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

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Moving In, Moving Up ERICA TRAVELINE WRITER Between August 23 and 24, over 4,100 anxious and excited freshmen approached Exit 245 from different backgrounds and geographical areas. First yeaR Orienta- tion Guides (FROGs) and Residence Life staff welcomed the newest members of the university to 1787 Orientation. When we saw the first car pull up, we were beyond excited and immediately started cheering and dancing around, said sophomore FROG Christie White. With the assistance of the Office of Residence Life, the Orientation staff and many other students worked tirelessly over the two days to help freshmen move suitcases and storage bins. It was definitely physically demanding carrying all of the mini-fridges, rugs and boxes, but it was completely worth every second. ..everyone was so grateful that we were taking the time to volunteer and help with the move-in process, said White. As the FROGs introduced themselves to the freshmen and their parents, they pro- vided a sense of comfort and stability. I think we also helped the parents feel a little at ease knowing that their child wouldn ' t just be left alone and had someone there for them, said junior FROG Chelsea Bruno. The FROGs ' energy and generosity did not go unnoticed. The FROGs made move-in so easy, said freshman McGraw-Long Hall resident Meredith Kipp. I know my parents definitely appreciated all of the help they gave us with bringing everything up to my room, and it saved so much time! While moving in was tiring, excitement kept everyone ' s energy levels high. Every time you would come back down [from a dorm room], you didn ' t want to be that person just standing around, you wanted to keep going! said Bruno. Move-in days were just the beginning of the five-day 1787 Orientation. 24 Freshmen Orientation

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A 2011 graduate wears her decorated cap during the spring ' s ceremony. Many students decorated their caps with encour- aging words for their classmates or messages of thanks to their parents. photo by DONOVAN SEOW This sentiment rang true with many. I thought [Poole ' s] speech was really inspiring, said graduate Alexandra Conroy. It ' s very untraditional and unique that he didn ' t graduate college and still ... made such an impact on the world. This was real, it meant something. Fellow graduate Sarah Carter agreed. It was interesting to see someone do something with [his] life without going on the path that everyone else seems to be taking, said Carter. Following Poole ' s speech, President Rose gave closing re- marks and invited the class of 2011 to the Alumni Candlelight Cer- emony in ISAT. The next day, the class members walked across the stages of their colleges, received diplomas and graduated. I am so excited for the future and for what ' s to come, said graduate Elizabeth Hubbard. Features 23

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Day-by-Day Sat Aug 20: On-campus MRDs move-in Band camp begins with kick-off meeting Tue Aug 23: Residence Hall Move-In (by assignment) Ice Cream Social Free Movie: Bridesmaids Game Night Wed Aug 24: Residence Hall Move-In (by assignment) Volleyball and Basketball Tournaments University Welcome Playfair Late Night Dining Thu Aug 25: UREC Beach Party Free Movie: Thor Karaoke and Open Mic Night Laugh Out Loud Improv Comedy Fri Aug 26: Flag Football and Soccer Tournaments Assessments Vendor and Resource Fair Pep Rally with MRDs Late Night Breakfast Magician Tim Gabrielson Dance Party in the Village Sat Aug 27: Major and Pre-Professional meetings WE Are JMU Block Party in the ' Burg featuring Jimmy ' s Mad Jam Mentalist Devin Henderson Sun Aug 28: FROG Finale Freshman Catherine Flood checks in out- side of Potomac Hall before moving into her new dorm. RAs gave freshmen keys and other information before the first years settled into their dorm rooms, photo by DONOVAN SEOW Features 25