For her, that moment came during the traumatic birth of her youngest child two years ago. Perez, a graduate of 91短视频 at Lancaster鈥檚 Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) program, shared that she failed out of her studies during that experience. But rather than quit, she pushed forward and kept fighting. She came back stronger, enrolling in the next cohort and earning Dean鈥檚 List honors throughout her time in the program. The road didn鈥檛 become easier, she said, but her resilience grew stronger.

That same resilience, she told the Class of 2026 graduates, lies in every single one of them. Many of them, who are nontraditional adult learners, balanced their coursework with jobs, families, and other responsibilities. 鈥淲e showed up tired, we showed up overwhelmed and stretched thin, and sometimes we showed up broken,鈥� she said. 鈥淩egardless, we still showed up.鈥�

When her mother was hospitalized and passed away in January, Perez said her classmates, who had become a support system, showed up for her. 鈥淚n one of my hardest seasons,鈥� she said, 鈥渋t was this community that reminded me I wasn鈥檛 alone.鈥�

Graduates recess following the Commencement ceremony.

Angelita Perez (left) was one of three graduates who shared their perspectives at Commencement. Dr. Jamie Mak (right), assistant vice president of academic and program growth for 91短视频 at Lancaster, opens the ceremony. 

Perez was one of 21 graduates of 91短视频 at Lancaster鈥檚 degree and graduate certificate programs who walked across the stage and were joyfully sent off into the world during the annual Commencement ceremony at Forest Hills Mennonite Church on Friday, May 8. This year, 91短视频 at Lancaster awarded 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates.

Dr. Jamie Mak, assistant vice president of academic and program growth for 91短视频 at Lancaster, welcomed the family members, friends, and guests gathered in celebration and commended the courage and commitment shown by the graduates.

鈥淎s you leave today, you carry more than just credentials,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou carry the values that define this community: peacebuilding, social justice, service, and compassion. You are entering a world that needs those values more than ever.鈥�

91短视频 at Lancaster awarded 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates.

Graduates Will Stover (left) and Alejandro Ulloa (right) share their perspectives.

In addition to Perez, graduates Will Stover and Alejandro Ulloa shared their reflections.

Stover, a graduate of the aviation program, highlighted his cohort鈥檚 accomplishments鈥攁ccumulating over 7,000 hours of flight time in their four years together鈥攁nd shared some of the lessons they learned in the program. He encouraged graduates to 鈥渢ake the first step鈥� when presented with challenges and opportunities, continue supporting one another and 鈥渒eep 鈥檈m flying,鈥� and find the positive in times of adversity. Echoing the mantra of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight squadron, he called on graduates to embrace being 鈥済lad to be here.鈥�

鈥淭here are days that are difficult, when we feel defeated, lost, and unsure of what鈥檚 next,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here are also days that feel easy, motivating, and full of hope. The phrase 鈥楪lad to be here鈥� is a reminder that, regardless of the day, resiliency ultimately wins.鈥�

When Ulloa was growing up, he often heard his mother say, 鈥渃ada cabeza un mundo entero.鈥� That phrase, he said, translates to 鈥渆ach head is a whole world.鈥�

鈥淢y mom鈥檚 words are a consistent reminder that God created each of us with uniqueness and complexity and finds each of us worthy of love,鈥� said Ulloa, who graduated with an MA in education with a concentration in Trauma and Resilience in Educational Environments (TREE).

After teaching at Lancaster Mennonite High School for 11 years, he said God called him to a different setting about four years ago. That鈥檚 when he applied to the program at 91短视频 at Lancaster to 鈥渟tay in touch with these faith-infused tenets of education and daily practice.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 so thankful for this program and its professors, who encouraged us to view our students in their entirety, to approach them with care and empathy first and foremost, and to remember that there鈥檚 an entire world in their heads,鈥� he said. Ulloa added that he leaves the program 鈥渕ore committed than ever鈥� to meet his students where they are, get to know them, and support them however he can.

91短视频 at Lancaster鈥檚 Class of 2026 graduates celebrate after walking across the stage.

Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo (left) delivers the Commencement address. Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus (right) offers welcome remarks during the ceremony.

Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo delivered the Commencement address. A first-generation college graduate and avid runner who became the first Latino mayor in the city鈥檚 history, he spoke about the process of training for a marathon and connected it to broader lessons in life.

Preparation, he told the graduates, is both a choice and an ongoing process. 鈥淪ometimes that means taking a step back and readjusting your training plan,鈥� he said. 鈥淪ometimes it鈥檚 just a check-in with yourself that brings you back to the basics. It鈥檚 about questioning your choices and making sure you鈥檙e on the right path.鈥�

鈥淭hink deeply about your choices, find a way to quiet the noise, listen to what truly matters, and make sure the commitments you make are for the greater good,鈥� Arroyo added.

In her remarks to the graduates, Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus expressed appreciation for the ways they have shown up for one another and for the 91短视频 community. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e wrestled with hard questions, you鈥檝e listened across differences, and you鈥檝e continued to pursue rigorous learning in a way that reflects both care and conviction,鈥� she said.

Kirk Shisler 鈥�81, vice president for advancement, welcomed the graduates as new members of the 91短视频 Alumni Association. 鈥淵ou join some 21,000 fellow alumni who distinguish themselves as people who serve and lead with distinction locally, regionally, nationally, and around the world,鈥� he said.

Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs, presented and commissioned the graduates. Dr. Dycus conferred the degrees and offered the closing blessing. Jess King 鈥�96, an 91短视频 parent and member of the 91短视频 Board of Trustees, led the opening invocation. Derek Kline, director of the aviation program, and Dr. Mak recognized the graduates.

In addition to King, board members Janet Lind, Gloria Diener 鈥�76, and Jane Hoober Peifer 鈥�74, MDiv 鈥�97, attended the ceremony.

Hudson Acocella, a Political Science major

Ciela Acosta, a Peacebuilding & Development major

Peyton Alger, an English major

Muna Alsadun, a Social Work major

Johana Alvarenga, a Liberal Arts major

Ephrata Amare, a Biology major

Theo Andreas, a Nursing major

Meredith Atkinson, a Political Science and Psychology major

Wendy Avila Peralta, a Nursing major

Silas Bates, a Psychology major

Malia Bauman, a Social Work major

Leah Beachy, a Nursing major

Kayden Beidler, an English and Applied Mathematics major

Miranda Beidler, an English and Secondary Education Licensure (6鈥�12) major

Renae Benner, an Engineering major

Terranie Bennett, a Writing Studies major

Leah Blough, an Accounting major

Karina Bondaruk, a Biochemistry major

Madison Bowyer, a Nursing major

Lincoln Brechbill, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Jasmine Bruce, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6) major

Noah Buckwalter, a Biology and Environmental Science major

Daisy Buller, an Art major

Leah Cap, a Political Science major

Paulina C谩rcamo Nufio, a Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies and Education Licensure (PreK鈥�12) major

Mara Carlson, a Psychology major

Seungmin Cha, a Chemistry major

Joel Chamberlain, a Sociology and Environmental Science major

Camden Clapper, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Sebastian Clemente, a Psychology major

Jaydyn Clemmer, a Nursing major

Zoe Clymer, a Biology major

Cristina Col贸n Torres, a Psychology major

Chase Comer, a Political Science and History major

Rebekah Copeland, a Computer Science major

Ashley Cromer, a Nursing major

Kaitlyn Cunningham, a Psychology major

Logan Darrow, a Biology major

Ace Davis, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Ruach Deng, a Computer Science major

Lexie Dingus, a Nursing major

Emily Donovan, a Biology major

Levi Dougherty, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Jacob Dwyer, a History & Social Science and Secondary Education Licensure (6鈥�12) major

Monica Ehrenfels, a Music major

Odesa Elezi, a Nursing major

Matt Elijah, a Recreation and Sport Management major

Benjamin Elliott, a Political Science and Peacebuilding major

Julia Fisher, an Art and Education Licensure (PreK鈥�12) major

Abby Foltz, a Nursing major

Addison Fornadel, a Nursing major

Leah Frankenfield, a Psychology major

Benjamin Friesen Guhr, an Engineering major

Lily Gatesman, a Psychology major

Marta Gebretsadik, a Nursing major

Jassel Gomez Bonilla, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Ellysa Gray, a Nursing major

Juliana Greaver, a Nursing major

Emma Greer, a Marketing major

Carter Griffin, a Business Administration and Recreation and Sport Management major

Emily Guin, a Nursing major

Sitara Hackney, a History & Social Science and Secondary Education Licensure (6鈥�12) major

Madelynn Hamm, an Environmental Science major

Josh Haponski, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Glenn Harder, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Abbey Harper, a Nursing major

Keegan Harrison, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Ryan Harrison, a Political Science major

Bridget Hay, a Psychology major

Willem Hedrick, a Digital Media, Photography, and Design major

Justin Hochstedler, an Accounting and Business Administration major

Gabe Hollenbacher, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Elie Hoover, a Social Work and Music major

Mason Hunter, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Claire Hurst, a Biology major

Shawna Hurst, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6) major

Aspen Jones, a Psychology major

Braxten Jones, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6) major

Josh Joseph, a Recreation and Sport Management major

Zainab Kamran, a Computer Science major

Apekshya Karki, a Medical Lab Science major

Lauren Kauffman, a Psychology major

Sophia Kauffman, a Psychology major

Sara Kennel, a Global Development major

Esme King Martin, an Environmental Science and Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major

Emae Klompenhouwer, a Social Work major

Jazi Knight, a Nursing major

Ani Koontz, a Biology major

Naomi Kratzer, a Music and History major

Gisele Kuate Mogouong, an Accounting and Business Administration major

Sophia Lacher, a Liberal Arts, Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6), and Special Education General Curriculum (K鈥�6) major

Maggie Ladd, a Social Work major

Ella Lambert, a Nursing major

Reina Landa, a Nursing major

Joy Lee, a Nursing major

Camryn Lohr, a Nursing major

Erin Loker, a Psychology major

Zeke Longacre, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Maria Longenecker, a Biology major

Brittany Love, a Psychology major

Caris Lucas, a Nursing major

Summer Lucas, a Nursing major

Reya Marron, a Nursing major

Brooke Martin, a Leadership and Organizational Management major

Olivia Martin, a Nursing major

Rosa Martin Fonseca, a Biology major

Micah Mast, an Engineering major

Kiyah Mata, a Psychology major

Caleb Metzler, a Political Science, Sociology, and Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major

Eli Miller, an Environmental Science major

Hollyn Miller, a Psychology major

Isaac Miller, a Biology major

Sarah Miller, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Diego Morales Torres, a Computer Science major

Leilani Muniz, a Liberal Arts major

Samuel Myers, an Environmental Science major

Judith Nandikove, a Theology and Religion and Peacebuilding & Development major

Ethan Neufeld, a Biology and Biochemistry major

Sophia Nguyen, a Biology major

Ashutosh Niraula, a Computer Science major

Jenna Oostland, an Environmental Science major

Owen Osterberg, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Seth Ours, a Psychology major

Eden Owings, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Livy Pagano, a Psychology major

Leah Palmieri, a Nursing major

Katie Parks, a Liberal Arts, Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6), and Special Education General Curriculum (K鈥�6) major

Sarah Peak, a Psychology and Peacebuilding major

Zachary Perry, an Applied Mathematics major

Ezra Peters, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Sarah Poirot, a Nursing major

Bryce Poppe, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Jocelyn Portillo-Romero, a Biology and Secondary Education Licensure (6鈥�12) major

Sarah Prroj, a Business Administration major

Adam Rhodes, an Environmental Science and Peacebuilding major

Miriam Rhodes, a Music, Liberal Arts, and Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6) major

Ella Richer, an Environmental Science major

Oliver Rivera, a Psychology major

Kyla Ross, a Psychology major

Jasmin Ruiz, a Digital Media, Photography, and Design major

Gabriella Seal, a Nursing major

Roumany Sefin, a Business Administration and Medical Lab Science major

Addison Shanholtz, a Nursing major

Dulce Shenk Zeager, a Biology major

Emma Shepard, a Nursing major

Josiah Shimp, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Marianne Short, a Nursing major

Rose Short, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6) major

Ava Sitko, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Ari Smart, an Art and Education Licensure (PreK鈥�12) major

Megan Smith, a Nursing major

Brooke Snyder, a Writing Studies major

Elijah Spicher, a Nursing major

April Stafford, a Nursing major

Keriana Stottlemyer, a Nursing major

Amelia Stuckey, a Biology and Environmental Science major

Simon Stuckey, an Engineering major

Joshua Stucky, a Nursing major

Kate Stutzman, a Biology major

Levi Stutzman, an Engineering major

Emily Suarez Nunez, a Nursing major

Kristina Suslaev, a Nursing major

Jazmyn Taylor, a Business Administration major

Kenzie Taylor, a Digital Media and Communication major

Guadalupe Tenorio Ramirez, an Accounting and Business Administration major

Michelle Thompson, a Nursing major

Lauren Townsend, a Recreation and Sport Management and Organizational Leadership major

Collin Troutman, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Cassidy Turpen, a Psychology major

Christopher Varone, a Psychology major

Delaney Via, a Nursing major

Aniyah Walker, a Business Administration and Marketing major

Ava Walker, a Psychology major

Jadyn Weik, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Micah Wenger, a Music major

Reuben Wenger, a Biochemistry and Peacebuilding major

Yuji Wenger, a Biology major

Julia Williams, a Nursing major

Will Wolf, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Amanda Yoder, a Nursing major

Bryn Yoder, a Nursing major

Elliott Yoder, a Public Health major

Malia Yoder, a Biology major

Noah Yoder, a Digital Media, Photography, and Design major

Sam Yoder, a Nursing major

Bethelhem Zelalem, a Nursing major

Matthew Zerbe, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major

Lisa Zimmerman, an Environmental Science and Biology major

Mara Zimmerman, an Environmental Science and Biology major

Commencement is fast approaching, bringing a full weekend of events and ceremonies honoring this year鈥檚 graduating class. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help guide you through the weekend.

When is Commencement and where will it be held?

91短视频鈥檚 108th annual Commencement ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Yoder Arena. View the map below.

How long will it last?

The ceremony lasts about two hours.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

A live video feed of the Commencement ceremony will be available on .

Where should I park?

Please see the campus map for parking information. The south portion of the University Commons parking lot will be reserved for handicapped and mobility-restricted parking. Guests may notify a parking attendant if assistance is needed in getting from the parking area to the commencement seating.

Where should I sit?

Seating is first come, first served and opens at 11 a.m. on Sunday. A remote viewing location will be available in University Commons Room 177.

How many students will be graduating?

91短视频 will award 313 degrees at Commencement. The total includes 171 undergraduate degrees, 129 graduate degrees, 10 Eastern Mennonite Seminary degrees, and three doctoral degrees, as of April 23.

Who will deliver the commencement address?

Dr. Angela J. Lederach, an anthropologist and assistant professor of peace and justice studies at Chapman University, will deliver the address. Learn more about her below.

Who else is speaking?

Graduating seniors Dylan Hall and Arelys Martinez Fabian, and Yenifer Dottin-Carter from the MA in Counseling program, will offer graduates鈥� perspectives.

Who are the class officers?

The 2026 undergraduate class officers are:

• Co-presidents: Genesis Figueroa and Arelys Martinez Fabian
• Business manager: Ethan Neufeld
• Secretary: Maria Longenecker

Is the event free? Is there a limit to how many guests can attend?

Commencement is free to attend, with no ticket required and no limit on the number of guests.

What other events can I attend?

Ten graduating seniors will be honored as 2026 Cords of Distinction recipients in a special ceremony on Friday, April 24, at 10:10 a.m. in Martin Chapel. 91短视频 will host its fifth annual Lavender Graduation on Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in University Commons Room 177 (Old Common Grounds) to honor LGBTQ+ graduates and alumni. 91短视频鈥檚 11th annual Donning of the Kente ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 3 p.m. in the MainStage Theater to recognize graduating students of color and international students. On Sunday, May 3, after Commencement, the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding will host a graduation celebration at 4 p.m. in Martin Chapel. All events are listed online here.

When is Graduate Celebration and Sending?

Graduate Celebration and Sending will take place on Saturday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium. Dr. Tara L. S. Kishbaugh, dean of faculty and student success, is the featured speaker for this year鈥檚 event, which is for all graduating students. The event will include performances of music and poetry from students, as well as the presentation of the class gift.

Will the dining halls be open?

Here鈥檚 the dining hall schedule for commencement weekend:

Saturday

• Continental breakfast: 8:15-9 a.m. 
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 
• Dinner: 5-6 p.m. 

Sunday

• Continental breakfast: 8:15-9 a.m. 
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 

What are some other places to eat and things to do in Harrisonburg?

Check out  to celebrating graduation weekend in Harrisonburg from the city鈥檚 tourism office, packed with recommendations for dining, graduation gifts, and things to do while you鈥檙e in town.

When will the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, campus hold its graduation?

91短视频 at Lancaster will hold its commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania. Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo will deliver the address. 91短视频 at Lancaster will award 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates at the ceremony.

Where can I find more information?

Visit or email questions to commencement@emu.edu.

Hudson Acocella, a Political Science major from Fairfax, VA

Ciela Acosta, a Peacebuilding & Development major from Salem, OR

Mitsilal Adhanom, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Cris Aguirre, a Nursing major from Fishersville, VA

Peyton Alger, an English major from McGaheysville, VA

Jocelyn Allanson, a Biology major from Manassas, VA

Theo Andreas, a Nursing major from Bluffton, OH

Sophia Armato, a Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies and Education Licensure (PreK鈥�12) major from Manheim, PA

Meredith Atkinson, a Political Science and Psychology major from Mechanicsville, VA

Silas Bates, a Psychology major from Leesburg, VA

Malia Bauman, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, VA

Mwamini Bayongwa, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, VA

Leah Beachy, a Nursing major from Salem, OR

Kay Beidler, an English and Applied Mathematics major from Akron, PA

Renae Benner, an Engineering major from Telford, PA

Joelle Blosser, a Health & Physical Education and Education Licensure (PreK鈥�12) major from Harrisonburg, VA

Leah Blough, an Accounting major from Oklahoma City, OK

Karina Bondaruk, a Biochemistry major from Churchville, VA

Lisa Booth, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Catlett, VA

Madison Bowyer, a Nursing major from Staunton, VA

Nia Boyd, an Art and Writing Studies major from Richmond, VA

Jasmine Bruce, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6) major from Waynesboro, VA

Daisy Buller, an Art and Psychology major from Newton, KS

Mary Cain, a Social Work major from Advance, NC

Paulina Carcamo, a Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies and Education Licensure (PreK鈥�12) major from Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Mara Carlson, a Psychology major from Lititz, PA

Joe Carosella, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Lancaster, PA

Courtney Cave, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Maurertown, VA

Travis Cave, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Maurertown, VA

Joel Chamberlain, a Sociology and Environmental Science major from San Jose, Costa Rica

Camden Clapper, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Lancaster, PA

Mickayla Clay, a Criminology major from Woodbridge, VA

Sebastian Clemente, a Psychology major from Parrish, FL

Jaydyn Clemmer, a Nursing major from Fairfield, VA

Zoe Clymer, a Biology major from Collinsville, MS

Cristina Colon Torres, a Psychology major from Toa Alta, PR

Chase Comer, a Political Science and History major from Bridgewater, VA

Rebekah Compagnari, a Nursing major from Rockingham, VA

Rebekah Copeland, a Computer Science major from Harrisonburg, VA

Malachi Cornelius, a Business Administration and Psychology major from Evanston, IL

Kaitlyn Cunningham, a Psychology major from Toms Brook, VA

Kaitlyn Custis, a Nursing major from Chester, VA

Zach Danielczyk, a Business Administration major from Oakton, VA

Logan Darrow, a Biology major from Stafford, VA

Ace Davis, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Yoe, PA

Zazkia De la Vega, a Marketing and Business Administration major from Cusco, Peru

Rafael de Tablan, a Music major from Quezon City, Philippines

Abadit Desta, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, VA

Nashay Dickson, a Nursing major from Philadelphia, PA

Lexie Dingus, a Nursing major from Broadway, VA

Emily Donovan, a Biology major from Rileyville, VA

Levi Dougherty, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Wrightsville, PA

Jacob Dwyer, a History & Social Science and Secondary Education Licensure (6鈥�12) major from Fairfax, VA

Monica Ehrenfels, a Music major from Cheshire, CT

Matt Elijah, a Recreation and Sport Management major from Fishersville, VA

Benjamin Elliott, a Political Science and Peacebuilding major from Broadway, VA

Genesis Figueroa, a Political Science and Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major from Millersburg, OH

Julia Fisher, an Art and Education Licensure (PreK鈥�12) major from Mount Joy, PA

Brock Fittery, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Manheim, PA

Dante Flowe, a Biochemistry major from Harrisonburg, VA

Kaicey Foltz, a Nursing major from Elkton, VA

Benjamin Friesen Guhr, an Engineering major from Newton, KS

Keenan Fulwood, a Psychology major from Stafford, VA

Kevin Garcia Gonzalez, a Biology and Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major from Harrisonburg, VA

Lily Gatesman, a Psychology major from Timberville, VA

Marta Gebretsadik, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Lidiya Gizaw, a Nursing major from Murray, UT

Ellysa Gray, a Nursing major from Stanley, VA

Isaac Greenleaf, a Computer Science, Engineering, and Applied Mathematics major from Elizabethtown, PA

Carter Griffin, a Business Administration and Recreation and Sport Management major from Pitman, NJ

Liliana Guerrero, a Liberal Arts and Early Education Licensure (PreK鈥�3) major from Stafford, VA

Sitara Hackney, a History & Social Science and Secondary Education Licensure (6鈥�12) major from Waynesboro, VA

Dylan Hall, a Health & Physical Education and Education Licensure (PreK鈥�12) major from Chesapeake, VA

Madelynn Hamm, an Environmental Science major from Newton, KS

Josh Haponski, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Hummelstown, PA

Abbey Harper, a Nursing major from Elkton, VA

Keegan Harrison, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Oxford, PA

Bridget Hay, a Psychology major from Front Royal, VA

Willem Hedrick, a Digital Media and Communication major from Hinton, VA

Justin Hochstedler, an Accounting and Business Administration major from Goshen, IN

Justin Hodgin, a History & Social Science and Secondary Education Licensure (6鈥�12) major from Harrisonburg, VA

Elie Hoover, a Social Work and Music major from New Carlisle, OH

Emma Ruth Hua, a Sociology major from Weyers Cave, VA

Jack Hughes, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Marietta, PA

Alyssa Hunter, a Biology major from Lexington, VA

Claire Hurst, a Public Health and Biology major from Conestoga, PA

Shawna Hurst, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6) major from Broadway, VA

Benjamin Huyard, an Engineering major from Harrisonburg, VA

Beck Jantzi, a Digital Media, Photography, and Design major from Hesston, KS

Emma Johnson, a Recreation and Sport Management major from Burlington, NC

Jam Johnson, a Nursing major from Goode, VA

Aspen Jones, a Psychology major from Elkton, VA

Jayda Jones, a Social Work major from Goodview, VA

Aliza Judd, an Accounting major from Winchester, VA

Zainab Kamran, a Psychology major from Lahore, Pakistan

Ethan Kanagy, a Psychology major from Lancaster, PA

Lauren Kauffman, a Psychology major from Goshen, IN

Sophia Kauffman, a Psychology major from Goshen, IN

Sara Kennel, a Global Development major from Souderton, PA

Hannah Kepler, a Psychology major from Strasburg, VA

Emae Klompenhouwer, a Social Work major from Newport News, VA

Ani Koontz, a Biology major from North Newton, KS

Naomi Kratzer, a Music and History major from Goshen, IN

Gisele Kuate Mogouong, an Accounting and Business Administration major from Rockingham, VA

Sophia Lacher, a Liberal Arts, Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6), and Special Education General Curriculum (K鈥�6) major from Souderton, PA

Maggie Ladd, a Social Work major from Hesston, KS

Ella Lambert, a Nursing major from Lynchburg, VA

Lindsey Lantz, a Nursing major from Elkton, VA

Mac Lehman, a Music major from Dayton, VA

Erin Loker, a Psychology major from Rockingham, VA

Lydia Longacre, an English and Secondary Education Licensure (6鈥�12) major from Quakertown, PA

Maria Longenecker, a Biology major from Lancaster, PA

Jose Lopez Vasquez, a Computer Science major from Harrisonburg, VA

Brittany Love, a Psychology major from Harrisonburg, VA

Summer Lucas, a Nursing major from Elkton, VA

Sarah Lynch, a Recreation and Sport Management major from Williamsburg, VA

Taylor Mackrell, a Nursing major from Hagerstown, MD

Taylor Mallory, a Nursing major from Stanardsville, VA

Brooke Martin, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Telford, PA

Olivia Martin, a Nursing major from Palmyra, VA

Arelys Martinez Fabian, a Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies and Education Licensure (PreK鈥�12) major from Winchester, VA

Micah Mast, an Engineering major from Lansdale, PA

Kiyah Mata, a Psychology major from Harrisonburg, VA

Jacob Mathers, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Lititz, PA

Joey Merica, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Harrisonburg, VA

Caleb Metzler, a Political Science, Sociology, and Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major from Harrisonburg, VA

Eli Miller, an Environmental Science major from Newton, KS

Hollyn Miller, a Psychology major from Lancaster, PA

Nathan Miller, a Business Administration major from Sugarcreek, OH

Kimberly Mojarro Gamino, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Diego Morales Torres, a Computer Science major from Kissimmee, FL

Amy Morataya, a Social Work major from Woodbridge, VA

Samuel Myers, an Environmental Science major from Archbold, OH

Judith Nandikove, a Theology and Religion and Peacebuilding & Development major from Nairobi, Kenya

Zipola Nayituriki, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, VA

Ethan Neufeld, a Biology and Biochemistry major from Newton, KS

Sophia Nguyen, a Biology major from Rockingham, VA

Jenna Oostland, an Environmental Science major from Goshen, IN

Hector Ortiz, an Engineering major from Woodbridge, VA

Samuel Osterberg, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from York, PA

Seth Ours, a Psychology major from Kalona, IA

Eden Owings, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Mechanicsburg, PA

Leah Palmieri, a Nursing major from Swoope, VA

Kemon Papadimitriou, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Lancaster, PA

Noel Parakuo, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Malachi Peachey-Stoner, a Biology and Environmental Science major from Hesston, KS

Hizkia Permata, a Computer Science major from Hirata, Japan

Bryce Poppe, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Mechanicsburg, PA

Sarah Prroj, a Business Administration major from Harrisonburg, VA

Nick Rahe, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Lancaster, PA

Claire Reichenbach, a Chemistry major from Warsaw, IN

Conner Rhoades, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Mount Joy, PA

Adam Rhodes, an Environmental Science and Peacebuilding major from Rockingham, VA

Miriam Rhodes, a Music, Liberal Arts, and Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6) major from Rockingham, VA

Ella Richer, an Environmental Science major from Archbold, OH

Key Ritchie, a Digital Media, Photography, and Design and Art major from Harrisonburg, VA

Andrew Rodes, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Mount Crawford, VA

Francisco Rodriguez, an International Business and Political Science major from Rockingham, VA

Kyla Ross, a Psychology major from Fredericksburg, VA

Joshua Rudd, a Business Administration major from Moseley, VA

Jasmin Ruiz, a Digital Media, Photography, and Design major from Harrisonburg, VA

Emma Ryman, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Dee Sampson, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Shenandoah, VA

Chris Santisteban, a Business Administration major from Ashburn, VA

Roumany Sefin, a Business Administration and Medical Lab Science major from Harrisonburg, VA

Addison Shanholtz, a Nursing major from Broadway, VA

Dulce Shenk Zeager, a Biology major from Lancaster, PA

Emma Shepard, a Nursing major from Grottoes, VA

Josiah Shimp, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Strasburg, PA

Marianne Short, a Nursing major from Wadsworth, OH

Rose Short, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure (PreK鈥�6) major from Wadsworth, OH

Ekram Siraj, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, VA

Kenley Smith, a Health & Physical Education and Education Licensure (PreK鈥�12) major from Strasburg, VA

Megan Smith, a Nursing major from Upper Tract, WV

Luke Snader, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Leola, PA

Brooke Snyder, a Writing Studies major from Phoenix, AZ

Elijah Spicher, a Nursing major from Rockingham, VA

April Stafford, a Nursing major from Spotsylvania, VA

Eli Stoll, a Peacebuilding & Development and Music major from Harrisonburg, VA

Keriana Stottlemyer, a Nursing major from Maurertown, VA

Will Stover, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Lititz, PA

Amelia Stuckey, a Biology and Environmental Science major from Middlebury, IN

Simon Stuckey, an Engineering major from Fairport, NY

Joshua Stucky, a Nursing major from Princeton, NJ

Kate Stutzman, a Biology major from Lakewood, CO

Levi Stutzman, an Engineering major from Centennial, CO

Kristina Suslaev, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Kenzie Taylor, a Digital Media and Communication major from Chesapeake, VA

Guadalupe Tenorio Ramirez, an Accounting and Business Administration major from Hopewell, VA

Michelle Thompson, a Nursing major from Culpeper, VA

Collin Troutman, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Sinking Spring, PA

Cassidy Turpen, a Psychology major from Woodbridge, VA

Tre Uzzle, a Business Administration major from South Chesterfield, VA

Christopher Varone, a Psychology major from Spotsylvania, VA

Delaney Via, a Nursing major from Charlottesville, VA

Aniyah Walker, a Business Administration and Marketing major from Hampton, VA

Ava Walker, a Psychology major from Glen Allen, VA

Jadyn Weik, a Leadership and Organizational Management (Aviation) major from Myerstown, PA

Micah Wenger, a Music major from Hutchinson, KS

Reuben Wenger, a Biochemistry and Peacebuilding major from Hutchinson, KS

Yuji Wenger, a Biology major from Lancaster, PA

Brendan White, a Business Administration major from Virginia Beach, VA

Amanda Yoder, a Nursing major from Mount Joy, PA

Bryn Yoder, a Nursing major from Millersburg, OH

Elliott Yoder, a Public Health major from Millersburg, OH

Malia Yoder, a Biology major from Kalona, IA

Noah Yoder, a Digital Media, Photography, and Design major from Surprise, AZ

Sam Yoder, a Nursing major from Apple Creek, OH

Lisa Zimmerman, an Environmental Science and Biology major from Leola, PA

Mara Zimmerman, an Environmental Science and Biology major from Leola, PA

The training is highly selective, demanding, and rigorous. To be considered for the academy, applicants must be physically and mentally fit and meet FAA standards for vision, hearing, and cardiovascular, neurological, and psychological health, according to the . Less than 10% of those who apply are accepted into the academy. 

Trainees, who receive an hourly salary while enrolled at the academy, use tabletop models of airports and control tower simulators to replicate managing plane takeoffs and landings while in a high-stress, high-stakes environment. Each year, about 1,500 trainees pass through the doors of the FAA Academy and roughly 35% of them drop out.

鈥淓veryone I know who has been through the academy says I would be a good fit for it,鈥� Miller said.聽

Once she completes her training at the academy, Miller will be assigned to work at an airport and must gain one to three years of on-the-job experience before becoming a certified professional controller. Within three years in the field, she can expect to earn more than $160,000 per year, the average salary for a certified professional controller, according to the FAA.

For Miller, a native of York, Pennsylvania, becoming an air traffic controller is about more than money. She said the plane crashes in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. in January 2025 prompted her to reflect on how she could contribute more effectively to the safety and security of the National Airspace System. 

鈥淭hose crashes opened my eyes to the critical need for more air traffic controllers,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淎viation has given me so much, and I want to give back by becoming a controller.鈥�

A place to land

While in high school, Miller earned a private pilot license and realized her love for flying. She attended Mount Saint Mary鈥檚 University, a private Catholic university in Emmitsburg, Maryland, for a year while she explored how to channel her passion into a career. That鈥檚 when she discovered the growing aviation program at 91短视频 Lancaster.

Miller thrived as a student in the program. She became the third recipient of the school鈥檚 Robert J. Rummel Aviation Scholarship, which supports 91短视频 students who have demonstrated an enthusiastic commitment to their academic studies and flight training. The scholarship is distributed over four years and provides an annual award of $5,000.

Miller said her favorite part of the 91短视频 aviation program is the small class sizes and the many ratings and certificates students can earn. 鈥淣ot many schools have the type of program that 91短视频 does,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 would totally choose 91短视频 again and again. I鈥檝e had nothing but great experiences.鈥�

Cleared for takeoff

These days, Miller works as an administrative clerk at the FAA鈥檚 Flight Standards District Office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She passed her Flight Instructor Checkride on Tuesday, qualifying her to teach student pilots as a certified flight instructor.

Her mentor, John Sibole, an adjunct faculty member in the aviation program and a longtime FAA inspector at the Flight Standards District Office, said that he鈥檚 heard glowing reports about her. 鈥淪he鈥檚 such a positive, hardworking young woman, and I look forward to hearing about her success as a leader in the aviation world,鈥� he said.

Amber Lynn, customer service manager for Aero-Tech Services, said that Miller brings a safety-first mindset and a genuine love of learning to her flight training. 鈥淚 believe she will use the leadership skills and aviation knowledge she has gained over the past few years to become the best air traffic controller she can be,鈥� Lynn said. 鈥淭he aviation community is lucky to have her.鈥�

The longtime higher education innovator and industry professional said she鈥檚 excited to expand access to 91短视频 Lancaster鈥檚 transformative learning opportunities and continue building onto the site鈥檚 established presence as a trusted educational partner.

鈥淚 want people to recognize that we have a gem here,鈥� Mak said. 鈥淚 feel like we鈥檙e kind of hidden, so let鈥檚 shine a spotlight on it.鈥�

91短视频 Lancaster continues to experience growth in its program enrollment and course offerings. Among its recent successful developments:

• The aviation program welcomed another large cohort of students for the fall 2025 semester. Sky-high demand for the program led to a waitlist for the 2025 cohort.
• The site launched an evening Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) cohort, expanding access for working adults and meeting critical needs of the regional health care workforce.
• The Trauma and Resilience in Educational Environments (TREE) program continues to see enrollment growth and is now a fully online asynchronous graduate certificate program.
• The school introduced a new drone certification course, demonstrating its responsiveness to emerging market demands and professional development opportunities. 

Mak said she looks forward to working with the rest of the 91短视频 Lancaster team and the Lancaster community at large to explore new and meaningful partnerships and new ways of delivering innovative and quality educational programs that are relevant to the workforce and professional development needs of the region.

Prior to her expanded role leading 91短视频 Lancaster, Mak helped strengthen the online programs at 91短视频, particularly at the graduate level. She collaborated with faculty across campus to implement online education best practices, partnered with the Graduate Recruitment Team to enhance prospective student experiences by streamlining website content and lead collection, and worked with the Advancement Team to establish the Online Education Advisory Committee of 91短视频 Alumni, achieving early successes with industry partnerships. 

Before joining 91短视频 in 2024, she served as managing director of the Global Innovation Partnership Program in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems at Drexel University. The program, which she launched, provides valuable remote and in-person educational experiences to students, professionals, and faculty across three continents. 

She holds a doctorate in education with a concentration in higher education leadership and management, a master of science in biomedical engineering, and a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. Each of those degrees is from Drexel University.

Mak has more than 30 years of business executive experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, including serving as vice president of commercialization at Helius Medical Technologies and head of strategy of operations for multiple functions at Bristol-Myers Squibb.

She brings a collaborative and student-centered approach to leadership, along with a deep commitment to 91短视频鈥檚 mission and values. 鈥淎t the end of the day, I chose 91短视频 because of its values,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 really like the values of peacebuilding, social justice, community service, and serving with compassion. Those values resonated with me.鈥�

A 2010 graduate of 91短视频鈥檚 bachelor of science in nursing program and a lifelong advocate for high-quality health care, Deibert has held leadership and educational positions throughout central Pennsylvania, including director of nursing at Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing in Lititz and adjunct faculty at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. Her clinical expertise spans long-term care, maternity, pediatrics, and neonatal intensive care (NICU), positioning her uniquely to lead and grow 91短视频鈥檚 high-performing nurse aide program.

91短视频鈥檚 nurse aide program, known for its exceptional student outcomes鈥攊ncluding a pass rate of 99% skills, 99% on the written portion of the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam鈥攃ontinues to meet growing workforce needs in partnership with over a dozen local health care organizations.

As program coordinator, Deibert will oversee curriculum development, student advising, and clinical partnerships, while shaping the next generation of compassionate and skilled nurse aides. 鈥淚鈥檓 honored to return to 91短视频 and lead a program that equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and heart to serve,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 look forward to working alongside our community partners to expand access to health care education and meet the needs of our region.鈥�

For more information about 91短视频 at Lancaster鈥檚 nurse aide program, visit:

Ruth Abera, a Biochemistry major from Damascus, MD

Bethel Abiy, a Biochemistry major from Harrisonburg, VA

Ciela Acosta, a Peacebuilding & Development major from Salem, OR

Victor Acosta, a Nursing major from New Market, VA

Mitsilal Adhanom, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA’

Emerson Adkins, a Recreation and Sport Management major from Rockingham, VA

Peyton Alger, a Digital Media, Photography, and Design major from McGaheysville, VA

Nataly Almendarez Funez, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Iris Anderson, a Psychology, Sociology major from Corvallis, OR

Theo Andreas, a Nursing major from Bluffton, OH

Brendan Apgar, a Recreation and Sport Management major from Staunton, VA

Maresa Arias C谩rdenas, a Biology major from Harrisonburg, VA

Matthew Arledge, a Recreation and Sport Management major from Fredericksburg, VA

Sophia Armato, a Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies, Education Licensure, PreK-12 major from Manheim, PA

Meredith Atkinson, a Political Science, Psychology major from Mechanicsville, VA

Bailey Baker, a Nursing major from McGaheysville, VA

William Bartel, a Chemistry major from Hesston, KS

Malia Bauman, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, VA

Mwamini Bayongwa, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, VA

Joyce Beachy, an English, Writing Studies major from Staunton, VA

Leah Beachy, a Nursing major from Salem, OR

Miranda Beidler, an English, Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Akron, PA

Laura Benner, an Engineering, Computer Science major from Telford, PA

Renae Benner, an Engineering major from Telford, PA

Jean Betancourt, a Business Administration major from Meridian, MS

Leah Blough, an Accounting major from Oklahoma City, OK

Mary Kate Bomberger, a Nursing major from Lititz, PA

Amber Bonds, a Liberal Arts major from Stafford, VA

Madison Bowyer, a Nursing major from Staunton, VA

Ella Brubaker, a History, Political Science major from Lancaster, PA

Jasmine Bruce, a Nursing major from Waynesboro, VA

Luke Buckwalter, a Digital Media, Photography, and Design major from Christiansburg, VA

Noah Buckwalter, an Environmental Science, Biology major from Christiansburg, VA

Daisy Buller, an Art, Psychology major from Newton, KS

Grace Burke, a Psychology, Liberal Arts, Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6 major from Stephens City, VA

Mild Butsridoung, a Nursing major from Culpeper, VA

Jadyn Carr, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Courtney Cave, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Maurertown, VA

Travis Cave, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Maurertown, VA

Seungmin Cha, a Chemistry major from Harrisonburg, VA

Joel Chamberlain, a Sociology, Environmental Science major from San Jose, Costa Rica

Taylor Chandler, a Nursing major from Gordonsville, VA

Liza Churchill, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Laney Cline, a Business Administration major from Radford, VA

Reah Clymer, a Music major from Collinsville, MS

Zoe Clymer, a Biology, Public Health major from Collinsville, MS

Gavin Comber, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from New Freedom, PA

Chase Comer, a Political Science, History major from Bridgewater, VA

Gracie Conner, a Sociology, Psychology major from Clifton Forge, VA

Hannah Cook, a Nursing major from Farmville, VA

Rebekah Copeland, a Computer Science major from Harrisonburg, VA

Ashley Cromer, a Nursing major from Staunton, VA

Logan Darrow, a Biology major from Stafford, VA

Zendy Darwish, a Nursing major from Rockingham, VA

Zazkia De la Vega, a Marketing, Business Administration major from Cusco, Peru

Rafael de Tablan, a Music major from Quezon City, Philippines

Meaghan Dean, a Recreation and Sport Management major from Reva, VA

Jael Delcid Andrade, an Accounting major from Springfield, VA

Ruach Deng, a Computer Science major from Doylestown, PA

Sarah Deputy, a Mathematics major from Rockingham, VA

Libbie Derstine, a Psychology major from Harleysville, PA

Abadit Desta, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, VA

Eve Detter, a Political Science major from Landisville, PA

Lexie Dingus, a Nursing major from Broadway, VA

Emily Donovan, a Biology major from Rileyville, VA

Jacob Dwyer, a History & Social Science, Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Fairfax, VA

Jason Dwyer, a Political Science, History major from Fairfax, VA

Odesa Elezi, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Daniela Espinoza, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Grace Eye, an Environmental Science major from Harrisonburg, VA

Julia Fisher, an Art major from Mount Joy, PA

Brock Fittery, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Manheim, PA

Dante Flowe, a Biochemistry major from Harrisonburg, VA

Abigail Forrest, a Biology major from Middletown, VA

Isabelle Fraher, a Psychology major from Staunton, VA

Leah Frankenfield, a Psychology major from Moraga, CA

Grace Fravel, a Business Administration major from Mount Jackson, VA

Benjamin Friesen Guhr, an Engineering major from Newton, KS

Noussaiba Garti, a Digital Media and Communication major from Orlando, FL

Hellena Gebremedhin, an Engineering major from Harrisonburg, VA

Isaac Greenleaf, a Computer Science, Engineering major from Elizabethtown, PA

Liliana Guerrero, a Liberal Arts, Early Education Licensure, PreK-3 major from Stafford, VA

Sitara Hackney, a History & Social Science, Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Waynesboro, VA

Tanner Haines, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Lititz, PA

Dylan Hall, a Health & Physical Education, Education Licensure, PreK-12 major from Chesapeake, VA

Madelynn Hamm, an Environmental Science major from Newton, KS

Jake Harbach, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Manheim, PA

Jadon Harley, a Music, Education Licensure, PreK-12 major from Bel Air, MD

Abbey Harper, a Nursing major from Elkton, VA

Declan Harrison, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Oxford, PA

Sayed Sulaiman Hashimi, an Accounting, Business Administration major from Kabul, Afghanistan

Willem Hedrick, a Digital Media and Communication major from Hinton, VA

Arlec Hernandez Paz, a Nursing major from Penn Laird, VA

Ella Hickey, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Dillsburg, PA

Justin Hochstedler, an Accounting, Business Administration major from Goshen, IN

Elie Hoover, a Social Work, Music major from New Carlisle, OH

Emma Ruth Hua, a Sociology major from Weyers Cave, VA

Claire Hurst, a Public Health, Biology major from Conestoga, PA

Shawna Hurst, a Liberal Arts, Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6 major from Broadway, VA

Benjamin Huyard, an Engineering major from Harrisonburg, VA

Ariel Jacob, a Psychology major from Front Royal, VA

Maryam Jaf, a Medical Lab Science major from Rockingham, VA

Alaiyis Jasper, a Business Analytics, Psychology major from Newport News, VA

Adesola Johnson, a Biology major from Dallas, TX

Aspen Jones, a Psychology major from Rockingham, VA

Vincent Kamoto, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Evan Kauffman, a Biology major from Leamington, Ontario

Lauren Kauffman, a Psychology major from Goshen, IN

Sophia Kauffman, a Psychology major from Goshen, IN

Sara Kennel, a Global Development major from Souderton, PA

Hannah Kepler, a Psychology major from Strasburg, VA

Jordan Kerr, a Nursing major from Inwood, WV

Esme King Martin, an Environmental Science, Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major from Lancaster, PA

Emae Klompenhouwer, a Social Work major from Newport News, VA

David Koval, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from York, PA

Kate Krabill, a Biochemistry major from Elkhart, IN

Naomi Kratzer, a Music, History major from Goshen, IN

Sophia Lacher, a Liberal Arts, Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6, Special Education General Curriculum K-6 major from Souderton, PA

Maggie Ladd, a Social Work major from Hesston, KS

Aja Laun, a Biology major from San Antonio, TX

Meredith Lehman, a Biology, Political Science major from Dover, OH

Nate Lehman, an Environmental Science major from Blacksburg, VA

Morgan Leslie, a Psychology major from Louisa, VA

Kaitlyn Lieske, a Nursing major from Emerald Isle, NC

Erin Loker, a Psychology, Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major from Rockingham, VA

Eli Longacher, a Biology major from Castle Rock, CO

Lydia Longacre, an English, Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Quakertown, PA

Maria Longenecker, a Biology major from Lancaster, PA

Brittany Love, a Psychology major from Harrisonburg, VA

Caleb Lower, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from East Berlin, PA

Taylor Mackrell, a Nursing major from Hagerstown, MD

Reya Marron, a Nursing major from Rockingham, VA

Arelys Martinez Fabian, a Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies, Education Licensure, PreK-12 major from Winchester, VA

Halie Mast, a Nursing major from Rockingham, VA

Kiyah Mata, a Psychology major from Harrisonburg, VA

Jacob Mathers, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Lititz, PA

Oslyn Mejia Gomez, a Digital Media and Communication major from Hyattsville, MD

Abraham Mekonnen, a Computer Science major from Harrisonburg, VA

Frey Mekonnen, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, VA

Floribella Mendoza, a Nursing major from Grottoes, VA

Joey Merica, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Harrisonburg, VA

Caleb Metzler, a Political Science, Sociology, Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major from York, PA

Hollyn Miller, a Psychology major from Lancaster, PA

Elaine Miranda Perez, a Biology major from Bridgewater, VA

Kimberly Mojarro Gamino, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Zoey Mongold, a History & Social Science, Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Mathias, WV

Peri Moo, an Accounting, Business Administration major from Lancaster, PA

Lauryn Moore, a Political Science, Sociology major from Harrisonburg, VA

Diego Morales Torres, a Computer Science major from Kissimmee, FL

Leilani Muniz, an Undeclared major from Harrisonburg, VA

Levi Myers, a Business Analytics major from Archbold, OH

Samuel Myers, an Environmental Science major from Archbold, OH

Judith Nandikove, a Theology and Religion, Peacebuilding & Development major from Nairobi, Kenya

Ethan Neufeld, a Biology, Biochemistry major from Newton, KS

Sophia Nguyen, a Biology major from Rockingham, VA

Ashutosh Niraula, a Computer Science major from Kathmandu, Nepal

Emma Nord, a Mathematics, Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Greenville, IL

Rebecca Nordseth, a Psychology major from Rockingham, VA

Isaac North-Sandel, an Accounting, Business Administration major from Harrisonburg, VA

Garrett Nyce, a Business Analytics, Economics major from Souderton, PA

Jenna Oostland, an Environmental Science major from Goshen, IN

Eli Ours, a Marketing major from Kalona, IA

Eden Owings, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Mechanicsburg, PA

Kaylin Ozuna, a Nursing major from Locust Grove, VA

Yeana Park, a Nursing major from Seoul, South Korea

Arnayja Parker, a Health & Physical Education, Education Licensure, PreK-12 major from Portsmouth, VA

Malachi Peachey-Stoner, a Biology, Environmental Science major from Hesston, KS

Sarah Peak, a Psychology, Peacebuilding major from Sanford, NC

Angelita Perez, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Harrisburg, PA

Hizkia Permata, a Computer Science major from Okinawa, Japan

Sarah Poirot, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Bryce Poppe, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Mechanicsburg, PA

Rose Powell, an English, Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Wilmington, NC

Rewan Pradhan, an Engineering major from Harrisonburg, VA

Trinity Price, a Nursing major from Chesterfield, VA

Sarah Prroj, a Business Administration major from Harrisonburg, VA

Nick Rahe, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Lancaster, PA

Claire Reichenbach, a Chemistry major from Warsaw, IN

Malissa Reyes, a Nursing major from Sun Tan Valley, AZ

Conner Rhoades, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Mount Joy, PA

Miriam Rhodes, a Music, Liberal Arts, Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6 major from Rockingham, VA

Ella Richer, an Environmental Science major from Archbold, OH

Key Ritchie, a Digital Media, Photography, and Design, Art major from Timberville, VA

Andrew Rodes, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Mount Crawford, VA

Francisco Rodriguez, an International Business, Political Science major from Locust Grove, VA

Shania Rostem, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Dee Sampson, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Shenandoah, VA

Chris Santisteban, a Business Administration major from Ashburn, VA

Kaden Schrock, a Biology major from Dalton, OH

Gabriella Seal, a Nursing major from Shenandoah, VA

Marciella Shallomita, a Biology, Mathematics major from Philadelphia, PA

Kailyn Shank, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Emma Shepard, a Nursing major from Grottoes, VA

Josiah Shimp, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Strasburg, PA

Marianne Short, a Nursing major from Wadsworth, OH

Rose Short, a Liberal Arts, Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6 major from Dalton, OH

Ekram Siraj, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, VA

Nathan Smeland, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Perkasie, PA

Megan Smith, a Nursing major from Upper Tract, WV

Summer Smith, a Nursing major from Elkton, VA

Luke Snader, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Leola, PA

Brooke Snyder, a Writing Studies major from Phoenix, AZ

Griffin Snyder, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Ephrata, PA

Elijah Spicher, a Nursing major from Rockingham, VA

Madison Stockner, a Biology, Environmental Science major from Fancy Gap, VA

Eli Stoll, a Peacebuilding & Development, Music major from Harrisonburg, VA

Adam Stoltzfus, an Engineering major from Harrisonburg, VA

Caleb Stoltzfus, a Biology major from Kansas City, MO

Will Stover, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Lititz, PA

Amelia Stuckey, a Biology, Environmental Science major from Middlebury, IN

Joshua Stucky, a Nursing major from Princeton, NJ

Kate Stutzman, a Biology major from Lakewood, CO

Levi Stutzman, an Engineering major from Centennial, CO

Kristina Suslaev, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

David Thompson, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Lititz, PA

Anna Tieszen, an Accounting major from Harrisonburg, VA

Gracie Twigg, a Nursing major from Winchester, VA

Christopher Varone, a Psychology major from Spotsylvania, VA

Ava Walker, a Psychology major from Glen Allen, VA

Cass Walker, an Art, Digital Media and Communication, Photography major from Mechanicsville, VA

Arianna Ward, a Psychology major from Chesapeake, VA

Jenna Weaver, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Allysen Welty Peachey, a Biology, Environmental Science major from South Hamilton, MA

Rachel Wheeler, a Nursing major from Hudson, MI

Cassidy Williams, a Music, Education Licensure, PreK-12, Music major from Green Lane, PA

Chloe Williamson, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Hayden Winston, a Psychology major from Chester, VA

Fiker Yigzaw, a Global Studies major from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Amanda Yoder, a Nursing major from Mount Joy, PA

Elliott Yoder, a Public Health major from Millersburg, OH

91短视频 at Lancaster proudly celebrated the achievements of 45 graduates across its undergraduate and graduate programs at the ceremony, held at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania, where it conferred 11 bachelor of science degrees (including six in the aviation program), seven master of arts degrees in education, and 27 graduate certificates.

The Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus, vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging at 91短视频, delivered the Commencement address. Dycus, who has spent 15 years working in learning communities and ministry settings, including the past six years at 91短视频, will begin her role as interim president of the university on July 1. She shared words of celebration and encouragement with the graduates, and recognized how they adapted, stretched, and sacrificed to complete their studies.

鈥淵ou completed assignments with children on your lap, took exams during night shifts, joined Zoom classes between caregiving and work,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou have balanced more than books. You have raised families, worked jobs, navigated change, and carried responsibility, all while pursuing a vision that wouldn鈥檛 let go. You returned to the classroom not because it was easy, but because it mattered.鈥�

That theme of persistence and perseverance was also expressed by 91短视频 President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman in her welcome remarks, reflecting on how many graduates鈥攊mmersed in their coursework during the COVID-19 pandemic鈥攄emonstrated remarkable fortitude and resilience, while testing the bonds of what it means to be a supportive community of learners. Huxman, 91短视频鈥檚 first woman president and its first academic president, is retiring this year after nine years at the helm.

Four members of the graduating class provided perspectives from their time at 91短视频 at Lancaster.

Jill Jones, who earned a graduate certificate in trauma and resilience in educational environments, shared how a breast cancer diagnosis and a decision to transition from teaching kindergartners to preschoolers in a Head Start program led her to 91短视频 at Lancaster. She first scrolled past an ad for the graduate program on her Facebook feed, but when it kept appearing鈥攁nd a friend texted her suggesting she apply鈥攕he decided to take a chance.

鈥淲hat I found was the most amazing learning experience I have ever encountered: classes with students and professors who were as passionate about teaching others about trauma as I was, connections and relationships with people not only from all over the country but also in different countries, and courses that were so interesting I couldn鈥檛 wait to learn more and share what I had learned,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his program not only made me a better teacher but also a better person, and I use what I learned in this program daily in my classroom and life. It breathed back into me my love of teaching, with my only regret being that I didn鈥檛 do it sooner.鈥�

A pair of graduates from the aviation program, Griffin Snyder and Ella Hickey, spoke about their commitment as a class to see everyone succeed. Snyder said they鈥檝e not only learned how to operate aircraft but also how to manage pressure, assess risk, and lead with professionalism. He credited the program with cultivating essential skills in discipline, communication, and perseverance. 鈥淎t 91短视频 Lancaster, it鈥檚 not just about earning our certificates and ratings,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about the community we built along the way. Together, we have celebrated milestones, supported each other through challenges, and pushed one another to be our best.鈥�

Behind every successful pilot is a team, Hickey said, whether it鈥檚 instructors, classmates, or the aviation community. 鈥淭here was never any hesitation if someone needed help, we were there,鈥� she said, describing late-night study sessions and endless phone calls with classmates. 鈥淲e showed up for each other in a selfless way, balancing our own goals with a genuine commitment to seeing everyone succeed.鈥�

Wesley Morgan, who earned a BS in Leadership and Organizational Management, spoke about the challenge of balancing coursework with other responsibilities. 鈥淎ll of us have full-time jobs, families, and homes to take care of, and chose to add 鈥榮tudent鈥� to the many hats we have been wearing over the past two years,鈥� he said, recalling a time writing a paper at the hospital while his wife and newborn were asleep.

He found support through his cohort in the LOM degree completion program. 鈥淲e all met together weekly, all had the same assignments, and this meant we were all a part of each other鈥檚 lives for the two years we were together,鈥� Morgan said. 鈥淲e were not just classmates, we became friends as we worked together, struggled together, and learned together. It was a privilege to be a part of this program with the cohort we had.鈥�

91短视频 at Lancaster offers undergraduate and graduate academic programs and聽professional development programs to help students excel in today’s workforce.

Meghan Shober performed the prelude for the ceremony. Janet Lind, member of the 91短视频 Board of Trustees, led the opening prayer of invocation. Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs at 91短视频, presented and commissioned the graduates. Dr. David Martin, director of graduate teacher education, and Derek Kline, director of the aviation program, distributed diploma covers to the graduates. 91短视频 President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman conferred the degrees and provided the Commencement blessing. 

Kline’s distinguished career spans over two decades, including service as captain and first officer at both American Airlines and Piedmont Airlines where he operated domestic and international flights under Part 121 Air Carrier operations. His experience encompasses multi-engine, turbine, and jet aircraft, with DHC-8, B-757, B-767, ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 type ratings.

In addition to his extensive flight experience, Kline has served as a flight instructor, chief pilot and ground instructor, ensuring the highest standards in pilot training and safety through curriculum development and pilot performance evaluations. A Central Missouri State University graduate, Kline holds a bachelor of science degree in aviation management.

“We are thrilled to welcome Derek to 91短视频,” said Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs at 91短视频. “His extensive experience in commercial aviation and his passion for mentoring future pilots aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students for successful careers in aviation. Under his leadership, 91短视频鈥檚 aviation program will continue to grow and provide top-tier education for aspiring pilots.鈥�

91短视频鈥檚 aviation program has seen significant growth since it launched in 2018 with five students. The program added 24 new students in fall 2024, bringing total enrollment to 46. A total of twenty students have graduated from the program, and six more are set to graduate in May. Demand for the program remains high, with a waitlist for the 2025 cohort.

鈥淚 am truly honored to be the new director of aviation at 91短视频,鈥� Kline said. 鈥淚 was drawn to the incredible growth of the program and the unwavering commitment to providing students with the knowledge to excel in aviation.鈥�

91短视频 91短视频’s Aviation Program

91短视频 (91短视频) established its aviation program in 2018, offering a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) with a concentration in aviation focusing on professional flight training. In partnership with Aero-Tech Services, Inc., 91短视频 provides a comprehensive pathway for pilot education that equips students with exceptional training and career opportunities in commercial aviation and private charter operations.

As a Part 141 collegiate aviation program, 91短视频 has a reduced requirement for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, allowing graduates to qualify for the ATP with just 1,000 flight hours. Students earn their Private, Instrument, and Commercial Certificates, including a multi-engine rating and their Flight Instructor Certificates.

What do wedding photographers, real estate agents, inspectors and land surveyors have in common?

Answer: They鈥檙e all using drones to elevate their business. Whether it鈥檚 capturing aerial photos of special events and houses for sale or creating 3D maps of structures and properties, working professionals in a variety of industries are growing increasingly reliant on using drones to get the job done. To do any of those things, however, requires a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.

鈥淎 lot of people don鈥檛 know that,鈥� said John Sibole, former aviation program director at 91短视频 Lancaster. 鈥淭hey think, 鈥極h, if I鈥檓 using a drone for a nonprofit, then I don鈥檛 need this certificate,鈥� but that鈥檚 not true. You need it for anything you do beyond strictly recreational flying.鈥�

The remote pilot certificate, also known as an FAA Part 107 certificate, is required by the U.S. government for anyone operating a drone beyond recreational purposes. The written knowledge test to earn this credential can be a challenging one, especially for those without a background in aviation.

Fortunately, for those seeking a pathway to commercial drone piloting, a new program at 91短视频 can help prepare them for this test. Offered at both the Harrisonburg and Lancaster campuses through 91短视频 Continuing and Professional Education, the noncredit Drone Certification Program will equip participants with the skills needed for safe and innovative drone operations.

Participants in the program will spend 20 hours of instructional time, from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, learning about essential subjects for the exam: drone regulations, the National Airspace System, weather and preflight planning. The final four hours of the course will involve hands-on experience piloting a drone. After completing the course, participants can schedule the exam at a designated testing center, with locations in Lancaster and Charlottesville. 

鈥淭he demand for skilled drone operators is growing across industries, and 91短视频 is excited to offer a program that meets this need,鈥� said Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost at 91短视频. 鈥淭his course not only prepares professionals for FAA certification but also empowers them to use drones in innovative and impactful ways.鈥�

Upcoming course dates include March 28-31 in Harrisonburg and May 2-5 at 91短视频 Lancaster in Lititz, Pennsylvania. For more dates and information, visit: emu.edu/graduate/drone

Sibole, who has over 50 years of professional aviation experience, including service as an FAA inspector, will provide instruction for the courses. He said the program鈥檚 in-person training and its concentrated nature sets it apart from other courses, which are done online. 鈥淗ere, you actually get to fly a drone,鈥� Sibole said, 鈥渨hich wouldn鈥檛 be possible through an online course.鈥�

The program is designed to support busy professionals from diverse fields such as agriculture, construction, public safety, live events and sports, though Sibole said it鈥檒l be useful for anyone looking to add another tool to their toolbox. 

鈥淭here鈥檚 a catchy line the former head of the FAA once said,鈥� shared Sibole. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had the jet age, the space age, and now we鈥檙e in the drone age.鈥�

Watch this video of 91短视频 students, faculty and alumni learning to pilot drones during a training session in September.

The census numbers, collected on Sept. 9, represent undergraduate, graduate, non-degree and non-credit enrollment on the main Harrisonburg, Virginia, campus and the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, site for fall 2024.

“Amidst a challenging higher education environment, I am delighted that 91短视频 is seeing growth in areas that reflect our shared values and ongoing commitment to belonging,” said Braydon Hoover ’11, MA ’21, vice president for enrollment. “It is important to note that while we are reporting our fall enrollment in aggregate, each number represents an individual student who has chosen 91短视频 to be the catalyst of their bright futures. It is a choice we celebrate and a responsibility we take seriously. We will continue to deliver an exceptional education experience that is accessible for them and for all students interested in becoming unifying leaders.”

Explore more data 
in the 91短视频 Fact Book.

The number of incoming students in the aviation program at 91短视频 at Lancaster surged from 9 to 23 (a 155% increase from last year), contributing to a total undergraduate enrollment of 755 students and an incoming class enrollment of 183 students. The Class of 2028 represents 15 states/territories and 10 countries and includes 34% of students who identify as first-generation and 53% who identify as people of color (a roughly 10% increase from last year). Of the incoming class, 43% are athletes.

Top areas of study, starting from most popular, include nursing, business and leadership, STEM, aviation, and education. The Intensive English Program realized an 18% enrollment increase from 84 to 99 students.

This year at least 32 teachers from the Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County public school divisions are renewing their licensure through the Graduate Teacher Education program, further demonstrating 91短视频’s commitment to community partnerships.

91短视频鈥檚 retention rate, which is generally used as a gauge of student satisfaction, remains high. According to census data, 76% of the first-year undergraduate students who entered in fall 2023 continued their studies at 91短视频 this semester. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the rate has measured 75% or higher.

鈥淥ur retention rate continues to soar above the national average,鈥� said Provost Dr. Tynisha Willingham. 鈥淎chieving this for six consecutive years is a feat. 91短视频鈥檚 collaborative approach, involving various departments working in synergy, ensures that students receive comprehensive support and have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.鈥�

91短视频鈥檚 eight graduate programs, which include Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, continue to draw exceptional candidates with total full-time equivalent enrollment at 225 students. The number of new graduate students, including part-time and full-time students, is up by 30%. Those 108 degree-seeking students in the incoming graduate class represent 17 states and 16 countries.

Perhaps the greatest love in his life鈥攐ther than his wife, Frances, and their children鈥攚as aviation. Hartman, an instrument-rated pilot since 1959, managed a small airfield east of Charlottesville in the 1960s. He enjoyed flying through the skies above his home 鈥渓ow and slow鈥� in his 1966 Cessna 172, recalled his friend and legal adviser Marshall Yoder. Hartman delighted in taking his family on his flights and seeing the scenery from a fresh perspective.

鈥淟en was a skilled pilot,鈥� Yoder said. 鈥淗e would float down and there would barely be a 鈥榯hump鈥� when he鈥檇 land.鈥�

As he entered his 90s, Hartman stopped flying his plane as often and began talking to Yoder about parting with it. He wanted to leave it in the right hands, where it could do the most good. But, he hadn鈥檛 yet found the right cause.

When Yoder told him about the burgeoning aviation program at 91短视频 Lancaster and how his plane could greatly impact the next generation of pilots, Hartman found his answer. Before his death in February 2022, Hartman ensured that his beloved Cessna, as well as 25 percent of his estate, would be gifted to 91短视频. Because the gift was unrestricted, the university and its advancement division could decide how best to use it.

鈥淟en knew there was a worldwide shortage of pilots, and he knew there would always be people interested in flight,鈥� said Braydon Hoover, who worked with Hartman and Yoder on establishing the endowment. 鈥淎nd so, to honor his memory, we decided to put it all into a scholarship named after him.鈥�

The J. Leonard 鈥淟en鈥� Hartman Scholarship for Aviation will provide more than $17,000 in funds each year, starting in fall 2025, for aviation students at 91短视频 Lancaster who demonstrate financial need.

The Hartman endowment totals about $345,000, which includes $20,000 from the sale of the Cessna. Hartman鈥檚 gift will help 91短视频 live into its vision of opening new pathways of access and achievement, a vision outlined in the university鈥檚 2023-28 strategic plan, Pathways of Promise: Preparing Tomorrow鈥檚 Unifying Leaders.

鈥淚t has quickly become one of our larger named endowed scholarships,鈥� Hoover said, 鈥渇or one of the fastest growing programs at 91短视频.鈥�

You can contribute to scholarships for future aviators at 91短视频 by donating online at and typing 鈥淛. Leonard Hartman Aviation Scholarship鈥� or 鈥淪cholarship for Aviation鈥� into the text field. Contact kirk.shisler@emu.edu for more details on how to support this worthy cause.

John Sibole, director of aviation at 91短视频 Lancaster, said the scholarships will allow the program to further diversify its student body and recruit students from new areas.

鈥淲e at 91短视频 Lancaster would like to express our sincere gratitude for the implementation of the Len Hartman scholarship fund for our aviation students,鈥� Sibole said.

鈥淭he flight training component of their education is expensive, and these scholarships, which will be awarded in part on a needs basis, will provide new pathways of access into the aviation profession for underserved young people,鈥� he added.

91短视频鈥檚 aviation program soars

Word is spreading throughout the aviation industry about the strength of 91短视频鈥檚 program and the quality of its graduates. As a result, the 91短视频 aviation program continues to grow in popularity. The program, which began in 2018 with five students, will welcome 24 students this upcoming semester鈥攊ts largest cohort yet. Current enrollment in the program is at 49 students. A total of 21 students, in three cohorts so far, have graduated from the program to date.

Students enrolled in the four-year Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) major with an aviation concentration earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree and the FAA credentials they need to become professional pilots. Students are paired with flight instructors though 91短视频鈥檚 flight training partner at the Lancaster Airport in Lititz, Pennsylvania. While the program provides at least 270 hours of flight time, many students earn up to 1,000 hours by the time they graduate, said Sibole, noting that nearly 100 percent of their students find jobs within their first year of graduating.

One of the benefits of an aviation program the size of 91短视频鈥檚 is that students are given guaranteed weekly flight training slots with access to aircraft and an instructor. That鈥檚 something, Sibole said, that isn鈥檛 available at a lot of larger schools.

It鈥檚 a major reason Will Stover, a third-year aviation student, chose to attend 91短视频.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e going to be flying pretty much from day one,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd you have guaranteed flight slots, so there鈥檚 no question you鈥檒l be flying and you鈥檒l be flying regularly.鈥�

When students enter their senior year, they are required to complete a supervised internship with an established aviation organization for a full semester. For many aviation graduates, those internships translate into full-time careers.

During her senior year, Ivy Kreiser, a member of the program鈥檚 first cohort, interned at , a private charter and aviation services company in Lancaster. She landed a job there after graduating in 2022 and now works there as a second-in-command.

Becoming a pilot can be expensive. The affordability of 91短视频鈥檚 aviation program, compared to other schools, was a big draw for her.

鈥淭he 91短视频 program is great because you鈥檙e going to get the education you need, the experience you need, and the flight schools you need,鈥� Kreiser said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e going to meet with professors who will give you the connections you鈥檙e hoping for and that you want. And you鈥檙e not going to spend as much money as some of the other big programs out there.鈥�

Hartman leaves a legacy

In addition to donating to 91短视频, Hartman gifted parts of his estate to a library, school, retirement home and church, Yoder said.

The attorney fondly recalls spending afternoons on Hartman鈥檚 front porch, talking about everything from politics and religion to Virginia Tech basketball.

鈥淗e was such a decent, nice person,鈥� Yoder said. 鈥淚 miss being able to talk to him. But I think he would be really happy knowing where his bequest is going.鈥�

For more information about 91短视频鈥檚 aviation program, visit:

Andrea Acevedo, a Liberal Arts major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Hudson Acocella, a Political Science major from Fairfax, Virginia
Ciela Acosta, a Peacebuilding & Development major from Salem, Oregon
Mana Acosta, an Engineering major from Salem, Oregon
Ben Alderfer, a Business Administration and Business Analytics major from Broadway, Virginia
Abby Aleshevich, a Nursing major from Fishersville, Virginia
Iris Anderson, a Psychology and Sociology major from Corvallis, Oregon
Sophia Armato, a Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies and Education Licensure, PreK-12 major from Manheim, Pennsylvania
Elili Asefa, a Nursing major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Meredith Atkinson, a Political Science major from Mechanicsville, Virginia
Tatiana Ayala, a Social Work major from Stafford, Virginia
Valentina Barahona, a Digital Media and Communication and Marketing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
William Bartel, a Chemistry major from Hesston, Kansas
Hailee Batteen, a Nursing major from Hampton, Virginia
Erin Batten, a Liberal Arts major from Bridgewater, Virginia
Malia Bauman, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Mwamini Bayongwa, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Joyce Beachy, an English and Writing Studies major from Staunton, Virginia
Leah Beachy, a Nursing major from Grants Pass, Oregon
Miranda Beidler, an English and Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Akron, Pennsylvania
Laura Benner, an Engineering and Computer Science major from Telford, Pennsylvania
Renae Benner, an Engineering major from Telford, Pennsylvania
Mary Kate Bomberger, a Nursing major from Lititz, Pennsylvania
Olivia Bower, a Nursing major from West Augusta, Virginia
Madison Bowyer, a Nursing major from Staunton, Virginia
Ashlyn Breneman, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Ella Brubaker, a History and Political Science major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Daisy Buller, an Art and Psychology major from Newton, Kansas
Lane Burkholder, a Mathematics major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Elizabeth Campbell, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Ashley Catalano, a Nursing major from Stephens City, Virginia
Taylor Chandler, a Nursing major from Gordonsville, Virginia
Caleb Chupp, a Business Administration major from Canby, Oregon
Camden Clapper, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Abby Clayton, a Nursing major from McGaheysville, Virginia
Reah Clymer, a Music and Peacebuilding major from Collinsville, Mississippi
Zoe Clymer, a Biology and Public Health major from Collinsville, Mississippi
Hayley Collins, a Psychology major from Prince George, Virginia
Rileyanne Collins, a Recreation and Sport Management major from Prince George, Virginia
Gavin Comber, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from New Freedom, Pennsylvania
Chase Comer, a Political Science and History major from Bridgewater, Virginia
Gracie Conner, a Sociology and Psychology major from Clifton Forge, Virginia
Rebekah Copeland, a Computer Science major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Jessika Correa, a Clinical Lab Science major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Laura Craft, a Chemistry and Environmental Science major from Staunton, Virginia
Ming Daliege, a Psychology major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Zazkia De la Vega, a Marketing and Business Administration major from Cusco, Peru
Hannah Dellinger, a Biology major from Maurertown, Virginia
Sarah Deputy, a Mathematics major from Davidsonville, Maryland
Libbie Derstine, a Psychology major from Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Abadit Desta, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Jailyn Diaz, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Nancy Diaz, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6 major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Jessamine Domingo, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Greyson Dructor, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from North Wales, Pennsylvania
Jacob Dwyer, a History & Social Science and Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Fairfax, Virginia
Jason Dwyer, a Political Science and History major from Fairfax, Virginia
Thomas Erickson, a History & Social Science and Photography major from New Carlisle, Ohio
Laurel Evans, a Bible, Religion, and Theology major from Marion, Illinois
Grace Eye, an Environmental Science major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Genesis Figueroa, a Political Science and Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major from Millersburg, Ohio
Anna Filipkowski, a Business Administration, Accounting, and Business Analytics major from Troy, Virginia
Abigail Forrest, a Biology major from Middletown, Virginia
Isabelle Fraher, a Psychology major from Staunton, Virginia
Leah Frankenfield, a Psychology major from Moraga, California
Grace Fravel, a Business Administration major from Broadway, Virginia
Kaley Frazier, an Accounting and Business Administration major from Warrenton, Virginia
Maggie Garber, a Music and Peacebuilding major from Broadway, Virginia
Noussaiba Garti, a Digital Media and Communication major from Orlando, Florida
Hellena Gebremedhin, an Engineering major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Becky Geiser, a Nursing major from Middletown, Virginia
Juliana Greaver, a Nursing major from Hertford, North Carolina
Abby Greenleaf, a Mathematics major from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Isaac Greenleaf, a Computer Science, Mathematics, and Engineering major from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Emily Guin, a Nursing major from Lovettsville, Virginia
Lily Gusler, a Liberal Arts major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Sitara Hackney, a History & Social Science and Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Waynesboro, Virginia
Tanner Haines, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Lititz, Pennsylvania
Lauren Hall, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Madelynn Hamm, an Environmental Science major from Newton, Kansas
Daisy Hamsher, a Psychology major from Sugarcreek, Ohio
Abbey Harper, a Nursing major from Elkton, Virginia
Declan Harrison, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Oxford, Pennsylvania
Nutifafa Havi, a Nursing major from Virginia Beach, Virginia
Luke Haynes, a Music: Performance major from Staunton, Virginia
Kylie Heatwole, a Nursing major from Singers Glen, Virginia
Olivia Hebb, a Nursing major from Crimora, Virginia
Willem Hedrick, a Digital Media and Communication major from Waterloo, Ontario
Samantha Hensley, a Psychology major from Elkton, Virginia
Abigail Hickok, a History & Social Science and Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Hickory, North Carolina
Liz Hoffman, a Computer Science major from Akron, Pennsylvania
Elie Hoover, a Social Work and Music: Interdisciplinary Studies major from New Carlisle, Ohio
Elizabeth Horn, a Psychology major from Dover, Delaware
Karla Hostetter, an English and Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Rockingham, Virginia
Anika Hurst, an Environmental Science major from Conestoga, Pennsylvania
Claire Hurst, a Public Health and Biology major from Conestoga, Pennsylvania
Adrianna Jacobs, a Health & Physical Education and Education Licensure, PreK-12 major from Ashland, Virginia
John Jantzen, a Biology major from Newton, Kansas
Adesola Johnson, a Biology major from Dallas, Texas
Aspen Jones, a Psychology major from Rockingham, Virginia
Jesse Kanagy, a Sociology major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Apekshya Karki, a Biochemistry major from Kathmandu, Nepal
Evan Kauffman, a Biology major from Leamington, Ontario
Lauren Kauffman, a Psychology major from Goshen, Indiana
Abby Kaufman, a Biology major from Wildwood, Missouri
Sara Kennel, a Global Development major from Souderton, Pennsylvania
Catherine Kirby, an Environmental Science major from Round Hill, Virginia
Meadow Kirkdorffer, a Political Science major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Sophie Kirkton, a Psychology and Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major from Goshen, Indiana
Emae Klompenhouwer, a Social Work major from Newport News, Virginia
Joel Kornhaus, an Engineering major from Fredericksburg, Ohio
Kara Kornhaus, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
David Koval, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from York, Pennsylvania
Kate Krabill, a Biochemistry major from Elkhart, Indiana
Naomi Kratzer, a Music: Performance and History major from Goshen, Indiana
Daphne Kropf, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6 major from Hubbard, Oregon
Kate Landis, a Psychology major from Sellersville, Pennsylvania
Micaiah Landis, an Engineering major from Croghan, New York
Meredith Lehman, a Biology and Political Science major from Dover, Ohio
Nate Lehman, an Environmental Science major from Blacksburg, Virginia
Morgan Leslie, a Psychology major from Louisa, Virginia
Lydia Longacre, an English and Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Quakertown, Pennsylvania
Maria Longenecker, a Biology major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Erika Lopez, a Liberal Arts, Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6, and Special Ed General Curriculum Elementary Educ K-6 major from Goshen, Indiana
Taylor Mackrell, a Nursing major from Hagerstown, Maryland
Esme Martin, an Environmental Science and Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Arelys Martinez Fabian, a Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies and Education Licensure, PreK-12 major from Winchester, Virginia
Jacob Mathers, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Lititz, Pennsylvania
Maria Menjivar, a Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies and Peacebuilding major from Silver Spring, Maryland
Caleb Metzler, a Political Science, Sociology, and Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies major from York, Pennsylvania
Dylan Miller, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Halifax, Pennsylvania
Hollyn Miller, an Art and Psychology major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Jansen Miller, a Mathematics and Business Analytics major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Mariah Miller, a Marketing major from Middlebury, Indiana
Elaine Miranda Perez, a Biology major from McGaheysville, Virginia
Kimberly Mojarro Gamino, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Chloe Moker, a Nursing major from Charlottesville, Virginia
Zoey Mongold, a History & Social Science and Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Mathias, West Virginia
Lauryn Moore, a Political Science and Sociology major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Sarah Moore, a Psychology major from Weyers Cave, Virginia
Ariel Morales Bonilla, a Political Science and History major from Richmond, Virginia
Samr Morcos, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Wesley Morgan, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Lititz, Pennsylvania
Aaron Moyer, a Biology major from Broadway, Virginia
Levi Myers, a Business Analytics major from Archbold, Ohio
Samuel Myers, an Environmental Science major from Archbold, Ohio
Zipola Nayituriki, a Social Work and Teaching Endorsement in ESL, PreK-12 major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Ethan Neufeld, a Biology and Biochemistry major from Newton, Kansas
Sophia Nguyen, a Biology major from Rockingham, Virginia
Lys Nolt, a Peacebuilding major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Emma Nord, a Mathematics and Secondary Education Licensure, 6-12 major from Greenville, Illinois
Rebecca Nordseth, a Psychology major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Isaac North-Sandel, an Accounting major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Garrett Nyce, a Business Analytics and Economics major from Souderton, Pennsylvania
Hannah O’Connell, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Sadie Oesch, a Biology major from Caldwell, Idaho
Jenna Oostland, an Environmental Science major from Goshen, Indiana
Eli Ours, a Marketing major from Kalona, Iowa
Levi Peachey-Stoner, an Engineering major from Hesston, Kansas
Sarah Peak, a Psychology and Peacebuilding major from Woodbridge, Virginia
Sarah Pereverzoff, a Nursing major from Akron, Pennsylvania
Bryce Poppe, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Claiborne Poston, a Nursing major from Midlothian, Virginia
Conner Rhoades, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Wrightsville, Pennsylvania
Miriam Rhodes, a Music and Peacebuilding, Liberal Arts, and Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6 major from Rockingham, Virginia
Afton Rhodes-Lehman, an Art major from Dayton, Virginia
Maddi Rittenhouse, a Nursing major from Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Kenzie Ritter, a Nursing major from Lyndhurst, Virginia
Madison Robertson, a Nursing major from Port Republic, Virginia
Lidia Robles, a Nursing major from Grottoes, Virginia
Yasmin Rodriguez, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Kyla Ross, a Psychology major from Fredericksburg, Virginia
Rachael Saeli, a Social Work major from Towson, Maryland
Chris Santisteban, a Business Administration major from Ashburn, Virginia
Greta Schrag, a Political Science major from Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Kaden Schrock, a Biology major from Dalton, Ohio
Marciella Shallomita, a Biology and Mathematics major from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Evelyn Shenk, an Environmental Science major from Paonia, Colorado
Chloe Shepard, an Environmental Science major from Grottoes, Virginia
Sophia Sherrill, a History and Political Science major from Goshen, Indiana
Haylee Shircliff, a Nursing major from Staunton, Virginia
Marianne Short, a Nursing major from Dalton, Ohio
Rose Short, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6 major from Dalton, Ohio
Ekram Siraj, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Summer Smith, a Nursing major from Elkton, Virginia
Luke Snader, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Leola, Pennsylvania
Brooke Snyder, an Undeclared major from Phoenix, Arizona
Griffin Snyder, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Lucas Sorensen, a Sociology major from Springfield, Virginia
Imogen Stephens, a Nursing major from Waynesboro, Virginia
Kendall Stettler, a Nursing major from Powhatan, Virginia
Eli Stoll, a Peacebuilding & Development and Music and Peacebuilding major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Adam Stoltzfus, an Engineering major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Reagan Stone, a Nursing major from Mount Crawford, Virginia
Will Stover, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Lititz, Pennsylvania
Joshua Stucky, a Nursing major from Princeton, New Jersey
Kate Stutzman, a Biology major from Lakewood, Colorado
Lleyton Stutzman, an Engineering major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Emily Suarez Nunez, a Nursing major from McGaheysville, Virginia
Kristina Suslaev, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Guadalupe Tenorio Ramirez, an Accounting and Business Administration major from Hopewell, Virginia
Rebecca Tezazu, an Engineering major from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Chuck Tirtasaputra, a Computer Science major from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Haweni Tolosa, a Social Work major from Bishoftu, Ethiopia
Derek Torres, a Biology major from Ashburn, Virginia
Rachel Tusing, an Art and Psychology major from Edinburg, Virginia
Christopher Varone, a Psychology major from Spotsylvania, Virginia
La-Ann Volel, a Nursing major from Spotsylvania, Virginia
Jack Von Gunten, a Liberal Arts major from Goshen, Indiana
Nic Wade, a Peacebuilding major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Cass Walker, an Art, Digital Media and Communication, and Photography major from Mechanicsville, Virginia
Jenna Weaver, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Julie Weaver, a Biology major from Rockingham, Virginia
Ally Welty Peachey, a Biology and Environmental Science major from South Hamilton, Massachusetts
Rachel Wheeler, a Nursing major from Hudson, Michigan
Sarah Wheeler, a Nursing major from Hudson, Michigan
Erik Wilkinson, a Business Analytics major from Fairfax, Virginia
Bria Wright, a Social Work major from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Aidan Yoder, a History and Political Science major from Kalona, Iowa
Amanda Yoder, a Nursing major from Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Cedon Yoder, an Engineering major from Hesston, Kansas
Elliott Yoder, a Public Health major from Millersburg, Ohio
Karina Yoder, a Liberal Arts and Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6 major from Milton, Pennsylvania
Nate Yoder, an Engineering major from Wooster, Ohio
Sam Yoder, a Psychology major from Apple Creek, Ohio

91短视频 at Lancaster celebrated the accomplishments of its graduates at a Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania. Walking in the ceremony were 21 undergraduates and 7 graduate students.

Commencement address

91短视频 Provost Dr. Tynisha Willingham delivered the Commencement address.

During one particularly challenging semester in her sophomore year at Pennsylvania State University, Willingham felt like giving up. The first-generation college grad struggled to balance two jobs, her responsibilities as a Resident Assistant and an 18-credit course load. She called home to tell her family how difficult things were and that she felt like returning home.

Her grandfather picked up the phone and told her, “I want you to remember, we’re so proud of you. Keep working hard,” Willingham recounted in her address. And, in that moment, she said, she could not find the words to tell him how overwhelmed she was or how she wanted to give up.

“For some of you, you’ve had those moments where you wanted to call it quits, where you wanted to send that text or make that call because it was hard, but you persevered nonetheless,” Willingham told the graduates. “I want you to know that, whether it was two years or four years, those long nights and early mornings were well worth it.”

Graduate speakers

Three graduates shared experiences from their journeys at 91短视频 at Lancaster.

Erica Gordon, a graduate of the Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) program, described a group activity during the final night of her Team Dynamics course. Tasked with finding an object and telling the rest of the group why it was important to her, Gordon shared a photo from her daughter’s wedding. She held back tears as she recounted telling the group that “completing this degree wasn’t just for me, but it was to show my daughters they could do it, too.”

“For far too long, I believed I wasn’t smart enough to be where I am tonight,” she told her fellow graduates. “After class that night, I received many encouraging texts that helped carry me through that program. It meant the world to me that they believed in me.”

Julie Landis, an MA in education graduate, said that when first starting out on their journeys, the path ahead seemed exciting and daunting. Together, they faced challenges and triumphs, moments of doubt and confidence-boosting successes. She left her fellow education graduates with words of encouragement.

“Remember why you chose this path,” she said. “Whether it was a deep-seated passion for shaping young minds, a desire to make a positive impact on society, or a commitment to lifelong learning, hold on to that purpose. Let it be your guide on the challenging days and a source of inspiration on the victorious ones.”

Samr Morcos, a graduate of the aviation program, reflected on the bonds formed with his classmates and expressed gratitude for the flight instructors who guided them and inspired them to reach new heights. He encouraged the graduates to carry forward the lessons of adaptability, resilience and effective communication they’ve learned at 91短视频. He said the aviation program has not only equipped them with knowledge, but also with the practical skills needed to lead and thrive in a dynamic environment.

“As we spread our wings on our individual journeys, let us remember that the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning,” he said.

Tribute to Capt. Clemmensen

The ceremony featured a tribute to Capt. Karl Clemmensen, an 91短视频 aviation instructor who passed away suddenly on April 11, 2024. Clemmensen began serving as an aviation instructor at 91短视频 at Lancaster in 2021. You can read his obituary . Aviation student Will Stover read the tribute.

Clemmensen was a driving force behind the excellence of the aviation program, nurturing its growth and maturity, Stover said. As a dedicated faculty member, he imparted his expertise in meteorology, aviation safety and air transport advanced subjects while also serving as an aviation industry liaison.

“Capt. Karl leaves behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and a lasting impact on our aviation community,” Stover said. “Though he may be gone, his spirit will forever soar among us.”

Other highlights

91短视频 President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman presented welcoming remarks and the conferring of degrees. Shannon Dycus, vice president of student affairs and dean of students at 91短视频, presented the graduates and provided the Commencement blessing. Dr. Christine Sharp, Dr. Daniel Lebo, David Martin and John Sibole assisted with the presentation of graduates. 91短视频 Board of Trustees members Janet Lind and James Rosenberger were in attendance.

91短视频 at Lancaster offers undergraduate and graduate academic programs tailored to the needs of its nonresidential and post-traditional learners. The school collaborates closely with local civic and business organizations to ensure that its curriculum aligns with the evolving educational and workforce landscape.

It will relocate to a state-of-the-art facility at the Listrak building in Lititz, Pennsylvania, in July. Read more about that move here.