News

Class of 2004 raises bar on diversity, academics

Diversity is not news to Chris Blanton. His high school was in inner-city Orlando and included some of the city's poorer districts, he said. "The University is less diverse than my high school," he said. But in Blanton's Dobie House suite Monday night, when 20 first-year students gathered for a small "Grounds for Discussion" meeting, their differences were clear. When prompted by facilitators, they described themselves with adjectives ranging from "kind" and "easygoing" to "bashful," "terrible" and "magical." They were getting to know each other and appreciate their differences. And so goes the Class of 2004. Student body more diverse than ever At 2,930 members, the class this year brims with more diversity than ever.

JMU president responds to rioting, 20 student arrests

After police arrested over 20 James Madison University students at a huge off-campus party-turned-riot last weekend, the university's president is seeking ways to ease tensions between Harrisonburg residents and JMU students. JMU President Linwood H.

Pepsi pops into dining halls

Always Coca-Cola - but not for University students. After 10 years of offering cups, cans and bottles of Coca-Cola, Inc. products, the University signed a contract Aug.

Rep. Payne to teach course on campaigns and elections

University government students will get a chance to learn about campaigns and elections from an insider this fall. Former U.S.

Robb touts Democratic progress

U.S. Senator Chuck Robb urged delegates of the Democratic National Convention to vote for presidential candidate Al Gore in order to "continue with the progress of the last eight years." A Republican presidency would "turn back the clock" to a time when annual deficits where at an all-time high, as they were in 1992, Robb warned. According to Robb, Democrats were able to pass the largest deficit reduction package in history without a single Republican vote, bringing the country into its current period of economic expansion. Republicans now want "to lecture [Democrats] on how to spend" the money incurred during the past years of deficit reduction, Robb said. A Republican presidency would mean a return to deficits, meaning less money to spend on Democratic programs such as prescription drugs for the elderly and targeted tax cuts, he added. Robb encouraged Democrats to go to the polls in November and cast a vote for Gore. This election will have "profound consequences for decades," he said. Earlier in the week Robb had the opportunity to address the Virginia delegation at a breakfast he sponsored Monday at the Crowne Plaza hotel. Amidst chanting and wild applause from the Virginia delegates, Robb tried to whip up enthusiasm for that week's convention events. He gave the delegates a preview of possible topics that would be discussed as the convention convened over the four-day period. The speakers and Democratic leaders will try to show the American people that there are "differences between the parties", Robb said.

Young Democrats converge on LA, call on college students to turn out the vote

Los Angeles, Aug. 15 -- As over 15,000 current Democratic Party leaders converge on the Staples Center for the Democratic National Convention, a group that calls themselves the next generation of Democratic leaders also is convening in downtown Los Angeles.

Clinton bids farewell, passes torch to Gore

Los Angeles, Aug. 15 -- Last night before a cheering, teary-eyed crowd at the Democratic National Convention held in the Staples Center, President Bill Clinton delivered his farewell address, praising the work of his administration by elaborating on a slogan from his 1996 campaign.

Lieberman assails Republicans for lack of educational platform

Prior to a surprise appearance from Vice President Al Gore at Wednesday night's Democratic National Convention, Gore's running mate, Joseph Lieberman, stressed that despite Republican attempts to "walk and talk a lot like" Democrats, there are distinctive differences between the two parties. Lieberman blasted Texas Governor George W.

Dems blast GOP record on women's issues at LA forum

Los Angeles, Aug. 15 -- First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton warned delegates and guests at the Women's Leadership Forum of the Democratic National Convention that a possible George W.

LA protests range in intensity, issues

Los Angeles, Aug. 16 -- They arrived in downtown Los Angeles by the thousands, protesting everything from brutality to breastfeeding and preaching viewpoints from anti-abortion to Armageddon.

Dems start thinking about tomorrow with rousing speeches, calls to action

Los Angeles, Aug. 16 -- While the first night of the Democratic National Convention focused on the accomplishments of the past eight years, the second night was dominated by a theme of looking to the future.

LA protests range in intensity, issues

Los Angeles, Aug. 16 -- They arrived in downtown Los Angeles by the thousands, protesting everything from brutality to breastfeeding and preaching viewpoints from anti-abortion to Armageddon.

Young Democrats converge on LA, call on college students to turn out the vote

Los Angeles, Aug. 15 -- As over 15,000 current Democratic Party leaders converge on the Staples Center for the Democratic National Convention, a group that calls themselves the next generation of Democratic leaders also is convening in downtown Los Angeles.

Dems blast GOP record on women's issues at LA forum

Los Angeles, Aug. 15 -- First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton warned delegates and guests at the Women's Leadership Forum of the Democratic National Convention that a possible George W.

Clinton bids farewell, passes torch to Gore

Los Angeles, Aug. 15 -- Last night before a cheering, teary-eyed crowd at the Democratic National Convention held in the Staples Center, President Bill Clinton delivered his farewell address, praising the work of his administration by elaborating on a slogan from his 1996 campaign.

Dems start thinking about tomorrow with rousing speeches, calls to action

Los Angeles, Aug. 16 -- While the first night of the Democratic National Convention focused on the accomplishments of the past eight years, the second night was dominated by a theme of looking to the future.

Young Democrats converge on LA, call on college students to turn out the vote

Los Angeles, Aug. 15 -- As over 15,000 current Democratic Party leaders converge on the Staples Center for the Democratic National Convention, a group that calls themselves the next generation of democratic leaders also is convening in downtown Los Angeles.

Clinton bids farewell, passes torch to Gore

Los Angeles, Aug. 15 -- Last night before a cheering, teary-eyed crowd at the Democratic National Convention held in the Staples Center, President Bill Clinton delivered his farewell address, praising the work of his administration by elaborating on a slogan from his 1996 campaign.

Dems blast GOP record on women's issues at LA forum

Los Angeles, Aug. 15 -- First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton warned delegates and guests at the Women's Leadership Forum of the Democratic National Convention that a possible George W.

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