Hey there, I’m Katie! I’m a member of the class of 2015 studying Media Arts and Design, Film Studies, and Music Industry – obviously I couldn’t make up my mind about what I wanted to do so I just kept adding minors. (Not a bad decision, it’s a great way to learn about everything and anything while you still have the chance.) My favorite thing about JMU is the undeniable love that everyone has for our school. When we say we bleed purple and gold, we really mean it. I can honestly say that one of the best decisions I’ve made in college so far was to join my sorority, Delta Gamma. I’ve met so many likeminded individuals and have become something larger than myself. My only regret is that I didn’t open myself up to the many opportunities that college had to offer until late my sophomore year. Whether you want to join Greek Life, Young Life, intramural sports, Habitat for Humanity, or any of the other organizations on campus, DON'T WAIT. Take the time to branch out – meet new people, join clubs, strike up a conversation with the person behind you in Starbucks. Do it, you won’t regret it.
Hi! I’m Amanda! I’m a JMU Duke, Class of 2015 studying Media Arts and Design and Sports Communication. My favorite place on campus is UREC, where I work as an Operational Supervisor. If you get the opportunity to work there, DO IT, best decision I ever made at JMU. Something I adore about JMU is the passion so evident in every area of campus. No matter what you’re into, there’s an organization or place for you. The sunsets from east campus aren’t too shabby either! If I could tell my freshman self something it would be: use every opportunity you have to grow, learn and listen; your comfort zone is overrated! Fun fact about me, my spirit animal is the Orca a.k.a. the Killer Whale. There are many reasons I love this black and white beauty, but I’ll give you the short list: they’re extremely emotional, family-oriented, social and intelligent creatures. Also, I bleed purple and gold.
Hey, my name is Colin and I’m a Junior Media Arts and Design, and Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication double major here at JMU. I am also involved with JMU’s only student-run radio station, WXJM. There, I am Loud Rock Director, in charge of managing the metal and hardcore music that goes on rotation for loud rock DJs to play. I would say that coming to JMU was one of best, but toughest decisions of my life. Having never moved as a kid, I was always used to bubble of people in my hometown. So I’d say that even though JMU may seem foreign at first, making friends who care about you here is essential. You may do that through clubs, classes, or just hanging out, but building real relationships in college is key.
Hallo! First thing’s first, CONGRATULATIONS on your acceptance to James Madison University. You are about to embark on an extraordinary chapter in your life, so get pumped! My name is Michelle and I am a junior majoring in Media Arts & Design with a minor in Music Industry. Coming to JMU was a life altering decision in the grandest sense you could think. In my three years as a JMU student I have found myself, made lifelong relationships, expanded my mind, and experienced life. I am undoubtedly different than I was at the age of 18. At the beginning of my college career I was set on becoming a Veterinary, thus I majored in Biology with an advising track in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. It did not take me long to realize that it was not the focus for me. Yes, I had and have an undying love for all animals, but I could not see myself operating on them in the end; I’d much rather show them my love through volunteer work. Seeing that the career I had so long hoped for was at a loss I went searching for other things, and that is when I fell upon the organization, University Program Board. Joining UPB is and forever will be the best decision of my college career. It helped me come unto myself and open to the actual loves of my life: music, media, and event planning! UPB is the organization that puts on all the big entertainment events on campus, from Late Night Breakfasts (free food and games) to large Concerts (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis). I live by UPB’s slogan of “College is more than just classes” because it is. Go to class, study, and work hard, but also give yourself to experiences. Find your passion and live through it; JMU surely has the amenities to help. Go out, join, help, work, volunteer, and live. Go dukes! Fun fact: I lived in Germany for 6 years. “Freut mich!”
Hey I'm Makayla! I’m a Media Arts and Design major, and a member of the Class of 2015. It’s scary that I’m almost a Senior! Something interesting about me is that I always go to the Patriot’s Training Camp in August, and this past year I was one of the only people that day to get Tom Brady’s autograph after practice. We made eye contact…it was awesome. Being at JMU is one of the best decisions that I have made so far, it's my perfect fit. My favorite place at JMU has to be the roof garden at ISAT, it’s the perfect place to see the entire campus. Since I’m from Rhode Island, I was nervous coming to JMU because I didn’t know anyone, but after first semester my experience was fine. First semester I got really comfortable with the people in my suite, and I didn't really make much of an effort to talk to a lot of people. Second semester I branched out a bit more and I had a much better time because I met a lot of great people. Now I make an effort to talk to people, and I have had a much more positive experience. I'm not gonna lie, it was really hard at first to be so open with people, but as soon as I started to I had a much better time here and I often find myself with a smile on my face. I don’t wish that I could change anything about my JMU experience because I’ve loved every moment of it and I hope all of you guys will too!
Hi, I'm Emily. I'm a Media Arts and Design Major, Class of 2015. First arriving at college can be difficult; I know it was for me. It took me a while to get comfortable with the new environment and people, but once I did, I realized how wonderful our campus life is. JMU has tons of clubs and organizations to be involved in, and plenty of people to get to know. Take my advice and appreciate how much is going on around your before you hide behind your dorm room or phone. Four years goes by fast and you don't want to miss it. My favorite place on campus is the UREC turf field, where there's always new people to meet and play a pick up soccer game with. So whether it's striking a conversation with a stranger or joining a club, don't be afraid to put yourself out there!
Hi, I'm Ricky and I'm a Junior here at JMU. I'm majoring in Media Arts and Design with a minor in Music Industry. An interesting fact about me is that I'm in a local band that plays at a bunch of different places around Harrisonburg. There are always a lot of events happening on JMU's campus and around Harrisonburg, so make sure to get out there and see lots of shows. You never know who you'll meet when you get out there and have some fun. School work always comes first, but make sure to make some time to go out and be yourself. Enjoy your time here at JMU and make the best of it!
Hey, I'm Amanda! I'm studying Media Arts and Design and Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication at JMU and part of the class of 2015. I am a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, the Art Director of the school newspaper, the Breeze, and the Online Editor of the school magazine, Port & Main. Coming to JMU was by far the best decision I've ever made, but it wasn't an easy one at first. I was deciding between JMU and a smaller school my senior year of high school and reluctantly decided on JMU, not sure if I was making the right decision or not. But since being at JMU I have joined clubs and organizations, made lifelong friends, and learned more than I could have imagined. No matter what you're interested in, you will find it at JMU. College really is where you discover yourself, so make the most of it!
**SPECIAL THANKS TO** Taylor Callwood Class of 2015, RA within Hanson Hall Riana Whilem Class of 2015, President of Kappa Delta Pi Stephen Kenney Class of 2014, Member of UPB Eric Sites Class of 2016, Director of Spotlight Sounds Katie McLaughlin Class of 2015, Alpha Phi Kaitlyn Mahoney Class of 2015, Alpha Phi Julia Nelson Class of 2015, Justice Studies Major Neil Francis Class of 2015, former RA in Hoffman David Kegley Class of 2015, Computer science major Jimmy Conte Class of 2017 Courtney Luzuraga Class of 2016 Julia Slattery Class of 2015, Member of UPB and WXJM, RA in Bell Hall Andrew Ankrah Class of 2016, Member of the JMU Football team Michael Smith Class of 2017, Member of TheMarching Royal Dukes, Madison Equality, Phi Chi Theta, The JMU Quidditch Team, Visual Distortions Dance Crew Nicole Scherr Class of 2017 Jackie Billy Class of 2015, FROG Jonathan Barni Class of 2017