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

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onorabe n ov t n f n -jf J r ir i i r x r y by Brianne Beers DST members participate in events like Adopt- A- Highway to better the community. Y r Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. strove to make a difference at the university on the basis of schol- arship, sisterhood and service. As the first Black Greek organization chartered on campus, the Iota Alpha chapter was private and nonprofit. Delta Sigma Theta ' s most important principle was to offer both assistance and support through its reputable programs in the community. The orga- nization established a five-point thrust system that served as the root of these programs. The fi ve-point thrust consisted of economic development, educa- tional development, international awareness and involvement, political awareness and involvement and physical and mental health. Our main goal was service to our surrounding community and fellow peers, said senior Chiquita Cross. The members of Delta Sigma Theta worked ex- tremely hard to contribute as much as they could to both the campus and the community. This included church clean-ups and the Adopt-A-High- wa)- program. On Saturdays, the sorority mentored local girls aged 11-14 as part of a program known as Delta Academy. The girls were tutored in the areas of technology, self-esteem and academic suc- cess. The sorority ' s Miracle on 35th Street toy drive provided 75 children at the Boys Girls Clubs of America with a day of fun activities. Every child received a gift from the drive. Delta Sigma Theta started the year with its an- nual back to school barbecue before classes started. It was an opportunity for incoming freshmen to mingle with and meet other students. The chapter commemorated its 35th anniversary in 2006 and members organized a weekend of activi- ties. Many chapter alumnae attended the celebration, including eight of the 1 1 charter members. The sorority and its members were awarded manv honors. Senior Linia Duncan, vice president, won the coveted honor of Ms. Madison during Homecoming. One of the biggest accomplishments for Delta Sigma Theta was winning the Center for Multicultural Student Services-sponsored Home- coming step show competition. The women not only placed first, but also received Best Costume and Best Entrance recognitions. We work very hard to balance schoolwork, jobs, executive board positions in other organizations, a personal life, and Delta Sigma Theta, and we usually excel in all areas, said junior Tiffany Griffin. Delta Sigma Theta joined with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., to plan Code Red Weekend, an event that raised money for the Valley AIDS Network. Sev- eral exciting events took place, including the Blackout Party, which was co-sponsored by the Black Student Alliance. One of the sorority ' s main events was its an- nual date auction, called Choose Your Flavor. The members of Delta Sigma Theta worked to- gether diligently to accomplish their goals while mak- ing a positive difference. I love being a Delta and furthermore a Delta in this chapter. We do so much, and it is time consuming, yet it is so rewarding to know that you helped to make something happen on this campus, said Cross. Every day, we ' re out there representing those letters Delta Sigma Theta, trying to help those who may not know or understand who we are or what we ' re about. We knew this wasn ' t go- ing to be easy when we decided to become members, but nothing worth being a part of ever is easy. Club Swimming Club Swimming allowed students of all levels to develop their swimming skills while making new friends. The club held two-hour practices five days a week and students could compete in swim meets. Front row: Meghan Uncapher, Will Waite, Theresa DeCoursey, . udra Socinski, Emily Braun, Emily Barker, Dana Humbert, Mandi Reeder: Second row: Molly McHarg, John Gullickson, Megan Kennedy, Jessica Novak, Katelyn Hodges, Sarah Bowling, Courtney Rejzer, Christa Samaha; Back row: Melissa Dunn, Beth Strickler, Pat Allgier, Annie Marks, Kelly Patullo, Molly-Armine Manwaring, Adrienne O ' Rourke. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 1 263 I

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•delta Sigma theta sorority, inc. Sharing memories, a scrapbook displays Delta Sigma Theta ' s red and black colors The book was one of many scrapbooks available for viewing at the Delta Sigma Theta luncheon. Photo by jewels Cundrum Enjoying time with sisters, alumna Marcma Williams dmes at the Delta Sigma Theta lun- cheon for alumnae and cur- rent members. The luncheon was held in the Highlands Room and celebrated the sorority ' s 35th anniversary. Photo by jewels Gundrum Performing during a step show, members of Delta Sigma Theta incorporate their Supergirl theme The sorority was founded in 1913 at Howard Univer- sity by 22 women. Photo by Mmdi Westhoff Front row: Kanieron Spencer, Chiquita Cross. Linia Duncan. Circle K Circle K was started in 1936 by Ki- wanis International and became the largest collegiate service organiza- tion in the world. The organization performed service projects through- out the communit ' to promote service, fellowship and leadership. Front row; BlII.i Taul. |,iiiiu- t iiiiiui, Al.iiii.i iii.niu. lUliia Paul. ,S( ' iii .i Dtsai; Second row: Linda Laarz. Mamit- SiU-n. Jcniiilci Sthwarl , Emily Thornton, .Allison Forrest, Snzanne Fleming; Back Row: Parag I ' ai ikh. Meredith Wessels, .Avery Daugh- ert . Holly Boiling, Matthew Sears, 1 262 I Organizations

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•equestrian club me reins by Victoria Shelor Equestrian Club members compete in regional horse shows. While striving to enhance horsemansliip skills, the members of the Equestrian Club bonded over a common love for horseback riding, competition and horses themselves. The Equestrian Club was established in 1994. Members trained under a new coach, Debbie Crist, an alumna of the universitv with over 30 ears of experience in riding, showing and coaching hunt seat equitation. The club recently relocated and began riding out of a new barn, Brilee Farms, outside of New Mar- ket, Va. The facility was primarily a western reining barn, Init welcomed all riding disciplines. It provided the club with a state-of-the-art riding ring and the opportunity for the riders to improve their skills and prepare for competitions. The club competed in several regional intercol- legiate horse shows. The Tournament of Champions at Hollins University was its first show in which it competed against schools from all o er the East Coast. At its first regular season horse show, hosted by Radford University, the imiversity ' s team placed third among a number of Virginia colleges. The team ' s fall season horse shows took place at Hollins University where the team placed seventh, and at Randolph Macon Women ' s College and Bridge- water College where it placed fourth in bi h. In the spring, the team also competed at the University of Virginia, Sweet Briar College, Hollins University and Bridgewater College. Anywhere from eight to 15 members of the club were invited to ride at the horse shows. Man) club members come and cheer on our competing mem- bers, said senior Emily W ' ilkins. Crist selected these members on the basis of their riding abilities and how much effort the ' put in the club and in practices throughout the season. Still, the riders rotate for each horse show, said Wilkins. We ride the hosting school ' s horses, Wilkins said. Before each part of the competition begins, the rider will pick the name of a horse out of a hat and that will be the horse they will compete on for the day, she said. The shows provided something for everyone, from beginner walk and trot to open three-foot jump- ers. The club had riders in each division and everv rider was vital in securing points for the entire team. The club participated in Ride With Pride, a therapeutic riding organization that helped those with disabilities through alternative therapy with horses. This was our first year working with this specific program, Wilkins said. Club members went to the farm once or twice a week to muck out the stalls, groom the horses or assist with riding lessons. We also raised money to donate to the Jimmy Fund to support the fight against cancer, Wilkins said. Working with Mercy House, members of the Etjuestrian Club created holiday fruit baskets and cooked dinner for those in need around Thanks- giving. Aroinid the holiday season and Valentine ' s Day, the club created festive cards to disti ibute to musing homes in the Harrisonburg area. It was wonderful to be so close to such a great group of students that share the same passions about riding and horses, Wilkins said. The club has allowed me to do so many great things and create friendships that will last a lifetime. 1 College Republicans The College Republicans had been actively involved with the univer- sity and in the Harrisonburg area for over 20 years. They promoted conservative values such as Constitu- tional freedoms and limited go ern- ment b) ' campaigning at national, state, local and campus levels. Front row: Setli Binstcd. I. aura Fcnno. I. .una Priinci. l)i ' ()n Harris. Julia Pagones, Juliana Comer; Second row: .Astu-lv liertoiii. Astiton Brown. Kathryn McAbee. Tory Federwisch, Ke llv O ' Brien: Bacl row: ticliael Varborough. Jarrett Ray, Mike Sargent, Eric Lane, .Anthon Riedcl. [ohn l rake. 1 264 I Organizations