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University Recreation (UREC) empowers students at James Madison University to embrace lifelong healthy habits through recreation programs.
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We are here to Motivate Madison into Motion. Motivating Madison into Motion!

10/23/2026

Moving and making memories in Group Ex! 💜

10/20/2026

CULTURE | 4 pieces of steel walked so 30 years of UREC could run

On a Wednesday at 5 p.m., finding an open machine at UREC can sometimes feel harder than the workout itself. But as JMU’s recreation center celebrates its 30th anniversary, there’s more to its story than crowded weight rooms and packed workout schedules.

Considering how many students include UREC in their everyday schedules, it’s easy to overlook how much has changed since the center first opened in 1996.

For Eric Nickel, director of University Recreation, the difference is especially striking. When he first joined the university, the building was still under construction. Instead of the fitness studios and wellness spaces students know today, he remembers four pieces of steel sticking out of the ground.

“I came pre-UREC with the idea that we would build this thing and kind of create a vision of what it would be for this campus,” Nickel said. “I think we’ve established that student well-being is an important part of the JMU experience, and using UREC is part of that culture.”

Read more online: https://buff.ly/oahOGQQ

✍️ Sophia Abousamara
📸 Breeze file photo

10/19/2026

More than 40 teams to support! Sport Clubs - shout out your next home game so our Dukes can bring the energy! 🗣️

10/15/2026

Discover all the variety the Group Training Room has to offer! 💪

10/14/2026

30 years of history in 3 minutes!
Learn more about UREC’s story and meet the people who have been here along the way at our 30th Anniversary events this Friday, October 16.

https://events.jmu.edu/event/UREC30th/summary

10/09/2026

Then vs now… 30 years of Motivating Madison into Motion! 🥳

10/07/2026

There will be a celebration of life at Wilson Hall Auditorium at James Madison University on October 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, there will be a “Toast to Bob” reception at Brix & Columns Vineyards. Guests are encouraged to wear their purple and gold to celebrate Bob.

10/02/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share that Bob Golson, JMU emeritus faculty and former UREC professional staff member, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. He will be remembered fondly by his former teammates and students for his generous spirit, quiet dedication, unwavering reliability, and the countless ways he supported those around him. He was a loving husband, a doting uncle to his niece and nephew, and an enthusiastic ‘Ubie’ to his grandchildren. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family in this difficult time.

Bob Golson joined the UREC family in October of 1998. In his 27 years of Motivating Madison into Motion, Bob served in the roles of Coordinator of Intramural Sports/Informal Recreation, Interim Assistant Director, and Associate Director for Facilities & Operations. He played pivotal leadership roles in the opening of University Park, the UREC addition and renovation, and reopening UREC during the pandemic. Bob partnered with VDH to implement a Covid19 testing clinic at UPark, a major undertaking to serve the community. He invested deeply in those who worked behind the scenes at UREC, including the maintenance, housekeeping, and operations teams.

Bob received the 2020 NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award from NIRSA for his dedication to the NIRSA Foundation as well as his fundraising efforts towards creating the UREC Student Employee Scholarship Endowment. He was recognized as a 2020 JMU All Together One Award recipient by Omicron Delta Kappa for his commitment to collaboration at JMU. Bob retired from JMU in May of 2025.

Bob received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and a Masters of Sports Administration from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. He was an avid sports fan (especially his beloved Florida State Seminoles), and enjoyed good bourbon, reading, traveling, golfing, and hosting old friends when they came to town.

There will be a celebration of life at Wilson Hall Auditorium at James Madison University on October 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, there will be a “Toast to Bob” reception at Brix & Columns Vineyards. Guests are encouraged to wear their purple and gold to celebrate Bob.

09/30/2026

If you are joining us for Family Weekend this weekend, UREC has lots of fun events planned for you and your Dukes!!! Available events include:

- Family Weekend Pool Battleship (pictured): $20 per team
- Family Weekend Cycle: FREE
- Family Weekend Pilates: FREE
- Family Weekend Hiking Trip (only a couple spots left): $25
- Family Weekend Team Challenge Course: $20
- Family Weekend Yoga Hike: $25

Book your spots and learn more about each activity here - https://brnw.ch/21x64hj

Address

701 Driver Dr
Harrisonburg, VA
22807

Telephone

(540) 568-8737

Website

http://www.jmu.edu/recreation

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