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: Austin Adams
City/Town: Vienna, Virginia
JMU Affiliation: Alumni: Class of 2000 (Political Science)
What is your current job title? Where do you work? What is a brief summary of your job description?
I am a director with public sector partners of Google. I help companies harness artificial intelligence, cyber security, and the cloud to solve pressing issues in government, healthcare, national security, and education.
Why did you decide to become a member of the Duke Club and make a gift to the Proud & True Fund?
I want to help JMU student athletes as they represent our amazing university on a national stage.
What has been your favorite part of being a member of the Duke Club?
My favorite part is spending time cheering on the Dukes with my friends.
What has kept you involved as a member of the Duke Club?
JMU’s student athletes keep raising the bar.
Do you have a favorite JMU team(s)? Why is the team(s) your favorite?
I love the football team, but I’m that guy that watches our men’s club lacrosse team when it’s televised.
What do you love most about JMU Athletics?
Our athletic program is committed to excellence. Our athletes are tremendous humans.
Do you have a favorite moment in JMU Athletics history?
I will never forget my two experiences of rushing the field with my buddies after the National Championships in football.
Do you have any game day fan traditions?
I have been to every football National Championship game, including the Chattanooga win.
What advice do you give to other JMU fans and friends to encourage them to give and get involved with the Duke Club?
I like to give back to a place that gave so much to me.
Your gift/membership to the Proud & True Fund/Duke Club supports JMU Athletics and makes a big impact. What motivates you to give and be a part of this program?
It has been 25 years since I first walked on the Quad and knew right away, I found my home. All these years later, I still bleed purple and gold. It is a true joy to see our Fighting Dukes of JMU show the world how special of a place JMU continues to be.
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!
