In This Issue

• Meet MSU’s newest Drum Major: first-year Madisonian Maya Demeniuk

• Giving Spotlight: Early Start, JMC’s bridge program for first-gen students

• More college news

• JMC programs that will bring new students to Case Hall

• Volunteer opportunities for JMC alumni

• Alumni notes and updates

Madisonian Named MSU Drum Major

First-year student Maya Demeniuk came to JMC for the writing program, with law school on the horizon. She also arrived as an accomplished trumpet player and two-time high school drum major. Earlier this year, she was named the 70th Drum Major of the Spartan Marching Band. We spoke with Maya about her path to JMC and what’s ahead with her new role. Read the Q&A on JMC’s website.

Giving Spotlight: Early Start

Before the fall semester officially begins, participants of JMC's Early Start program move into Case Hall a week early to get a head start on college life. The bridge program helps first-generation students — those whose parents did not attend college — acclimate to campus and build the tools and relationships they need to thrive at JMC.

Early Start launched through the generous gift of JMC alumnus Troy Calkins (IR '88) in 2022, and it has made a significant difference for JMC students who have benefitted from the program: 

“As a participant of the Early Start Program, I never felt alone,” says Jai P. (PTCD '27). “I was surrounded by other first-generation students who shared the same concerns, questions and feelings I had. We learned so much about the campus, JMC, and the East Lansing and Lansing community that we already felt acclimated within a couple of days and could call this place our home.”

On Give Green Day (March 10, 2026), JMC is raising funds in support of Early Start. Your gifts to the Troy Calkins Student Success Fund will ensure that more first-generation Madisonians can benefit from this critical program.

Interested in making a donation to JMC? Contact Madison’s Assoc. Director of Development Joseph Agosta (agostaj@msu.edu).

More College News

Madison in Washington Program: Second-year JMC student William Kuhl (SRP) is currently interning with Senator Elissa Slotkin's Office as part of the Madison in Washington Congressional Internship Program. The internship provides Madisonians with hands-on experience in federal public affairs in Washington, DC, while also satisfying JMC's field experience requirement. Two more JMC students will join the program this summer.

Roosevelt Institute Fellowship: Last year, JMC junior Donovan Fobbs became the first MSU student to complete the Roosevelt Institute's Forge Fellowship, which provides undergraduate students with foundational skills in research and policy analysis. He'll return to Washington, D.C., this summer for the Roosevelt in Washington Fellowship, a career exploration and professional development program.

An Event with Prof. Dorr: The Mid-Michigan Spartans group is hosting an evening with JMC Prof. Emeritus Ron Dorr in Case Hall on March 4. Alumni and friends of the college are invited to attend to hear Prof. Dorr's reflections on the college and its history (a few tickets remain via Eventbrite). Many JMC alums shared fond memories of Prof. Dorr on Facebook.

DuBois Alumni Event: JMC student organization the W.E.B. DuBois Society invited JMC alums and former DuBois members back to Case Hall to discuss their career journeys. Speakers included Shaunti Finley (SRP '24), MSU College Advising Corps; Kristian Grant (SRP '09), State Representative, Grand Rapids, 82nd House District; and Danielle El-Amin (PTCD '18), Director of Scheduling & Logistics, City of Detroit.

JMC Programs for High School Students & Teachers

Junior Visit Days: High school students and families interested in JMC are invited to attend our Junior Visit Days, hosted in Case Hall on March 20, April 17 and May 15. Prospective students have the opportunity to learn more about the college, connect with current students and faculty, and tour Case Hall.

JMC ACE: The new James Madison College Academy for Civic Education is currently accepting applications to join its Summer 2026 programming:

• Teachers: Michigan middle and high school teachers are invited to spend a week in Grand Rapids (June 22-26, 2026) learning techniques to help students engage directly with historical documents and how to use the “Great Debate” format in the classroom. Building on their existing teacher programs, PTCD Profs. Jordan Cash and Brianne Wolf will lead seminars that combine deep engagement with foundational text and practical pedagogy strategies.
  
  Participants receive a $1,000 stipend, professional development credits and accommodations. Registration is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Students: Rising high school seniors in Michigan can apply to spend two weeks on MSU campus (July 12-24, 2026). Students will participate in college-level seminars that explore American democracy and co-curricular opportunities that includes field trips and cultural activities. PTCD Profs. Ben Lorch and Eric Petrie will lead the program. JMC ACE is free to attend and all Michigan high school students entering their senior year this fall are invited to apply. Applications due March 1.

Contact JM.Ace@msu.edu with questions.

PRIME Leadership Academy: Ingham County high school students are invited to attend JMC’s PRIME Leadership Academy, hosted in Case Hall during Ingham County's spring break (March 30-April 3). Participants spend the week exploring MSU campus and getting an introduction to life at JMC. The program is free and open at all local high school students. Contact Jahshua Smith (smithjah@msu.edu) with questions.

Alumni Volunteer Opportunities

Help Review Scholarship Applications: The JMC Alumni Board of Directors is seeking volunteers to review applications to two key alumni scholarships offered to incoming students: JMC Alumni Access & Opportunity Scholarship and the JMC Alumni Endowed Scholarship.

Applications are short (approximately one page) and the process is simple. Estimated time commitment is three to four hours. No meetings are required. Materials should be ready for review by mid-March. Volunteers will have two weeks (including two weekends) to review applications. 

Contact Ewurama Appiagyei-Dankah (SRP '18), Alumni Board Scholarship Chair, at ewurama.appiagyei.dankah@gmail.com by Feb. 27 if you are interested in serving. Volunteers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Congratulate Class of 2026 Graduates: JMC will celebrate the Class of 2026 at JMC’s Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 2. At the event, the college hopes to provide each graduate with a letter of congratulations from a Madisonian alum. Alumni interested in writing letters can submit them via Google Forms by April 17.

JMC Spring Career Exposure Program: JMC's Spring Career Exposure Program is headed to Detroit this May. The program connects current JMC students with alumni in cities across the country for an up-close look at where a Madison education can lead you. If you're a Detroit-based JMC alum who is willing to open your doors for a visit, please reach out to Karissa Chabot-Purchase and Lauren Michalak at JM.career@msu.edu. Interested in joining a mixer with current students and fellow alumni? Share your information via Qualtrics to receive an invite once details are confirmed.

Nomination Deadline Extended: Do you know a JMC alum who stands out in their field? James Madison College's Alumni Board of Directors is currently seeking nominations for its two annual awards that honor distinguished alumni and friends of the college. Both awards celebrate individuals who have significantly contributed to the college. Nominations (via Google Forms) are due March 13.

Connect with the JMC Alumni Board of Directors

Interested in connecting with the James Madison College Board of Directors and supporting alumni engagement initiatives? The Board of Directors invites JMC alums to share their information via Google Forms.

Alumni Notes

David Boumgarden (ETHNIC ’73) passed away on Aug. 27, 2025. David and his wife, Jane, met at James Madison College, where both earned their B.S. in Ethnic and Religious Group Relations and served as resident assistants on South Campus. Rev. Dr. David Lewis Boumgarden exemplified a life of service, scholarship and leadership. James Madison College extends its deepest sympathies to David’s family and all those whose lives were shaped by his presence. View his obituary via Legacy.com.

Lauren Bealore (SRP ‘11) was promoted to National Director of Policy & Programs at Main Street Alliance. In her role, she supports a network of small business owners and advocates by connecting them with resources to build sustainable enterprises through federal and state policymaking while uplifting small business mobilization. This includes a policy portfolio with emphasis on healthcare, trade, consumer protection, taxation, paid leave, and child care.

Serena Bell (SRP ‘07) is working as an Asylum Officer for USCIS in the Arlington, Virginia, field office. She relies on her MSU experience in cross-cultural communication and understanding in her day-to-day work.

Jordan Roebuck (SRP ‘24) was featured in The Washington Post about a new 1619 Project-themed exhibit at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. Read the article via The Washington Post.

Megan Ryan (SRP ‘16) was recently promoted to Partner at her Chicago litigation firm Tabet DiVito & Rothstein. Megan is a trial lawyer with experience in commercial litigation, product liability, and class action defense.

Phil Santer (PTCD ‘06) recently became the COO of Ann Arbor SPARK, a regional economic development organization. Read more via Ann Arbor SPARK.

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