Any JMU student who has ever been on a tour of campus knows that we’ve got an interesting story to tell. There are enough legends, myths, and stories to write a book! Whether you’re a potential new student or a clueless senior, I am here to get you in the purple and gold loop. Break out your pens and papers – this is stuff you’re going to want to remember!
To some, it’s an eyesore. To others, it’s a fairytale ending. Introducing… the Kissing Rock. When the Quad was created in the 1920’s, a huge limestone was unearthed. Removing it was financially out of the question. Before JMU became co-ed (our 30-70 ratio is still co-ed, ladies), it was known as Madison College, a female only, education based school. Rules were stricter then (believe it or not) and students couldn’t be alone with males on campus without their ‘dorm mother’ present (AKA their resident advisor).
Before parting ways after an off campus date, suitors would steal a kiss from their Madison sweetheart behind the limestone. Eventually, the rock became dubbed the Kissing Rock and legend now states that if you kiss someone on the Kissing Rock you’ll get married. Upon investigation, I surveyed a handful of females to see if their love lives had been positively impacted by this rock. Truth be told? Most girls who had kissed their boyfriends on the rock had sooner or later broken up. But for those that still believe in true love, keep your chin up! Some of the sweetest JMU proposals I’ve ever heard have taken place on the Kissing Rock.
One of the coolest things known to JMU’s campus are the Quad Tunnels. Madison College created an elaborate underground system to get from your dorm to your classroom without being bothered by inclement weather conditions. In the 1960s, the Quad Tunnels were closed and students were forbidden to access them. Rumors spread like wildfire about the actual reason for the closure. Murders, abandoned newborns, suicides, and other creepy speculations swarmed the Quad Tunnels.
A year ago I had a friend who decided to sneak into the Quad Tunnels and get to the bottom of this. She and her two roommates went well equipped in black outfits, Sharpies, and flashlights. Inside the Quad Tunnels, creaking pipes, dusty floors, and old desks and tables surrounded them. (Not quite the ghost-hidden dungeon she imagined). My friend definitely suggests all adventurous HC readers to explore this rumor on their own!
Ever heard of IN8? If you don’t understand, then you probably never will. If you do understand, then you can never tell… JMU is home to a hush-hush secret society. Only after graduation can members of IN8 spill minimal details of their involvement. Their main goal is to recognize students who have made major accomplishments and to ultimately give back.
So, how can you join? Notable IN8 alums have laundry lists of organizations and accomplishments under their belt, from student body presidents to founders of popular programs such as SafeRides and Purple Out. Still, there are no particular guidelines a student has to follow to get noticed by IN8, except an underlying love for JMU. I have to admit, the best thing about IN8 is their positive influence. This secret society has known to make donations for the university, as well as the Quad’s sundial. They do their good deeds behind the scene, without asking for acknowledgment for their actions. Although it’s far too late for me to get handed a secret letter and notebook requesting my potential membership, there’s still time for the rest of you! Let your JMU love shine and bleed purple everyday! (And then come talk to me after graduation!)
Hangings in the Wilson cupola, drownings in Newman Lake, and switched building blueprints – the rumors never end! As much as I love gossip, some of these stories just don’t have clear answers that anyone can really get to the bottom of. But next time you are walking through the Quad, stop and appreciate the fun history you’re surrounded by. Stand in the center of the sundial and clap your hands to hear an echoing ping. Scout out your dream mate to plant a kiss on at the Kissing Rock. Finally, (if you’re brave!) start mapping out your break and entry into the Quad Tunnels. Your JMU experience is what you make of it – make sure you explore what makes JMU so unique!