This summer, we're rolling out something special: the  Summer Fund Series , a fun and engaging look at the many ways you can champion JMU Athletics throughout the year. Think of it as your seasonal guide to understanding the impact of giving—clear, approachable, and full of the energy that defines our JMU community.

Our third edition of this series details the Proud & True Fund. The Proud & True Fund is JMU Athletics' essential annual giving initiative, providing unrestricted resources that strengthen all varsity programs and enhance the student-athlete experience. By supporting critical areas such as sports medicine, nutrition, academic services, and team operations, the fund ensures JMU can meet evolving needs and maintain competitive excellence . Every gift fuels the collective momentum of JMU Athletics, empowering student-athletes and reinforcing the proud tradition shared across the JMU community.

The Proud and True Fund is JMU Athletics' essential annual giving initiative, providing the broad‑based, flexible support needed to strengthen every varsity program. Grounded in the framework of People. Places. Processes., the fund ensures JMU can invest in the individuals who power our programs, the environments where student‑athletes train and compete, and the operational systems that keep the department moving forward. This structure allows JMU to respond quickly to evolving needs—whether enhancing sports medicine, expanding nutrition resources, improving training spaces, or supporting the daily operations that fuel competitive excellence.

By focusing on People , the fund empowers student‑athletes, coaches, and staff with the tools and support systems required to thrive academically, athletically, and personally. Through Places , it strengthens the facilities and environments that shape performance and development. And with Processes , it reinforces the behind‑the‑scenes operations—from travel to technology to program logistics—that allow JMU's 18 sport programs to function at a championship level. Every gift to the Proud and True Fund fuels these pillars, creating a unified foundation that elevates the entire department.

The Proud and True Fund is also a call to community. When alumni, families, and fans give to this fund, they join a collective effort that touches every student‑athlete and every team. As the demands of Division I athletics continue to grow, broad‑based philanthropic support remains essential. JMU invites supporters to stand proud and true by contributing to the fund and helping ensure that Dukes continue to rise, compete, and represent the university with excellence.

For personal guidance on your support of JMU Athletics, please contact a member of the Duke Club Staff. Please feel welcome to reach out with any questions or needs for assistance, and thank you for your continued support of JMU Athletics.