JMU sells green
By Ryan Platt,September 2, 2010
HARRISONBURG Va. — JMU’s commitment to environmental sustainability drove college choice decisions for some freshmen. “[Our program] is definitely better than other schools I was visiting,” said Amanda Shotts, a freshman psychology major. “I was amazed by how much effort JMU students put into it.” Shotts said she noticed the small changes, like bike racks and recycling bins. “There are little things, like the reusable boxes at Mrs. Greens, and other little stuff all over campus,”... Read more »
Alternative Break Program captures award
By Kaleigh Somers,September 2, 2010
HARRISONBURG, Va. — The learning experience from JMU’s Alternative Break Program has kept junior Alexis Wu coming back to the program each year since her first visit to New Orleans, nearly five years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. “When I got down [to New Orleans], I learned more about the social issues going on after Hurricane Katrina and I wanted to learn more and do more,” said Wu, now a program coordinator. “Since then, I’ve been hooked on the alternative break bug.” JMU’s... Read more »
‘Living wages’ bring attention to apparel company
By Matt Sutherland, Contributing WriterSeptember 2, 2010
HARRISONBURG, Va. — Joseph Bozich, CEO of Knights Apparel, has a goal: make products that are not only inexpensive and competitive, but also manufactured ethically. The largest supplier of collegiate apparel in the United States, Knights Apparel owns Alta Gracia, a clothing factory in the Dominican Republic. Unlike its competitors, Knights Apparel pays these workers what they call a “living wage,” nearly three times the minimum wage in the country, according to the Worker Rights Consortium,... Read more »
Crossing under the street saves time
By John Sutter, The BreezeSeptember 2, 2010
HARRISONBURG, Va. — No more waiting at the crosswalk light or dodging between cars on South Main Street: The opening of the tunnel should make getting to and from campus easier. But not everyone has been taking advantage of the connecting walkway. “Obviously the tunnel is safer than the crosswalk because there are no cars to contend with,” said Towana Moore, associate vice president for Business Services. Moore said she has seen cars run red lights, and contends that when presented with the... Read more »
North 38 awarded for enivronmental responsibility
By Tyler McAvoy,September 2, 2010
HARRISONBURG Va. — Nestled amid the Valley’s sprawling hills, green farmlands and acres of pastures the complex seem like a natural fit. In June, the North 38 complex was awarded the Energy Star for Homes Award by the Environmental Protection Agency. The award, which highlights using energy efficient heating, cooling and materials, is given to companies that build at least 50 Energy Star certified projects in a calendar year. According to an article on marketwire.com, Wood Partners, LLC exceeded... Read more »
McDonnell continues liquor debate
By Kaleigh Somers,August 30, 2010
HARRISONBURG, Va. — After Thursday night’s town hall meeting in the Festival Ballroom, Gov. Bob McDonnell had quite a few suggestions to discuss with his cabinet regarding the privatization of Alcohol Beverage Control stores, among other subjects. In an effort to hear from a diverse crowd of Virginians, McDonnell has been traveling around the state to host town hall meetings during the month of August to discuss these hot topics in an effort to improve state agendas and stimulate the economy. “Change... Read more »
While You Were Out: 11 Changes to JMU’s Campus
By John Sutter, The BreezeAugust 30, 2010
HARRISONBURG, Va. — 1. Flying the Coop Connected to the Quad via the South Main tunnel, the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts sits adjacent to the Quad and was completed in June. The 175,000-sq.feet, $80.7 million facility will house both the School of Theatre and Dance and practice space for the School of Music. Boasting three theatres and two concert/recital halls, sound-proofed music rooms and costume shops, the Forbes Center dwarfs Theatre II not only in size but also technological advancements. 2.... Read more »
Website offers green for grades
By Jeff Harris,August 30, 2010
HARRISONBURG, Va. — That next bad test grade may not just cost a letter grade — it could cost students hard cash. A New York-based website called Ultrinsic allows students to wager money on their performance in the classroom by predicting what grades they think they will earn and winning money if they achieve that grade or higher. According to the company’s website, it began when Ultrinsic CEO and creator Steven Wolf offered co-creator Jeremy Gelbart money if he earned an “A” on an impending... Read more »
Bookstore joins book-renting market
By Danielle Strickler,August 30, 2010
HARRISONBURG, Va. — Even though some of the advertisements for the University Bookstore’s new textbook rental program are claiming to save students up to 50 percent, not all students are ready to give up their allegiance to Chegg, Amazon and other online outlets. Elio DiStaola, director of public and campus relations for Follett, the company that supplies the bookstore’s textbooks, believes rentals can be the most cost-effective option for some students. “If [students] don’t intend on keeping... Read more »
2020 program to offer new vision for Harrisonburg
By Tyler McAvoy,August 30, 2010
HARRISONBURG, Va. — By Tyler mcavoy contributing writer Harrisonburg is trying to find new ways to keep students in the city after they graduate. The plan, called Vision 2020, is a collaborative effort between local businesses and JMU to help establish a unified goal for the community, including JMU students, for the next 10 years. The plan includes upgrading public transportation, bringing more business to the area and making Harrisonburg more attractive to graduating students, in hopes that they’ll... Read more »





