Don Rhymer ('82) (1961-2012)

Education was no laughing matter to Don Rhymer. While the successful sitcom and screenwriter was in the business of making people laugh, he didn't forget where he got his start as a double major in communication arts and English. A 1982 graduate whose writing credits included the sitcom "Coach" and the silver screen hits "Big Momma's House 1 and 2" and "Santa Clause 2," Don started a JMU screen-writing scholarship that supports two deserving students.

"To work in the film business you have to be able to separate yourself from your work. They don't hate you, just the way you write. Or maybe they do hate you; and, in that case, you should probably go to law school."