Writer

- Graduating May 2021
Major: Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication
Minor: English
Andrew Garison is a senior Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communications major from Califon, New Jersey. Going into his second year with TAD’s Writing Team, Andrew is hoping for some direction on what type of writing interests him as he looks beyond graduation. Andrew originally heard about TAD from one of his WRTC professors and applied to gain some practical experience in writing.
In his free time, Andrew loves to work on creative writing projects, along with some drawing. He also fills time maintaining his vinyl record collection. “They’re great because they force you to sit down,” Andrew said. “You really have to understand what you’re listening to.”
In quarantine this summer, Andrew took some time to learn how to use Photoshop and other Adobe products, part for the fun of it and part for job marketability.
Fun Fact: Andrew has competed nationally in fencing tournaments and continues to fence today!

Strong Water and 90’s Kids Rock TDU
“TDU was full of excitement and killer tunes on Friday, October 18, when Strong Water and 90’s Kids took the stage. The two bands kicked off UPB’s series of monthly concerts, Spotlight Sounds. Even though they played different genres, they were still able to keep the crowd of energetic students rocking.”

TAD’s Guide to Thanksgiving Food
“How can you spice things up while maintaining the traditions of the season? What do you do with all of your Thanksgiving leftovers? Well, TAD has you covered. The Writing Team has gathered some of the best, most simple recipes around to get you through this holiday season with a belly full of good food.”

Make Your Mark On Madison Goes Virtual Next Monday
Do you have a knack for leadership, or maybe have the desire to make a difference in your community? If so, then make sure to check out the Student Leadership Center’s virtual Make Your Mark on Madison Open Night

OCL Offers New Digital Services
To help JMU students through the COVID-19 pandemic, Off-Campus Life has created on online ordering system for their signature Pop-Up Pantry.

Check Out Housing Options at OCL’s Housing Fair
OCL’s semesterly Housing Fairs are a great way to learn more about off-campus living options available in the Harrisonburg community. Students will have the opportunity to meet property owners from the area and discuss the beneficial aspects of a variety of living arrangements.

Check out OCL’s Spring Career Closet
The JMU Career Closet is a great resource if you’re in need of some professional attire. All the items available have been donated by students, staff, and other community members. Students are welcome to come and browse the wide selection suits, ties, blouses, skirts, and shoes.

Students Dig-In at OCL’s New Pop-Up Pantry
The Pop-Up Pantry is a new resource created by OCL to help students have easy access to foods and groceries, especially those who are facing issues with food security.

“Study Unions” are Back for Finals Week
Are you looking for a new place to study this finals season? Well Madison Union and Festival have got you covered. The two student unions will turn into “Study Unions”

Students Mingle at OCL’s Roommate Mixer
Sounds of smooth jazz and friendly chatter could be heard coming from the Highlands room in Festival the night of Thursday, November 14th. Off Campus Life (OCL) hosted their recurring Roommate Mixer, an event designed to help students meet potential roommates to live with in any number of off campus locations.

UPB Brings Bryce Vine and Blanco Brown to Wilson Auditorium
Last Friday night, the newly refurbished Wilson Auditorium hosted UPB’s annual Fall Concert. This year, the organization brought Bryce Vine and Blanco Brown to JMU for a night of music and fun.

Strong Water and 90’s Kids Rock TDU
TDU was full of excitement and killer tunes on Friday, October 18, when Strong Water and 90’s Kids took the stage. The two bands kicked off UPB’s series of monthly concerts, Spotlight Sounds. Even though they played different genres, they were still able to keep the crowd of energetic students rocking.

OCL Teaches Students About Budgeting
This past Wednesday, OCL hosted a workshop designed to teach students the importance of budgeting and making the most out of their money. The workshop broke down key components of money management such as what a budget is, how to distinguish between wants and needs, and the importance of saving money.

UPB Updates Movie Nights
If you love movies, then we’ve got some good news for you. UPB has updated their weekly movie nights at Grafton Stovell Theater. Students and staff members can now see movies for free if they present a valid JACard at the ticket booth.

Students Crack Up at Funny Freakin’ Friday
Once a month, UPB hosts a comedy show in TDU known as Funny Freakin’ Friday. The show is a great way to get a laugh in after a stressful week of classes. The first show of the semester debuted on Friday, September 20th, at 8 p.m. and ran for one hour. It featured comedian and writer Ismael Loutfi.

The JMU Career Closet is Back This Fall
Picture this: you just landed an interview for your dream job. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. You tell all your friends and family how excited you are. But, when you go home and check your closet, you realize you have nothing to wear. Luckily, JMU has come up with a solution to this issue: the Career Closet!

Student Orgs in an Online World: How They’re Adapting to the “New Normal”
Student organizations are an integral part of the college experience; however, with campuses closing across the country and students returning home for the semester, it can be difficult to find ways to be involved and connect with the campus community at large. Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has created, student orgs at JMU are finding ways to make their presence know, recruit students, and provide fun and fulfilling experiences to all their members, new and old.

CMSS Kicks-off Latinx Heritage Month with a Virtual Celebration
JMU’s Center for Multicultural Student Service’s kicked-off their Latinx Heritage Month with a virtual celebration last Tuesday, September 15th. This national event is celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th and is a chance for Latinx individuals to celebrate their own unique heritages and cultures.

CMSS Kicks-off Latinx Heritage Month with a Virtual Celebration
JMU’s Center for Multicultural Student Service’s kicked-off their Latinx Heritage Month with a virtual celebration last Tuesday, September 15th. This national event is celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th and is a chance for Latinx individuals to celebrate their own unique heritages and cultures.

CMSS Launches Cultural Speaker Series with Guest Saul Flores
The Center for Multicultural Student Services continued their celebration of Latinx Heritage Month last Wednesday, September 16th, with the start of their Cultural Speaker Series, a special series of events featuring different Latinx speakers and artists. The first guest was Saul Flores
CMSS Inspires Students with Latinx Alumni Panel
The Center for Multicultural Student Services put on another stellar event last Thursday, October 1st, as part of their celebrations for Latinx Heritage Month. For this event, the CMSS team invited five JMU alums to take part in a Latinx Alumni Panel.
How to Have a Fun, Pandemic Appropriate Halloween
Spooky season is finally upon us, but unfortunately due to the pandemic, traditional ways of celebrating Halloween are pretty much off the table. Trick-or-Treating and costume parties don’t mesh well with current CDC and local ordinances on crowd sizes and traveling. But despite the restrictions, there are still ways you and your friends can have a safe and spooky Halloween.

Essential Campus Resources and How To Use Them
The shift to online learning can be jarring, but, luckily, JMU has not left its students in the dark; there are a number of resources available partially or entirely online to ensure that everyone has a successful semester.