Dukes return to Capitol Hill

JMU hosted approximately 100 alumni and federal staff members at the 18th edition of “JMU on the Hill,” a Capitol Hill reception held last month in Washington, DC. 

With an emphasis on federal engagement, the event brought together alumni, industry and community partners, federal staff and university officials to share professional successes, learn about JMU accomplishments and brainstorm on ways to work together with colleagues old and new. Attendees included staff with the offices of U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, as well as Congressman Ben Cline, who visited campus in May to launch JMU’s partnership with the Veterans History Project.  

President Emeritus Jonathan Alger delivered a final State of the University update highlighting academic, research and athletic achievements, a fitting curtain call in the nation’s capitol. Alger now serves as president of American University.

Vice President Anthony Tongen, Division of Research, Economic Development & Innovation, observed, “JMU’s close proximity to Washington, D.C., offers a wealth of opportunities for faculty and students. I’m grateful that so many colleagues joined us to engage in the federal space, bringing JMU expertise to the doorstep of policymakers, industry leaders, world-class arts institutions and national advocacy organizations representing STEM disciplines, health fields, the humanities, education and business.”

The evening included an announcement that $1 million in Congressionally Directed Spending was awarded to JMU’s African, African American and Diaspora Studies Center, College of Health and Behavioral Studies, and College of Arts and Letters. Supported by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, the Early Healthcare Workforce Pipeline Development Project will utilize community-based, experiential solutions to address disparities in representation in health professions and in the health outcomes experienced in African American communities.

Two alumni-affinity groups were well represented at the reception: the JMU Politicos, which serves alumni of public policy and political science programs or those working in government roles, and the Federal Dukes, which advances a professional development mission of “creating stronger ties between alumni serving in the government, military or employed by its industry partners.” Additionally, many JMU Washington Semester graduates made time to reconnect with friends and share their professional experiences with early career Dukes. This program has been launching JMU students’ public service careers for more than 25 years.   

“This event presents an opportunity to share the big ideas developed back on campus and gain a reality check from alumni and partners working in and with the federal government. Feedback received and ongoing conversations help us refine priorities and eventually proposals, making JMU more competitive for federal funding and industry partnerships,” commented Ben Delp (’05, ’08M), director of Federal Relations and Communications.

FRC serves the JMU community by

• liaising with congressional and executive branch offices
• helping faculty and staff navigate requests for federal government assistance
• hosting federal policymakers and their teams for on-campus briefings and tours of research and learning spaces
• and leading research communication efforts on behalf of REDI.

In addition to REDI, the Office of Alumni Relations, University Events and the Office of the President co-hosted the reception.

For information about state-government activities, please contact JMU’s Office of State Government Relations.

Guests at JMU on the Hill enjoyed connecting with new and old friends alike.