President's Welcome
Dear Member of the Virginia Academy of Science and the Junior Academy of Science:
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students in the JMU community, I am pleased to welcome you to the campus of James Madison University. We are delighted that you have chosen our campus as the location for your 2010 session.
The rate of scientific discovery has increased dramatically since the Virginia Academy of Science was founded in 1923. It seems that almost daily we learn of some new scientific breakthrough that will help improve the quality of the human condition or aid in our understanding of the universe.
Virginia is a leader in this arena and many significant discoveries have occurred on the campuses of Virginia’s colleges and universities. At JMU, for example, students and faculty are partnering to find solutions to some of society’s most pressing issues including alternative energy, healthcare and information security. Most recently, the university launched a new School of Engineering and created the Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World. The theme of sustainability is pervasive through the fabric of our institution with over 250 courses teaching elements of environmental stewardship.
Finally, we have pledged to attract more students in the sciences towards careers in teaching our K-12 students. We need to better prepare those influential elementary, middle and high school teachers who will shape generations and inspire the innovation of the future.
While you are visiting with us, I hope you will have the opportunity to tour our campus and enjoy the sights of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. My best wishes to you for an enjoyable and informative meeting.
Linwood H. Rose
JMU President
