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

Page 27 text:

by Jackie da silva and sara wist Ratified m 1789, the Constitution had served as the foundation of the United States for over 300 years. To signify its importance, U.S. Constitution in Times of PerH v as chosen as the theme for Madison Week, beginning March 14. March 16 began with the annual wreath-laying cer- emony. Held near the James Madison statue, the event featured the traditional James Madison impersonator, John Douglas Hall. Former SGA President, Tom Cul- ligan, spoke on why the university appropriately carried Madison ' s name, demonstrating qualities of scholarship and citizenship. New members were inducted into the 1787 Society, a group sponsored by the James Madison Center designed to provide students with the oppor- tunity to explore the life, philosophy and ideals of James Madison. There was also a presentation of the Donald Robertson Scholarship in elementary education. Follow- ing these events, a birthday cake for James Madison was cut and enjoyed by students, faculty and others gathered at the event. Featuring Nicholas Katzenbach, former attorney general of the United States, the Madison Day con- vocation was held later that afternoon in Wilson Hall. The university wind symphony played the processional and The Star-Spangled Banner as the convocation began, followed by a procession of historical American flags. These included St. George ' s Cross, a flag carried to the New World by early English explorers, the Betsy Ross, the first official flag of the United States, and the Star-Spangled Banner. Madison Day Convocation ended with recognitions by Dr. Douglas T Brown, provost and vice president for academic affairs, followed by an arrangement of America the Beautiful. Another major event of Madison Week was the James Madison Commemorative Debate and Citizen Forum, where debate teams competed for possession of the coveted Madison Cup. On March 16, 14 collegiate debate teams, including the university ' s team, went head to head in a full day of debates, culminating in the final round debate that evening in Wilson Hall Auditorium. Six teams advanced to the final round of debate, which focused on the issue Resolved: that the time has come for the United States to reinstate a draft for compulsory military service. During the final round, the crowd enjoyed the excitement of debate, in which several teams argued their side of the resolution while audience members were able to comment and ask questions. After much deliberation by the judges, the debate team from Towson University won possession of the Madison Cup. The team from Yale University placed second and Georgetown University ' s debate team placed third. Throughout the week, both James Madison and the university were honored as students, faculty and others who attended events celebrated a long-standing tradition of excellence. ■ m 1 — 1 ' j ll T ' . i ' Kf u «2?i ' 1 Dressing as the university ' s namesake, John Douglas Hall speaks with interested students. It was a tradition for Hall to represent Madison on this day each year. :!;■,■ ' : ' .iriher Sport ing a shirt created in the spirit of Madi- son Day, a student waifs in line for cake after the wreath-laying ceremony. Each year, the James Madison Center and the Madison Day Committee laid a wreath at the James Madison statue. by Presenting the Madi- son Cup, convocation speaker Nicholas Katzenbach stands with university officials. The cup was awarded in Wilson Hall. Phjtc by i!aif photographer madison wee l

Page 26 text:

Itraditionatitsfinestl Tradition r-at its , finest students and faculty gather for the annual celebration of Jannes Madison. Parti ipating in Madison Week events, Vice Presi- dent for Student Affairs, Dr. Mark Warner, and former SGA President, Tom Culligon, sfioke fiands. Both men spoke at the wreath-laying cer- emony. Photo by itai-f photographer Honoring James Madison ' s birthday, cake is served to those in at- tendance at the Madison Day celebration. Madison Day, held on Wednes- day, recognized James Madison ' s birthday. Phoi by staff photographer fea eatures

Page 28 text:

Itakebackthenightl TAKE THE [ NIGHr Students raise awareness of violence against wonnen. Walking through the Clothesline Project, student reads the mov- ing messages on shirts created by people who hove been affected by violence against women. The Clothesline Project was established in 1990 in Massachusetts. :,: staff photographer Walking through the Clothesline Project display, senior Rachel iVirPo stops to reflect on the emotional meoning behind the shirts. Each year, Take Bock the Night worked with the Clothesline Project to disploy the collection of shirts, which continued to grow each year. Photo by staff photographer I features