Centennial Celebration
Campus prepares for event 100 years in the making
Posted on August 30, 2007
JMU's birthday is approaching and all students, faculty and alumni are invited.
This is JMU's centennial year – meaning that on the March 14, JMU is turning 100 years old. To celebrate, this year will be full of exhibits, galleries and events leading up to the big day.
The director of the centennial office staff, Fred Hilton, has a big role in planning all of the events.
"This is just the beginning," Hilton said. "It's going to be a lot of fun."
Events will include walking tours leading participants through the historic buildings of JMU, a weekly series of anecdotal stories from the centennial book, duke dog statues throughout campus and the community, galleries and presentations, tailgates, galas, parties, concerts, a premiere of JMU Centennial music, concerts and the sealing of a time capsule.
"There will be six different displays of JMU history," Hilton said.
These include athletics, campus life, leadership, the campus's architecture, arts, and academics through the years.
"The one on athletics will probably receive a good response from students," Hilton said. "It's interesting to see how much has changed over the past 100 years."
Also beginning next month, painted mini-Duke Dog statues will be placed around campus and in local businesses to help celebrate the anniversary.
In addition to the statues, various galleries will be premiering this year, including the "Exhibit to Celebrate 100 years at JMU!" at Festival. A student centennial tailgate party is also scheduled.
"There's a lot going on," Hilton said. "Centennial music is also being written."
On the day of the anniversary, March 14, (also known as James Madison Day), there will be a Centennial Celebration in the Convocation Center. A New Century Celebration Banquet at the Festival Center will be held the following evening.
"Hopefully everyone gets a chance to take a look at the display of artifacts and pictures from over the past 100 years," Hilton said. "It's a wonderful opportunity for everyone to look back at the accomplishments of the university. I think it'll also expand the school pride in students and alumni alike."