Meeting at Montpelier

The Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council held its first meeting at Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison, in Orange County, Va. Following the business meeting, members took a personalized tour of Montpelier, focusing on one of the inspirations for Women for Madison—first lady Dolley Madison and her contributions.

Katherine Imhoff, president and CEO of Montpelier, spoke to the group about what the lifelong home of James and Dolley Madison means to us today, highlighting some of the contributions of JMU students, faculty and staff have made to the preservation and interpretation of the house, grounds, and life of those who lived there.

Doug Smith, vice president for the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at Montpelier and a 1993 graduate of JMU’s College of Arts and Letters, discussed Madison and the Constitution.

During the meeting, the council drafted by-laws and elected Vanessa Evans as chair of the council and Beth Bliss as vice chair.

Nick Langridge, vice president of university advancement, expressed the importance of the council’s leadership and advocacy in the next comprehensive campaign. JMU Communications and Marketing, led by associate vice president Andy Perrine and marketing director, David Taylor, presented the Case for Giving framework and discussed branding and visual identity for Women for Madison.

Jeff Gilligan, assistant vice president for development, summarized some of Women for Madison’s hopes for the future. “JMU needs this group to engage women with varied interests; to establish new ways to network and connect; to educate through involvement with exceptional professors and students; and to give back through the investment of time, talent and resources.”