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

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dream Alger says goodbye to his first graduating class As the Convocation Center turned from a room of empty chairs into a sea of seniors in purple gowns glowing with pride, the energy at the Senior Commencement ceremony became overwhelming and the excitement was palpable. ' This class will always be very special to me, as this is my first class, said President Jonathan R. Alger. I ' m just a freshman this year. From the first time students, faculty and visitors stepped onto the James Madison University campus the friendly nature of the community was apparent. There was always a willing hand to hold the door open with a smile. Alger expressed how welcomed the campus ' s spirit made him feel during his first year at JMU. I have seen students hold the doors open from halfway across the Quad. You are all so nice, said Alger. However, I want to reflect a bit on figurative doors. Alger continued to remind the graduating class of the doors that were opened for them by professors who encouraged them, the student organizations that gave them opportunities to grow outside of the classroom and the friendships and understanding that made the Madison experience an unforgettable one. Graduation wasn ' t an achievement that could be reached alone, but it wasn ' t an achievement that could be reached without personal ambition or self-determination, either. President Alger reminded the seniors that the doors of JMU were always open to them. Don ' t forget when you leave, why you came, said Alger. The graduating class of 201 3 was the beginning of new traditions. They were the first to graduate under Alger, and it was the first commencement ceremony that was not opened to parents. It ' s very special to me. You only get to be a senior once, said 2013 graduate Andrew Martin. Matthew Wisniewski, a 201 3 graduate gave the student address at the commencement ceremony. Those were the best four years of our lives. Or were they? said Wisniewski. Life is out there waiting for us. The best years of our life aren ' t behind us, they are in front of us. Mike Rayburn, alumnus and guest speaker, solidified that point in his convocation address. Be a possibility thinker. See possibility where others don ' t, said Rayburn. Here ' s a test to see if you have fulfilled your purpose in life: If you ' re alive, you haven ' t. Alger had two words of wisdom to leave with the graduating class of 2013: Dream Big! Angela Williams JMU Photography Services DE£ Rebecca Sullivan