 The 3D multi-layer miniature wood shadowbox ornament (left); Marlon Foster (right). Today, the Marching Royal Dukes Alumni is honored to announce a donation of $3,348.39 to the Marlon Foster ('82, '95) Memorial Scholarship Endowment Endeavor for Music Education, contributing to the $50,000 needed to bring the fund to full endowment — a milestone reached in under one year through the collective generosity of the JMU community. The donation was raised through the MRD Alumni’s first-ever commemorative ornament, which sold out during MRD Alumni Band Weekend, coinciding with another profound moment: Marlon Foster was posthumously awarded the Outstanding Music Educator Award at the 2025 Virginia Music Educators Association conference's JMU VMEA Music Awards. This award is presented to a music educator who exemplifies JMU’s commitment to musicianship, pedagogy, professional leadership, and lasting dedication to music education. Marlon embodied these values throughout a life defined by service, mentorship, and joy.  Laura Mulligan Thomas, a JMU School of Music faculty member, shares Marlon's posthumous award with Cheryl Foster. A gifted educator with a “father’s heart,” Marlon taught in the Harrisonburg City Public Schools for 26 years and influenced countless students as adjunct faculty at James Madison University, Shenandoah University, Eastern Mennonite University, and Bridgewater College. His career also included distinguished service in the United States Air Force Tactical Air Command Band, as well as decades of performing, composing, conducting, mentoring, and inspiring musicians across Virginia. Known for his welcoming smile, endearing laugh, and uncanny ability to remember every student’s name, Marlon lived a life anchored in faith, music, family, and community. His deep love of jazz, devotion to percussion, and passion for helping young musicians flourish made him a beloved and irreplaceable presence. “Seeing the scholarship reach endowment on the very weekend Marlon was honored by JMU feels profoundly fitting,” said Dan Everard, President of the MRD Alumni. “It shows just how deeply he touched this community — and how committed we are to ensuring his legacy lives on.” “This ornament project began as a tribute — but it became a movement,” said Chase Maszle, MRD Alumni Vice President. “Every alumnus who purchased one helped secure a legacy that will support students for generations. This was a community effort in the truest sense.”  MRD Alumni Vice President Chase Maszle speaks at the indoor "tailgate," encouraging attendees to lead with the warmth and kindness that defined Marlon Foster’s impact on his students. The MRD Alumni extends heartfelt thanks to every supporter of the fundraiser; to Cheryl and the entire Foster family; Chase Maszle, Dan and Cyndi Everard, Amanda Brock Robson, and the MRD Alumni Leadership team; John Allemeier, Laura Mulligan Thomas, and Scott Rikkers of the JMU School of Music; Rebekah Noonan and Laura Mulli of University Advancement; Paula Polglase and Erin Conley of the JMU Alumni Association; Garrett King of the JMU Foundation; K. Coffman; and the talented design and production crew at Tim Weberding Woodworking.
For more information on how to contribute a tax-deducible gift to the Marlon Foster Memorial Scholarship Endowment Endeavor for Music Education, please visit JMU's giving portal. 🍂 Every year, it feels like everything with MRD Alumni just magically falls into place — the music, the memories, the moments that make our community so special. But behind that effortless rhythm are a handful of dedicated hands, quietly working to keep the beat steady and the traditions strong. As the leaves turn gold and purple hues spill across the Valley, it can only mean one thing: MRD Alumni Band Weekend is near. Our annual reunion — where stories echo louder, friendships reignite, and the sound of the Royal Dukes once again fills the crisp autumn air. Here’s to the people who make the magic happen — and to the season that reminds us why it’s always good to come home. 🎶 Here are a few things to be aware of… Official Registration, Game Tickets and Hotel Blocks Now Available MRD Alumni Band Weekend is one month away!  OUR SIGNATURE EVENT Each fall, we roll out the purple carpet for one of our most beloved traditions - MRD Alumni Band Weekend. It's a time to come home to Harrisonburg, reunite with old friends, dust off your horn or flag (or we'll provide one for you), and be part of the band all over again. Whether you’re fresh out of JMU or decades into your alumni journey, Alumni Band Weekend brings together Dukes from every era to celebrate the spirit, sound, and pride of the Marching Royal Dukes. Visit our dedicated page to review and catch up on the 4 easy steps to attend MRD Alumni Band Weekend here: Honoring Marlon Foster with a Lasting Legacy  Earlier this summer, many in the MRD Alumni community found themselves deeply saddened by learning that Marlon Foster (‘82, 95M) – a beloved member of our JMU Music community whose spirit, dedication, and joy left a lasting mark on all who knew him – passed away. Foster served in the United States Air Force and taught in Harrisonburg City Public Schools for 26 years, as well as instructing percussionists at the JMU School of Music. Marlon was awarded Teacher of the Year from Harrisonburg City Public Schools, and he was inducted into the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association’s Hall of Fame. We shared a short update, that of course, only begins to summate his impact: “Marlon Foster’s lessons reached far beyond the classroom. He taught us how to listen, lead, and love each other like a band.” To honor Marlon, our family together with the JMU School of Music is proud to share that the University has agreed to a new scholarship endeavor in his memory. This scholarship ensures Marlon’s legacy will live on for generations to come, and once endowed, will be awarded to a JMU Music student.
I was not personally lucky enough to meet him, but as I mentioned my regrets to our leadership team, Dan Everard replied, “Just smile and a little bit of Marlon will be in you.”  Move-In Day Success Thanks to an amazing group of volunteers, this year’s MRD move-in was a huge success! From hauling boxes and instruments to greeting families with warm smiles, our alumni and friends made sure our incoming freshman MRDs felt welcomed, supported, and ready to kick off the season. The energy was electric — and the first impression you helped create will last these new members a lifetime. To everyone who pitched in: thank you for starting the season off with such heart and dedication. A Surprise Doubleheader & Fireworks Finale Our MRD pop-up appearance at the Richmond Flying Squirrels game was a smash hit! The crowd loved the music, and the atmosphere was pure summer magic. What we didn’t expect was a thrilling doubleheader — complete with a late-night fireworks finale that lit up the sky after the game. It was the perfect way to cap off a night of great baseball, great music, and even greater MRD spirit. Great thanks for the entire Richmond Flying Squirrels staff with a special shoutout to JMU Alum and Flying Squirrels promotion and community relations coordinator, Andrew Seccia; to Earl Shaffer for conducting us that night; and to Dan Everard for masterminding the planning and logistics. I think we may get the invite back next year. 🤞 You can check out some of the photos from the event here. MRD Alumni Name Tags Now Available We’re excited to share that official MRD Alumni name tags are now available for purchase — perfect for wearing proudly at Alumni Band Weekend and other MRD events! Each name tag ships directly from our trusted vendor, Signs USA in Harrisonburg, VA, with a 10 full business day lead time (not including shipping). 🕐 Chase’s tip: If you plan to wear yours for Alumni Band Weekend, order it this week to make sure it arrives in time! 👉 Order your MRD Alumni name tag here Holiday MRD Alumni Gear Fundraiser Announcing a fresh lineup of MRD Alumni apparel now available through Boathouse Sports — just in time for the holidays… This season’s collection features:
Items ordered through Boathouse will arrive in time for the Christmas season — making them a great gift for any proud Duke. Even better? Thanks to your generous shopping, the MRD Alumni have recently contributed $755 to the Posey Scholarship Endowment! 💜 And that’s not all. Proceeds from previous sales are also helping subsidize ticket costs for our MRD Alumni Tailgate, keeping this tradition affordable and accessible for everyone. 👉 Shop the MRD Alumni Classics – 2025 Holiday Clothing Fundraiser now We hope to see you back at home this November, and thanks for your support of our MRDs and alumni community. Once a Marching Royal Duke, always...
Greetings from the JMU Marching Royal Dukes Alumni Chapter! As we move through another exciting year, we’re proud to share progress, plans, and partnerships that continue to strengthen the legacy of the MRDs and the alumni who carry that legacy forward. Let's dive in... 📍 Practice Field Update: What We Know So Far Our MRD Alumni Chapter President, Dan Everard, recently reported some news to me during the 2025 Madison Alumni Conference and tuned in during an informal insider look at the location of the to-be-announced MRD practice field and its inclusion in JMU’s most recent early draft of JMU's 2027 Campus Vision "Master Plan."
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