Spring Student-Athletes Graduate Early in Special Ceremonies

Student-athletes from three of JMU's athletics programs became the first 2018 graduates from the university, as softball, lacrosse and track & field seniors had special ceremonies with James Madison University President Jonathan R. Alger.

The softball Dukes graduated last Sunday following their home finale, while the lacrosse and track & field athletes were declared graduates on Thursday morning.

Spring programs which are unable to participate at the traditional commencement activities have been afforded the opportunity with President Alger due to scheduling conflicts. Softball is at Drexel to close the regular season this weekend, and both lacrosse and track & field are participating in respective CAA Championships.

"It's become a great tradition here at James Madison University, to get to celebrate specially with some of our athletics teams that have competitions on graduation weekend," Alger said. "It's a good thing in many respects. These teams are doing well, they're representing JMU really well and we're very proud of them. Of course they have these scheduling conflicts, so we decided if we can't have them all come to the traditional ceremonies, we'll bring it to them, and to their families and friends. I love doing this as President, it's a great moment to celebrate, to greet each of them personally and to wish them well in their competitions."

A total of 21 JMU student-athletes became the first graduates this semester, with five coming from softball and eight from both track & field and lacrosse.

Softball Graduation

Track & Field Graduation

Lacrosse Graduation

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