We are here at the home of 
Dick and Shurley Roberts
Shurley being an alumn of the
University in the tide water
Region of Virginia and we've
Had people of the whole region 
Come here tonight in a beautiful
Beautiful home and beautiful setting
So its been a real treat to be here 
And this has been a very special 
Event to have it in a home and
To have that family feel 
You know that is really interesting 
To see that you have parents 
Who stay connected even long
After their students have graduated 
And that really says something 
That they have seen the kind of 
Change the difference JMU can make
In the lives of their children 
And I think that's what has helped 
Parents stay connected plus 
They understand that this 
Is a family that JMU is a large 
And inclusive family and 
You join the family not just 
While your son or daughter is
In school but for the rest of 
Your lives and we've been hearing
From people who seem to 
Really understand that 
And exemplify that kind of commitment 
So it's really exciting and I think
Again distinguishes us from a lot 
Of other places to have parents 
Who are that enthusiastic and involved
People want to get to know 
Each other. They want to know the 
Leadership of the university 
The people who work at the university 
And they want to connect with
Each other as they did tonight 
At this event which is one of the
Fun things to see people
Who either knew each other or 
Meet each other at events like this
But that personal touch is something 
JMU is known for its obviously
Part of the experience as we hear from 
Students about what made a difference
In their lives and so we need to 
Exemplify that with the listening 
Tour and other events to be a 
Very visible and active presence 
Not just on campus but we also need 
To go off campus as well to where
We have alumni and other supporters
And that's what this is all about
