As Duke Club members, you are making a BIG impact on the JMU student-athlete experience. Your gift to the Duke Club goes to benefit the Proud & True Fund and supports all of JMU's 18 varsity sports, cheerleading, and the athletics operating budget.
As a great THANK YOU for all you do to support our JMU student-athletes, we want to feature you in the Duke Club Donor Spotlight, a new initiative to celebrate our donors.
The Duke Club invites you 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 DONOR
Name: Ken Rutherford
City/Town: Harrisonburg, Virginia
JMU Affiliation: Current parent and JMU employee
What is your current job title? Where do you work? What is a brief summary of your job description?
I am currently a professor in the political science department. I teach international law and global politics. I also research post-battlefield clearance and survivor support.
Why did you decide to become a member of the Duke Club and make a gift to the Proud & True Fund?
I love JMU Sports. I want to support student-athletes, especially as a former one myself. I was a football letterman at the University of Colorado.
What has been your favorite part of being a member of the Duke Club?
My favorite part is the friendships, and watching JMU sports win and grow.
What has kept you involved as a member of the Duke Club?
The high-quality student-athletes - I have had several in my classes and they are exceptional students. Also because of friendships in the Duke Club. The giveaway items are nice, too.
Do you have a favorite JMU team(s)? Why is the team(s) your favorite?
My favorite JMU team is football, as a former scholar-athlete myself as are two of my brothers, in the NAVY and Holy Cross. I also love men's basketball, women's lacrosse and soccer. I've had students from these teams in my class and they are excellent students.
What do you love most about JMU Athletics?
I love the student-athletes, high quality spectator experience, and tailgates for football games at home are fun.
Do you have a favorite moment in JMU Athletics history?
My favorite moment was the national championship football win over Youngstown State in Frisco. I was in the stands with my son who decided to matriculate at JMU. Learn about the national championship.
Do you have any game day fan traditions?
My game day tradition is football home field tailgating, and try to attend one-away game per year. Men's basketball game in the club level with my wife is another fan tradition. She loves basketball and dance team members are in my classes.
What advice do you give to other JMU fans and friends to encourage them to give and get involved with the Duke Club?
Higher participation = higher satisfaction.
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 am proud of JMU as a faculty member myself, but also of JMU sports. First class - both on and off the field.
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!
