The Breeze 4.11.24

‘WE

An inside look at the candidates who ran for major SGA positions

News | 4

Should Starship deliver prescription medication to sick students?

Opinion | 24

Local celebrity Arbab Ahmad says he’s a very successful man — something he defines as being surrounded by loved ones, namely the JMU community.

Local celebrity Arbab Ahmad says he’s a very successful man — something he defines as being surrounded by loved ones, namely the JMU community.

Culture | 10

Culture | 10

Dukes united on the Quad to experience the solar eclipse

Multimedia| 29

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Ahmad, who came to Harrisonburg in 2019, has become a vocal member of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities with a large social media presence on Instagram and TikTok. Ahmad said it's his mission to make every JMU student who enters his store feel like they're family, leading to some JMU students referring to him as a "JMU staple."

For more on Arbab Ahmad, see page 10.

SGA elections were Wednesday, here are the six candidates who pursued the major positions

By K. MAUSER, ELEANOR SHAW, JOELLE MCKENZIE & LIBBY ADDISON The Breeze

Students rolled to the polls as the Student Government Association (SGA) spring elections picked up steam last Wednesday.

The major positions up for grabs are SGA president, SGA vice president, SGA executive treasurer and student representative to the Board of Visitors (SRBoV). The vice president and executive treasurer roles are uncontested, while two candidates each are running for president and SRBoV.

Here are the candidates for each of the aforementioned positions:

Student body president candidates

Zach Fleming

Junior Zach Fleming, current academic affairs chair, is one of two candidates running for student body president in the 2024 SGA elections. Fleming is running against Chief of Staff Brielle Lacroix, who’s also a junior.

Fleming said he’s been involved in SGA since his freshman year, when a former Senate member suggested he “check out” the group at Student Org Night. Since then, Fleming said he’s developed organizational, social and time-management skills throughout his time in the Senate that will help him succeed as a leader.

In serving as the current academic affairs chair, Fleming said he deals with the majority of faculty members and anything in SGA that is academic-related. Fleming said this role entails a lot of “working in the shadows,” and added that he plans to be directly involved in the student body if elected as student body president.

“I want to get students’ voices heard,” Fleming said. “I mean, just being able to be there for anyone, if they have any questions, if they want to talk to someone, if they want a study buddy. I'm trying to put myself out there as that kind of person you can easily come to.”

Fleming hopes to use his degree in history to become a history teacher for high school students. He said many of the qualities that SGA has helped him develop, such as being able to “connect with others on a personal

level,” will help both JMU’s student body and his future career aspirations.

In regard to his goals for presidency, Fleming said he’s “highly involved” in academics, and added that he wants to create a partnership between academic life and student life to create a balance for all students.

“I’m trying to make student life and academic life easier, more balanced,” he said. “Ultimately, I want everyone to have a good time.”

Brielle Lacroix

Since her freshman year, Lacroix, current chief of staff, said she’s been “heavily involved” in the SGA, and added that she served as the ring committee chairwoman last year. She also said she feels this job will be a “natural extension” of the work she’s been contributing to SGA already.

“It just seemed like the next step in my journey,” she said. “I wouldn't be running if I wasn’t 100% sure that this is the best decision for myself and for JMU next year.”

As student body president, Lacroix hopes to implement sustainability efforts around campus, emphasize the importance of community engagement and help students become more aware of support services. She plans to communicate directly with the student body through her Instagram account, which she said will help combat the “historical lack of social media use” common in previous student body presidents.

Lacroix said she hopes to use her degree in public administration to work in nonprofit management, which she said is a similar job to student body president.

“I’m so passionate about next year because it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life,” she said. “I’m so excited to take a jumpstart into it early.”

Lacroix said her campus involvements include being a member of Student Ambassadors for three years, where she served as its scholarship committee head for two separate semesters and ran its training and community service for one semester; serving as chief of staff in the SGA, where she was also the ring committee chairwoman last year; working two jobs on campus, one being at the library as a chat assistant, and one as a campus influencer for

Engagement and Volunteer Center (CEVC); working as an Orientation Peer Advisor (OPA) last summer; and formerly being a two-year member of the Marching Royal Dukes (MRDs).

“I’m passionate about things that I have previous experience in and things that I’m really confident and comfortable with,” Lacroix said. “I think people should vote for me because I have really unique perspectives and really unique ideas, and then a lot of experience to back those ideas up.”

Student representative to the Board of Visitors

Reagan Polarek

Class of 2026 President Reagan Polarek began her SGA career with her successful class presidential campaign, during which she ran on a simple slogan: Safe, Secure and Supported. Polarek landed on this three-pronged plan after considering students’ “foundational needs.”

She said her focus was on “highly important issues,” namely drinking, drugs and sexual assault. From there, Polarek wanted to emphasize the importance of students’ sense of belonging — something she said could be achieved by highlighting JMU services and student organizations.

“[It’s] a top-down perspective,” Polarek said. “You’re safe and secure, now how do you make sure that you’re a successful student?”

Since her election, Polarek resurrected this slogan and has reworked it to suit her campaign for SRBoV.

As SRBoV, Polarek said her goals would be realized through connecting students via social media (using her Instagram account @reagan.for.jmu) and facilitating greater conversations between student orgs. She said building these connections could be accomplished by emphasizing the President’s Council — started by current SRBoV senior Abigail Cannella.

Cannella said the President’s Council currently consists of a monthly meeting with organization leaders and members of senior administration. During its gatherings, Cannella said answering student leaders’ burning questions is the meeting’s main objective.

Polarek said she would want to expand upon this current framework by making it a JMU-recognized club and provide each

organization included in the council with a risk manager to provide club members with mental health resources.

“If you’re a club president, that’s a huge achievement,” Polarek said. “Student orgs are the heart of this university, and they really do offer a sense of community and belonging. If we can reach the leaders of the organizations, we can reach out to the members of the organizations.”

Sydney Stafford

Sen. Sydney Stafford, a sophomore, said her primary motivation for joining SGA was engaging with different students and their points of view. Stafford said these are precisely the motivations behind her campaign for SRBoV, too.

“I mostly feel passionate about listening to people, understanding people and hearing their backgrounds and perspectives about different topics,” Stafford said. “I know that the Board of Visitors makes a lot of big changes on campus and/or can make things stay the same on campus.”

During her time as a member of the SGA’s Legislative Affairs committee, Stafford said she visited Richmond alongside her colleagues to advocate on behalf of JMU students. This advocacy is something Stafford said she wants to carry over into the SRBoV position.

“A big part of my campaign is bridging the gap,” Stafford said. “It’s so important that we form a connection between JMU students, JMU organizations, our administration and the Board of Visitors because we are all one unit. Working together … as a whole could accomplish so much.”

Among the accomplishments Stafford would want to head is “tuition transparency.” Stafford said to prepare herself for her campaign, she spoke to several students and student organizations to get a better understanding of their expectations for the SRBoV. Education on what students’ tuition is used for was a common theme.

“I want to highlight assistance programs and existing funds that are currently available to JMU students,” Stafford said. “I feel that if we highlight those, I think more people will be aware.”

To achieve this, Stafford said she would create a campus-wide Canvas site including financial

Juniors Zach Fleming (left) and Brielle Lacroix (second) are running for SGA student body president, while Reagan Polarek (third) and Sydney Stafford (right) are running for the student representative to the Board of Visitors. Photos by Eleanor Shaw / The Breeze

Vice president

Abby Herbert

Running for vice president of the SGA is sophomore Abby Herbert, who’s an international affairs major. She’s running uncontested.

Herbert has been a senator of the SGA since her first year at JMU. Currently in her sophomore year, she is also the class of 2026’s ring committee chair while also continuing to be a senator.

Before Herbert came to JMU, she said she was involved in her high school student council.

“Coming to JMU, I just knew that there was a large amount of student involvement on campus,” Herbert said. “I really wanted to be able to have a voice and make change.”

She said her main motivation in running for vice president is to “have a larger say in helping the JMU community.”

“I’d be able to get more connections with administrators and oversee the class councils,” Herbert said.

Herbert said she also hopes to bring each of the class councils together through either a forum or a committee meeting one to two times a month “where every member of a class council can just come together and share their ideas for bettering their classes.”

She shared her plans to create more SGA events, which she said would be a great way to bring the different classes together.

“I have ideas to expand the Purple Out event and get more community engagement, whether that’s increasing the amount of the food that we have or increasing the types of games and events that are going on,” Herbert said.

Herbert also plans to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment to people who “may feel lost on campus” and who feel “like they don’t have a space that’s their own,” she said.

Herbert hopes to improve the Majesty Royalties Court by helping families to be more involved and “getting parents down here to walk with their children on the football games.”

Executive treasurer

Carson Tighe

This is junior Carson Tighe’s second year as a member of the SGA, where he has always been involved in the financial aspect of the organization. Currently, he’s the SGA’s finance liaison.

Tighe said his experience as both finance liaison and his position on the SGA’s finance committee will be beneficial for the role of treasurer, as he’s spent a lot of time approving various student organizations’ funding requests.

“There’s no one else in SGA that has more finance committee experience than I have,” Tighe said.

He chose to run for treasurer because he’s determined to help “organizations to get the funding they need to host their events and do the things they wanna do,” he said.

On top of this, Tighe has “some ideas of ways to better outreach with the organizations that need funding” — something he said is his main goal as treasurer.

Tighe is also involved in various across campus, such as the College of Business Student Advisory Council and Safe Rides. He also started the Madison Consulting Club during his time at JMU, which is hosted by JMU’s College of Business.

Tighe said his double major in computer information sciences (CIS) and marketing will help him become acquainted with the association’s financial affairs if he’s elected.

He hopes that students vote for him because he’s committed to “benefit the whole student body rather than just the areas I’m more involved with.”

Landon Shackelford contributed to this report.

CONTACT

K. Mauser, Eleanor Shaw, Joelle McKenzie and Libby Addison at breezenews@ gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

Quick hits

from the BoV’s public comment meeting

2024-25 proposed tution and education general (E&G) fee increases

In-state undergraduate: up to a 4% ($316) increase annually

Out-of-state undergraduate: up to a 1.5% ($368) increase annually

In-state graduate: up to a 4% ($20) increase per credit hour

Out-of-state graduate: up to 1.5% ($18) increase per credit hour

2024-25 proposed comprehensive fee increases

In-state and out-of-state undergraduate: up to a 3% ($168) increase annually

In-state and out-of-state graduates: up to 3.9% ($2) increase per credit hour

2025 summer session proposed tuition and education and E&G fee increases

In-state undergraduate: up to a 4% ($16) increase per credit hour

Out-of-state undergraduate: up to a 1.5% ($15) increase per credit hour

In-state graduate: up to a 4% ($19) increase per credit hour

Out-of-state graduate: up to 1.5% ($17) increase per credit hour

2025 summer session comprehensive fees will increase up to 3.7% ($1) per credit hour for all students

Annual Out of the Darkness Walk raises money, awareness for suicide prevention

By LORENZO SALAS The Breeze

JMU community members young and old stood clustered together on Festival lawn, and, while everyone was different, one thing was clear: they were not alone.

The crowd congregated Sunday to participate in an annual walk for suicide prevention. All were welcome, regardless of background or identity. The group’s solidarity served as a reminder that one should never need to struggle alone.

JMU’s Out of the Darkness Walk is an event dedicated to spreading awareness for mental health and raising money for suicide prevention. This walk is in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), which helps organize walks across the nation to support suicide prevention.

“You don't have to raise a dime to participate,” said junior Anna Robinson, head organizer and chair of the walk. She added that anyone can come to bolster people's feelings and be with other like-minded individuals showing support for suicide prevention.

The pre-walk festivities began with a speech by Robinson and a sand-pouring ceremony dedicated to lost loved ones. In total, JMU raised $21,591 from the event, all of which will be donated to the AFSP.

Robinson said she’s also part of the JMU Terror Management Lab, which collaborates with other organizations to help put on the walk.

“I have a personal connection to the cause, it makes it all the more meaningful,” Robinson

said. “Every time there is a suicide on campus, it breaks my heart.”

Senior Jack Lyons said he attended the event in support of his friends in the Terror Management Lab, as well as to show support for the walk’s cause.

"It’s been a serious issue for a long time,” he said. “It’s uplifting to see people come out in support of it.”

Lyons said he felt that the event uplifted people who have suffered losses of any kind, and added that he believes the Out of the Darkness Walk helps community members’ voices “be heard.”

Graduate student Cole Davey said he “accidentally” walked with the Out of the Darkness group last year, which was how he was introduced to it. He added that he was happy to officially attend this year’s walk — intentionally.

“This is a great space for suicide awareness,” Davey said. “With awareness comes acceptance, and with acceptance comes help.”

Dukes Support Network (DSN), a club designed to connect JMU students to mental health resources and spread positivity across campus, was also in attendance promoting itself and supporting suicide prevention.

“The way we prevent suicide is by talking about it,” DSN President and founder Kevin Cottrell said. “I think a walk like this helps people feel vulnerable with others.”

Cottrell said it’s important for students to know they’re “not alone,” and said he felt like people with mental health concerns could benefit from the walk as it opens conversations through activities relating you to an issue you’re dealing with.

Cottrell said DSN’s goal isn’t profit, but to “help people.” He also said the clubs on campus dedicated to mental health stay connected to ensure they’re efficiently able to spread awareness about mental health.

Among the students who were there to support the cause, there were also on-campus organizations present with tables to provide students with resources for mental health concerns. Butterflies for Ben, a newly formed student organization, was one of the groups in attendance. The organization sold t-shirts and gave out color-coded mental health ribbons, 10 in total, each color designated to a struggle anyone could face.

Freshman Libby Stedman is the founder of Butterflies for Ben — an organization that started in commemoration of Ben Stapelfeld, a JMU student who died last November.

Stedman said Butterflies for Ben is in the process of becoming an officially recognized

organization on campus. Once it’s approved, the club will be a year-round fundraising group that will donate its earnings to the AFSP.

“We plan on doing mental health events,” Stedman said. She added that she wants to plan events similar to the walk to destigmatize mental health and to provide a safe space for students on campus.

Although Stedman said it’s been “overwhelming” for this newly formed group to become an organization, she said she uses the stress as motivation to promote awareness of mental health and provide a safe space.

“If I have to be the voice that starts, then I will start it,” Stedman said.

K. Mauser & Ella Austin / The Breeze

Ella Austin / The Breeze

SGA calls for better accessibility labeling to accommodate disabilities across campus

By JOELLE MCKENZIE The Breeze

The Student Government Association (SGA)

Senate unanimously passed two accessibility resolutions, approved contingency funds for two a cappella groups, and the Front-End Budgeting (FEB) for SafeRides during its regular Tuesday meeting. SGA also passed an update to its financial procedures at the meeting.

Accessibility resolutions

The first resolution comes following what the SGA labeled lack of adequate labeling on buildings which “may lead to confusion for students taking accessible entries and exits.” The resolution recommends “implementation of posted signage on exterior doors of accessible entrances of James Madison University facilities.”

Junior Mason Hoey, SGA historian, and sophomore Ella Stotzky, secretary of communications for the class of 2026 and former Breeze photographer, authored the resolution.

“This issue was brought to my attention last semester by someone who is in a wheelchair,” Stotzky said. “They find it really difficult to navigate campus, especially at the beginning of a semester when you’re trying to figure out where all your classes are.”

The second resolution encourages JMU to make its map website more consistent in labels on accessible points of entry across campus.

Hoey said the resolution is “a continuation of the other resolution” that was just introduced.

“JMU has a few different maps, the main one that you’ve probably seen is the JMU map — it’s

maintained by JMU marketing so it looks all pretty,” Hoey said. “If you ever need to use accessible information, you may find yourself running through an issue that [a place] isn’t actually accessible.”

Senior Legislative Affairs Chair Marcus Rand said one of the JMU maps published online has outdated satellite imagery and shows Jennings Residential Hall as “still just dirt on the ground.”

“If those maps aren’t being updated continually, we’re not really meeting the needs of students to be able to adequately access their classes and other areas of campus,” Rand added.

Contingency funds for a cappella groups

Note-oriety requested $2,150 in contingency funds for its music video of “80s Mercedes” by Maren Morris a cappella cover.

Note-oriety has 20 members with dues of $50 to $75, which vary every semester depending on the total number of members it has.

The group recently released an album called "Mind your own" this semester which cost over $10,000 to produce.

“This organization has clearly been doing a lot this past year — they were able to release a whole album,” Junior Sen. Rebecca McCann said. “I think that’s really important that we continue supporting this organization and their efforts to put their name out there.”

A cappella group Unaccompanied requested $3,000 in contingency funds for its spring concert. The groups concert will be a free event held in Festival Highlands on April 21.

Its dues are $30 for continuing members; currently, $35 for new members, and it has 18 members.

“I think this is a great use of our money because it’s going to be free for all students, everyone can attend and it’ll help promote the organization,” McCann said.

FEB for SafeRides

The SGA approved the FEB for SafeRides for the 2024-25 academic year, which Executive Treasurer Senior Matt Haynicz described as having “marginal” changes to the budget.

Rand, who is a member of SafeRides and abstained from the vote, said the FEB budget “really helps” SafeRides effectively perform their operations and “serve the campus community” as best as they can.

Financial procedures

Lastly, the SGA also approved a change in its financial procedures, which includes the position of a FEB liaison, a new finance chair position, which was added to the alreadyestablished liaison position. The liaison will have a chair position on the finance committee.

Haynicz said he wanted to give the liaison position more authority to oversee the FEB application groups under the treasurer and make the FEB process more efficient, instead of “back-and-forth a lot.”

The reasoning for the change is that the SGA has been “having more volume of requests in grants than we had pre-COVID,” Haynicz said.

Other changes made include grammatical edits and further details on the position

CONTACT Joelle McKenzie at mckenzji@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

The SGA passed two accessibility resolutions at its Tuesday meeting. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

VA secretary of education visits JMU as part of new free speech initiative

‘Engaging in Better Conversations Across Differences’ brings diverse thought to campus

By K. MAUSER The Breeze

As the clock atop Wilson Hall struck 7 p.m. Tuesday, the auditorium inside buzzed with anticipation as the lights dimmed and three silhouetted figures took the stage.

Chief of Staff for the Office of the President David Kirkpatrick stood at the podium to introduce University President Jonathan Alger and Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera (R), who sat in two purple chairs center stage for the commencement of Common Good in the Commonwealth: A Fireside Chat with Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera.

In his opening remarks, Kirkpatrick said Guidera’s speech, in addition to Sen. Tim Kaine’s (D) visit last semester, are both part of a new initiative JMU has been working to implement called Engaging in Better Conversations Across Differences.

The goal of this initiative, Kirkpatrick said prior to the event, is to create a space where a “wide variety of political perspectives” are represented through emphasizing each citizen’s rights to free speech, and added that this often means JMU is “leading national conversations” about civic education.

“We are, as we know, in an era of hyperpolarization,” Alger said. “And yet there are so many issues where we ought to

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be able to work together, and make progress, and find that common ground.”

Collaboration is precisely what Guidera said she’s trying to accomplish — she said K-12 education, like higher education, should be a place for “diversity of thought,” which her administration has been working toward through initiatives like sponsoring the 2023 Virginia Civics Summit held last November, intended to strengthen civic engagement across Virginia’s institutions of higher education.

Guidera said JMU is a “model” for the extent to which it values free speech through its initiatives like establishing democracy fellows, and added that she hopes other civic

discourse efforts will be implemented across all of Virginia’s schools.

Senior Valeria Lopez-Postigo, SGA sergeantat-arms and democracy fellow, took the stage around the 45-minute mark to participate in a discussion with Guidera.

Following her introduction, Lopez-Postigo asked Guidera if she sees value in initiatives such as the Valley Scholars Program, which serves motivated first-generation students who show academic promise. Guidera said it was “noteworthy” and “absolutely critical” that JMU can identify motivated students and financially support them on a pathway toward college.

Lopez-Postigo followed up by asking about Guidera’s views on standardized testing, and whether she thought the push against it in universities would “trickle down” into K-12 education. To this, Guidera said she believes standardized testing is helpful for policymakers and schools to have tangible data to make improvements throughout schools. She added that Virginia needs to find ways to “modernize” its assessment systems “so that they aren’t disruptive” and “still provide information.”

The main discourse concluded around 8 p.m., and the speakers opened the floor to the audience’s questions. Attendees asked Guidera about topics such as her career path and using technological innovation in an educational setting.

Kirkpatrick said JMU has yet to issue invitations for speakers to visit campus as part of the Engaging in Better Conversations Across Differences series, but he hopes and plans to continue promoting free speech through this initiative.

“The idea of having productive conversations across divides is something that JMU faculty, students and staff do well,” he said. “It's exciting for us to host this series because it's a way for us to learn together alongside each other, but it's also a way for us to model for our colleagues in the state and across the country.”

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

University President Jonathan Alger and Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera sit with senior SGA sergeant-at-arms Valeria Lopez-Postigo for the Common Good in the Commonwealth event. Photos by K. Mauser / The Breeze

TOP: Chief of Staff for the Office of the President David Kirkpatrick introduced the Common Good in the Commonwealth speakers Tuesday evening. BOTTOM: Alger and Guidera answer audience questions during open floor.

Last month’s wildfires prompt greater awareness in the ‘burg

Arboretum

By DRAKE MILLER The Breeze

is area of “significant awareness,” according to HFD chief

Wildfires aren’t just a rural issue, Harrisonburg Fire Department (HFD) Fire Chief Matthew Tobia said — the HFD is prepared to fight wildfires in Harrisonburg and its surrounding cities at any point in the year.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), in cooperation with the leadership of Page County, issued a state of emergency March 23 in response to the recent wildfires that have spread throughout Virginia, including in the mountains surrounding Harrisonburg — an issue that occurs “throughout the year,” according to the Virginia Department of Forestry.

According to his statement, Youngkin’s team is “providing support with meals and provisions, bringing in additional firefighter capacity to give our brave firefighters who have been working through the nights some respite.”

Youngkin also said the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) deployed a logistics support team to further assist both Page County and the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) with their needs.

Containment of the 700-acre Rocky Branch fire in Rockingham and Page counties was announced on March 26 through the VDOF Facebook page. On March 28, VDOF announced via Facebook that uncontained fires were not present within the Commonwealth.

Tobia said HFD is “constantly in a state of preparedness,” and that “there are definitely times where there are more active wildfire seasons, typically during the spring and the fall.”

Tobia also made note of the potential for wildfires in non-rural areas.

“People don’t typically think of wildfires in urban areas — they actually can be a very serious problem,” Tobia said. “Particularly, when you see homes built in wooded areas. We are very mindful of the possibility of a wildfire in the city, in an urban area, extending to urban structures.”

Tobia said that often, HFD responds to calls outside of Harrisonburg to help the Rockingham County Fire Department (RCFD).

JMU’s susceptibility to wildfires

Tobia said the JMU Edith Carrier Arboretum is an area of “significant awareness” for the HFD. “[It’s] a wooded area with older growth trees, and typical ‘fuels’ on the ground. There is always that possibility of a wildfire or brush fire starting in that area.”

One area Tobia mentioned is susceptible because of its proximity to the arboretum is Oak Drive, where there’s an “enclave of singlefamily dwellings,” he said. He added that ahead of protecting structures from fires, comes the protection of life.

Tobia also said many find allure in living in a more wooded area, adding it’s important to keep such properties “fire safe”.

Tobia said human causes, like discarded smoking materials, are a significant cause of both structure and wildfires.

“People who may be walking through the arboretum may be smoking a cigarette, and they may discard that onto the ground,” he said. “Obviously, that’s an opportunity for a fire to start. Even up to 24 hours later, a discarded smoking material can be the source of a fire.”

Awareness of where materials are discarded is important as well, Tobia said. He added that sometimes individuals will discard smoking materials into mulch, which can catch fire and use the combustible side of the building to spread to the rest of the structure.

Tobia said it’s important to be respectful of the environment and mindful of risks associated with wildfires. Staying alert is an essential for to their prevention.

“Promptly report an incident when you see it. The faster something is reported to 9-1-1, the faster we can respond and stop a small incident from becoming a big incident,” Tobia said.

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

TOP: Fires in Harrisonburg consume the forestry at the intersection of Eden Valley Rd. and Paradise Ln. BOTTOM: Smoke rolls over the mountains surrounding Peake Mennonite Church in Rockingham County. Photos courtesy of Adam Tabet

K. Mauser / The Breeze

Convenience store owner, campus celebrity pushes positivity in community

By CAMPBELL WOOD contributing writer

If you’re a JMU student, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the name “Arbab” around campus, but who is this Harrisonburg-established entrepreneur behind the infamous Mad River Mart?

Since 2019, Arbab Ahmad has been a prominent figure in the JMU community after purchasing the popular gas station and convenience store Mad River Mart on Port Republic Rd. With his social media presence and optimistic attitude, Arbab is recognized as a Harrisonburg icon and hard-working entrepreneur. Many students say his customer service is like no other, and he’s led Dukes to love and appreciate his local store.

“I love JMU and the community,” Ahmad said. “The Dukes are the future of America. I love them. I feel them as a family because they treat me like family.”

Originally from Pakistan, Ahmad lived in Virginia from 2010 to 2011. During that time, he said he learned the state was a place of love.

“You’ve seen the license plate, ‘Virginia is for Lovers!’” Ahmad said, “The people are very nice here.”

Ahmad moved to Chicago, where he was self-employed as a part-time Uber driver and forklift driver. When a good friend reached out about an opportunity to purchase a recently closed gas station and Ahmad traveled back to Virginia to buy the store. He spent the next couple of months living in Hotel Madison, talking back and forth with the company that owned the store while the city certified his purchase.

Opening in 2019 meant starting up right before the pandemic, which became a massive struggle for Mad River Mart. Ahmad said he almost went bankrupt — he couldn’t afford to have a couch in his own home. However, with the help of the property’s owner, William Hartman, he was able to stay afloat and survive the pandemic.

“He never asked for the rent for those months in the pandemic. He supported me and gave me cash, which was very big,” Ahmad said. “After that, we also got a lot of money from loans.”

Since feeling the Friendly City’s love, Ahmad made it his goal to spread that compassion to the JMU and Harrisonburg communities.

“My goal is to make more friends and to be more involved with the JMU community,” he said. “Money is not everything. I never care for the money, because when you care for the money, money will never come to you.”

Ahmad has shown his love through countless social media posts on TikTok and Instagram, where he has amassed thousands of followers featuring the convenience store and various students and locals. When greeted at the door, Ahmad welcomes you with, “let’s take a selfie!”

“When the students come over, I take their pictures for memories, and then I post them,” Ahmad said. “The main thing with the pictures, is that we take the pictures, then they stay here for four years and we are like a family.”

Mad River Mart’s TikTok and Instagram accounts are full of photos and videos of students hyping up Ahmad and the convenience store, dating back to its start in 2020. One of his first videos posted on TikTok in 2020 gained over 121k likes and features Ahmad discounting the price of his products in front of a crowd of students.

“[Mad River Mart] being on social media is really cool. You can’t really say that about the other places around,” junior health sciences major and Ahmad fan Vincent Tran said.

Ahmad has solidified himself as a celebrity of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities but has also made personal connections with several students. Justice studies major and business minor Essah Goumou said he first met Ahmad his sophomore year.

“He had a bunch of energy and was like, ‘Hey, buddy, how are you?’” Goumou said. Ahmad also offered a selfie with Goumou upon his entry.

Goumou said Ahmad always greets him by name when frequenting Mad River Mart and that Ahmad is a “JMU staple.”

Ahmad’s hard work is celebrated by students and the community, receiving the 2020 JMU Young Americans for Liberty Entrepreneur of the Year award. Apart from Mad River, Ahmad has expanded and now owns five more gas stations. His success has helped him beat his competition and gained him respect, he said.

“He’s very generous, very joyful, extremely welcoming to anyone that comes in ... which is always fun and I think that’s the main reason why everyone keeps coming back,” Tran said.

Mad River Mart is the only store in Harrisonburg that sells halal pizza and has pushed hot food as its main selling point, Ahmad said. Food items such as the halal chicken tikka masala pizza and halal wings are proudly displayed at the entrance of the store. Along with hot food, Ahmad also sells general convenience goods and groceries. Tran said he appreciates trips to Mad River Mart “after a long week of exams,” and that they’re a refreshing way to celebrate accomplishments

thanks to Ahmad. “I think everyone’s just grateful to have him and his presence overall.”

After becoming a figure of love and selflessness, he has the goal to give back to the community that gave him so much. He is glad to be accepted as an integral part of the JMU family.

“I will take care of [JMU students] because they are the ones who have given me a big boost. I’m a loyal person, so I returned my love in a different way,” Ahmad said.

Ahmad occasionally brings his son to work, who Tran says interacts with customers with the same familial care.

Goumou said he remembers when Ahmad posted a video on social media over winter break saying he missed JMU students.

“He’s making an effort to notice us and constantly acknowledge us, like, I don’t know anyone else would,” Goumou said.

His love is extended from families of students outside of Harrisonburg, sending him yearly Christmas gifts and money because of their students’ enjoyment. He believes Dukes should be more grateful for their parents.

“When you graduate and you have a good job and you have power, you should take care of your parents.” Ahmad said. “They grew you up and brought you here giving them a good school and good living. You have to take care of your parents, your mom, your dad.”

Ahmad said he hopes the friendships he makes remain as students graduate from JMU.

“Sometimes they make me cry because when you get used to everyone coming every day, eventually you will not see someone for forever,” Ahmad said. “But I will say ‘good luck’ to everyone, that they have good jobs, and they can start their future after school. You know, the practical life.”

Ahmad continues to work at Mad River Mart, taking selfies and promoting his business every chance he gets. Students continue to be entertained and loved by the gas station owner through his generosity and stellar customer service. As a prominent figure in the Harrisonburg community, he said he will remain a loyal Duke.

“I care for the people, I care for the students, I care for friendship,” Ahmad said. “My goal is success. When you have a lot of friends, that’s success.”

CONTACT Campbell Wood at wood2cw@dukes.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.

Mad River Mart owner and entrepreneur Arbab Ahmad is known for his hard work and welcoming atmosphere campuswide. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Brawns, beauty, brotherhood: fraternity members compete in pageant for good cause

By ARIANNA TAYLOR The Breeze

Dougie-ing, swimsuits and philanthropy.

On April 2, fraternities across campus competed for the sake of good causes and fame at Wilson Hall.

Alpha Sigma Tau’s (AST) annual Mr. Fraternity beauty pageant took place in Wilson Hall. The pageant consisted of four rounds: formalwear, swimwear, talent and Q&A.

The event is judged by members of the Panhellenic Council and the Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) office to try to keep the judging as unbiased as possible, host and former AST Director of Philanthropy senior Corrine Davi said.

Tickets to the event were $5 when pre-ordered or $7 at the door. The audience also had the option to donate more money through AST’s website. Donations totaled $7,000 after the event, most of which is going toward Alex’s Lemonade Stand, current AST Director of Philanthropy sophomore Megan Johnson said.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand was founded by four-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott to raise money for children’s cancer research, according to the foundation’s website. Its mission is to “change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.”

AST sophomore Sarah Rubin welcomed the audience to the event with an explanation of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, its importance and how she was personally affected by the cause, as her sister, Iliana, had leukemia as a child.

“I’m so beyond thankful to say that thanks to Alex’s Lemonade Stand and organizations like it,” Rubin said. “Iliana is in remission and is a spunky high school sophomore that loves hanging out with her friends, is on the high school cheer team and is living her best life as a normal kid.”

She said that although her sister is doing much better, Iliana is still dealing with the negative effects of treatment. According to the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, of all funding from the federal government dedicated to cancer research, childhood cancer research only receives a single-digit percentage.

“Maybe one day with our help people just like Iliana aren’t going to have to struggle through the lasting side effects from the medicine that they had to take to fight and win their battles,” Rubin said. “Thank you all for your donations and support. Just by being here, watching these guys in silly outfits and performing what they might call a talent, you’re changing lives. How amazing is that?”

This event was planned by Johnson and AST Assistant Director of Philanthropy freshman Adrianna Barsoom. The hosts were Davi and AST senior Emmie Host. Davi said to earn the position of host, AST sisters nominate two seniors to be a pair, and then the chapter votes on them.

The first round was formal wear and the hosts introduced the contestants to the audience. The participants were escorted by an AST sister. Johnson said the AST escort became the middle-man between her and the contestants.

“[The escorts are] the main point of contact,” Johnson said. “I figured that works better than me trying to text 14 guys every day.”

Phi Kappa Psi freshman Gabe Milo said his favorite part of the competition was the swimsuit round. Alpha Epsilon Phi representative and freshman Ryan Mindel chose to wear swim trunks and a bikini top, while other contestants did backflips. Milo said every guy who walked across the stage would quickly look behind him to see what the contestant would do.

For the talent round, each contestant had one minute and 30 seconds to perform a talent of their choice. Some of the talents included: Milo playing the piano, a Kappa Delta Rho brother singing/ rapping an original song and a Kappa Sigma contestant hitting the Dougie to “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District.

A Q&A was the final round, during which all of the contestants on the stage, along with the hosts, took turns randomly selecting three contestants to answer. Some questions were, “what’s your dream first date,” and “what do you think of Maria from The Bachelor?”

Davi, who also planned the event two years ago, said it “brings the Greek community together” because fraternities and the AST sorority are working together to raise money for their philanthropies.

Davi said that while philanthropy events are usually fun, the “actual philanthropy can get lost within itself.” Like Rubin, Davi

has a sister who was affected by childhood cancer. When she was speaking on the event, she said it “reminds the audience why they are actually here.”

Each contestant selected a charity that audience members could donate to directly via a QR code that was projected onto the screen behind them during their rounds. The contestant who raised the most money was labeled the “crowd favorite.”

Freshman Ethan Gevinson was this year’s crowd favorite after raising $400, Johnson said. To commemorate his win, AST also donated $350 to his cause.

Milo was dubbed Mr. Fraternity and donated $600 to his chosen charity: the Boys and Girls Club.

According to the Boys and Girls Club website, its goal is to “provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.”

Milo said Phi Psi typically chooses the Boys and Girls Club as the recipient its philanthropy funding. He said he didn’t know about the organization before coming to college but learned about it when he pledged.

“The more I learned about it, the more I felt like it was an eyeopening experience,” Milo said. “[The organization] showcases a community that has been overlooked.”

Milo said he’s appreciative that AST would donate to the Boys and Girls Club because “$600 is a lot just because a kid performed on stage.”

Milo said this was “the best philanthropy event I’ve been to,” and that he bonded with members from other fraternities, laughed a lot and supported a good cause.

“We talked about the similarities between our frats [backstage], Milo said. “It was a good way for us to realize that we’re all people, no one is better or worse than anyone.”

CONTACT Arianna Taylor at taylo3af@dukes.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.

LEFT: The pageant consisted of four rounds: formalwear, swimwear, talent and a Q&A section. RIGHT: The audience had the opportunity to donate money to Alpha Sigma Tau’s website, most of which went toward children’s cancer research. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Join Kesem at James Madison University on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 for Harrisonburg’s Great Community Give!

Who We Are

Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent's cancer by providing innovative, funfilled programs that foster a lasting community.

Kesem at JMU provides programs and services to children and their families in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham community.

Join us as we participate in Great Community Give on Wednesday, April 17, 2024!

Learn more about our nonprofit organization and Great Community Give here!

Kesem at JMU participates in an annual week-long summer camp program free of charge for children impacted by a parent’s cancer diagnosis.

Parks & tourism director grandly impacts town of Grottoes, local attractions

By EVAN MOODY The Breeze

Harrison native Austin Shank couldn’t have come back to the Shenandoah Valley at a more opportune time. With region wide excitement and progress, such as JMU’s historic football run, the fate of Grottoes’ contribution to the buzz is in his hands.

“It feels like we’re on the verge of something,” Shank said. “It feels like the levee is going to break.”

Shank is the Town of Grottoes’ parks and tourism director, a department that contributes to about 20% of the town’s overall revenue, he said. With Grottoes’ top tourist attraction, Grand Caverns, falling under his jurisdiction, Shank has been implementing a multi-step revitalization of the space since his arrival in 2021.

The Bridgewater College alum assumed the director position after a decade of career searching across the country. Before returning to the valley, he was a husbandry associate at Walt Disney World and an aquarist at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

After these positions, and right before exiting the pandemic, Shank and his wife wanted to buy a home and begin a family. The couple decided Virginia would be the best place to do so, and Shank searched for job opportunities close to home.

Upon finding the director position, Shank said it felt like a “tailored fit” to him.

“I was surprised that such an opportunity existed in the valley, because most of all of my career up to that point had been at major tourist destinations,” Shank said. “To find this, I count myself really lucky.”

Also included in Shank’s jurisdiction is John E. Painter Park, complete with tennis courts, walking trails and river access. Included at Grand Caverns Park are additional trails, picnic areas and more.

One of Shank’s goals as parks and tourism director is the minimization of a price barrier between consumers and amusement.

While he enjoyed jobs in aquariums and wildlife environments, Shank knew a government position would allow him to serve a broader community.

Though Grand Caverns is a paid experience, Shank said he’s currently seeking to debut “grade-specific programming” for local and non-local school groups that will dissolve the price barrier as much as possible.

Another reason Shank was drawn to his current position was the educational opportunities he could provide to the public. Since entering the career, he’s pushed to implement a formal education program at the caverns.

JMU assistant professor of enthnogeology and karst science Ángel García Jr. began working with Shank in mid-2021 and has assisted him in providing such education opportunities using his experience in giving guided tours of the caverns.

You don’t have to lift a hammer to help build and preserve affordable housing in the Central Shenandoah Valley. SHOP, VOLUNTEER or DONATE at the ReStore and help families realize their dreams of homeownership. All proceeds help to fund housing provided by Central Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Over the 10-year collaboration between JMU and Grand Caverns, two published academic articles about the cave system have been produced. This year, Shank and García published “Using the geoheritage framework to explore the intersection of diverse legacies at Grand Caverns, Virginia, USA.” In addition, JMU has published 12 abstracts from students conducting research in or around Grand Caverns.

A trip to Grand Caverns is part of the curriculum in a course lead by García. During his most recent teaching of the class, around 550 students made the trek to Grottoes.

Grottoes Parks Coordinator Lily Whitman was a student of García. She conducted undergraduate research at Grand Caverns and assumed her position just months after graduating in spring 2022.

During her time researching, Whitman got to know Shank and described him as a “big facilitator” in helping her further her career.

“I couldn’t see myself wanting to work for anyone other than him for the foreseeable future,” Whitman said. “He puts in his time and his work and his efforts and not only does things well, but he makes sure along the way everyone is on the same page as him.”

One of Shank’s improvements to the parks & tourism department was working to reorganize and improve employees’ wages, Whitman said. Upon his arrival to the department, there was only one fulltime employee position.

The new model Shank implemented follows a “park ranger” system which allows for a person to begin in the Park Aid introductory position and rise to ranger and coordinator positions, eventually leading to director.

Shank marks the staff reorganization as his most proud achievement so far. Upon creating the model, he hoped the quality of programming and the diversity of work responsibilities would improve as well.

Grottoes’ mayor, Joanne Plaster, said she’s enjoyed seeing both Shank’s and the parks and tourism department’s growth since 2021, especially with the new employee system.

“We went from tour guides to having park rangers, and it’s coming to fruition as to what it’s supposed to,” Plaster said. “I’ve always said [Grand Caverns] was our cash cow, and he’s been the man for the job.”

Grand Caverns is Grottoes’s top tourist destination, according to Tripadvisor. Annually, Shank said, the attraction sees around 70,000 visitors compared to the nearly 3,000 population of Grottoes.

see GROTTOES, page 14

Grand Caverns is the top tourist destination for Grottoes, according to Tripadvisor.

Photos by Evan Moody / The Breeze

The parks and tourism department seeks to establish Grand Caverns as the first UNESCO Geo Heritage Site in the country.

from GROTTOES, page 13

Shank said the attraction is a driving factor for other businesses’ growth and introducing new enterprises. With this fact, he said there’s an added pressure to ensure Grand Caverns’ success.

“A significant amount of importance is placed on Grand Caverns to continue to drive economic development into the area,” Shank said. “It’s not the sole reason economic development should come to Grottoes, but it is a powerful asset.”

Shank said the town uses revenue from Grand Caverns for infrastructure upgrades across town. While this supports the town overall, Shank said a challenge is having the department hold onto funds for repairs.

In terms of the town’s overall revenue increase since 2021, profits are looking to double this term from his beginning year.

In the 2019/20 fiscal year, generated revenue for the Town of Grottoes was $416,466.11. In the 2021/22 fiscal year, revenue was $703,926.54. As of early March 2024, profits are looking to near $1 million for the 2022/23 fiscal year.

Part of the parks and tourism department’s success can be attributed to programs introduced by Shank. Subterranean Sounds, a series of concerts hosted in Grand Caverns by Virginia-based bands, debuted earlier this year.

When the concerts were announced, tickets for all shows sold out within the first two hours of their listing. Additional shows were added this January, and those tickets were also sold out within a few hours.

In terms of revitalization’s next phase, Shank looks to improve upon the Subterranean Sound series and introduce a Subterranean Cinema experience. He said Grottoes residents, many of whom have worked and trekked the attraction, welcome the revamp project.

As the “oldest operating cave show” in the country, the Caverns are deeply embedded within the town’s culture, Whitman said.

“I personally don’t think Grottoes would be here if it wasn’t for this cave,” Whitman said. “This town was built because of this cave, and the name is actually a term associated to caves.”

Currently, the department seeks to establish Grand Caverns as the first UNESCO Geo Heritage Site in the country. By doing so, the attraction will be nationally recognized and protected as a geological site that has an impact on its community.

Efforts are also in place to revitalize Grand Caverns Park along with other Grottoes facilities, Plaster said. As of now, Shank said a focus is needed on the main attraction to generate revenue before funding other efforts.

With Shank at the helm of all efforts, Plaster, Whitman and García expect continued excellence. Plaster said that Shank has been key with growing not only the department, but the whole town since his arrival.

“When people get to new positions, they’re always excited and energetic, and that was the impression I got from him the first time,” García said. “But the time has passed a couple of years and Austin is still excited, still energetic.”

According to Shank, with a great team surrounding him, Grottoes is going to be taken to the next level and play a part in the valley’s excitement.

“We’re going to play a nice role,” Shank said. “I’m at the right place at the right time.”

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

Palmyra performed two sets at Grand Caverns for the Subterranean Sound series. Evan Moody / The Breeze

The fast and the studious: senior drives in competitive races

By EMMA SINGLETON The Breeze

As you turn the key of a car, you can feel the vibrations of the frame riveting and hear the engine starting up to drive. For Jack Cobetto, this is the best feeling in the world.

Cobetto is a senior who competitively drives in his free time and he drives in multiple races throughout the year on tracks.

Growing up, racing was in Cobetto’s blood. His dad began racing in ’98 with Mazda cars and eventually started the mid-Atlantic region of the National Autosport Association in 2000. This was the association’s first East Coast branch.

Cobetto has been karting since he was seven and started driving cars at 14 years old in 2015. In 2018, he earned his competition license after working his way up in driving school and he's been racing ever since.

A 1988 BMW 3 series E30 is Cobetto’s competition car. He pointed out that this model tends to be an easy car to learn and is pretty forgiving on the track. His father and he do most of the work on the car themselves, outsourcing only when needed.

“All the pre-event stuff we do ourselves, like changing brakes and anything cooling-related,” Cobetto said.

In a single season, Cobetto will participate in seven to 10 races from March through Sept. Most are regional races, but he drives in a national competition once a year. In the class, Cobetto races all BMWs, which makes the competition tight and close.

Last year, he placed second after qualifying at the back of the field due to problems with the car the day before.

“The nerves have definitely fizzled for a regular race, but with nationals I get a little more nervous,” Cobetto said.

Hyperfest is a regional race that Cobetto’s dad's company puts on. It’s the biggest event of the year and includes a concert and race. Cobetto races with a large Hyperfest sticker on the side of his car, drawing spectators’ eyes directly to him.

“For Hyperfest, I get a little nervous cause I have all of my friends there and there is more TV, so I want to win that one. I have been fortunate enough to win the past two years … to win Hyperfest last year in front of all my friends was a confidence boost. I try to be pretty humble about it, but it felt really good,” Cobetto said.

In terms of the dangers of racing, Cobetto said he had an incident during one drive.

“My most recent race, on the last corner of the last lap, the guy in front of me spun and I had nowhere to go. Luckily, my car isn't too bad, but it needs some framework,” he said.

Competing isn’t the only thing Cobetto does in his free time. After getting experience racing, he began giving people pointers, later becoming a certified instructor. He helps others improve their driving while being able to experience how different cars drive.

"We are all here to have fun and get better," Cobetto said.

CONTACT Emma Singleton at singleej@dukes.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.

ABOVE: Senior Jack Cobetto competes in Hyperfest, a regional race his dad's company puts on. BELOW: Cobetto's competition car is a 1988 BMW 3 series E30. Photos courtesy of Jack Cobetto

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Freshman phenom leads JMU’s defense

Philly roots and close friendships boost Ava Bleckley to an All-American level

ZACH MENDENHALL

Long before coming to JMU, freshman defender Ava Bleckley held herself to

Craving a more “competitive environment” than her previous school, Bleckley transferred to Archbishop Carroll High School her junior year and won a state championship. She won another during her senior year, and Archbishop Carroll only lost one game.

“Ava’s intense, and she’s driven and she wants to be the best lacrosse player out there, that’s the way that it is,” said Lorraine Beers, Bleckley’s coach at Archbishop Carroll.

Beers is currently a coach for Phantastix Lacrosse, a club for promising players which has produced Division 1 talent to schools like Loyola, Drexel and North Carolina. Beers has known Bleckley since middle school while she was a member of the club. “She’s also verbal and a motivator and did a great job with the team,” Beers said. “When you have a kid like Ava … it just sets the bar higher for everybody else, so practices are better it’s amazing what that kind of an athlete can do for you.”

During her senior year at Archbishop Carroll, Bleckley was named the 2023 Philly Lacrosse Player of the Year and 2023 Delco Lacrosse Player of the Year and also qualified for the USA Select Women’s U18 team. She began her college career landing a spot on the 2024 Women’s Lacrosse Division 1 Midseason All-American honorable mentions team.

Her 19 ground balls currently lead the Dukes this season, and she sits second in

caused turnovers with 16, trailing senior defender Lizzy Pirisino. Bleckley is the only freshman of 10 players on JMU to start all 13 games this season and is already a four-time American Athletic Conference Freshman Player of the Week and two-time Defensive Player of the Week.

This past summer, Bleckley played for the U20 Women’s USA Lacrosse National Team alongside her current teammate, sophomore attacker Maddie Epke. Tryouts welcomed the top 100 girls in the country, initially making Bleckley nervous. That was until she decided to “have fun with it”. After all, the tryout was for the sport she had loved since first grade.

“That was honestly probably the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” Bleckley said. “You dream of playing at the highest level of your sport, and I think that tryout was definitely … the most elite level of lacrosse I think I’ve ever played.”

In high school, Bleckley was a midfielder, but when she tried out for the national team, she wanted to play defense instead. She has enjoyed the adjustment and said she prefers to get defensive stops rather than score. After she joined up with the Dukes, she began playing defense full-time.

JMU associate head coach and defensive coordinator Kateri Linville said Bleckley “naturally lends to the defensive end” because she’s excited to return the ball to her offensive peers. After the departure of All-American defenders Mairead Durkin (2019-2023) and Rachel Matey (2019-2023) last year, and senior defender Carolyn Thistlewaite who tore her ACL, it was clear where Bleckley’s strengths would best suit the team, and her transition to defense was a natural one.

Transitioning from midfield to defense gives the Dukes an advantage in the back and helps the team in clearing the ball up

the field.

“When you become a defender from being a midfielder, you have a better understanding of what the attack does, because you played it,” Pirisino said. “I think that definitely helps give her an advantage.”

The Dukes play a zone defense, which is uncommon in high school-level lacrosse. Her teammates, like Pirisino and senior defender Nicholle Marshall, have been “understanding” and communicated with Bleckley to help her better comprehend the difference.

“They’ve just been so helpful with communicating to me where I need to go [they] kind of just help me out if I’m making mistakes,” Bleckley said, “answering all the questions that I have and they’ve all been super helpful.”

Pirisino believes Bleckley has stepped up to relieve the absence of the graduated All-Americans. Prisino said Bleckley isn’t focused on the team’s past success, but making success from her own role.

“I think we just knew from the start that she was going to be someone stepping into a big role for us, and I think she’s handled the role pretty well,” Pirisino said. “I think that she is a leader through her play … she does a lot of great things that freshmen usually don’t do ... it’s been exciting to see for her.”

Since Bleckley comes from an elite program, Linville expected her to push the Dukes to the next level and make an impact right out of the gate, she said — during Bleckley’s time at JMU, Linville said expectations have been met.

For example, when senior attacker Isabella Peterson missed a game against Albany earlier this season due to a red card in her previous match, Bleckley stepped up, earning four of the team’s 17 draw controls.

EDITORS Hayden Hundley & Preston Comer

start

season, freshman defender Ava Bleckley has been

revelation for the Dukes, notching 27 ground balls, 21 caused turnovers and 24 draw controls Breeze file photo

Breeze

“That’s what you want from an elite player — to just be ready to go on game day when the opportunity presents,” Linville said. “Her speed and desire to get the ball, along with her anticipation, have helped lead JMU’s success in the draw circle.”

Entering a new environment like college can be a hard transition, but Bleckley credits her team for making it easier. Playing lacrosse allowed Bleckley’s schedule to feel familiar, she said, since she still wakes up, packs for the day and goes to the gym like she did in high school.

“I think having a familiarity of lacrosse and the schedule of just, ‘I gotta be here at this time, I have class at this time,’ kind of just helped with that change of coming from high school to college,” Bleckley said.

Through coaching camps, clinics and meeting her family, Linville developed a professional relationship with Bleckley along with her sister, Chloe, who recently committed to JMU for next year.

“She’s only a year younger than me, especially in sports, we’ve done everything together … we’ve lived life together,” Bleckley said. “I think next year, it’s going to be so much fun for her to be down here and to be playing with her again.”

Linville believes Bleckley has handled the pressure that comes with competing at a championship level and transitioning into a new environment well.

“I think she’s done a great job of developing good relationships with her teammates and our captains and the coaching staff and really showing that she’s here to be a team player,” Linville said. “I think she was ready for this challenge.”

CONTACT Zach Mendenhall at mendenzl@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more lacrosse coverage, follow the sports desk on X @TheBreezeSports.

Bleckley was named a Mid-season Inside Lacrosse All-American Kimberly Aikens / The Breeze

ABOVE: Bleckley forced six turnovers, a season high, in the Dukes’ 11-8 loss to Maryland. BELOW: Bleckley is second among all freshmen in caused turnovers per game. Breeze file photos

Hayden Hundley / The Breeze

Freshman on fire

Softball pitcher Payton List looks to continue growth after transferring from Virginia Tech

By JACK FOSTER The Breeze

JMU softball’s redshirt freshman pitcher Payton List has been productive both in the circle and at the plate for the Dukes — a feat she continued from her high school days.

During her senior year in 2022 at Beaver High School in Beaver, PA, List pitched 114.1 innings with 230 strikeouts, helping the Bobcats reach the 2022 WPIAL 4A State Championship. For her efforts in the 2022 season, the Pennsylvania native was named a MaxPreps All-American, and Beaver County Times named her Female Athlete of the Year.

For all of her success, List’s transition from high school to college softball didn’t come without surprises.

“The amount of film that is watched is much different than in high school,” List said. “These kids are studying each pitch that you throw, which makes it ten times harder to throw to them.”

During her first season with JMU, List took on a similar workhorse role. She leads the pitching staff with 73.1 innings, tallying 58 total strikeouts, third most on the staff. List threw a season-high eight strikeouts in a 4-2 loss to Omaha on March 2. List has also only allowed five home runs, which is tied for the fourth-lowest mark in the SBC.

These feats mirror her high school career, where she led the Bobcats in 2022 with a .643 batting average and 10 home runs. This season, List has a batting average of .306 and 12 RBI.

While List has been an effective starter for the Dukes, she's occasionally had to enter games in precarious situations. List made a relief appearance in the third inning of a 12-3 loss to U.Va. on March 27. During the game, she allowed one run on one hit and struck out three hitters. List began that game as the designated player, a role in which she has made 29 appearances this season.

“That’s kind of been Payton’s role all year,” JMU head coach Lauren Laporte said after the loss. “She’s in the game listed as a DP, so she knows that she can go in and out of games. She’s going to come in in some tough spots, and I feel like she’s done a good job with that role.”

Before transferring to JMU, List spent a redshirt year with Virginia Tech. While she didn’t appear in any games for the Hokies, List emphasized the importance of developing herself as a person while she wasn’t playing.

“My first year was definitely [about] personal development instead of softball development. It was about finding out who I was as a person and where I needed to be,” List said.

Now that she’s getting consistent play time at JMU, List appreciates the grind of a college softball season. Both List and fellow freshman pitcher Kirsten Fleet are the Dukes’ only pitchers to have thrown more than 70 innings this season. List and Fleet know they will need to maintain their performance if they are to help the Dukes through postseason play.

“The game gets more challenging for everybody on the field,” Fleet said. “[We’re] definitely working on the mental [side] of it, sticking through and doing the best we can do.”

With the regular season in the home stretch and the SBC Tournament on the horizon, List knows that the experience of her teammates will go a long way toward helping the Dukes make a deep postseason run.

“Just keep throwing,” List said of the advice she received from the older pitchers. "Never give up on yourself.”

Redshirt freshman pitcher Payton List has pitched 73.1 innings while hitting .306 this season. JMU Athletics

Analysis | Takeaways from JMU baseball’s sweep over App State

By PRESTON COMER

The Breeze

After encountering a mid-season drought following its hot start, JMU baseball (19-12, 6-6 Sun Belt) found itself back on its feet after sweeping its biggest rival across all sports: App State.

The Dukes entered the series without a conference series win this season and were just 2-4 from their last six games. But against its newly formed rivals, JMU saw few issues.

Here are the biggest takeaways for JMU following its sweep:

Young talent and lineup changes

Freshman Kyle Langley, hailing from Yorktown High School in Arlington, got his start in game one of the series. Not only did Langley begin in left field, but he was also chosen to be the Dukes’ leadoff hitter. In his first at-bat of the game, and as a starter, Langley sent the ball over the right field wall for his first collegiate home run.

Langley started the next two games and led the Dukes in the batting order in those. The lefty hit another home run in the third and final game of the series, once again over the right field wall, marking his second career home run.

Langley had five total RBIs in the series and didn’t have a game without one. The normal leadoff hitter for the Dukes this season has been sophomore infielder Mike Mancini, who had slightly underperformed in the role with his batting average trending around the mid-.200s.

Despite the start and success of Langley, Mancini wasn’t taken out of the lineup — he was moved to the batting lineup’s three-hole. Mancini hit .416 in the series and collected two of his total five home runs this season.

One of the most prevalent struggles JMU had during its hot streak was putting up runs — something the Dukes have clearly overcome. Langley and Mancini seemed to settle into their roles comfortably even against a rival. Their success at the plate could be crucial as the Dukes look to keep their momentum.

Jason Schiavone could be the best catcher in the Sun Belt

When looking at most teams at any level, you don’t expect to see one of their most intimidating hitters eighth in the lineup.

Junior catcher Jason Schiavone doesn’t just pose as domineering due to his 6’3”, 200-pound frame, but also his .314 batting average and nine home runs this season. Yet Schiavone has batted eighth all season.

Being at the end of the lineup hasn’t silenced or affected Schiavone’s productivity on the season, as he’s third on the team in batting average and second in both home runs and RBIs.

During the series, Schiavone hit two home runs. After hitting one during the first game, he only saw two atbats in the second game after being hit by a pitch. The next game, he was back in the lineup and had two hits, including a home run.

Even with such impressive hitting in the first half of the season, Schiavone has somehow managed to be just as commanding behind the plate.

Schiavone leads the Sun Belt behind the plate in runners caught, and it isn’t close. His 13 caught steals not only leads the conference, but the next closest catcher has just seven runners caught. Out of the eight Sun Belt catchers that have seen 20-plus steal attempts on the year, Schiavone is the only one to have caught doubledigit runners.

His hitting at the end of the lineup and big arm behind the plate could’ve already proven to be a differencemaker for the Dukes in conference play. Not only is Schiavone ahead of all Sun Belt catchers in home runs, but he also has the ninth-best in-conference batting average in the Sun Belt at .390.

Junior catcher Jason Schiavone leads the Sun Belt Conference in runners caught stealing with 13. Breeze file photo

Trimble stays hot, Calabrese’s conference struggles continue

When discussing JMU baseball, you can’t leave out junior infielder and outfielder Fenwick Trimble. Going into the series against App State, Trimble was having a stellar season with a .333 batting average. In the sweep, Trimble maintained his rhythm.

Trimble boosted his average to a teamleading .350 on the season, while and added his fourth home run of the year.

Following the sweep, Trimble is on a 10game hitting streak.

After a solid sophomore season, many had high expectations for junior infielder Coleman Calabrese. Calabrese had a lot of success at the plate going into conference play. But since the Dukes’ opening conference series against Coastal Carolina, his batting average has plummeted from .358 to .264.

Calabrese’s hitting struggles didn’t pose an obstacle for his team in the series against the Mountaineers, as JMU put up an average of 10.6 runs per game in the series. However, there could be a pivotal difference in the Dukes’ offense if Calabrese finds his rhythm in conference games.

Casey Smith hasn’t let up

As a freshman in 2022, right-handed pitcher Casey Smith had an ERA of 15 in three appearances and followed that up with a 13.5 ERA in seven appearances in 2023.

Now as a junior, Smith hasn’t only had five starts on the mound, but has the highest ERA of any JMU starting pitcher at 3.26.

Smith started the final game of the series against the Mountaineers. In 4.1 innings pitched, Smith gave up two earned runs and struck out three batters to earn the win.

While these aren’t the most impressive numbers, Smith has been consistent in all of his starts this season and doesn’t give up many runs.

Graduate pitcher Donovan Burke, who leads JMU in innings pitched with 43, gave up four earned runs in his last three starts, including the Dukes’ second game against the Mountaineers. Burke hasn’t performed well or badly as of late, but Smith has picked up some of the pitching slack and proven he can be a consistent starter for JMU.

CONTACT Preston Comer at breezesports@ gmail.com. For more baseball coverage, follow the sports desk on X @TheBreezeSports.

17th Annual

Junior infielder and outfielder Fenwick Trimble leads JMU with a .350 batting average. Rowan Potts / The Breeze Graduate pitcher Casey Smith has a career-best 3.26 ERA this season. JMU Athletics

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 “good-boy” pat to everyone bringing their dogs to the quad.

From a student that misses their animals back at home. A “cool down” dart to all the buildings on campus without air conditioning.

From an overheated junior.

A “look out” dart to the squirrels that I run over with my car.

From a very good driver.

A “wiping-my-tears” pat to my advisor for helping me through class enrollment.

From a stressed and confused student.

Moving medicine

A plea to add pharmaceutical products to Starship delivery options

LACEY SIRBAUGH contributing columnist

Who doesn’t love the convenience of using JMU’s Starship delivery robots? They’re perfect for rainy days and save time when studying. However, they could be used for delivering more than just food, possibly medicine.

According to the Starship Technologies website, its policy states, “We believe in the seamless movement of products, in order to make life both easier and more convenient for people.” Starships are as easy and convenient as they say. The ordering process is through an app and students only have to step right outside their dorm to grab their food.

When students are sick, the last thing they want to do is leave their bed. If Starship expanded its deliveries to medicine, it would help sick students who don’t want to make the trip. Although the JMU convenience store Mr. Chips delivers some medicine and essentials via Starship, it doesn’t include nearly as much as what the health center provides. Not to mention, Mr. Chips essentials are not advertised as much as its food products since they’re the only non-food item on the app.

Starship should deliver prescribed medication from the JMU pharmacy. This addition would allow students to have easier access to antibiotics and medications that would promote quarantine during severe illnesses. The pharmacy is a great service for students to have. and making it more accessible would benefit a wider range of students.

Director of University Health Anne Brenneman, explained in an email interview how the process of using Starship to deliver medication could work.

“[Virginia state law] does require that we verify birthdays and offer medication counseling to patients picking up prescriptions, which we could potentially do over the phone,” Brenneman said.

Clearance from the State Board of Pharmacy would also be necessary. Another challenge, according to Brenneman, is that Aramark runs Starship and JMU controls the pharmacy. Even though this addition is a multiple-step process, it’s clear what would need to be done and who would need to be contacted.

Despite these challenges, the security of the delivery wouldn’t be an issue due to the ordering requirements via phone, as well as the code needed to open Starships.

The delivery system could work the same way as food by charging a $2 fee along with the delivery.

Since Dunkin’ Donuts is located in the SSC along with the pharmacy, the robots wouldn’t need to go out of their way to reach another station. So, not many changes would be necessary for the addition of medication deliveries to happen.

With this expansion to pharmaceutical medication, the options for paying on the Starship app should expand as well. Mr. Chips essentials and the JMU pharmacy both require FLEX. However, the payment options should vary. If students can purchase anything else on the Starship app with Dining Dollars, the medication should also apply.

With everyone having different dining plans and living situations on campus, it’s best to have multiple options. For example, an off-campus student may prefer FLEX or a

credit/debit card since their dining plan is limited. However, an on-campus student may prefer to use Dining Dollars as they use that option more often. FLEX can be frustrating since it needs to be reloaded and students may not always be able to pay out of pocket.

JMU’s campus is lucky to have the amazing service of Starship, which is very popular among students. I believe any addition to Starship and its capabilities would be widely succesful. Delivering prescribed medication in particular would be a great way to help out students and engourage them to use a beneficial resource.

Greek letters deserve a comeback

Harrisonburg should not restrict the display of off campus fraternity and sorority signage

Throughout the United States, Greek organizations have a big presence, often carrying negative connotations. Yet not all of these associations deserve the bad reputation bestowed upon them. Oftentimes, in controlled settings, the benefits members gain by joining Greek organizations outweigh their unfavorable stereotypes. It’s this impact from Greek life that warrants support and representation by JMU in the same way peer institutions do.

Back in 2013, Harrisonburg’s Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) asked landlords to remove the Greek letters on the houses being used for fraternity events. While Greek life combatted this enforcement, the organizations seemed to be silenced.

It was my original belief that the ordinance had existed since the ’80s but wasn’t enforced until 2013. Because of this ordinance, off-campus Greek organizations couldn’t post their letters on their houses without being brought to court and charged with a class one misdemeanor. The truth is, it’s a lot more complex than this.

When questioned about the land ordinance and its enforcement, the DPCD explained that in order for fraternities and sororities to display their representative letters on residential homes that hold organization events, the property would have to fit the correct sign regulations for charitable and benevolent institutions

On one end, residentially zoned property with only residential use are permitted to display signs of a specified size and height. On the other end, residentially zoned property containing non-residential use - meaning the property is also used for events such as fraternity recruitment - can display signs of a different size and height. So, if a fraternity or sorority wanted to display its representative letters on a residential or mixed (residential and non-residential) property, they are able to do so, but only if they meet the Harrisonburg sign ordinance regulations.

Where it becomes even more complicated is in the possibility that the zoning of the property might now allow for both residential and non-residential uses, and even if the zoning did allow for both uses, the structure in which the events are held might not be up to standards with the Building Code. Making it so, the size and height of signs displayed on any property would indirectly be restrained by whether or not the property and structure is in compliance with its uses on the site.

It begs the question: Why is it much more difficult to get the same representation that Greek life has at other schools here at JMU?

Neighboring universities such as U.Va. and Randolph Macon College have sorority and fraternity houses owned by their universities in which they can represent themselves with ease. If Greek life voices at JMU continue to be as ignored as they were 11 years ago, they will never have the opportunity to represent Greek life positively and break negative patterns implanted by a broader community.

JMU students deserve the same opportunity to represent themselves as every other Greek organization nationwide, including the ability to place their symbolic letters and plaques on their area of residence.

While Greek voices deserve to speak and be heard, every Greek member should also uphold their organization in a considerate and civil manner. This includes respecting the Harrisonburg and community. Many Greek organizations revolve around a certain set of values — junior John Taggart, a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, expanded on what his fraternity’s values of truth, courage, faith and power mean to him and his brothers.

“Just being a member of a fraternity, I think, is kind of living out those values in your day-to-day life and embodying those,” Taggart said. “We have a lot of pride in our fraternity, and I think we all uphold the values well; we live by them.”

It’s not just Delta Tau Delta that strives to uphold similar morals; many Greek organizations hold philanthropy and community fundraising events yearlong that speak to those characteristics.

As a community, JMU Greek life holds a competition in April called Greek Sing, where sororities and fraternities compete with the sole purpose of raising money for the Arc of Harrisonburg, a center for children and adults with disabilities. All the proceeds from this event go to the organization. This event is one of many that strengthens the connection between JMU Greek life and the Harrisonburg community, and is just another reason Greek life members should be able to represent their organizations.

Greek life goes a step beyond benefiting students professionally and altruistically. Like most organizations, it teaches students to balance their social lives and responsibilities, but it also creates a family for students who just left theirs, building life-long connections and friendships.

“I love all my brothers, I’m close to all of them,” Taggart said. “I’ve met so many more people, been immersed in the JMU culture so much more since joining Delta Tau Delta.”

With roughly 4,800 undergraduate students involved in Greek life at JMU, Taggart is certainly not the only student benefiting from involvement. With this kind of positive impact, it’s only fair that members are given the chance to represent

themselves respectfully. According to Rona Tamiko Haluanlani’s Intercultural Communication textbook, representation is defined as an entity that stands in place of and speaks for something or someone else an entity such as Greek letters on residential homes off campus.

“I think a lot of the time, like IFC [Interfraternity Council] especially, is just cutting the fraternities at their knees every chance they get,” Taggart said. “I feel like how big of a part [JMU Greek life] is, they don’t really support the fraternities well.”

While the previously mentioned land ordinance and sign regulations may not be ideal for Greek members, the voices of those who care could band together to advocate for the change they want to see. It’s about being heard — that’s how to get the representation Greek life deserves.

“With the recognition we’re getting from sports, next year we have a huge freshman class incoming,” Taggart said. “A lot of those students coming in are looking to join Greek life, which brings revenue to the school.”

Taggart said he feels JMU could lose out on additional revenue by not allowing fraternities and sororities to display their letters. More voices like Taggart’s need to be heard by JMU and Harrisonburg. The embargo on fraternity signs is one of many examples of Greek life being less supported at JMU than at other schools — for example, the efforts from Fraternity Sorority Life (FSL) to shut down all weekend activities, like they did last spring.

Rules be what they may, Harrisonburg hasn’t necessarily seen an absence of Greek letters in the community, as they are legally displayed all over town in windows by flags. Greek pride persists regardless of attempts to silence it.

Because FSL has a lot of change ahead, as the most recent director is leaving, it’s more important than ever for it to endorse the representation Greek voices are asking for.

Seeing a change in the nationwide reputation of Greek life starts by positively magnifying Greek life voices at one school. JMU can spark change in the Greek community on a national level. Greek voices need to be heard, advertised and amplified, which starts by finding a way for them to display symbols and letters outside of off-campus residences where events are held.

CONTACT Maya Skurski at skurmm@dukes.jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on Instagram and X @Breeze_Opinion.

Gingerbread House is one of the most easily recognizable Harrisonburg fraternity houses. In spite of its iconography, these buildings have no sigange or display of their letters. Rowan Potts / The Breeze

MAYA SKURSKI | contributing columnist

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UREC should help students beat gymtimidation and overcrowding

JMU can help Dukes conquer gym anxiety by making small changes

EMMA CURRIE | contributing columnist

Walking into a gym can be a relaxing or an exciting experience, but those who suffer from gymtimidation, also known as gym anxiety, it is overwhelming. The University Recreation Center (UREC) offers syudents a space to begin their health journey.

UREC is a 278,515 square-foot space filled with sections for different fitness activities such as wellness, sports, clubs, nutrition, intramural sports and more. These sections provide members with an opportunity to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is important for people of all ages, but it’s crucial to begin this routine while young. While the facility’s mission statement is to “promote and advance healthy lifestyles through educational programs, participation opportunities and support services,” it fails to support participants who suffer from gymtimidation.

According to the New York Post, gymtimidation affects one in two Americans, causing fear of working out at a public recreational facility. According to a Breeze Instagram poll, 14% of students attend an off-campus gym, even though they’re offered a free membership while attending the university.

There are over 20,000 JMU students. When these students aren’t in class or at work, a portion choose to participate in

The University Recreation Center (UREC) can be seen from interstate 81 and is accessible to anyone with a JACard. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

workout classes, events or other activities at UREC. This causes incredibly busy hours at the gym, especially when the majority of students have time to kill. According to the same Breeze Instagram poll, 78% of 107 repondents agreed that UREC can be too crowded at times. There’s a variety of equipment available for members to use; however, students are often forced to wait for the machine they want or abandon their workout completely.

Additionally, while someone at UREC chooses to lift free weights or participate in a workout without equipment, it seems there’s often not enough open space to do so. With limited space to move around, members are forced to navigate the overcrowded spaces, which is a detriment to the overall experience. When poll respondents were asked if they felt satisfied after completing a workout at UREC, 36% of 110 respondents voted no, while 64% of 110 respondents voted yes.

Although UREC offers a substantial array of workout spaces and equipment, as previously stated, some students still prefer other off-campus gyms or to not work out at all due to the overcrowded and competitive atmosphere.

A limited number of people allowed in certain spaces or time limits for machines could help address overcrowdedness and machine shortages in the only JMU recreational facility. This could also help students who suffer from gymtimidation feel more comfortable.

UREC falls short when trying to accommodate members with gym apprehensiveness. By not yet addressing the unique concerns and needs of those who experience anxiety in gym settings, UREC hinders members’ potential for regular exercise and the ability to make healthy lifestyle choices. One may begin to question how students at JMU are supposed to “Motivate Madison into Motion,” as its website advertises, when a fraction don’t feel welcome or comfortable taking advantage of the only workout facility offered on campus.

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CONTACT Emma Currie at currie@dukes.jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on Instagram and X @ Breeze_Opinion.

ABOVE: Students take advantage of pickle ball courts at UREC. BELOW: Availability of equipment and space at UREC on campus is often hard to come by. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

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For more photos of the solar eclipse, view the full gallery online at breezejmu.org/multimedia.

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