HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — James Madison University honored former President Jonathan Alger and his legacy of civic engagement, democratic participation, and student leadership on Friday with two events on campus.

A panel discussion focused on the role of higher education in preparing students for civic life, followed by the grand opening of Alger Hall, a renovated facility dedicated to civic leadership and engagement.

JMU President Jim Schmidt moderated the discussion, which featured Alger along with Raj Vinnakota, president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars; Bobbie Laur, president of Campus Compact; and John Bridgeland, CEO and executive chair of More Perfect.

The panel brought together leaders from higher education and the civic sector to discuss ways leaders can bridge divides, strengthen communities, and prepare students to make meaningful contributions in their workplaces, communities and democratic life.

Following the panel, the grand opening of Alger Hall took place on the lawn. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating what JMU describes as the commonwealth’s only building dedicated entirely to living and learning civic leadership and engagement.

The facility, formerly known as Spotswood Hall, has been renovated to serve as the home of The Madison Center for Civic Engagement as well as a residence hall for the Civic Leadership Scholars Residential Learning Community.

The combination of academic and residential spaces is intended to create a hub where students can connect classroom learning with community engagement, public service and leadership development.

The two events highlighted JMU’s emphasis on civic engagement and student leadership while recognizing Alger’s role in advancing those efforts during his tenure as university president.