More Than a Degree: The Lasting Impact of Being a JMU Alum

By: Audrey Goldman

Graduating from James Madison University is a significant accomplishment, but being a Duke doesn’t end when you are handed your diploma. There’s a reason why one of the common sayings is Dukes from day one, alumni for life!

Staying connected in the JMU community after graduation keeps JMU’s one-of-a-kind school spirit alive, strengthens lifelong relationships and allows you to give back to the institution that shaped you. Staying involved can impact you and the JMU community: there are plenty of opportunities. Whether you find yourself attending alumni events, connecting on LinkedIn with current students or attending a football game, staying involved will solidify connections made during your time at university.

A Lifelong Connection

For Jane McConville, a former Bluestone employee and JMU alum, staying involved was not a conscious choice but merely a natural extension of what it means for her to be a Duke.

“To me, being a JMU alum means being forever connected not only to a place but to a network and a feeling,” Jane shared. “Bleeding purple is no joke! I have met people all over the country who are Dukes, and they always seem to be hiding in the weirdest places.” The shared experience of attending JMU binds alums together, no matter where life takes them.

Jane graduated Magna Cum Laude with B.A. in Communication Studies. Photo courtesy of Jane McConville.

Finding Your Place After Graduation

Like many graduates, Jane was unsure what her next step would be after graduation. Staying involved helped her navigate the transition after graduation and lead her on a steady path. “I stayed involved with JMU by working as a Presidential Engagement Fellow. It’s a 10-month part-time position that supports different offices within JMU and higher education,” Jane explained. “When I graduated, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. The application just fell in front of me. I applied and interviewed before graduation, but I didn’t hear back until after graduation. I knew it was what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be in the transition from undergrad to post-grad life.” The opportunity for Jane to work as a Presidential Engagement Fellow helped her navigate life after graduation: she gained experience and solidified her connection to JMU. In this role, she interacted with faculty, staff and other alums who helped shape her future career path through this position.

How to Stay Involved

Jane offers 3 ways to stay involved after graduation:

1. Attend alumni events: “Look for and attend any alumni events near you, whether it’s football watch parties or networking events. JMU’s alumni network is over 150,000 strong!”

2. Give your time: “Volunteer at alumni events, come back for networking and career panels—your time can make a difference for current students.”

3. Keep traditions alive: Jane and her father have a tradition of attending the JMU football game on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during her sophomore year- and have carried it on ever since!

Jane and her father at a JMU Football game on Saturday after Thanksgiving. Photo courtesy of Jane McConville.

The Lasting Impact of Alumni Involvement

Alumni involvement is more than just staying in touch. It creates strong opportunities for current students. Jane explains, “When alumni are involved, it creates chances for students to get engaged in their futures before they graduate. I’ve been able to interact with staff, faculty and alumni with various backgrounds and experiences who give input into my career ideas and goals.” James Madison University is more than a school; it is a community that lasts long after graduation. Stay involved through mentorship, traditions or simply wearing purple and gold!