hoyt said, “it behooves us to make sure that if we’re going to solve the world’s wicked problems, that everyone in the human family is welcomed to join, say, an institution, in order to participate and make things better.”
Over the course of their lives, people become involved with institutions, like JMU, CarterHoyt said, adding that every institution has experienced inclusion and exclusion over the course of history.
“If you don’t learn from history, you’re bound to repeat it,” she said. Many people are missing out on opportunities, and are thinking about their “livelihoods,” “sanity,” and “their sons and daughters being able to thrive.”
To illustrate DEI’s future, Carter-Hoyt used a chocolate cake analogy: if there wasn’t any chocolate cake at the event, one should discuss alternatives or replacements, pointing towards the potential of similar conversations if DEI is cut from JMU.
Going forward, Carter-Hoyt said she wants people to understand DEI is our “collective responsibility” because of legislation put in place to “help us live in a place that protects people and also espouses their lived experience.”
Right now, Carter-Hoyt said people must stay “mindful of what they’re consuming” because of the amount of information circling. “I’m not panicking,” she said. “Every interaction, even this one that I am communicating with people making sure that I’m leaving the conversation with them better and me better. I hope that people leave from this media experience thinking, I’m okay, that person is okay.”
CONTACT Drake Miller at breezenews@ gmail.com and Emma Notarnicola at notarnef@dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
Carter-Hoyt said that, as a school named after the father of the constitution, “ we really do believe that everyone’s voice here is valid." Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze
JMU navigates federal funding Executive Orders, continues to “assess changes”
By MEGAN CULLINS
The Breeze
JMU, among other public institutions that receive federal funding, has kept an eye on the Trump administration’s continued spending cuts — specifically the January memo released by President Donald Trump to freeze federal funds, which was rescinded shortly after.
While short lived, the freeze and its aftermath didn’t affect JMU because all its funds are categorized as Title IV, JMU Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships Brad Barnett said. This kind of funding was already appropriated by the U.S. Congress.
“With programs like federal work-study and the FSEOG [Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant], there is an annual allocation each year that Congress has to pass in the budget to determine how much each individual school receives to award to their students,” Barnett said.
Federal work-study programs, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program, the Pell Grant, subsidized and unsubsidized direct loan programs, the Parent Plus Direct Loan program and the Grad Plus Direct Loan program for graduate students receive Title IV funding.
Prospective and current students would be impacted by changes in federal funding for universities, as 60% of Dukes receive financial aid — one prospective JMU student, Giovanni Angelo, said paying for college was a concern of his.
The JMU Office of Research and Development is closely watching executive orders impacting sponsored programs, Barnett said. These orders include “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid” and “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”
An order specifically targeting higher education is “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” According to this order, local education agencies and higher education institutions that receive federal funds and grants will be required to comply
with Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard — a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling stating that affirmative action is unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment.
A second executive order, titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” says the United States only recognizes two sexes assigned at birth — male and female — and government policies will be interpreted to reflect this. As specified in the executive order, people who identify as female while being assigned male at birth won’t have access to “intimate single-sex spaces and activities designed for women.”
“The university is closely monitoring the Executive Orders and federal agency
reviews and guidance released by the new administration,” university spokesperson Mary-Hope Vass wrote in an emailed statement to The Breeze. “As a re-designated Research 2 university, reductions in federal funding could have an impact on JMU research programs and community services. In partnership with our affiliated national organizations and colleagues at other institutions, we will continue to assess changes to federal policy and ensure our full compliance.”
CONTACT Megan Cullins at cullinmx@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
JOIN OUR TEAM B
JMU programs which receives Title IV funding include federal work-studies, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program and the Pell Grant, among others. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze
The ECAASU would help ASU members network and communicate with “future young leaders throughout the nation,” Siyit said.
The funds will cover the $85 per person ticket fees, sending around 30 people, with the club covering other expenses, including transportation.
“[This event] gives members a chance to network with other people in their culture, from other universities and promotes JMU and ASU to other universities to build connections across the East Coast,” Sen. Baker said.
$1,769 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for ‘Black Girls Rock’ event
The SGA unanimously allocated $1,769 in contingency funds to the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc. — a service sorority established to encourage scholarship, and service in the community for black college women — for its April 5 Black Girl Rock event — an event which promotes leadership among Black women.
AKA is a national sorority founded to provide a “safe space” for “minority college women,” junior Sen. and SGA Finance Committee Chairperson Jahnavi Muthyala said, speaking on behalf of senior and AKA Vice President Joi Johnson, who wasn’t present at the meeting.
AKA focuses on uplifting JMU and Harrisonburg community members with events that “enhance the environment, advocate for social justice, empower families” with a focus on giving back, Muthyala said.
The sorority plans on using the contingency funds to hold its Black Girls Rock event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in SSC 1075. This event’s theme is “born with radiance” and will celebrate and honor “the legacy of powerful women,” Muthyala said.
The event will pull from the Harlem Renaissance, “paying tribute to the tremendous group of art, jazz musicians, literature, and activism” during that time. Muthyala said the event will host guest speaker Leticia Bates, the CEO of At the Wheel Coaching — a personal growth and development program in Harrisonburg, VA.
During the event, Mythyala said awards will be given to Black women that “the JMU community themselves voted for” at this event as well, Mythyala said.
These contingency funds will cover food costs, speaker fees and supplies, Muthyala said.
“They aren’t just celebrating the members in their organization,” Sen. Baker said, “but also members of the community.”
$1,600 to Grupo Candela Dance Team
The SGA unanimously allocated $1,600 in contingency funds to the Grupo Candela Dance Team for its annual April tours to universities around Virginia to cover transportation and apparel fees, senior and Club President Diego DeLaRosa said.
The team’s goal is to “showcase the Latinx culture” while promoting “cultural awareness” at JMU, DeLaRosa said. The team often holds “dance workshops” that teach values of “discipline, teamwork and culture,” sophomore and Club Treasurer David Cordova said.
Every year, the team visits several universities to perform in their respective cultural shows, DeLaRosa said. This year, it’s visiting Virginia Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University, along with performing at JMU Celebración Latinx — an “annual celebration for the Latinx diversity at JMU,” he added — with the Latinx Student Alliance (LSA).
The contingency funds will cover transportation costs for four cars with 17 members and their apparel, which Cordova said, will be reused in the future.
Pathfinders presents about their program to the SGA
SGA heard a presentation from JMU Pathfinders — an organization, which offers “peer to peer consulting to best support student organizations and individuals in their own leadership development,” according to its website.
JMU Pathfinders works with JMU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center to provide “a ton of different resources,” including leadership development, involvement counseling and individual coaching sessions, senior group member Sarah Avery said.
With leadership, Avery said the organization works with individuals and organizations to work on “topic presentations and facilitations.” This section also focuses on “team building facilitation,” junior and group member Isis Carter said.
“We encourage you to get involved with anything that we mentioned before the end of the semester,” Avery said, adding Pathfinders will “pause” after this year to “reassess what we can offer students.”
Regarding involvement, JMU Pathfinders offers one-on-one involvement consulting during which students can get help to “become more involved with JMU,” Avery said — consultations Carter called “chill” and “casual.”
Carter said individual coaching is goalfocused, integrates conflict resolution and uses the DISC personality test — a behavioral assessment that evaluates four main personality traits.
Pathfinders will still hold their leadership development activities for organizations, “depending on staff availability,” Avery said. The organization hopes to “come back stronger” the following year, she added.
Pathfinders will still hold their leadership development activities for organizations, “depending on staff availability,” Avery said.
The organization hopes to “come back stronger” in fall 2025, she said.
CONTACT Emma Notarnicola at notarnef@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
EDITORS EMAIL
Abby Camp & Sixuan Wu
Taste of Downtown showcases flavor flair through local cuisine
& Tasty is the only
By ISABEL LEWIS
The Breeze
Harrisonburg restaurants, breweries and cafes unite for the annual Taste of Downtown through several events and limited-time items throughout the rest of this March.
Emily Winters, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s marketing director, said Harrisonburg is Virginia’s first culinary district, which is why the city holds such a large-scale foodie celebration.
“This was a new venture for us, in getting people to get out and connect around food,” she said.
The event targets those who may be new to Harrisonburg or people who just want to make friends, Winters said.
Here are some of the newer venues that have been added to the ’Burg’s plate:
Rise and shine to gluten-free foods in the ‘Burg
The bakery Crack O’ Dawn made its Harrisonburg debut just off of Court Square in Downtown Harrisonburg this past November. Owner, head baker and JMU alumna Elizabeth Easter (’10) was inspired to take on the venture when she became concerned with daycare costs.
Having her own bakery also meant she could spend more time with her daughter and less money on childcare.
Easter had previously worked in a restaurant that offered some allergyfriendly items, and some of her close friends have severe allergies, particularly to gluten. This exposed her to the need for hypoallergenic dining and inspired her to make her own bakery fully gluten-free.
“If most people are tired and they don’t want to cook, they can just go to
McDonald’s, but people with food allergies … take a risk every day and with eating,” Easter said. “Even at places that say they’re safe, it’s really hard to guarantee that there’s no cross-contamination.”
Crack O’ Dawn also offers many dairyfree options, alongside some vegan and nut-conscious goods. The store is aware of allergies, and in doing so tries to avoid any common allergy ingredients in its items, alongside precautionary labeling. The bakery tries to recognize all allergens in the kitchen, Easter said — “something that really needs to be done in the community.”
Easter said having a gluten-free bakery can, for example, allow someone who hasn’t had a cinnamon bun or donut in years to enjoy those treats, or it can let a recentlydiagnosed with celiac disease child have a cake at their birthday.
The bakery is located on East Market Street, near Court Square in downtown Harrisonburg and is open mornings and early evenings every day of the week, except for Wednesday.
Candy-coated dreams made by new gourmet cotton candy storefront Posh Fairy Floss offered customers their own “posh rolls” — a burrito-like roll made of cotton candy, sorbet and other toppings.
The store — located on South Mason Street — also offers flavors of the month, such as Shamrock, a chocolate chip mint flavor, and three different maple flavors. The shop will offer 20% off for any customer who mentions Taste of Downtown during their visit until the end of the event.
Sweet
Slavic cuisine in Harrisonburg. It opened this past August. Photos courtesy of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance
The Joshua Wilton House participated in Taste of Downtown, offering fine dining. Colorful confections are a staple of the Sweet & Tasty menu.
Posh Fairy Floss’ owner Monica Heffner opened the store in Harrisonburg in July, making this the store’s first experience with Taste of Downtown.
The sweets company is also allergy-friendly as it’s completely dairy- and nut-free with gluten-free options. Its recipes can be made dye-free and its cotton candy is free of tree nuts (excluding coconut), peanuts, soy, dairy, eggs and gluten.
“[Taste of Downtown] helps get the word out about where we are and what we do and what we specialize in,” Heffner said. “It gives us an opportunity to talk to our customers, which we love.”
Sippin’ on cider downtown
Sage Bird Ciderworks isn’t as new to Harrisonburg as the aforementioned venues. Established in 2020, the cidery has been involved in events like Taste of Downtown, while participating in and hosting other events.
This year, the cidery is taking a unique twist with its limited-time items, including a few cocktails — both things they never thought they would have on the menu. Co-owner Amberlee Carlson said, with the help of four other businesses located on Liberty Street, Sage Bird has pioneered a historical “cocktail walk of liberty” special. Each of the four businesses has a cocktail which is representative of their histories.
“Instead of just featuring a food item that’s new and fun, we’re trying to go a little deeper than that and focus more on why we’re in Harrisonburg, what our business is actually about, and what is the history of our business,” Carlson said.
Sage Bird’s building was once an auto repair shop, so to commemorate its history in the “cocktail walk of liberty,” the cidery is offering a sidecar cocktail — a drink traditionally made with orange and lemon juice plus liquor. Since the venue doesn’t provide liquor, Sage Bird takes its unique spin on this cocktail by using a cider base. Additionally, the cidery is offering its Bloody Mary alongside 17 other local businesses taking part in the Bloody Mary Bash, a special Taste of Downtown event.
Slavic Desserts have a seat at the table
Sweet & Tasty, a bakery offering European and Slavic desserts, brings new cultural fare to downtown. It opened in downtown Harrisonburg in August. Owner Nataliia Kyryliuk previously had a small business in Ukraine but moved to the U.S. after the 2022 Russian invasion.
“In our town of Harrisonburg, there are many establishments with various cuisines, but there is no Slavic cuisine, so we decided to start with sweet Ukrainian cuisine,” Kyryliuk wrote in an email to The Breeze.
Some of the bakery’s menu includes nalisniki (sweet and savory crepes), lavash (thin bread and syrniki), cream cheese pancakes and assorted Italian coffees.
“We are happy for every person who visits us, because it is important for us, so you will support us and visit my country for a moment,” Kyryliuk wrote.
CONTACT Isabel Lewis at lewisik@dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and Instagram @BreezeJMU.
A
Make self compassion a passion this semester
By GRACE SAWYER The Breeze
Friends, family, acquaintances and even pets can be thought of as deserving of compassion, but sometimes we ourselves don’t make it onto the list. This universal lack of self-compassion can stem from personal expectations, stress and even missing self-awareness.
During high-stress times, like midterms, selfcompassion is crucial to maintaining a multifaceted version of well-being. Self-compassion can take many forms but is typically defined as being kind and understanding to yourself when facing a challenge, feeling inadequate or recovering from a mistake.
There are typically three elements of selfcompassion, and they underscore how to improve the degree to which you can care for yourself when making mistakes. These are self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness.
Self-kindness means being compassionate and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail or feel inadequate, rather than turning to selfcriticism or shame. By practicing self-kindness, you can create an internal support system like that of a coach or teacher, which allows us to feel safe and create a more positive, learn-from-failure mindset.
Common humanity says although making a mistake can feel lonely, or even like the end of the world, it’s unrealistic to think that no one else is suffering or making mistakes. This commonality between students and peers is important to remember because, in some way, everyone struggles, and this shared humanity helps put our mistakes into perspective.
Mindfulness in this context means approaching issues with a balanced and analytical mindset so you can address the issue while not diminishing it or blowing it out of proportion. This can help us accept the issue at hand while working to move on and learn.
Committing to self-compassion is a critical habit, especially for college students due to the high-stress environment of balancing friends, classes, living alone and working. Mistakes are common and understandable as students structure and conduct themselves in a new environment.
from CUISINE, page 10
Over 50 culinary destinations contributed to Taste of Downtown, ranging from bakeries to fine dining establishments. Photos courtesy of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance
Five breweries are offering new drinks for the “cocktail walk of Liberty.”
Sweet & Tasty offers seasonal drinks: Aperol Spritz and Blue Lagoon.
Leaders in the classroom: celebrating lady Dukes
By MEGHAN DOUGHERTY contributing writer
March is Women’s History Month, and in honor of this year’s, The Breeze is showcasing influential women from JMU’s eight colleges. These educators were chosen on the basis of their leadership, advocacy and research contributions, student mentoring and efforts to break down barriers in their fields. These women reflect achievement in their areas of study, from promoting gender equity in historically male-dominated fields to increasing STEM representation and political engagement. This selection also demonstrates a dedication to showcasing a range of
perspectives and ways in which instructors inspire students and bring lasting change.
From the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) to the Honors College, these educators are inspiring the next generation of leaders through their research, advocacy and teaching. Here’s a look at JMU’s women who are making a difference:
Kristin Wylie: advocating political change
Kristin Wylie, professor of Political Science in CAL, was inspired to pursue political science by the Challenger space shuttle explosion and a pivotal election where she grew up in Louisiana.
She said she was in fifth or sixth grade when two candidates — one who was a Grand Wizard of the KKK and the other a convicted felon — defeated an incumbent governor, who she thought was a decent person. The campaign slogan, “Vote for the Crook. It’s important,” was an attempt to rally voters against the white supremacist candidate.
“ I learned at that moment that your voice matters, that you have to participate, that a lot of people are not doing their civic duty and not participating,” Wylie said. “This is the kind of thing that could happen if they aren’t.”
Her research focuses on the barriers women face in getting elected in Brazil. This led her to develop a course on women in politics from a comparative perspective. This course examines the barriers women face in political systems worldwide. She said she’s actively interested in community participation outside her research and teaching, like supporting local organizations and encouraging students to apply their learning outside of the classroom.
Charlene Kalenkoski: leading the way in economics
Professor of economics and academic unit head, Charlene Kalenkoski said prejudices and intimidation still exist in traditionally maledominated disciplines despite advancements made since the 1970s. These advancements, included by Kalenkoski, are women being allowed to have their own bank accounts and slowly starting to join the workforce during the ’70s and ’80s.
Kalenkoski’s work as a mentor and advocate for more networking opportunities demonstrates her commitment to empowering women in academia. When reflecting on
Women’s History Month, she highlights both the progress being made and the need for gender equity. She highlights the ongoing need for action to bring down social and political obstacles in economics and encourages young women to seek advice from female professors.
Kalenkoski said mentorship and networking helped advance her career, as seen by her contributions to the American Economic Review, a prestigious peer-reviewed economic journal, and her assistance to junior academics. She said young women should actively participate in networking and to have a support system as women in economics. There’s a continued need for activism in the face of political constraints, making it necessary for women to push forward in their careers.
“We need to be brave, continue to push forward and support each other,” she said.
Abigail Amoako Kayser: empowering future educators
Associate professor Abigail Amoako Kayser said it’s important for underprivileged children to have equality and literacy development because she explained that it is a fundamental skill. For multilingual learners, it allows students to succeed in a variety of learning environments by helping them to navigate their first and second languages. She said she has seen women’s achievements be underappreciated — this includes her own mother, who raised three children while juggling several professions.
Julia Tanner / The Breeze
from WOMEN AT JMU, page 12
“I grew up in Ghana, and women in Ghana are often not recognized for the work that they do, on a day-to-day basis, but also how they’ve uplifted the country,” Kayser said.
She said this lack of recognition is particularly evident in the history books students use in Ghana, which often focus on men’s achievements.
Kayser said she incorporates gender representation and diversity into her classes by emphasizing subjects like bilingual students and refugee families. Kayser advises young women starting school to have confidence in themselves, create support networks and maintain resilience.
“You have the skills, the knowledge and the passion to become a teacher,” she said.
Chelsea Duncan: encouraging healthy movement
Chelsea Duncan, professor of kinesiology and exercise science, said she draws attention to the gender inequalities that persist in her field by advocating for better research on female athletes and discussing the disparities in how female athletes are treated and paid. She supports women’s strength training, which she said has frequently been overlooked by society in favor of cardio. She said it’s important to challenge outdated beliefs, particularly in areas like weightlifting.
“There’s just been a huge misconception that you know you need to do cardio in order to do all of these things, when we really want to start adding more of these things, like strengthening our body,” Duncan said. The best way to combat osteoporosis is strength training, yet many women feel intimidated or selfconscious about it.”
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that weakens and makes them more prone to fractures, according to the Cleveland Clinic. She said biological females are at a higher risk for osteoporosis especially as they age.
Duncan also said she draws attention to the obstacles that women encounter in academics, including prejudices and highlights how crucial resiliance is. She does this by encouraging women to establish boundaries and advocate for mentorship.
“There are particular characteristics that people expect you to have, like being caring and nurturing, being a little bit more lenient, things like that. And if you don’t portray those characteristics, then that can affect people’s opinion of you,” Duncan said.
Jennifer Coffman: connecting technology, science and society
Professor of integrated science and technology (ISAT) Jennifer Coffman said she focuses on expanding the number of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions. She does this by supporting JMU’s K-12 outreach program and fostering engagement and confidence in students. She said she supports a more comprehensive educational strategy that inspires children to investigate a variety of subjects, regardless of background. This would be an inclusive learning environment where it would encourage curiosity and break stereotypes of “male-dominated” subjects.
By emphasizing the value of acknowledging local STEM contributors, she urges young women to embrace their curiosity.
“Pay attention to those things,” Coffman said. “Your environment is an excellent teacher.”
Coffman also said there are advancements made for women in STEM, and although there are still obstacles to
“Your environment is an excellent teacher,”
Jennifer Coffman, ISAT professor
overcome, more women than before are pursuing STEM careers. Coffman said she encourages students to develop curiosity and stay receptive to learning in the classroom and their surroundings.
“I would just like to see more people, frankly, interested in the introductory courses that we have to offer here … and how they complement some of the other things in which they’re interested,” she said, adding that taking introductory courses is significant because it allows you to explore your interests and take classes you may not have originally considered.
see WOMEN AT JMU, page 17
Julia Tanner / The Breeze
Exploring adult learning: How two older Dukes got used to being college students
By ASHLEE THOMPSON The Breeze
Patrick Fritz was sitting in class one day, surrounded by classmates, waiting for his professor to arrive to start the lecture. There was one problem, though — students in the class thought Fritz, 46, was their professor. In reality, he’s a degree-seeking public administration major just like the rest of them.
Adult learning, typically consisting of those older than 25 seeking education according to EAB, has been on the rise. Data from the National Student Clearinghouse found there was a nearly 20% increase nationally in older students enrolling in college for the fall 2024 semester, with large gains specifically in the 25-29 age range. With today’s options of online and asynchronous classes, enrolling in college as a non-traditional student is made much simpler, which allows individuals to balance work and family while pursuing a degree.
JMU offers an Adult Degree Program (ADP) that allows students to create a focus of study that aligns with their goals and objectives. Degrees can be completed through online classes, on-campus classes or a combination.
This isn’t the first time Fritz has returned to a university in recent years. Originally obtaining his degree at a community college after high school, he enrolled in and dropped out of JMU in 2016 due to a family illness. Fritz said he decided to return to college again this year because he loved learning and felt stagnant in his career. Owning a local
business, exam-proctoring center Brainseed Testing, on top of a 15-credit semester, Fritz said his schedule is busy but worth it.
“I typically get up at 4:30 to 5 a.m. and check Canvas to make sure I have all my assignments done or finish up some homework before my kids get up,” Fritz said. “Then I get them ready, drive them to school, come into my office, take another hour or two to run my business until my staff gets here, and then I turn it over to them and go to class.”
Living near Harrisonburg, Fritz is a husband and father, with a daughter who will transfer to JMU from Blue Ridge Community College this fall. He said while they don’t plan on commuting together, they will be able to bond over school and assignments.
Fritz recalled a humorous moment between him and his daughter: sharing a professor. Although they’ve never had a class together, they’ve had a handful of experiences where either of them is recognized by a professor the other one had in the past.
“Being 46 and a townie, I know a lot of the professors outside of school and have for years, so it makes some awkward situations sometimes,” Fritz said. “My daughter and I are very different people, so we approach things differently. Sometimes with some professors we’ve had separately, it creates weird dynamics. Not bad, just a different dynamic.”
There are currently over 500 adult learners enrolled at JMU in the ADP, its director, Daniel Robinson wrote in an emailed
statement to The Breeze. Students must be 22 or older and seeking a bachelor’s degree to join the program.
The ADP is non-residential, Robinson said, meaning students aren’t required to be in Harrisonburg and can get a JMU education from anywhere in the country — but industrial design major Steven Edberg, 30, wanted the full experience.
Originally from California, Edberg finds himself spending the majority of his time in the Studio Center near Memorial Hall working on design pojects for his major classes. While he is friendly with his classmates, Edberg
began feeling isolated from the general student body, primarily due to his age and not connecting with them on the same level as other students. Because of this, he turned to Reddit for help.
“I’m a transfer student from the west coast and I’m 30 years old. It’s so hard to make friends here,” Edberg wrote in a Reddit post from February. “Any other older JMU students here? Do you guys also feel the same way?”
Students interested in the Adult Degree Program must be 22 or older. Adam Tabet / The Breeze
from
OLDER STUDENTS, page 14
Edberg received numerous replies to this post, many recommending joining clubs, participating in Greek Life or using social media more often.
Edberg said these comments encouraged him to get out of the Studio Center and his apartment more often. Specifically, he began going to the gym.
“It encouraged me to do more, which is why I have been working out a lot more,” Edberg said. “I’m trying to stay more active and interact with more people positively.”
This post is how Fritz found Edberg. Fritz said
being older than the majority of students will make for awkward relationships — and this is perfectly OK.
“As adult learners, we are in a very gray zone where we are the same age as some of our professors. Because of that, it is difficult to interact with a 20-something person,” Fritz said. “We just have a very different life experience and are in different places in our lives even if we also have the commonality of being students.”
Robinson said “reorientation” for adult learners is key to having the best learning experience. All ADP students take an individual studies class to acclimate to a school environment
and return to a student mindset.
“For many of our students, years may have elapsed since the last time they were a student, so re-enforcing academic principles like study habits and academic writing, as well as familiarity with Canvas and other learning technologies,” Robinson wrote. “Our advisors also work very closely with students from day one to help set them up for success.”
Both Fritz and Edberg have strong support systems helping them through their new educational journeys, such as from their families and financial aid. They see being enrolled as a student again as a chance to further their careers and serve as a guide to younger students.
“I view this as a very unique opportunity to be able to observe, interact with and really understand the younger folks and connect with a demographic that my age would traditionally struggle to connect with,” Fritz said. “I can bridge the gap between the younger students, but since I’m not a professional academic and I do have a lot of experience, I can give advice if I’m asked."
CONTACT Contact Ashlee Thompson at thomp6ab@dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
Both Fritz and Edberg have strong support systems helping them through their new educational journeys. Photo illustration by Landon Shackleford / The Breeze
Fritz said being older than the majority of students will make for awkward relationships — and this is perfectly OK. Adam Tabet / The Breeze
Karen Barnard-Kubow: inspiring the next generation in STEM in CSM Geonomics Research Director and Education Coordinator Karen BarnardKubow said she stresses the historical underrepresentation of women in science and the value of recognizing their contributions.
She does this by challenging misconceptions and bringing attention to women who have moved science forward.
“I really try to emphasize the people who are working in the field, who are women or minorities,” Barnard-Kubow said.
While acknowledging the advancements women have made in fields like biology, including increased representation, serving as mentors for younger generations and progress in academia — Barnard-Kubow said she knows there are still obstacles to overcome, especially when juggling work and family obligations.
One challenge she faces is pursuing a career in science and raising a family. She said that there can still be pushback on women who want to have both but acknowledged JMU’s emphasis on worklife balance and family assistance.
“I can bring my kids to work, and that is super helpful,” she said.
Tara Burns: exploring dance technology in CVPA Dance and technology assistant professor Tara Burns said Women’s History Month is important to dance because it celebrates the important contributions made by women to the art form.
Specifically, she mentioned dance pioneers like Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey and Martha Weidman. These women contributed to the development of modern and contemporary dance and created innovated techniques that had a profound impact on the dance world.
“Women really are the foundation of modern and contemporary dance,” Burns said.
Burns said she’s proud to have exclusively danced for female choreographers. She also highlights the underrepresentation of women in dance and technology and said it’s a newer field where roles are still largely held by men.
“Technology breaks,” she says, advising women in this field to anticipate technological obstacles. “It breaks all the time. In fact, we are continually aware of it. Dance Technology focuses on the technical and design aspects of dance production like lighting design as well as technical directors.”
Women’s contributions in fields like dance technology are becoming increasingly apparent as they continue to make progress in historically male-dominated fields. However there are obstacles in the way of success in this field. Burns says women in dance technology need to be ready for the inevitable technical challenges that may arise. Despite the challenges, it is clear that women are becoming more involved in this industry and are helping to create and promote groundbreaking inventions.
Read the full article at breezejmu.org.
CONTACT Meghan Dougherty at dough3mm@dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
Julia Tanner / The Breeze
SPORTS
EDITORS Hayden Hundley & Preston Comer
Terrence Spence trains with former coach ahead of Pro Day and NFL Draft
By GAVIN AVELLA
The Breeze
Hailing from the small town of Ringwood, New Jersey, former JMU cornerback Terrence Spence often spent his Sundays watching the New York Jets play on TV or traveling to nearby Meadowlands Sports Complex, now known as Metlife Stadium, to watch the Jets in action.
“My favorite player was Leon Washington growing up, so as long as I can remember, that’s the first team I watched, my favorite player that I idolized,” Spence said. “I wore 29 when I was growing up playing youth football because of him.”
As a cornerback-turned-running back, Washington was the epitome of a do-itall player. He played both sides of the ball throughout high school and became a special teams standout during his time in college and then later in the NFL.
Like his idol Washington, Spence grew up playing several positions on the gridiron, including quarterback, running back, linebacker and safety — before finally moving to cornerback during his sophomore year at Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey, where he started on varsity.
Throughout his childhood, Spence knew his dream was to play football in college, and eventually, the NFL.
“I kind of knew I had something special, or I probably had the ability to go and play the next level, and that was a goal of mine for the
rest of the high school, to get a scholarship and go play college,” Spence said.
Spence’s high school defensive back coach at Saint Joseph Regional, Anthony Williams, said Spence showed flashes of brilliance during his sophomore year but needed to be pushed in the right direction.
“His sophomore year, I rode him like Seabiscuit,” Williams said in reference to pushing Spence to his fullest potential. “He didn’t probably like me too much, but again, I just wanted him to reach that potential, to make him realize what he had.
Williams also said since Saint Joseph’s Regional has produced multiple professional players, like Jason and Devin McCourty, kids go into the school “dreaming of becoming a Division I player.”
Spence came out of high school as a twostar prospect, according to 247sports, after posting 82 tackles and five interceptions while leading Saint Joseph Regional to a 2018 New Jersey Non-Public Group IV State Championship. Spence took his talents to Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts and played under former Crusaders and current JMU head coach Bob Chesney.
“Out of all the offers I had, I felt most comfortable with coach Ches and felt like his program was going to thrive the most and give me the best opportunity to win and develop as a player,” Spence said.
At Holy Cross, Spence played in 35 games and made 13 starts for the Crusaders during a time they had a combined record of 32-9 and won four consecutive Patriot League Championships.
However, his senior year upon following Chesney to JMU was when Spence broke into the national scene.
“It was easy to go there [JMU] in the first place,” Spence said “Obviously, being [at Holy Cross] for four years and being under [Chesney’s] coaching staff, and being around those guys and just understanding what they were about and the culture that they had there, when he went to JMU it was just kind of the same thing as when I was making my decision to go to [Holy Cross] coming out of high school, it was pretty easy.”
Spence played in all the Dukes’ 13 games, making 10 starts and was their leader in interceptions (five), pass breakups (seven), total passes defended (12) and blocks (two).
When asked about what skills led him to finish fourth in the FBS with five interceptions and lead the Sun Belt in interceptions and blocks, Spence attributed it to his days playing youth football in Ringwood.
“I think just my football instincts come from my youth days playing linebacker and safety, kind of being able to see the whole field,” Spence said. “Not playing with as many rules, you kind of can just go get the ball and have a feel for it.”
Williams echoed this sentiment wholeheartedly, nodding it to what he calls “Anita.”
Former JMU football cornerback Terrence Spence will take part in the Dukes’ Pro Day on Thursday. Spence was named All-Sun Belt First Team after last season. Breeze file photo
Spence led the Sun Belt with five interceptions last season. Grace Sawyer / The Breeze
from SPENCE, page 18
“It’s my group name for my defensive backs,” Williams said. “I got about 10 to 15 years of ‘Anita’ guys that have either led their league in interceptions or lead the state in pass breakups, so it’s nothing in the air.”
Despite not starting in JMU’s first three games of the season, Spence made his presence known as one of these elite “Anita” guys in the Dukes’ statement victory against North Carolina where he snagged two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, and he was awarded Sun Belt Special Teams Player of the Week after a blocked punt.
Since the Dukes’ first-ever bowl victory in Boca Raton, Florida where they defeated Western Kentucky 27-17 on Dec. 18, Terrence has been bouncing around the country, gearing up for the NFL draft and potential minicamp invites to follow.
After the Boca Raton Bowl, Spence was invited to participate in the 2025 Hula Bowl in Orlando where he spent the week in Florida practicing and training with 120 athletes from every NCAA level as well as international players from Japan before playing in the culminating all-star game at the week’s end.
Next, he traveled to Fort Myers, Florida where he spent time at the X3 facilities training with X3 Director of NFL & Pre-Draft Operations and Performance Operations Jordan Luallen and his team.
“It was a facility and they had about 12 to 15 guys in every position group,” Spence said. “So I was able to train with some guys around the country, some Power Four guys, and some Sun Belt guys, just all coming from different areas of the country.”
Spence signed with agent Jason Donnell of Done Deal Sports in preparation for JMU’s March 27 Pro Day and the NFL Draft beginning April 24. He has since returned home to spend time with friends and family as well as Williams, who Spence credits for teaching him the cornerback position’s ins and outs.
“I taught those guys, I train those guys, and I coach those guys like they’re all Division I athletes,” Williams said. “So what does being a Division I athlete or professional athlete entail? That’s living the lifestyle every day, putting your best foot forward every day. You’re not always going to do your best, but you will give me your best effort. So that’s the same philosophy I have when I’m training.”
Williams, who has been training Spence since he’s been back home in New Jersey, says
he has the measurables to stack up with NFLcaliber players, and it’s all about going out there and putting it all on display.
“I worked on his transition and his drive phase,” Williams said. “His bounciness, his explosiveness is in there. We just have to make sure it pops when it’s supposed to pop.”
Williams also thinks Spence can project as a safety at the next level.
“He’s going to show his length at corner, and his length is good enough,” Williams said. “He’s a tweener, he can probably put on an extra five, 10 pounds if they don’t like him at corner, and he can be all pro safety. Again, he has a knack for the ball and he understands zones.”
When asked about Pro Day and his associated goals or benchmarks he might be aiming for, Terrence kept things short and sweet:
“For me, it’s run fast and show I have loose hips, that’s really the two things that are important for me as a DB,” Spence said.
At the end of the day, Spence isn’t too concerned about the pressures and expectations that come with the so-called underwear olympics.
“I think I’m in a good spot, for sure,” Spence said. “I think I’ve done everything I needed to, to prepare, and just have to go out on the 27th and put it out on the field.”
Along with the support system of his friends, family, coaches, trainers and agents, he has leaned on former Holy Cross teammates who have successfully made the jump to the next level such as CJ Hanson of the Chiefs and Jalen Coker of the Panthers, Spence said.
Spence now looks onward to Thursday’s Pro Day, when he will look to prove to scouts he’s on par with and even better than some power four players, something he has dealt with his entire career.
“I feel like I’ve been overlooked my whole playing career, honestly, since high school,” Spence said. “Getting recruited, even coming out of the portal my senior year at Holy Cross, I definitely think there’s been a chip on my shoulder my whole career, and this is just another piece to it. But to be able to have the opportunity and have the season I had last year, and to be able to go out in front of these NFL scouts and prove that I belong is going to be awesome.”
CONTACT Gavin Avella at avellagt@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.
Spence helped the Dukes win their first bowl game before being invited to participate in the 2025 Hula Bowl in Orlando. Grace Sawyer / The Breeze
LEFT: Spence has been training with longtime St. Josephs Reigonal assistant coach Anthony Williams. Grace Sawyer / The Breeze RIGHT: Spence said he needs to “run fast and have loose hips” at JMU’s Pro Day. Breeze file photo
Khairi Manns works with renowned NFL trainers ahead of JMU’s Pro Day
By HAYDEN HUNDLEY The Breeze
Former JMU edge rusher Khairi Manns spent four seasons at Maine and one year at Colorado before his breakout FBS season with the Dukes last year — but it was a long time coming.
Manns said he wanted to be a Duke from the beginning of his high school recruitment process. Manns was originally committed to JMU out of New Rochelle High School in New York but had to flip his commitment to Maine because he didn’t meet JMU’s SAT requirements, he said in August.
Manns earned the starting spot, opposite fellow New York native Eric O’Neill, and Second Team All-Sun Belt after posting 66 tackles, 12.5 for loss, on top of nine sacks. At Colorado, Manns was used as a stack linebacker who would drop back in coverage while occasionally lining up as an edge rusher. In former JMU defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill’s defense, he was primarily used to rush the passer, which resulted in his career-high numbers.
“I’m just so grateful that I ended up in a great spot,” Manns said. “I met great people, like Eric, [defensive line] coach [Sam] Daniels and these are relationships that will last a lifetime. I was happy we were able to end the season in the history books with that first bowl win. I wish my time with James Madison could have been longer.”
Manns helped clinch the Dukes’ victory over Western Kentucky during the Boca Raton Bowl with a strip sack, which he recovered immediately with 3:02 remaining — that was his first forced fumble of the season.
Manns said he took a week-long break to see his family in New York before heading to Atlanta to train for JMU’s Pro Day on Thursday. Manns is working with Tripp Smith, owner of Hammer Smith Sports and son of sports performance coach Chip Smith. Tripp has helped Manns train for drills like the 40-yard dash, 3-cone and bench press, while working with pass rush specialist Devontez Walker.
Manns’ daily routine is split into three workouts: he starts with Walker, who critiques his rush moves, then he moves to Tripp, who helps his physical performance, including speed and agility, before finishing his day with weightlifting.
Walker has trained some of the NFL’s most premier pass rushers, including the Chicago Bears’ Montez Sweat, Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby and former Duke Jamree Kromah. However, Manns first met Walker through his friend and Raiders’ edge rusher Malcolm Koonce, who trained with Walker during his NFL Draft preparation in 2021.
Koonce was drafted during the third round, 79th overall.
“He was like, ‘oh snap, I’m here with Malcolm? I’m in the right spot,’” Walker said.
see MANNS, page 20
Manns is working with pass rush specialist Devontez Walker, who’s trained multiple NFL players Courtesy of Khairi Manns
Grace Sawyer/ The Breeze
Walker said when he first met Manns, his movements were “stiff” and “raw,” but through Walker’s tutelage, Manns learned a variety of pass rush moves like the cross chop, side scissors and ghost.
While training during the COVID-19 pandemic, Walker said personal trainers — like himself — became student athletes’ coaches during mandates that didn’t allow them to compete at their schools. Walker said Manns developed the cross chop into one of his “bread and butters,” but he also does a great job using the ghost. However, his finesse moves aren’t the only thing in his skillset.
“He’ll put some people on their ass,” Walker said. “I know some people like to say ‘power and finesse.’ Sometimes when people call you ‘finesse,’ they’re trying to call you ‘soft.’ There’s nothing soft about him.”
Walker has been training Manns in all of the defensive line and edge rusher drills ahead of Pro Day. He said if Manns was invited to the NFL Combine, he would’ve looked better than “85%” of the edge rushers there.
Manns’ exact height, weight, wingspan and more will be displayed during Pro Day, but Walker said he looks like an NFL edge rusher. Expect Manns to return to JMU football’s Robert & Frances Athletic Performance Center with enlarged arms, traps and an eight-pack.
“He’s worked harder than 90% of players going into this process and that’s something that I stand on and that’s something you’re going to see out there,” Walker said.
Outside of the football field, Manns said he wants NFL scouts to know he’s wholesome, a good teammate and somebody an NFL organization would love to have around. Manns added he’s thankful for friends like Koonce and Walker, who have educated him about the draft process.
“I told him just be Khairi Manns, put the work in and show them what you do and you’ll be able to be a fit as far as special teams, rushing the passer, or playing off or on ball,” Walker said. “He just needs to be himself, people will fall in love with his game.”
CONTACT Hayden Hundley at breezesports@gmail.com. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.
Manns finished last season with nine sacks on his way to an All-Sun Belt Second Team nod. Breeze file photo
Player turned coach: How Taylor Marchetti is helping JMU lacrosse after graduating
By MAEGHAN STOCKLI The Breeze
Former JMU lacrosse midfielder and graduate student
Taylor Marchetti knew she wanted lacrosse to be part of her life since she was 4 years old.
After graduating from JMU in 2024 with a bachelor’s in applied nutrition, Marchetti knew she would stay for a graduate student program.
With that, she decided to take her lacrosse knowledge to the coaching side.
During her time as a collegiate player, Marchetti had an illustrious career. In 2024, she was selected to the American Athletic Conference Second Team All-Conference. When deciding where to commit to play lacrosse, she knew JMU was the right fit because of head coach Shelly Klaes.
“I loved her coaching style and the culture she instills in the team,” Marchetti said.
Marchetti was allowed a fifth year of eligibility because of COVID-19. By the time it arrived, she had started graduate school.
Since Marchetti would be at JMU another year pursuing her master’s degree after her playing career ended, she reached out to Klaes and her coaching staff in hopes of helping the program she once played for.
“The coaches immediately took me in and were very excited to have me help out,” Marchetti said.
Marchetti has experienced both sides of the field as a midfielder, which adds to her coaching knowledge.
“It’s been great to have Taylor around as someone who’s had experience, especially since we’ve had two freshmen added to the midfield,” senior midfielder Maggie Clark said.
Since she played last season, her perspective is fresh and she knows what it’s like to be in the players’ shoes. Marchetti said emphasizing the coaches’ statements from a different perspective is very valuable to the team.
“I like that she is emotionally supporting older players trying to finish hard and younger players who are trying to build their confidence early,” Klaes said.
Marchetti said she likes to have one-on-one conversations with players to form relationships as she gives them fundamental advice. Having the mix of players she knows so well and then bringing new faces into their culture and play style has been something she has helped with.
While coaching this year’s team, she has focused on breaking down what the coaches are telling players. Clark said Marchetti will even reword things to help players think differently.
“It’s totally different from when you play than sitting back and coaching,” Marchetti said. “You see it differently.”
The Dukes’ roster is filled with players ranging from freshmen to graduate students. The team’s depth is something the Dukes have used to find their image with all of the new talent.
Marchetti said she has emphasized helping younger players elevate their play, especially since this year’s team is so young compared to last year — something all the more important with the team’s sights set on redemption for a conference championship.
Making the decision to stay as part of JMU’s program for this year was easy for Marchetti. As she explores jobs as a dietician, she said she wants to look for opportunities to continue coaching lacrosse at any level possible.
“I definitely want to continue being involved in lacrosse in some sort of way just because of my love for the game,” Marchetti said.
CONTACT Maeghan Stockli at stocklma@dukes.jmu.edu. For more lacrosse coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.
Graduate student and former JMU midfielder Taylor Marchetti has brought her expertise to the sideline as a grad assistant. Breeze file photo
OPINION
Maya Skurski
Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts & Pats is the place to do it. Submit your own at breezejmu.org.
A “for-life” pat to my freshman year friends for an amazing spring break.
From an out-of-state student who never thought she’d make friends, but instead ended up keeping the same ones for four years.
A “move” dart to people who won’t let you out of your space in parking garages when you’re trying to leave.
From someone who will give you their space if you would just let them.
A “one-hat-too-many” dart to my cap and gown.
From a senior who’s far from ready to leave in seven weeks.
A “supporting-smallbusinesses” pat to the guy who didn’t check my ID.
From someone who needed a pack of Marlboros and a friend to help them out.
Breeze seniors commemorate their time spent on staff Senior send-off
MORGAN BLAIR Print Managing Editor
During my nearly four years at JMU, there have been very few constants. College is a time of great change and often things are different month to month, but The Breeze has been a constant for me.
When I joined, I was a bright-eyed freshman who barely understood what being a member of The Breeze would entail. Now, as print managing editor, I’m a dull-eyed senior who still hasn’t completely figured it out. But, in all seriousness, I think that’s this organization’s beauty.
This paper has given me so many chances to learn and to make mistakes — opportunities that have made me a more confident and informed journalist excited to grab my future by the horns. I’m still far from perfect, but I’m a completely different person from that scared little freshman culture writer who
would sit awkwardly and silently in meetings or be so scared he wouldn’t even show up.
Through JMU and by extension The Breeze, I’ve found the person I want to be.
This paper is so much more than I once believed it to be; it’s become the foundation of my college experience and a place where I can feel comfortable being myself, as well as a place that has molded me into the person I’ve become.
I’ve spent more time in the buzzing, fluorescent lights of that office building than I probably have in my own apartment, but I wouldn’t trade that time for anything in the world. The paper and the people who make it will be part of me for at least an eternity.
There are at least a hundred people I’ve met over these four years I could mention, but there are a few that I especially believe deserve some recognition.
To Kasey Thompson: When we started as co-managing editors, we barely knew each other. Now, after many late nights, corralling
the children at J-Camp and my constant bugging you in your office, I’m proud to call you a close friend. I wouldn’t have survived this last year without you. You’re incredibly smart, funny and kind. I’m so excited to see where you’ll end up, but wherever it is, I’m sure there will be lots of boys to watch all the extraordinary things you’ll do.
To Abby Camp: Oh, Abigail, I don’t even know where to start with you. From being a little culture writer to becoming the mini-me of the office, it’s been a long and arduous journey between us. I know we endlessly torture and tease each other, but I’m so happy to have met you. You’re a light in every room you enter and will go on to do things none of us have even imagined. I’ll be rooting for you every step of the way; always remember to “say what you mean out loud.”
see GOODBYE , page 25
From left to right: Seniors Jacob Perez, Sam Rhinard, Madalyn Cornwell, Mallory Evans, Morgan Blair, Hayden Hundley and Maya Skurski. Blake Shepherd / The Breeze
from GOODBYE, page 24
To Evan Moody: Richmond’s finest, I’m so happy to call you one of my best friends. You were my rock as coculture editor, and I’m happy our journey didn’t end there. You’re one of the funniest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. Whenever you come to a fork in the road, know I’m always here for you. You’re an awesome guy, and I’m so excited about what your future holds. Never let the Mooditude fade.
To Kayla Brown: It’s hard to believe how much has changed since we were high schoolers in Gretna. I don’t even know where to start with thanking you. I would be nothing without you. I love you as much as I could love any family member. You’re a constant inspiration to me, and I’m so proud to know you. You’re my best friend and a hero to me in many ways. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and know I’ll forever be grateful to you.
To Kaiden Bridges: Dear “Monica,” who would’ve thought that when I was a little culture editor and you were a sports editor that one day I’d be calling you one of my closest friends? You’re such an amazing and funny person, and I’m so thankful to The Breeze for introducing
us. Thank you for always being a good friend and a confidant. Please don’t spend too much time with “Bill” in Washington, D.C.
To Blake Shepherd: I’ve truly never known anyone like you, I’m not sure there could ever be another. You’re an extraordinarily funny, intelligent and good man; The Breeze is lucky to have you. Thank you for the laughs, advice, letter of recommendation, your willingness to always help and just for being a friend. I’ll miss seeing you in the office every week. I hope to see you and our friend Brandon often, even after I graduate!
To Sixuan Wu and Hannah Kennedy: I’m so excited for you two to take over for me and Kasey. You two are going to do an amazing job. Believe in yourselves. You’re both incredibly capable and intelligent — you’ve got this. And, if you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at any time.
To the ’24-’25 staff: Well, it looks like our time together is coming to a close. I’m so proud of everything we did together. You guys are all amazing and we couldn’t have had a better team. Each of you has done so well this year, and you’re all destined for good things. Know I’m rooting for you, and I love you all.
SAM RHINARD Advertising Creative Director & Breeze TV Studio Director
I began my time at JMU thinking I had everything figured out and that these four years here would pass right on by. I never thought being part of an organization like The Breeze would make me want to slow down time, if not stop it completely. There are no words to express how thankful I am for getting to work here with all of these amazing people whom I call my friends and have provided a support system for me these past few years. I never really saw myself working in advertising. I was always someone who did video and television production and didn’t want anything to do with print journalism. I want to thank Blake Shepherd for taking a chance on me and allowing me to be creative in a way
other than film. Blake, if it wasn’t for you believing in me and supporting me, I wouldn’t be where I am today and I’m eternally grateful. I will miss getting to hear all of your life stories and all of our talks in your office.
To my ads people, you guys got this. I know you all will do great things and make the paper even better than I found it. From making sure the pages have the right dates, to freaking out about a classified ad not being there or forgetting to move ads around — you guys are definitely not going to be bored. Doing ads is a pretty cool job, especially with having Blake as your boss, and I know you guys will make it even cooler.
To everyone at The Breeze, thank you for letting me into your family and trusting me with the paper. I know most of you only knew me from Breeze TV, but
JACOB PEREZ Advertising Designer &
As my time at JMU ends, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences, friendships and opportunities that have shaped me over the past four years. Studying media arts and design with a concentration in digital video and cinema has fueled my passion for storytelling, and I’m grateful for every lesson I’ve learned along the way. JMU has given me a place to grow creatively and professionally, and I couldn’t have asked for a better environment to develop my skills.
My time with ESPN+ and working as a production assistant on many films have reinforced my love for production. From live game coverage to behind-the-
scenes editing, I’ve gained hands-on experience that will stick with me long after I leave Harrisonburg. The Breeze also played a huge role in my journey, giving me opportunities to collaborate with talented peers and push my creative boundaries, allowing me to tell stories that matter and bring my ideas to life on screen.
Outside of media, JMU has given me so much more than just academic and professional growth. Being a part of organizations such as Club Climbing has been an unforgettable experience, giving me a supportive community and an outlet outside the studio. The Latin Dance Club has also been a huge part of my time here, providing opportunities to connect with others and be part of something bigger than myself. These experiences
MADALYN CORNWELL Audience Editor
As my time at JMU draws to a close, it’s difficult to grasp where the time went. My college experience wasn’t the “traditional” one. I transferred to JMU in the spring semester of 2023, which was a semester behind what would’ve been my incoming freshman class. The transfer experience was scary but reflecting; it was the push I needed to grow as a person.
When I first got to JMU, I enrolled in SMAD 101 just as most freshmen joining SMAD do. I remember the day former News Director Zoe Mowery came into our class to talk about Breeze TV. In that instant, I knew I had found the people and the place I wanted to be associated with — a place where I could thrive.
Although I learned so much in Breeze TV, I really found my niche when I joined The Breeze, the organization’s print side. As a media arts and design major with a creative advertising concentration, I was able to step outside the traditional newsroom role and find my place as the audience editor.
Within this role, I got firsthand experience running multiple social media platforms and having creative freedom to create a bridge from the stories being told in the newsroom to the people engaging with the content online. Not only did I find a future career path, but I also found some lifelong friends.
While I still have one semester left, my time at The Breeze has come to an end. Thank you, Eleanor and
To the ’25-’26 staff: If I can impart one piece of advice to all of you as a newly-minted wise old man, it would be to believe in yourself. You’re all going to do great. I know your jobs can feel like a lot, but don’t let yourself get too overwhelmed. Take breaks, ask for help when you need it and never hesitate to reach out to me for anything. So this is (sort of) my goodbye to The Breeze. It’s been quite the journey, and I’m happy to have experienced it. I’m both sad to leave and excited for what’s next. The Breeze has been here for over a hundred years, and I hope it’ll be here for a hundred more — though I’m already ancient, so I’m not sure I’ll be there to find out. Here’s to gratitude, looking forward and to cryogenic freezing allowing me to potentially be around for The Breeze’s bicentennial.
Though I’ll be print managing editor until May, I already know how much I’ll miss this paper, the office, the free lunches, my tiny little windowless office and every person I’ve encountered at this organization over the years (for the most part). Please don’t forget about me or I’ll take over Blake’s job and refuse to leave.
I do genuinely appreciate and am grateful for all the friendships I have made within the office. All of the late Wednesday nights working on the paper, the jokes we would make and just the overall support. I cannot think of a better group of people to call my friends and thank you for all of the support you gave me.
My time with The Breeze has been full of ups and downs, and I can’t think of a better organization to be part of during my college experience. It has made my time at JMU more memorable, and I will never forget my time as an ad designer and creative director. Everyone has impacted me during my time here, and I can’t wait to see what great things you all will accomplish after I graduate. GO DUKES!
have shaped me in ways I never expected, and I’m grateful for every moment.
Whether it was late nights editing in the studio, long days on set or early morning climbs, every challenge and triumph has been a step toward my future. The friendships I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned will stay with me as I take the next steps in my career. I’m excited for what’s ahead, but I know I’ll always look back on my time at JMU with gratitude.
Thank you to my professors, mentors, friends and everyone who has been part of my journey. Your guidance and support have meant the world to me. JMU will always be a part of who I am, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a Duke.
Alexa, for trusting me to take over as audience editor. Thank you to all of the section editors and staff for allowing me to showcase your stories on social media. Thank you to the copy editors for always correcting my mistakes, and to the Big Three for always being amazing leaders. Last but certainly not least, thank you, Kasey, for laying the foundation — allowing me to take this job and being such a good friend along this journey. Thank you to The Breeze for providing the tools I needed to succeed from here on out
see GOODBYE, page 26
Breeze TV Floor Director
MALLORY EVANS Copy Editor
I believe writing encompasses the perfect avenue for memorialization, whether it be objective or subjective. This is essential in creating a clear and concise message. It’s a craft no one perfects — and that’s OK. It’s the striving to be relevant and accurate that matters most.
Writing champions autonomy, narration and remembrance. Editing is revelatory, concrete and exigent. Both apply to journalism, and The Breeze has allowed me to amalgamate them throughout the past two years.
While serving as a culture writer during my junior year, I expanded my knowledge of journalism procedures and wrote stories that addressed a variety of topics, from campus events to film and music reviews.
During my senior year as a copy editor, I honed my specialization areas of editing, AP Style and narration while learning about relevant happenings across JMU.
The basketball player who defied all odds, the comedy show that brought laughter to Harrisonburg, the breaking news that changed student involvement’s trajectory, the column that offered invaluable relationship advice … All of these are timely and engaging stories — something I believe makes this newspaper so meaningful.
Every time you author or publish something, it represents a piece of you. For any written work, there’s satisfaction in knowing no one else has authored that exact same arrangement of words as you.
It’s preferable to abstain from the word “I” in newspaper work, but writing is driven by the word “I” as the author. Through both independent tasks and collaborative discussions, The Breeze has opened doors for my future educational pursuits and career opportunities — along with personal growth.
To next year’s copy editors, Joelle and Kayla, I wish you all the best in your roles.
To Hannah, the “copy queen,” your talent, outlook and humor will take you far, and I’m excited to see all you accomplish in your new position.
To the 2024-25 staff, you taught me something new every day, and it has been a pleasure to work and learn alongside you.
To my parents, family and friends, I can’t begin to express my gratitude for your constant love, support and encouragement in all my endeavors.
I see the writing and editing processes as analogous to a chef curating a distinct dish, an artist attempting to blend copious shades of red to paint a rose or a musician playing again and again to discover the right note in a composition. The stirring, mixing and synthesizing all contribute to an original final story.
When you take that first step to write your first word and see your first sentence on the page, you always see a little more — think a little more. May we all see a little more and contribute a little more to our world.
HAYDEN HUNDLEY Sports Editor
My life was flipped completely upside down during my first year of college.
I was hundreds of miles away from my hometown, filled with anxiety, turmoil and my dream of being a student athlete wasn’t what I expected. I had to get away and transferred to JMU, expecting my life to fall back into place — it didn’t.
I was extroverted, but still couldn’t make any new friends. That was until I looked over the shoulder of one of my classmates’ computers in my SMAD 101 class and saw her writing a story for the student newspaper. With a passion for storytelling, I knew I could try to do the same thing as her. Once I got involved with The Breeze, I instantly had direction — a purpose as to what I was studying in college and friends that wanted to see me grow and succeed. It’s been a fun, challenging and remarkable three years I wouldn’t change at all, and I want to individually thank all of the people who have gone out of their way to help me.
To Kaiden Bridges: Thanks for letting me bother you with about whatever sportsrelated field you were involved with here. I didn’t have a freshman suitemate at JMU, or friends I met at FROG week, so you were my day one — the first fellow student who welcomed me on campus. I’m thankful for all the advice you gave me about taking over your job and letting me rant for an hour on the phone almost every week since we first met.
To Jackson Hephner: Thank you for teaching me how to properly handle the stressful and exciting position of The Breeze’s
sports editor. Thanks for sticking around when I first started, so Preston and I looked like we knew what we were doing. I can’t wait to watch your career blossom.
To Grant Johnson and Madie Hricik: Despite being horribly out of touch, which is 100% my fault, it’s difficult to remember a week when I didn’t think about the positive impact both of you had on me. Thank you for taking a chance on the rash, overenthusiastic sports nut and channeling that energy into competent journalism. I’m so lucky to have joined The Breeze at the same time the perfect sports editors were in place for me. I miss Madie ranting about a pitch she liked for 40 minutes during a staff meeting and Grant over-explaining a singular copy edit on a Google Doc (we get it, bro, I’ll accept the edit). There’s no surprise that both of you have continued to grow your careers and I can’t wait for the next time our paths cross at a game.
To Catie Harper: Once a Breezer, always a Breezer, right? When we first started covering football and lacrosse together, you never once made me feel like we were competitors. You were always quick to give me advice and a pick-me-up when I needed it after spending countless hours in the Bridgeforth press box. I attribute so much of my success to the confidence you helped instill in me from the jump. Thank you for staying with the crazy, annoying and energetic Breeze crew in Palm Beach, no matter how many years it took off your life. I look forward to trash-talking you during many NFC Championship games in the future. Left hand up!
from
GOODBYE, page 26
To Preston Comer & Gavin Avella: I’m so proud of the journalists both of you have become. I can’t wait to see what y’all can do with this section, and I’m happy to leave it in such trusting hands. Preston, thanks for tolerating my stubbornness and passenger driving for a year. Keep being yourself, and the results you have worked so hard for will rain down. Keep telling incredible stories about the remarkable athletics program JMU has built. I’ll see y’all on the other side.
Thank you to the rest of The Breeze staff for making me feel so welcome every Wednesday night. I’ll miss Charlene’s smile, Sixuan’s kettle whistling, Brad’s encouragement and Blake’s random sports facts about niche basketball players from the late ’70s. Thank you
MAYA SKURSKI Opinion Editor
I fear this may be only the first of many heartbreaking farewells, and the thought of saying goodbye truly seems impossible. How do you bring closure to a life you spent the past four years building? How does one possibly encapsulate change?
For me, it starts at the beginning. Honestly, I should’ve never graduated high school, and when I did, I didn’t care much about anything. Without hesitating, I ran roughly 1,500 miles from my hometown, leaving everything behind. The question I hear most often is, “Why?” The answer is simple: I felt I belonged on this campus — and every friendship, adventure, opportunity, has proved to me how true that is.
I arrived at JMU as a social work major, holding onto a promise to myself that I’d use my life to make a real difference in the world. Within a year, I came to terms with the fact that, while I carried an overflowing amount of empathy, I wasn’t necessarily cut out for that path. So, I scrambled to find something that would help me fulfill ambitions I’d set out for past versions of myself. That’s when journalism — SMAD 101 — stumbled into my life. As cliché as it sounds, it found me.
I vividly remember pleading to my first editor to give me a chance when I submitted my application to The Breeze. Before that interview, I had no published works and little journalistic experience; I was simply a writer fueled by passion and a sense of moral duty. I also had a good friend who, during our study abroad, inspired and encouraged me
to join The Breeze. In no particular order, my first thank you goes to him.
I started writing about issues I believed deserved attention. After all, isn’t the opinion section the perfect platform to spark conversation — and drive change? By my second article, I witnessed the influence of language firsthand. I saw discourse ignite over opinions I had shared and, most importantly, I saw change unfold as a result.
Let me tell you, that feeling is powerful.
Somewhere in the past two years, in journalistic grief, I lost sight of that. I veered off the path I truly believed was meant for me. I convinced myself there was a battle between choosing my own happiness and to help change the world. I never considered the median; it didn’t have to be one or the other.
By a stroke of chance, I quickly stepped into the role of opinion editor. While spontaneity is one of my trademarks, that may have been the smartest last-minute decision of my academic career. Four years ago, I had no idea what I wanted out of life, and I certainly never imagined a student-run paper would help me figure that out. But over the past year as opinion editor, I’ve grown more as a human being and a writer than I ever thought possible — and it’s because of this organization I will continue to use my voice to inspire change.
I’m so grateful to the bright minds that have helped put together this paper with me every week, those who have challenged, pushed, inspired and celebrated me; my second thank you goes to them.
There was a moment, roughly a month ago, where I got caught up in a good story. It was all I could think about
don’t have to lift a hammer to help build and preserve affordable housing in the Central Shenandoah Valley.
to the SMAD faculty for helping me navigate a crazy tip I received or just letting me vent about my workload.
To the athletes who have let me tell my deep stories about them, thank you for letting me into your lives so fans can read about your excellence. To everyone who has read my content over the past few years, thank you for supporting me, and I hope you don’t go away when I leave.
Peace out.
for weeks. I called my father, who knows me better than I know myself, and he provided clarity. It wasn’t the story or the subject that was tearing me apart, it was that I loved what I was doing; I loved knowing that I was a part of making a difference, creating hope — that feeling drives every decision I will make in my career.
My final thank you goes out to the man himself: my dad. Not just for supporting me in every journalistic endeavor and crisis, but for being the first person to ever encourage my literacy skills. Thank you for being my first fan and editor; I’ll always have you read my first drafts.
The Breeze established my journalistic career, and my passion for it, but I’ve always been a writer and an altruist — it was just about putting those pieces together. To me, journalism has always been something bigger — it’s not just information — it carries weight, forms connections and is eternal. Journalism isn’t just a career; for me, it’s a calling, and The Breeze was just the beginning.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime that I’ll say goodbye to my firstever paper and it’s even stranger to know I will look back at this position knowing it shaped my career. Generally, it’s quite a unique experience to sit in the living room you decorated with roommates you aren’t prepared to leave and know that in less than 50 days, the life you built for the past four years will completely change. I’m not sure yet if that’s terrifying or freeing, but I know I’m ready for it, and whatever happens, I’ll make sure to write it down.
The Breeze
Editorial Staff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eleanor Shaw breezeeditor@gmail.com
NEWS EDITORS
K. Mauser & Drake Miller breezenews@gmail.com
COPY EDITORS Mallory Evans & Joelle McKenzie breezecopy@gmail.com
PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Morgan Blair breezepress@gmail.com
CULTURE EDITORS Abby Camp & Sixuan Wu thebreezeculture@gmail.com
PHOTO EDITORS Kailey Garner & Landon Shackelford breezephotography@gmail.com
ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Kasey Thompson thebreezeweb@gmail.com
SPORTS EDITORS Hayden Hundley & Preston Comer breezesports@gmail.com
AUDIENCE EDITORS Madalyn Cornwell & Madeline Buynak thebreezesocials@gmail.com
If you have any corrections, please contact the section editors via their designated email or the editor-in-chief at breezeeditor@gmail.com.
OPINION EDITOR Maya Skurski breezeopinion@gmail.com
ART DIRECTOR Ella Austin thebreezeartdirector@gmail.com
TV NEWS DIRECTOR Alexa Bonilla jmubreezetv@gmail.com
This
Top Stories
Dukes learn about the key to happiness from bestselling author during trip to ODU
Stay tuned for this weekend’s weather forecast
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
Edited by Patti Varol
“__ with my little eye ... ”
Sonogram target
__ from the past
Sports org. with conferences
Govt. agent
Handy Scrabble
Creator, writer, and star of HBO’s “Insecure”
George Eliot’s “__ Marner”
“The Nutcracker” girl
Successfully start a new project, and a hint to the starts of 18-, 23-, 52-, and 58-Across
San Antonio
“__ luego”
Buddy cop action franchise starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, familiarly
“__ chic!”
“Beloved” novelist Morrison
Japanese comics
“Halt!”
Halts
By Janice Luttrell
MADISON MARKETPLACE
Madison Marketplace is open for business, and all text-only listings are FREE ! Post job listings, announcements, rentals and more using our online placement tool. Ads run two weeks online and in two print editions.
STUDENT JOBS SERVICE
Graphic Designer Wanted
HOUSING
The Breeze, JMU’s award-winning student media organization, seeks a student graphic designer for print and online advertising. Job requirements include creating ads fro clients, collaboration with Advertising coordinator, page layout and design. Must be deadline oriented. Knowledge of Adobe software and previous design experience. EOE. Apply at jobs.jmu.edu JOBS
Downtown Harrisonburg
one-bedroom loft available for sublet August 2025 – January 2026
1BR/1.5BA loft in downtown Harrisonburg available Aug 1, 2025 –Jan 30, 2026. $1,600/month. Must be employed, no pets, lease required. Includes parking. Beautiful, modern, well-lit space. Serious inquiries only – email vivianvk17@gmail.com with your details and availability to meet with the tenant and landlord.
2 Bedroom Townhouse - Close to JMU campus!
2 BEDROOM - Two bedroom townhouse for rent starting in August 2025. The townhouse is 0.5 miles from the JMU campus. Contact me at (540) 435-7861 if you are interested.
Storage Services
SUMMER STUDENT STORAGE SERVICES. Going home for the summer? Leave your belongings in storage We will pick them up, store them and deliver them to your new place in August. Call 540-810-1196, email MikePackett@aol. com or check out www.Adventures-NTravel.com for details. Local business and competitive.
SwiftHaul: Your Affordable Moving Solution for JMU Students!
Hey JMU Students! SwiftHaul Moving Services makes your move easy and affordable! From dorms to storage, apartments, or home, we’ve got you covered with the best prices and friendly, reliable service.
Contact us today at 434-665-1259 or maceevan03@gmail.com for a stressfree experience!
NOTICES
Jon Foreman In Bloom Tour with Jordy Searcy
Jon Foreman IN BLOOM tour at 7 PM on Friday March 7 in Harrisonburg! Jon, lead singer of the Grammy Award winning band Switchfoot, will also be joined by singer-songwriters Jordy Searcy & special guest Graham Jones. Tickets are available at songsforvalley.org.
NOW HIRING! Dance Teachers
Wanted - Fall 2025 to Spring 2026
Seeking teachers with extensive dance training, performance experience and love of teaching! Send your resume to dancecompany@gmail.com and call 540-810-3631 to begin interview process Interviews begin in March - Dont wait! Call Now!
Help Wanted in Church Nursery
Mt Olive Brethren Church seeks a Nursery Care Provider during the hours of 8:45am-12:15pm each Sunday. For more information, contact Laura Waldron (540-820-7235, laura@ mtolivebrethren.org)
Career Opportunity - Police Recruit - $10,000 HIRING INCENTIVE AVAILABLE TO NEW OFFICERS
The City of Harrisonburg is currently accepting applications for non-certified individuals interested in joining HPD, which offers a rewarding career plus an excellent benefits package, including enhanced hazardous duty through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). $10,000 HIRING INCENTIVE AVAILABLE TO NEW OFFICERS* ... *Find out more/apply online: https:// www.harrisonburgva.gov/employment. EOE.
Career
Opportunity
- Public Works Planning Manager
Are you searching for your next career move with an organization that values your subject-matter expertise while leading strategic transportation planning efforts? If so, consider applying to become the Public Works Planning Manager with the City of Harrisonburg! Find out more/apply online: https:// www.harrisonburgva.gov/employment. EOE.
