Issuu

Thursday, September 24,2026 2026| breezejmu.org | breezejmu.org Thursday, October 15,

Vol. 105, No. 6 2

HOMECOMING23

Banking Fit For Dukes!

CommonWealth One is James Madison University’s trusted, full-service financial institution. We’re conveniently located on campus and offer everything you might need financially as a student. What we don’t have? Excessive and unnecessary fees.

Lorem

Our Student Accounts Come With: 4.00% Cash Back with Kasasa Eats® Checking — Feed your stomach and your wallet.1

2.00% APY* with Kasasa Saver® — Make your money work harder.1

Duke Dog Debit Card with access to 80,000 free ATMs — Swipe with pride.

Duke Dog Credit Card with no annual fee and a low, variable rate — Build credit wisely.2

Online and Mobile Banking — Access to your money 24/7.

On-Campus Branch and ATMs — Convenience is steps away, no car required.

Open an account today at cofcu.org/Dukes-Banking!

Student Success Center (Main Floor) The Union (Next to Post Office) Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

@jmucommonwealthone

Annual Percentage Yeld (APY). 1When you qualify. Membership eligibility required. Ask a representative or visit cofcu.org/Dukes-Banking for complete details. 2Credit subject to approval. Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Lender. Kasasa Eats® and Kasasa Saver® are trademarks of Kasasa, Ltd., registered in the U.S.A.

v04.25.25

HOMECOMING

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

WHAT’S INSIDE 6 8

Can clubs keep up with JMU’s growth? Dukes hunt for campus treasure via Instagram

UREC is turning 30, but it’s never looked better

Behind the lens: JMU Fits photographers

The Breeze JMU’S AWARD-WINNING NEWSPAPER SINCE 1922 1598 S. Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801 PHONE: (540) 568-6127 FAX: (540) 568-7889

‘HOMECOMING ’26’ STAFF

COVER BY:

STICKERS BY:

KIRAH VILLANUEVA

MAGGIE GOODMAN

Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HANNAH KENNEDY

PRINT MANAGING EDITOR PRESTON COMER

ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR EMMA NOTARNICOLA

ART DIRECTOR KIRAH VILLANUEVA

Advertising

thebreezeweb@gmail.com

thebreezeartdirector@gmail.com HEIDI ELLISON

COPY EDITOR KAYLA KATOUNAS

PHOTO EDITOR CADEN BURCH

CULTURE EDITOR AUDREY FLETCHER

NEWS EDITOR CHARLIE BODENSTEIN

SPORTS EDITORS MADI PERINI & LIBBY MERCER

breezenews@gmail.com

breezesports@gmail.com

breezeeditor@gmail.com

breezecopy@gmail.com

breezepress@gmail.com

breezephotography@gmail.com

thebreezeculture@gmail.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

HOMECOMING

What’s happening Homecoming Weekend? Friday, Oct. 16 Homecoming Parade

Student organizations, the Marching Royal Dukes and JMU sports teams will join together to put on a campus-wide parade to kick off Homecoming Weekend. Where: Festival Lawn When: 5:10 p.m. QuadFest

After the Homecoming Parade, everyone is welcome to enjoy free food and games. Local businesses and campus departments will also have booths set up around the Quad. Where: The Quad When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Homecoming Golf Tournament

JMU is hosting its 26th annual Homecoming Golf Tournament to raise money for Valley student scholarships. The tournament will be a captain’s choice format and every participant will receive awards for participating. Where: Spotswood Country Club When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

UREC 30th Anniversary Celebration

University Recreation will host students, alumni and staff members in special anniversary activities and show the history of UREC. Where: UREC When: All weekend

HOMECOMING

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Saturday, Oct. 17

Homecoming Tailgate

The tailgate will include food, music and merchandise ahead of the Dukes’ football game. The first 100 registrants will receive a free parking spot in Lot C10/D2. Where: Hanson Field When: To be determined

JMU football vs. Georgia State

The 6-0 Dukes will take on the Panthers (4-1). JMU head coach Billy Napier is looking for his first Homecoming victory in Bridgeforth Stadium. Where: Bridgeforth Stadium When: Noon

‘Footloose’

Dukes are bringing the stage adaptation of “Footloose” to Harrisonburg. Students can get discounted tickets, which can be purchased online or at the box office. Where: Mainstage at Forbes Center for the Performing Arts When: 2 p.m.

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Are JMU clubs at capacity? By EMMA NOTARNICOLA The Breeze

i le ph ef ez

“We really strive to make sure that everybody’s friends [and] everybody is able to stay connected … The bigger we get, the harder that becomes,” senior Alpha Phi Omega (APO) President Ally de Cardona said. This year, APO — a national service fraternity — had nearly 60 people try to rush the organization, beyond its usual 20 to 30 members increasing selectivity in the process and bringing up questions around the club’s future growth. This aligns with many other clubs at JMU that saw a large increase in interest and engagement, raising the question: if JMU continues to expand, can clubs accommodate these new students? The Student Government Association (SGA) received a record high 75 applications this year, a sharp increase from the 45 applications last fall, which was also recordbreaking, junior SGA Membership Chair Ella Connelly said. Of these applications, only 31 were offered a spot, decided through a series of essay questions in a Google Form and an interview. “It was extremely competitive. We had the most applications we’ve ever had. We ended up having more applications than we do members in our org[anization],” Connelly said. “Everyone was truly a great applicant. So it was definitely hard to narrow it down.” Around 85% of these applicants were freshmen, which Connelly said could be in part due to the university’s increased admissions over the last year. Connelly also attributed this increase in applications to the work done over the last few weeks with increased tabling, advertising and planning. She added that SGA only opened applications for the first semester, which may have contributed to the increase. Junior public administration and sociology major Fernanda Morante Escobedo, who serves as SafeRides membership chair, wrote in a statement to The Breeze that SafeRides also saw an increase in applications, receiving more turnout than the past two years. “We are still transitioning into a bigger membership base and will always continue to keep our mission in the forefront of our operations,” she wrote. JMU Relay for Life also saw an increase in applications, club Executive Director and senior kinesiology major Anya Pouliot said. Applicants fill out a Google Form, then attend an interest meeting; however, unlike the other two organizations, Relay for Life accepts all applicants. By its first meeting, Pouliot said Relay for Br Life had over 100 applications, a large increase e from the previous year’s 60 applicants. She said much of this increase is because Relay for Life focused on increased outreach this year, though she thinks increased admissions also played a role, with a majority of applicants being freshmen. “I’m super excited. Last year, we were fifth in the country with fundraising, and I’m hoping to get that even higher,” Pouliot said. “I think the huge increase in participants and committee members will definitely help that.” For SGA, the increase in engagement has brought a lot of positives as well, including increased outreach, more diversity and greater representation of the JMU population, SGA speaker Caroline Spurling said. otos

see JMU CLUBS, page 17

October 30th, 2026

HOMECOMING

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

DUKES DUKES EAT EAT

DOMINO’S DOMINO’S

ENTIRE ONLINE ORDER AT MENU PRICE

COUPON CODE 1126

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

HOMECOMING

Treasure hunting on campus with @JMUFindersKeepers By SIRI MUSSIM The Breeze

Interested in stumbling across cash up at King Hall? Or how about a gift hidden in an obscure part of campus? For students willing to look closely, JMU Finders Keepers has turned parts of campus into an unexpected scavenger hunt. This new social media account has piqued the interest of many students since the start of the semester. With over 3,000 followers between Instagram and TikTok, @JMUFindersKeepers posted its first video on Aug. 30, just four days after the first day of classes, showing an anonymous figure hiding a photograph of Duke Dog with cash taped to the back. Shortly after, the prize was found, and the hunt continued. While it may be rooted in its cash, the appeal of JMU Finders Keepers may extend beyond the possibility of finding free money.

The thrill of the find For students who have recently arrived on campus, the account has quickly become an unexpected part of the JMU experience: “It feels almost like a fun side quest,” freshman nursing major Rehma Raja said. Raja said engaging with life on campus seems a little daunting, but accounts like these can help with that. Alongside the fun of it, the appeal also comes from how little students need to do to participate. Sophomore biology major Rayven Thomas pointed to the difference between a traditional on-campus student organization and a social media trend.

“With stuff like this, it’s much easier for that type of interaction to happen just by chance,” Thomas said. Joining an organization can come with fees and social expectations, while these accounts allow students to participate through chance interactions.

Keeping it anonymous

The anonymity of the account adds an extra layer to the experience. Students are aware that someone is leaving these prizes, but they don’t know who. All they have is a post, a location and the possibility that they may be the first one to find what’s waiting for them. An anonymous figure can take away from the social pressure associated with participating in campus life, Thomas said. “I actually think it’s really helpful in almost breaking the social barrier because, whether we’re thinking about it or not, everyone has a preconceived notion of somebody based on appearance, speech, whatever,” Thomas said. Sophomore Azrael Roulds, a political science and education major, pointed to anonymity as a part of what allows accounts like these to exist beyond their original creators: “It can be passed down to other people, and it can keep going,” Roulds said. When not tied to one particular student, and lacking a known campus identity, anonymous accounts can become a bridge to a larger, more special campus tradition.

From feed to field

Ironically, JMU Finders Keepers is built for interaction beyond the screen. Instead of keeping students on their screens, the account gives them a reason to look up and explore the campus life the campus life surrounding them.

“[Students] are forced to interact with their surroundings and aren’t tuned out on their phones,” Thomas said. This matters when considering a campus environment where students are often moving from one class to another while looking at their phones. These types of accounts can facilitate interactivity between people on campus, without a physical outside force, like orientation icebreakers or mandatory events. “Student-made activities can sometimes receive more engagement than official university events because they feel more exciting and less formal,” Roulds said. In these types of situations, the ball is in the students’ court, having them make the decision to put themselves out there with limited pressure. With no signing up, formal meeting or membership requirements, students simply see a post and make the choice to participate.

The unofficial side of JMU

These unofficial activities play a role in how students may come to recognize their own campus. Raja, through her time researching clubs and events, found the account to be a welcoming experience for those who didn’t know what they were getting into. “This account isn’t really surprising to see; I feel like it makes sense with JMU’s efforts to build connections on campus,” Raja said. However, Thomas believes that activities like this would be better kept hidden, much like the prizes themselves, as a fun way to integrate into campus life. “I think that’s part of the fun of stuff like this, is that some of the things are kept to more like a campus surprise, and it’s cool,” Thomas said.

Erin Jablonski / The Breeze

Is it more than just a free gift?

In its simplest form, JMU Finders Keepers is about finding something hidden and keeping it. But the attention surrounding the account suggests that the prize is only one part of its appeal. The account gives students a reason to pay attention to their surroundings, interact with places they might normally pass without noticing and share an experience with other students. Read more online at breezejmu.org CONTACT Siri Mussim at mussimsx@dukes. jmu.edu. com. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @ TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

HOMECOMING

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

HOMECOMING

JMU through the years

Breeze file photo

]Landon Shackelford / The Breeze Breeze file photo

Breeze file photo

Breeze file photo Breeze file photo

Breeze file photo

HOMECOMING

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Caden Burch / The Breeze

]Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Rowan Potts / The Breeze

Breeze file photo

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze Breeze file photo

Breeze file photo

Rowan Potts / The Breeze

Breeze file photo

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

HOMECOMING

4 pieces of steel walked so 30 years of UREC could run By SOPHIA ABOUSAMRA contributing writer On a Wednesday at 5 p.m., finding an open machine at UREC can sometimes feel harder than the workout itself. But as JMU’s recreation center celebrates its 30th anniversary, there’s more to its story than crowded weight rooms and packed workout schedules. Considering how many students include UREC in their everyday schedules, it’s easy to overlook how much has changed since the center first opened in 1996. For Eric Nickel, director of University Recreation, the difference is especially striking. When he first joined the university, the building was still under construction. Instead of the fitness studios and wellness

UREC is a familiar part of everyday life on campus for most students. Breeze File Photo

spaces students know today, he remembers four pieces of steel sticking out of the ground. “I came pre-UREC with the idea that we would build this thing and kind of create a vision of what it would be for this campus,” Nickel said. “I think we’ve established that student well-being is an important part of the JMU experience, and using UREC is part of that culture.” Building that culture meant changing how people thought about recreation in the first place. “The goal was to create a space where everyone could feel welcome, not just people who were already athletic or had established workout routines,” Nickel said. Over the years, UREC has adapted to students’ changing interests and needs, offering different ways to stay active and prioritize wellness. In 2016, UREC underwent an expansion, doubling the facility’s size and adding more spaces for students to exercise and participate in wellness programming. The expansion also introduced a demonstration kitchen, allowing UREC to address nutrition and cooking as another part of student well-being. “When we got into cooking in the demonstration kitchen, it was a necessary part for a lot of people,” Nickel said. “That’s an inextricable part of their wellness experience.” UREC’s impact extends beyond its facilities and programs, too. For junior communications major and group

UREC is a familiar part of everyday life on campus for most students. Breeze File Photo

exercise instructor Caroline Becker, her experience as a student inspired her to work at UREC. Becker began taking high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes during her freshman year and eventually decided to pursue teaching herself. After completing a preparation course and shadowing former JMU student and instructor Ellie Boles, who became her mentor, Becker began teaching for HIIT and full body strength group exercise classes. One of Becker’s favorite memories came at the end of a semester, when a student who regularly attended her Monday evening class gave her a thank-you card. The student expressed how much the class meant to her, reminding Becker that her role was about more than leading a workout. “I think my favorite thing about the job is getting to kind of make an impact on the people that I am teaching,” Becker said. Beyond the students who use its facilities, UREC also employs around 600 students each year. The goal is to give student employees skills and experiences they can carry into their careers outside recreation and fitness, Nickel said. “The majority of the 600 students that work here every year are going to work somewhere else, and our goal has always been to give them work-based learning experiences that give them competencies that make them a better candidate for the job and help them in their career,” Nickel said. To mark its 30th anniversary, UREC is celebrating during Homecoming Weekend with events highlighting the history of recreation at JMU on Oct. 16 - 18, bringing together former employees and alumni to discuss how their experiences at UREC shaped their careers. For students who pass through its doors every day, UREC is a familiar part of campus life. Whether that’s squeezing in a workout between classes, heading to a HIIT class or meeting a friend at the gym, most probably aren’t thinking about the construction site UREC was 30 years ago. UREC has grown into much more than a place to work out; but some things, like finding that open machine at 5 p.m., haven’t changed. CONTACT Sophia Abousamra at abousasl@dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts, and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

HOMECOMING

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

JMU Dining brings array of changes to rebranding By EDISON VRANIAN The Breeze

Recent changes to JMU Dining have made their way around campus, including: grilled nuggets for a punch, terminology changes, a new Duke Deal logo and future promotions.

Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets for punch at Festival

Sophomore psychology major and Student Government Association (SGA) University Service (Userv) Chair Alex Hernandez said grilled chicken has been pushed by the SGA, since he stepped into his position. Hernandez said during his monthly meetings with JMU Dining he continuously discussed the possibility of grilled chicken for a punch, which would add that a gluten free option for students. He added he thought significant student interest could spark the conversation. As a result, the SGA’s Userv committee published a Google Form on Instagram for students, which received around 500 responses. Hernandez added about 98% of responses favored grilled chicken at Chick-fil-A and about 86% of respondents didn’t mind waiting longer for grilled chicken. “A lot of [responses] were really happy about the gluten-free option because a lot of people were like, ‘I try to go to Chick-fil-A, but I can’t eat anything here, or there’s so many limited options for me as a student already, so this would be great to add,’” Hernandez said. In response, JMU Dining and Marketing Manager Heather Holsinger and JMU Dining announced at the Sept. 29 SGA meeting that grilled chicken will be available for a punch and 84 cents.

When sophomore theatre major Izzy Jewell, who doesn’t eat gluten, heard about the new deal she said she was very happy about the announcement. “Hearing that they were finally letting you use a punch for the grilled nuggets was very reassuring to me,” Jewell said. “I was very grateful to be able to finally use my punches and get something I can eat, and not have to find someone to give away my nuggets to.” Hernandez said he knew about the change a day prior to the meeting, when JMU Dining announced the news, and at the meeting, Hernandez said he was met with applause. “I remember after the speakers left, the entire room applauded me,” Hernandez said. “They were all really happy with my work, and it was a really good moment to sit and take it in and be like, ‘wow, I did a good job here,’ and that’s the kind of stuff I want to do.” Hernandez said he also received tags on Instagram, praise and messages of gratitude after the news. However, the excitement comes with a caveat: The grilled nuggets cost an extra 84 cents and take longer to prepare, Holsinger wrote in an emailed statement to The Breeze. Jewell said although she thinks the upcharge is unfair, she understands why because of the nuggets cost and preparation time. “It’s definitely an improvement that they have the grilled nuggets now for a punch and 84 cents, but I really wish they would have let it be a punch,” Jewell said. Also, Holsinger wrote the D-Hall Chickfil-A couldn’t accommodate the increased production of grilled nuggets because of its small kitchen size. However, the grilled nuggets for a punch and 84 cents have been at Festival Chick-fil-A since Sept. 15.

‘Punch plus’ to ‘swipe up’

Holsinger also announced at the Sept. 29 meeting that the terminology “punch plus” will become “swipe up” when you purchase food that’s worth a swipe but costs extra funds. “Most current students use the phrases ‘punch’ and ‘swipe’ interchangeably,” Holsinger wrote. “Feedback from summer orientation told us that rising students and parents were confused with the terminology and would prefer if we only used one phrase.” Holsinger added that the terminology “swipe up” will be implemented throughout the semester. “Since students literally swipe their card, that is the phrase we chose to use,” Holsinger wrote.

New Duke Deal logo

Holsinger wrote the new logo will match JMU’s colors and have Duke Dog’s face in contrast to the former red boxing glove. The menus are currently in the process of being updated to accommodate the term “swipe up” and the new Duke Deal logo. Read more online at breezejmu.org CONTACT Edison Vranian at vraniawe@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts, and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Grilled chicken nuggets are available for a punch and 84 cents in Festival. Breeze File Photo

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

HOMECOMING

Turning fashion into followers: JMU Fits By ASHLEY RAYBURN contributing writer

Many students have seen or heard of the student-run Instagram page that documents JMU’s fashion scene. The account is called JMU Outfits, and as of October 2026, it has amassed over 6,200 followers. Because the account does not explicitly credit team members by name, few students know the faces behind the camera lenses. Since joining the JMU Fits team in 2024, senior biotechnology major April Kelly has been a significant contributor to the team. Kelly’s interest in fashion originated from the lack of style in her hometown in south central Virginia. “[It is hard] to shop for cool clothes, because there’s no shops down there. When I came to college is when I started experimenting [with fashion],” Kelly said. Since coming to JMU, Kelly has explored her personal style while noting the varying fashion senses of students around her. When she’s looking for put-together outfits, students can often find Kelly sitting on the Quad with a camera in hand and an observant eye. Kelly explained that while some people see her and directly ask for a picture of their outfit, she also approaches people whose outfits are unique and true to themselves. “I think authenticity and living as who you are is important, because fashion is a reflection of the self … not only is there the obvious aspect of putting effort into your appearance, but it’s an art form. I think a lot of people should be exploring art forms,” Kelly said. Her goal through JMU Fits is to open up students’ eyes to the variety of ways fashion can be a form of self-expression, she said. “I think it’s important to showcase and document [outfits], not only to preserve them, but also for other people to see and take inspiration from,” Kelly said. Another team member of JMU Fits who values the documentation of fashion is sophomore psychology and sport and recreation management major Gian Cavazos. Cavazos explained that his initial reason for taking an interest in fashion began with the perception of other people; however, throughout the years, Cavazos has found that he no longer cares what others think. “I have a lot of confidence in my sense of style … now [fashion] is a part of who I am instead of a hobby of mine,” Cavazos said. He explores fashion sustainably through shopping at local thrift stores and upcycling family hand-me-down pieces. Even though he only recently joined the team in the second semester of his freshman year, Cavazos takes on many roles — not only taking pictures of students’ outfits, but also posting on their Instagram account. Since being a part of the JMU Fits team, Cavazos emphasized one of the most interesting parts of documenting fashion around campus has been the diversity of style. “Sometimes the fashion scene [on campus] looks like baggy pants with a cool graphic tee, whereas sometimes it looks like a matching sorority set or a suit,” Cavazos said. “I’ve been trying to focus on adding [more variety] of what fashion is, because it’s subjective.” Junior studio art major Katherine Garvey, who was featured in a recent JMU Fits post, describes her style as inspired by ’60s and ’80s fashion mixed with teacher-style clothing. Wearing a black and white polka dot top, black dress pants and brown Dr. Martens shoes, she approached Cavazos about getting a picture for Instagram. “I’ve been trying to catch [JMU Fits] for a little bit. I have their story notifications turned on, and I had a break between classes. I was the first to get there,” Garvey said. After the post went up on the JMU Fits’ Instagram page, Garvey was excited to finally be featured, and many of her friends showed support by reposting her picture. Through their dedication to documenting the fashion scene at JMU, the JMU Fits team has gained a large student and alumni following. Whether students are seeking out Kelly or Cavazos to get a picture or run into them on their way to class, the key to getting featured on the JMU Fits Instagram page is wearing an authentic outfit paired with self-assurance, because as Cavazos explained, “confidence is half of the style.” CONTACT Ashley Rayburn at q8qx7l@dukes.jmu.edu.edu. For more on the culture, arts, and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @ Having over 6,000 followers on Instagram, JMU Fits photographs JMU’s best-dressed Dukes. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze TheBreezeJMU and Instagram @BreezeJMU.

HOMECOMING

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

HOMECOMING

1 student, 1 school, 1 global stage Grad student represents Nigeria, JMU at the United Nations

By AUDREY FLETCHER The Breeze

Among approximately 1,100 applicants from 42 countries around the world, one Duke earned a spot at a United Nations program that examined the future of artificial intelligence. From June 29 to July 10, JMU graduate student Ezekiel Olaniyan traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, as the only JMU student and Nigerian citizen selected to participate in the program. A student in JMU’s communication and advocacy program, Olaniyan first learned about the opportunity through a friend who had previously participated. With his thesis focused on AI, he saw the UN Geneva Graduate Study Programme as an opportunity to explore the technology beyond his academic research and contribute to conversations about its global impact. “In April, I got the golden email that I was selected out of about 1,100 applicants across the world,” Olaniyan said. For Olaniyan, the opportunity carried significance beyond academic achievement. Participating in discussions at the United Nations allowed him to bring Nigerian experiences and perspectives into international conversations where, he said, representation matters. “Representing Nigeria was such a big deal for me because there are some rooms where we can’t enter as a nation,” Olaniyan said. “That is why getting to bring and foster the experience of what is happening back home into rooms that really matter — where you have to address the elephant in the room — is so important.” Olaniyan said representing Nigeria meant highlighting the country’s challenges and opportunities while dispelling misconceptions about the African continent. “Some people actually believe that Africa is a country, so bringing that Nigerianness makes me understand that

there are certain perspectives that cannot be said, that take someone who has been there to actually represent in that particular room,” Olaniyan said. The two-week graduate study program brought together delegates from around the world to discuss AI and emerging technologies, including how AI is transforming industries and why international cooperation is essential to its development. The discussions examined technology increasingly influencing decisions made by governments, businesses and communities. As JMU’s sole representative, Olaniyan also saw the experience as an opportunity to bring his university’s academic perspective into an international setting. “It was really a very good experience when it comes to representing James Madison University because I did not just go there as an entity; I [went there] to represent an entire institution,” Olaniyan said. “It just shows the different perspectives professors try to teach us in class and how you can literally bring textbook experience into real-world situations.” His participation extended beyond the United Nations office. Olaniyan also represented JMU at the International Telecommunication Union, where he participated in a debate at the AI Focus Summit. For Olaniyan, the importance of AI extends beyond technological innovation. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, he said, its implications reach across industries, from health care and finance to communication and the future of work. Read more online at breezejmu.org CONTACT Audrey Fletcher at thebreezeculture@gmail. com. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Ezekiel Olaniyan is in JMU’s communication and advocacy program. Courtesy of Olaniyan

2026 FALL HARNESS RACING September 19 - November 1 • Shenandoah Downs • Woodstock, VA

Harness the Mountain Magic this Fall

• Racing Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1:00-4:30 pm • Wagering on all the races! • Access FREE program pages & tip sheets at shenandoahdowns.com • Located at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds (I-81, Exit 283)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 10 Sun. Oct. 11 Sat. Oct. 17 Sat. Oct. 24 Sat. Oct. 31

Shen. Chamber Autumnfest Celebration Pigskin & Ponies Day Wiener Dog Derby! Shen. Downs Baseball Cap Giveaway Pink Power Breast Cancer Awareness Day Trunk or Treat Halloween Celebration

1 HOT DOGS $ 2 CANNED BEER $

EVERY SUNDAY

EVERY SUNDAY - Free “Own a Horse for Day” Contest

SHENANDOAHDOWNS.COM

FREE PARKING - FREE ADMISSION - FAMILY FRIENDLY

Vol. 105, No. 4 HOMECOMING

MADISON MARKETPLACE

Thursday, September 10, 2026 | breezejmu.org Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

23 17

Madison Marketplace is open for business, and all textonly listings are FREE! Post job listings, announcements, rentals and more using our online placement tool. Ads run two weeks online and in two print editions. ITEMS FOR SALE Self Serve ROADSIDE Stand/1mile south of Dayton Walmart Farm fresh eggs Prices per dozen -Med$3.50 -Large$4.00 -XL$4.50 -Jumbo$5.00 Hours Monday-Saturday 7:30am-8:00pm Spring Chicken Eggs LLC 3039 John Wayland Hwy Dayton Va. 22821

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fall Workshop

September 20,27 & October 4,11

Sunday Afternoons 3 – 5 pm Muhlenberg Lutheran Church 218 East Market Steet, Harrisonburg, VA

Biblical Storytelling

Interpretation, Coaching, Presentations

Led by Rev. Laura L. Schultz, M.A. Speech & Theatre, M. Div.

Funded by Network of Biblical Storytellers International Donations accepted Adults and older teens

Interpretation, Coaching, Presentations

JMU hosts Student Org Night once each semester. Breeze file photo

from JMU CLUBS, page 6

“I’m beyond thrilled with the amount of applications that we received because it means we’re doing something right,” Spurling said. “We’re here to represent the student body. The more applications we get, and the more diversity that we can get in student government, JOB the more outreach that we’re getting, and the more influence that we are seeing.” However, the growing number of applicants also creates problems for clubs as they struggle to secure resources for continued expansion. Pouliot said the increase in members can make it harder to ensure all members are engaged and attending events, but added that she’s working to mitigate this problem rather than reducing membership. “I think we’re definitely ready to handle that big volume. I know in the past, probably 10 years ago … Relay used to be huge, and we used to be double in size,” Pouliot said. “I’m definitely ready to increase our org.” With this, Spurling said while she hopes to expand SGA instead of simply becoming more selective, the organization first needs to ensure it has enough resources to accommodate this, adding that since the fiscal year has already begun, it’s something SGA plans on thinking about more in the spring semester. “We love to see the high numbers and applications that we received. But we also want to make sure that we have the capacity for those members, and that we can support them on a personal level and on a professional level,” she said. “It’s very exciting, but there are logistical things that go into that as well.” Some clubs, like APO, don’t intend to expand despite the increase in engagement with the desire to maintain a tightknit community within the club. “Even as we see more interest, I don’t necessarily think that we would be able to accommodate everyone who’s interested which definitely can be hard because then it obviously starts to get more selective and

we don’t necessarily want it to feel like a competitive process,” de Cardona said. The SGA is making a push toward providing resources for clubs as JMU continues to Rev. expand, Spurling said. She Led by Laura L. Schultz, added that through updates to SGA financial M.A. Speech & Theatre, M. Div. procedures for contingency funds and future Funded by conversations withStorytellers administration, she Network of Biblical International hopes the SGA can helpaccepted alleviate some of the Donations pressures forAdults resources. and older teens “We want to make sure that we’re adequately, fairly [and] equitably distributing this money to these orgs to help the Madison experience … that’s our real goal to make sure we’re enhancing that,” Spurling said. “By funding orgs, so they can flourish themselves and have their own university-wide events that bring in more students.” Smaller clubs like Club Quadball — a sport based on Quidditch — are having the opposite problem: struggling to find and maintain new members, senior international business major and club president Li Rauss said. This semester, Club Quadball disbanded due to lack of engagement. “We had 54 people join the GroupMe this year. But no one ever showed up to practices,” she said. “It really just didn’t really interest them.” Every club has a right to exist at JMU, Rauss said. No matter how niche their focus, they provide a community and a space for people to find home, the cornerstone of the JMU experience. “A club is supposed to be meant to branch out to, discover, explore, have fun with, meet new people, experience a different culture, experience a different interest,” Rauss said. “That’s the reason why I tried this sport, actually. I got recruited. I didn’t really want to, and I was like, you know what? I’ll go to one practice and see how it goes. And it ended up as me as president.” CONTACT Emma Notarnciola at thebreezeweb@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

HOMECOMING

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Your next idea just walked by. Verify you’re a student; unlock $579 value.

HOMECOMING