‘Worth the wait’
Carrier Library memories inspire alumni to name new spaces
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or many alumni, Carrier Library is personal. When Susan Brown (’84) arrived on campus in 1980, the library was under renovation to meet state standards after a large influx of students and faculty members. “Like students at JMU today, I watched the ongoing construction through chainlink fences, wondering when it would be ready,” she said. The library reopened in 1982, unveiling cozy stacks, study nooks and a plethora of research materials. “It was worth the wait,” Brown said. These memories and personal connections have inspired alumni like Brown to invest early in the Carrier Library renovation project — slated to reopen in Fall 2026 — by naming rooms in the new space. Supporting and naming the Accessible Technology Lab “has special meaning for our whole family,” said Becky (’93) and Dave (’93) Thomas. “Especially [our son] Dylan, because
The new intellectual and cultural crossroads of campus takes shape. Scan the QR code to read more about the Carrier Library renovation and expansion:
of our collective interest in ensuring an even playing field for students with disabilities.” The Thomases also chose to invest in the Anatomy Lab to recognize their daughter, Madison (’18), who graduated with honors in Biotechnology. “The opportunity to support the learning of the entire academic community at JMU while helping to honor Dr. [Ronald E.] Carrier’s legacy made the decision to support this project easy for our family,” they said. One alumni family feels a special connection to the library’s quiet and coveted study rooms. Michael (’91) and Jessica (’92) Donlan have fond memories of scouting out a quiet place to study or taking advantage of the library’s physical and digital research materials. Two of their sons, both Dukes, made their own library memo-
“Helping to support this next transformation for future generations to enjoy that same cultural experience just made sense to us.” — DAVE (’93) AND BECKY (’93) THOMAS
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CO N ST R U C T I O N PH OTO G R A PH S BY A N D R E W J . ST R AC K /J M U LI B R A R I E S; T H O M A S E S BY M I K E M I R I E LLO (‘ 09 M )