James Madison University - Bluestone Schoolmaam Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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Best Buddies Best Buddies was established to provide opportunities for students to enhance both their ives and the lives of the mentally challenged through one-on-one relationships. Members were assigned buddies to build such relationships. Front row: Kara Sentipol, Tiffany DeVito, Jessica VVray, )ackie Dean, Marissa Robinson, Amber Roberts, Charlotte Sohr; Back row: iWL ' gan McKee, Erin Stehle, Katherine Cole, Kyle Duffy. Lura Harrell, Regina Duffy, Lindsey Smith Beta Alpha Psi was an honors business fraternity open to accounting, finance and computer information systems majors with good moral character and a record of academic excellence. The organization encouraged and recognized scholastic and professional excellence while providing an opportunity for self- development. Front row: Knslen Shaughnessy, Kara Barnard, Molly Brown, iXicole Harris, Laura Osmundsun, Lacey Viar, Sue Hwang; Back row: Curtis Kavanaugh, Marc Baecht, Bryan Baker, Tom Martin, Daniel Jackson, Wesley Wiggins, Katie Comer, Sam Brown Llniverditij (J)rgcunzationi

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ciation of Women in Communication AWC was a professional organization that championed the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence and promoting leadership. The organization strove to prepare members for the working world and encouraged involvement on campus. Front row. Allie Rogers, LIndsey Monroe, Riley Barrar, Leslie Gavin, Elizabeth Montgomery, Chelsea McGrath Back row: Katherine Wilson, Kim Le, Trjcia White, Kate Sautter, Megan Lake, Jessica Dorlds, Dayne Mauney, Tina Larson The Astronomy Club fostered interest in the search for our place in the universe. Students had a chance to use state-of-the- art, research-grade astronomical equipment to further their research and goals. Front row: Lintisa Weitl.i, Kevin Ciijani Back row: Travl i.i , iluliljv Mt- ' sler, Joshua KolIi 2Jd(D CJiyanizatioim

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picking up the pace Pic king up the pace . g,lub cross country and track added to its members itle IX may have cut men ' s cross country from the university ' s roster of varsity sports, but many members from the eliminated team found a home in Club Cross Country and Track. The close-knit group of runners welcomed the influx of newcomers. This allows us the opportunity to attract fast runners to our club and have input from faster runners of what workouts would help our club best prepare for races, said Treasurer junior Brittany Burke. But with faster runners came a few social obstacles. Since there are different levels of runners, we don ' t always have the opportunity to chat it up with everyone on a run, said President senior Jessica Hoppe. We are able to engage with everyone as we go bowling, out to student discount night at IHOP and have pre-race pasta parties. While bonding experiences were important for cultivating unit) ' , the group thrived on their different abilities when they competed in races. There is no real pressure to get a certain time or place, said Burke, a three-year club member. These races are about having fun and running to the best of your ability while enjoying the company of your friends. Even if members chose not to compete in races, they were still an integral part of the team, according to Hoppe. After coming back from an away race, the team is always closer from the traveling and team camaraderie during the races, said Hoppe. The organization expanded greatly and began to make Charging the course, a Club Crofs Country and Track athlete tackles the terrain. The Club prepared tor races with a variety of local runs, ranging from 4.23 to 10 miles. Photo courtesy of lessica Hoppe a name for itself at the university. As new inductees into the National Intercollegiate Running Club Association (NIRCA), the team members hoped to be able to soon host club regional meets. They hosted their first cross country invitational and continued the tradition of a Turkey Trot 5K in November. Cans of food were collected for the Blue Ridge area food banks, and the event allowed them the pleasure of not only help- ing our club earn money from the race, but to also do a good thing for the community, said Burke. The club was also very involved with helping disabled adults in the Harrisonburg area by holding dances and volleyball nights for them. We enjoy seeing the smiles on their faces as they dance and show us their volleyball skills, said Hoppe. It ' s nice to be able to give back to the community. While the organization grew in the past few years, it was always looking for new, dedicated members to add to the family of runners and community service activists. Because they did not have coaches helping with organiz- ing, planning and executing race strategies, they relied on each other for support and they didn ' t back down from challenges. We still compete with high levels of competition during NIRCA events as well as in varsity races, said Hoppe. Burke added, I would recommend to someone that would like to join the club that it is important to just like to run and be committed. 2 0 CJrganizationti