Our goal is simple – be able to provide financial support to a well deserving COB student. In order to reach this goal, we need to raise $25,000; this will enable us to award an annual $1,000 scholarship. It is our hope that the beneficiaries of these funds will enjoy a rewarding and successful experience at the JMU College of Business and beyond. The Madison Business Scholarship wishes the recipient of this scholarship to maintain a strong grade point average (minimum of 3.0), to exhibit financial need, to demonstrate exceptional moral character, and reflect a well-rounded personality through involvement in your community and university.

One of the first fundraising actions taken by our group was to tie our fundraising goals to an annual golf tournament that founded and organized by Jim Bonnell (The JB Classic). Originally, this tournament was organized to provide a venue for JMU alumni and friends to get together and reconnect. The event has grown in popularity each year and provides a great opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause. In addition to the tournament, each member of our group has committed to a yearly pledge that affirms our commitment to raising the necessary funds.

However, $25,000 is only the beginning. By raising $250,000, the Madison Business Scholarship will have the necessary resources to provide a full scholarship to a deserving student. Costs of college are perpetually on the rise and despite the general affordability of James Madison University tuition cost are still burdensome to many students. We feel obligated to use the early success we’ve had in our careers to help alleviate these costs as much as possible.

Article from JMU College of Business Online Newsletter

Article from Madison Magazine

Push America

In addition to all graduating from JMU's College of Business, each of the seven founders of the Madison Business Scholarship (MBS) were also members of the fraternity Pi Kappa Phi. Pi Kapp provided an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills (each member held at least one Executive Council position) and instilled the values of personal responsibility, scholarship, integrity and a sense of service.

Push America, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was founded by members of Pi Kappa Phi in 1977 and remains the exclusive service learning project of the fraternity, with the purpose of instilling lifelong service in fraternity members and serving people with disabilities. As undergraduates, the founders of the MBS worked various philanthropic activities in support of Push America. In fact, Jon McWhinney cycled over 4,000 miles in The Journey of Hope, the largest fraternal fund-raising and awareness event of its kind, that covers 32 different states and works to spread Push Amercia's message of acceptance and understanding for people with disabilities.