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Junior Casey Cavanagh

"Since seventh grade, music has been a huge part of my life. Coming to JMU and meeting the right people has really enabled me to take my music to a new level," junior Casey Cavanagh said.

Cavanagh is the face of the Casey Cavanagh Band founded at James Madison University in 2009 with band mates John Giardinere, Sam Gillett, and Jeff Pober. Cavanagh is lead vocals and also plays guitar.

"It taught me how to be a leader," Cavanagh said. "I don't just play, sing and write -  I book, manage, etc."

The band is an eclectic mix of folk, pop, alternative-country and rock to create an energetic sound. In the past year, they've played a majority of the local venues including Blue Nile and Clementine, rocked Open Mic Nights in JMU's own TDU, opened for Cartel, performed in Kappa Alpha Theta's annual Madison Idol, and have produced music on iTunes.

The band also produces their own Covers Monday. At the start of each week, Cavanagh uploads a new video to the Casey Cavanagh Band Facebook fan page, his own profile and their YouTube channel. Covers include Augustana's "Stars and Boulevards," Ryan Adams' "Come Pick Me Up," and The Damnwells "I Am a Leaver." 

Cavanagh also incorporates covers into his shows. When I saw the band live at Clementine in September, they performed Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" and "All the Small Things" by Blink 182 - crowd favorites. 

"His concerts are electric," junior Alyssa Viars said. "There's this one song where he jumps really high with his guitar in his hand - epic. Note to Woody Harrelson: white men can jump."

Cavanagh says he'll wait and see where playing with these people will take him before deciding on the future of his music.

"You never know what the next door will be like when you open it up," Cavanagh said.

Photo Credits: Casey Cavanagh

WATCH THE CASEY CAVANAGH BAND PERFORM "I AM A LEAVER"

Alum Nicole Ferraro serves by being herself

Nicole Ferraro: second row, middle

"As a First yeaR Orientation Guide (FrOG), you have to be determined, personable, and excited for the experiences to come," junior Katie Dilley said. "You find most FrOGs are genuine people who have an interest in giving the first years the best experience at JMU that they can have."

2010 graduate Nicole Ferraro embodies this description in her optimism and her passion for life.

Ferraro was my frog as I entered my freshman year at JMU and one of the reasons why I am so involved on campus. Her service to both the university and the Harrisonburg community inspired me to become a more integral part of the two as well.

The summer before her senior year, Ferraro spent a month abroad in Ghana, Africa where she taught at Glona Academy - a “volunteer-run school for literacy and health advocacy for under-privileged children.“ The school had four class levels. Ferraro taught a class of students who weren’t educated enough to be placed in any of the four levels.

“There was a student who I met at this school who changed my entire outlook on life,” Ferraro said. “Her name was Hannah, and she was 12 years old.”

Hannah had no educational foundation – she didn’t even know the alphabet. Regardless of her lack of education, however, Hannah confided in Ferraro that her goal was to pass her exams so she could join her friends in class level two.

“It was no fault of anyone at the school, they were doing the best with what they had and weren't able to give her the special attention that she needed,” Ferraro said.

As Ferraro and the 25 other JMU students listened to their guest lecturer speak about changing the world and helping others that night, she kept thinking about Hannah and how she could help.

All Ferraro had to do was be herself. The ABC song had already been developed by someone else. She need not apply inspirational slogans or flashy titles.

“I didn't have to create anything, or start anything, or have it be "mine." I just had to give,” Ferraro said.

Hannah helped her appreciate service in its simplicity.

“She helped me to realize how I can use all that I've been blessed with to help people as I live my life each day. She helped me to see that need is everywhere; we certainly do not have to go looking for it. I am ready to live my life as a servant to our world while being aware of and excited about all that the world has to offer me. I have my Madison experience to thank for that!”

Ferraro believes that her goal in life is to do what makes her come alive. That’s what the world needs. It’s not what others ask of you, it’s what fills each individual with love and passion. It’s what helps us develop our identity through meaningful relationships, unique understanding and joy in what we do.

Currently Ferraro is living in Juneau, Alaska “serving through Americorps at an agency that works with early childhood development as the Preschool Health Promotion Coordinator.” She will be there for the next 11 months.

“I learned a ton about meaningful involvement and how to look past what organizations someone is a part of and instead look at the person they are and what they value.”

Photo Credits: Nicole Ferraro

CHECK OUT NICOLE'S BLOG EVERYDAY JOY!

Sophomore Matt Wisneiwski continues the chain reaction

I first met Matt in the spring of 2010 at the annual Leadership Summit – a one-day conference distinguishing students involved in JMU organizations. The program helped recognize leaders on campus and helped empower organizations to work together. Although he was only a freshman, Matt Wisneiwski was not a participant - he was my small group facilitator.

When I then found out that I was working alongside Wisneiwski as a 2k10 FrOG, honestly, I was intimidated.


“Matt’s enthusiasm inspired me and kept me going all week,” Wisneiwski’s FrOG partner junior Jenny Ludwig said. “He was excited to get things going every morning and genuinely cared about each one of our first years.”

In addition to “frogging,” Wisneiwski serves on the Student Government Association’s (SGA) executive board acting as the Director of Membership Development. Through such, he holds new member meetings every Wednesday; tracks group dynamics; helps schedule bonding activities; and contacts speakers including Dr. Mark Warner, The Center for Multicultural Student Services, alumni, etc.

“I like being informed about the events going on around JMU,” Wisneiwski said. “I feel like a more integral part of the Madison community because I can voice my opinion.  I feel like I can be the change around JMU.”

Wisneiwski’s resume also includes Make Your Mark On Madison with Leadership Counselor Danny Lampton, the JMU Honor Council, community council president for Wayland Hall in 2009-2010, intramurals, and Outriggers for a year.

“I’ve realized I started to gravitate toward clubs that welcome in new people,” Wisneiwski said. “It allows you to compensate for someone else’s discomfort with your own confidence and enthusiasm.”

Given his impressive involvement on campus, it’s ironic to think that he nearly didn’t come to JMU at all.

Wisneiwski was close to becoming an officer in the Air Force. To do such, a perspective student needs a Congressional nomination and needs to be granted acceptance to the school. He received a nomination from the President of the United States to the US Air Force Academy. After being declined by the Academy, however, he found JMU.

“I like that it’s small where I’d not know everyone but am still not just a number,” he said.

Wisneiwski is an engineering major with an environmental focus and a math/business minor.  According to Wisneiwski, the engineering program tries to build people who have brains, but also have the ability to communicate their thoughts and make a connection to the consumer. JMU is also one of the highest ranked schools nationally for environmental consciousness.

In my opinion, aside from his outgoing personality and inspiring involvement, one of Matt’s most distinctive characteristics is the purple JMU baseball cap he always wears.

The hat was a pass-down from 2010 graduate Andy Gibson.

“Andy was a great friend,” Wisneiwski said. “At a time in my life that I had a big tranisition from high school to college, I was looking for the person that I wanted to be and he stepped in. I didn’t try to become him, but the experiences we had helped me become a more connected citizen to the JMU community.”

In my first post, I mentioned Rachel Scott’s challenge to start a chain reaction of kindness. She writes: “I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will stat a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.”

I believe that Wisneiwski is a testament to the idea of continuing the chain.

“You could see the impact he had on each one of them as they began to really look up to him and respect him as both a leader and a friend," Ludwig said. 

Photo Credits: Matt Wisneiwski, Jenny Ludwig 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON JMU'S SGA

Senior Lucy Madden leaves her mark on Madison

As a Communication Studies and Disorders major, senior Lucy Madden also serves as one of the two Student Directors for the Make Your Mark On Madison (MYMOM) leadership development program.

According to the Office of Student Activities and Involvement website, “the purpose of the MYMOM program is to gain insight into your own personal values, leadership styles, facilitation techniques, and decision-making through a semester long leadership program. MYMOM is designed to be a springboard into authentic involvement at JMU.”

As a past participant myself, I’ve been fortunate enough to work very closely with Madden. In MYMOM, the approximately 120 participants are separated into councils led by two upperclassmen Leadership Counselors (LCs). Madden was one of mine.  

She’s also the reason I applied to be a Student Ambassador.

As a MYMOM Student Director, Madden signed up for a one-year commitment starting in the spring of 2010. She advertised for and hired 16 Leadership Counselors, planned and taught training sessions for the fall with co-director Sarah Sweetman, was a TA for HRD 475 (a class for all of the new LCs), interviewed potential participants, contacted speakers, put together programs, organized councils, and so much more.

“She was in my MYMOM council when I was an LC, was an LC when I was Student Director and I’m also blessed to call her a great friend!” 2009-2010 MYMOM Student Director Nicole Ferraro said. “I’ve watched her grow and she has watched me do the same. She is motivated, organized, creative and most importantly, passionate about growth.” 

LCs Lucy Madden and Chris Carter:
Sonner Squad 2009, MYMOM

MYMOM is a program designed to focus on an individual’s personal strength and use it to help him grow as a leader. Councils meet Monday nights for a two-step program starting with a guest speaker then followed by a breakout session with your council. In the past, speakers have included Dr. Mark Warner, VP of Student Affairs; Kevin Gibson, Assistant Director of Chapter & Volunteer Management; Dr. Dave Herr, professor of Exceptional Education; and President Linwood Rose.

Aside from her MYMOM commitment, Madden has also participated in three trips to Nicaragua with the Nicaragua Project for spring break 2009 and 2010, and in May 2009.

“It opened my eyes to a completely different side of the world that I’ve never been exposed to,” Madden said. “It’s easy to look at pictures of what someone does or doesn’t have. It’s a lot harder to see it firsthand.”

Madden returned to Nicaragua for her second trip just two months after the first, this time with a personal mission statement and a better understanding of herself. Madden believed herself to be more grounded in her values and reflective in her learning.

This growth stemmed from what she learned in MYMOM as a student participant and an LC. Madden was more aware of strong leadership styles other than her own. She could more easily recognize these qualities in others because she’d spent so much time figuring herself out.

“If people see you’re grounded in yourself, they’re much more open to personal growth and reflection in themselves,” Madden said.

Madden calls it a humbling experience – it’s difficult raising the money, planning the trip, leaving your impact on a nation in need - an experience that has no doubt helped her succeed as a leader and role model.

“While she often focuses on the growth of those around her and is an INCREDIBLE mentor and encourager to so many, she is always aware and mindful of personal growth,” Ferraro said. “She understands that we are forever made new and there is always more to learn and more ways to flourish and be better. That kind of humility and understanding of self is what makes Lucy such an amazing leader and beautiful person!”

Photo Credits: Lucy Madden 

 APPLY TO BE A MYMOM LEADERSHIP COUNSELOR:
JMU OFFICE OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND INVOLVEMENT

Sophomore James Orrigo is the Lad in a Battle

James Orrigo suffered two back-to-back concussions in the first half of a lacrosse game as a high school sophomore. After being cross-checked by an opposing player then later running into the blunt end of that same opponent’s stick, Orrigo found himself unable to move.

Post game, doctors diagnosed Orrigo with severe post-concussive syndrome. PCS is a complicated disorder resulting from mild traumatic brain injuries. It is known to cause headaches, anxiety, loss of memory, slowed processing speed, depression, personality change, etc. Orrigo was unable to walk or talk.

A year and a half later, though, he was back to his normal self – this time with a guitar rather than a lacrosse stick.

Eight years ago, Orrigo’s mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only 12 months to live. Despite the gloomy prediction, she’s still fighting today. Orrigo would attend treatments with her - saying one of the hardest parts was seeing kids in the infusion room.

“We’re allowed to hang out here on the Quad doing nothing, and they’re in there suffering,” Orrigo said.

Thus, Lad in a Battle was born.

Lad in a Battle “serves as my music/causative movement to encourage people to do positive things.” 

For Orrigo, lad stands for Life Above Alcohol and Drugs. It provides an alternative to peer pressure and drinking by encouraging positive actions. Given his typical bubbly and optimistic demeanor, Orrigo complains many people mistake him for being drunk or high. His mission reminds people that you can be positive and have fun without being under the influence.

However, Orrigo’s message involves far more than just an anti-drug campaign. It involves a battle. Personally, he’s chosen to battle stereotypes.

In 2009, Orrigo added another element to his positive movement. He started selling Lad in a Battle t-shirts to benefit the Make-A-Wish (MAW) Foundation. The first shipment of 150 American Apparel shirts nearly sold out – leaving Orrigo with a hefty $1000 donation. His goal is to make one wish come true by raising $6000 for the foundation.

According to Orrigo, the t-shirts act as your amour in battle. They give you courage. They help you stand out. Once purchasing a shirt, the wearer is required to take a picture of himself doing a good deed and post it to the Lad in a Battle Facebook page.

“Seeing that people actually care, going out of their way to make a difference – it’s a really cool feeling seeing other people in their [Lad in a Battle] shirts,” Orrigo said. 

Lad in a Battle’s next undertaking is getting an official backing from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Orrgio wants to expand this endeavor to include teenagers currently involved with MAW.

“When little kids get their wish granted, they are so happy,” Orrigo said. “But when teenagers get their wish granted, it makes them feel like they have nothing to live for anymore. They’ve gotten what they wanted, and that’s it. I want to open up Lad in a Battle to them so they have something bigger to be a part of. They aren’t just an illness.”

Orrigo’s influence reaches far beyond his involvement with MAW, though. Following his injury, he toured the state of Massachusetts with a neurosurgeon and a professional wrestler warning against the danger of concussions and injuries resulting from contact sports for the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.

In addition, he was a member of the State Advisory Committee and the Student Ambassador for Austin Preparatory for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. He was also the Section 1 recipient of the 2009 National High School Spirit of Sport award for the National Federation of State High School Associations. Orrigo also attended the Youth Sports Concussion Conference in 2007.

Orrigo is currently in the process of getting his music on iTunes – he’s written 61 songs in two years. As a freshman, he won JMU’s “Madison Idol” with his original song “Boat Shoes.” Catch his next performance Friday, October 1 at Block Party in the ‘Burg at 4pm.

“Get involved. Don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone. You may need a little help sometimes, but it’s all about taking that first step. Don’t be afraid to lead – if you know what you’re doing is right, people will follow.”

Photo credits: James Orrigo. Video: nodaybut2dayy

Additional info: Make-A-Wish; ESPN Boston 

WATCH THE OFFICIAL BOAT SHOES MUSIC VIDEO:

BOAT SHOES ON YOUTUBE

Leading the Change

Rachel Scott, the first victim of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, challenged those around her to start a chain reaction of kindness. In her too-short 17 years on Earth, Rachel followed a strict code of ethics highlighting how meaningful a small, random act of kindness can be.

"Rachel lived a life filled with kindness and compassion, and because of it, she's changed the world." - Craig Scott, Rachel's Brother

As the first and only Friends of Rachel collegiate chapter in the nation, FOR JMU strives to impart Rachel Scott's ideals on our own campus.  After trips to Welch, Virginia; Ft. Lauderdale; Nicaragua; Ghana; etc, JMU was named the 2010 National Alternative Break Program of the Year. Although noteworthy, service shines campus-wide through projects closer to home as well. With such an active student body, compassion, leadership and humanity have become the pillars of our university.

James Madison University is home to over 350 student organizations. Kijiji, Make Your Mark on Madison, Student Ambassadors, University Program Board, Outriggers, SMAD Club, Society of Professional Journalists, social Greek Life, pre-professional Greek Life, a nationally recognized Orientation program, and the list goes on. But with so much involvement on campus, how do you spot the stand out?