Alumni Association Records

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Restrictions:

Collection open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

Copyright for materials authored or otherwise produced as official business of James Madison University is retained by James Madison University. Copyright status for other collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. For more information, contact the Special Collections Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Alumni Association Records, 1924-2015, UA 0022, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
8.55 cubic feet 21 boxes, 1 flat file
Creator:
James Madison University. Alumni Association
Abstract:
The collection consists of the administrative files and photographs of the James Madison University Alumni Association, all referring to the individual graduated classes of JMU, Madison College, and the State Normal School.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Alumni Association Records, 1924-2015, UA 0022, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of the administrative files and photographs of the Alumni Association, all referring to the individual graduated classes of JMU, Madison College, and the State Normal School. The collection also includes the photographs used in a commemorative reunion book and a VHS tape of 1999 reunions.

Biographical / historical:

The JMU Alumni association was formed June 13, 1911, soon after the first 20 women graduated from the school, then the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg. At the time, it was known as the Alumnae Association, reflecting its all-women membership. As the growing Madison College began accepting male students, the association renamed itself the Alumni Association to reflect the institution's move towards coeducation. In 2017, the Alumni Association had over 127,000 members.

The JMU Alumni Association is a JMU organization which facilitates relations with JMU alumni and the university, encouraging their continued engagement and support for the school. The organization's membership consists of all individuals who have completed 12 credit hours from JMU or its previous institutional iterations.

The Alumni Association is directed by the Alumni Board of Directors, an executive committee, and representatives from the JMU Board of Visitors. The primary actions and strategies of the Board of Directors are carried out by the Office of Alumni Relations.

One of the most visible activities the Alumni Association organizes is class reunions. The reunions take place at regular intervals after a class's graduation. The Alumni Association handles the logistical issues in planning, notifying, and registering alumni for the event. Festivities often include campus tours, luncheons, and group photographs.

The Alumni Association also oversees the Bluestone Society, a subgroup of alumni from JMU having celebrated their 50th class reunion. Bluestone reunions are marked by larger-scale events and festivities and the members' induction into the society. The earliest mention of the organization was in 1974 at the 50th reunion of the class of 1924. Its official title was given in 1983 for the joint reunion of alumni from 1908 to 1933. All alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago are automatically inducted into the society. The society's name comes from the bluestone architecture of the quad area, the oldest portion of the JMU campus.

Acquisition information:
Transferred to Special Collections by the JMU Alumni Association in August 2016. A large grouping of materials primarily comprising photographs and photograph albums as well as administrative files were retrospectively accessioned in 2023. The immediate source and date of acquisition is unknown. Presumably these materials dealing primarily with JMU alumni were transferred to Special Collections by the Alumni Association, but an exact date of transfer is unknown.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in three series.

  1. Administrative Files, 1931-2016
  2. Photographs, 1945-1995
  3. 2023-0127, 2023-0419, 1924-2008 Accessions
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard