In This Issue

• Basic Needs Pantry now available in 329 South Case

• Tom Boyd, State Court Administrator for the Michigan Supreme Court, is JMC's April Alumnus in Residence

• Upcoming events

• Student org events, including JMC Gala

• Opportunities of interest to JMC students

• Student resources in Case Hall

• Madisonian Mention: Finni Padgitt

JMC Basic Needs Pantry

A basic needs pantry for students is now open in Room 329 South Case. The self-serve pantry includes non-perishable food, hygiene and household cleaning items, and cold weather clothing, and is available during weekday business hours. The college also has a limited number of Meijer and Kroger gift cards for students experiencing food insecurity. Gift cards can be requested through Assistant Dean Brian Johnson ([email protected]).

Alumnus in Residence: Tom Boyd

Tom Boyd, State Court Administrator for the Michigan Supreme Court, is JMC's April Alumnus in Residence. Current JMC students are invited to schedule a one-on-one virtual meeting with Boyd to discuss their career journeys and life after Madison.

Schedule a virtual 15-meeting with Tom Boyd via Calendly.

More from Tom Boyd below:

What is a favorite memory from your time at JMC?
My favorite memories all surround friends. The friendships I began while at JMC have affected my life more than any others. These relationships began while studying, relaxing, and working. They have changed the direction of my life and continue to this day.

What is one skill or habit from JMC that you still use today?
Critical thinking skills, especially in reading and writing/editing. The ability to break written work into concepts and then drill down to the clauses, words, and modifiers to isolate the meaning is a tremendous asset.

What are you excited to share with students during your residency?
The most important thing for students to know is that they don’t have to have everything figured out. There’s too much pressure to speed through college (to limit expense or other factors). Don’t rush through with your head down. Say “yes” to new experiences. This is the time to be open to trying new things. Be safe . . . but soak it all in. 

What is one skill or habit from JMC that you still use today?
Critical thinking skills, especially in reading and writing/editing. The ability to break written work into concepts and then drill down to the clauses, words, and modifiers to isolate the meaning is a tremendous asset.

Events

Ask Us Anything: Grad & Law School
April 8, 4:30 p.m. in 329 South Case Hall. Join Karissa Chabot-Purchase and Lauren Michalak for a casual session, where they’ll draw from years of experience to answer any and all of your questions about the grad/law school exploration and application process. Register via Handshake.
This event counts towards the JMC Career Readiness Badge.

Queer Futurisms: Identity, Culture and Critique: The 2026 Stephen O Murray Symposium, April 15, all day (morning and afternoon sessions), in Club Spartan or via Zoom. This daylong gathering of scholars and community members will explore the past, present and future of LGBTQ+ life and scholarship. Scholars from across the U.S. and a nationally recognized drag artist will present qualitative research, personal narrative and performance ethnography. RSVP via Eventbrite.

2026 Arab American Heritage Month
Events hosted by the Middle East and North African Faculty and Staff Association (MENA-FSA) at MSU:

• Presentation: Nakba Archives, by Deborah Margolis, April 6 at 4 p.m. in the MSU Library. Margolis will discuss the online collection of Palestinian oral histories in the Nakba Archive and other collections of interest to students of Arab and Arab American culture and history.

• Public Policy Forum: The Michigan MENA Community Entering the 2026 Election, April 7, 12:15 p.m. in the MSU Union. In 2024, Michigan's MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) community played a key role in influencing presidential electoral outcomes within the state. However, with war in the Middle East, will Michigan Republicans face stronger headwinds with the MENA community this year? Join IPPSR for a lunch-and-learn session as we discuss the political climate within the MENA community.

• Film Screenings: White Time and Detroit Unleaded, April 14, 7 p.m. in ComArtSci Room 145. White Time humanistically addresses the complexity of Yemini identity in transit between Michigan and Yemen. Detroit Unleaded is “a fresh take on boy-meets-girl comedy set in Detroit."

Student Org Events

Jeopardy & Candy Night
April 9, 5 p.m. in 340 Case Hall. Join JMC Student Senate's International Relations Caucus for Jeopardy and international candy/beverages.

Student Senate Recognition Awards
Student Recognition Awards are here! This award highlights individuals who help create a positive reputation for JMC, whether that be through excellence in the classroom, commitment to creating positive change inside and outside JMC, significant career achievements, and/or generating an impact on JMC/MSU through participation in extracurricular organizations. Submit nominations via Google Form by April 9.

JMC Student Senate Gala
April 10, 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Graduate Hotel in East Lansing. Join James Madison College Student Senate to celebrate another incredible year at JMC. This year’s event will feature our traditional silent auction, with proceeds benefiting The Davies Project, a Lansing-based non-profit dedicated to “providing reliable transportation for seriously ill children and pregnant women to essential healthcare.” It’s a night of community, celebration and giving back. Buy tickets via Eventbrite.

Opportunities

Fulbright US Student Program: Teach, Study or Research Abroad Info Session 
Learn about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and how you can teach, study, or conduct research abroad after graduation. Open to MSU students (especially juniors and seniors) and recent graduates. These sessions will walk through eligibility, application tips, and the range of global opportunities available. All three sessions are identical, so you only need to attend one.  

• April 9, 5:30 p.m. in Room 201, International Center (with virtual option). Learn more via International Studies & Programs 

• May 8, 5:30 p.m. held virtually. Learn more via International Studies & Programs 

Academic Success Workshops

• Strategies for Navigating Group Work, April 7, 4 p.m.

• Prioritize Like A Pro, April 8, 4 p.m.

• Math Success Skills, April 9, 7 p.m.

  View more upcoming sessions hosted by MSU Office of Undergraduate Education.

Student Resources

Academic Advising
Academic advisors are available for drop-in advising through the Express Advising Center in 328 S. Case Hall on weekdays. Visit JMC’s website for more info.

Internships & Education Abroad Advising
Students with questions about internships and education abroad programs can meet with Field Experience Coordinator Lauren Michalak for drop-in advising on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. in 329 South Case Hall.

JMC Community Counselor: Drop-In Counseling
CAPS Connect counselor Victor Léon is available for free, confidential drop-in counseling on Monday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m. in S363 Case Hall. Visit MSU CAPS Connect for more information.

Writing Center at JMC
Need help working through an assignment, essay or presentation? The Writing Center at JMC in 341 Case Hall will be open Monday-Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Schedule an appointment or drop in.

Office Hours with Assoc. Dean Linda Racioppi
Associate Dean Linda Racioppi holds weekly office hours on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in S359 Case Hall. Stop in to discuss your academic journey with college leadership. These drop-in office hours are open to all Madison students.
Please Note: On April 8, these office hours will be held virtually via Zoom:

• Zoom Link: https://msu.zoom.us/j/8069246608 

• Zoom Room Password: Good2go

Connect with JMC’s Career Peer  
Need help with resumes, cover letters, personal statements or interview prep? Connect with JMC’s Career Peer, Taylor Toth, during weekly office hours held Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in S329 South Case or schedule on Handshake. Taylor can also review materials sent to [email protected].

Madisonian Mention: Finni Padgitt

Finni is a senior majoring in Comparative Cultures and Politics and Social Relations and Policy, with minors in Peace and Justice Studies and Philosophy and Law! Learn more about her below!

“Hello Madisonians, my name is Finni! You may or may not recognize me from the JMC Instagram (jmcmsu) or the JMC Student Senate Instagram (jmcsenate), both of which you should totally go follow to stay in the loop about all things JMC. This is because I am the Public Relations Chair for the JMC Student Senate and work as a Media and Communications Student Assistant for the college! So if you ever wondered who does the “Madisonian Mentions” and “Internship Spotlights” in the weekly JMC newsletters, or runs the JMC Senate Instagram… I’m your girl! A bit more about me: I was born and raised in East Lansing so I have been a Spartan my whole life. I am a huge MSU Basketball Fan and was a proud IZZONE member throughout my time here. I was also a Resident Assistant for two years, my first year at the one and only Case Hall and the second year at 1855 Place, so some of you may have been my residents!”

“When I am not studying or working, I like to spend time playing guitar, taking film photos, crafting, and of course hanging out with my lovely friends and family. Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Salvador, Brazil, for a study abroad program through JMC. Going on this study abroad was one of the best decisions I made in college, and I would highly recommend this program. With graduation just around the corner, I have been reflecting on my time here at JMC, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had and the people I have met. As I mentioned before, I am on the JMC Student Senate, where I have been a SRP Senator, a CCP Senator, and a member of the Executive Board for the past two years. This is the senior senators’ last week serving on the student senate, and I could not think of a better way to spend it than at the one and only JMC Gala! This is my absolute favorite event, where students, staff, and alumni come together to celebrate the end of the school year. Join us at The Graduate Hotel on Friday, April 10, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for a night of music, refreshments, dancing, awards and appreciation for our JMC community!”

Favorite artists or bands: Rolemodel, Djo, Fleetwood Mac, Glorilla

Favorite JMC Class: MC493, CCP Senior Seminar with Professor Borcila

Best study spot on campus: Anywhere outside (when it’s nice out) or the third floor in the library

Best Combo Spot: 1855 Market

Have questions or submissions for this newsletter? Contact Jane Deacon ([email protected]).