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“
I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity to go to college and get an education... I just feel very honored.”
Samantha Cornell (‘28) Honors, Nursing Lt. Col. Justin Constantine (‘92)
Scholarship Endowment for First Generation Students Recipient
FY26 Stewardship Report
Supporting Changemakers
The Madison Experience is an education rooted in human connection, where intellect meets compassion and learning leads to action. At JMU, students don’t just study the world — they prepare to meet its needs with empathy, expertise and purpose. Our graduates are stepping into leadership roles and making a difference from day one. Your investment fuels their future and the lives they’ll impact along the way.
Creating a Legacy
Meet Samantha! She is one of nearly 2,300 JMU students who received scholarships this year because of donors like you . Samantha was awarded the Lt. Col. Justin Constantine (’92) Endowed Scholarship for First Generation Students, a scholarship created in memory of a beloved alumnus. “Samantha is not just carrying forward Justin’s incredible legacy, but shaping her own. Here at JMU — and beyond — she is writing the next chapter, one that honors the past while forging a beautiful future all her own.” – Dahlia Hamza Constantine, Scholarship Donor
Dahlia Hamza Constantine
Supporting mentorship
“Growing up, I watched both of my parents work really hard to get where they are in their careers without college degrees. My mom really pushed me to go to college because she wanted me to have the opportunities that she didn’t have.” Q: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO PURSUE COLLEGE? “I love school. I love learning and being out and about and trying new things. And I’ve always been on top of my grades. I’m pretty sure it’s because of my mom pushing me. I used to hate it, but now I really do appreciate it, because it’s opened up so many doors for me.” Q: WHAT WAS SCHOOL LIKE FOR YOU GROWING UP?
“When my dad was badly injured in a car accident, the nurses helped our family get through … and that’s why I’m becoming a nurse — so I can be the person helping another family get through a hard time.” Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO STUDY NURSING? “I was very shocked … getting it was a game changer. It was an extra boost that my family and I really appreciated.” Q: WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION TO LEARNING YOU’D BEEN AWARDED THE CONSTANTINE SCHOLARSHIP? “My sister’s going into college next year, so I can help her with that … She won’t have to go through all that confusion because I’ve already been through it, so I can help whenever she needs.” Q: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST REWARD OF BEING THE FIRST IN YOUR FAMILY TO GO TO COLLEGE?
Nurses are the bedside person through all of it, and I just really want to help others feel better — in any way possible. Whatever I can do, I’ll do it.” -Samantha Cornell (’28) “
A message of gratitude Every person who attends college can relate to those early feelings of uncertainty. How will I navigate campus? Which professors will I connect with? Will I succeed in my studies? And for students like Samantha, who are the first in their families to earn a four-year college degree, those unknowns increase exponentially. That’s why I’m so grateful for donors like you who understand that all bright, capable students often need an extra bit of support to become Dukes. You and I know that once they are here, the Madison Experience captivates them with equal parts heart, intellect and acumen — and our Dukes go on to change our world. Because of your support, thousands of Dukes like Samantha are overcoming barriers to education and turning challenges into triumphs. Your support of JMU enables the university to address the needs of our world by empowering students like Samantha to gain access to the Madison Experience — and prepare for lives of Being the Change in their communities.
In gratitude,
Whitney Sajko Senior Director of Donor Relations sajkowl@jmu.edu
As a donor, your experience matters ➔
Office of Donor Relations MSC 3604, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 donorrelations@jmu.edu 8.2025
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