Top 15 Social Media Stories of 2015
JMU in the Community
2015 was a great year for JMU and many memories were shared by all. For the last “Throwback Thursday” of 2015, we’ve compiled a chronological list of momentous moments brought to you on our social media channels. Click the images to join the conversation.
If you’re not already connected to JMU on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, start the new year off right by following us for exclusive photos and videos from campus!
MRDs traveled to Rome
2015 began on a high note for the Marching Royal Dukes who traveled to Rome to march in the New Year’s Day Parade.
The Daily Duke: Written for students by students
A new blog, The Daily Duke, hit the web this year. Written by students for students, this creative space has highlighted many share-worthy stories from across campus.
Madison Magazine hits iPads
Madison, the magazine of JMU, showcases stories of students, professors, alumni and friends. While the print edition of Madison continues to publish, it also became available as an iPad app in February.
New Convo plans announced
In April, plans were announced for JMU’s new Convocation Center. The university has established a fundraising goal of $12 million, and all support must be secured before construction on the project can begin.
#JMUGrad
Spring Graduation was a wonderful time on campus. In May, we set up a slow motion video booth to allow our 2015 grads to show their wild side and celebrate JMU-style.
Duke Dog in the Summer
We found out that Duke Dog endures long summers alone while students are away, but he tried to keep himself busy.
1787 August Orientation
FROG dances and ice breakers took over campus once again in August as the 4,300+ members of the Class of 2019 moved in and made JMU their new home.
Flooding on campus
Some of our favorite places were under water after an extended spell of rain and a flash flood hit campus. Many pictures and videos surfaced during the flood, but campus soon returned to normal and no one was injured.
Charles Haley inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame
Former football All-American Charles Haley (’87) became the first JMU student athlete to be enshrined into a major professional hall of fame as he took his rightful place into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. Photo courtesy: AP.
JMU celebrates Record Giving
Fiscal year 2015 was JMU’s largest giving year in history. 17,582 donors contributed more than $18 million. In October, GJ (‘84) and Heather Hart helped to unveil the Hart School for Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management, JMU’s first-ever named school. Their generous gift of $3+ million will impact students for years to come.
Professors up the Ante
Taking on Tomorrow, a video series, was released in the fall to showcase the expertise and passion of faculty in all disciplines at JMU. From astronomy to theater education, the five videos released so far highlight unique learning opportunities for students.
GameDay and a Homecoming for the ages
Our 2015 Homecoming weekend was certainly one for the ages. ESPN College GameDay paid JMU a visit and the campus was electric. Dukes seized the tremendous opportunity to be in the national spotlight and made JMU alumni across the country proud.
Honoring Veterans
On Veteran’s Day, Members of JMU’s Army ROTC Duke Battalion, Air Force ROTC, Student Veterans Association and Veteran Scholars Task Force placed 2,500 American flags on the Quad to recognize and honor veterans of the armed forces.
Students and Alums Return to New Orleans
A decade after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, JMU students, alumni, faculty and staff are still honoring a commitment to help the region recover. This Thanksgiving JMU students, alums, faculty and staff continued to make a difference in the area.
New Seal on the Quad
Thanks to the Class of 2003 and The Madison Society, a bronze seal, emblazoned with JMU’s Alma Mater has been installed on the Quad. The seal reflects the love and appreciation those at JMU hold for their Alma Mater, and will for years to come.
