Posted on No Comments on [Listening Post] How JMU Students Portray “Be the Change”

[Listening Post] How JMU Students Portray “Be the Change”

“Be the Change.” Here at JMU, we hear that phrase almost daily, but what does it really mean? JMU students, on and off campus, have been changing the world every day just by being inspiring, creative, and innovative.

 JMU alum, Gilbert Welsford Jr., taught a Motivational Entrepreneurship class through JMU Teach, which is an experimental program that allows students to create and facilitate their own classes. This class paved Welsford’s way into being involved in two current ventures, Sparks Entertainment and ValveMan, in which he has partnered with his friends and family.

“That’s not why I live on this earth-for business. Not because I want a lot of money- well, so I can earn a lot of money to give it away, change peoples’ lives,” Welsford said.

“Be the Change” not only symbolizes changing others’ lives, but being our own role models. Levar Stoney, a 2004 JMU political science graduate, had been chairman of the Virginia Democratic Party for the 2008 election. Stoney defused any negative comments he received against the Democractic party with saying that there is a certain time and place, right and wrong tone, for these discussions. He was courteous and sensitive when others may not have been.

I believe that every student at JMU embodies “Be the Change” in one way or another. We are each finding our path to changing the world here at JMU, and the Be the Change blog is a great way to showcase the work of our students. Being surrounded by so many interesting and inspiring people reiterates JMU’s strong sense of community. What do you think empowers JMU students to “Be the Change”?

Posted on No Comments on [Listening Post] Be the Change – in SCOM, at JMU and in the world

[Listening Post] Be the Change – in SCOM, at JMU and in the world

At JMU, we embrace the slogan “Be the Change.” Every member of this community, no matter their hometown, year or major, strives to do the best that they can with every day. That’s why this blog, Be the Change, is a must-read for students, staff and faculty alike.

The blog posts on this site vary greatly, from guest bloggers to interviews with graduates to updates about life at JMU. The most recent post, titled “Why Vote?”, is written by a 2004 alumnus Levar Stoney. He maintains a humorous, bipartisan tone while encouraging JMU students and other readers to use a right that “many people around the world would die to have.”  There’s also a short post written during Homecoming week that encourages alumni to gather virtually if they can’t physically be in Harrisonburg.

For me, the most compelling story written in the past month was about a hurricane. The author begins, “None of us can control a hurricane like Sandy — or any hurricane for that matter. Such unbridled power provides endless fascination in large part because it is out of our control. We can only react, as the university is doing today by closing in an abundance of caution in the face of Hurricane Sandy.” He then goes on to describe a devastating hurricane which hit close to Harrisonburg over 50 years ago. It’s a powerful story and it really shows how changes in the media have affected the way that we communicate, especially during times of disaster.

So, SCOM, listen up. I know we’re all really busy, but this is a great blog to follow. It will keep you connected to the JMU community; and who knows, maybe it will inspire you to “Be the Change.”

Check it out, and share your favorite post in the comments.