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

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Jonathan R, Alger becomes sixth president WORDS Claire Fogarty PHOTOS JMU Photography Services DESIGN Rebecca Sullivan I ' m excited I got to be a part of JMU history! Not many people get to experience two presidents at Madison, and I ' m lucky to have that opportunity. The educational and fun events were a once in a lifetime week-long celebration and Alger deserves such an exciting welcome. -Rachel Fisher , Junior 16 I Features

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n Saturday, April 1 3, members of the Harrisonburg and James Madison University community gathered on the Festival Lawn to celebrate Madipalooza: a day of music, games, food and fun. While winter felt endless, the breezy and sunny afternoon amped up the crowd and sparked activity during one of the busiest Saturdays on campus. The star of the show was rap artist Shwayze, who even stopped to mingle with the crowd. Meeting Shwayze was definitely my favorite part, said junior Chelsea Wilkins. He was just walking around the Festival Lawn to talk to people who were there early. He was so down-to-earth and so excited to be at JMU to perform. Other students reveled in the mild April weather and fun environment Madipalooza was great, said sophomore Adam Miner. There were so many different fun activities, good food, prizes, a spirited atmosphere and kickin ' bands. While Shwayze may have been the main event for some, those who were not into rap music had plenty of other activities that they could enjoy. This year featured several inflatables, a mechanical bull, a rock wall and a photo booth. Shwayze ' s performance was the highlight of the event but I also enjoyed the other performances, the food and the blow-up obstacle races, said junior Johannah Miller. It was a beautiful day that I got to spend with friends and I look forward to the next one. As the third consecutive year of Madipalooza, students came expecting another year of innovation, fun and local community traditions. Many students agreed that Madipalooza was an event that annually upheld all of those expectations. The uniqueness of Madipalooza would continue to bring smiles and laughs, and satiate students ' need for some end-of-the-year fun. WORDS Julie Hirschhorn Rebecca Sullivan DESIGN Alison Miles Madipalooza 1 15

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President Alger answers questions during his presidential interview. Witnessing such a monumental event in JMU ' s history is an experience I will never forget It is such an amazing time to be a JMU student and see the entire JMU community come together. The Student Inaugural Ball was a blast, and the actual inauguration was so cool to witness. Not to mention, I ' m super excited for the fireworks on the Quad tonight! -Lauren Holder, Sophomore V President Alger talks to a colleague during his trip to Montpelier. ' The week has provided a unique opportunity for JMU students and faculty to come together. From the ice-cream social to the ball and Madison Fest, the Duke spirit of this community makes me realize why I chose Madison. -Taylor Vollman, Sophomore President Alger strolls with his wife and daughter on the presidential walk through campus. 1 think getting a new president at JMU has been great! I got to meet President Alger during the 2012 orientation and I know he is going to do great things for this university. I think it gives us a fresh start from SpringFest in 201 0. It shows we can be an engaged university that works hard and gives back to the Harrisonburg community. I agree that he is a great listener because I got to be a part of it at the Leadership Conference. President Alger will be a great leader at JMU and help it continue to grow. -Mallory Knapp, Senior