SC CH H IOPTTEHSA N K -Y O U L E T T E R S LO ALSASR SN James D. Fugit (’94) General Endowment in Military Science The scholarship was established in 2015 to honor the four years Fugit was in the James Madison University ROTC program and the impact that the program and the U.S. Army have had on his life and success. Dear Mr. Fugit, I hope this note finds you well. I want to take the time to thank you for your extremely generous donation to my education through the James D. Fugit (’94) General Endowment in Military Science. I received the scholarship after a long weekend of field training with my ROTC unit here at James Madison University. With your donation, I was able to fully pay for my room and board fees, which I have recently had to start paying for on my own. You took a huge burden off of my shoulders, and I am truly grateful. You gave me the opportunity to focus more on my studies and goals, rather than on the costs behind it. I appreciate your generosity, and I hope my words reflect that for you. It is people like you who make this world a better place for students to live out their ambitions. Again, I thank you! Sincerely, Alyssa C. Cartee Leesburg, Virginia
Damiano Endowment for Overcoming Adversity
The scholarship was established in 2010 by Frank A. Damiano (’00) to provide funds annually to undergraduate students with learning disabilities in order to generate hope and to relieve a portion of financial stress. Dear Mr. Damiano, Thank you kindly for granting me the Damiano Scholarship for Overcoming Adversity. I truly appreciate your generosity and am moved by your gift. As a student with a disability, this means that I am valued for the ways in which I am able, and that I am not seen as hindered by the aspects of learning that are challenging for me because of my learning disability. I chose to come to JMU because I was enthralled by the industrial arts program. Although I sometimes struggle with written work, I have always been an artist and a keen problem solver. I love looking at things and figuring out how they work, and how to make them function more efficiently. A degree in industrial design would play to my strengths. My hope is that ultimately I will design solutions that will help to build a more sustainable future. Thank you again for believing in me. Sincerely, Lucia Zeimet Ewing, New Jersey
Lacy Daniel Scholarship
Élider DiPaula (’17) with Proj ect 88 in Berwyn, Illinois
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Taleia Barksdale received her Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C., on May 9. She is currently preparing to take the D.C. bar exam. n Élider DiPaula received Roosevelt University’s Alumni Social Justice Award, which recognizes alumni who strive to improve social justice through professional experience by fostering and creating an inclusive
and equitable community. He is the executive and artistic director of the Berwyn, Illinois, nonprofit Project 88, which presents free classical music concerts and offers free and low-tuition music classes. n Kristen Greiner graduated from George Mason University with a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing with a concentration in nonfiction writing on May 22. She was also recognized as the October 2019 George Mason University Employee of the Month.
The scholarship was established in 1980 to provide a memorial tribute to Dr. Lacy Daniel, who faithfully advised the Black Stu dent Alliance during his tenure at JMU. Terry LePera, associate professor emeritus of mathematics and statistics, and Judith LePera, a former foreign language adjunct professor, provided the financial support to establish the scholarship. Dear Mr. and Mrs. LePera, First and foremost, thank you so much for your generosity and kind hearts. This was a guiding aid to me not only comfortably enjoying the school year without being worried about financial hardship, but it also allowed me to take the time to reflect on all of the blessings I have received. What you give to the students at JMU does not go unnoticed; we see you and we appreciate you. You are a blessing to all of us, and I pray that you continue helping students across campus one at a time. Again, thank you very much! Sincerely, Gracelyn Hamlett Richmond, Virginia
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Kristen Greiner (’17) receives the Employee of the Month award at George Mason University from former President Anne Holton.