HISTORY OF THE JMU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
James Madison University was founded in 1908. The first students enrolled in 1909, at what was then called the Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg. Three years later, in 1911, the first-ever commencement ceremonies were held with 20 women receiving degrees. That same year, on June 13, those 20 women founded and organized the Alumnae Association. Since then, the University has undergone many transformations including several name changes. In 1953 the Alumnae Association became known as the Alumni Association to reflect the growing number of men graduating from JMU. From the original 20 members the Alumni Association has grown to more than 140,000 members. A network of chapters and clubs offer opportunities to stay connected to the university through a variety of events and services that are offered to all alumni.
MISSION
To cultivate sustained engagement and investment in James Madison University.
VISION
To be the leading connector and primary resource to meaningfully engage Alumni and build exceptional relationships with and among students, Alumni, and the university, in order to keep Madison Traditions alive for future generations.
PRIORITIES
- Dedicating
- Upholding
- Knowledge
- Elevating
- Service
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
The JMU Alumni Association (JMUAA) believes in the motto “Dukes from Day One, Alumni for Life.” Representing more than 150,000 Dukes, the JMUAA endeavors to connect and serve all Alumni and to be the primary resource for Alumni engagement with James Madison University. The JMUAA also works to champion the achievements of our Alumni, and to build a culture of sustained investment in JMU, its students, and its community through Alumni time, talent, treasure, and testimony. Together, JMU Alumni across the globe give back to the university in various ways with the desire to continue growing the reach, impact, and reputation of our alma mater. The JMUAA has developed its strategic priorities with the intent to continue building on our previous successes, as well as to find new ways to connect and better serve our ever-growing membership.
The JMUAA is a non-dues based organization, that operates in a unique interdependent model, where its work and resources as a non-profit organization come from a network of Alumni volunteers that works collaboratively with the university’s Office of Alumni Relations (OAR).Together, we give back to the university in ways that further the reach and reputation of the JMU we know and love. We are advocates, volunteers and donors, and we realize the awesome responsibility and role we have in being ambassadors for Madison, and in helping create a brighter future for our beloved alma mater.
We invite you to review our latest strategic plan.
We look forward to working with you as we create a brighter future for the JMU Alumni Association, and James Madison University, because we are Dukes from Day One, and we are Alumni for Life.
Go Dukes!
John L. "Tripp" Hughes, III (’09)
President, JMU Alumni Association
Carrie Combs (’07, ’09M)
Executive Director, JMU Alumni Association
Questions about the Strategic Plan? Contact (540) 568-6234 or alumni@jmu.edu.
Board's position on DEI
View the JMU Alumni Association Board's position statement on diversity, equity and inclusion.