Alumni induction kicks off Senior Week

A week of events for seniors to leave JMU with a bang kicks off Monday. While graduation marks the fulfillment of hard work, it does not have to mark the end of the JMU experience for graduates.

Monday from 6 to 7 p.m. the Alumni Association Induction Ceremony will be held on the Quad. The ceremony will mark the first event of JMU's Class of 2002 Senior Week.

Also on Monday night is a dance party at Biltmore Grill, beginning at 9 p.m. Doug Clark and the Hot Nuts will be performing.

Tuesday is a party at Highlawn Pavilion at 8 p.m., sponsored by Red Bull.

"Final Hump Night" at Buffalo Wild Wings Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. gives seniors the opportunity to take advantage of discounted food and drink specials.

Thursday is the Senior Class Challenge Celebration at Biltmore Grill. From 6 to 8 p.m., only Senior Class Challenge donors will be admitted. Only JMU seniors may attend from 8 to 10 p.m.

Monday night's Alumni Association program will include singing by senior Wendy Fox, speeches by Mr. Madison Noah Marlier, Mrs. Madison Kristin Lazenby, and Vice President of Student Affairs Mark Warner and a candle lighting ceremony.

Director of Alumni Relations Justin Thompson said, "It is important for seniors to know that they are entering a new phase in their relationship with JMU, and the main reason for that is ideally education should be a life-long pursuit.

"The Alumni Association will allow seniors to continue educating themselves and others through events and other functions," Thompson said. "The induction ceremony symbolically marks the transition." Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Wendell Esbenshade said, " We are hopeful that it (Senior Week) will be one last time for seniors to gather with their friends as students … [the induction ceremony] is significant because it marks the transition between being a student and an alumnus.

"We are trying to look at this as the marquise event for Senior Week," he said.

Many seniors are excited with graduation around the corner. "Graduation markes the end of four years-worth of hard work and the realization of many of our goals and dreams," senior Brandon Williamson said.

Thompson said, "[Seniors'] relationship with JMU is in some cases four or five years old, and that is only the beginning, and I hope that they will continue their involvement after their graduation."

There are many opportunities through their geographic alumni chapters throughout the nation.

The Richmond, Metro-Washington and Philadelphia chapters are all hosting welcoming events for new graduates of JMU shortly after graduation.

When asked how they felt about the Alumni Association, seniors had varying responses.

"It feels great to among those who have gone before me and to be a part of such a prestigious organization," senior Kim Cartwright said.

Senior Jenn Rainville said, "I have wanted to be an alumnus of James Madison University since high school, and it is a great feeling to know that very soon I will realize that dream. I have had a great time here, and I look forward to continuing my involvement."

Williamson said, "I look forward to giving back to the university."

Other seniors were not as optimistic about the ceremony.

"The only reason for the [Alumni] Association is to raise capital to better JMU.," senior Ryan Jenkins said. "Unfortunately, I believe many seniors will not take part in it."

Although opinions about the Alumni Association vary, according to a poll conducted by Chandler Hall residential advisors, 99 percent of seniors were extremely excited about graduation.

According to Esbenshade, the JMU Alumni Association and the Office of Alumni Relations would like to give its congratulations to seniors and welcome them to the JMU Alumni association.

More information about the ceremony and Senior Week can be found at www.jmu.edu/
alumni/seniorwee.