James Madison University - Index

James Madison University - Madison Magazine - Winter 2009 - Index

‘We haven’t had this opportunity
in the past. It puts JMU
on the map as a significant
forum for political figures to
express their views. Students
are getting to see something
they’ve never seen before.’
— Bob Roberts,
political science professor
obama photograph by angel elza (’10), flags by diane elliott (’00)
‘One of Sen. John McCain’s fellow prisoners of war
spoke to students gathered at the Festival Conference
and Student Center lawn on Oct. 28 for the Keep Virginia
Red Rally, and his story was inspirational. ... This is
the most important election of our generation. I hope
fellow JMU students vote and pull the lever after making
an informed and thoughtful decision.’
— Ashton Brown (’09),
spokesperson JMU College Republicans
‘Some students waited since unspeakable hours of the early morning in order
to experience the captivating essence and charisma of Sen. Barack Obama.
This is exceptional to have occurred in JMU’s centennial year. … Despite the
cloudy sky and fierce chill to the air, lines extended from two entrances to the
Convo, all the way past parking lots and into streets, wrapping around fields
and UREC. Once inside the Convo, the energy was addictive. … People were
bonding over ideology. The anticipation was overwhelming.’
— Sarah Mead (’09), english major and Breeze writer
‘I am very excited to be at such
an historical event. The freezing
wait in line was worth it.’
— Adriana Brown, (’12), Richmond
‘People are realizing
that there are decisions
being made that
are going to affect
our children, their
children. It’s making
them take a look.’
— David McKinney (’09),
JMU College
democrats president
‘The Bluestone staff joined correspondents from
major media outlets throughout the world in the
Obama rally’s press pit. It’s the first time we’ve come
in contact with professional press people. This is
something I’ve never seen before.”
— Rebecca Schneider (’10), Bluestone staff
‘Obama’s ‘Hold on to
hope, tomorrow will
be brighter’ quote was
inspiring considering
the hard financial
times most people in
the country are going
through. It was great
how he was catering
to the college atmosphere
by talking
about volunteer work
paying off through
financial help for
schooling.’
— Sarah Buhrman (’09),
Hagerstown, Md.
WinTeR 2009
@ 11