The Breeze 4.25.24

PRESIDENT ALGER PASSES THE TORCH

The Board of Visitors announced that former Senior Vice President Charlie King will become interim university president

On the cover

The Board of Visitors (BoV) appointed former Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance Charlie King as JMU’s interim president — the first in over 30 years — during its Friday meeting.

King will hold the position until a permanent replacement for President Jonathan Alger takes over in June 2025. For more on King, see page 4. Scan below to subscribe to our newsletter:

Senior Edwin Domachowski received top surgery in winter 2022. He, along with other JMU students, said they found

Mauser & Libby Addison

Charlie King chosen as interim university president

By NEWS DESK The Breeze

The Board of Visitors (BoV) announced Charlie King will serve as interim university president during the search for President Jonathan Alger’s permanent replacement during its meeting Friday.

The BoV came to its decision yesterday after reviewing all applicants and deemed King to be the most qualified candidate. King will assume his role on July 1 and will act as interim president for a year while the search continues.

“Charlie is as a board we found uniquely qualified to serve as the interim president, given his 25 years at JMU,” BoV Rector Maribeth Herod said. “The decision ... was thoughtfully done with the greatest competence knowing

that there will be a seamless transition of the university’s operations.”

King, former senior vice president of administration and finance, worked at JMU for 25 years (1996-2021) before his retirement in December 2021, according to JMU’s website.

“I’m thrilled to be back,” King said. “I’m really looking forward to hitting the ground running.”

Throughout his time at JMU, King had several accomplishments, including the establishment of JMU’s Division of Administration and Finance scholarship to assist division employees’ children who have an interest in attending JMU, according to another article on JMU’s website.

“He has served a critical role in working with legislators across the Commonwealth and has spearheaded numerous capital projects that have enhanced this institution greatly,” Alger said in an article on JMU’s website. “The institutional knowledge he has developed over 25 years is invaluable.”

After a closed session which roughly lasted from noon to 1 p.m., Rod McDavis, the managing principal of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) Search, presented to the BoV. During his presentation, he advised on the qualities JMU should prioritize during the upcoming presidential search.

The BoV also analyzed the timeline between former JMU President Linwood Rose’s retirement and Alger’s presidency as well as examined other universities, such as George Mason, to prepare for its own search. Afterward, the board outlined the traits it will prioritize in JMU’s future president, including honesty, intellect and charisma.

CONTACT

The news desk at breezenews gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

Longtime Vice President Donna Harper to retire

By NEWS DESK The Breeze

The Board of Visitors (BoV) Rector Maribeth D. Herod tearfully acknowledged Vice President for Access and Enrollment Management Donna Harper’s career and retirement during its Friday morning meeting.

“[Harper has] served faithfully and with great distinction in countless positions at James Madison University for the past 47 years,” Herod said.

Harper has been involved in the JMU community since graduating JMU in ’77. She’s served in several positions including assistant dean of students, director of health and recreation, associate vice

president for student affairs and executive assistant to the president, according to her page on JMU’s website.

JMU President Jonathan Alger praised Harper for her continuous “leadership and service” efforts, during the Friday morning session of the BoV meeting.

“Every time something needed to be done that did not fit quite neatly into anybody else’s job description, [Harper was] the person that said ‘I'll do it, I’ll get it done’,” Alger said.

CONTACT The news desk at breezenews@ gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

SGA elects sophomore as next year’s speaker of the Senate

By JOELLE MCKENZIE The Breeze

The Student Government Association (SGA) elected Sen. sophomore Kieran Fensterwald as the 110th Senate’s speaker during a special Tuesday meeting.

Fensterwald, a political science major with minors in legal studies and civic leadership, ran uncontested for the position. He was nominated by fellow Sen. sophomore Ella Stotzky, a former Breeze photographer.

His nomination comes two weeks after SGA elections were held for its major positions, including but not limited to president, vice president, executive treasurer and student representative to the Board of Visitors.

“I firmly believe that I can be a strong leader to help solve problems, retain strong membership and facilitate dialogue on a professional level,” Fensterwald said while explaining why he’s fit to be the SGA Senate’s speaker. “I also believe the capacity of this role should also stretch

as a voice of encouragement for you, our general members.”

Following Fensterwald’s speech, he stepped out of the room for the vote to take place, and various SGA senators made statements in support of him.

Stotzky described Fensterwald as “one of the smartest and hardworking people” she knows and said, “he’s the best person to lead the 110th Senate to success.”

“In his speech, he mentioned how he hopes the speaker position will be a very internal focus and be the bridge between general members and leadership team,” former SGA Vice President and current Class of 2025 President Faith Forman said. “I guarantee if he’s elected speaker, he would definitely go above and beyond and put in an extra effort to make this world a better place.”

Charlie King named as interim president as search continues for a permanent replacement. Kailey Garner / The Breeze

Donna Harper, vice president for access and enrollment management is retiring after nearly 50 years at JMU. A road on Greek Row was recently named "Donna Harper Ln" to honor her legacy. Kailey Garner / The Breeze

Sophomore Kieran Fensterwald was named as the 110th Senate’s speaker during a special Tuesday meeting. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

JMU alumna to introduce new bill aimed at helping sexual assault survivors

By DRAKE MILLER

The

Breeze

After seeing a documentary involving the sexual assault of a woman from her district, alumna state Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw (D-CT) (’97) decided to introduce a bill helping sexual assault survivors come forward in her state.

Avon Chief of Police Paul Melanson said the bill would create a committee to share the proposed policy with; the committee would then give it to the Police Officer’s Standards and Training council (POST). The council would distribute it to the police departments of Connecticut, making the policy required.

Kavros DeGraw graduated JMU as an English major, and she now represents the 17th District of Connecticut, which contains the majority of the towns Avon and Canton. She also serves as the co-chair of the state’s planning and development committee.

This bill, which is currently in committee according to the website Bill Track 50, started when journalist Rachel de Leon reached out to Kavros DeGraw regarding a documentary titled “Victim/Suspect,” available on Netflix. The documentary, Kavros DeGraw said, was the reason she filed the bill.

Kavros DeGraw said this effort is in cooperation with two of her colleagues as well as the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

One of the women mentioned in the documentary experienced a sexual assault at work in Kavros DeGraw’s district in 2017.

When the woman from Kavros Degraw’s district first came forward after her assault, Kavros DeGraw said the woman only told the police part of the story, as the woman was with her mother. Kavros Degraw added that the woman later returned to law enforcement to tell the rest of her story. Because of this, she was accused of filing a false police report.

“When women do choose to go to law enforcement, that’s really hard, and you automatically feel like you’re not going to be believed,” Kavros DeGraw said. “The reason for this legislation is to make sure that when women do come forward and they decide

to go to law enforcement, there’s a traumainformed response in place, that police officers are trained within what we’re calling a ‘model policy’ in Connecticut.”

Kavros DeGraw also said the police of her district support the legislation, and added Melanson had already seen “Victim/Suspect” twice by the time she brought the bill to him.

Melanson also serves as the Connecticut Police Chiefs’ Association president, a role which holds legislative responsibilities that he said involves looking at bills and refining them to benefit both the police and the community.

Melanson said his role with POST sets regulations and guidelines for police departments, which will help to ensure the bill is carried out in each police department in Connecticut. Melanson also said that before the bill was introduced, the POST council met with the state’s attorneys, sexual assault advocates, chiefs of police and instructors to promote a model policy

for POST to then issue in preparation for the bill’s passing.

“A lot of it revolved around the fact that we wanted to come up with [the] best practices,” Melanson said. “Victim-centered interviewing and those sorts of things because sexual assaults are very different from many other types of investigations.”

There are only around 18,000 people in Avon, Kavros DeGraw said. When considering the small population and the regular basis on which sexual assault cases occur, “you want to make sure that there’s a policy in place,” she said.

The hope, Kavros DeGraw said, is for law enforcement and the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence to cooperate to provide necessities after an assault. These include therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and other avenues to aid victims.

“There’s so much shame attached to the trauma in the first place, that it’s very hard if

you don’t have someone that you can disclose it to,” Kavros DeGraw said. “And even if you do disclose it to a friend, they may not have the resources necessary [to help].”

If any interaction with law enforcement is needed for sexual assault survivors, Kavros DeGraw said these survivors should be provided with a sense of the investigation’s next steps by personnel. She further said that it’s important for survivors to know what resources are available to them.

Kavros DeGraw shared a story from her district in which she was able to connect to a survivor of sexual assault. Kavros DeGraw testified in court “not on her behalf, but sort of in her stead,” she said.

“Someone has to be the voice when someone feels voiceless or feels like they can’t step forward,” Kavros DeGraw said.

After hearing about her state’s cases of sexual assault, Kavros DeGraw said she “needed to pursue model policy,” and added that she hopes “other states will look into this after we put it into place.”

Model policies, specifically for police departments, provide law enforcement officers with concrete guidance and instructions by describing “the manner in which actions, tasks, and operations are to be performed,” according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Kavros DeGraw also commented on the bipartisan nature of the policy, and said she doesn’t believe that there’s a political side to good ideas.

“I think we need to create an environment in which women feel comfortable coming forward if they would like to pursue having their attacker come to justice,” Kavros DeGraw said. “We don’t have that right now.”

CONTACT Drake Miller at mille8dl@dukes. jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X at @BreezeNewsJMU.

BoV approves budget, preps for Presidential search, tuition increase

By AVERY GOODSTINE The Breeze

The Board of Visitors (BoV) unanimously approved a tuition increase and budget for the 2024-25 academic year during its Friday meeting. The tuition proposal includes a 3% in-state and 1.5% out-of-state tuition increase.

Also discussed by the BoV were the beginning stages of the search for a new university president.

Proposed tuition increase approved

Towana Moore, vice president of administration and finance, presented the proposed tuition increase for the 2024-25 school year, which the board approved unanimously.

Moore said when discussing tuition increases, the BoV must consider

support from the commonwealth, student accessibility and affordability, and maintaining a competitive rate in comparison to other institutions.

Part of the tuition increase will go toward state-mandated and “unavoidable” costs — which include staff retention, promotion and tenure, the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents waiver, financial aid and scholarships, and Reengineering Madison among others.

Inflationary and contract cost increases are also a part of this category and include expanding on pre-existing resources such as more library materials and unlimited TimelyCare sessions.

An increase of 4.6% to room and board costs and 2.7% to comprehensive fees was also proposed and approved as well as the tuition increase. Examples of comprehensive

fees include access to the Student Health Center, transportation and intercollegiate and recreational sports.

These changes would ultimately result in a $390 increase for an in-state commuter, or $942 for students who live on campus. Alternatively, for out-of-state students, the increase would be $522 for commuters or $1,074 for on-campus residents. However, board member John Rothenberger said the board recognizes these figures may be subject to change.

In-state graduate students would see a $16 increase, while out-of-state graduate students would see a $19 increase.

BoV prepares to find President Alger’s replacement. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Connecticut State Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw (D-CT) wants her proposed bill to be a “voice” for the “voiceless,” she said. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

‘Out of place in your body’: A photo series of JMU students’ reflections on top surgery

By LANDON SHACKELFORD & K. MAUSER The Breeze

‘Trans Rights are Human Rights’ is labeled in thick black letters across senior Edwin Domachowski’s tie-dyed T-shirt. He wears this not only in support of but as a transgender man — a part of himself he’s “fought” to be comfortable with for years.

Domachowski said he’s questioned his gender since fourth grade. He was assigned female at birth, but said he never felt comfortable doing “everything that a girl has to do,” such as going bra shopping with his mother. He said he only wore sports bras from Costco for most of his upbringing, which he preferred, even though they “didn’t really fit right.”

“I didn’t really have a name for it,” Domachowski said, “feeling out of place in your body.”

In eighth grade, he learned what top surgery was: the removal of female breast tissue to create “a more masculine or nonbinary appearance,” according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. From that point on, Domachowski promised himself he would undergo this operation to feel more comfortable in his body.

Upon arriving at JMU, Domachowski identified as nonbinary and dressed androgynously prior to being able to express himself the way he truly wanted.

Domachowski underwent his top surgery operation three days after Christmas, 2022. He received a double mastectomy, which he explained was tissue removal on both breasts.

Domachowski removes the shirt and smiles, revealing the two scars streaked across his chest.

“A lot of my friends, and just people around me, did tell me that I seemed like a completely different person coming back to spring semester,” he said, referencing himself immediately postsurgery. “I didn’t feel like a completely different person, but I felt like who I was before fourth grade, I guess.”

On-campus gender nonconformity

Senior Lynn Vassar, who uses they/them pronouns, publicly came out as nonbinary their freshman year at JMU and underwent top surgery three years later.

“I used to bind, meaning I had a compression vest that would keep ‘the girls’ there and make [my chest] as flat as possible,” Vassar said. “But there were a lot of insecurities there … I just didn’t feel right in my body.”

It was this past summer that they had the operation. Vassar was a junior in high school when they knew “for sure” that they wanted to receive top surgery, but had to wait several years before going through with it due to multiple factors, including their parents’ approval.

As a JMU student ambassador, Vassar said they’ve had experiences while giving campus tours when parents were “not always accepting” of their preferred pronouns and gender expression, but didn’t share what these specific experiences were. Although they said these experiences can be discouraging, they also said they’ve found support and comfort in other organizations across campus.

Vassar is involved in Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) as a way to connect with others who accept all gender identities — the same hope for acceptance that also pushed Domachowski to visit JMU’s Counseling Center.

After seeking mental healthcare from the center — a resource he still uses today — Domachowski said he was able to “actually talk about” his gender nonconformity and find peace in using he/him pronouns and openly presenting masculinely.

“I needed someone to talk to and understand where I was coming from,” Domachowski said. “They’re really welleducated and have a group specifically for trans students. They created that group because they saw a need for it.”

A psychological perspective

School of Communication Studies associate professor Lindsey Harvell-Bowman is an affiliated faculty member in the Department of Psychology. While she’s not a licensed therapist — meaning she doesn’t see clients — she does train aspiring therapists and has an extensive background in psychology.

During her career, Harvell-Bowman said she’s noticed that transgender people are much more likely to suffer from mental health issues throughout their lives in comparison to cisgender people and have one of the highest suicide rates out of any group of people in America. She also said one reason transgender people pursue top surgery is to affirm themselves in their gender identity and as a person.

“Top surgery is just a really big thing, anytime you have a surgery related to transitioning, that also has mental health consequences as well — people feel better, but the process is not easy,” Harvell-Bowman said. “You’re moving into who you are as a human being, so when you have people that don’t recognize that, it dampens the party and creates a toxic environment.”

Harvell-Bowman emphasized the importance of community support to help transgender students feel comfortable and supported throughout their transition. Harvell-Bowman encouraged Dukes questioning their gender identity to reach out to the Counseling Center and on-campus organizations such as SOGIE.

When asked how accepting higher education is of transgender students, Harvell-Bowman said it has many resources and fosters a "welcoming" community, and added, “There’s room for improvement — there is always room for improvement, in everything.”

Senior Edwin Domachowski underwent a double mastectomy — also known as top surgery — three days after Christmas, 2022, to remove the breast tissue on his chest. He sat down with The Breeze to share his experiences. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Compared to other Virginia state-supported schools at their current costs, JMU would rank sixth of 15 for in-state affordability and seventh for out-of-state affordability after its fee increases.

Unanimous approval of proposed budget

Moore also presented the proposed 2024-25 budget which the board approved unanimously. The proposed budget for the 2024-25 academic year is $775 million — over a $50 million increase when compared to last academic year’s budget of $723.8 million.

The most expensive budget item is sponsored programs, defined as any activities that receive “restricted external funding,” according to JMU’s website. The proposal states that this academic year, sponsored programs were allotted $46.8 million and are slated to receive $58.3 million in funding next year — a 24.6% increase.

How to form a presidential search committee

Rod McDavis, managing principal of the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) Search, presented an overview of how a presidential search typically works.

He suggested the board first organize a search committee made up of 13 to 19 members, four to five of which should be BoV members. He also recommended other typical committee members should be a faculty senate member, the Student Government Association (SGA) president, a foundation board member, an alum, a community member, a dean and a senior administrator.

The committee would ideally hire a search firm, establish a timeline and create a leadership profile outlining the characteristics they want the next president to have, McDavis said. He said 50 to 60 applicants for the next president can be expected, which should be

narrowed to eight to 10 semi-finalists to be interviewed by the committee. The entire process could take around five months.

Following McDavis’ presentation, Vice President for University Advancement Nick Langridge shared information about the search committee that hired Alger. BoV Rector Maribeth Herod also shared information about George Mason and Radford University’s presidential search processes.

The board said it feels that having already hired an interim president to fill Alger’s role until a new president is chosen will give its members sufficient time to conduct a thorough search and ultimately find the best candidate.

CONTACT Avery Goodstine at goodstaj@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

The proposed budget for next academic year, $775 million, is over a $50 million increase when compared to last year’s budget of $723.8 million. Photos by Kailey Garner / The Breeze

‘Don’t Blame Me’ for knowing Taylor Swift’s music ‘All Too Well’

A Duke’s guide for listening beyond recently released ‘THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT’

By LILLYANNE DAY The Breeze

Taylor Swift has become a master at intertwining her personal experiences with universal themes, creating a musical tapestry that enthralls both fans and critics. Her songwriting transcends mere storytelling, instead painting a vivid canvas where each lyric acts as a brushstroke contributing to a larger masterpiece.

JMU Swifties, including Duke Dog himself, celebrated the release of Swift’s newest album, “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT” (TTPD). From on-campus listening parties to themed Instagram posts shared by JMU’s official account, campus was consumed by appreciation and love for Swift and her musical prowess. “TTPD” is fresh on the minds of Swifties, but her music from the beginning has been laced with hidden meanings and easter eggs.

Swift’s dedicated fan base assists in piecing together this intricate picture, engaging in discussions and analysis beyond her music’s surface. The depth and complexity of her lyrics provide a rich tapestry for interpretation, leading to ongoing debates and discoveries within her discography.

One striking example of Swift’s clever wordplay can be found in her single “Blank Space” from the 2014 album “1989.” In this song, she skillfully adopts and exaggerates the media-created image of herself as a serial dater, offering a satirical response to the caricature that has been painted of her. By leaning into her portrayal in the media, Swift pushes on and benefits from the boxes she’s put into. If you’re going to call her out for “dating around,” the least she can do is produce a record-breaking song about it.

Returning to her country roots, Swift’s “Love Story,” released as part of her 2008 album “Fearless” adds a contemporary twist to the classic tale of “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare. This song narrates a fantasy of an ideal romance that defies tragedy, resonating with listeners who find solace in the hope of

a happy ending. Swift took a familiar tale and combined it with her artistic vision to create a new classic all on its own.

In “Shake it Off,” a popular hit also from “1989,” Swift directly addresses the relentless public scrutiny she faces by embracing a defiant attitude. This infectious pop anthem promotes self-acceptance and resilience in the face of criticism, making it a universal anthem for anyone dealing with their own detractors. Swift’s struggle with eating disorders has been public in the media, and “Shake it Off” was an ode to herself about brushing off comments about her body, love life and career choices.

The inspiration behind “Bad Blood,” another track from “1989,” remains the subject of speculation. Although Swift has never confirmed, fans and media outlets have drawn connections between the song’s theme of betrayal and Swift’s well-known feud with fellow pop star Katy Perry. At its core, “Bad Blood” explores themes of betrayal and hurt. The lyrics suggest a sense of disappointment and anger toward someone who has wronged Swift in some way. Lines like “Band-aids don’t fix bullet holes,” and “Did you think we’d be fine? Still got scars on my back from your knife” convey the deep wounds caused by the betrayal. As time has passed, Perry and Swift’s “feud” has seemingly fizzled, which was supported by Swift knitting and embroidering a baby blanket for Perry’s baby born in 2020.

Considered one of Swift’s most emotionally gripping ballads, “All Too Well” from the 2012 album “Red” has sparked speculation about its autobiographical nature. It’s a deeply emotional and introspective song that delves into the pain and aftermath of Swift’s past relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal. Originally released as a shorter version on Swift’s “Red” album, the extended 10-minute ballad on the rereleased “Red (Taylor’s Version)” adds more layers to the story and provides further insight into the complexities of the relationship. Here’s an analysis of the hidden meanings within her discography:

In “Dear John,” Swift fearlessly includes the name of her former flame, musician John Mayer — or does she? The song also explores themes of

regret and healing. Swift reflects on the painful relationship and acknowledges her strength in moving forward. Lines like “I’ll look back and regret how I ignored when they said, ‘Run as fast as you can,’” show regret for not recognizing the warning signs earlier. Ultimately, “Dear John” can be seen as a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Swift asserts her independence and resilience in the face of adversity. The song marks a turning point where she learns from her past experiences and emerges stronger.

“The Man,” featured on the 2019 album “Lover,” sees Swift confronting gender double standards prevalent in the music industry. Swift reflects on the challenges she faced as a woman striving for success, including being underestimated and scrutinized for her decisions. Lines like “I’m so sick of running as fast as I can/Wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man,” highlight the frustration of feeling like she has to work harder to prove herself because of her gender. “The Man” is a broader cultural commentary on feminism and gender equality. By highlighting the disparities between how men and women are treated in society, Swift sparks a conversation about the need for change and the importance of dismantling systemic sexism.

“invisible string,” a track from the surprise album “folklore” released in 2020, delves into the serendipitous nature of love and the interconnectedness of life. Swift subtly weaves personal references throughout the song, leading many to believe they allude to her relationship with actor Joe Alwyn. The song emphasizes connection and synchronicity, highlighting the magical moments when two people’s lives meaningfully intersect. Swift sings about the shared experiences and commonalities that bind people together, regardless of time or distance. Lines like “Hell was the journey but it brought me heaven” convey the idea that even difficult experiences can ultimately lead to positive outcomes.

Evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing, “Wildest Dreams” from “1989” is widely interpreted as capturing the intensity of Swift’s brief romance with Tom Hiddleston, reminiscent

of old Hollywood love stories. “Wildest Dreams” also touches on the theme of escapism, exploring the idea of seeking refuge from reality in the arms of a lover. Swift sings about losing oneself in the fantasy of a romance, using it as a temporary escape from the challenges and responsibilities of everyday life.

Finally, “the last great american dynasty,” featured on “folklore,” recounts the story of Rebekah Harkness, a previous owner of Swift’s Rhode Island home. The song serves as a commentary on societal perceptions of wealthy and eccentric individuals. Swift narrates Harkness’ story, who was often viewed as an outsider and faced scrutiny from society due to her unconventional behavior and lavish lifestyle. Throughout the song, Swift challenges these judgments and celebrates Harkness’ rebellious spirit and independence. “the last great american dynasty” is a richly layered song that celebrates the resilience and independence of women like 20th century socialite Harkness while challenging societal expectations and judgments. Through singing about Harkness’ story, Swift reflects on her own experiences and identity, creating a poignant and thoughtprovoking narrative that resonates with listeners. Swift has shown time and time again her intellect and attention to detail when it comes to writing lyrics. With her newest album, “TTPD” being her highest-streamed album surpassing a billion streams in a single week on Spotify, the only album to ever do so, and the highest streamed album on its release date with 333 million Spotify streams, Swift has proved that she’s constantly evolving, propelling the music industry to so as well.

CONTACT LillyAnne Day at breezeopinion@ gmail.com. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on Twitter and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

Students gathered in Taylor Down Under last Thursday to celebrate their favorite popstar’s album, “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT.” Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Music Series expands range in second year

Levitt AMP grant supports local live concerts, connects community

By EVAN MOODY The Breeze

Last summer, the Levitt AMP Music Series amassed crowds in downtown Harrisonburg for free live concerts and, as the series revs up for its second year, organizers are looking to improve upon previous successes.

Levitt AMP is a three-year matching grant opportunity of $30,000 annually funded by the Levitt Foundation, a non-profit organization. The grant is awarded to smaller cities and towns across the country by process of selection and vote and provides 10 concerts per season. Harrisonburg applied for the grant in 2022 and received it for the 2023-26 duration.

Levitt AMP Program Officer Amber Withers said Harrisonburg stood out among other applicants. With a strong showing in the voting phase, an appreciation for live music and its friendly reputation, the ’Burg was a clear top choice.

“This community is quite fascinating because it’s so diverse and quite friendly,” Withers said. “We’ve learned you guys are known as the ‘Friendly City,’ and we thought that was one of our values as an organization that wants to be inclusive and welcoming.”

Withers said bringing AMP to Harrisonburg is an opportunity to connect with local migrant communities, as people of all ages and backgrounds can attend the concerts for free. To do so, the foundation works alongside Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR), which is responsible for matching the Levitt

Foundation’s annual $30,000 grant and facilitating the series.

After the foundation selects a city, it remains an “engaged funder,” Withers said. While it’s not involved in planning, Levitt constantly communicates with HDR for artists’ bookings, safety and security, contracting and other support.

Part of the foundation’s mission is activating public spaces that may be overlooked in communities. The Turner Pavilion area, where Levitt AMP’s concerts are held, goes mostly unused besides bi-weekly farmers markets and holiday festivals.

HDR Events and Special Projects Manager Jennifer Bayes said improvements for the space are underway, aiming to make the area more accessible for concerts.

“We’re looking at moving the stage to face toward the pavilion. It will be easier for someone in a wheelchair to see the concert and come to the show,” Bayes said.

In addition, more disability-accessible toilets and parking spaces will be implemented.

After last year’s concerts, Bayes said there’s a need for a permanent stage at the Turner Pavilion area downtown. Currently, the nonprofit Build Our Park is planning the creation of an additional park adjacent to the Turner Pavilion, potentially with a stage.

Among other improvements, Bayes hopes to increase translations of marketing materials such as flyers and lawn signs. With over 70 languages spoken in the Harrisonburg school system, she said this will expand outreach for the series.

Withers said every city that produces a Levitt AMP Music Series is always looking for musically

diverse groups it can reach. HDR is working to have opening acts at concerts that reflect diverse groups, such as Spanish dance ensembles.

According to 2023 census data, 20.8% of residents in Harrisonburg are of Hispanic or Latino origin. Last year, multiple AMP performers had Hispanic influence in their sound, such as Flor De Toloache and Larry & Joe.

Deciding which acts perform in a series is a community decision assisted by the Levitt Foundation. The foundation ensures that artists of various demographics are represented and that all acts are quality, Withers said.

HDR hosted a Music Lineup Release Show Wednesday, where the acts featured this summer were announced alongside a free performance by new-age soul duo Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise.

The pair performed at a Harrisonburg AMP series last August, and have played in additional community events since. Both said they appreciated the free tickets and community aspect of the Levitt show.

“It’s a beautiful organization, and it’s been cool to also see how they’re expanding,” Elise said. “We’re seeing different things Levitt is doing in addition to outside concerts, like supporting different kinds of events.”

Knotz and Elise said they appreciated making connections within the local community during the concert series.

Cinémathèque, a film music-oriented band, performed in Harrisonburg for the first time last summer with its Levitt AMP show. The group is interested in returning to the area to take advantage of opportunities from its past

performance, Cinémathèque member Jonathan Falls said. While the group isn’t on the bill for this summer’s series, it’s open to playing future AMP shows.

Last year, volunteers assisted artists preparing for their performances, completing soundchecks and other duties. This year, HDR looks to engage volunteers before the series with planning, lawn activation and facilitating vendors.

“It will feel more community-driven than last year because we had a year to figure out what we’re doing,” Bayes said. “That allows us to utilize and engage with the volunteers.”

Bayes said vendors such as El Paisano, Kline’s Dairy Bar and others did well last summer because of increased foot traffic. Local businesses can expect to be continually highlighted along with a boost in interest in the businesses sponsoring the series.

Last summer, HDR reached out to Friendly City Food Co-Op to sponsor the Levitt AMP series. With the co-op being a communityoriented business, its Marketing and Events Manager Mackenzie Jenkins said it loved the idea of sponsoring a town-centric project.

“We exist so that the Shenandoah Valley has a vibrant local economy, fair and friendly relationships, healthy, informed consumers & producers and a healthy environment, and this series helps to boost our local economy and foster and strengthen a sense of community and togetherness through music,” Jenkins wrote in an email to The Breeze.

Crowds gathered in downtown Harrisonburg for free live concerts last summer. These concerts were supported by Levitt AMP, a three-year matching grant that’s awarded to smaller cities and towns across the country to provide 10 concerts per season. Breeze file photo

from LEVITT, page 11

Jenkins said she noticed attendees stopping by the co-op for a quick dinner or picking up snacks and drinks to bring to the concerts.

Jordan Anderson of J & The Causeways said that after his group’s performance, the band received a boost in Virginia listeners. The band also received offers from similar festivals.

Bayes said that throughout last year’s series, attendance doubled between the first show to the final performance. In its second year, numbers are looking to continue increasing.

Withers said that each year she sees cities elevate their Levitt AMP productions internally and externally to give audiences a better show while reaching more communities — which is done by adding production value, exerting more effort into venue spaces and creating larger budgets.

“Last year won’t be the same as this year,” Withers said. “They’re always striving to put on a better show.”

With changes already in place for Harrisonburg’s second year, such as accessibility improvements, translations of marketing materials and volunteer shifts, the entire city will surely be amplified.

“We love being a part of community-oriented events, and we can’t wait to see what the concert series brings this year,” Jenkins said.

CONTACT Evan Moody at thebreezeculture@ gmail.com.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

Cinémathèque, a film music-oriented band, performed in Harrisonburg for the first time last summer for its Levitt AMP show. Breeze file photo

EDITORS Hayden Hundley & Preston Comer

From Harrisonburg to the big stage: JMU standouts prep for the NFL Draft

By ASHLEY INGRAM The Breeze

The 2024 NFL Draft is slated for Thursday through Saturday at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan. There, several JMU football standouts will be in attendance, marking the culmination of years of dedication and dreams.

Among them are defensive linemen Jalen Green and Jamree Kromah, alongside wide receivers Reggie Brown and Phoenix Sproles, each carrying their narrative of resilience and determination.

Jalen Green

Green’s draft trajectory was abruptly altered by a season-ending ACL tear following a standout performance against Georgia State in November.

Before his ACL tear, Green benefited from a standout senior season. In just nine games, he had 15.5 sacks — one shy of JMU’s all-time record set by John Daka (2016-19) in 2019.

During a standout performance against Marshall on Oct. 19, Green achieved a career-high of five sacks.

Green’s hot streak continued as he notched another personal best of nine tackles during JMU’s game against ODU on Oct. 28.

His exceptional season earned him numerous accolades, cementing his place in JMU history as one of the cerebral defensive players.

He was honored with titles such as the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Associated Press First Team AllAmerican, First Team All-Sun Belt Defensive Lineman, ESPN Second Team All-American and the College Football Network National Player of the Year, among many other awards.

Despite his stats, Green’s draft prospects are hindered by his injury history throughout college. He missed his 2020-21 season due to a torn ACL, MCL and a torn meniscus on the opposite knee in the fall. NFL scouts prioritize players’ health, which raises concerns about Green.

Additionally, his size of 6-foot-one and 245 pounds is considered undersized for a defensive lineman, further complicating his draft potential. Green’s arm length of 29.5 inches would rank at the zero percentile of NFL edge rushers, according to MockDraftable.

These factors will impede Green’s chances in the draft as teams weigh the risks associated with his health and physical stature. However, his remarkable season and achievements remain a testament to his talent and determination.

Despite these setbacks, he participated in JMU’s Pro Day at Bridgeforth Stadium in March. Limited to the bench press, Green’s 19 repetitions of 225 pounds tied him with Sproles for the team’s best.

Reflecting on his performance, he said, “[I] got a little tired in the end, but I think it was overall a good performance for me.”

In his healing journey, Green found support in Accelerate ACL, a Baltimore-based rehab program co-founded by Zach Michael. Utilizing innovative technology, the program offers remote guidance to athletes nationwide, according to its website.

Accelerate ACL boasts a prestigious clientele, having serviced athletes across the MLB, NFL, NBA, PGA and the Olympics. Notable names like New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, New York Jets running back Breece Hall and fivetime Ironman World Championship qualifier Lina Miller have benefited from its expertise.

Since late February, Green and Michael have been collaborating, with JMU staff assistance. Michael acknowledged the groundwork JMU laid and said, “The James Madison staff had done a lot of great work with him. We kind of came in and just looked to enhance the work that they were already doing with him.”

High praise flowed from Michael for Green’s dedication, indicating his commitment matched Accelerate ACL’s elite standards.

“He’s a one percent type of athlete in terms of his work ethic, communication, desire to be better, curiosity to learn, and that to his mental headspace,” Michael said. “He’s able to bring that positive attitude and that desire to work day in and day out.”

Green and Michael have worked almost daily to remotely facilitate Green’s speedy recovery. Green remains dedicated through his confidence and said that after Pro Day, “I’ve been putting my head down, working, and being on top of everything and just, you know, putting myself in the best position to be ready to impact and to help the team out for training camp.”

Due to Green’s commitment to football and positivity, Michael said, “Jalen is one of my favorite athletes I have ever worked with.”

With August on the horizon, Green is on track to fully recover by the time NFL training camps roll around. Despite the challenges of rehabilitation, Green expressed confidence in Accelerate ACL’s efforts and said he’s “very confident in the work we’ve put in.”

Jamree Kromah

Kromah began his collegiate football journey at Rutgers University. However, his 2022 transfer to JMU paved the way for a standout senior season in 2023, where he showcased his skills in both the defensive tackle and defensive end positions, starting in all 13 games.

Arriving at JMU looking to maximize his abilities and excel, Kromah’s efforts were recognized when he earned a spot in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl and became the first JMU player since 2018 and the fourth in school history to participate in the game.

Kromah finished the 2023 season with 60 tackles — and 20.5 tackles for loss — 11 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Despite his selection to participate at the Shrine Bowl and performance during his senior season, Kromah wasn’t invited to the NFL scouting combine but remained undeterred.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get the invite for the combine. It wasn’t the end of the world, it just added more fuel to the fire,” Kromah said. “And the story only gets better from there.”

Him and his agent, David Rich, emphasized their focus on managing what they could. When preparing to tackle JMU’s Pro Day while training with X3 Performance and Physical Therapy in Fort Myers, Florida, Kromah said, “we just have to control the things we can control.”

As he awaits the NFL draft, Kromah has dedicated himself to training for the moment working closely with X3 to prepare him for JMU’s individual Pro Day and other pre-draft workouts.

At Pro Day, Kromah showcased his capabilities with a 4.77 40-yard dash, a 31-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump, tying Sproles for the longest jump.

Kromah credits his success to Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland and acknowledged head football coach Dameon Powell’s influence. Reflecting on his high school days, Kromah recalled Powell’s encouragement to take playing on the defensive line seriously and emphasized the potential for earning a scholarship.

Initially hesitant, Kromah admitted he didn’t see himself on the defensive line until Powell’s insight changed his perspective.

“I just went along with it, and the rest is history,” Kromah said.

During his senior year at Charles Herbert Flowers, Kromah’s performance was visible, tallying 27 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. His achievements led to recognitions such as being named to the Washington Post First Team All-Metro and Second Team All-USA Maryland Football.

Kromah also thanked Pat Kuntz, his senior year position coach at JMU. He said Kuntz, who is now with Indiana, played a pivotal role in Kromah’s development both on and off the field.

For the draft, Kromah is confident through his preparation and, with a mindset of trusting the universe, he embraces whatever lies ahead.

“I feel like I did everything perfect,” Kromah said. “But you know, nothing is perfect in life.”

In just nine games, defensive end Jalen Green was one sack away from JMU’s single-season record last year. Breeze file photo

Green was named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Breeze file photo

Defensive end Jamree Kromah recorded a 4.77 40-yard dash and 10-foot broad jump at JMU’s Pro Day. Kimberly Aikens / The Breeze

Brown merged as another standout player this past season, showcasing his skills as a wide receiver in all 13 games of the season — he tallied 53 receptions for 1,054 yards and led the team with nine touchdowns

On Nov. 11, during JMU’s game against UConn, Brown set personal and school records with 202 receiving yards, including two touchdowns and an 80-yard reception.

His season performance earned him conference recognition, as he was named first-team All-Sun Belt wide receiver and was added to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. This made him the program’s second player to ever receive this honor, which is awarded to the NCAA’s top wide receiver.

Brown’s agent, Michael Boyer, emphasized his client’s physical attributes and said, “[Brown’s] size and speed certainly meets the criteria of what [scouts] look for.”

Before Pro Day, Brown participated in a local day workout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, further showcasing his NFL potential.

Boyer spoke highly of Brown’s character, work ethic and competitive spirit, all of which contributed to JMU’s

successful season.

“Re-emphasizing the character, he’s a competitive winner and obviously played a large role on successful JMU season,” Boyer said.

During Pro Day, Brown impressed with a 10-foot, oneinch broad jump, a shuttle drill time of 4.32 seconds, a three-cone drill time of 6.97 seconds and a 40-yard dash time of 4.61 seconds.

While he’s hopeful for a draft selection — especially after receiving interest from the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins, according to Boyer — Brown’s future includes other potential opportunities. For example, Brown could play in the United Football League (UFL), a high-level minor league formed after the XFL-USFL merger. The UFL began play in March of this year and consists of eight teams.

Boyer believes Brown is prepared for any opportunity that comes his way, including the UFL, while maximizing his chances in the draft.

“His focus is obviously on the draft and maximizing any opportunity he’s given,” Boyer said.

Boyer’s advice to Brown is to remain dedicated, regardless of the draft outcome.

“Work like crazy, drafted or not, you know, take advantage of any and every opportunity, those old cliches and [I said] to keep his head down and outwork everybody,” Boyer said.

Phoenix Sproles

Sproles transferred to JMU for the 2023 season after spending five seasons at North Dakota State, aiming to uphold his family’s connections to football while forging his path and reputation

Despite being former NFL running back Darren Sproles’ cousin, and Willie Howard, a former player for the Minnesota Vikings, being his stepfather, Sproles is determined to carve out his own identity and make a name for himself, separate from these legacies.

“I don’t want to see myself as Darren’s cousin who got to the NFL because of what he did,” Sproles said. “I want to get in because of Phoenix.”

Already establishing his own reputation, Sproles notably ended the JMU 2023 season with 52 catches for 442 receiving yards and five touchdowns to his name.

Sproles has been sharpening his skills at GameFace Training, a sports performance facility in his Minnesota hometown, where he’s been working since he was around 13 years old. The training focused on improving his movement and shuttle agility, crucial for his position as a slot receiver, emphasizing lateral quickness as a key component of his development.

With an impressive Pro Day performance, Sproles equaled Kromah’s longest broad jump of 10 feet and matched Green’s 19 bench press reps.

“I just wanted to go out there and prove that I might be undersized, but I can put up weight,” Sproles said.

Additionally, Sproles recorded a 3-cone time of 7.06 seconds, ranking fourth fastest of the day, and showcased a 32-inch vertical jump.

“Overall, I thought I did pretty well. Definitely want to do better in some areas but, you know, from now until the draft will be improving and keeping my body in shape,” Sproles said. “I thought today was a good day for me and a good day for my guys.”

With the NFL draft scheduled to kick off on Thursday at 8 p.m. EST, the standout players from JMU’s remarkable 2023-2024 season eagerly await the moment their names are called. As they prepare to witness their dreams occur, the draft will be broadcasted live on ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network, amplifying the draft’s anticipation and excitement.

CONTACT Ashley Ingram at ingra2m@dukes.jmu.edu.

For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X

@TheBreezeSports

Reggie Brown

Wide receiver Reggie Brown set a JMU record against UConn when he notched 202 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Breeze file photo

Brown was the second JMU wide receiver to be named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. Breeze file photo

Wide receiver Phoenix Sproles showed his strength on JMU’s Pro Day with 19 bench press reps. Breeze file photo

JMU golf alum Neal Shipley reflects on career following first Masters appearance

By MATTHEW TADDEI The Breeze

Before making the cut at the Masters Tournament as an amateur and being paired with Tiger Woods, JMU alumnus Neal Shipley (2019-22) would often study quantum finance at the local Waffle House at 3 a.m.

“Being a quantitative finance major there are a lot of late nights involved with studying and projects, so if I needed a ton of coffee, I would go to the Waffle House, get a waffle and drink four to five cups of coffee and be ready to go,” Shipley said.

While at JMU, he was known as a tough competitor. In his junior year, he led JMU with 103 birdies — which is the sixthmost in JMU history. Shipley had a par five scoring average of 4.62, which is the second-lowest in JMU history, and played 27 rounds across nine events for the Dukes.

After playing for the Dukes for three years, Shipley transferred to Ohio State (OSU) to take his athletics and academics to another level.

While he now spends his time on the putting green alongside some of the best golfers in the world, Shipley said the thing he misses the most about JMU is hiking in the Shenandoah Valley with his teammates.

He played for JMU for three years and spoke fondly of his teammates saying, “I really miss my teammates and spending a lot of time with them, we had a really special squad,” and added they still speak.

While at the Masters, Shipley finished with 11 birdies, 40 pars, 19 bogeys and only two double bogeys in four rounds. Shipley had shot a 73 to finish the tournament on April 14. He finished 12-over par to tie for 53rd place. Woods posted 77 to wind up at 16-over, in 60th place — the lowest of all those who made the cut.

Shipley was one of 50 players internationally to qualify for the 2024 Masters and was the only out of five amateurs to make it.

At 23, Shipley got to learn a lot from 48-year-old Woods. While the two walked from hole to hole in Augusta, GA, Shipley said Woods would talk about his kids and hobbies.

“Playing with Tiger was so cool, I feel like having those crowds around was so cool, I wasn’t really intimidated by it,” Shipley said. “The Tiger effect is real; when you hit a really good shot, the roars are unbelievable. He has all these interests outside of golf, and I thought it was so cool to talk to a guy who is one of the best to ever do it, and he is not so much different than you and I.”

Early beginnings

Shipley first picked up a golf club at four years old. He was the only one in his family to take up the game. When he was in middle school, Shipley knew he wanted to pursue golf at a collegiate level — a revelation he said came later in life than those he competes with.

“I liked the aspect that I could go out and practice on my own and really control my own destiny in that way,” Shipley said. “So I think that is why I kind of gravitated towards the sport.”

Young golfers occasionally make it to professional tournaments — such as Miles Russell, a 15-year-old who recently became the youngest player to ever compete in the Korn Ferry Tour. This wasn’t the case for Shipley.

“I wasn’t the most highly recruited kid,” Shipley said. “I think I was ranked somewhere in the 300s during my class … For junior golf, it was definitely a challenge because I felt like I was much better and could beat a lot of my competitors and like my ranking never reflected that and my results never reflected where I thought I should be.”

Shipley helped lead Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School to two state championships in both his sophomore and senior years. He also racked up a few other accolades with multiple top-15 finishes at American Junior Golf Association events and alternated for both the U.S. Open Sectionals and U.S. Amateur.

Shipley credited his older high school peers, one of them being Jimmy Myers, who now plays at Penn State. The two broke a few regional records together at Pittsburgh Central Catholic and still keep in touch.

“With them being so much older, I got to see the way they practiced and how much effort they put in,” Shipley said. “So I knew that I had to do exactly that to get to the level that they were at.”

The recruiting process for any sport can be humbling for athletes and schools involved. During his final high school years, the University of Delaware and UC Davis were eyeing to recruit Shipley, but he ultimately decided to become a Duke.

“I was pretty lucky to be at JMU,” Shipley said. “Usually, every team takes about two kids each semester so I kind of got lucky to be recruited by JMU, who were ranked around 90th when I was getting recruited.”

While at JMU, Shipley continued to hold to the Dukes’ standard and won consistently. He qualified for the U.S. Amateur as a sophomore in summer 2021 and played all 18 rounds across six events that same year.

“I think JMU sports has a really great vision and a superholistic vision about the student-athlete which you do not necessarily find at every mid-major school,” Shipley said. “How they care about student-athletes, not just as an athlete but as a student, is a really big part of it. You are in physical well-being when you are there.”

Before his senior year, Shipley decided his future was at OSU. He said he wanted to test the waters of where his future would take him, whether it be graduate school or professional golf.

“JMU didn’t really have the graduate programs that I was looking to do, so that was a big part of my transition process,” Shipley said. “On top of that, Ohio State had some of the best student-athlete resources.”

OSU head coach Jay Mosely, who has been at OSU for nearly a decade, said Shipley’s recruitment was “unique,” since the Buckeyes signed him in the middle of their season.

“I had never seen him play before we signed him, it is quite an amazing success story to see how he has handled everything,” Mosely said.

Since being at OSU, Shipley has had three runner-up finishes in summer 2023 and finished fourth in the 2023 Elite Amateur Series. He earned runner-up at the 2023 U.S. Amateur at Cherry Hills and was a PING AllAmerican Honorable Mention.

CONTACT Matthew Taddei at taddeimj@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more men's golf coverage, follow the sports desk on X @ TheBreezeSports.

JMU alumnus golfer Neal Shipley was the only amateur to make the cut at the 2024 Masters Tournament. Courtesy of the Masters

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 “buzz” pat to my coworker for giving me a haircut.

From someone who really needed a haircut. A “deceptive” dart to Dukes Scoops for advertising cherries on a sundae, and then not giving me one.

From a student who really wanted a cherry.

A “what-the-heck” dart to Liverpool for selling their match today.

From a frustrated fan. A “big-thanks” pat to JMU police for unlocking my car with a smile.

From someone who was simply stranded, but now smiling.

More connection on the Quad

Wi-Fi signal could help student productivity and wellbeing flourish

MAYA SKURSKI Contributing columnist

It’s a Tuesday in April, you just finished classes and you’re rushing through homework so that you can go join your friends playing spike ball. You have just a few more peer reviews to write — if only you could access Canvas on the Quad and do your work there with your friends. Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi is spotty at best and dysfunctional at worst. Spring weather changes the campus atmosphere; everyone has been waiting months to get out and enjoy the sunshine, and it’s finally here. With so many students transferring their daily activities outdoors, it’s past time that on-campus Wi-Fi accommodates students wanting to do their schoolwork in outdoor areas such as the Quad or Festival Lawn.

Wi-Fi is a college student’s lifeline; without it, we can’t do much. In a Breeze Instagram poll, 76% (112) of 150 JMU students said they're often frustrated with the campus Wi-Fi — myself included.

While Information Technology (IT) does an incredible job assisting students during technological distress, one consistent downfall the Wi-Fi has had over the past three years is a lack of accessibility in outdoor areas farther from buildings. It leaves students at an impasse: keep studying inside, or throw your work out the window and play spike ball with your friends on the Quad. I, unfortunately, always fall victim to the second option.

Studying outdoors benefits students other than a change of scenery. It’s no secret being in nature increases both physical and mental health, parents gave that hint every time they told us to play outside. There are many studies on the effects of nature on happiness, but the benefits of studying in nature go beyond that.

The American Psychological Association (APA) concluded something as simple as green areas around schools improved children’s cognitive development. The APA also promotes two hypotheses of well-being: the stress reduction hypothesis, which states stress levels reduce in nature; and the attention restoration theory, which poses that being outside

restores the ability to concentrate and pay attention. These two theories go hand in hand — while stress reduces, memory, attention, healthy sleeping habits and motivation all increase, making classwork easier.

Last but not least, when you’re in one of your favorite areas, say the Quad, work isn’t as taxing as being stuck in a computer lab until midnight. There are too many benefits to name when it comes to studying outside and, as finals approach, students must keep their mental health at peak performance. The easiest way to do that is by enjoying the warm weather and studying outside.

With so much evidence on the benefits of outdoor learning, it’s clear every student should take their laptop to one of the many serene on-campus outdoor areas for a nature study break — but then, of course, how can students do that if the Wi-Fi isn't strong enough to support computers in these areas?

Of 147 students who responded to the same poll, 90% (133) said they would study outside more often if the Wi-Fi worked better, and 93% (137) already believe that both the Quad and Festival Lawn have bad Wi-Fi. With those kinds of responses, there’s no reason why JMU shouldn’t extend its Wi-Fi to all on-campus areas.

The Wi-Fi is simply not up to date with students’ outdoor technological needs. Every student deserves the opportunity to enjoy the weather, regardless of the number of assignments they have.

Upgrading the JMU wireless network to run throughout campus, not only in buildings, allows students to live a little bit more in the sunshine while still keeping school their first priority. JMU needs to extend campus Wi-Fi past its stone walls and into the open air. When nature beckons and assignments await, why should students have to choose between the two? With Wi-Fi in outdoor areas, every student at JMU can shine under the sun.

Students enjoy playing field games and doing homework together on the Quad when the weather gets warm. Breeze file photo

Conflict in Middle East is rooted in religious frustration

Iran and Israel are conducting direct military attacks which could escalate into a major regional war and potentially impact U.S. military forces in the Middle East.

Other attacks on Israel are instigated by militias in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Gaza, and the Hamas terrorist attack of Oct. 7, 202, epitomizes the situation facing Israel.

The animosity and violence in the Middle East are attributable to religious differences and hatred between the Sunnis and the Shiites. Additionally, there’s the hatred of the Israeli Jews by many Arabs, and the Arab characterization of Christians and Jews as infidels. Additionally, there are the remnants of the Syrian Civil War abetted by Russia and the ongoing conflict between the Kurds of Iraq and Syria with Turkey.

The Sunni-dominated countries of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain are wary

of Shiite Iran and its proxies in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Gaza. These Sunni-dominated countries will not provide any assistance to Iran in its confrontations with Israel. In fact, the Sunni-dominated countries probably clandestinely provide intelligence support to Israel in its confrontations with the Shiite entities.

The Sunni countries look upon Israel as a buffer country in the Middle East who can blunt the impact of Iran and their Iraqi, Lebanese and Gaza militias.

Israel is a U.S. ally in a very strategic location in the oilrich Middle East, and we also consider it as a blocking force against Iran and its proxies. Iran refers to Israel as the Little Satan and America as the Great Satan. Additionally, the Suez Canal is a maritime choke point to be safeguarded.

The U.S. and other democratic countries have to continue to provide military funding to support Israel in its confrontations

with Iran and its proxies, or any other adversaries that evolve in the Middle East. Let’s not forget Iran and Syria are allied with Russia. We currently have strategic military bases in the Middle East with thousands of troops and their equipment ready for action.

Unfortunately, the recent brutal attack on Israel by Hamas and the vast death and destruction wrought by Israel in Gaza significantly set back peace in the Middle East. The hatred in the Middle East is ingrained in the souls of the populations. The world should be prepared for ongoing wars in the Middle East.

Donald Moskowitz, Londonderry, NH

Top Stories

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Weekend weather forecast

photos of Relay For Life, view

The annual Relay For Life fundraising event on last Friday was held on Hillside Field. The evening was filled with food, activities and live musical performances. In total, JMU Relay raised $107,076 for the American Cancer Society.

Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

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