When we give back, we help the band march forward.
Marching Royal Dukes FundActing as more of a "general fund," this fund allows you to support the entire band in their operations and long-term expenses, equipment purchases, instrument repairs and replacements, food, staffing costs and more.
Your gift supports:
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Bill Posey ScholarshipIn memory of Bill Posey, this scholarship — established by the MRD Alumni, staff, and friends — supports one or more rising members of the Marching Royal Dukes to help with college expenses.
Your gift supports:
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Dukettes Dance FundSupport the small group of spectacular dancers who showcase their endless school spirit to JMU, and their talent to the frontstage of the MRD halftime show! This fund helps the group compete and rank nationally.
Your gift supports:
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For assistance giving to any of these funds, please contact:
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Milestones
We're making an impact together.
If you are willing to contribute your time, skills or treasure, please reach out to our leadership team: [email protected] 2025 / mrd alumni raise $64,387 in a single day through individual donors; MRD Alumni Support Boosts Marlon Foster Scholarship Across Endowment Threshold
2024 / MRD ALUMNI CLASSICS APPAREL LINE UNVEILED, CAPTURes FIRST LICENSING funds
American clothing manufacturer Boathouse Sports supplies first licensed clothing item, our Stevenson Jacket, modeled by MRD Alumni VP Chase Maszle (left), and Andrew Foote (right).
The back of the Stevenson Jacket.
2023 / Private donor supports first activation-based gift to mrds for 50 & beyond celebration
500 uniform patches were gifted to the Marching Royal Dukes commemorating the 50 & Beyond - 50th anniversary celebration
2022 / BILL Posey Posthumously honored as Sonner Spirit Award winner; alumnus chase maszle ('17) donates short film
2021 / brock masterson ('00) pledges $10K giving challenge, 202 additional donors respond with $16,592 in a single day
2016 / MRD Alumni exceed initial $50K endowment fundraising goal, present $63,533 check to kick-start bill posey scholarship
Check presentation (left to right): Director Scott Rikkers; MRD Alumni Ed Savoy, Cyndi Everard, Mike Lindsay, President Dan Everard, Zac Hittie, Bill Welch; College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean George Sparks; University Advancement VP Nick Langridge.
2015 / MRD ALuMNi unveils NEW BRAND
2012 / Historian Phil pollard ('97) builds historical archive of program's history
2007 / dan everard ('89) reboots the alumni band day
early 2000's / the alumni band falls dormant for several years
:( 1999 / Mike Zerbe ('88) develops a charter agreement with the jmu alumni association, forming mrd alumni chapter and maintains program throughout his teaching career at jmu
1990's / MRD grad assistants including the beloved late shelly boardman ('87, '95M), Informally organize the first alumni band day
Several MRD Alumni participating in an alumni band day, 1994, shortly after the Marching Royal Dukes won the Sudler Trophy (left to right): MRD Alumni Mike Zerbe, Sam Elson, Mike Crouch, unknown, Dan Everard and Jen Stearns Condon.
Although small, the alumni band still generated a great sound (albeit a bit rusty, as this would have been the first time in several years that many alumni picked up their instruments).
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Presented by:
If you're interested in displaying your company's logo on our website via a yearly sponsorship, please reach out to: [email protected]
Official chapter of the JMU Alumni Association.
© 2025 Marching Royal Dukes Alumni 2002 Alumni Dr MSC 4402 Harrisonburg, VA 22807-1012