John Grace interviewed by Lisa Riley, 2005

Creator:
Grace, John A., Pastor and Riley, Lisa
Scope and content:

Records the reminiscences of Father John A. Grace, who served as Catholic Campus Minister at James Madison University from 1989 to 2005. Recalls his arrival at JMU as successor to Fr. William LaFratta and the warm welcome he received at the other campus ministries. Discusses the challenges of holding masses at such public venues as the Grafton-Stovall Theater and the Festival Ballroom. Details his decision to launch the first Alternative Spring Break (ASB) at JMU in 1990 and the subsequent success of the program in recent years. The ASB program has re-built housing in disaster areas in Latin America and the US and has sponsored the creation of a village bank in Guatemala. Describes his teaching experiences at JMU, his role as advisor to the Theta Chi fraternity, and his response to the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Closes with his reflections on retiring from the CCM after sixteen years.

Access and use

Location of collection:
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
Parent restrictions:
Collection open to research. The audio component of the interviews is not available pending reformatting. 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.
Parent terms of access:
The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

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