Over the past eight years, your generosity has transformed Unleashed: The Campaign For James Madison University into a record-breaking achievement, shattering the original goal by more than $51 million. Here’s how you made it happen:
2022: A remarkable final sprint
Underdogs no more, JMU donors defy expectations
Through the generosity of donors who have given more than a quarter billion dollars, Unleashed: The Campaign for James Madison University is helping to achieve that—while making an incalculable impact on the lives of Dukes for generations to come.
Meet Paul Holland (’82) and Linda Yates: The Silicon Valley power couple behind JMU’s largest gift
Their $5 million donation will be used toward scholarships in global studies and entrepreneurship, a faculty endowment and to name Holland Yates Hall (formerly Madison Hall), the most visited building on campus.
Proof of concept
The first 26 Valley Scholars near college graduation, supported by 1,435 donors who have given $5 million to scholarships and programing.
With $34.7 million, 2022 donors shatter all previous giving records
Giving to JMU has been on a steady and often record-breaking upward trajectory for eight years. This represents a change in order of magnitude.
Dukes lift Giving Day past $1 million
Dukes around the world raise $1,035,165 for 152 campus causes during the 24-hour event.
Women for Madison marks a decade of redefining philanthropy
WFM’s Amethyst Circle donors celebrate as 10 first-year students receive scholarships.
Women-led philanthropy is changing the giving model
Founded just a year ago, Women for Madison’s Amethyst Circle is well on its way to funding $1 million in scholarships.
Annual event celebrates possibilities through scholarships
Donors and scholarship recipients honor the impact of giving at 30th Stewardship Luncheon.
New scholarship for first-generation Appalachian students
Donors Sue Cumpston (’82) and Lori Mowen (’80) say education is key to ending poverty.
JMU Bluestone Seed Fund announces spring investments
Investments now total $30,000 in seven startup companies.
College of Business hosts 20th annual business plan competition
Coordinator Fernando Pargas calls it “the most intimidating course you'll ever take.”
Legacy of Bobby Morrissey (’80) lives on through new scholarship
Morrissey’s family and friends announce the inaugural Morrissey Culinary Scholar, Evie Smith (’23).
The Fallon Challenge honors Rodney James Fallon through College of Business
Teams of student entrepreneurs win scholarships for their values-based business ideas.
2021: Being seen for who we are: the national model of an engaged university
Unleashed campaign reaches $200 million milestone ahead of schedule
“Many experts told us this was too bold,” says JMU President Jonathan R. Alger.
Dukes break fundraising record despite pandemic
JMU finishes the fiscal year with $23.2 million in private gifts, bringing the seven-year cumulative total of Unleashed: The Campaign for James Madison University over $212 million.
$16.8 million Via collection is the largest gift in JMU’s history
Gems from the late Peter L. Via of Roanoke, Virginia are on display at JMU’s Mineral Museum.
JMU achieves prestigious R2 Carnegie classification
As an R2 university, JMU students, faculty and staff will have new opportunities for research and scholarship and will participate in larger, national conversations.
JMU advances to Sun Belt Conference
After building one of the strongest mid-major athletics departments in the country, the Dukes move to the NCAA’s highest level of competition.
New world-class facility: College of Business Learning Complex
JMU’s nationally recognized business school opens state-of-the-art building.
Atlantic Union Bank Center opens with modern design for basketball, events
The new home of the men’s and women’s basketball programs is ready for 8,500 exuberant fans.
$2 million from Andrew W. Mellon Foundation secures a digital future for Black poetry
JMU’s Furious Flower Poetry Center will preserve spoken word performance videos.
Hartman Hall dedicated, part of new College of Business Learning Complex
James (’70, ’00P) and Carolyn (’00P) Hartman describe their support as “a giveback situation.”
Wardens announce giving to Dukes Pay It Forward scholarship program
Eric (’93) and Kathy (’92) Warden make a leadership investment of $1.25 million.
Warden Match inspires other donors, culminates in 125 new scholarships
As global employers, the Wardens have come to recognize the value that a JMU education provides.
How to succeed in business: A profile of loyal donor Kathy Warden (’92)
The President and CEO of Northrop Grumman says she is proof the Madison formula works.
First endowed professorship in School of Art and Art History
Phil (’73) and Tina (’73) Updike create the Beck Faculty Fellowship to support visual arts.
Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship launches Bluestone Seed Fund
JMU joins other elite universities nationwide that support venture investing for student-led startups.
Gilliam Center’s Bluestone Seed Fund announces first student investment deals
Three startup companies receive $5,000 each as part of the Fund’s inaugural cycle.
Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship announces new director
Suzanne Bergmeister believes it is critical the next generation has an entrepreneurial mindset.
Dukes in space! JMU team test launches Hi-SAT One, its high-altitude balloon
Madison Trust philanthropists support the team students, faculty advisers and local ham radio operators.
Paying it Forward: recent alum gives back
Ari Garcia (’19) says a scholarship changed her life. Now she’s helping future Dukes.
Centennial Scholar Corinne Martin (’23) designs unique major
Martin, a member of the Sappony tribe, blends studies of indigenous culture and narrative.
Stewardship Luncheon highlights impact of student scholarships
JMU’s 29th annual Stewardship event moves to Zoom, celebrating the impact of giving.
Online campaign event celebrates 2020 heroes
JMU set to surpass Unleashed campaign goal well ahead of schedule.
2020: Maintaining momentum in pandemic headwinds
Major construction projects signal fundraising success
Cornerstone facilities like Atlantic Union Bank Center, College of Business Learning Complex, and Paul Jennings Hall take shape as campus continues to expand.
Neuroscientist receives $1 million NIH grant
Biology professor George Vidal researches autism in the developing brain.
Author Katherine Wintsch (’99) headlines Women For Madison event
At a gathering in Richmond, Virginia, WFM raises $3,600 for student scholarships.
Dr. Joanne Gabbin Professorship is first in JMU’s Honors College
Sean Tobin ('92) and his wife, Michele, establish a planned gift in Gabbin’s honor.
Dukes push Madison for Keeps goal to $750,000
Extraordinary donor response as financial aid appeals ratchet up in emergency campaign.
JMU donors help Dukes stay Dukes
JMU alumni and friends contributed more than $750,000 for emergency scholarships.
Madison. For Keeps?
One family’s story shows how the pandemic threatens the academic opportunities of JMU students.
Former Madison For Keeps recipient helps bring reliable data to COVID-19 researchers
Clair Blacketer ('10) is an epidemiologist at Janssen, the pharmaceutical arm of Johnson & Johnson.
Rebound project drives Madison Trust to new heights
Visionary philanthropists invest a record $135,175 in giving for 10 faculty-staff innovations.
Middle East expert wins inaugural Cinquegrana Presidential Chair of Faculty Teaching Excellence and Research
Dr. Bernd Kaussler conducts research on proxy war and civilian victimization in Yemen.
2019: Breaking records, surpassing expectations
More than 20,000 donors contribute to recording-breaking $23.1 million in 2019
The public launch of Unleashed: The Campaign for James Madison University highlights JMU’s largest fiscal year ever.
$1.3 million investment in first-generation STEM students
Stanley ('54) and Rosemary Jones fund scholarships for students in the College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Integrated Science and Engineering.
JMU Foundation celebrates 50th anniversary
Since 1969, the foundation has grown its total assets to exceed $167 million and its endowment to a market value of $100 million.
Realizing the dream: JMU welcomes first class of Valley Scholars
After five years in the college access program, 32 freshmen earn university admissions and scholarships.
Top alumni headline 2019 Women Who Amaze Summit
The Women For Madison event focuses on the impact of recent scholarship gifts from $25 to $200,000.
Unleashed campaign hits Atlanta as JMU surpasses $130 million mark
“It has really been a phenomenal rise,” JMU President Jonathan R. Alger says of the university’s growth.
JMU professors receive support from Goodman, Roberts gifts
Endowments recognize excellence in teaching, scholarly activity and strong collaboration with students.
Donors celebrate scholarships at annual Stewardship Luncheon
Gladys Kemp Lisanby (’49) meets eight arts students who directly benefit from her giving.
Unleashed campaign events in New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Harrisonburg
The Fall 2019 tour raises both the national profile of the university and private support.
JMU researchers work to restore oyster colonies in Chesapeake Bay watershed
With philanthropic support from Madison Trust, graduate student Bailie Lavan and professor Patrice Ludwig ('96, '01M) are designing artificial oyster reefs.
2018: Unleashed goes public, increasing excitement and giving
Unleashed: The Campaign for James Madison University publically launches
Fireworks and a laser show punctuate the announcement from President Jonathan R. Alger.
Private giving tops $20 million for the first time in JMU’s history
2018 is the largest fundraising year in university history at $21.4 million.
$5.2 million commitment names the Leslie Flanary Gilliam (’82) Center for Entrepreneurship
Gilliam family honors the late matriarch through their gift to the JMU College of Business.
JMU salutes Betty Coe Cinquegrana (’64) at annual Stewardship Luncheon
Cinquegrana’s $3.49 million bequest will provide funding for both faculty and student scholarships.
Hotel Madison and Shenandoah Valley Conference Center fills need for JMU, community
The complex includes educational opportunities for JMU students in the Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management.
JMU announces airline partnership through Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport
United and its partner SkyWest Airlines launch a daily flights to Washington, D.C. and Chicago.
Majors’ gift creates the Major Laboratory for Innovation, Collaboration, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Eric (’91) and Lara Parker (’92) Major announce their investment during groundbreaking for the future College of Business Learning Complex.
$1 million gift establishes chair for exceptional education
Joseph (’76, ’77M) and Pamela Craun (’77) Damico support faculty in the College of Education.
Private support growing for JMU’s Valley Scholars program
Supporters like Bruce and Lois ('64) Forbes, Leon and Bev ('68) Harris and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation are standing behind the power of education to change lives.
Dukes give more than $600,000 in third annual Giving Day
JMU’s 24-hour fundraising event brings enthusiastic support with 5,095 individual gifts.
Faculty projects receive coveted Madison Trust funding
Since its inception in 2014, Madison Trust has raised more than $460,000 in private funding.
New director to lead Madison Trust, JMU’s innovation competition
In anticipation of the sixth annual competition, JMU welcomes John Meck.
2017: Donors put students first by investing in spaces, scholarships
JMU launches $15 million-plus College of Business Learning complex campaign
The new building is designed to be a national showpiece for engaged learning.
College of Business Learning Complex lead gifts total more than $7 million
Philanthropists including Craig and Kim (’80, ’13P) Bram, Beth (’84, ’20P) and Jarl Bliss, and Enrico Gaglioti (’94) say this is the right project, at the right time, for JMU.
Recent graduate champions investment in new College of Business Learning Complex
David Vaughn (’17) says Zane Showker Hall is at more than twice its designed capacity of 2,400 students.
CEO of CarMax gives $500,000 to endowment, $250,000 to new Convocation Center
Cliff Wood ('88) gives back to Madison through donations, volunteering and support of JMU Athletics.
Highschool teacher establishes new Honors College scholarship
Anne Collins ('67, '78M) names the Sidney Rodrick Bland History Scholarship Endowment in recognition of a dedicated professor.
New scholarship honors longtime director of JMU Alumni Association
The Charles Steven Smith ('71,'75M) Legacy Scholarship provides an annual award to a deserving student.
JMU contributes $480 million to local economy
Economic Impact Study reveals the monetary effect of 21,000 students and 3,700 employees.
Celebrating champions at the annual Stewardship Luncheon
Donors gather to celebrate the university’s spirit of giving and the champions who inspire it.
2016: It's time becomes a rallying cry for Dukes everywhere
A visionary $2.5 million investment in JMU Engineering
“JMU engineering is going places,” says donor Jeff Tickle (’90). “The way it is structured is unique.”
$2.1 million endowment for Dukes Pay It Forward scholarship program
Mike (’76, ’77M) and Kathy Mueller Thomas (’78) envision each generation giving to the next.
$600,000 gift from the Battle family for new Convocation Center, leadership program
Mike (’81, ’83M) and Cecelia Battle push giving to the Convo well past the halfway mark.
JMU Alumni Association makes $500,000 gift toward new Convocation Center
The board challenges other alumni to match the gift.
NFL’s Arthur Moats gives $300,000 toward new Convocation Center, student scholarships
Moats (’12) says his Madison experience helps him be the player, and the person, he is today.
Two generations of service: Kozlowskis give to Valley Scholars program
Parents Council members Dave (’91) and Marcy (’91) Kozlowski are deeply-connected alumni.
Madison Trust program marks its third presentation series
Projects range from a brewing and distilling center, to a community music lab, to combating Salmonella.
Women For Madison discuss philanthropy, volunteering at Opening Doors Rally
Tamela Graham Noboa ('92) headlines the event focused on the transformational impact of scholarships.
New GOLD network brings together graduates of the last decade
Young alumni donors begin a lifetime of engaged investment with their alma mater.
450 guests celebrate scholarships at annual Stewardship Luncheon
Dr. Charlie Thomas (’83) funds mentored scholarships to support faculty and student research.
Donors offer to match gifts to Alison Parker (’12) Memorial Fund
Joe (’79) and Debbie (’78) Showker pledge to match the next $25,000 given in honor of slain alumna.
2014-2015: A new spirit of possibility spreading
JMU sees record $18.3 million in gifts from more than 17,000 donors
Surge in giving originates with President Alger’s Why Madison? listening tour.
University Recreation Center (UREC) to double in size
Renovation will include new spaces for overcrowded fitness programs and student-requested upgrades.
$3 million gift to name the Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management
G.J. (’84) and Heather Hart create the first named academic unit on JMU’s campus.
JMU launches college readiness program: Valley Scholars
University will help Shenandoah Valley high schoolers prepare and pay for college.
$1 million gift establishes Shirley (’56) and Richard Roberts Faculty Endowment Dick Roberts praises the JMU faculty’s engagement and commitment to student success.
Madison Trust event pairs JMU innovation with potential donors
Visionary philanthropists invest $170,000 across 12 projects.
Women For Madison holds first public rally
Former Miss Virginia USA Pat Southall Smith (’92) headlines the philanthropic event.
Alison Parker (’12) Memorial Fund honors passion for life and journalism
Donations will support students in the School of Media Arts and Design.
Russ Warren invests in Hillcrest Scholarship program Warren salutes former student John Hinshaw (’92) with his Honors College gift.
