Burrus Fountain

I chose to talk about this part of campus because it was the first place that I sat when I first came to JMU. I transferred here last fall after attending Northern Virginia Community College for two years. On my very first day at JMU I was so nervous. With my schedule last semester I had a two hour break between my classes. During this time I found the fountain and I laid on the pavement around it for these two hours. It was a beautiful day and I felt so comfortable and relaxed. I realized at that moment that I loved JMU and the campus. I particularly loved this moment because I didn’t feel judged for just taking a nap right outside of classrooms. I looked around and it seems that anywhere on campus is considered an acceptable place to take a nap and get comfortable. No one judged me and from then on I always sat in this same spot between my classes. Several students use this spot as a place to relax and listen to the falling water. I feel that this place was built for decoration and to add beauty to the campus. I also think that the concrete border surrounding the fountain was built for a place for students to sit. I wouldn’t change anything about this area of campus and think that any additions would take away from the beauty of the fountain. To my knowledge the water is being recycled and continuously used. I don’t know a lot about which certain things affect the environment, but I feel it is pretty courteous of it. This fountain is located right outside of Burruss hall nearby the Quad. If you are coming from the bus stop at Varner House you just walk strait passed Moody, Maury, Roop, Wilson, and Keezle Hall. Whenever I think of or walk by this fountain I will think of my first day of classes at JMU.

Alice Woodward