JMC Alumni: Support Madison students & more college news
Alumni-related news from MSU's James Madison College
Message from Dean Cameron Thies
When we welcomed students back to campus earlier this fall, I was once again reminded of the unique energy and sense of belonging that is inherent to our residential college. Case Hall is more than just a building and classrooms — it is a vibrant community where students form lifelong connections, discover their passions and grow into the next generation of leaders.
This semester, the college officially welcomed the Class of 2028, hosted more than 50 events in Case Hall, and supported our students as they began new academic, internship and study-abroad journeys. Our faculty and staff’s commitment to student success extends far beyond traditional classroom learning.
We recognize that success is not just about opportunities, but also about navigating unexpected challenges. The JMC Emergency Scholarship Fund was established in 2017 to ensure that Madison students facing financial hardship can continue their studies without interruption. In the last five years, the fund has awarded nearly 200 scholarships, helping students overcome critical barriers such as housing instability, medical emergencies and family crises.
Between now and Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3), we invite you to join the JMC Alumni Association Board of Directors — who have all committed to donating this year — in supporting this vital scholarship fund. Your contribution will directly impact Madison students, providing them with the financial support needed to persist in their academic journeys and transform unexpected challenges into opportunities for growth.
Go Green!
Cameron G. Thies
Dean and MSU Foundation Professor
Donate to JMC’s Emergency Scholarship Fund »
Learn more about Giving Tuesday at MSU and donate to JMC’s Emergency Scholarship Fund. Donations are welcome any time between now and Dec. 3.
JMC Emergency Scholarship Fund: By the Numbers
34 students supported in the 2023-24 academic year
263 scholarships awarded since 2017
$1,800 average scholarship amount, with some as small as $50
More JMC News
In Memoriam: Curtis Stokes, JMC professor emeritus
It is with great sadness that James Madison College shares that Curtis Stokes, professor emeritus of Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, passed away on Oct. 28, 2024. Stokes dedicated 36 years of distinguished service to the college, making immense contributions through his scholarship, teaching excellence and leadership. Read more about Stokes’ impact and legacy on the JMC website. Many Madison alumni shared fond memories of Stokes on Facebook.
Elizabeth Newman joined the college as the new JMC Alumni & Event Coordinator in November. In her previous position in MSU’s Career Services Network, Newman organized nearly 60 career fairs and events at the university. Part of her role will include hosting events and initiatives for Madison alums. Contact her directly at enewman@msu.edu.
JMC program bridges the gap with Lansing students
Learn more about PRIME, Madison’s pre-college program for Lansing high school students, which connects participants to a host of on-campus resources and encourages more local students to consider JMC and MSU. Read about PRIME on the JMC website.
Madison’s Post-Election Debrief
More than 150 students attended JMC’s Post-Election Debrief event, hosted in Case Hall on Nov. 6. Faculty members from each of the majors participated in a roundtable discussion and offered insight into how certain areas of public and international affairs are impacted by U.S. elections. This event was also intended to exemplify how to approach conversations on challenging topics and the different policy aspects that can be explored through respectful dialogue. The debrief was part of JMC’s “Wednesdays with Madison” initiative, which offers event programming every Wednesday night in Case Hall during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Madison alums visit MC 201
Madison alumni visited the first-year MC 201 lecture in October to share insights into their career paths and offer reflections from their time as JMC students.
From left (in photo above): Leo Baldiga (CCP ’20), graduate student assistant and geography doctoral student at MSU; Jasmine Tompkins (PTCD, SRP ’14), director of external affairs and tribal relations with Michigan Gaming Control Board; Colin Jackson (SRP ’16), statehouse reporter with Michigan Public Radio Network; Jeff Williams (IR ’94), director of the Community Data Research Lab at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy; and Ellie Friedman (SRP ’24), a graduate student and government/economics teacher.
JMC Prof. Guido Parietti participated in a roundtable discussion on his recent book, “On the Concept of Power: Possibility, Necessity, Politics.” Watch the discussion, hosted by Theoria: A Journal of Social & Political Theory, on YouTube.
JMC’s annual merch pop-up shop is now open! This year’s shop — which includes shirts, sweatshirts, pants, hats and totes — will remain open until Dec. 1. Contact Jane Deacon (locket20@msu.edu) with questions.