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.

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.

Tammie McDonald-Brouwer ’04 opened Plena Integrative Health Center in October. Melody Mast ’00 became partner and joined in January. McDonald-Brouwer and Mast are certified nurse-midwives (CNM) and women鈥檚 health nurse practitioners (WHNP). They are graduates of 91短视频 and Frontier Nursing University (Kentucky), and have served families in the Shenandoah Valley for more than 15 years.

McDonald-Brouwer credited 91短视频 with guiding her toward launching the health center.

鈥淭he adult degree program helped me look further than my nursing career, inspiring me to go for my master鈥檚 degree and believing I could start my own practice,鈥� she said. 

Mast, an adjunct faculty member of 91短视频 nursing, said the program prepared her for a career in health care.

鈥�91短视频, and particularly their nursing department, was formative in my passion for excellent care along with breaking down boundaries to health care,鈥� she said.

The health center specializes in gynecological and primary care services. It aims to be a 鈥渙ne-stop health care destination for women鈥� providing a holistic approach to overall health and wellbeing. The center offers annual physical exams, including thorough lab work, and both providers are equipped to manage acute respiratory infections, mental health disorders, thyroid problems, weight loss, hypertension and early onset diabetes. The center also offers chiropractic, massage and counseling services. 

Plena Integrative Health Center is located at 119-B University Blvd. in Harrisonburg.

For more information, visit .

The Dean鈥檚 List, compiled at the end of each semester, includes degree-seeking students who achieve a semester GPA of at least 3.75 with no W, I, or F grades for 12 semester hours of standard grades.

Katy Amaya, a Nursing major from Springfield, Va.

Carolyn Ansel, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Gigi Atkinson, a Nursing major from Rockingham, Va.

Heather Auville, a Nursing major from Dayton, Va.

Jonathan Barni, a Nursing major from Rockingham, Va.

Priyanka Bhuta, a Nursing major from Richmond, Texas

Andrea Biesecker, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Bear, Delaware

Mallory Bontreger, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Nicholas D’Amico, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Harrisburg, Pa.

Elizabeth Dofflemyer, a Nursing major from Port Republic, Va.

April Eavers, a Nursing major from Rockingham, Va.

Jennifer Filler-Morris, a Nursing major from Elkton, Va.

Dana Gaultney, a Nursing major from Dallastown, Pa.

Jaclyn Gooden, a Nursing major from Elkton, Va.

McKenzie Harpine, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Makenna Holz, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Terra Jones, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Shiloh Lehman, a Leadership and Organizational Management Aviation major from Chambersburg, Va.

Mike Marino, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Lancaster, Pa.

Kristopher Mast, a Nursing major from Lancaster, Pa.

Taylor Metzler, a Nursing major from Bridgewater, Va.

Quintas Mills, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Brad Mullet, a Nursing major from Lakewood Ranch, Fla.

Jonathan Nielsen, a Nursing major from Bakersfield, Ca.

Sussana Owusu-Ansah, a Nursing major from Springfield, Va.

Amber Skalicky, a Nursing major from Occoquan, Va.

Becky Stum, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Tracey Veney, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Loni Waters, a Nursing major from Lancaster, Pa.

Nicole Wetherell, a Nursing major from Weyers Cave, Va.

Alice Wheeler, a Nursing major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Jennifer Wiatrowski, a Leadership and Organizational Management major from Luray, Va.

91短视频鈥檚 new director of the leadership and organizational management program brings an expansive and global perspective to her role. Christine Sharp, who holds a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University, has spent most of her professional career working to empower people from 鈥渁ll walks and stages of life鈥� as leaders who can transform their organizations and the lives of others.

The program offers a bachelor鈥檚 degree in leadership and organizational management (LOM). Students can add concentrations in aviation, health care and restorative justice for more specific professional training and career options. Cohorts are enrolled at both the Harrisonburg, Virginia, main campus and the site in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

Graduates of the LOM program, which started in Harrisonburg in 1993 and in Lancaster in 1997, number more than nearly 1,100.

Sharp also directs three more programs: the online associate鈥檚 degree in interdisciplinary studies, general education and early enrollment for high school students. In her role, she will also collaborate with community business, schools, and non-profits to assess needs and develop programs that provide new access to educational opportunities.

鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to welcome Chris to our leadership team at 91短视频. She has been a very engaged adjunct faculty member since 2018 who has demonstrated outstanding teaching ability as well as commitment to student success and the 91短视频 mission and vision,鈥� said Mary Jensen, associate provost of 91短视频 at Lancaster. 鈥淥ur faculty and students will benefit from her deep experience in global leadership development, pastoral and church administration and professional coaching.鈥� 

Sharp says the unique learning model and objectives of these programs fit her passion for empowering others, from high school students to adults returning to complete their degrees, to those who have not had opportunity for further education. 鈥淢y life passion is to see others discover leadership gifting they did not realize they had. As one discovers these strengths, the impact is multifaceted in personal and professional life. I thrive when students embrace leadership concepts and apply these discoveries in their real life experiences.鈥�

The LOM cohort model, which values discussions around and application to real-life experience, builds trust among students and enhances learning, Sharp says. 鈥淭he 鈥榗ase studies鈥� used in class come from our learners who have jobs and families and who face victories and challenges every day. Before long, each student realizes they have something to offer, and leadership application begins to happen organically.鈥� 

Developing leaders who seek to provide transformative workplaces and organizations has been part of Sharp鈥檚 career path for many years. She served in ministry at Global Disciples as an associate director/leadership development specialist, focusing on training, development, and coaching of indigenous church leaders and pastors across five continents. Prior to this assignment, she was the executive director of Brethren In Christ World Missions, giving oversight to vision casting, human resources, finance, missionary training, deployment and pastoral care, as well as internationally partnering in strategic planning, church development, and conflict resolution with Brethren In Christ churches globally. 

鈥淚n working with people across the globe, I found a hunger from all walks of life in wanting to learn how to empower their employees, how to build effective teams, how to develop strategic plans, and how to create thriving organizations,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to be a part of 91短视频鈥檚 mission, which seeks to provide an educational path for leaders who share the same vision.鈥� 

Sharp holds a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University, an MS in organizational leadership from Regent, and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration from Messiah College. She is also an ordained pastor in the Brethren in Christ Church and holds a professional coaching certification from the International Coaching Federation.

Eastern Mennonite Seminary remembers with thanks to God for the life of The Rev. Dr. Anil Solanki, a longtime professor of language, who died at home on Sept. 29, 2021, in Harrisonburg.

His initial career was as a civil engineer in Gujarat, India. During that time, he experienced God鈥檚 call to ministry and enrolled in the Bachelor of Divinity program at Union Biblical Seminary (UBS) in 1966. He also completed a Master of Theology degree and then joined UBS as professor and dean. In 1976, he was ordained a minister by the Methodist Church. His post-graduate studies were completed at Ohio State University from 1978-1982 where he earned a Doctorate in Administration of Higher Education.

Solanki first came to the seminary as a visiting professor in 1988, and became part-time faculty in 1996.  He taught biblical Hebrew courses at the seminary.

In 1969, the Bible Society of India commissioned Solanki to begin work on a new translation of the Bible into his native language, Gujarati. Working with his wife, Shaila, he completed the 35-year project in 2004. Solanki, the leading Hebrew Bible scholar among Gujarati speakers, worked together with three colleagues representing several denominations in India.

Upon publication of the new Gujarati Bible in 2004, Solanki was given special 鈥渉onorary retiree鈥� status at EMS. He continued to teach at EMS and 91短视频 through 2014. He was well known among undergraduate students for his class on the Hebrew prophets and his emphasis on the biblical theme of justice. He also taught in the Adult Degree Completion Program. 

He pastored at Valley Central UCC and St. Luke鈥檚 County Line UCC, and more recently attended Ridgeway Mennonite Church.

Nancy Heisey, professor of Biblical studies, commented, 鈥淎nil wrote me a strong reference when I was applying to graduate school. As his student, I was so grateful for the solid grounding I received in Hebrew.鈥�

鈥淎nil was a man of profound and winsome faith,” wrote George R. Brunk III, emeritus professor. “I remember his chapel sermons as a spiritual as well as intellectual feast and challenge.鈥�

In addition to his wife, Shaila Solanki, he is survived by his children, Elizabeth Solanki, Susmita Solanki, both of Harrisonburg, Madhur Solanki and wife, Maryam Solanki of Berryville, Va; siblings, Abhay Solanki, Ajay Solanki; and grandchildren, Rohan Solanki and Arman Solanki.

Information about a memorial service will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made , , or .

Online condolences to be shared with the Solanki family may be made below in the comment box or by visiting McMullen Funeral Home’s  .

Gigi Atkinson, a nursing major from Rockingham, VA

Stephanie Barner, a nursing major from Elizabethtown, PA

Jonathan Barni, a nursing major from Rockingham, VA

Jennifer Bauserman, a nursing major from Lebanon Church, VA

Priyanka Bhuta, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Andrea Biesecker, a leadership and organizational management major from Bear, DE

Denise Brenneman, a nursing major from Willow Street, PA

Jeremy Brenneman, a nursing major from Rockingham, VA

Daniel Carter, a leadership and organizational management major from Waynesboro, VA

Natalie Cassel, a nursing major from Manheim, PA

Megan Centers, a leadership and organizational management major from Harrisonburg, VA

Matthew Choate, a leadership and organizational management major from Stuarts Draft, VA

Ty Christman, a leadership and organizational management major from Middletown, PA

Logan Courtney, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Victoria Demme, a nursing major from Earlysville, VA

Elizabeth Engle, a nursing major from Staunton, VA

Barbara Erb, a nursing major from Elizabethtown, PA

Amanda Forbes, a leadership and organizational management major from Verona, VA

Dana Gaultney, a nursing major from Dallastown, PA

Hannah Gonzalez, a nursing major from McGaheysville, VA

Jaclyn Gooden, a nursing major from Elkton, VA

Yolanda Hawkins-Johnson, a leadership and organizational management major from Winchester, VA

Kevin Hen, a leadership and organizational management major from Lancaster, PA

Peter Hughes, a leadership and organizational management major from Ephrata, PA

Terra Jones, a leadership and organizational management major from Harrisonburg, VA

Gregory Knight, a leadership and organizational management major from Staunton, VA

Natalie Lapedota, a nursing major from Culpepper, VA

Robin Lee, a leadership and organizational management major from Harrisonburg, VA

Amanda Lowery, a nursing major from Lyndhurst, VA

Kristopher Mast, a nursing major from Lancaster, PA

Colin McNeal, a leadership and organizational management major from Littestown, PA

Nana Okyere Acheampong, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Uju Oseghale, a nursing major from Hershey, PA

Sussana Owusu-Ansah, a nursing major from Springfield, VA

Heather Pyles, a nursing major from Mount Crawford, VA

Ricardo Quintero, a leadership and organizational management major from York, PA

Stacy Ropp, a nursing major from Red Lion, PA

Erin Shrout, a nursing major from Elkton, VA

Michelle Siejak, a leadership and organizational management major from Mount Joy, PA

Anne Skube, a nursing major from Front Royal, VA

Crystal Smith, a nursing major from Reading, PA

Sheila Spitzer, a nursing major from Myerstown, PA

Rachel Springer Bontrager, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Amber Stacy, a nursing major from Swoope, VA

Maranda Stoltzfus, a nursing major from Lititz, PA

Elina Tchepurin, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Brandi Teel, a nursing major from Stanardsville, VA

Carol Thach, a nursing major from Elizabethtown, PA

Barry Walters, a leadership and organizational management major from Lancaster, PA

Salem Westlund, a leadership and organizational management major from Lancaster, PA

Susan Wetherall, a nursing major from Ruckersville, VA

 Jennifer Wiatrowski, a leadership and organizational management major from Luray, VA

Sue Williams-Noel, a nursing major from Edinburgh, VA

Fallon Wise, a nursing major from Gap, PA

Jill Zirkle, a nursing major from Mount Crawford, VA

Jeremy Zirkle, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, VA

Laban Peachey left behind a long legacy in Anabaptist higher education and ministry when he died Friday, April 23, 2021, at age 94. The former professor and dean of students at Eastern Mennonite College was also president of Hesston College for 12 years, from 1968-80. He then worked for Mennonite Mutual Aid, in a new role as vice president of marketing. 

After retirement in 1990, he and his wife Helen moved back to their family cattle farm in Virginia, purchased in 1962. This became a home base from which he served various pastoral assignments and taught at 91短视频 and Eastern Mennonite Seminary. During these years he took great joy working with his cattle herd, fulfilling a life-long love of nourishing, tending and caring for the earth and animals.

Pastor Phil Kniss and Paula Stoltzfus will conduct a virtual memorial service on May 8 at 2 p.m. It can be viewed by visiting . 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eastern Mennonite Seminary, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 or Hesston College, PO Box 3000, Hesston, KS 67062.

Online condolences may be shared with the family in the comments below or by visiting the . 

***

Laban Peachey was born on April 6, 1927, in Springs, Pa., son of the late Shem and Salome Bender Peachey and one of 10 children. The family spoke Pennsylvania Dutch, a dialect of German. He started saving money to buy his own farm when he was nine, raising and butchering bantam chickens. In 1945, as a teenager, he and two of his sisters managed the entire enterprise when the rest of the family moved to Illinois (his father was the founding pastor for a group of Old Order Mennonites who wished to start a new conference). As was customary in his community, he did not attend high school.

After being drafted into Civilian Public Service, Peachey worked for 15 months in several locations: in Grottoes, Virginia in soil conservation (EMC faculty member Hubert Pellman visited the camp and arranged for him, and others, to take the GED test); in Maryland, with a survey crew; in Rhode Island in a mental hospital []; and Iowa at a food collection station. He often talked about this short period of his life and its profound influence on his life trajectory. He then returned to the Pennsylvania farm, helping to stabilize it after the war, for two years.

Following his older siblings who valued education, he came to EMC, where he met and married Helen Mumaw, daughter of the college鈥檚 president John R. Mumaw. After graduating in 1952, he was invited to stay on as dean of college men and to join the psychology faculty. Ensuing experiences in academics, student life, the registrar鈥檚 office, and counseling gave him a unique breadth of higher education experience. Throughout these years, he continued with graduate studies, earning an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia in 1958 and an Ed.D. from George Washington University in 1963. A booklet was published from his dissertation entitled 鈥淟earning to Understand People.鈥�

In 1967, he was invited to become president of Hesston College in Hesston, Kansas. During his 12 years there, Peachey oversaw the institution of Hesston鈥檚 Foundation Studies liberal arts program and the expansion of Hesston鈥檚 career training programs, including establishment of the in 1970. (Aviation was personally significant: Peachey frequently marked the year of his birth by remembering he was born a month before Charles Lindbergh鈥檚 first solo flight across the Atlantic.)

He helped to develop more student services and to align them with a holistic curricular approach, emphasizing personal development, socialization and leadership. Also in his tenure, from 1974-78, Hesston College was selected as one of four two-year college resource centers in the nation, specializing in the private sector. U.S. Office of Education funding helped to bring extra staffing, resources, and professional development opportunities.

After Hesston, the South Central Conference of the Mennonite Church engaged him for a two-year needs assessment. This meant travelling to and meeting with congregations across the Midwest and in Mexico, listening to their diverse needs, struggles and concerns. He helped to call and install 11 pastors, and to build closer ties to the conference leadership. 

Peachey then spent seven years from 1983-1990 at Mennonite Mutual Aid in Goshen, Indiana, until retirement. 

With Helen, he returned to Harrisonburg where he farmed and served in various roles. Ordained in the Mennonite Church, he was conference moderator and overseer for six congregations, as well as interim pastor at nine congregations. At 91短视频, he served as campus pastor for the seminary and completed a master鈥檚 degree in religion that he had started in 1954. He also taught in the Adult Degree Completion Program, especially enjoying a course on adult development and life planning, which included a combination of developmental and personality theory, and practical application to wellness, financial and career planning, and leadership.

According to his family members, Peachey loved working with and being with people, and had a gift for being able to relate to just about anyone. He also appreciated being in God鈥檚 creation and in his later years made a habit of taking a walk outdoors twice a day. Over the years he often talked about death as a natural part of the life cycle鈥攈is philosophy was that one ought to 鈥渓ive until you die.鈥�

He and Helen had been married 47 years when she died on Dec. 14, 2000. Surviving are his children, Phyllis Friesen and husband, Eugene, of Harrisonburg, Lowell Peachey and wife, Rita, of Kansas, Byron Peachey and wife, Deanna Durham, of Harrisonburg, Joyce Peachey Lind and husband, Myron, of Harrisonburg; siblings, Urbane Peachey of Pennsylvania, Jane Lind of Ontario, Canada; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and five sisters.

Sources for this article included his obituary and a self-published history of Laban Peachey鈥檚 life titled 鈥淭he Days of Our Years 鈥� Fourscore,鈥� co-authored by Laban, his brother Urbane Peachey, sister Phyllis Friesen, son Byron Peachey, and daughter Joyce Lind in 2018. For the cover he chose a photo of a model Fordson tractor (right) which he kept on a bookshelf in his home. It鈥檚 a symbol of his deeply formative years growing up on a farm, and his devotion to productivity, hard work, and working hand-in-hand with nature.   

Law enforcement, security, and mediation professionals looking to finish their bachelor’s degree may find a perfect fit in a new concentration at 91短视频 (91短视频). A new certificate in restorative justice is now available through 91短视频’s Adult Degree Program, in which adults returning to college earn a bachelor’s in leadership and organizational management. 

The certificate can be earned as part of the leadership and organizational management, or on its own for those who already have a bachelor’s degree. 

When taken in conjunction with the leadership and organizational management coursework, students just add one restorative justice class per semester of their program, to graduate at the same time as their cohort. 

“This is about giving people an opportunity to learn new practices and skills, to think differently about situations in which they find themselves, to seek less harmful outcomes,” said Margo McIntire, program coordinator. “It’s the old adage that if the only tool you have is a hammer then everything looks like a nail.”

McIntire said the impetus for the certificate came from a growing national recognition of the benefits of having restorative justice practitioners in our institutions and communities. 

“Of course, 91短视频 is widely known for its excellence in pedagogy and practice of restorative justice. The time seemed ripe to make this more broadly accessible,” she said. 

Four classes are required to earn the certificate:

• PXD 261 Community and Conflict Analysis Techniques, 
• PXD 331 Restorative Justice and Trauma Awareness,
• PXD 341 Mediation and Facilitation, and
• SOWK 360 Race and Gender.

91短视频 has been at the forefront of the restorative justice movement for nearly 25 years. To learn more, look for RJ courses in the Summer Peacebuilding Institute in the mid-90s and check out upcoming and past webinars.

Published 3/18/21

There are 30 minutes in the entr茅e round on the Food Network show Chopped. Chef Oz Blackaller ’07 is one of four chefs competing for the notoriety and cash prize of $10,000. He has to include a seven layer dip, tiramisu liqueur, buffalo tenderloin, and mix of “ugly” vegetables into his dish. The camera zeroes in on Blackaller dousing the diced tenderloin with liqueur, flames leaping up from the saut茅 pan.聽

“He has his own soundtrack to life,” one of the judges comments. 

Blackaller plates up a buffalo empanada with “ugly vegetable” chimichurri. He has some ground to recover, as the judges weren’t sold on the blowfish sope with cookie dough mole that he made in the appetizer round. 

The judges try his entr茅e. 

“I ate the whole thing,” one says with surprise. “You’re like some weird magician!” 

“You are marching to the beat of your own drum, culinarily, and it’s working,” another adds. 

Blackaller ended up taking second place on , which aired Oct. 13. This is his second appearance on TV cooking competitions; he was a contestant on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen in 2015.

“The whole experience just in general, being in that level of competition, was huge for me,” Blackaller said. “I wanted to be on the show not just for the money 鈥� but I wanted to bring some more experience to my cooking abilities and my restaurant here in San Diego.”

Blackaller, who graduated with a business degree from 91短视频, runs a fusion tapas restaurant, formerly known as Cueva Bar, with his wife Joanna. They’re now rebranding as De Nada Kitchen and Market 鈥� in celebration of the establishment’s tenth anniversary, and partly as an adaptation to the pandemic. 

“We foresee that indoor dining is not going to be the same as it used to be,” Blackaller said. The new concept includes a retail space to sell his signature chimichurri, moles, and salsas, as well as other local products. The new menu focuses on unique pizzas to go, with toppings like chicken mole, chilaquile, and a tuna and corn pizza inspired by the Japanese sushi restaurant next door. 

When Blackaller took a sample over to his pescatarian neighbors, “they’re just eating it and you see their eyes lighting up,” he said. They order it twice a week now. 

Despite the tough competition restaurants face even in normal times, much less during a pandemic that’s gutted the hospitality industry, “we love our neighbors,” Blackaller said. “We’re all helping each other 鈥� doing what we all can to make sure we all survive.”

Being on Chopped “was a good time, a lot of fun” despite the grueling 15-hour long shoot, he said. They filmed the episode in May last year in New York. Blackaller said that his practice as a yogi came in handy while competing 鈥� he was calmer and more in “the moment” compared to his run on Cutthroat Kitchen.

“This time around I was just able to enjoy the whole thing,” he said. 

Blackaller isn’t done with stardom, though 鈥� he’s already applied to be on the Bravo TV series Top Chef. 

In modest reference to his celebrity chef aspirations, he explained, “I like connecting with people, you know.”

The Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) Board of Directors announces the appointment of 91短视频 (91短视频) and Easterm Mennonite Seminary (EMS) alumnus Marvin Lorenzana as the organization鈥檚 ninth president. Lorenzana brings extensive multicultural leadership, discipleship, and mission experience to his new role with the mission agency of LMC: A Fellowship of Anabaptist Churches.

Lorenzana earned his bachelor’s degree at 91短视频 and his Master of Divinity degree at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. He also served as director of the multicultural student services office and advisor for Latinos with multicultural student services at 91短视频, and director of learning, exploring and participating at the seminary. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary where he was a Beeson scholar.

Brian Martin, chair of the EMM Board and the presidential search team said, 鈥淒r. Lorenzana is a well-equipped visionary and change leader called to lead EMM during these challenging times facing the church and global missions. We praise God for His provision of a Christ-centered and Holy Spirit-filled leader at this unique time.鈥�

Reflecting on his appointment as president, Lorenzana said, 鈥淚 can only marvel at the way the Spirit of God has led all of us through this amazing process. I can鈥檛 wait to see what we can build together in the name of Christ to further God鈥檚 reconciling mission both locally and globally.鈥�

Lorenzana will begin his new role February 15, 2021. He is replacing Gerry Keener who has been EMM president since January 2019. Keener is retiring to focus on serving the church in Vietnam, developing a post-high school, Anabaptist-oriented training curriculum, and serving in missional capacities stateside.

Since 2013, Lorenzana has worked with Mennonite Mission Network as minister for discipleship initiatives. In that role, he functioned as a coach for church leaders who are interested in developing a culture of intentional disciple-making within their local congregations.

In 2009, Lorenzana founded the Mennonite Hispanic Initiative, a ministry of Virginia Mennonite Missions that seeks to develop Hispanic church leaders with a mindset for local missions and planting new missional communities within Virginia Mennonite Conference.

Lorenzana has also served as youth pastor, associate pastor, senior pastor, and church planter with assignments in New Orleans, El Paso, Tex., Miami, and more recently in Harrisonburg, Va.

Born in Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras, Lorenzana felt a calling from God in 1994 to become a missionary to the nation with the second-largest Hispanic population in the world 鈥� the United States.

For his service as EMM president, Lorenzana will be recognized as an ordained minister in LMC. Lorenzana and his wife, Mariana, currently live in Harrisonburg, Va. They will be relocating to Lancaster, Pa.

Keith Weaver, moderator of LMC said, 鈥淚 was delighted to learn about the remarkable alignment between Marvin鈥檚 vision for mission and LMC’s new mission statement: 鈥楢 Spirit-led movement to: make disciples of Jesus, mobilize every member as a missionary, and multiply faith communities locally and beyond.鈥� I look forward to working with Marvin to continue building a strong LMC-EMM partnership in missional engagement locally and around the world.鈥�

Lisa Zimmerman, a member of the EMM Board and the presidential search team said, 鈥淚 believe Dr. Lorenzana will lead the organization with humility, but also with a strong sense of Jesus鈥� call for the church to make disciples. His experience and gifts will enable EMM to build on its 100-year legacy of spreading the gospel and to adapt to ever-changing realities.鈥�

LFCC graduates can complete the 15-month, four-semester program, gaining skills in organizational development, team dynamics, human resources and leadership.聽

The unique format, in which students move through the program in a cohort of 12-15 classmates, increases academic success and retention, according to Margo McIntire, program director at 91短视频. The students and faculty build a learning community which supports them throughout their enrollment.

The first cohort, forming for a January start, will take courses fully online until public health recommendations allow for in-person classes. Normally, the program uses a hybrid model: students would attend class one night per week on the LFCC campus, with other coursework online. 

鈥淭his is another opportunity to work with 91短视频 to provide students in our service region with an extremely convenient pathway to a bachelor鈥檚 degree that many probably would not otherwise feel is a realistic option,鈥� said , dean of the School of Humanities and Social Studies at LFCC. 鈥淭he fact that students can attend 91短视频 regularly without going to聽91短视频 is such a great benefit and path to get a four-year degree without leaving home.

鈥淚 think this will be a wonderful way for students in our area to get that degree they need to make a better life for themselves and their families. I thank all the people at 91短视频 for all their help in getting this plan ready to roll out.鈥�

David Brubaker, dean of 91短视频鈥檚 School of Social Sciences and Professions in which the Leadership and Organizational Management degree program is housed, noted the collaboration with LFCC administrators. 鈥淲hat most impressed me about working with LFCC leadership was their shared commitment to make creative options available to their students and alums in order to strengthen their career prospects.鈥�

Students who have completed LFCC鈥檚 business administration, management, accounting, computer and information technology, and human services or other related programs and meet admissions criteria will be guaranteed admission to 91短视频鈥檚 program.

Additionally, students having completed other associate of arts and sciences degrees or associate of science degrees, or earning 48 or more transferable semester hours, will also be guaranteed admission provided they meet admission criteria. 

Applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• 48 or more transferable semester hours, 
• cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, 23 years of age or older,
• at least one year of full-time work experience, preferably incorporating some leadership experiences, and 
• completion of 91短视频鈥檚 fee-waived application process.

LFCC students who want to take advantage of this opportunity should contact their LFCC advisor to make sure their academic plans meet 91短视频 requirements.

Students can further maximize their savings by learning more about financial aid opportunities through 91短视频鈥檚 Financial Aid office. Transfer students are eligible for several grants and scholarships.

The Dean’s List, compiled at the end of each semester, includes degree-seeking students who achieve a semester GPA of at least 3.75 with no W, I, or F grades for 12 semester hours of standard grades.

• Robin Adams, nursing, Mountville PA
• Akua Agyeiwaa-Antwi, Woodbridge VA
• Sarah Alter, Nursing, Williamsburg VA
• Shelby Alto, Nursing, Gloucester VA
• Primo Amor, Leadership and Organizational Management, Lancaster, PA
• Lottie Anderson, Nursing, Amissville VA
• Kaitlin Austin Nursing, Mount Joy PA
• Chris Baker, Leadership and Organizational Management, Edinburg VA
• Nicole Bartneck, Nursing, Front Royal VA
• Keturah Beiler, Nursing, Lancaster PA
• Erica Biller Leadership and Organizational Management, Broadway VA
• Matt Bixler, Leadership and Organizational Management, Mount Joy PA
• Rhonda Blosser, Nursing, Harrisonburg VA
• Denise Brenneman, Nursing, Willow Street PA
• Abigail Buckwalter, Leadership and Organizational Management, Conestoga PA
• Barbara Chapman, Nursing, Maytown PA
• Jennifer Cloud, Nursing, Lebanon Church VA
• Mike Collins, Nursing, Harrisonburg VA
• Logan Courtney, Nursing, Harrisonburg VA
• Nicole DuMontier, Nursing, Staunton VA
• Barb Erb, Nursing, Elizabethtown PA
• Peter Funk, Nursing, Lancaster PA
• Hannah Fussell, Nursing, Rockingham VA
• Hannah Gonzalez, Nursing, Rockingham VA
• Emily Gordon, Nursing, Bridgewater VA
• Kelsee Green, Nursing, Fairfield VA
• Shannon Grogg, Leadership and Organizational Management, Staunton VA
• Bart Heagy, Leadership and Organizational Management, Lancaster, PA
• Kathie Heavner, Leadership and Organizational Management,Petersburg, WV
• Sherry Herr, Nursing,New Providence PA
• Angela Hoover, Leadership and Organizational Management, Edinburg VA
• Liz Hornberger, Leadership and Organizational Management, Lancaster PA
• John Huffman, Leadership and Organizational Management,Stuarts Draft VA
• Tiera Jackson, Nursing,Hampton VA
• Natalie Lapedota, Nursing, Harrisonburg VA
• Marisa Moomaw, Leadership and Organizational Management, New Market VA
• Joe Mullens, Leadership and Organizational Management, Bridgewater VA
• Lori Neff, Leadership and Organizational Management, Edinburg VA
• Nana Okyere Acheampong, Nursing, Harrisonburg VA
• Vicki Parker, Nursing, Baker WV
• Constanza Perez-Bradley, Nursing, Waynesboro VA
• Amy Phillips, Leadership and Organizational Management, Warm Springs VA
• Alex Plonk, Nursing, Stuarts Draft VA
• Suzanna Plotnyi, Nursing, Ephrata PA
• Charlie Pohl, Leadership and Organizational Management, Lancaster PA
• Bernice Reynolds, Nursing, Pequea PA
• Stacy Ropp, Nursing, Red Lion PA
• Jackie Rufo, Nursing, Massanutten VA
• Jason Shiflet, Nursing, Lancaster PA
• Erin Shrout, Nursing, Elkton VA
• Anne Skube, Nursing, Front Royal VA
• Dana Slocum, Nursing, Lititz PA
• Jessica Smith, Leadership and Organizational Management, Gordonsville VA
• Steffen Sommers, Nursing, Hesston KS
• Seth Stauffer, Nursing, Rockingham VA
• Brandi Teel, Nursing, Stanardsville VA
• Mel Winter, Leadership and Organizational Management, Columbia PA
• Fallon Wise, Nursing, Gap PA
• Jeremy Zirkle, Nursing, Waynesboro VA
• Jill Zirkle, Nursing, Mount Crawford VA

Rota is a small town in the south of Spain, between Gibraltar and Portugal 鈥� a warm, coastal community with cobblestone streets and a cosmopolitan vibe. While deployed there with the U.S. Navy for four years, Cristy Mwanika 鈥�19 traveled extensively through Europe 鈥� seeing Ukraine, Turkey, Poland, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Cyprus 鈥� and enrolled in 91短视频鈥檚 Accelerated Degree Program.

鈥淚 was impressed with the staff’s attentiveness in answering questions and providing the tools and resources to help me succeed,鈥� Mwanika said.

With the Navy, Mwanika served as an operations specialist in the surface warfare unit, which monitors the activities of other water- and aircrafts. Operations specialists collect, evaluate, and disseminate tactical combat information to command and control stations. Similarly, in her new position as the enterprise application support analyst at Mary Baldwin University, Mwanika communicates with various departments across the university, helping them plan for their information technology needs.

Mwanika said the Accelerated Degree Program helped equip her for this sort of work, which is both technical and organizational.

鈥淭he Leadership and Organizational Management program has really helped me better understand and reflect on my skills, which has projected into my workplace,鈥� Mwanika said. 鈥淎s a result, I have received recognition, support, and a recent promotion!鈥�

Balancing professional advancement with life

Mwanika said it was important to her to balance her personal and work life with a bachelor鈥檚 program through the ADP. Graduates of the program earn a degree in Leadership and Organizational Management, meeting one night a week over four consecutive semesters. 91短视频 a third of the sessions are held online, simultaneously.

Adults who want to return to school can qualify for the program if they hold at least 48 college credits from another institution, a 2.0 cumulative grade point average, and are at least 23 years old.

While enrolled at 91短视频, Mwanika began working at Mary Baldwin as the assistant to the vice president of business and finance. She enjoyed taking on bigger and bigger projects, setting up technology and systems to help meet the business needs of the university. But between her personal ambition and education, her supervisor told Mwanika, 鈥測ou鈥檙e a little too advanced for this position!鈥�

Mwanika assumed the support analyst position at the beginning of this year.

鈥淭oday, I frequently find myself analyzing, identifying, and applying the knowledge at work to find solutions for a better working environment,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n today’s diverse and fast moving workplace, I enjoy providing organizational management to implement thoughtful, transformative solutions.鈥�

James Ramsey ’18 dons safety glasses, a hairnet, and ear plugs to go out onto the production floor at the Artisan Packaging plant, known for many years as Graham Packaging, in Harrisonburg. Brightly-painted machines, pipes and conveyor belts tower overhead 鈥� whirring, chugging, and puffing: molding and screen printing more than 700 different plastic bottles that the factory ships all over the world for customers like Downy and Johnson & Johnson. 

Now the operations manager, Ramsey first started out as an entry-level technician 12 years ago, and worked his way through every production position en route to management. Along the way, he decided to hone his leadership skills through 91短视频鈥檚 Accelerated Degree Program.

Ramsey enrolled in the program in 2016, and earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in leadership and organizational management two years later. As the featured speaker on that commencement stage, Ramsey commended his peers for demonstrating 鈥減roof that the biggest challenges have the greatest rewards.鈥�

He鈥檚 now working towards his Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership at 91短视频.

鈥淚t鈥檚 just a place where you want to be,鈥� Ramsey said, of his educational experience at 91短视频. 鈥淚t makes you feel like you belong.鈥�

Ramsey took a long and winding educational road to that first college diploma. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Virginia Tech, then at Blue Ridge Community College, before deciding to travel around the U.S., working the vacation resort circuit. He then spent a few years in Malaysia, and when he came home, his brother was working at Graham, and helped him get hired on. 

After his body started to show the wear and tear of heavy lifting, Ramsey decided he needed to further advance his career. He finished his associate鈥檚 degree at Blue Ridge, and started shopping around for bachelor鈥檚 programs that fit the schedule of an adult working full time.

91短视频 鈥渙pened a lot of doors, professionally, for me. It gave me a lot of confidence to be a strong, effective leader.鈥�

James Ramsey ’18

Recently, the factory celebrated one year free of safety incidents 鈥� before that, they went three years until a worker twisted her ankle, Ramsey said.

Ramsey leads safety meetings once a week, which he said would have intimidated him before his 91短视频 coursework helped him improve at public speaking.

鈥淚 take a lot of pride in that. I鈥檓 always preaching safety,鈥� Ramsey said. 鈥淓verybody takes pride in the work.鈥�

Ramsey said that the camaraderie within his cohort was another boon of the program.

鈥淎ll the professors were wonderful, too,鈥� he added, 鈥渢hey are just so intelligent, and emotionally intelligent.鈥�

That emotional intelligence, in addition to the nuts-and-bolts theory of leadership, has helped the introverted Ramsey become confident in his managerial role.

鈥淲e always make sure we take care of the people鈥� at the plant, Ramsey said. 鈥淚t has a family feel.鈥� 

Another employee, Cindy Berry, confirmed this.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we鈥檝e all been here so long,鈥� Berry said. She鈥檚 been at the plant for 33 years, and now works in the quality lab, ensuring that bottles come out in accordance with diagram specifications. She also praised Ramsey for having hands-on knowledge of every part of production.

鈥淗e鈥檚 been everywhere 鈥� that makes a good leader,鈥� Berry said.