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

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LIFELONG As the year came to a close, the changes that made an impact on our Hves were appar- ent, and their repercussions would obviously be long lasting. The January Innauguration of Bill Clinton marked the arrival of the first Democrat in the White House after the 12 years of Repubulican administration under Ronald Reagan and George Bush. Just as the election affected us throughout this school year, we prepared ourselves for a future filled with new ideas and changing times. The impact made on the university as a whole was also evident. As students purchased their books for spring and summer classes, they observed a growing section in the bookstore devoted to the new College of Integrated Sci- ence and Technology. Students prepared for the great impact the new college developing across Interstate 81 was sure to have on the future of Madison and the reputation of the university across the state and country. Hid I M PACT Closing Divider 3o5

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c. oiiege leyf sfudervfs vy ifK a A LITTLE CHEER. Cheerleder Amy Elliot watches the band perform at the Homecoming football game with her young friend With the numerous activities at football games, there was something for everyone to enjoy. TIME OUT. Christopher Wood enjoys an unuaually warm January day as he reads on the Quad. Students often escaped thei dorm rooms and headed outdoors on pleasant days.

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WoRld of Impact Just as the the changes around campus made an impact on JMU students, the ever changing world also had a lasting effect on our lives. Events occurring across the nation and overseas all had some tvpe of impact that reached Harrisonburg, Virginia. For most of 1992, the presidential election was the top story in the media. At the Democratic Convention, Arkan- sas Governor Bill Clinton was selected to represent his party and faced incumbent President George Bush, and Independent candidate H. Ross Perot dropped out of the race in the summer and reentered it on October!. The candidates participated in live debates and focused their campaigns on issues such as the deficit, the sinking economy and environ- mental awareness. Clinton and running mate Al Gore were inaugurated on January 20, 1993, amid a week long celebra- tion which focused on the Democratic platform for change and celebration of the average American. George Bush left the White House battling old rival Saddam Hussein, Persian Gulf War aggressor. Hussein and his army broke the United Nations peace treaty by violating a neutral nti-fly zone. This problem, along with a national economy crisis were some of the first concerns to face Bill Clinton in his presidency. The 1992 Olympics in Spain gave sports fans some- thing to cheer about, with basketball fans especially excited over the Dream Team performances of NBA stars in competition. The all-star squad won the gold medal after winning by large margins in each contest. Those games were the last for basketball legends Larry Bird and Earvin Magic Johnson, who retired officially from the NBA. In October, the Blue Jays became the first Canadian team ever to win the World Series. In football action the playoffs produced a young and talented Dallas Cowboy team which faced the Buffalo Bills, who were making their third consecutive Superbowl appearance. Two official national emergency situations domi- nated the press and captivated Americans in the past year. Los Angeles was the center of dissention and unrest when the Simi Valley jury returned a 386 Closing courtesy of RijM Photo Siii ' pli Civil war spread across Yugoslavia, a nation of six republics and two provinces that had been plagued for centuries by historic ethnic, religious and economic differences. Nationalist, anti-communist parties won elections in 1991 in all republics except Serbia, the largest, and Montenegro, t he smallest. Croatia and Slovenia declared their independence and rivalries remained strongest between Serbs and Croats. verdict of not guilty in the Rodney King trial. South Central was under seige as enraged residentstorched and looted their own neighborhood in a violent reaction to the controversial decision. Hurri- cane Andrew swept across southern Florida causing millions of dollars in damage as it bankrupted both homeowners and their insurance companies. Homestead, Florida was left with more wreckage than the homeless victims were capable of repairing. Nationwide, volunteer crews sent food and supplies to the ravaged town, in a display of American generos- ity and unity. The year in retrospect was one of pride, conflict and anticipation. Americans were eager for change and hoped that a democratic government could improve national affairs. Ross Perot became a billionaire when the computer company he founded began selling stock. He left the presidential race in July and then reentered as an Indepedent candidate in October, Perot chose James Stockdale as his running mate and the two partici- pated in the debates for their respective positions. Perot fimded his campaign with his millions and had many volunteers to assist in the promotion of the Independent camiidate. iji 4 coiiilc ot ' ' A1 ! ' lin!o s The Rodney King trial sparked a string of riots, fires and looting incidents. The people of South Central L. A. took action to convey nationwide frustration with the unexpected verdict.