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

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ON COMMON I d With everything from varsity intercollegiate sports, organizations and Greek life, students at JMU stayed busy. Common interests formed intermural teams, study groups and religious activities that drew on each member ' s individual talents and strengths in order to create a group that in- volved everyone into a unified JMU society. Organizations helped students to branch out into different areas of campus life, as well as offered students practical experience in work- ing with people and leadership and time man- agement skills. Student Honor Council, WXJM, and Circle K were a few of 160 plus groups for students to choose from on campus. Greek fraternities and sororities pro ' ided a secure, exciting environment to all students. The brothers and sisters of the Greek system developed friendships and connections that would unify them long after they left JMU. Intermurals and Varsity sports allowed students to shine during their years at college and to show- case their athletic talent. The varsity intercollegiate teams were a domineering force in the Colonial Athletic Conference and provided JMU witha reputation of strength and determination. Opening

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Sharon LaRowe and her friend show their spirit at the football game against Vilanova. JMU won 31-23. Li aura Meadows and Stephen Versen hang ( out before going to class. While the weather was nice students flocked to the Quad, Commons, and Ped Plaza. Before dnll practice. Se- nior Holmes Yaqub takes care of his new puppy . The Ranger group and the ROTC members had training even, ' Thursday af- ternoon. H; ckov Stic was an en tcrt.iining activity . ror students in be- tween classes. Groups of stu- dents playing; this game were spotted across the campus. 8 Opening

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The advancements ]MU continued to make, along with the diverse student body and peaceful location of the school attracted individuals from all areas. Not only did the atmosphere attract students to JMU, but the university ' s numerous rankings drew attentions as well. In Money Magazine ' s Best Buys rankingJMU was ranked 38th in the nation. The University was listed as the top Virginia Best Buy among its public institutions. Another ranking JMU received came from the book Crime at College: The Student Guide to Personal Safety. The University was ranked 2nd in the nation for safety. JMU w as also recognized by Peterson ' s Competitive Colleges and Princeton Review ' s The Best 306 Colleges. The selection criteria included the quality of the educational experience and other determinants such as the quality of the entering class. People were aware of JMU ' s rankings, as was evident by the increase in the number of freshmen. The reputation of the school also grew by w ord of mouth as students continued to tell their friends. As JMU continued to grow, the outstanding reputation of the university became n: ore recognized. 10 Opening