Larger than life
Ten-foot-tall statue of Founding Father revealed Friday on east side of campus
Posted on March 17, 2008
On a sunny Friday afternoon, James Madison University unveiled its latest tribute to everyone’s favorite Founding Father.
JMU President Linwood Rose and Student Body President Lee Brooks were among an excited crowd of students, faculty and alumni in attendance for the dedication of the new James Madison statue in front of the ISAT building.
After a few numbers by the Bluestone Brass Quintet, Rose began the ceremony with remarks about James Madison and his importance to the history of both JMU and the United States. Brooks spoke next, reflecting on what the statue meant for the future of the school.
“This Madison [statue] looks to us from a new side of campus, representing a new legacy for the next hundred years,” Brooks said.
The statue was donated by Bruce and Lois Forbes. Lois graduated in 1964. The Forbes family also donated the original James Madison statue in front of the Varner House and contributed $5 million for the construction of the new Performing Arts Center, scheduled for completion by June 2009.
The new James Madison statue was sculpted by Lee Leuning of Bad River Artworks. Mr. Leuning also sculpted the first James Madison statue on Bluestone Drive and the Duke Dog statue in front of the Plecker Athletic Center.
“This statue is less portrait-ish than the first one,” Leuning said. “It’s more about capturing James Madison in motion hard at work on the constitution. I always think about it like a student studying during finals week.”
Steve Smith, associate vice president of constituent relationsand JMU Class of 1971 enjoyed the ceremony.
“I am overwhelmed by the whole thing,” he said. “I just think the whole day has been fantastic. To be able to be present for the hundredth anniversary is very humbling.”
Junior Bryan Couch also embraced the sense of history.
“It’s definitely a big thing,” said Bryan Couch, a junior sports management major. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Just to be out here and be a part of all this has been great. It’s something we’ll be able to tell our grandchildren about.”
Mr. Leuning said he was pleased with the ceremony.
“The sun stayed out and really made the statue glow,” he said. “When they first unveiled him it brought a tear to my eye, even though I’ve obviously seen it many times before. I hope it will inspire people.”
