Butterflies for Ben honors student’s memory during first event News | 4
Butterflies for Ben, an organization working to prevent suicide on campus, organized the “Start the Conversation” event at Taylor Down Under on Tuesday night, advocating for mental health awareness. The event featured speakers and performances.
EDITORS EMAIL
Drake Miller & Emma Notarnicola breezenews@gmail.com
By SIXUAN WU The Breeze
Editor’s Note: This story contains mentions of mental health and suicide that may be triggering for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health in any way, please visit the American Psychological Association’s website or call 988.
As the lights dimmed, the Taylor Down Under (TDU) stage was shrouded in soft hues of pink and purple, illuminating the logo projected on the screen with the words, “Butterflies for Ben; in loving memory.”
Students gathered at TDU on Tuesday evening for “Start the Conversation,” an advocacy event organized by Butterflies for Ben — a student organization working to prevent suicide on campus — that featured speakers with stories and speeches, and music performances.
Butterflies for Ben was first created at JMU as a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in 2024. Sophomore Libby Stedman started the fundraiser in memory of her friend Bernard “Ben” Stapelfeld, a thenfreshman who died of suicide in November 2023.
To fundraise, the organization sells cookies, bracelets and “Butterflies for Ben” pins, among other initiatives.
The organization also participated in the Out of the Darkness campus walk last year — an annual AFSP fundraising event that aims to raise suicide prevention awareness.
Stedman said that as the fundraising participation grew, many students approached her, saying they’d like to see Butterflies for Ben become a mental health advocacy organization on campus. In fall 2024, Butterflies for Ben was officially registered as a JMU organization.
“I struggled [with mental health issues] for a very long time and thought I was the only person who felt that way,” Stedman said. “But the more I heard from other people and heard about their stories, I realized that everyone around you struggles, and the more that people speak about it, the more that people will feel comfortable talking about their own issues, and that will hopefully inspire them to reach out for the help that they need.”
“Start the Conversation” is Butterflies for Ben’s first event since it was registered as an organization. The goal is to grow the mental health community on campus and help destigmatize mental illness, Stedman said.
To begin the event, Stedman read a poem she wrote after Ben’s death, recounting the shock and sadness of losing her friend and describing mental health as “a silent killer disguised with stealth.”
Stedman said she created Butterflies for Ben to keep Ben’s story alive and advocate for people who might be silently struggling with mental health issues.
“People don’t choose to suffer from a mental illness, but we can certainly choose to make a change,” she said. “I’m standing here today, not for pity, not for popularity, but instead, I’m here to prove that if I can get on this stage and speak about a difficult topic like this one, then so can everybody else.”
Next, Karla Kale, the psychoeducation outreach specialist at the Counseling Center, spoke about the JMU Counseling Center’s resources, including the walk-in services and the after-hours crisis line.
Kale also encouraged students to check on friends who possibly need help and emphasized connecting with peers to share stories.
“We all struggle at different times, and hearing each other’s stories is one of the ways that we can come together to celebrate the incredible resilience that people have,” she said.
Following Kale’s presentation, several students shared their stories on stage. Sophomore and Butterflies for Ben’s social media and design chair, Autumn, who asked to only go by her first name, recounted her journey of struggling with self-harm, sexual assault, mental illness and suicidal thoughts.
At the end of her speech, she said she hopes her audience can understand despite her “hellish experiences,” her struggles do not define her, and encouraged people to reach out for help when needed.
“I’m standing here as proof that it can get better, even if the problem never goes away,” Autumn said. “I still have rough days. I still struggle, but I work everyday to make the good days outnumber the bad.”
Following this speech, senior and Butterflies for Ben’s vice president Talia Shapiro shared her experiences working as a certified crisis counselor; freshman Peyton Denkers, Stedman and junior Kayla Coppage all recounted their struggles with mental health and emphasized the importance of support systems; and junior Abby Lobasso gave a presentation on what it means to “write like a human” in the age of generative AI for the neurodivergent population, adding that while some people think or write differently from others, that doesn't make them less human.
“We are not black and white; we are every color in between,” Denkers said during her speech. “I am not just my diagnosis. I am not just the girl who struggles. I am a story that is still being written, and there is so much more to me than what has been written so far.”
The event also featured music performances scattered between speeches by Butterflies for Ben’s communications chair and sophomore Chloe Friedman and Vice President for Student Affairs Tim Miller.
The highlight of the performance was when Friedman and Miller sang a duet of “Call Your Mom” by Noah Kahan — a song about supporting those with mental health issues — while Miller played the guitar.
Miller played two more songs with similar subject matters — “This Town” by Niall Horan and “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band — both of which he said he believes were chosen by Ben.
Afterward, Friedman performed an original song, “Ballerina,” and “City of Stars” — Ben’s favorite song from the movie “La La Land” — to a silent crowd.
from BUTTERFLIES, page 4
Mental health advocacy
Nearly 800,000 people lose their lives to suicide each year, Stedman said at the beginning of the event. That’s more than one person every minute.
Despite mental health being a heavy topic, she said, JMU as a community needs to “make a collective effort” to normalize conversations surrounding mental health and advocate for those struggling.
“Although I’m not the loudest and my voice may shake, I will continue to talk about this until we reach a world without suicide, because every minute the world loses someone to suicide, I will not dare live another minute when I didn’t try and help,” Stedman said.
During a presentation, sociology professor Kerry Dobransky said that about a third of adults aged 18 to 25 struggled with mental illness in 2023, according to a 2024 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Dobransky added that forming personal contacts with those who are dealing with mental health problems also helps destigmatize the topic, motivating the audience to normalize mental health discussions.
“So if you’re dealing with these sorts of things, you’re not alone. It’s very common,” Dobransky said.
Sophomore Cal Highland, who attended the event, said she found the event helpful in advocating for mental health.
“A lot of people struggle in silence,” Highland said. “They always feel like they can’t talk to people, and even just hearing that someone else is struggling, that offers comfort in some kind of way.”
Stedman said she plans to organize more advocacy events in the future and hopes people leave this event knowing they are valued and loved.
“I want them to know that no matter how small that they feel, they know that they’re appreciated, and they know that their life impacts everyone they’ve ever met in their life, whether they think it or not, and that whether they think their story should continue, it should,” Stedman said. “I think their story is not meant to end … and they are important and they show they have value in our community.”
CONTACT Sixuan Wu at thebreezeweb@ gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
By ELEANOR SHAW The Breeze
A country club membership, a university-sponsored car and a home fit for a Duke.
These three benefits are listed in the contract of JMU’s soon-tobe-President James “Jim” Schmidt, who will assume office July 1.
Dukes welcomed springtime with the March 26 presidential reveal, during which the former University of Wisconsin at EauClaire chancellor was unveiled to be the seventh person to hold the title in university history. Since then, Schmidt’s contract has been finalized.
Here are its highlights:
1. His salary
Schmidt’s starting pay is $610,000 per year — almost $50,000 more than interim President Charlie King’s salary. This is only Schmidt’s base rate, meaning he’s eligible for annual bonuses.
Any bonus he receives can’t exceed 15% of his base pay — $91,500. Whether Schmidt receives more money depends on the Board of Visitors’ annual performance evaluation. Schmidt’s contract will only last from 2025 to 2030, and the board will decide on renewal in 2029.
2. His country club membership
One presidential perk included in Schmidt’s contract is a family membership to the Spotswood Country Club, located in southeast Harrisonburg off East Market Street. The cost of this kind of membership is $420 a month.
According to the club’s website, Schmidt’s membership includes access to golf, tennis courts, a pool, member events and the clubhouse. The contract encourages Schmidt to use the membership for the university’s benefit by inviting donors and “friends of the University,” though Schmidt is allowed to use the membership benefits himself.
Once they move from Wisconsin to Harrisonburg, Schmidt and his family will settle into a house courtesy of JMU, with moving costs covered.
The university will pay for and upkeep the house and any associated amenities — including housekeeping, grounds keeping and utilities. The Board of Visitors can approve any repairs to the building as it sees fit that are in compliance with relevant laws, policies and procedures.
Regarding non-repair-related changes to the house, such as renovations, Schmidt must first speak to the university’s vice president for administration and finance.
Schmidt is expected to host university-related events in his home “on a regular and continuing basis,” according to the contract, though JMU will cover costs
JMU will provide Schmidt with a university car to use while he’s on the job.
When using the car, Schmidt is responsible for keeping track of who’s using it and will need to reimburse the university for costs accumulated when the car is used for non-university-related purposes.
When Schmidt or his wife, Kim, travels on behalf of JMU, they will also be refunded for any costs. Like that of the car, Schmidt needs to keep track of travel-related expenses.
According to the contract, if Schmidt ever leaves the presidential position, he’s expected to turn over university property within five days — including the house and car. If Schmidt dies or separates from his wife, his family can stay in the presidential home for two months with the board’s permission.
Schmidt will receive the same benefits and options as other university administrators, including insurance, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days.
While in his position as president, Schmidt is also expected to undergo an annual physical examination. He will then notify the board that he’s done this, though the contract doesn’t specify what this examination would involve or whether he needs to report results to the board
CONTACT Eleanor Shaw at breezeeditor@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
By GRAYSON BANNING contributing writer
Multiple projects along Port Republic Road are set for construction in 2026, which will improve traffic congestion that caused 396 crashes from 2013 to 2018, according to data gathered from the city.
According to the City of Harrisonburg’s website, an extended left turn lane, a sidewalk and a median will be installed on the roadway between Bluestone Drive and Crawford Avenue.
The space between Devon Lane to Hunters Road will have a new signal, median and
pedestrian crosswalks. Bradley Drive will also have left turns onto Port Republic Road.
The existing westbound bike lane will be rebuilt with barriers — separate but adjacent to the sidewalk.
Harrisonburg’s Transportation Planner Jakob ZumFelde identifies traffic needs and works to get projects funded by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the federal government. He oversees project design and publishes project updates, and said the Port Republic projects are anticipated to start construction in 2026 with everything going smoothly between now and then.
These projects are expected to cost about $7 million.
The project first became an idea when, in 2019, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization’s study team evaluated Port Republic Road for potential changes such as reducing delay, managing intersection queue lengths and improving safety.
After this, the Harrisonburg City Council had to approve the projects.
The Public Works staff also applied for the Smart Scale program — a VDOT funding program made up of tax dollars, according to its website.
Since the road is so close to JMU’s campus,
the city is in communicating with the university.
“They work with us in what we think about things and how it’s going to affect us,” Short said.
The city’s design engineers presented JMU with the plans for improvements early on in the process, JMU’s Associate Vice President of Business Services Craig Short said, and the university reviewed the proposals to determine how it would positively or negatively impact Dukes.
When the Port Republic projects were brought to JMU, the university only saw benefits in these designs because they improved safety.
Short said roadway projects similar to this can take several years to complete, considering the process of community feedback and review, which includes the university.
“We look at it if there’s any adverse effect to us and if there’s any potential benefits to us as well,” Short said.
JMU’s relationship with the city is like an “ongoing conversation,” Short said. Once the project is further along, the city will check in with JMU and vice versa.
“We basically maintain a dialogue with the city and try to share as much information as possible,” Short said
CONTACT Grayson Banning at banningj@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
By EMMA NOTARNICOLA
The Breeze
Spotswood Hall in the Bluestone residential area will undergo an expected 11-month-long renovation over the summer — opening fall 2026 — which will convert the building into a Residential Learning Community (RLC) with the Madison Center for Civic Engagement and will be renamed to Alger Hall.
“It was one of the buildings on the Bluestone that we hadn’t renovated yet,” Director of the Office of Residence Life Kathleen Campbell said, “so it was due for a little upgrade.”
The Office of Residence Life (ORL) is partnering with the Madison Center to make a “shared space” for the center with rooms, lounges and other amenities typically found in a residence hall, ORL’s Associate Director of Business Operations Holmes Browne said.
There will be fewer student living spaces in the hall after the renovation. It’ll house 42 residents, one resident adviser (RA) and one hall director split across the three floors — which will contain four singles and 19 doubles total, Campbell said.
On the first floor, there will be a communal area that will be split between an area for residents, with a TV lounge, a laundry room, a kitchen and the Madison Center offices.
“It’s maybe a hybrid between a classroom and a TV lounge, and so they could teach some classes, they could put some events on, but also it can be used by our residents in the evenings when their offices are closed,” Browne said.
On top of being a shared space, the hall will also be an RLC that first-year students can apply to live in. According to the JMU website, RLCs enable students to have “special interaction with faculty members,” while offering a “smooth start that weaves connections all across JMU.”
“Every learning community [is different]. Some of them are really quite large, some of them are pretty small and that can be dependent on the classes that they’re in,” Browne said, adding this offers the possibility of having upperclassmen mentors also living in the building.
With the renovation, the building’s name will change to Alger Hall to honor former JMU president Jonathan Alger, according to the JMU website.
“The concept is tied to Alger’s passion and commitment toward civic learning and engagement,” the website reads.
The decision to use Alger’s name is because of his commitment to the Madison Center throughout his tenure.
The renovation will make efforts to preserve the hall’s historical value since it’s in one of the university’s oldest buildings, while giving the hall necessary updates, Campbell said.
“We’re trying to stay as true as we can to some of the historical pieces that are found in that building,” she said.
The building was built to mirror Harper Allen-Lee Hall, which it’s across from on the Quad, but the renovations will make their interiors very different, Browne said.
“That building [Harper Allen-Lee] was renovated in 1999 and the needs were different at that point, the code was different and so that renovation was not as thorough as this one will be,” he said.
Browne said the renovation will emphasize disability accommodation, creating a wheelchair accessible entrance on the ground floor and adding an elevator to the building.
“When you say, ‘sorry, this building is not open to you,’ that doesn’t feel good, and so to
get our building to where we can accommodate any request that we get just makes us feel like we’re doing the right thing with our facilities,” Browne said.
CONTACT Emma Notarnicola at breezenews@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
EDITORS EMAIL
Isabel Lewis & Charlie Bodenstein
By SADIE MCCLAIN
The Breeze
The Studio Theatre at the Forbes Center for Performing Arts was packed, audience members listened to Chappell Roan as they took their seats 10 minutes before the Stratford Players’ final performance of “The Trail to Oregon.”
Created by the comedy theater troupe Starkid, “The Trail to Oregon” is a spoof musical parodying the educational computer strategy game “The Oregon Trail.” The show follows one family’s journey from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon on a poorly constructed wagon, showing their encounters with the devious McDoon (a.k.a The Bandit King) and their struggles to stay together as a family and survive weather, starvation and dysentery.
“The Trail to Oregon” plays on its video game roots by integrating two “choose your own adventure” features into the show: In the opening song, “Gone to Oregon,” the audience is prompted to shout out names for each of the five family members.
During the final show on Saturday, the father was named Cowboy Barbie by a group of students in the front row; the mother was named Trisha Paytas; the son, Plan B; the daughter, Chlamydia; and the grandfather was named Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. This feature caused instant hilarity, with the audience cackling at the actors’ immediate
and seamless integration of the joke names into the musical number.
“We actually put a whiteboard backstage after the first song with all of the names written on it, so we can remind ourselves backstage,” said freshman Agori Padgett, who played McDoon (a.k.a. The Bandit King). During Padgett’s primary solo song, “Caulk Your Wagon,” the chorus hinges on the name given to the daughter character.
“I would say the hardest part about specifically my role in memorizing the names is figuring out how to fit the daughter’s name into the melody of the song, because some names just would not fit melodically.”
There was no raised stage to separate the actors from the audience, and the cast utilized the whole space, dancing inches from the front row and often making eye contact with audience members, adding to the crowd’s involvement.
The most significant way the audience became immersed in the action was the dysentery plot. The QR code each audience member was offered to scan led to a Google Form with the question: “So … Who’s saying Hi to Queen Elizabeth?” In other words, this poll would determine which family member would die of dysentery at the end of the show.
This plotline required a great deal of planning and preparation for the cast and crew.
“It was definitely, surprisingly, one of the more tiring processes, because we had to
memorize five different endings … they all were [slightly] different because they were all different characters dying,” said freshman Alexis West, who played the son.
The cast had to repeatedly run through the dying-of-dysentery song (“You Gotta Go”) and the five slightly different scripts accompanying each of the potential paths.
“We all get to pick which key that we sing it in, [but] having to do basically five of the same exact thing over and over again, just so that we had enough practice with each of the death scenes,” West said. “It was tiring, because you can only react to someone farting so many times.”
Preparation for this pivotal number didn’t stop with dress rehearsal.
“[We had to determine] when do we want to find out who is dying of dysentery as a cast?” Padgett said. “And we decided that we would like to know by intermission, so the actor can prepare to sing that song.”
Five minutes before intermission ended, the poll would close and the actors would be told who would be dying that night, giving them time to prepare.
Throughout the show, any time a character mentioned dying of dysentery (a common peril in both the video game “The Oregon Trail” and the actual, historical pioneer journey), the entire cast would pause and turn to stare at the audience, who would decide their doom. This consistently resulted in the entire crowd dissolving into guilty giggles, which only
got worse as the Dad (the ill-fated character of Saturday’s show) writhed on the ground in scatological agony.
“Everybody got to perform [the death scene], which was really ideal,” Padgett said. “[It] wasn’t a guarantee, we were going to pick who was voted the most, it just happened that each night somebody got a turn.”
The actor said they may have had a slight sway in the voting process.
“My entire family came for every performance, and because I really wanted everybody to get a chance, we kind of rigged the votes just slightly,” Padgett said. The actor told their family to all vote for one of the characters each night. “And we didn’t win every time, but everybody did eventually get to go. So it turned out okay.”
Despite the peculiar script and added audience control, the Stratford Players still made this production distinctly their own. The set, while simple, featured a fully-functional “wagon,” pixelated painted backdrops and props and a box of empty Mike’s Hard Lemonade cans.
“There were specific spots that the director, Caitlin [Quigley], told us that we could improv a little,” West said.
There’s a dialogue break in the song “When The World’s At Stake (Reprise)” where the director gave them free will to explain a gag in their own way.
“I thought that was really fun, because it was new every night, and it was funnier each night,” West said.
The show’s comedy was its greatest strength. The cast was committed to every bit, keeping totally deadpan even as the audience cried with laughter. When one group of characters was having a serious moment. The choreography, both for dance numbers and comedic scenes, was elaborate, clever and executed beautifully.
When one group of characters was having a serious moment. The choreography, both for dance numbers and comedic scenes, was elaborate, clever and executed beautifully.
“In rehearsals, Caitlin [Quigley] really wanted me to lead with my pelvis [for] how McDoon as a character walked … it morphed into this slinky, snake-like walking as a character to fit the aesthetic of a really goofy cowboy. Like, the villain, but a goofy villain,” Padgett said. “I wanted to make sure McDoon wasn’t just straight up scary, he was also funny.”
The humor and improvisation of “The Trail to Oregon” were baked into every scene, even outside of the script. A highlight was the actors Shohan Thapa, Manuel Mejias and Padgett, who donned many hats (literally and figuratively) as side characters like the bison family, General Store Guy and the pioneer family’s mangled ox.
During a dramatic scene between McDoon (Padgett) and the daughter (Erin Wilson), Thapa and Mejias, respectively playing Cletus Jones (McDoon’s
By NIMRAT KAUR The Breeze
When heading to class, you might notice the same Lululemon jacket walking by, or butterfly shorts in all sorts of colors flowing right past you. From leggings to spandex shorts, athleisure wear is all over college campuses. In some ways, it’s a uniform for young adults, as the more casual, comfortable look has rapidly risen in popularity, even outside the gym.
What makes athleisure wear so popular, though? Is it the name brands or simply how comfortable the clothes are? Are there any affordable options? The pull towards athleisure wear might be different for everyone, but there’s no denying that it’s slowly taking over.
Whether you actively wear it or not, you’ve probably heard of Lululemon. Mainly popular amongst young women, Lululemon brings a stylish take on athleisure clothing. The brand offers a variety of clothing in all sorts of colors. From mauve gray to raceway green, there’s a shade for everyone.
Their athleisure clothing also comes in many different varieties. There are multiple options for jackets, shorts, tank tops and more. If you want a tight-fitting jacket, the Define Jacket is perfect for you, but if you’re going for more of a loose, comfortable fit, the Lightweight Bomber Jacket might be what you’re looking for.
Lululemon’s collection of leggings is also diverse. From full-length inseams to cropped capris, the lengths can accommodate those of all heights. They also offer flared leggings for those who want a baggier fit and look. Their leggings are sleek, simple and can be worn with any outfit.
The options include neutrals and vibrant, almost neon, options. Some of Lululemon’s most popular items include its Define Jacket, belt bag and its wide range of leggings. While it offers a kaleidoscope of items, its price range is on the higher side — its Define Jacket retails for about $118. While the brand has been around for a while, it gained more attention around 2022, when its Define Jacket became popular with TikTok influencers.
“I really like Lululemon,” sophomore psychology major Kamryn Mears said. “I find their clothes comfortable, but I would also say I gravitate towards them because of their name and popularity.”
Nike has been a popular brand for a long time. You or your parents have probably owned a Nike item at some point. While it’s mostly known for its sneakers, its shorts have also found homes in many closets. Nike’s Dry Tempo black shorts with white lining and their Nike Pros have
adoring sidekick) and an ox, comedically fought over and consumed an apple while making intense eye contact with audience members.
While the musical performances were skillful, wellrehearsed and hilarious, the production’s decision not to mic the performers resulted in some singing that was difficult to hear and understand even from a few feet away.
The world can often be a scary, tiring place and final exams don’t make it any easier, but spending an evening with the Stratford Players and the Turdbucket family (yes, that’s what the audience named them on Saturday) may have been just what Thapa’s dysenterydiscerning doctor ordered.
“I think we could all use a laugh every now and then, and I think this was a perfect addition to the JMU season … just a straight comedic musical,” Padgett said. “I think especially nowadays, when there’s a lot of very serious things going on in the real world every now and then, you just need silly potty humor to laugh at … this was honestly one of the most entertaining shows I’ve ever been a part of.”
CONTACT Sadie McClain at mcclaisd@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.
been basic athleisure items for an endless amount of time. Compared to Lululemon, Nike is more affordable, with its athleisure clothing typically ranging from $20 and up.
“My favorite brand when it comes to athleisure wear is Nike,” freshman elementary education major Madison Maslen said. “I originally bought Nike because it was popular, but I realized how comfortable their shorts are and I wear them pretty much any day it’s hot outside.”
Alo Yoga has recently gained more popularity on social media, especially TikTok. Many content creators and celebrities, such as Tate McRae and Glen Powell, have posted about working out at the Alo gym and have endorsed the clothing line. Alo Yoga’s popular items include athletic dresses, sports bras and leggings.
The brand debuts a more luxurious aesthetic with its celebrity endorsements and high prices. The company also has an Alo Yoga gym, which is only available to those with an invitation. The exclusive members-only fitness center and prices as high as a skyscraper make the brand not very friendly to the average consumer.
The brand’s take on athleisure is more classy with simple and timeless designs, but it still manages to be casual and comfortable. The color range for the clothing items sticks to more neutral shades and strays away from the vibrant and bright colors Lululemon sells. The sleek, expensive look matches the price tag, as Alo Yoga is on the medium-tohigh-end side — its dresses, skirts and other products range from $50 and up.
It makes sense for athleisure wear to be popular with college students. When walking from class to class, especially under the sun’s burning heat, you’d gravitate towards wearing a more breathable, comfortable outfit. On a hilly campus like JMU, walking to class or catching the bus can feel like a workout. With the constant ups and downs on the steep hills in mind, you might find yourself reaching for that spandex tank top and flowy shorts.
“Athleisure wear is comfortable,” freshman public policy and administration major Fernanda Morante said. “It’s easy to make an outfit with athleisure items.”
While athleisure wear is very common on campuses, some students still prefer to dress up.
Read the full article online at breezejmu.org
CONTACT Nimrat Kaur at balgk@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.
By SIXUAN WU The Breeze
Editor’s note: the following books contain adult themes.
My mom is always confused by how a 20-yearold such as myself finds so much enjoyment in reading fantasy. Yes, brave heroes battling monstrous villains in the shadows of a magical land does sound like something from a fairy tale, but fantasy novels are so much more than children’s lore, with their elaborate world-building, complex characters and ambiguous moral messages.
But the reason why fantasy remains one of my favorite genres to read is its ability to transport me away from our world. Reading fantasy allows me to break from all the headaches our mundane daily lives bring, even if just for a few minutes a day.
As the semester reaches its stressful climax, check out these four fantasy series that are currently on my favorites list, if you’re looking for a little getaway:
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” series by Sarah J. Maas
The “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series follows 19-year-old Feyre Archeron’s journey after she was brought into the faerie land of Prythian, where, according to human tales, cruel and heartless faeries dwell. As Feyre travels across different faerie courts throughout the series, she finds herself discovering not just love and friendship but also inner strength.
The series was first published in 2015, but skyrocketed in popularity through BookTok. The first, titular book of the series begins with
Feyre being taken to the faerie lands by Tamlin, an immortal faerie and a High Lord of Prythian’s seven courts, as punishment for killing a fae sentry disguised as a wolf in the forest.
While Feyre originally fears and hates her fae captor, she soon finds herself falling for Tamlin’s tenderness and kindness. Yet even as Tamlin tries to protect Feyre from the monsters of Prythian, Feyre discovers that everything she had previously learned about the faerie lands are only fragments of the true danger that looms in the shadows.
The series begins charming and easy to read — almost compulsively so, inviting readers into the faerie world with premises similar to fairy tales they’re already familiar with, aided with the right amount of suspense to keep one eager for more, only to end with a final gut-wrenching dark twist. For those looking to ease their minds into a fantastical journey, know that “A Court of Thorns and Roses” is a series that’s effortless to dive into and become obsessed with.
“Hades x Persephone Saga” by Scarlett St. Clair
For those into Greek mythology, be sure to give this age-old tale with a modern twist a read.
The first book, “A Touch of Darkness,” which debuted in 2019, is a darkly delicious reimagining of the Hades and Persephone myth.
see SPRING READS, page 13
The story begins with Persephone, a fresh college graduate and the Goddess of Spring by name, struggling to find her place in the city of New Athens while untangling herself from her mother’s control. Enter Hades, the dark and mysterious Lord of the Underworld, ensnaring an unknowing Persephone into his domain with a bargain that demands the impossible — Persephone must create life in the land of the dead or lose her freedom forever.
But see, Hades isn’t the cruel God of the Dead the world perceived him as. As Persephone slowly discovers the kindness hidden beneath Hades’ cold façade, she finds her initial hatred beginning to thaw. Instead, Persephone’s feelings toward Hades slowly shift to a love as dangerous as it is captivating that grows day by day as time ticks toward the deadline of their bargain.
Fans of the “enemies to lovers” trope will certainly fall head over heels for the “Hades x Persephone Saga.” Each of the seven books of the series is packed with romance of the best kind — one that allows both partners to grow into their best selves, spiced with some steamy scenes here and there.
While the series began as a classic romance, it quickly merged into the fantasy genre, with the action in each book growing increasingly epic as the stakes of the love between Hades and Persephone escalated. Dark, bold and sensual, the “Hades x Persephone Saga” is a series that will get readers hopelessly addicted in no time.
“His Dark Materials” trilogy by Philip Pullman
“His Dark Materials” remains one of my favorite fantasy series, even though
30 years have passed since the series’ first book was published in 1995.
Set in a series of parallel universes, the trilogy follows the coming-of-age journey of Lyra Belacqua, a 12-year-old girl from a universe similar to ours — where each human walks beside their ‘dæmon,’ which is a physical manifestation of a person’s soul in the form of an animal — and Will Parry, a 12-year-old boy from our world. Together, Lyra and Will travel between worlds to discover the origin of Dust — what the governing church in Lyra’s world, known as the Magisterium, believes to be the origin of sin.
It’s difficult to categorize “His Dark Materials” into a particular genre, as the series not only combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, but also alludes to concepts of physics, philosophy and theology. Religion and free will are two recurring themes throughout the series, as Lyra and Will learn how Dust is connected to a person’s soul and why the Magisterium seeks to destroy Dust.
But the trilogy’s allure lies precisely in its crossover of multiple genres, making it enjoyable for readers of all ages. When I first read “His Dark Materials” nearly a decade ago, I perceived the trilogy as a grand adventure story, not that different from “Harry Potter.” When I read the series back in high school, I was able to distill the philosophical arguments tucked behind the adventures and how the series alluded to classical texts such as John Milton’s “Paradise Lost.”
As thrilling as it is thought-provoking, “His Dark Materials” is as epic as epic fantasy novels come. For my readers out there who like to have a little something to ponder as they dive into their next book, be sure to give this trilogy a read.
“Mistborn” trilogy by Brandon
Sanderson
If you’re looking for an epic fantasy series with a touch of dystopia, look no further than the original “Mistborn” trilogy, which is part of the larger “Mistborn” series of seven books.
With the first book published in 2006 and set in a world covered by ash, the trilogy chronicles how a group of Allomancers — people who can enhance their physical and mental abilities through metabolizing metals — establishes a new world free from the tyranny of the Final Empire.
One highlight of the “Mistborn” trilogy is its diverse characters. My favorite was the character growth of the main protagonist, Vin, throughout the series — how she changed from the timid thief at the beginning of the series to the powerful Allomancer who has become sure of herself and her worthiness of others’ love. Each of the supporting characters who fight alongside Vin is also given their rich background stories, which makes them easier to identify with.
But my favorite part of the trilogy is its grand world-building. From the laws of magic to the mythical creatures, Sanderson had created a world so elaborate that it’s compatible with that of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” with so many twists and turns lurking behind each page.
Gripping, intense and suspenseful, “Mistborn” is the type of fantasy that’s
impossible to put down once started. Be sure to leave an ample amount of free time before starting the series, though — because the urge to finish each book of 500-plus pages in one sitting was too strong to ignore.
CONTACT Sixuan Wu at thebreezeweb@ gmail.com. For more bookish content, stay tuned for the “Bibliomania” column and follow the culture desk on X @ TheBreezeJMU and Instagram @BreezeJMU.
EDITORS Preston Comer & Gavin Avella EMAIL
By ZACH MENDENHALL
The Breeze
In years past, JMU track & field has endured the stress involved with traveling during exam season when making its trek to the Sun Belt Outdoor Championships.
This season, the only traveling necessary will be the drive to and from athletes’ and coaches’ homes, as the university prepares to host 12 other schools.
Sentara Park is set to hold the 2025 Sun Belt Outdoor Championships from May 8 to 10, an event the Dukes placed ninth and 11th, respectively, during their first two seasons competing in the conference. This time, JMU will have home-field advantage and the comfort of competing on a familiar track.
As the Dukes enter their third Sun Belt Outdoor Championships, each one has previously allowed the team to grow.
“Year one was an observation, year two, you’re trying to start filling your team to meet the demands of the conference and we’re just trying to get better every year, and we are,” Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Delethea Quarles said. “Where you wanna be takes time, but we’re getting there.”
Quarles said many of the Dukes’ meets this season have helped prepare them for the bright lights and readied them to perform against the best of the best in front of large crowds. Not having to travel for the championships is a great benefit, she added, as it allows the team to keep a normal routine and schedule heading into the competition.
“I’m excited that it’s here that we get to be here at home, in front of our home crowd, and [there are] just many reasons to be excited to be home,” Quarles said. “We want to put our best out there because we are home, and it makes it even more special. We’re definitely looking forward to it.”
Coming off its final meet’s heels before the championships, the prestigious Penn Relays, Quarles feels the hardest work has been done, and now is the time to “maintain what [they] have practiced.”
As conference championship season often mixes with exam time, having the benefit of hosting the events allows the Dukes to remain further focused on its final exams without the worry of proctoring on the road.
The Sun Belt has been a competitive conference since the Dukes joined before the 2022-23 season, giving seniors like Jordyn Henderson a handle on the competition and focus required to make nationals. Just because JMU has home track advantage, Henderson knows there’s just as much pressure, if not more, as other teams are still coming to town to compete for a championship.
“I feel very excited, it’s my last Sun Belt Outdoor Championships, so I obviously want to be super intentional and make everything count,” Henderson said. “It’s bittersweet, but I’m also feeling focused. I feel very, very confident that I’ve been able to put the pieces together throughout the season.”
Henderson feels she’s done everything she can to prepare for the championships and doesn’t plan to make many changes, but she looks to ensure she and her teammates are in as good mental shape as physical.
“I think we just have a lot more confidence because we’re not like going in there blind,” Henderson said. “We’ve been keeping up with the conference all season, since indoor as well, so I think we’re feeling very prepared. We know that we’re capable of going out there to perform as best we can.”
Graduate pole vaulter Erica Moolman is excited to have the championship be a home meet and see every team in the conference there, but she’ll find it challenging not having the adrenaline that comes with traveling.
To cap her final year at JMU, Moolman plans to do what she’s done all season — have fun.
“I have to make the best of every meet, so I kind of wanted to go out with a bang, so hopefully I can go out with a bang,” Moolman said.
As she’s always on the move, it didn’t register until Senior Day, April 12, this would truly be Henderson’s final meet as a Duke. Henderson said she has yet to fully come to terms with it, but JMU’s coaching staff has helped her cope in more ways than one.
“They’ve definitely given me good resources, and they’ve been good resources themselves to talk about my transition,” Henderson said. “I think my word for this season is intentional or intentionality, because I don’t get another chance, so it’s just leaving my mind here, leaving my legacy like they want me to leave my mark here.”
Henderson plans to enjoy her last meet with the help of her teammates and by supporting them all the same.
“Regardless of all the events that I do, and I know that it’s a championship, I just want to be there to support them like we always are,” Henderson said. “This team is so supportive, so loving and caring, through the highs and lows, everyone supports, and it’s like when one person gets a win, it feels like the whole team gets a win.”
Like Henderson, Moolman hopes to qualify for nationals by continuing to work hard on the track, doing well in school and enjoying the moment while appreciating the sport.
“I’m just gonna keep working hard while doing school and just kind of enjoying it, because I think that’s when you do the best, is when you’re just kind of having fun with it,” Moolman said. “Focusing on not the heights or your results but just being more in the moment and appreciating the sport and you doing it.”
from TRACK, page 14
Moolman said her last year has been challenging. While she wants to continue pushing herself and achieving new goals, she knows this experience won’t last forever. By making the best of every situation and enjoying time with her teammates, Moolman has taken in every moment at its best during her final season.
“I think we can talk about life after, but there won’t be an opportunity to talk about the things that we do together anymore,” Moolman said. “Just trying to surround myself with my teammates and my coaches and the staff as much as possible will be the best.”
Reminding her teammates that they’re good enough and belong is important to Henderson, as she knows it can all be overwhelming. She and the other senior Dukes have continued to instill this into the underclassmen while they still can.
Watching the freshman class compete makes Quarles feel confident about the future, as she knows it’ll contribute toward her goal of “moving the needle to place higher.” Quarles is hopeful to also see the few seniors on the brink of qualifying for nationals, as the next couple of weeks will determine how the rest of the season unfolds.
One freshman in particular who has shone as of recent is Kam’Dyn Thomas. Quarles said Thomas has and remains a reliable teammate while also cutting down on her times. Freshman Christine Fitzgerald has also improved plenty during the season, while distance freshmen Kylie Brooks, Izzy Greene and Merrick Mock have led their class equally as well.
“I think the conference meet is really going to kind of put the icing on the cake to their season and really give us some insight to how cross country is going to go come August,” Quarles said. “I’m pleased with what they’re doing and they show great promise to how we are going to move the needle in the conference.”
Quarles said the freshmen are excited and have “big hearts.” She feels they’d do anything for the team.
“You always want to dedicate championships to your seniors for their leadership, hard work and their years of what they have endured in our time at the institution,”
Quarles said. “The freshmen, they care, they love what they do, and they work hard at it, and they work at their relationships with each other too, and that’s the part I really do appreciate.”
Moolman is excited to see where the program’s direction heads, as she recognizes the potential JMU track & field has in its future in the Sun Belt and beyond.
“We have grown a lot since I’ve come, we’ve changed facilities, we’ve changed coaches, so it’s going in a great direction, and I can’t wait to see what the peers do,” Moolman said. “I can’t wait to see the potential and talent that they bring to the team and the sense of family and sisterhood.”
Finding the balance between being a warrior in the championship and wanting it more than others is what Quarles wants to see out of JMU. Quarles tells the senior Dukes to simply leave all their energy on the track.
“I always remind the team that if you do things that got you to the championship, if you duplicate that, then most of the time, you’re going to fare very well,” Quarles said. “Just trying to keep the balance between the adrenaline and excitement that comes with that it is a championship, and that it is at home, and that you gotta have people from home eyes on you.”
Quarles said she’s always told her athletes they become family for life. She plans to remain connected to the seniors and she feels their leadership has helped build a legacy at JMU.
“As a coach, you get accustomed to their time to move on with their lives and to start writing the next chapter,” Quarles said. “You’re sad to see them go but you’re hoping that you are a part of some things in them that makes a difference to their future, that you contributed to some good times and good things in their life.”
Just like Quarles, Moolman sees her teammates as “family for life,” as she wants to stay in touch with them beyond graduation.
“I don’t think I’ll ever want them not to be in my life, because I’ve spent so much time with them, and they’ve been there through my best days and my worst days,” Moolman said.
CONTACT Zach Mendenhall at mendenzl@dukes.jmu.edu. For more track & field coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.
By EDISON VRANIAN The Breeze
Anybody who’s been to a purple-and-gold football game has heard, “Urgie’s Cheesesteak First Down J-M-U Dukes.”
The voice blaring through Bridgeforth for all to hear is that of long-time JMU Athletics public address (PA) announcer, James Hickey.
Hickey began announcing when he attended Blue Ridge Community College. A local horse trainer was seeking an inexpensive announcer for his horse shows during Hickey’s freshman year, and he took the shot.
“Being a college student at the time, I wanted the experience, so we worked something out,” Hickey said.
Hickey didn’t need degrees or certifications to become a PA announcer, but his “good voice” helped him out, keeping the audience engaged with his energy.
Hickey said being an announcer is done through training your voice. From Hickey’s childhood, he had a microphone toy called Mr. Microphone. A young Hickey spoke into the radio, beginning to train his voice. The toy eventually broke for good, but Hickey continued to train.
Hickey said his network of work and job opportunities have grown through word of mouth among the announcing community as he has continued announcing.
“As people hear you, there’s a joke in the PA community that there’s only really about 350 of us doing all these jobs.” Hickey said, “That’s really what it is. It’s word of mouth. Somebody hears that you’re good and [if an opportunity opens up], hopefully they’ll throw your name around and you’re able to get opportunities.”
After Hickey’s time working for low wages at horse shows, he spent time working at radio and television stations before he began announcing high school sporting events at Fort Defiance High School over two decades ago.
Hickey started announcing for JMU volleyball and softball in 2014.
As time passed and his network expanded, Hickey was greeted with the chance to audition to be JMU’s Marching Royal Dukes (MRD) announcer.
“Their announcer had graduated, and there was an opportunity to audition,” Hickey said. “I didn’t get halfway through the first page, and [Marching Royal Dukes’ band director] Scott Rikkers said, ‘yep, we’ll figure it out, you’re great, we’d love to have you.’”
Hickey enjoyed his time with the MRDs, and his work earned him an honorary induction as a brother to the Kappa Kappa Psi music fraternity.
“I certainly enjoy my association with the MRDs,” Hickey said. “They treat me very well.”
Hickey has had many opportunities with the marching band, including traveling to JMU football’s two FBS bowl games, the 2016 FCS National Championship game and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City as part of the band’s support group.
During both of JMU’s bowl games, the opposing teams didn’t bring an announcer, so Hickey stepped in.
“I never, in my life, thought I would get to work a bowl game,” Hickey said. “To be able to work the last two and both times, when we’ve gotten to the bowl site, the other team hasn’t brought their announcer, so I’ve been able to do both teams at both ball games, which was cool.”
JMU volleyball head coach Lauren Steinbrecher enjoys Hickey’s passion and ability to pronounce every name correctly, including the visiting team.
see HICKEY, page 16
from HICKEY, page 15
“He prepare[s] a lot,” Steinbrecher said. “He always knows how to pronounce names exactly right, and he does a great job of the visiting team. So it’s not only a great job but really good execution and preparedness for the job.”
After Steinbrecher heard Hickey announcing a volleyball game for the first time, his skills sold Steinbrecher on him.
“I think he somehow just came and did a game, and he was just so good,” Steinbrecher said. “I just remember being obsessed with [his announcing] from the very first batch.”
She said she also believes Hickey is JMU volleyball’s No. 1 fan.
“He loves JMU, he loves the players, and it shows in the energy and just the environment that he’s able to create for matches,” Steinbrecher said. “That’s been since day one.”
Former JMU volleyball setter Hannah Roberts (‘23) would go to Hickey in the press booth to give him a fist bump after her name was announced. Steinbrecher said part of Roberts’ ritual involves superstition, but her connection with Hickey also influences the ritual.
Hickey not only connects well with Roberts, but Steinbrecher said she believes he connects well with everyone he works with.
“Whether it’s the marketing [staff] that are sitting next to him on the bench, obviously our team, obviously the coaching staff,” Steinbrecher said. “He just has a great demeanor and connection with everyone.”
On top of his professional relationships, JMU students recognize Hickey out in public. He encourages everyone to say hi and form a connection with him, as his job as a PA announcer is to talk.
“I would like to thank the students who say hi to me when I’m out in the community,” Hickey said. “I have people see me at Mr. J’s, or they see me at MARTIN’S, and they’re kind of all hesitant. Please feel free to say hello. I love to talk to everybody.”
Building connections involves talking to people, so Hickey encourages aspiring PA announcers to start low and look for opportunities to volunteer or work for a low wage. As you improve, you’ll find opportunities to work for a wage.
CONTACT Edison Vranian at vraniawe@dukes.jmu.edu. For more athletics coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.
By MAEGHAN STOCKLI The Breeze
If there is one thing better than one Bleckley — it’s two.
Freshman midfielder Chloe Bleckley has made her mark on JMU lacrosse just as her older sister, sophomore defender Ava Bleckley, did one year ago.
For a team that carries a legacy of success and has curated a culture that expects nothing but the best, Chloe is no exception.
The Bleckleys have always been a family of athletes, playing a variety of different sports including basketball and soccer growing up. Their parents have always supported them regardless of what sport they played, but lacrosse was the one to stick around. In fact, Chloe and Ava’s older sister, Grace, is a redshirt senior defender at Drexel.
“Seeing my two older sisters go through the recruiting process and be able to have the opportunity to play in college … I just walked into it,” Chloe said on deciding to continue her lacrosse career at the collegiate level.
During high school, at Archbishop Carroll, located in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Chloe accumulated a number of accolades. She was a two-time USA Lacrosse All-American in 2023 and 2024, a member of the USA Lacrosse Select U18 Team and a three-time PIAA 2A Lacrosse State Champion from 2021 to 2024.
Chloe also led her team to four consecutive PCL Lacrosse Championships and was named the 2024 PCL Lacrosse League MVP. Her consistent dominance on the field earned her back-to-back selections to the All-Catholic and All-Delco Lacrosse First Teams in 2023 and 2024.
While Chloe has been creating a name for herself early during her tenure at JMU just as Ava did before her, Ava said she didn’t know where her sister would end up but always pushed for JMU.
“I wanted her to have her process, but I was always throwing in some little snippets [about JMU],” Ava said.
During her true freshman season, Chloe has proved herself on both sides of the field as a midfielder. During 16 regularseason games, she accumulated 14 goals, three assists and caused 13 turnovers.
Chloe was recognized as the AAC Midfielder of the Week for her performances against Richmond and previously No. 5 ranked Florida. She hasn’t only made her presence known on the field but off it as well.
“We were looking for middies who could not just be defensive players but also goal scorers for us,” head coach Shelley Klaes said. “I thought her skills and her hands landed to be a threat.”
While Chloe’s athleticism and skills are valuable assets, her work ethic separates her from the pack.
Chloe’s dedication to improving her game has earned her the respect of her coaches and teammates. She plays with a relentless drive, consistently battling for ground balls, causing turnovers and pushing herself to impact both ends of the field.
“She’s not one to have like this big ego or anything … but she’s super humble, and she just does the work that needs to be done,” Ava said.
During her freshman season, Chloe has already shown she can compete at a high level, contributing offensively and defensively while embracing the demands of being a studentathlete.
She has the support of her team, her family and coaches who all root for her to be the most successful player and reach her full potential.
“Her ability to impact every aspect of the game is going to help us to go after this regular season championship,” Klaes said.
CONTACT Maeghan Stockli at stocklma@dukes.jmu.edu. For more lacrosse coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.
Caroline McKeown EDITOR
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 “keep-it-up-littleguy” pat to the fountain in front of Carrier that is constantly leaking.
From a student who is always perched nearby.
A “I-am-an-awful-child” dart to the person who planned JMUs finals week schedule.
From the daughter of a great mother who I can’t go home to see for Mother’s Day.
A “glad-to-see-you-aredoing-bad” dart to that one creepy man who was supposed to graduate two years ago.
From a woman who should’ve signed him up for the Army when she had the chance.
A “Teletubbies-sun-baby” pat for the amazing weather we’ve been having.
From a girl who loves to frolick in the grass with her friends.
When most incoming freshmen are asked where they’d like to live on campus, their minds often gravitate toward the newer, more modern residence halls on East Campus, like Paul Jennings or Skyline. I mean, who wouldn’t select an updated building with air conditioning as their top pick? When I filled out the housing preference form, I listed Paul Jennings, Skyline and Bluestone. I hadn’t even checked the location — I just assumed they must be the best because they were recently built and upperclassmen spoke highly of them. Honestly, looking back, I think their suggestions were just biased based on the hall they lived in, because that’s what felt like home to them — it’s where they spent their first memories on campus. The truth is, I don’t think the glamorized residence halls with current amenities will define your college experience.
Still, I’ll be the first to admit it: As a freshman, I was skeptical. I had heard nothing but praise for the newer East Campus halls. When I got my housing assignment and saw “Lakeside,” I was disappointed. I thought my college experience was doomed from the start after seeing I had gotten one of the older halls.
That disappointment began to fade within my first few weeks living in Shorts. I came to love the charm and character that Shorts came with. The rooms felt lived-in and that made it that much more homey to me. I visited buildings with larger rooms and up-to-date furniture, but still found myself wanting to go back to Shorts’ cozy environment. I missed it when I wasn’t there. I would rather be in a room with personality than be in a sleek building where everything is the same, sad beige color with hallways of a ghost town and cold lighting.
“I’d say the community on Lakeside is very tight-knit since we’re mostly all freshmen, and Shorts and Eagle are so close to each other,” Shorts resident and freshman Kaitlin Hoke said.
The community in Lakeside felt so much warmer than what I had witnessed when I would visit East Campus. People were actually seen hanging out in the common areas and chatting in the halls. It felt like a place where students lived and came together. Yet, the East Campus residence halls felt as if no one lived there. The students would just come and go, there was no sense of belonging, talking when passing or a liveliness. With Lakeside — whether you’re in Shorts or Eagle — you’re immediately part of something. Even the resident advisers (RA) help foster that feeling, organizing craft nights, handing out treats on holidays and always being up for questions or conversation.
Now, I’ve heard it all — the crazy stories about Lakeside residence halls having rats or filthy bathrooms. I’ve never come across either. We have housekeeping weekly and trust me, I would have requested a
building change if I had seen any rodents. Personally, I think a lot of those rumors come from upperclassmen trying to mess with freshmen or the outdated stigma of “old equals bad.”
Once I started living here, I noticed upperclassmen light up when I mentioned Eagle or Shorts. They’d reminisce about how much living on Lakeside made their freshman year.
We definitely have the best view on campus as well. There’s something special about waking up to the lake view every morning, drawing open the blinds, letting the sun in, peeping at the geese and listening to the waterfall.
see LAKESIDE, page 19
from LAKESIDE, page 18
I remember texting my Pop the view from my window, to which he replied: “It looks like you’re living at a resort.” This is why you see everyone’s club or philanthropy formal pictures taken in front of the lake. Besides, the lake is the perfect location for studying, reading or sitting out with your morning coffee. I’ve spent countless afternoons tanning by the lake, walking the trails or just sitting under the stars at night. There’s also the added benefit of Lakeside Café with some of the best breakfast sandwiches, bagels and chicken and waffles. There’s really no better getaway from the pressure of school work, whether you’re grabbing food, fishing or people-watching.
“It’s a super convenient place to live. We’re right near COB, the football field, parking lot and Lakeside Café,” Hoke said. “Plus, Lakeside has beautiful views like the lake and sunsets.”
Lakeside residence halls are a short walk from food hot spots like D-Hall, Market 64 and Mr. Chips, which is practically a convenience store. This includes everything from Chick-fil-a, Steak ‘n Shake, the Starbucks truck, Freshens, Mediterranean salads, the sandwich bar, Dukes
Scoops to Philly cheesesteaks. You’re also right next to the football stadium, which means easy access to tailgating and game days without the long walk back to your room. Compared to East Campus, it’s clear where the true college experience lies. Sure, Paul Jennings has fancy nightstands and a modern look, but that’s where it ends. They also only have one to two washers and dryers per floor, which are always in use (have fun with that). It feels so dull when you walk the halls, making it easy to feel isolated or even homesick. The silence and blandness only make things worse.
And let’s talk about food. If you live on East Campus, you’re stuck with the same limited options at E-Hall each day: burgers, fries and pizza. If you’re lucky, maybe pasta. But if you live on Main Campus? D-Hall or Dukes Dining offer rotating menus with so much variety — Panda Express, tacos, Panera or even hibachi. You’ll never get bored of food and it’s all within walking distance. The variety alone makes it worth it. East Campus residents? You’ll likely have to take the bus to get to D-Hall — good luck finding an empty seat.
Don’t let Reddit or the negativity you hear in passing fool you. Some might say Lakeside is the “last resort” for residence halls, but they’re missing the point. Lakeside
isn’t just about proximity to the College of Business (though that’s a nice perk for business students). It’s about the sense of community, the surroundings and the fact that it’s close to everything you’ll need on campus with Starbucks, 7-Eleven and even the Quad less than a 10-minute walk away.
In retrospect, I feel like I wouldn’t have enjoyed my freshman year as much if I had lived on East Campus; due to the trek to pick up my mail from the union, my classes or finding a spot to lie out in nature. There’s also just a placid sense of comfort that comes with living in Lakeside residence halls. So if you’re looking for housing where you’ll make lasting friendships, enjoy both serene views and rowdy game days, choose Lakeside. It’s the most underrated of JMU residence halls, and you might just find that Lakeside is the place that makes JMU feel like home to you.
CONTACT Annabelle Berry at berry3aj@dukes. jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
At JMU, kindness isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the way of life. Whether it’s holding the door or someone being more than willing to give you directions, everyone here is so sweet. In this world of disconnect, a kind campus isn’t just an idea, it’s essential to the culture here.
Recently, my home friends visited and were genuinely surprised by the warmth of the campus. It was almost difficult for them to grasp how easily I had small conversations with strangers. But that is just what this campus is. This is part of what makes JMU’s campus so lively. The people are more than willing to exchange a smile or hold the door for you.
It’s not just a surface-level thing, either. It’s almost as if kindness is woven into the culture. Being a JMU student makes you want to be kind. It’s a different experience from any other. It cements a feeling of belonging. It makes JMU feel like home.
“I thought it was so pretty, and I loved the energy of the tour guide that we had, and I just felt like home,” junior Kara Russell said of her first impressions of the university.
My first ever visit to JMU was a similar experience. I was a really shy kid from New Jersey, and I felt like everyone else was familiar with the school. My tour guide immediately made this place feel like home to me.
He encouraged me to ask questions, and by the end of the tour, I was smiling and participating. I felt so safe and welcome being on campus and like I belonged. It was the main reason I decided to commit to JMU.
It’s not just the students, it’s the professors too. They don’t treat students like just another class. They genuinely work to create bonds and support students to succeed in their classes. Every class I’ve been in here, the professors have offered for students to reach out for assistance, and it always seems so genuine. They want to see you pursue your dreams. It’s like they always have your best interests at heart. They put effort into fostering relationships and want to see you thrive as students and people.
Clubs and organizations are so welcoming from the jump. From student org night to any meeting, it’s so easy to build connections. All clubs are open to new people and want you to foster connections. I‘ve made many friends by joining organizations like Relay for Life.
see KINDNESS, page 20
from KINDNESS, page 19
Organizations encourage kindness and give the campus such a warm presence. Getting yourself involved is the best way to foster connections and start new friendships. The clubs‘ executive boards do such a good job of making you feel like you belong, and each organization you pick is the right fit for you.
“If I didn’t join the organizations that I’m in, I wouldn’t have met such incredible people," Russell said. “It’s crazy to think about me joining one little club that led me to meet so many amazing people.”
In a world that can feel so surfacelevel, JMU is just not one of those places.
The reputation isn’t just born out of coincidence, it’s the conscious effort each student puts into being kind. Whether it’s upholding the idea of Dukes holding doors or taking time out of your day to converse with a stranger, the students really give this place the reputation that it has. This keeps the JMU spirit alive because here it’s not something we just do, it’s part of who we are as a community.
CONTACT Katie Mae Yetter at yette3km@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU
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SUNDAY - THURSDAY 11:00 AM TO 9:00 PM
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
Edited by Patti Varol
ACROSS 1 Bank lobby conveniences 5 Hot under the collar 9 Gets ready, briefly 14 Swat (away) 15 “__ further reflection ... ” 16 Fertile desert spot 17 *Defiantly petty retaliation 19 Big name in blenders
20 Amount of food consumed 21 *Purchase when planning a train tour
23 Pros with strong opinions on style 25 Company abbr. 26 *Figure used for counting 34 Writer/actress Fey 35 __ sum: bite-sized Chinese fare 36 Close tightly 37 Getting on in years 39 Indent key 41 Insincere compliments 42 Dorothy who was in many Hope/ Crosby “Road” films
44 Heat in the microwave 46 Personal blurbs 47 *Wrecking ball swingers on a construction site 50 Reggae kin
Post-dubbing title 52 *Ride the waves using wind power 57 Evening party 62 “Know what __?”
63 Morning person, or a feature of the answer to each starred clue?
65 Rodeo rope
66 Highest sudoku digit
67 “If all __ fails ... ”
Group of eight
Cafeteria carrier
Adolescent
1 Italian region known for wine 2 __ Mints: Girl Scout Cookies choice
By Emet Ozar
Big name in applesauce
Spot for a catnap
Casual response to “You handled it?”
Choose (to)
Lion’s sound
Involve
Game sticks that are treated with chalk
Quality of a scratchy voice
“¿Cómo __ usted?”
off on
Capital of Italy?
“So much for that”
“You continue to __ me!”
Cha-cha kin
Selma of “Legally Blonde”
Madison Marketplace is open for business, and all text-only 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.
Help Wanted in Church Nursery
Mt Olive Brethren Church seeks a Nursery Care Provider during the hours of 8:45am-12:15pm each Sunday. For more information, contact Laura Waldron (540-820-7235, laura@ mtolivebrethren.org)
Career Opportunity - Police Recruit - $10,000 HIRING INCENTIVE AVAILABLE TO NEW OFFICERS
The City of Harrisonburg is currently accepting applications for non-certified individuals interested in joining HPD, which offers a rewarding career plus an excellent benefits package, including enhanced hazardous duty through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). $10,000 HIRING INCENTIVE AVAILABLE TO NEW OFFICERS* ...
*Find out more/apply online: https:// www.harrisonburgva.gov/employment. EOE.
Career Opportunity - Public Works Planning Manager
Are you searching for your next career move with an organization that values your subject-matter expertise while leading strategic transportation planning efforts? If so, consider applying to become the Public Works Planning Manager with the City of Harrisonburg! Find out more/apply online: https:// www.harrisonburgva.gov/employment.
EOE.
(10-12 hours/week)
The JMU International Study Center is seeking a student worker to provide peer tutoring/mentoring, event planning, & administrative support. $12.41/hour, flexible schedule.
Requirements:
• Experience in cross-cultural settings
• Strong communication and computer skills
• Full-time student at JMU Submit resume to Jennifer Little, littl2jr@jmu.edu
NOW HIRING! Dance Teachers Wanted - Fall 2025 to Spring 2026
Seeking teachers with extensive dance training, performance experience and love of teaching! Send your resume to dancecompany@gmail.com and call 540-810-3631 to begin interview process Interviews begin in March - Dont wait! Call Now!
Storage Services
SUMMER STUDENT STORAGE SERVICES. Going home for the summer? Leave your belongings in storage We will pick them up, store them and deliver them to your new place in August. Call 540-810-1196, email MikePackett@aol. com or check out www.Adventures-NTravel.com for details. Local business and competitive.
Planning a summer getaway?
Let a trusted local take care of your home and pets while you’re away!
Hi, I’m Olivia Portillo, a proud James Madison University alumna with over three years of experience in overnight house and pet sitting. I offer dependable, caring service tailored to your pets’ routines so you can travel stress-free. Cell: 540-958-0626
Email: oliviaportillo90@gmail.com
HOUSING
2 Bedroom Townhouse - Close to JMU campus!
2 BEDROOM - Two bedroom townhouse for rent starting in August 2025. The townhouse is 0.5 miles from the JMU campus. Contact me at (540) 435-7861 if you are interested.
Downtown Harrisonburg one-bedroom loft available for sublet August 2025 – January 2026
1BR/1.5BA loft in downtown Harrisonburg available Aug 1, 2025 –Jan 30, 2026. $1,600/month. Must be employed, no pets, lease required. Includes parking. Beautiful, modern, well-lit space. Serious inquiries only – email vivianvk17@gmail.com with your details and availability to meet with the tenant and landlord.
The best place for banking isn’t a bank at all!
CommonWealth One is JMU’s trusted, full-service credit union, and student banking is better here. 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.
When it comes to handling your finances as a student, we’ve got your back with:
The secret is out – CommonWealth One is here to help you thrive financially at JMU.
To open an account or learn more about JMU Student Perks, which include special events, free food and prizes, visit cofcu.org/DUKES or stop by our branch in The Union (next to the post office)
The Union (Next to the Post Office) Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm