Alumni group rewards distinguished graduates

By John Guilmartin, contributing writer
Posted on September 17, 2007

More than thirty years ago the Madison College Alumni Association handed out its first award to recognize outstanding alumni. Today, the JMU Alumni Association handed out five of those awards.

“The Alumni Board started discussions as the Centennial Celebrations began to approach,” said Paul Campbell, assistant director of major events at the Office of Alumni Relations. “We haven’t been looking at our history as a teachers’ school. This school is grounded in education and not just in the fine teachers we produce.  This institution values teaching over research and we wanted an award recognizing that value.”

Lisa Melory is the first recipient of the Award for Teaching. The Award for Teaching has a lengthier application process than the Roop and Carrier Awards. While specifics of the nomination process cannot be discussed, Campbell said it was Melroy’s personal statement that made her the top choice for the award.

Other award recipients included Mary G. Jones (’91), who was awarded the 2007 Inez Graybeal Roop Distinguished Alumni Service award.

The Roop Award, the Association’s oldest award, honors alumni who excel in their commitments to their communities and to JMU.

“I was surprised,” Jones said. “I’ve been to the award ceremony before; I’ve sat in on the Board meetings. I never expected to win.”

Jones said she was hesitant to apply for the award, but her friends nominated her and encouraged her to try.

“I’ve been involved for 15 years,” Jones said. “I go back [to JMU] as often as I can.  I guess I just can’t stop bleeding purple.”

Campbell agreed.            

“She’s a strong supporter of the Duke Club; well, actually anything JMU,” he said. “She had recommendations across all facets of JMU.  If something is purple and gold, Jones is behind it 100 percent.”

Brig. Gen. Raymond Mason (’78) was awarded the 2007 Ronald E. Carrier Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award for excellence in his field of study for at least five years. Mason’s was recognized for his military career, which has most recently placed him in command of 37,000 troops in Korea.  His next command will begin in Hawaii one week before Homecoming.

In addition to the three awards recognizing distinguished alumni, the Alumni Association grants two awards to on-campus personnel recognizing outstanding faculty staff.  Dr. Susan E. Kruck and Sheila Santee were awarded these.

Santee works as an administrative assistant in the biology department. She said she was just doing her job.

“Other than the fact that I was surprised I was honored,” she said. “I can’t say specifically what I’ve done to earn this. I don’t just do one thing. This department is very large, and whatever needs to get done, I make sure it happens.”

Award winners will be recognized Homecoming weekend at a breakfast ceremony. The event will be closed to the winners, their guests and the Alumni Association Board. There is also a tentative plan to give special recognition during the Homecoming half-time show, according to Campbell.