Dingledine Society
Mission:
To engage past James Madison University Alumni Association board of directors and cultivate involvement and investment in James Madison University and the JMU Alumni Association
Vision:
To identify and connect with former JMU Alumni Association board of directors and cultivate relationships with current directors and chapter leadership for the purpose of strengthening ties with James Madison University and the JMU Alumni Association.
Email alumni@jmu.edu for more info.
Since the earliest years of the institution, the Dingledines have played a huge role in creating the traditions and character that form today's university. Agness exemplified leadership, dedicated her life to serving others while Bleeding Purple, much like you did during your tenure as a Director.
As this year continues to keep us all at a distance, we do not want to lose your valuable knowledge and connections as they relate to the work the Board continues to do. There are many opportunities for you to get involved as a member of the Dingledine Society and we want to hear from you!
History of the Dingledine Society
JMU’s “royal family” had humble beginnings as Raymond Carlyle Dingledine, Sr. and Agness Stribling both came to the Harrisonburg State Normal and Industrial School for Women in 1913 – Dingledine started teaching Summer session mathematics classes and Miss Stribling enrolled in a two-year teaching program. In 1916, Dingledine joined the Mathematics faculty and in 1917 Miss Stribling became the Normal School's youngest faculty member. They were married in February of 1918. In 1919, The Dingledines began offering an annual $10 prize for the best senior essay. The prize may seem paltry today, but back then it was the average week's pay for a public school teacher.
"Mama Ding,” as Agnes came to be called affectionately, was dormitory hostess of the Sprinkle House in 1949, house mother of Tri Sigma sorority from 1949 to 1962, and alumni secretary from 1952 until her retirement in 1967.
Dingledine Hall was named in her honor in 1970
In the past 85 years, 10 relatives of the Dingledine family have attended JMU. Three Dingledines – Raymond Sr., Agness “Mama Ding,” and Raymond Jr. – are widely known and revered by thousands of alumni and alumni of the institution. Read more about the JMU Royal Family's amazing history.
Agness "Mama Ding" Dingledine