Dear JMC students,
Welcome back to Case Hall! After the quiet summer season, your return to campus transforms Case Hall into the dynamic, engaged community that lies at the heart of the Madison experience. Whether you’re returning as a familiar face or joining us for the first time, you each contribute valuable perspectives to our college.
As you settle into your coursework and reconnect with the Madison community, I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities that will define your year ahead. Participating in recitation debates, attending events in Case Hall, joining student organizations and pursuing experiential learning opportunities are all experiences that will help you grow both personally and academically. Remember that the faculty, academic advisors and staff here are all committed to your success at JMC and beyond.
In that spirit, I invite you to join me at our first JMC Lunch Chat of the semester on Sept. 3 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. in the JMC Library. These lunches are an informal opportunity for faculty, staff and students to connect over a meal. This event will begin with a short, informal Q&A with me and Jahshua Smith, our outreach and recruitment coordinator. You’re welcome to submit questions in advance and during the event or connect with me one-on-one after I wrap up my conversation with Jahshua. I hope to see you there.
Lastly, I want to emphasize something that Prof. Ben Lorch said during last Friday’s Colloquium: this is an extraordinary time to be a student of public affairs. The skills you’re developing in analyzing complex issues, understanding diverse perspectives and engaging in thoughtful debate are exactly what our world needs right now. I look forward to seeing how you’ll help shape our Madison community and the broader world throughout this academic year.
Cameron G. Thies (he/him)
Dean and MSU Foundation Professor
James Madison College