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: Michael Boblitz
City/Town: Charlottesville, Virginia
JMU Affiliation: Alumni: Class of 1988 (Masters of Business Administration)
What is your current job title? Where do you work? What is a brief summary of your job description?
I am a lecturer and chief operating officer at University of Virginia Orthopedic Surgery. I'm responsible for operations that cover clinical care, medical education, and research. Part of my responsibilities includes overseeing University of Virginia’s Athletic and JMU Athletic medical coverage (through a contract with JMU Athletics for more than 17 years).
Why did you decide to become a member of the Duke Club and make a gift to the Proud & True Fund?
When Bridgeforth stadium expansion was being planned, I decided to obtain club seats for football. My initial JMU football experience got me motivated to support the Duke Club.
What has been your favorite part of being a member of the Duke Club?
Being at the 2004 and 2016 national football championship games are my favorite moments along with being on the donor wall on the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
What has kept you involved as a member of the Duke Club?
Enjoying all of the stellar sports teams under Jeff Bourne's leadership keeps me involved.
Do you have a favorite JMU team(s)? Why is the team(s) your favorite?
JMU football is my favorite sport followed by men's basketball. I have enjoyed watching JMU become a national football program going from the Colonial Athletic Conference to the D1 Sun Belt conference.
What do you love most about JMU Athletics?
I have been amazed by the quality coaches that Jeff Bourne has hired that has taken their respective sport to the next level and beyond.
Do you have a favorite moment in JMU Athletics history?
Being at the 2004 football championship game and watching the team win the game was my most favorite moment. The offensive line was patched up by Dr. Mark Miller, team orthopedic surgeon, along with the athletic trainers prior to the game. Because of their efforts and the members of the offensive line pulling themselves together, JMU was able to win the game. The win was truly a team effort.
Do you have any game day fan traditions?
I'm always proud to walk into the football club area with my JMU gear and seeing old friends and meeting new JMU fans.
What advice do you give to other JMU fans and friends to encourage them to give and get involved with the Duke Club?
Supporting the JMU student athletes and helping them succeed in their respective sport is truly a special opportunity. Without the support of the Duke Club and the Proud & True Fund, these athletes wouldn't have the opportunity to grow both on and off the field.
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?
I have enjoyed receiving telephone calls and letters from the JMU athletes because of my giving and having them tell me how thankful they are of my support.
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!
