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

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FLOURISH From the 1927 May Queen and Her Court to today ' s Mr. and Ms. Madi- son, the university has seen a number of changes. Since it was founded in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women, our school has flourished into a coeducational Hberal arts university with over 12,000 stu- dents. In 1977, Madison College was renamed James Madison University under President Ronald E. Carrier and has since made a name for itself nationally. Student life has changed with the university as athletics, enter- tainment and extracurricular activities have created an atmosphere of tradi- tion combined with innovation. Whether we were working out at the Uni- versity Recreation Center, enjoying a concert at the Convo or running to a meeting, the increased amenities of recent years have made our college years more than just homework. c ' SRachel ' Moswal EDITOR cs Eeah f l CJj alley ASSISTANT EDITOR Features Divider - 15

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poking ' AHEAD With mixed emotions ranging from nostalgia and sadness to excitement and elation, the Class of 1996 received their diplo- mas in front ol the proud taccs ot tamil ' and friends. With diplomas in hand, the newest Madison alumni brought an end to their ears at JAIU and began the next phase of their lives. I was so excited that I was finaU) ' graduating but I was also a littie apprehensi ' e about going out into the world, said graduate Laura Solomon. I decided, though, that I wasn ' t going to think about that because I was ha ing such a great time with all mv friends. Storm clouds and rains plagued the ceremon but that didn ' t dampen the festive atmosphere. Excited graduates donned their caps with messages and s}Tnbols representative of their college vears. Beach balls, balloons and toilet paper streamed through the air as guest speakers congratulated the students. Camera flashes popped from all directions as the tassels turned and diplomas were distributed. It was supposed to be a serious and dignified event, said graduate Alicia Mellman, but all the seniors just wanted to celebrate and have a good time. After the main ceremony in Bridgeforth Stadium, students divided into smaller ceremonies held bv the different colleges within the uni ' ersit ' . Ceremonies were held aU over campus, including on the Quad and in the Convocation Cen- ter. At these smaller, more intimate ceremonies, graduates walked across the stage as their names were announced. After the satellite ceremonies, tailgating, celebrations and barbecoies popped up all around the cit} ' as the graduation festivities continued throughout the day. Ever one was talking about long-term plans, jobs and tra ' eling, said graduate Ryan Netzer. All I could think about was the immediate flimre and having a great time dur- ing my last few davs at JMU. Graduate Ryan Sullivan said, I had worked hard for the last few years and it was now time for me to take a break from everrthing and see America. Madison taught me a lot about life and people and I think that with this diploma, I ' m ready to begin my new life. so e ted tfiatlzvas jinaSij graduating But I was also adttk apprefiensive aboutgoing into the world ' ' BY SONALDUTT 16 - Flourish