As Duke Club members, our donors are making a BIG impact on the JMU student-athlete experience. Gifts to the Duke Club go to benefit the Proud & True Fund and support all of JMU's 18 varsity sports, cheerleading, and the athletics operating budget.
As a great THANK YOU for all our Proud & True donors do to support our JMU student-athletes, we want to feature them in the Duke Club Donor Spotlight, a new initiative to celebrate our donors.
The Duke Club invites members to provide a glance into the JMU donor and fan experience — through the lens of a Duke Club member — as we spotlight JMU Athletics donors who are making an impact on Dukes' student-athletes.
- From tailgating, game day traditions and fan fun...
- To favorite sport teams and favorite JMU sports history moments...
- To reflections on why you donate to the Proud & True Fund and why/how you encourage fellow JMU fans to give too!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT MEMBER
Name: Jim Slye
City/Town: McGaheysville, Virginia
JMU Affiliation: Alumni: Class of 1979 and 1991 (Elementary/Middle Education and Education Administration and Supervision)
What is your current job title? Where do you work? What is a brief summary of your job description?
I am semiretired; I still train and substitute.
Why did you decide to become a member of the Duke Club and make a gift to the Proud & True Fund?
I’ve been a supporter my whole life. You have to donate to the Proud & True Fund in order to get decent seats and parking for football and basketball.
What has been your favorite part of being a member of the Duke Club?
Tailgating and attending games are my favorite parts of being a Duke Club member.
What has kept you involved as a member of the Duke Club?
Friends, who are also members, have kept me involved.
Do you have a favorite JMU team(s)? Why is the team(s) your favorite?
Football and men’s basketball are my favorite teams, but I attend and support softball and women’s basketball.
What do you love most about JMU Athletics?
I love the school spirit and loyalty of JMU Athletics most.
Do you have a favorite moment in JMU Athletics history?
Beating the University of Virginia in basketball and football were my favorite moments. The softball team in the World Series was also another favorite.
Do you have any game day fan traditions?
Tailgating, game day gear, and throwing streamers (goes back to my days cheering in Godwin Hall) are some of my traditions.
What advice do you give to other JMU fans and friends to encourage them to give and get involved with the Duke Club?
Cheer loud and proud, but show respect for our opponents and their coaches and fans.
Are you a JMU Duke Club member who is interested in being featured in a Duke Club Donor Spotlight? You could be chosen next...all you have to do is complete the brief Duke Club Donor Spotlight survey and submit your photo!
