The Breeze
Letter from the editors
To our readers, new and old ...
to another year with The Breeze! We’re thankful
To those of you picking up the paper for the first time: The Breeze is so much more than a weekly publication. Past and present Breezers will tell you stories of found family, community and kinship as well as the skills and professionalism they bring to their future careers. But at its core, The Breeze is a group of Dukes passionate about storytelling.
The Breeze’s first and foremost purpose remains to provide accurate, relevant, hard-hitting journalism for our readers to understand our community a little better. News is meant to reflect the people it serves, and communities without news suffer because its members are underinformed about the challenges they encounter. Even with this tall task, trust in the media plummets each passing day. Local news outlets fall to the wayside, and news deserts keep expanding.
We at The Breeze believe that changing all this starts with student journalism.
As you pick up our first print issue of the year, we encourage you to think about community stories you’d like to have told and how you’d like to tell those stories.
Think about something you’re passionate about — maybe it’s sports, movies, politics or health. Think about a policy
On the cover
A new school year is a time of change, and that couldn’t be more true this fall. With a new president at the helm, JMU and its surrounding community have changed a lot. In this issue, catch up on all you’ve missed this summer, and get some advice for this coming academic year.
you’d like to discuss further or a current event you’d like to better understand the impact of. The Breeze is where you can explore these interests and curiosities. Everyone has a voice. Yours matters, too. Let The Breeze be the means through which you carry that voice and know that you, too, can make a difference.
We’re looking for writers, photographers and multimedia reporters who are passionate about informing fellow Dukes. We don’t care about your major as long as you share our passion. If you’re unsure now, our application is open year-round.
To apply, visit The Breeze at breezejmu.org or scan the QR code. We look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Shaw, editor-in-chief
Hannah Kennedy, print managing editor
Sixuan Wu, online managing
editor
New JMU President Jim Schmidt greets JMU faculty Tuesday after his “Welcome to the University” speech. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze
Schmidt talks about JMU’s new direction.
Schmidt wears purple-and-gold socks.
Speakers, such as Athletic Director Matt Roan, welcome “Jim” Schmidt.
Tim Miller and others welcome Schmidt.
JMU President James ‘Jim’ Schmidt, says he plans to focus on philanthropy
By EMMA NOTARNICOLA The Breeze
James “Jim” C. Schmidt officially became the seventh president of JMU on July 1, replacing interim President Charlie King, and since then Schmidt has traveled all around Harrisonburg and Virginia connecting with the community and encouraging philanthropic goals, something Schmidt prioritizes.
In case you missed it: Meet President Schmidt
Schmidt transferred from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UW-Eau Claire), where he served as its chancellor. He's maintaing values from his previous role and King’s tenure, while simultaneously introducing a variety of fresh ideas, Schmidt said.
“I want to be known as innovative,” Schmidt said. “I want to take a different look at old problems and figure out how we can do things in a cost-effective way that can actually elevate the student experience.”
Bringing his wife and three kids, Schmidt moved to Harrisonburg earlier this summer to acclimate to JMU and the city before the school year started.
“It was an amazing transition,” Schmidt said, “it felt like [I was] at home."
Schmidt’s busy summer of prep
After meeting with Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed and other local representatives, Schmidt said, during his Tuesday university welcome speech in the Atlantic Bank Union Center, they all agreed: “What’s good for our community is good for our university.
“We are interdependent.” Schmidt said.
Schmidt said he’s excited by Harrisonburg’s “interesting little shops, restaurants, stores [and] running across a bicycle
manufacturing town,” as well as the campus culture of “earnest, hardworking students [and] faculty, staff, who are truly committed to making a difference with their students.”
Not only has Schmidt been busy with Harrisonburg, but he’s also done a lot to create the framework supporting his values. He’s traveled “over 3,000 miles in the last six months,” Schmidt said during his university welcome speech.
Schmidt added throughout the summer he’s met with campus leadership and administration, representatives from city council in Harrisonburg, over 30 CEOs from various Harrisonburg businesses, alums and Duke employers, the academic council, and new Dukes and parents.
“It’s been an invigorating first couple of weeks of the job,” Schmidt said. “Things that attracted me to this position, I have found to not only be true but actually true at a higher level. I’m grateful for all of the previous presidents, deans, faculty and student leaders at the campus that have helped create the culture we have today.”
Schmidt’s goals place emphasis on students and guaranteeing they have “the best possible experience,” he said.
“My true north is the students’ experiences and what is good for the commonwealth,” he said.
In his various meetings with alums and employees, Schmidt said he found that Dukes have “a sense of civility, a little bit of scrappiness [and] can-do attitude.”
A presidential emphasis on philanthropy
Schmidt prioritizes generosity in many different ways. In an email sent to the university, Schmidt wrote that he plans to “dedicate at least 25% of my time to philanthropy efforts.”
According to a July 17 email, Schmidt sees philanthropic efforts as a “strategic investment that will secure resources to match our national ambitions.”
At the UW-Eau Claire, Schmidt said he has made a number of efforts to increase philanthropy.
“I enjoy the work,” he said during. “You get to speak to either alums or people who love the university, who see the opportunity that they can only get by investing through the university to accomplish their hopes and dreams.”
Schmidt said he hopes to work directly with potential investors, build on existing programs in marketing and communications to further outreach and “elevate the national prominence of this university.”
Schmidt added that he wants to take a “bolder” approach to philanthropic efforts and reach more potential investors than he or JMU has seen before.
“We’ve been crisscrossing, talking to important financial supporters of the university, expanding the opportunities for our friends and alumni philanthropically to support this university,” he said, adding that he’s received enthusiastic responses.
Through establishing good relationships within Harrisonburg, JMU and beyond, Schmidt began the first steps in accomplishing his goals and creating a university that upholds the values he prioritizes, he said.
“I’m asking you to join me this year to dream big and say why not JMU,” Schmidt said during his Tuesday speech.
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.
President Jim Schmidt discusses his philanthropic goals. Landon Shackelford /
Breeze
City Hall delays rezoning request vote for historic Downtown Harrisonburg
By EMMA NOTARNICOLA
The Breeze
The Harrisonburg City Council deffered the vote on whether to approve a rezoning request that would allow the construction of a six-story apartment complex on Tuesday — the tentative voting date is Sept. 23.
If this resolution is passed, The Link would be built at the beginning of historic Downtown Harrisonburg, where the Lindsey Funeral Home stands on South Main Street, according to The Friendly City Urbanist.
The Link would have 2,000 square feet of commercial space and over 250 apartments with a mix of single-bedroom to fourbedroom units, according to Harrisonburg Housing Today.
Along with the building, the plan includes space for a parking garage, which would provide a minimum of 400 parking spots for The Link ’s estimated 500 to 700 residents, according to the Harrisonburg Citizen.
The initial concepts for the plans were approved by the council in September 2024. This plan was brought back to the council in July to review the official proposal, with the vote pushed until August, according to the same Harrisonburg Housing Today article.
The current plan up for approval would rezone the Lindsey Funeral Home property from an R-3 — a medium density residential zone — to a B-1C zone — high density zone, meaning a high amount of people will inhabit the same size space, Director of Community Development Adam Fletcher said.
“B-1C is our most dense zoning district in the city,” Fletcher said.
B-1C rezoning presents a few main differences, Fletcher said. B-1C allows for a maximum building height of 75 feet, almost double the R-3 maximum of 40 feet. A B-1C zone also doesn’t have parking minimums or maximums.
At the beginning of the proposal, Fletcher described the rezoning application process through the Planning and Zoning Division
plus the Engineering and Building Inspection Division. He also emphasized support for the rezoning from Harrisonburg city officials and departments, as well as opportunities for community engagement.
“We’re not perfect, but we try to do the best we can for the applicant, for the community, because we know that even if we recommend denial or approval to this body, that you all [City Council] will make the decision you think is best for the community,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher also discussed the Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) of The Link.
“A TIA does not tell you whether you should be permitted on site,” Fletcher said, “what it tells you is the impact of the traffic generated from that use.”
Although, the TIA identified three intersections that were “below or failing a level of service,” Fletcher said, these problems are independent from The Link.
JOIN OUR TEAM B
Harrisonburg citizens react to information regarding new rezoning vote at City Hall. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze
Fletcher also explained the use of proffers in rezoning. Proffers are suggestions — like street improvements and providing sidewalks — proposed by the Planning and Zoning Division to projects that would alleviate some impacts the building’s construction would have on the community and increase the likelihood of approval. The Link has submitted five proffers in five categories: standards, transportation improvements, parking, amenities and implementation.
The standard proffer, Fletcher said, guarantees 25% of the apartment space would be single-bedroom apartments, with a maximum of four bedrooms and 2,000 square feet dedicated to commercial space.
The transportation proposal works with the TIA and the existing Liberty Street Project, a city initiative to alter Liberty Street. The proposal would extend Paul Street “on [The Link’s] own dollar and dedicate it to the city,” Fletcher said.
Along with this, there will be “sidewalk improvements” on both Liberty and Main Street, as well as various sidewalk extensions throughout the Downtown area, he said.
For the parking proffer, The Link has guaranteed at least 400 parking spaces designated for the building, and 65 spaces reserved for public use to help “alleviate some of the concerns with regard to off street parking,” Fletcher said.
During his closing remarks, Fletcher brought up The Link’s adherence to Project Downtown 2040, a “community-driven” plan to revitalize historic Downtown, according to the plan’s website.
“The overarching goal of Downtown [2040] is the pressing need to increase population within walkable distance of the city center,” local land use attorney and The Link representative Todd Ray said. “Simply stated, Downtown needs more residents, and more residential density is needed to support downtown businesses.”
Though the Planning Commission unanimously approved this project, for the first time in his career, Fletcher said some members of the commission had regretted
approving the project.
“I don’t recall that ever happening in my time in the city,” Fletcher said.
Many supporters of the building argue The Link would increase business for shops and an expansion of housing opportunities, according to The Harrisonburg Citizen.
“I think it’s important to encourage the extra density in downtown,” Harrisonburg resident Weston Marcos said during the City Hall meeting. “It’s better for revenue for the city. It’s better for traffic … people will choose to walk.”
Similarly, during his presentation, Ray said that this high density of apartments would also bring a plethora of customers, workers and patrons to Downtown.
Other supporters point out that these apartments and specifically the single-bedroom units, would offer much-needed space for young graduates who work Downtown.
One such citizen, Issac, who spoke at City Hall, said, “Living downtown is a dream, and right now, only a few people can participate in that, those who are willing to pay for very expensive housing.”
Additionally, Ray said that because of The Link’s proximity to JMU, the building would likely house students and serve as a connecting point between the university and downtown.
“[The] project ties JMU to downtown as a visual filling in a current economic and activity dead zone identified in present South Downtown,” Ray said.
Not only serving as a connection, some citizens believe this project could serve as a way to revitalize Downtow n
Residents sitting in the hot City Hall building after an air conditioning unit malfunction left the room sweltering. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze
One Harrisonburg resident, Emily Huffman, said during the open comment period, “I also hear all the stories of my family that’s also lived here their whole lives say[ing] how vibrant downtown used to be, and then when I was young, it was dead ... I think The Link would help that … You’re bringing people, and you’re bringing business downtown.”
In addition, the project’s alignment with the current Downtown 2040 plan and would be a huge investment in the downtown area, Ray said.
“The Link project represents the first large new, big project in downtown in over a decade since Urban Exchange,” he said.
Outside of offering building space, Ray said, The Link will also provide needed improvements to parking and traffic issues.
“This building solves an East-West transportation circulation issue by installing the new public street … it also improves entrances and circulation from the neighboring Baptist church parking,” he said.
Along with this, Ray said the parking deck wouldn’t be a big issue.
“We’re not taking up more land to create parking, but we are utilizing that space in a much more efficient way,” he said.
Ray added that currently the project is working on “murals,” “greenwalls” and “other art installations” to guarantee the parking garage won’t stick out in downtown and “create supportive visual integration with both the adjacent concert space and City Hall.”
However, not everyone is convinced of all the benefits of this complex. One such citizen, Todd Alexander, who has taken a lead role in the efforts against The Link’s construction, said
there are three main issues: aesthetics, traffic and parking, with other citizens bringing up issues with student housing.
First, many people have issues with the size and exterior of the building. One person, Wade Brown, spoke at City Hall and said, “I want to be sure that I am moved by the history. I want to be moved by the sea Victorian houses … it [the building] just seems so overwhelming the size of it.”
However, Ray said the constructors, Timberwolf, is willing to “engage and modify its design based on stakeholder feedback.”
Next, many citizens expressed concern over parking and traffic. Namely, Matt Winters, pastor of Harrisonburg Baptist Church, who said during City Hall, “This is close to our heart and our soul. My concern is the parking impacts that may bleed over and prevent us from having access to our building if a lot of residents choose not to park the parking garage, or if it’s full and they park up and down Main Street on a Sunday morning.”
Many, including Alexander, are concerned with the fact the parking garage would not properly accommodate all of the residents.
“Their thinking is that the JMU students don’t bring cars. And I think that’s totally incorrect,” he said.
Lastly, people are concerned with the building becoming another student housing complex that students will discard after it stops being the “number one place to live,” one congresswoman said.
“That’s our job as council members, as leaders of the community,” Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed said, “We have to think about 20 to 30 years down. And so that’s why I always push back and say, we know
we need housing in Harrisonburg. You know that, but we have to be strategic thinkers.”
One other option, discussed in the same Harrisonburg Citizen article, would be to maintain the R-3 zone and simply add residential complexes that would adhere to the current zoning currently implemented.
“We don’t have to take the first offer. I think there’s some very viable R-3 sources out there,” Alexander said.
Ultimately, the City Council decided to delay the vote to “gather input and get more information,” one council member said.
Though no decision has been made,
Alexander has tried to look on the bright side.
“You know what, no matter what, whether we win or lose, we have won because not since COVID have we had communities come together like we did. We’ve had people talking in the streets. We’ve met our neighbors again, so we have won, and I think that’s a very valid point.”
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.
EAT DOMINO’S EAT DOMINO’S DUKES DUKES
CULTURE
EDITORS EMAIL
Isabel Lewis & Charlie Bodenstein
Freshman year move-in guide: Making JMU feel like home
By ANNABELLE BERRY The Breeze
Standing among open boxes, tangled cords and emotional goodbyes, you’re faced with the reality of college move-in day.
“Honestly, I find everything about move-in a little nerveracking, just because l’ve never done anything like this before,” incoming freshman Jacob Williams said.
Though the move-in experience creates a mix of sentiment and anticipation, planning goes a long way toward turning that overwhelming feeling into assurance.
Here’s everything you need to know to turn your dorm room into your home away from home.
If you’re stressed, you’re not alone
After talking with incoming freshmen, it was clear they commonly wondered: “Where do I pick up my key?” (Don’t forget your JACard — JMU won’t hand over your key without it!) “Will I mesh well with my roommate? Will I make friends easily? How do I get to my classes?”
Additionally, students have concerns beyond socializing or class management, including the size of their dorms, what items they have space for, bathroom layouts and where the kitchen is located.
“I’ll either have brought too much or too little,” incoming freshman Emory Hill said. “There isn’t a VR tour of the new Potomac building yet, so I’m not sure what to expect with my dorm, or the new pod-style bathrooms.”
Others, like incoming freshman Beaunita Nith, may be concerned about technical disquietude.
“I’m worried if my desktop computer will connect to the dorm room internet,” Nith said.
This just goes to show that even slight uncertainties can feel colossal when transitioning to residence hall life. The good news? Every fear of the unknown will disappear once you arrive.
I remember being so frantic the entire ride to JMU, overwrought contemplating where to go to get my key, how to get all of my bags upstairs and which area to park in. Little did I know, there would be people directing traffic and standing right outside the dorm to assist you with your key and a move-in luggage cart. Now that I’m familiar with the move-in process, those frets seem so minuscule and foolish to me, having realized that there was no need to worry.
At JMU, counselors, resident advisers (RAs), freshman year orientation guides (FROGs) and friendly faces around campus
are on standby and willing to help you get accustomed to your new beginning as a Duke. They’re of service for everything from professor and class recommendations to the best places to eat on campus.
RAs, in particular, are the ones who will allow you to dodge homesickness. They’re truly your first best friend at JMU. They plan floor get-togethers, craft nights and hand out holiday treats, along with plans like gingerbread house making or slime. All-inall, every resident building you encounter will have a bulletin board full of community events to attend that will make you feel at home.
FROGs are a supplementary resource. Be sure to attend every event that interests you — whether you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people or see what campus
has to offer. Even just to grab food or go on a walk, FROGs are always looking to hang out and provide support. If you’re afraid of asking someone to meet up, FROGs will be your go-to guide. This is because they text in the group chat to initiate group hangs, so you don’t have to.
Bird scooters and buses are another service to utilize during move-in. If you’re late for class or don’t feel like walking to dinner, you can hop on a Bird scooter or a bus. JMU has shopper buses as well to take you to and from Target, Walmart, a mall and just about any place you need to make moving less stressful. With that being said, take advantage of this easy access transportation to explore not only JMU but also all Harrisonburg has to offer. There are local farmers markets, mom-and-pop shops and one-of-a-kind places to eat downtown.
Now that we’ve gotten past the worries that come with dorm life, the social scene and getting around, let’s talk about how and what to pack:
Label everything - By category (clothes, décor, kitchen items) to save time when unpacking.
Pack essential medicines/first aid - Pain relievers, cold medicine, enough cough drops to drown in and immune system support; mystery dorm sickness is real.
Personal care - Extras of your favorite shampoos, conditioners, body wash, face wash, toothpaste and deodorant. Bring a fan - Three if you’re living in Lakeside or the Village, I highly recommend the Woozoo fan.
Laundry - Detergent and a tote, a small mesh bag to save your socks from the laundry eating monster and remember to add money to your Flex account or bring a roll of quarters.
Entertainment - Coloring books, crafts, blankets for Quad picnics or anything for downtime.
Check the prohibited items list - Candles, extension cords without a switch and certain appliances aren’t allowed.
“At the same time, this change is super exciting because you get to start a new chapter in your life,” Williams said.
So make the most of it, and don’t regret not putting yourself out there. Welcome to the start of your journey as a Duke — and happy freshman year!
CONTACT Annabelle Berry at berry3aj@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.
Packing with large totes or boxes can make your move-in transition more seamless Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze
Welcome to Buc-ee’s: a Breeze-approved guide to becoming a paddle-tailed pro
By ELEANOR SHAW The Breeze
Cresting over the horizon, glowing like the rising sun, is none other than the buck-toothed grin that road trippers know all too well: Buc-ee.
He’s new to the Valley as of this June, and this is the first location of the Texas-based chain to be built in Virginia. So, what can Dukes do to make the most of the gas station’s worldrenowned wares?
Here’s The Breeze’s guide to make the most of JMU’s newest neighbor, Buc-ee’s.
The time
First things first, carve out several hours to make your pilgrimage. Buc-ee’s locations are infamously massive (the Rockingham one is 74,000 square feet, which is bigger than a football field), so it’d be wise to set aside a good portion of your day to explore the building’s expanse.
But if there’s one thing you should reserve the most amount of time for, it’s the parking.
Try to avoid visiting on the weekends (especially on game days) and during rush hour.
Most of the gas pumps will be occupied, but if you’re in a pinch, pay a visit to the neighboring gas stations to fill up. You’ll still be close to Buc-ee’s and can enjoy the experience with a little less anxiety.
Also, Buc-ee’s is open 24/7. So, get creative with the time you choose to visit!
You could celebrate a 6 a.m. workout session with some sugary grub, or grab an energy drink to endure a late-night study session. The choice is yours.
The bathrooms
As fun as Buc-ee’s is as a late-night distraction from class, its largest appeal to the road-weary traveler is its bathrooms. They’re massive, kitted up with lights that indicate whether a stall is occupied or not. The line moves fast, even when the store is packed nearly shoulder-to-shoulder. Several employees are combing through the unoccupied stalls at all hours, cleaning them after use to ensure they’re ready for the next customer (and it’s not a bad gig either — Buc-ee’s pays its employees well, starting at $18 an hour according to its website).
Considering the fact that Buc-ee’s is still a gas station, the toilet amenities are far beyond the usual dismal.
The food
Buc-ee’s food has a uniquely Southern flair, and each bite is a flavorful adventure. The brisket has achieved critical acclaim, the crunchy yet sugary Beaver Nuggets have a cult-like fan base and the banana pudding is a familiar favorite.
Buc-ee’s magnum opus is its jerky wall. From Korean BBQ to Bohemian Garlic, the wall features enough flavors to satisfy the palet of every meat lover, plus a turkey option for those who aren’t keen on beef. Throughout the Rockingham location, there are multiple wall-sized displays of the beaver-approved jerky snacks. If you’re indecisive, keep an eye out for an employee dressed in red uniforms handing out free samples to customers.
For those with a sweet tooth, don’t overlook some of the sweeter selections at the back of the store. The cinnamon roll is a delicious option for either breakfast or dessert. It’s light and fluffy — plus, the delicate frosting pairs nicely with the taste-packed pastry. If you’re getting yourself a roll, try to get it straight from the bakery rather than the shelves. Its flavor profile is at its best when fresh. For our vegan readers, try out those candied pecans. They’re sweet with a
wildly addictive crystalline texture. It’s the perfect mix of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth pizzazz. Like the cinnamon rolls, they’re at their best when fresh — they come in a cone-shaped bag (great for cup holders) that you can twist up to seal. However, they’re still delightful when pre-packaged.
But of course, all this snacking will leave you thirsting. Bucee’s also offers what may be the closest the county has to a dirty soda shop: its drink section. You can choose any size cup you want, and combine sodas to your heart’s content. The gas station charges you based on drink size, so don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous with your soda combination.
The merch
Brace your wallet. If the food wasn’t tempting, the souvenirs sure are.
There are themed straws, shoelaces, shot glasses, swimsuits and sweatshirts sold. Half of the store is dedicated to food, and the other half is home to a haven of both sincere and kitschy keepsakes.
But before you spend your money, remember, Buc-ee’s is only 10 minutes down the road. If you really want that beaver onesie, you could always return.
Buc-ee’s is also a good stop for a JMU shirt. The selection is small (it’s currently a single rack of four T-shirts), and it’s next to merchandise for other Virginia schools (like U.Va. and VCU). Sure, it’s no bookstore, but the convenience makes up for the lack of variety
CONTACT Eleanor Shaw at breezeeditor@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.
Buc-ee’s has a vast selection of food and drinks, including the renowned Beaver Nuggets, towering jerky wall and critically-acclaimed brisket. Ashley Dondes/ The Breeze
6 essential campus resources for freshmen
By CHARLIE BODENSTEIN The Breeze
Navigating campus can be overwhelming as a freshman. With crowded dining halls, packed buses and rowdy residence halls, finding adequate resources as a newcomer to college can feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, JMU’s campus is equipped with a plethora of resources designed to aid students with their college journey.
Learning Centers in SSC
Located in the Student Success Center (SSC), the Learning Centers offer free tutoring and coaching for subjects such as English, science, math, writing and public speaking for all JMU students.
The Science and Math Learning Center (SMLC) offers free drop-in and online tutoring for supported statistics, math, chemistry, physics and philosophy courses. The SMLC has select JMU professors and undergraduate students that offer tutoring.
The University Writing Center (UWC) offers online and face-to-face sessions for students seeking help with writing topics such as citations, editing and revising, researching, grammar and more.
More information about writing resources and scheduling appointments is on the UWC website.
The SSC also contains the Communication Center, English Language Consultations, Peer Academic Coaching and Peer Assisted Study Sessions. Traversing through the rigor of college classes often proves difficult for incoming students. Visit JMU’s website for a
full list of the Learning Center resources that can help you.
The Pantry
Let’s be honest, most college students don’t have the financial liberty to buy food every day. Meal plans can be expensive, and finding time to travel off-campus to go to Cook Out at 3 a.m. isn’t always convenient. Luckily, The Pantry offers free food to students in need, no questions asked.
“The Pantry is a joint effort on campus, managed by Off-Campus Life with direction and guidance provided by the University’s Basic Needs Advisory Board, [composed] of students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community,” according to JMU’s website.
To ensure there’s never a shortage of fresh food, The Pantry is supplied by the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and JMU Dining Services each week. Additionally, some hygiene products are offered.
The Pantry also accepts donations for school supplies and hygiene products, plus certain food items, like non-perishables. View its website to see more information on what donations The Pantry accepts.
There are pantries located in The Union’s Taylor Down Under area, Memorial Hall and EnGeo on East Campus.
Career Closet
College is a time for internships, presentations, speeches and other important events where professional attire is required. Finding the perfect outfit to nail that job interview can be a formidable task, but the Career Closet has you covered.
In collaboration with The Pantry and the University Career Center, the Career Closet offers a diverse wardrobe that any student can use free of charge when they need a professional outfit.
Inside its closet, you’ll find ties, purses, jackets, skirts, blouses, scarves and more. These items come from donations, so students are only allowed to take a maximum of five items per semester.
During Family Weekend (Sept. 26 to 28) and Homecoming Weekend (Oct. 17 to 19), the Career Closet encourages students to “help your fellow Dukes” by searching their closets for unwanted professional attire they can donate, according to its website. Donation locations include Harrison Hall, Hartman Hall, Hotel Madison and the Leeolou Alumni Center.
Students can claim up to five items per semester from the Career Closet. Reed Marchase / The Breeze
Madison Center for Civic Engagement
With our country’s ever-changing political landscape and college students’ role within politics growing in importance, it’s necessary to know how you can be an informed and engaged citizen — both at JMU and anywhere else you may go.
The James Madison Center for Civic Engagement (or the Madison Center) is a nonpartisan campus organization that “emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge to make one a more informed participant in our democracy, skills to make one a more effective participant, and values that embrace the common good,” according to its website.
The Madison Center aims to educate Dukes on crucial voting information and make sure students stay engaged in the community. It provides resources such as civic learning courses and election guides, and it manages the Democracy Docket, an online journal featuring student-written articles surrounding American and global politics.
Moreover, the Madison Center manages the Dukes Vote podcast and has facilitated numerous nationwide collaborations with the state legislature, the Volcker Alliance and more.
Madison Advising Peers
It’s common for freshmen to ponder if they chose the right major during the first few months of the school year. With 76 undergraduate programs, choosing the right major or minor can be a paralyzing experience. Nevertheless, the Madison Advising Peers (MAPs) are here to guide you through this tumultuous journey.
“The MAPs are available to students of any major to assist with general academic advising questions,” according to its website.
The MAPs help students with major/minor/ concentration changes, verifying academic requirements and getting acquainted with MyMadison and other academic resources. Drop-ins and scheduled appointments will begin Aug. 25 on the fourth floor of the SSC from Monday to Thursday. Advising is also offered for incoming transfer students.
Its website says that MAPs are a dedicated and authentic team of students that ensures Dukes have access to adequate information that will help them “pursue their education goals.”
Although the MAPs can be an invaluable resource to incoming freshmen, they extend
their help to any JMU student in need of guidance, regardless of their year.
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression
Incoming students have access to a non-judgmental space at the university that is designed for students of all sexual orientations or identities.
The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression (SOGIE) office website states that it “works toward promoting James Madison University’s commitment to accessibility and belonging through education, support, advocacy for all
students, including all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.”
Situated on the SSC’s first floor, SOGIE provides the Lavender Lounge — a free relaxation area that offers a safe and comfortable environment catered to LGBTQ+ students. Within the lounge, Dukes can find related literature that can be checked out with full confidentiality. The Lavender Lounge also provides the Self-Expression Closet, which allows students to better express themselves through donated clothing.
What first-years may find useful is SOGIE’s Lavender Launch program, which will start summer 2026. It equips new Dukes with local LGBTQ+ resources to better familiarize themselves with JMU. Students will learn about self-advocacy skills and are encouraged to discuss the LGBTQ+ community’s role on campus.
SOGIE hosts various on-campus events each academic year to help acquaint students with the LGBTQ+ community in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Such events include Coming Out Monologues, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Drag Shows and the Lavender Graduation. More information on these events can be found on SOGIE’s website.
CONTACT Charlie Bodenstein at the breeze culture@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.
The Pantry collaborates with the Career Closet to provide professional clothing and groceries to students. Reed Marchase / The Breeze
SPORTS
EDITORS Preston Comer & Gavin Avella
JMU football tackles Sun Belt Media Day and looks toward season opener
By GAVIN AVELLA
The Breeze
JMU football officially kicked off its 2025 season with the annual Sun Belt Conference football Media Days held July 22 and 23.
Second year head coach Bob Chesney said that although he knew JMU and its football team were special when accepting the head coaching position and stepping foot onto campus a little over a year ago, it didn’t really sink in and become a reality until witnessing firsthand the fight and passion every single player, coach, staff member, administrator and fan brings to each and every season, year after year.
“We did some things well, obviously, to end with the first ever bowl game win in the history of the school,” Chesney said. “It’s something we’re really honored by, but there’s a lot of games in there [last season] that we left on the table, and things that we were not overly excited about, but from that failure should come a lesson.”
Graduate student offensive lineman Pat McMurtrie, now entering his seventh season, said his decision to return to JMU for his final season of collegiate football was motivated almost entirely by his bond with Chesney plus the culture the coach has built at JMU, as well as their shared desire to chase more success.
“I’ve been around [coach] Ches for a while, so I love playing for him, but I didn’t really know what to expect when I first got here,” McMurtrie said. “I just love the experience, the guys on the team are just a great group of guys, and obviously playing in Bridgeforth, it was just a very very cool experience.”
When asked about the offensive line’s current state after losing two graduating starters from last season — center Tanner Morris and guard Cole Potts — and who in this year’s group is starting to stand out, McMurtrie offered up high praise for his fellow linemen in the offensive trenches.
“It was pretty cool last year that a lot of guys got to rotate in and play a little and got a little bit of experience, but overall I’m excited that [Carter] Sweazie’s back, that’s obviously big for the Oline, and I think Joe Simmons, one of our tackles, he’s done a tremendous job and works really hard,” McMurtrie said. “We also brought in Zach Greenberg from UNC, he brings a lot of experience, and then obviously Riley [Robell] coming back from an injury. I know I’m kind of naming guys across the board, but, you know, those are guys I’ve obviously been with and played with and just see how hard they’re working, so I am just excited to watch them [this season].”
In terms of skill positions, players and groups to look out for and expectations for the Dukes offense this upcoming season, Chesney pointed to the numbers, over 8500 yards and 140 touchdowns for skill position players and over 16000 yards and 170 touchdowns for the quarterbacks currently rostered to essentially say the proof is in the pudding and the sky is the limit for this offense.
Similarly, senior linebacker Trent Hendrick had nothing but good things to say about the work the defensive group has put in during spring practices and during the summer offseason to become familiar and comfortable with new first-year defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler’s scheme.
“We’ve been doing a whole lot of scheme things in the offseason, starting earlier than usual, just getting the stuff in with the new guys,” Hendrick said. “It’s really a new scheme for everybody because [coach] Hitch is new. So we’re on our maybe second or third time installing before camp, and the goal is when we get to camp, we can just focus on technique and competition rather than the scheme.”
Hendrick also shed some light on how his personal role within the team has shifted since last season with the Dukes losing two outspoken leaders inside the box in Taurus Jones and Jacob Dobbs, the latter now a member of JMU’s coaching staff.
Saying that it has always been easy for him to be vocal as a natural born leader, Hendrick said that coach Plungas has constantly been reminding him to lead himself first, and that’ll mean that others will then follow.
Similarly to McMurtrie, Hendricks’ face lit up at the opportunity to allocate some praise to his defensive compatriots, and he commended the group as a whole while also spotlighting a certain someone primed for a breakout—junior linebacker Gannon Weathersby.
“He’s a big energy guy, on and off the field,” Hendrick said. On the sideline he’ll get the guys going, and he’s himself every single day, he brings it every single day, and I’m happy to go out there and hit the field with him, it’s gonna be fun.”
Overall, the Dukes are primed for yet another successful year in the Sun Belt — being awarded 11 first place votes in the annual preseason conference coaches poll.
However, Chesney echoed that the Dukes aren’t all too concerned with outside buzz and opinions and will strive toward their own goals based on the prevailing culture and foundation they have worked so hard to build.
“Whatever outside expectations the outsiders might have for us, our expectations are even higher,” Chesney said. “And I think those with those expectations, once they’re set, now you need to be able to say, ‘Ok, what are the standards that are going to help us reach our expectations, not the outside world’s expectations?’ And we gotta put together a process that we’re gonna be able to live out every single day. So the process has to fit the standards, which has to meet the expectations.”
JMU will kick off its season with a win against Weber State at Bridgeforth Stadium on Aug. 30 at 5 p.m.
CONTACT Gavin Avella at breezesports@gmail.com. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.
Senior Trent Hendrick returns as leader of the Dukes defense following the departure of Jacob Dobbs. Breeze file photos
Junior linebacker Gannon Weathersby seems poised for a breakout year after posting 22 tackles (11 solo), 5.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one PBU in JMU’s Boca Raton Bowl win over Western Kentucky.
Punter from down under
Australian player Patrick Rea brings new spin to JMU football from portal
By PRESTON COMER
The Breeze
Following the end of the 2024-25 football season, former JMU and All-Sun Belt punter Ryan Hanson had no eligibility left. The Dukes had to find a new punter for the first time in two seasons, and they landed an Australian punter that never kicked an American football until he was 18.
JMU didn’t initially land redshirt junior punter Patrick Rea as Hanson’s replacement. They first brought in former Savannah State punter Lexington Matthews, who transferred to Louisiana Tech two weeks after the Dukes’ annual spring game.
The Dukes acted fast and brought in Rea, the Bulldogs’ former punter, less than two weeks later.
Rea said he was “looking for a change” after four seasons with Louisiana Tech, and JMU special teams coordinator/ tight ends coach Drew Canan helped him find his new home in Harrisonburg.
On a Wednesday in spring Rea was in class when Canan tried reaching out to him and missed the first few calls, but eventually knew he had to exit class and answer his phone.
“I’d never spoken to him before, and straight away I was like ‘this guy’s legit,’” Rea said. “The way he talked to me and the way he, off the bat, just wanted to embrace me and my abilities, was something I hadn’t really heard from other coaches I had been speaking to.”
Canan was on a trip in Maryland when he was going through a group of 10 punters in the transfer portal sent to him by head coach Bob Chesney. He said he stopped at a grocery store to grab a granola bar when the second he watched Rea’s tape he said to himself, “this is the guy.”
Canan said his phone call with Rea was the best 17 minute conversation he’s ever had. On that call, Canan asked Rea what he’s looking for, to which he named three things: a place that wins, a place where specialists are involved with everything and a place he’d be coached.
Canan flew Rea out for a visit to JMU that following Friday — just two days after the phone call. Rea said once he saw “what Harrisonburg was all about, it was a quick decision.”
“From the first night I was here driving around town, meeting all the coaches and eating dinner with all of them, they seemed like really genuine, caring people and that was something I wanted to be a part of,” Rea said. “By the end of my visit there was nothing negative I could say about [JMU]. That made the decision very easy.”
Rea grew up in Melbourne and said he played Australian football from the time he was 4-5-years-old.
“All of my friends in kindergarten were doing the same thing,” Rea said. “I grew up with a ball in my hands. It’s a different shaped ball than an American ball but [playing a form of football] has been the most constant thing in my life.”
An Australian football is rounder than an American football, and Rea said the leather is a lot softer which gives it more bounce when punted.
Rea first started punting an American football during a gap year he took after high school, which he used to train and put tape out in hopes of moving to the states to play college football.
“The American football is quite pointy in my opinion, from what I was used to,” Rea said. “Trying to learn how to find a sweet spot on that ball was difficult.”
Another obstacle Rea faced when transitioning to American college football is the proximity in which he has to punt. As opposed to Australian football, where Rea had room to run around a more open field, he had to get used to punting from a tighter pocket with less time in the states.
“I had to learn how to be technical and get into a rhythm of hitting the same ball every time,” Rea said. “It took a lot of learning. It wasn’t easy going from running around a big, open field kicking a ball to a pocket with 11 guys running at you.”
When Rea was first approached about playing college football in America, he said he spent time thinking it over with family and ultimately wanted to do something out of his comfort zone.
“Coming across the world to play a brand new sport seemed like a pretty exciting opportunity,” Rea said.
Rea committed to Louisiana Tech, where he spent his first three seasons. Last season, he was the Bulldogs’ starting
punter, averaging 39.6 yards per punt on 67 attempts, including a career-long 70 yard punt against Nicholls.
As he climbed up the ranks of Australian football, Rea got to a point where it’s expected you have some kicking skill with your non-dominant foot. But Rea, who’s naturally left-footed, has stuck to punting with his dominant foot in American football.
“I don’t think I’d be confident enough to translate that right foot over here in punting,” Rea said with a laugh. “It was hard enough learning how to punt an American ball on my left foot, I think the right foot will stay locked away from now.”
Still, left-footed punters can have an advantage over returners as the spin on the ball is different from a rightfooted punter. The unfamiliarity of the spin can cause fumbles, which Rea recognizes.
“We had maybe eight fumbles last year off of my punts, and I think we recovered four or five of them,” Rea said. “The different spin in the air just kind of gets those returners and I think we can use that to our advantage. It makes it hard for the opposition to practice for a left-footer, because most teams don’t have one.”
Chesney is excited about the versatility a left-footed punter brings to the Dukes, also saying the “ball spins differently.”
“You’re just nervous about it as a coach all week, because you know your guys haven’t seen that,” Chesney said. “They get that spin to the left pocket which is different from what they see everyday. That’s something I’m really excited we have the ability to do.”
Even though most people don’t look at specialists as primary leaders on teams, Canan has been impressed by Rea’s leadership.
“He’s done a great job,” Canan said. “The leadership is something he’s done a really good job at for us, he’s worked extremely hard.”
CONTACT Preston Comer at breezesports@gmail.com. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.
Redshirt junior punter Patrick Rea had a career-long 70-yard punt for Louisiana Tech last season on Aug. 31 against Nicholls. Courtesy of JMU Athletics
Route runners revamped A look into the newest names in JMU football's receiver room
By PRESTON COMER
The Breeze
JMU football lost its top three wide receivers from last season — Omarion Dollison, Yamir Knight and Cam Ross, who combined for 1,681 of the Dukes’ 2,089 receiving yards. But JMU reconstructed its receiver room through the transfer portal, headlined by senior Jaylan Sanchez, redshirt senior Nick DeGennaro, junior Landon Ellis, redshirt senior Isaiah Alston and junior Braeden Wisloski.
Dollison, Knight and Ross all stood under six feet tall, but the Dukes attacked size in the receiver room with Sanchez and DeGennaro, who stood at 6-feet and 6-foot-1, respectively. Alston also stands at a towering 6-foot-4.
Head coach Bob Chesney said at one point last year he thought JMU was “really good in the receiver room.” Chesney said Dollison, Knight and Ross were the guys being talked about, but he feels the Dukes have doubled their talent at wide receiver.
“We have a very good shot to be significantly better in that room, with depth,” Chesney said.
Chesney noted the combined statistics of his receivers when evaluating the room, and said they have over 300 receptions, 6,000 yards and 40 touchdowns.
“Even though we don’t look exactly the same, there’s still people that have produced and produced at high levels,” Chesney said.
Knight led the way for the Dukes with 53 receptions last season before transferring to SMU in May. Sanchez, who spent three years at Villanova, cushioned the blow of losing a productive slot receiver.
“He catches the ball in tight windows, he’s very precise with his routes, he’s quick off the ball, and then he can take the top
off it too,” Chesney said of Sanchez. “There’s a lot in there; his game’s complete. We need him to continue to do that.”
Sanchez caught 66 passes for 1,238 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023 and 2024 combined. Sanchez said in the spring he was still running around and “asking guys for advice on how to do certain things,” but now he’s finding ways to incorporate his own style of play into JMU’s aerial attack.
Aside from Sanchez, the Dukes have a pair of Richmond transfers at receiver in DeGennaro and Ellis, who both tallied over 500 yards last season. Wisloski and Alston had 75 yards and 52 yards, respectively, but both came from Power 4 teams.
Wisloski also adds depth to the Dukes' returner room, returning 18 kickoffs and eight punts during his career at Maryland. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.
The Dukes didn’t just bolster their receiver room through the portal, though, as freshman Michael Scott has turned the heads of his coaches and teammates.
“Every day he scares the hell out of the defense,” Sanchez said. “It’s one thing to just come out here and run routes, but it’s another thing to be intimidating.”
Sanchez also talked about how defenders usually overlook someone of Scott’s size since he’s smaller at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, but when they see Scott, “it’s kind of a shaking-inyour-boots situation.”
Sanchez summed up what he expects of the Dukes’ receivers in one sentence: “Explosions, streamers very often and a whole lot of celebrations because we like to have fun.”
CONTACT Preston Comer more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.
Senior Jaylan Sanchez enters as one of four wide recievers to transfer into JMU over the offseason. Breeze file photo
DISCOVER & EXPLORE DOWNTOWN HARRISONBURG
Don’t miss these memory-making events welcoming the JMU Class of 2029!
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH FOOD TRUCKS, GIVEAWAYS & MORE!
WED., AUGUST 20, 6:30 PM
228 S LIBERTY ST IN DOWNTOWN HARRISONBURG 14-MINUTE WALK FROM THE QUAD!
Levitt AMP Hburg Music Series Shows
Wed., Sept. 3 at 6:30pm Jesse Roper (Roots Rock / Modern Blues)
Wed., Sept. 10 at 6:30pm Kommuna Lux (Ukrainian Urban Folk) to your away from home!
LEVITT AMP LEVITT AMP HBURG HBURG 2025 2025 2025 2025 Featuring IndiePop/Rock Band, Boys Go to Jupiter
BLOCK PARTY IN THE
SAT., AUGUST 23, 2 – 4 PM
MUSIC, PUTT PUTT, GIVEAWAYS, GAMES & TONS MORE!
MAIN ST & COURT SQ IN DOWNTOWN HARRISONBURG MEET AT THE QUAD AT ~1:30 PM TO WALK WITH THE MRDS!
Festivals & Celebrations
Skeleton Festival
Free community festival Saturday, October 25
Veterans Parade
Main Street parade
Sunday, November 9
Winter Wonderfest
Free community festival Saturday, December 6
Don’t miss weekly events like karaoketrivia, & more!
OPINION
EDITOR EMAIL breezeopinion@gmail.com
Caroline McKeown
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 “where-is-CarrierLibrary?” dart to JMU libraries.
From a student who pays outof-state tution to not have a functional library on the Quad.
A “hey-I-peed-in-thatbush-once” pat to reminiscing.
From a student returning to their party grounds.
A “new-year-new-me” pat to reinventing myself in college.
From a freshman who is excited about finding themself in college.
A “give-me-storage” dart to freshmen dorms.
From a freshman who severely overpacked, much to my father’s dismay.
How to survive your freshman year
After wrapping up my freshman year at JMU, there are things I wish I knew at the start. Whether it was feeling overwhelmed or getting lost on my first day, I wish I had someone to help guide me. So I’m going to help you. These are seven of my best tips and tricks to survive your freshman year.
Involve yourself in organizations you find interesting JMU has over 400 clubs and organizations, so there is something for everyone. My advice is go to Student Org Night — which is held at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters — and join at least five clubs. They can be related to your major, something you were involved in high school or something you find fun. Whether you join alone or with friends, joining these clubs can be a great way to make connections.
“I joined the Self Care Club with my friends, we are all in a big friend group, so we all decided this was something we can all do beside school,” freshman Sadaf Dalilaltojari said. “It is such a good way to spend time together for an hour no matter what homework you have.”
At the end of the day, if you‘re no longer interested in the club, you can just stop going. You don’t need to stick with every club you join for the next four years.
If you don’t find your friends early, it’s not the end of the world
College is a time for a fresh start. I remember one thing people kept telling me at the beginning of college was “it’s like kindergarten,” which is true. Everyone is looking for their place and their people, but if you don’t find your people on the very first day, it’s okay. While I am still very close with my friends from the first week, I made some of my closest friends my second semester. Be open to talking to new people no matter where you are. Join clubs, talk to the people in your classes and make small talk in the laundry room. I promise everyone is looking for a friend.
Say yes to everything
Naturally, I am not a spontaneous person, but this year has taught me to say yes. So I’m telling you, say yes. I’m not saying blow off your school work and go wild, but if the opportunity presents itself, go for it. You will never get another freshman year of college. So go out on a Thursday night, try a new restaurant, even go on a random side quest. Make the most of your freshman year by just saying yes.
Do your laundry on weekdays, not weekends
This one is going to sound weird, but do your laundry on the weekdays. I know everyone is used to the Sunday reset, but I’m here to tell you the machines will never be open on a Sunday. Everyone will flood the laundry room on Sunday. So pick a day and time — mine is Tuesday mornings — and stick with it. You will never have to wait for someone to come pull their wet clothes out of the washer or get texted in the dorm group chat that your dryer is done.
The hills are real, and they will get you
Something no one prepared me for was the hills. You have to remember that JMU is in the Shenandoah Valley and the hills are steep. No matter how in shape you are, those hills will wind you every single time. It gets better throughout the year, but they still take me out sometimes. My best advice is to invest in a good pair of walking shoes because you’ll need it.
Take
advantage of campus events
The University Program Board puts on events all the time like Late Night Breakfast and pop-up events outside of D-Hall. Take advantage of these. They are a great time to meet new people and get free stuff. I have a friend who once won a JBL Clip speaker, and I have several free T-shirts from these events. Campus events are always a good time, and it doesn’t hurt to get free things.
It’s ok to feel overwhelmed
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and homesick. This is a new environment with new people, and it can be difficult to adjust. It can take time and be difficult, but eventually you will find your way. Utilize different JMU resources like the Counseling Center located in the Student Success Center if you continue to feel overwhelmed and homesick, but give yourself time to settle, and you will eventually find your way.
Starting your first semester at JMU can be exciting, overwhelming and unforgettable all at once. It‘ll be full of new experiences and challenges. While my list won’t solve every problem, it‘ll at least give you a headstart.
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.
JMU freshmen orientation in the Atlantic Union Bank Center. Breeze file photo
KATIE MAE YETTER Breeze columnist
What you put in is what you get out
EMMA CURRIE Breeze columnist
The college experience is as simple as the saying, “what you put in is what you get out” — stemming from Newton’s third law of motion, “Every action has an opposite or equal reaction.” In terms of the college experience, making sure the experience is well worth its while will allow people to accomplish more than one could ever imagine in just a few short years.
By taking initiative and actively engaging in campus life, students can maximize their college experience and open doors to meaningful opportunities. One of the most effective ways to do this is by joining clubs and organizations that align with their interests.
Most universities have a smorgasbord of clubs and organizations, offering different outlets to express each individual’s interests outside of class, with new people who also share the same interests. Not only do these different on-campus organizations offer something for everyone, but oftentimes the relationships built and the skills learned outlast the time spent at school.
JMU considers the college experience to be “the best time to get involved,” according to its website. The university offers over 400 clubs and organizations, so there’s something for everyone.
While having so many options can seem like an overload, it’s likely that all students will find their niche. For senior hospitality major Olivia Figurelli, joining the Panhellenic Executive Council did just the thing. Figurelli serves as the Vice President of Internal Affairs and Programming as part of the Panhellenic Executive Council, which represents the twelve different sororities at JMU. She coordinates and plans all panhellenic point events, which encourage members to be more engaged, and acts as a liaison between the Panhellenic Council and chapter delegates.
Figurelli believes getting involved on campus helps prepare students for life after college, she said.
“It allows you to make meaningful connections with people in your community and gives you the opportunity to grow in so many ways, whether that be personally, educationally or professionally,” she said, “JMU is special because with the wide variety of organizations and clubs,
there truly is something for everyone. Getting involved in any way will definitely enrich your college experience and help you develop a sense of belonging on campus.”
On the opposite end of campus, junior health service administration major Bryson Spangler serves as recruitment chair of the business fraternity Gamma Iota Sigma. Spangler’s job is to plan and execute recruitment week events.
“Being in GIS at JMU has helped me to develop professionally and has brought me out of my shell,” he said.
Spangler feels it’s really important for everyone to be involved in at least one club or organization on campus because “it gives you the chance to meet new people, do new things and it may even help people come out of their shells.”
Figurelli and Spangler’s experiences both highlight a larger truth about campus involvement — it goes far beyond simply filling time outside of class. Whether through leadership roles, professional development or forming lasting friendships, being part of a campus organization provides students with valuable tools that carry into life after graduation. Ultimately, the college experience reflects the effort students choose to invest.
“With a lot of organizations on campus, students have the opportunity to choose how much they want to be involved. The idea ‘what you put in is what you get out’ applies to being involved because the more time, effort and energy that you invest into it, the more valuable experiences and skills you are likely to gain in return,” Figurelli said.
Figurelli shared that being an active member, whilst taking on leadership roles and embracing any opportunities to better your skills and build meaningful connections, will allow one to truly maximize the benefits of the organization.
Spangler said he believed the phrase really applied to being involved with GIS.
“If you do not show up to events, you won’t know people, leaving you unable to grow socially or professionally,” he said.
If a member of an organization doesn’t get to know people and truly be involved with what the organization stands for, they won’t get much out of it.
Figurelli believes that only attending class is simply not enough. While academics are undeniably important, only attending class without engaging in anything beyond coursework can limit the overall college experience. College is about more than just earning a degree — it’s time for personal growth, exploration and building connections. Students who focus solely on academics may miss out on valuable opportunities to develop socially, professionally and emotionally.
Involvement in campus life adds depth and meaning to the college journey, making it far more rewarding and memorable.
“Being a part of this organization differs from attending classes because it provides real-life, practical experience and responsibilities. While you can learn about concepts in a classroom, putting them into practice teaches you much more,” Figurelli said.
She added that in a classroom setting students face unexpected obstacles, resulting in learning from their own mistakes. The council has given Figurelli a strong support system all whilst showing her how to work with others to achieve a common goal, which will be helpful in future career settings.
Joining a campus club or organization is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to find your place within your community.
Remembering that it doesn’t need to be all figured out at the start is the key to success. The best thing to do is step outside your comfort zone and simply show up. Start small, attend Student Org Night, introduce yourself or talk to someone already involved. Taking the first step can lead to unexpected opportunities and meaningful growth. As Figurelli put it, getting involved “allows you to make meaningful connections and grow in so many ways.” In Spangler’s words, sometimes the best advice is to “just go for it.” All in all, the college experience is truly what each student makes of it, because what you put in IS what you get out.
CONTACT Emma Currie at currieeg@dukes.jmu. edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.
A JMU student walks down Greek Row during rush week. Breeze file photo
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The
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By Summer Solis
OPINION EDITOR Caroline McKeown breezeopinion@gmail.com
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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 Gift of __ 4 Inaudible on Zoom, perhaps 9 Durango automaker 14 Org. concerned with mental health 15 __-3 fatty acid 16 Orchestral woodwinds
FIFA zero
18 Was victorious in the ring, but not by a knockout
20 Shows to be false
22 Small roles for big stars 23 Supply-anddemand subj. 24 Raise a hem, e.g. 25 Informal “I’ve heard enough!” 27 Drawn from actual events 31 Spike on a shoe bottom
33 “You’ll definitely pass” course
34 Patterns on shoe bottoms
35 Demand for payment prior to service, or what 18-, 27-, 41-, and 54-Across all have 37 Ancient Greek city-state 39 Comes to a crawl 40 Tube-shaped pasta
41 Dessert made with equal parts sugar, eggs, butter, and flour
45 “You’re a tough __ to follow!” 46 B+, but not A+ 47 Former soccer pro Morgan
Prone protests
“Acupuncture is a jab well done” et al. 54 Big name in map publishing
Bon __: witty remark
Yoga pose
Site with an RSVP tracker
Nikola Jokic’s org.
By Jared Cappel
“Uh, whatever”
Narcissist’s problem
Did the mambo
MADISON MARKETPLACE
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.
APARTMENTS FOR RENT SERVICES
Transportation Services Airport transfers, wine tours, special events Motorcoach trip to Liberty football game Sept 20 Contact AdventuresN-Travel.com Call or text 540810-1196 mikepackett@aol.com
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Location: Copper Beech, 1.7 miles to campus $830/month, first month rent FREE, co-ed (JMU students) Newly renovated and fully furnished! Includes: Deck, in-house laundry, parking, and more. Popular community! Interested or know someone who is? Please contact cb.studenthousing@gmail.com and reference The Breeze Ad.
