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Homecoming Weekend events

Friday, Oct. 17

Quadfest with the MRDs

Quadfest is a free event hosted on the Quad in front of Wilson Hall. It features free food, games and a variety of JMU celebrations from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. JMU’s Marching Royal Dukes will provide the event with triumphant tunes that celebrate school pride.

Homecoming Golf Tournament

The 26th annual Homecoming Golf Tournament will be hosted at the Spotswood Country Club from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tournament will raise money for Valley student scholarships. Each participant will receive a “special gift,” according to JMU’s website. A barbecue dinner will be provided as well.

JMU Mineral Museum

The JMU Mineral Museum, hosted by the department of Geology and Environmental Sciences, will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can see photographs and exhibits of unique stones and gems such as quartz, topaz, garnet and more. Admission is free and no registration is required.

STOMPMANIA step show

STOMPMANIA is JMU’s annual Homecoming step show in Wilson Hall — presented by the Center for Multicultural Services and the Inter-Cultural Greek Council. Student tickets are $20 and general admission is $25. Tickets can be purchased through JMU’s website. The show starts at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

What to do while in the ’Burg

Saturday, Oct. 18

Autumn Attire Harvest

The Career Closet will accept business or business-casual donations throughout Homecoming Weekend to support Dukes who need professional additions to their wardrobe. Students can browse the Career Closet and take up to five items per semester.

Harvest Festival at the Arboretum

Hosted in the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, the Harvest Festival is the perfect place for family fun during Homecoming Weekend. The festival’s activities include cookie decorating, exploring the Underground Classroom and playing games from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Homecoming Tailgate at Hanson Field

Join JMU’s legendary Homecoming tailgates from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Hanson Field, where Dukes can enjoy food, music and Homecoming merchandise before the game against Old Dominion at 3:30 p.m.

JMU football vs. Old Dominion

Experience the electrifying atmosphere of Bridgeforth Stadium as the Dukes look to improve upon their 5-1 record against Old Dominion in the Royal Rivalry. Student tickets are sold out, but general admission tickets can still be purchased online.

Graphic by Julia Tanner / The Breeze

What Dukes are wearing this fall Mixing comfort with style

By ABI PAYNE contributing writer

As the leaves change, so do our closets — so what are Dukes wearing this fall to stay both warm and fashionable? From “grandpa” sweaters to mixed metals, here are the latest fashion trends for college students this fall, and where to get them online:

Grandpa and grandma sweaters

Vintage sweaters with unique patterns — commonly nicknamed “grandpa” and “grandma” sweaters — appeal to many due to their tendency to be oversized and soft. These sweaters can be obtained from thrift stores, making them both affordable and fashionable. They’re perfect for students.

Lace/sheer cardigans

Lace and sheer cardigans have been trending due to their ease of layering. They can be used to liven up an otherwise boring or basic long-sleeve shirt.

The online shops of Brandy Melville, Motel Rocks and Depop are popular among students due to their social media presence, as well as their ability to stay current with fashion trends as they emerge and fade. You can find lace and sheer cardigans on all three of these websites.

Leather jackets

Leather jackets are a great way to bundle up, as well as give your outfit a bit of “edge.” A classic black leather jacket can do the trick, but many fashion-forward people have been branching out and opting for a red or brown jacket instead.

Unfortunately, authentic leather jackets can be difficult to come by and are also expensive. Garage and Princess Polly sell higher-quality faux-leather jackets

that look as good as the real deal, while maintaining affordability.

Baggy, low-rise jeans

Baggy, low-rise jeans are in — all students who were interviewed refused the idea of wearing a high-waisted or skinny jean. Especially when paired with a unique belt or other accessories, jeans can be made to fit anyone’s aesthetic.

“Mid-ride is the highest I will go,” senior Nora Krisfalusi said.

Some of the student-recommended places to find a pair of baggy jeans are Pacsun and Hollister.

Maxi and denim skirts

Maxi skirts are a great option for students seeking a feminine or classy look. They provide leg coverage, making it easy to sneak in extra layers, such as leggings or tights, underneath. They’re a good basic, and can be paired with most tops. An interesting, patterned maxi skirt can be a way to stand out on campus.

Eye-catching maxi skirts can be found at Zara, as well as Urban Outfitters.

Denim skirts have been a staple of fall fashion throughout the years. With many different options in terms of length or color, it’s hard to go wrong. Pairing a denim skirt with some tights and chunky boots can give you that effortless “downtown” look.

Aritzia, along with many other clothing stores, sell different lengths and colors of denim skirts for you to choose.

Uggs, sneakers and boots

Sneakers, such as Adidas Sambas and Reeboks, are still popular as on campus.

see FASHION, page 17

With varying weather throughout the day, fall is the perfect time for layering.

Photo illustration by Anna Thomas

Bibliomania | 4 fabulous reads to fall for this autumn

By SIXUAN WU The Breeze

Fall is a time of harvest, both for nature and the mind. For me, the season has always been one of reflection — to discover aspects of myself and make peace with others as I prepare for the challenges the year ahead will bring.

This mindset is reflected in the books I read, too. From romance to thrillers, World War II historicals to future dystopias, check out these four books that offer a great balance of adventures, introspection and transformation you’ll fall in love with as the leaves begin to change color.

‘Station Eleven’ by Emily St. John Mandel

This is one of the books I read for class in high school that I loved immediately.

“Station Eleven” begins when 8-yearold Kirsten witnesses the sudden death of

renowned actor Arthur Leander on stage. The same night, a deadly pandemic called the Georgia Flu arrives in the city, ending civilization as we know it within weeks.

Twenty years later, Kirsten wanders what is left of the world with a theater group called The Traveling Symphony. Together, they travel across different settlements and strive to preserve the remnants of art and humanity. When they arrive at St. Deborah by the Water, however, the group encounters a strange prophet who threatens their existence.

From then on, the story switches between the pre- and post-pandemic worlds, exploring the lives of several characters — intimately connected without them knowing — until the twist of fate connecting all them is revealed.

I’m not usually a fan of dystopian fiction, but there’s something deeply human about this book that drew me in right away. I loved the author’s poetic, melancholy prose, as well as the detailed descriptions of the “before,”

the “after” and the stark contrast between the two. Then there are the characters — each so carefully crafted with their own troubled pasts and quiet strengths that it’s impossible to hate even the seeming villain.

Hauntingly beautiful and quietly intense, “Station Eleven” is a glittering testament to the power of humanity in times of hardship. This is the kind of book that will have you think about it for a long time after and leave you understanding our world just a little bit more intimately.

‘The Rose Code’ by Kate Quinn World War II resistance fiction will always occupy a special place in my heart, and “The Rose Code” is yet another great addition that I enjoyed immensely.

This gripping historical novel features three young women — vivacious Osla, haughty Mab and timid Beth — working to break German military codes in Bletchley Park, one of England’s most secretive wartime agencies.

As the three form a friendship, Beth also spreads her wings as Bletchley Park’s most talented — and one of the few female — cryptanalysts. Yet at the same time, the loss of war and the pressure of secrecy rend their friendship. Years after their fallout, a mysterious traitor emerges from the shadows of their past, which ended in one of the girls being confined to a mental asylum. The three girls must come together once more to find their true enemy.

Despite the book being more than 600 pages, it didn’t feel like such a hefty tome. The author’s beautiful prose transported me easily to the world of Bletchley Park, and each of the heroines stood out with their unique resilience. I think the bond between the three girls is my favorite part — sometimes carefree, other times turbulent, but always heartfelt

see FALL READS, page 12

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Fall is a time of harvest, both for nature and the mind. Breeze file photo

Graphics by Julia Tanner / The Breeze

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Annabel Dewey / The Breeze

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

THE TIME-HONORED TRADITION

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Annabel Dewey / The Breeze

from FALL READS, page 8

From friendship to romance, and from action to mystery, “The Rose Code” is certainly a roller-coaster journey that will leave readers sighing with contentment at its end.

‘A

Study in Scarlet Women’ by Sherry Thomas

In this gender-flipped retelling of Sherlock Holmes, Sherry Thomas adds a feminist twist to Holmes and Watson’s many adventures.

This first book of the “Lady Sherlock” series stars Charlotte Holmes, a young woman with unique talents for observation and logical reasoning. Feeling restrained by the societal norms of Victorian England, Charlotte escapes home and becomes a crime-solving investigator instead, posing as the sister of the nonexistent “Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective.”

Shortly after, Charlotte gets swept up in her first major case — three unexpected deaths across the city, for which her father and sister become the prime suspects. Desperate to catch the true culprit, Charlotte finds help from friends new and old — Mrs. Watson, her benefactor and assistant; Inspector Treadles, who had long worked alongside “Sherlock Holmes” without learning the detective’s true identity; and Lord Ingram, who has secretly been in love with Charlotte since childhood.

While what drew me into the book at first was the premise of a gender-swapped Sherlock Holmes, I quickly fell in love with the author’s mastery of weaving suspense into every detail. Throughout the book, Thomas achieves tension through switching between different characters’ perspectives, cutting off a trail of clues just as the reader is hot on the pursuit. With its quiet suspense and flowery Victorian language, “A Study in Scarlet Women” may be slow to ease readers

into its world of gaslamps and carriages, but it’s sure to hook you until the very end.

‘Dead Even’ by Brad Meltzer

This heart-pounding legal thriller tells of a challenge with the highest stakes — when the price of losing means the death of the person you love the most.

“Dead Even” follows a couple facing each other on opposite sides of a courtroom: Sara, a new prosecuting attorney recently starting at the Manhattan DA’s office, and Jared, her rising-star defense attorney husband.

In a wild gamble to secure her future at the DA’s office, Sara takes on a high-profile case — for which her husband is defending the prime suspect. As the two get tangled deeper into the case, however, their relationship becomes strained. And worse, unbeknownst to each other, both Sara and Jared receive threats from interested parties on each side of the case — if one of them loses, the other will die.

As witty as it is intense, “Dead Even” is packed with quippy dialogue and thrilling action. The plain language makes the novel an easy read, and the twists and turns make it impossible to put down once one has dived head-first into the sticky web of schemes. I remember staying up late and consuming this book within days to see how the plot unfolded, only to gasp out loud at the final revelation, where the author has toppled everything I thought I knew

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 on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Fall is the perfect time to curl up in bookstores with a good read. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

EAT DOMINO’S EAT DOMINO’S DUKES DUKES

Where are the Carrier books?

By EMMA NOTARNICOLA

The Breeze

Before construction, Carrier Library’s walls were lined with bookshelves filled with information from all subjects. Now, the walls are bare and the library is empty, leaving many Dukes wondering: What happened to the books?

The books from Carrier were temporarily relocated to The Hub during the library’s construction, JMU Libraries Director of Facilities Operations Kelly Miller-Martin wrote in an emailed statement.

The Hub — originally called D-Hub and built to support D-Hall renovations in 2015

— has housed the books since 2023, MillerMartin wrote.

Discussion and planning regarding moving the books to The Hub began with Facilities Management and JMU Libraries in 2019, with significant planning required to support book maintenance as it used to house office spaces according to JMU’s website.

The Hub was chosen for its ability to provide a climate-controlled, safe storage space for the books and offices for staff who conduct “regular collection maintenance activities” including: checking for damage, receiving and placing new materials, and quality control, JMU Libraries Director of Collection Sarah Pritchard wrote in the same email.

The space was converted to include hundreds of shelves from Carrier and create the best environment for the books, MillerMartin wrote.

The books are currently organized by the U.S. Library of Congress call-numbers system — the same method used in Carrier — to maintain organization during relocation, and as JMU Libraries expands its collection, Pritchard wrote.

In summer 2026, professional book movers will begin the process of returning these books to Carrier, Pritchard wrote.

These movers have the equipment and experience, and are crafting a “sequencing plan” to efficiently return the books to Carrier, Pritchard wrote.

“A massive amount of effort went into successfully converting the Hub into a storage location for library collections,” Miller-Martin wrote. “Similarly, planning for the return of Carrier has been years in the making.”

safely and accurately complete this process, movers must measure each shelf and place books into moving crates to maintain organization. hundreds of thousands of books is a thoroughly planned and lengthy process,”

worked with these movers before with the books’ initial move out of Carrier, Pritchard wrote, JMU Libraries is confident in their ability to avoid damages.

returned to Carrier, a majority of the books will be housed on the ground floor, first floor and third floor — with the first floor being an open study space featuring popular fiction and non-fiction books once JMU reopens Carrier in August 2026 — Pritchard wrote.

students can’t access these books directly from the Hub, the printed collections are still “easily accessible” through the JMU Libraries’ on-campus delivery service, MillerMartin wrote.

“Books are a core part of the JMU Libraries’ collections,” Pritchard wrote, “books connect us with the past, open our minds to diverse perspectives and help us build stronger futures.”

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.

JMU Libraries moved books from Carrier Library to The Hub. Breeze file photo

What’s new with Blue Ridge Bowl?

The Dukes Dining location is expanding its menu

By YOHANNAN GUGSA

contributing writer

Updating its menu with several options, Blue Ridge Innovations in Dukes Dining introduced a series of rotating themes at the beginning of the semester: Blue Ridge Bowl, PhoNominal and Elements of Aloha.

The Blue Ridge Bowl is a fresh salad bowl with many different topping options. Students create their own salad bowls to match their taste. Pho-Nominal is a Traditional Vietnamese soup. Elements of Aloha is a group of Hawaiianinspired dishes.

This concept will test new menus based on student voting, JMU Dining Marketing Manager Heather Holsinger said. Dining wanted to provide students a voice in the menu selection while also cultivating new items for students to try, she said.

Holsinger said although this change may take time to adjust to, she believes students will grow to enjoy the rotating menu.

“Once everyone gets the hang of how Blue Ridge Innovations works, we’re confident the excitement will build with each new menu launch,” she said.

Instead of strictly providing the Blue Ridge Bowls that students are already familiar with, Blue Ridge Innovations was created for a “fresh culinary experience,” — “to keep things fresh and student focused,” Holsinger said.

Holsinger added that JMU Dining kept the Blue Ride Bowl menu due to its popularity, but added the new pho and Hawaiian menus due to the healthy nature of their ingredients and include meals in the rotation that bring students a sense of comfort.

The current menu also takes different dietary needs into consideration. For example, the noodles at PhoNominal and macaroni salad at Elements of Aloha are made without gluten, and the topping options are all gluten-free and vegan as well. In addition, each menu offers a plant-based proteins, sides and grains.

Some students preferred the menu when it was only Blue Ridge Bowl, including sophomore Thalia Sidley, who said she enjoys the variety of salads.

“I think that there’s not a lot of good salad options [on campus] and this is a delicious salad option,” she said.

Sophomore Riley Cameron shares Sidley’s views but added that some food items at Blue Ridge Innovations, such as the pho, can be inconvenient to eat.

“Why am I eating soup when it’s hot outside?” she said.

Holsinger said JMU Dining considered students’ needs and wants during the creation of this menu through Instagram polls. JMU Dining wanted to create a menu that provided students the nutrients they needed while also making each meal “an experience,” she said.

“Our goal is to create an experience students enjoy, feel connected to and have a voice in shaping what’s next,” Holsinger said.

Students can still provide feedback on Blue Ridge Innovation’ menu through a Voice of the Consumer survey. QR codes for the survey are displayed throughout Dukes Dining

CONTACT Yohannan Gugsa at gugsaym@dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

“Our goal is to create an experience students enjoy, feel connected to and have a voice in shaping what’s next.”

Heather Holsinger

JMU Dining Marketing Manager

Blue Ridge Innovations, formerly Blue Ridge Bowls, expanded its menu. Shohan Thopa / The Breeze

from FASHION, page 6

With a minimalist design, these tennis shoes can be paired with almost anything and are comfortable for walking around the hilly campus. They’re a good investment for your closet, regardless of the season.

For colder weather, UGGs provide comfort for more casual wear. With many colors and styles to pick from, UGGs have stayed popular throughout different eras of fashion, from the early 2000s to now.

Biker boots are a perfect shoe to be paired with skirts. Different from your typical knee-high boot, these shoes are wrapped in belt buckles, giving them a more interesting look. Styled with a denim skirt and leather jacket, you’ll be looking chic in no time. Steve Madden has a variety of styles of biker boots.

Chunky, mixed-metal jewelry stacks

Although dainty jewelry has been dominating, chunky jewelry is on the rise. On top of this, many Dukes mix metals in their jewelry stacks, mainly combining silver and gold. So, for those of you gold lovers who were gifted a silver necklace that’s collecting dust, it may be your time to take it out for a spin. Mixing metals can be a fun way to make your accessories stand out, as well as show off personality.

Tote bags

A fashionable tote might be a winner for many students who feel as if their backpack “ruins” their outfit. A simple beige tote bag can be a great way to carry your laptop and other school supplies, but totes from brands such as Kate Spade can offer a more elevated feel. Don’t fret — many expensive brands can be bought at a discount at stores such as Nordstrom Rack, or even be thrifted. Some local thrift and resale stores to consider are the Shops at Agora and Tried & True Thrift.

CONTACT Abi Payne at payneak@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.

Warm colors and UGGs are a staple that can be found anywhere on campus in October.

Denim is a popular choice, with pieces ranging from jackets to dresses. Photos by Anna Thomas / The Breeze

WHICH HARRISONBURG CAFE ARE YOU?

1. You sit down in a cafe, what’s your

A. London Fog tea latte

B. Horchata latte

C. Hot mocha cappuccino

D. Iced matcha latte

E. Iced vanilla latte

2. How are you layering

3. Pick a post-grad city to live in

A. Richmond

B. New York City

C. Georgetown, D.C.

D. Asheville, N.C.

E. Staunton

A. In

B. At

C. Getting in bed at 9 pm.

D. Movie marathon with friends

E. Doing next week’s homework

E. An orange kitty or a beagle

6.Your go-to fall activity

A. Spirit Halloween visits

B. Apple picking

C. Pumpkin patch photoshoot

D. Carving pumpkins

E. Leaf-peeping

MOSTLY A’S …

You’re Black Sheep Coffee! You have amazing artistic taste and aren’t afraid to stick out from the crowd. Your outfits can often be found on JMUFits. You’re frequently listening to alternative or rock music. Fantasy and horror are your go-to book genres.

MOSTLY B’S …

You’re Drifters Cafe! Your makeup and hair are always done flawlessly. You’re the coolest person in the friend group, by far. You enjoy trying new foods and binge-watching movies.

MOSTLY C’S

…

You’re Broad Porch! You’re classy and confident. Cheesy romance novels are your favorite genre, though you’re a bit embarrassed to admit it. You love Taylor Swift, striped sweaters and a pumpkin patch. You’re not afraid to be basic; things are popular for a reason!

MOSTLY D’S

…

You’re Merge! You have most likely left the house in 40-degree weather in just a T-shirt and won’t admit to being cold. You tend to sit down and “study” but end up scrolling social media for two hours. You’re the funny one in the friend group.

MOSTLY E’S …

You’re Java City! You’re reliable and consistent. You’re the best person to be paired with in a group project because you do your fair share on time. You’re focused on the important things in life, though you indulge in some fun every once in a while.

This quiz is created by coffee-lover and Culture Editor Isabel Lewis.

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