The following students graduated from James Madison University during the Dec. 15, 2012, commencement exercises:

• Ethan Mott of Roanoke graduated with a bachelor of science degree in computer science.
• David Botello of Roanoke graduated with a bachelor of science degree in economics.
• Ryan Flanary of Roanoke graduated with a bachelor of science degree in health sciences.
• Matthew Simonic of Roanoke graduated with a bachelor of science degree in justice studies.
• Chase Emerson of Roanoke graduated with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology.
• Caroline Hollingsworth of Roanoke graduated with a bachelor of science degree in statistics.
• Ann Lawrence of Roanoke graduated with a bachelor of science degree in writing, rhetoric and technical communication.

Jonathan Alger, who presided over his first commencement exercises as president of the university, conferred degrees to 782 graduates. Marine Corps Maj. Justin Constantine, an Iraq War veteran and advocate for the Wounded Warrior Project, spoke at the ceremony in Harrisonburg, Va.

James Madison University is a comprehensive university that is part of the statewide system of public higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is the only university in America named for President James Madison. Established March 14, 1908, the university offers programs on the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels with its primary emphasis on the undergraduate student. JMU provides a total education to students – one that has a broad range of the liberal arts as its foundation and encompasses an extensive variety of professional and pre-professional programs, augmented by a multitude of learning experiences outside the classroom.

– Submitted by JMU