PHILANTHROPY
rigor of programs that give these ethical, hard-working students the theory, tools and practice to be successful the moment they begin their careers. “This is the foundation on which we’re building the future,” she says. And now, she’s envisioning that future playing out in the Learning Complex. The Brams share Gowan’s vision and were among the first to pledge an investment. Kim also sees the Learning Complex as “an opportunity to engage alumni at a level of philanthropy that ref lects Donors Craig and Kim Bram (‘80, ‘13P) believe the national recognition that now is the time to cultivate alumni philanthropy the leadership, faculty and stuto a level that reflects the college’s reputation. dents themselves continue to more than 5,000 business students— earn for the College of Business.” Jarl twice its design capacity. “We needed and Beth Bliss (’84, ’20P) agree, havto think strategically,” Gowan says, not ing put their belief into action with a just about the physical environment, but leadership gift to the campaign. “The about how to stay relevant and continue great change we hope for,” Jarl says, to provide a high-quality business educa- “is to inf luence fellow alumni. The tion as technology, teaching, business and value of alumni support goes well beyond what we all invest with JMU.” the world are changing so rapidly. Gaglioti, who has also A Learning Complex that reflects the caliber of JMU’s business program will made a leadership gift to have to be a showpiece. It must be wor- the Learning Complex to thy of a school that—for starters—ranks expand the Capital Maramong America’s top undergraduate and kets L ab he helped to graduate business programs; wins more create in Zane Showker Google Marketing Competition champi- Hall, said their gifts sigonships than any other university in the nal to CoB alumni that world; and boasts the highest pass rate “what we’re doing is serion the CPA exam among programs with ous. This is the right project— a nd at t he more than 20 students. A s Gowan looked at planning the right time—for JMU,” Learning Complex, two things stood out: he says. JMU President Jonathe character of JMU students and the
‘Our gifts show alumni that what we’re doing with the project is serious. This is the right project — and at the right time — for JMU.’
2020
M AG A Z I N E
See the video, explore artist renderings of the future CoB Learning Complex, make your gift and become a CoB2020 Visionary at jmu.edu/cob2020.
Beth and Jarl Bliss (‘84, ‘20P) (top) and Enrico Gaglioti (’94) say they want their gifts to influence other alumni to support the Learning Complex at this — in Dean Gowan’s words — “history-making moment” for the college.
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— ENRICO GAGLIOTI, (’94)
than Alger and Dean Gowan are encouraged with the campaign’s momentum, seeing more than $7 million raised toward the goal of surpassing $15 million by 2020. “It’s so important,” Gowan says, “to see so many alumni coming together and becoming part of this history-making moment at JMU. It really is our time to make the difference.”
P H O T O G R A P H S B Y H O L LY V E E N I S ; B R A M S C O U R T E S Y O F T H E B R A M S