PHOTOS: The JMU tea

Students, faculty, alumni, family and friends gathered for afternoon tea with the Women for Madison. Above, Addie Dofflemyer listens as Ellen Blose (’60) shares a story with the table during her Bluestone Reunion weekend.

Tables were set in the American afternoon tea tradition with ornate tea cups, saucers and teapots provided by Heritage Bakery & Cafe.

Traditionally, the afternoon tea represented a time of relaxation and connection for women. Above, member of the Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council Alisa Ferguson (’00) chats with former JMU Board of Visitors member and Amethyst Circle Founder Deborah Tompkins Johnson (’78) (right).

Dr. Meg Mulrooney, Senior Associate Vice Provost for Faculty and Curriculum and JMU professor of history, shared about American afternoon tea at Madison College. Donning traditional American tea attire, including lace gloves and a fascinator, she displays a silver serving platter engraved for Madison College’s Class of 1947. 

The afternoon tea was a time for relaxation and light bites. Finger sandwiches, chocolates and sweet biscuits were provided by Heritage Bakery & Cafe and served by students in JMU’s Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management.

The event was a family affair. Many members of the Class of 1974, who were on campus for their Bluestone Society Induction, attended the tea party, and some women brought their daughters or mothers to partake in the festivities.

The tea party was a fusion of tradition and progress with an element of fun, as women shared stories of impact and made plans to do good at JMU.  

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