Your generosity supports and inspires the Madison Experience. Thank you.
‘You inspire students like me. Now, because of you, we have a real chance.’
KAITLYN GOOD (’23) B.S. Nutrition and Dietetics
2023 Stewardship Report
Valley Scholars: Making JMU a home for all S oon after he came to JMU, President Alger announced that this university would become a home for a broader array of students — including students from our own backyard. Since then, hundreds of local students have been selected to join Valley Scholars, plugging into the supportive relationships for which JMU is renowned and excelling on campus and after college graduation. Students who complete the rigorous Valley Scholars program and qualify for admission to JMU receive scholarships of full tuition and fees to the university — an opportunity to become the first in their families to graduate from college .
Enjoy the whole story. ➔
Graduating JMU seniors from the first Valley Scholars cohort celebrate their achievements.
Dreaming big Succeeding big
Until I was admitted into the Valley Scholars program in seventh grade, I rarely thought about college except to tell myself, “College is just too expensive.” But someone else was thinking about it, preparing the way for me. Someone, somewhere, was willing to underwrite my education. They didn’t even know who I was at the time. Someone knew that I was less likely to go to college and find a passion and career path that would allow me to make a difference in the world. That’s exactly what each and every one of you has done and continues to do. You all aren’t just giving us financial aid. You are giving each of us the courage to live out our visions for ourselves and how we will bring to the world our own revolutionary change. From day one, almost 10 years ago, President Alger told us to “Dream Big.” I’ll never forget that. Today I also have the confidence — built throughout these past four years as a Duke — that I can and do have the world in my hands. Despite financial and socioeconomic challenges and no family college tradition, I’m standing here as a JMU graduate . I’m ready to take the next step. Thank you. Kaitlyn Good (’23) B.S., Nutrition and Dietetics JMU graduate student
2015: Kaitlyn as a Valley Scholar
2023: Kaitlyn as a JMU graduate
Watch Kaitlyn’s full speech to donors and see other scholarship stories. ➔
W hen Valley Scholar and JMU graduate Kaitlyn Good was climbing toward her dreams, donors like you were doing something remarkable too. You were quietly opening doors for her all along the way . Across campus, thousands of Dukes like Kaitlyn are studying and achieving because of donor support. The JMU family gives faithfully, enhancing the transformational Madison education for all students. I wish I could share the story of each student whose life you are transforming. Please consider these grateful words from Kaitlyn as representing them all: “You inspire students like me to pursue further. Now, because of you, we have a real chance.”
In gratitude,
Whitney Sajko Director of Donor Relations & Advancement Relations 540-568-8791 | sajkowl@jmu.edu
P.S. There’s a new video online for you, with a message from other first- generation students.
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