Magnolia for Marisa

Last year on April 17, 2015, we lost one of the most beautiful girls here at JMU, Marisa Gail Curlen.  She was a friend, a roommate, a daughter, a girlfriend, and a friendly reminder of how beautiful life is to so many.  The first things you noticed when you looked at Marisa, were those bright blue eyes and a smile from ear to ear. Her positive energy and her lively personality were contagious. She had a gift of being able to light up a room simply by smiling. She was very spontaneous, never really had a plan but that’s something that was so special about Marisa. She lived how she wanted, in that exact moment. I believe that people are placed in our lives for a reason and Marisa was brought to us for so many. She taught me how to stay positive when I was down. She taught me how to speak my mind, regardless of the situation. She gave us all a reason to smile. But most importantly, she taught me to be fearless. To go after whatever I wanted, no matter who or what was putting me down. If I wanted something, she was always there to encourage me and to push me to do it my way. That is something I will take with me everyday throughout my life, something we could all take as we develop new dreams and aspirations.  
At JMU's arboretum, it invites students and the public to explore and admire natural beauty.  We contacted JMU, looking to plant a magnolia tree in the arboretum, which was the flower of her freshman dorm.  Unfortunately, due to maintenance costs, it comes with a price.  Our goal is to raise $2000 which would cover the planting of the magnolia tree, the maintenance, and a plaque to remember Marisa.  Marisa was a women who represented what JMU is all about; new experiences, happiness, freedom, kindness, passion, and so much more.  We would love for JMU to carry on with a beautiful reminder of how beautiful life is by remembering Marisa.  Please donate so we can make this come to life!