Wyse is a fourth-generation Iowa farmer and New York Times bestselling author of the cookbook There’s Always Room at the Table (HarperCollins, 2025). He offered talk show hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos tips to make the most of their outdoor spaces and boost their curb appeal, including ways to attract pollinators, trim herbs, and prune plants.

Watch the 91短视频 alum’s TV appearance below!

Those faculty members are:

• Dr. Katherine Evans: Jesse T. Byler Endowed Chair in Education
• Dr. James Leaman: Longacre Endowed Chair in Business and Leadership
• Dr. Peter Dula: Myron S. Augsburger Endowed Chair of Theology
• Dr. James Yoder: Daniel B. Suter Endowed Chair of Science

Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs for 91短视频, said these faculty members were chosen as endowed chairs because of their demonstrated leadership, service, teaching, and research, as well as their capacity to be champions of their programs at 91短视频. 

鈥淓ndowed chairs are a critical component of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 academic vitality,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur goal is to elevate the recognition of our faculty who hold this honor and to celebrate the donors whose generosity helps to support academic excellence in this way.鈥�

The endowed chair positions provide funding for each faculty position within a particular discipline, along with scholarships for students in the discipline and funds for program initiatives. Chairs receive professional development funds to support their research and scholarship. An endowed chair appointment is one of the highest honors a faculty member can receive at 91短视频, supporting their continued excellence in scholarship and teaching, said the Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, dean of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

Keep reading for bios of each professor.

Dr. Katherine Evans

Professor of Teacher Education and director of the Undergraduate Teacher Education program
Jesse T. Byler Endowed Chair in Education

Kathy Evans is a professor of Teacher Education at 91短视频, teaching courses in educational psychology, special education, and restorative justice in education. She earned her PhD from the University of Tennessee in educational psychology and research. Her research, teaching, and scholarship focus on ways in which educators participate in creating more just and equitable educational opportunities for all students, including those with disability labels, those who exhibit challenging behavior, and those who are marginalized for a variety of reasons, including race, ethnicity, language, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity. 

During her 15 years at 91短视频, Evans has helped develop 贰惭鲍鈥檚 graduate program in Restorative Justice in Education (RJE), which supports educators as they create learning environments that promote relational approaches to teaching and learning, justice and equity in schools and classrooms, and transformational approaches to conflict and harm. She is the co-author of听The Little Book of Restorative Justice in Education听and has published several articles and book chapters related to restorative justice in education, school culture and climate, and school discipline practices, focusing on the ways in which restorative justice is applied to educational contexts.听

How do you feel to be granted this position?

It鈥檚 an honor to be appointed as the Jesse T. Byler Endowed Chair in Education. The Byler endowment has historically been such a gift to the Teacher Education Program at 91短视频, providing support for pre-service teachers in the way of fee waivers for testing and licensure, conference registration for networking with other pre-service teachers, scholarships, and resources that support their success through their 91短视频 program. We are in a season of growth and expansion and I am grateful for the opportunities I will have in this position to support that growth, both in the recruitment of talented and dedicated teachers and in the ongoing professional development for our faculty. At this moment in time, we need teachers who are committed to justice and peacebuilding. Embedding restorative justice within our teacher education program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels opens up spaces to support educators who want to not only excel as educators, but to be educators who nurture the well-being of each student. The Byler endowment helps us to do that work better.

What do you love about 91短视频?

This is my 15th year at 91短视频 and I am more hopeful about 贰惭鲍鈥檚 future today than I have been since I arrived. The commitment to peacebuilding and justice鈥攅ven when we don鈥檛 fully live into that commitment鈥攎eans that there is a unifying set of values that guide our collective work. I see our students, staff, and faculty working to honor those values and that mission. Our students are amazing and they remind me every day that the work of justice is ongoing, intergenerational, and worth it.

What is a fun fact about you?

When I鈥檓 not working, I might be fishing鈥攂ass fishing at Silver Lake or fly-fishing at Dry River. I find the water so peaceful.

Dr. James M. Leaman

Associate Professor of Business and director of the Business and Leadership program
Longacre Endowed Chair in Business and Leadership

Jim Leaman chairs the Business and Leadership Program, where he teaches undergraduate courses in management, finance, and economics, and graduate courses in organizational and leadership studies. His industry experience spans both private business and nonprofit administration, including 12 years of service with an international non-governmental organization (INGO) in Kenya. The 91短视频 alumnus has a PhD in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.

The perspective Leaman adds to his field is analyzing and teaching about the role and impact of business and organizations within ecological limits and dynamic social systems, resulting in an integrated lens of sustainability, stewardship and justice. Leaman researches and publishes in the areas of sustainable housing and energy, and his most recent scholarly work is a management textbook, with which he collaborated with an international team of authors to publish in the creative commons, resulting in lower resource costs for students. 

How do you feel to be granted this position?

It is an honor to hold the endowed chair position in business and to steward the gifts and vision of the Longacre family as the program serves and prepares the next generation of business leaders.

What do you love about 91短视频?

The 91短视频 mission to prepare students to serve and lead in a global context becomes more relevant with each new innovation and global integration.

What is a fun fact about you?

In awe of the vastness and complexity of the universe, I鈥檝e gained an avocational interest in learning as much as I can about the cosmos.

Dr. Peter Dula

Professor of Religion and Culture
Myron S. Augsburger Endowed Chair of Theology

Peter Dula is the professor of Religion and Culture at 91短视频. The 91短视频 alumnus received a PhD from Duke University in theology and ethics in 2004. He is the author of Cavell, Companionship, and Christian Theology (Oxford, 2011). Before coming to 91短视频 in 2006, he was the Mennonite Central Committee Iraq Program Coordinator. He has taught at Lancaster Mennonite High School and at the Meserete Kristos College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he was a Fulbright scholar in 2001-02.

This is his 20th year at 91短视频. He teaches primarily in the undergraduate program, as well as one class each year at the seminary and the Bioethics course in the MA in Biomedicine program. He is married to Ilse Ackerman and they have two children, Simon (17) and Nina (15). 

What do you love about 91短视频?

Two things I love about 91短视频 are its smart and interesting faculty colleagues and its location in the Shenandoah Valley.

What is a fun fact about you? 

I planted 500 trees over the last couple of years. The latest Weather Vane issue has . Along with Trina Trotter Nussbaum at the Center for Interfaith Engagement, I organized last month’s consultation on Judaism, the Bible, and Anabaptism. The Weather Vane also has . 

Dr. James Yoder

Professor of Biology and director of the Natural Sciences programs
Daniel B. Suter Endowed Chair of Science

Jim Yoder is the chair of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Department of Natural Sciences, advising environmental science and biology majors and teaching evolution, ecology, and conservation biology. A 1994 alumnus of 91短视频, he earned his PhD from The Ohio State University, where he studied the effects of habitat fragmentation on ruffed grouse movements at large spatial scales. His research interests include conservation, landscape and behavioral ecology, animal movement, invasive species, stream restoration, nitrogen and carbon footprint tracking, and insect movement using harmonic radar. He has also led multiple intercultural programs to New Zealand, the Navajo Nation, and Washington D.C. (upcoming), as well as three research trips with undergraduates to Australia. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, traveling, and hiking with his wife Kathy. 

How do you feel to be granted this position?

I’m honored to be named the Suter Endowed Chair of Science and work to continue the level of scholarship and teaching Daniel Suter established in the natural sciences at 91短视频. Coordinating the long-running Suter Science Seminar Series with a diverse array of speakers and increasing collaborative research among our science faculty and undergraduate students are two aspects of being Suter Chair that I’m most excited to focus on. 

What do you love about 91短视频?

Wonderful colleagues, a diverse student body, and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley鈥攊t’s a great place to be a field biologist!

What is a fun fact about you?

My wife and I recently moved into a loft apartment in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg above . It keeps us young at heart!  And we are soon to be grandparents for the first time!

Justin Reesor ’10 grew up in a Mennonite family in Stouffville, Ontario, Canada, where he played volleyball in middle and high school. His cousin, Allan Reesor-McDowell ’02, played on the 91短视频 men鈥檚 volleyball team鈥攁nd Reesor had traveled to see him play at a tournament in New York. His uncle, Robert Reesor ’89, and sister, Denise Reesor ’07, also attended 91短视频.

While visiting his sister, Reesor fell in love with the 91短视频 campus and Harrisonburg. 鈥淚 thought it was a beautiful area, and I liked the idea of a small college with smaller classes and easier access to professors.鈥� Reesor arrived in fall 2006 prioritizing academics and his social life, but after walking on during a scrimmage, he spent four years as a middle blocker on the 91短视频 men鈥檚 volleyball team under Coach Steve Benson.听

Reesor made an immediate impact. In his first season, he was named the North East Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA) Western Conference Rookie of the Year and 91短视频 Newcomer of the Year. He earned spots on the NECVA All-Western Division Second Team in 2009 and the NECVA All-Western First Team in 2010. At the time of his graduation, Reesor led the Royals in career blocks (462) and sets played (406), and ranked fifth in career kills (867). 

While at 91短视频, Reesor majored in business administration and minored in accounting. He now serves as senior director of finance at Accumulus Synergy. He and his wife, Rachel Mast Reesor ’09, have three children: Emma (10), June (7), and Charlie (4). 

Reesor will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. in the MainStage Theater (University Commons 170) during Homecoming 2025. For a full schedule of Homecoming events and activities, visit听emu.edu/homecoming.

It鈥檚 hard for Kaleb Wyse 鈥�10 to pinpoint exactly what drew him to 91短视频.

Sure, he had plenty of connections to the school. His older sister and two cousins are 91短视频 alumni. A graduate of Iowa Mennonite School (now known as Hillcrest Academy), Wyse said he isn鈥檛 sure what it was about 91短视频. He just liked it more than the other schools he visited.

鈥淚 felt more at home at 91短视频 than anywhere else,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t just felt like the right campus for me.鈥�

Wyse is a content creator who shares delicious recipes, gardening tips and home decor projects with more than a million followers through his , and various social media platforms, all under the 鈥淲yse Guide鈥� handle. The culinary entrepreneur majored in accounting and business administration at 91短视频, where he gained the skills needed to build his brand. It鈥檚 also where he met his business partner and college friend, Joel Kratzer 鈥�10.

The two 91短视频 grads launched their passion project in 2012. They maintained the website as a 鈥渘ight and weekend thing,鈥� Wyse said, while working regular jobs. 91短视频 seven years into their venture, the site started to take off. Wyse said he shifted in his approach, serving up more authentic content with stories personal to his life. 鈥淭hen, when COVID hit,鈥� he added, 鈥渆veryone was looking for help with gardening, preserving, and cooking or baking at home.鈥� Wyse and Kratzer began working on the site full time in 2021. Today, their multimedia company is comprised of a team of six.

Wyse said his time at 91短视频 taught him to be more open and honest with others. He pointed to his intercultural program, a three-week voyage to Greece and Turkey led by Dr. Linford Stutzman 鈥�84, SEM 鈥�90, as a pivotal experience. Packed into close quarters with other students he didn鈥檛 know well, Wyse found that the trip offered him a crash course in forming new connections. 鈥淭hat trip is something I think about a lot,鈥� he said. 

贰惭鲍鈥檚 small class sizes helped him thrive as a student. 鈥淚 could walk into my professors鈥� offices and talk to them instead of a teaching assistant,鈥� Wyse said. 鈥淚鈥檓 someone who needs personal connection and having that at 91短视频 really supported me. I didn鈥檛 feel like I was just a number.鈥�

Another advantage of attending 91短视频 is the wealth of scholarships accessible to students. Wyse received the Horace & Elizabeth Longacre Business Scholarship during his four years as a Royal. He remembers writing thank-you cards to the Longacre family and feeling a personal connection to them through the award, which is named in honor of a philanthropic couple from southeastern Pennsylvania who were staunch supporters of 91短视频. 

鈥淭he fact that someone believed it was important for me to receive a good education at a great school was both impactful and humbling,鈥� Wyse said.

His debut cookbook, There鈥檚 Always Room at the Table, is now a New York Times’ bestseller. The collection of recipes and stories was published by HarperCollins earlier this month and is at online retailers.

This isn鈥檛 the first time 91短视频 News has covered his exploits. Wyse landed a one-day cohosting gig on The Rachael Ray Show in 2015. In 2021, he returned to campus during 91短视频 Homecoming and Family Weekend as a featured speaker for the annual TenTalks event.

Wyse is the fourth generation to live on his family farm in southeast Iowa. Follow him at:

Your generous support helps students pursue a quality college education without financial barriers. Join us for the 9th annual Lov91短视频 Giving Day and contribute to the scholarships that empower future 91短视频 students. Together, we can help write 贰惭鲍鈥檚 next chapter. 

Read the previous profiles in our A Royal Tale series:

It鈥檚 probably no surprise that the time and money spent on a college degree is one of the best investments you can make in your lifetime. But, seeing the raw numbers 鈥� just how much more money a college graduate earns versus someone with only a high school diploma 鈥� can be eye-opening.

On average, college graduates with a bachelor鈥檚 degree earn $580 more per week, or $2,500 more per month, than those with a high school diploma. That鈥檚 according to Jim Leaman, director of the Business and Leadership Program at 91短视频, who crunched the numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Leaman delivered a presentation on his findings at 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Admitted Student Day earlier this month.

Paying it back ‘pretty easy’

The average total debt for 91短视频 graduates who have taken out loans is $35,000. For those graduates, their increased earnings 鈥� $30,000 more per year than high school graduates 鈥� make it 鈥減retty easy to service that debt load,鈥� Leaman said.

鈥淭hat $35,000 debt feels like a lot to a 22-year-old coming out of college who’s just getting started in their career; it feels enormous,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut, I鈥檇 much rather be in that position than not having gone to college, from a financial standpoint.鈥�

With the current 5.5% interest rate on subsidized loans, the cost of repaying $35,000 in student loan debt over 20 years equates to a $240 payment each month, Leaman said. 

鈥淚f you鈥檙e making $2,500 more per month because you have a bachelor鈥檚 degree, you鈥檙e very willing to have a $240-per-month expenditure on your debt,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou very easily make that trade-off.鈥�        

And, that鈥檚 just for graduates who carry on debt. Roughly 28% of students leave 91短视频 without borrowing money, he added.

Earning a four-year degree is still relatively rare. Only 33% of the U.S. labor force has at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree. And, it鈥檚 still something employers value. According to 2022 BLS statistics, the unemployment rate for those with a bachelor鈥檚 degree was 2.2%, compared to a 4% rate for those with a high school diploma. 

More than money

Of course, the benefits of a college education extend past a salary. 

Students at 91短视频 explore big questions of faith and meaning, develop social skills, discover their passions, gain confidence and mature in just about every way imaginable. Graduates also are more likely to live longer.

found that 25-year-old Americans who graduated college have about 58 years of life remaining (for a life expectancy of 83 years). Their peers who lack a college degree have about 50 years of life left after 25 (a life expectancy of 75 years).

Likely culprits behind this mortality gap include: differential access to health care, a greater likelihood of unhealthy behaviors among people without college degrees, a difference in the safety of living environments, and more “deaths of despair” involving suicide, drug overdoses and alcoholism, .

So, what’s not to love about investing in a college degree? In addition to gaining all the skills needed to become contributing members of society, college graduates earn significantly more, live nearly a decade longer, and 鈥� at least for 91短视频 grads 鈥� are well-positioned to pay off their debt.

鈥淭he moral of the story,” said Leaman, “is that education is a fantastic investment.”

91短视频 (91短视频) has announced the 2022 Yoder and Webb Scholars. The scholarships cover full tuition and include admission into 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Honors Program.

The Yoder Scholars program was founded by Carol and Paul R. Yoder Jr., both graduates of 1963, with a gift of more than $1.2 million. [Read more about their reluctance for a spotlight and long legacy of philanthropy when named as 2011 Philanthropists of the Year by the Fundraising Professionals of America, Shenandoah chapter.]

The Webb Scholars program honors Ada Webb, one of the first African-American students to attend the university; and Margaret (Peggy) Webb who was the first African-American graduate in 1954.

Incoming first-years compete for the award at Honors Weekend. This year鈥檚 application included a 400-word response to the question, 鈥淭here are three types of people in the world; which are you?鈥� Applicants were also challenged to create a conceptual response by communicating anything they wanted through the medium of a blank 3脳5 card.

Honors faculty make their selections based on academic performance, community and extracurricular involvement, creativity, clarity of thought, and leadership potential.

Read about the 2022 Yoder and Webb scholars: Elili Asefa, Nia Boyd, Anne Cornelius, Maria Longenecker, and Arelys Martinez Fabian.

Elili Asefa

When Elili Asefa visited 91短视频 during Honors Weekend, she immediately felt like she would belong here. 鈥淭he two days that I was here were truly amazing,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 met incredible people and made friends that instantly welcomed me to campus.鈥� 

The environment is diverse and inclusive, she said. 鈥淲ith the cross-cultural engagements and the emphasis of faith and peacebuilding present at 91短视频, I feel like I will be able to enrich my canvas throughout my time here.鈥�

A native of Nairobi, Kenya, she moved at age five to Ethiopia and at nine to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

She was a member of the varsity track and cross country teams and competed for Lancaster City Track Club during her J.P. McCaskey High School. Asefa was also involved in Black Student Union and Gospel Choir, and served as the student representative to the school board and a church youth leader.

She earned recognition as the 2021-2022 McCAskey Female Athlete of the Year, student of the month, and L-L-league Scholar Athlete. She was also a member of National Honors Society and Distinguished Honor Roll. 

Asefa originally planned to become a physical therapist, but has decided to pivot to nursing. 鈥淚 always valued health institutions and the great importance they bring to the world,鈥� Asefa said. 鈥淎s a woman of color, I also hope to create a chain that will inspire more women of color to aim to pursue a health career. I believe that bringing more diversity to this field is crucial for the future of all health institutions around the world.鈥�

Nia Boyd

Nia Boyd, from Richmond, Virginia, plans to major in art and English with minors in either pre-law or Spanish. She hopes to become a criminal lawyer.

Boyd played field hockey and softball for Henrico High School. She earned an honorable mention in field hockey for 2nd Team All-Region , and for softball, two Warrior awards. She is looking forward to running on 贰惭鲍鈥檚 track and field team.

鈥淲hen it came to my sports, I enjoyed the release I felt. When I was entering high school, the transition was harder than most because I had lost my father in July,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think my sports taught me perseverance through the pain and that anything is possible.鈥�

Boyd was also a member of her school鈥檚 mock trial team. She earned the Best Attorney in Virginia award twice. She was the first at Henrico to have achieved this in her first year of competition, which her coach named as remarkable. As a senior, she earned a perfect score. The mock trial experience helped her learn to articulate her feelings or beliefs and advocate effectively for others.

She was also a member of the Black Student Union. 鈥淭his club showed me how to embrace my roots and be proud of who I was,鈥� she said.

Boyd chose 91短视频 because of the community. 鈥淚 loved the atmosphere on campus and enjoyed how everyone was welcoming of one another,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 liked how small it was, because it made me feel like I would be taken care of and understood by people around me rather than just a number. I鈥檓 excited about meeting new friends and becoming active in this community.鈥�

Anne Cornelius

Anne Cornelius grew up in Yangon, Myanmar, and graduated from Thalun International School in 2021 in the midst of a pandemic and political unrest.

She is still considering different career paths, but with the same goal. 鈥淚鈥檝e chosen international business as a major for the time being, solely to fulfill my purpose of returning back home and participating in the mending of the Burmese economy,鈥� Cornelius said.

In high school, Cornelius was a part of the Student Council, Art Club, Community Service, and Trash Hero. She received the Best Data Analysis and Best Presentation awards during the Learning Across Borders programs, which involve competing for environmental science projects in different countries. 

Cornelius also participated in various advocacy activities, such as GM4MD and USACM, and worked as a reporter for a news company. She also volunteered as a teacher and translator at multiple churches and events. These experiences highlight the importance of community and genuinity, she said. 鈥淚 truly learned to treasure the community I had that showed me genuine kindness and peace.鈥�

When she visited, Cornelius realized how much 贰惭鲍鈥檚 values aligned with her own. 鈥淭he community was very welcoming and supportive. As someone who recently graduated with seven other students in my class, 贰惭鲍鈥檚 small classroom sizes and the student to teacher ratio were the reasons why I chose to become a Royal.鈥�

Maria Longenecker

When Maria Longenecker came to 91短视频 for a visit last winter, she attended a trivia night and went to an Ultimate Frisbee event. The sense of community she experienced drew her to 91短视频. 鈥淓ven from that short weekend, I could sense that 91短视频 was a place where people cared deeply about each other and also could have a lot of fun together,鈥� she said.

She is a biology major, with plans for a career in education or the medical field. 

Longenecker is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and attended JP McCaskey High School. She earned the International Baccalaureate, bilingual (Spanish-English) diploma, McCaskey鈥檚 2022 Shawn W. Wampler Award, and membership in National Honors Society. 

Longenecker was on the student council, superintendent鈥檚 cabinet, and pole vaulted and ran for the track team. She also helped out in an elementary music classroom. 

鈥淚 love music and participated in multiple choirs, the theater department, and marching band,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he music department was a great source of community and friendship throughout high school.鈥�

She was active with Blossom Hill Mennonite Church and also worked at the Lancaster Sweet Shoppe and Stroopie Co. for 3.5 years. 鈥淚 loved getting to know the 鈥榬egulars鈥� on a more personal level,鈥� Longenecker said. 鈥淪ince I worked there for so long, I would get to know a few customers really well and it was fun following along with their stories through all of the ups and downs.鈥� 

Arelys Martinez Fabian

Arelys Martinez Fabian is majoring in education and Spanish with the hopes of becoming a teacher.

鈥淚 started school with very basic level English and it was very difficult trying to learn and become adapted to the new culture,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 would love to be able to help other students who experience that same feeling, the way my amazing teachers helped me.鈥�

Hailing from Winchester, Virginia, Martinez Fabian graduated from Millbrook High School, where she was senior president of Interact Club and a SCA representative for her class. Additionally, she was class vice president of the Spanish Club. She was also a member of FCCLA and Multicultural Club. 

鈥淚 met some of my best friends there and it taught me so much about being proud of who I am and my culture,鈥� she said.

Martinez Fabian also won best poster for FCCLA at the state level, earned a bilingual certification, was the Student of the Year for Teachers for Tomorrow in recognition for her volunteer work she completed).

During high school, Martinez Fabian worked at Cracker Barrel and Target, but her most influential job was at a daycare as a teacher’s assistant. 鈥淢y choice to be a teacher was solidified there because I loved working with the students,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t taught me a lot about how different children are from each other, for example, their learning styles or creativity. My time at the daycare taught me more about patience and understanding.鈥�

The decision to come to 91短视频 came down to the close and welcoming community for Martinez Fabian. 鈥淚 am super excited about getting to learn about new perspectives and experience a completely different environment,鈥� she said.

From conducting economic policy research in the DC area to assisting with costume design at an award-winning theater, 14 students are gaining professional experience this summer at the Washington Community Scholars鈥� Center (WCSC). The center, located in the nation鈥檚 capital since 1976, is a program of 91短视频.

These 14 students, including two from Goshen College, are living and working in Washington DC in a range of professional internships in fields from youth work to invasive species removal.

This summer Ann Butwell, associate director of student life and administration for WCSC, is debuting the course Creativity, Culture and Change: Latinidad in the Capital Region. From meeting in city hall with the first Latina mayor of Mt. Rainier to studying immigration patterns and conducting their own research, WCSC students are gaining a greater understanding of the local community and contributions of immigrants.

The semester-long experience is also a community-building endeavor, with students living together in the Nelson Good House in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington, DC. This semester鈥檚 placements include several organizations that are long-time hosts of 91短视频 students, highlighting WCSC鈥檚 deep ties within the region. Many alumni can trace their careers back to a pivotal experience at WCSC. 

Read more about WCSC success! Grads Tessa Waidelich and Terry Jones find full-time work after their internships.

Read on to learn more about the students, their placements and the organizations they are involved with. 

Andrew Bennett, a biology major from Doylestown, Pa., works alongside therapists and patients at Pivot Physical Therapy.

Jessica Buckwalter, a psychology major from Yona, Guam, is with Little Friends for Peace. She works with children, young adults, and halfway house personnel to provide nonviolent ways to work through emotions and trauma.

鈥淢y most significant learning experience will likely come from working with such a diverse group of people, and all that those groups bring to our discussion,鈥� she said.

Jessica Chisolm, a peacebuilding and development and writing studies double major from Collinsville, Miss., is working with Mennonite Central Committee’s National Justice and Peace Ministries office. Alongside the communications coordinator and peace education coordinator, she will write an article and work on anti-militarism curriculum resources.

Skylar Coffey, a psychology major from Elkton, Va., is with Samaritan Inns, working at Clark’s Inn, a rehabilitation house for mothers that suffer from substance abuse. Skylar observes rehabilitation group sessions and individual sessions, learning to take clinical notes and conduct supervised research on building a rehabilitation program.

Ashlyn Eby, a nursing major from Annandale, Va., is with Community of Hope, a community health clinic that provides quality healthcare and housing to families. She is on two interdisciplinary teams with goals of reducing uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension in the population they serve.

Amanda Gilbert, a psychology major from Lanham, Md., is with Covenant House, an organization that provides educational programs, job training and placement, medical services, mental health and substance use counseling, legal aid and beyond to homeless youth.

Josh Holloway, a liberal arts major from Broadway, Va., is with St. Anthony Catholic School, gaining experience working with children and observing different teaching styles.

Alijah Johnson, a digital media and communication major from Upper Marlboro, Md., is interning with Washington Digital Media, making business cards and several other templates.

Aaliyah Lawhorne, a biology major from Waynesville, N.C., is interning with Bread for the City. She works at a primary care clinic where she conducts patient satisfaction surveys to English and Spanish-speaking clients. She is also shadowing and assisting the nurses and other health care professionals.

鈥淚 think the most significant learning experience I have had is learning how to provide holistic care to communities that are underserved,鈥� she said.

Rachel Mast, a sustainability studies major at Goshen College from Lancaster, Pa., is assisting the Anacostia Watershed Society with their adult education classes, tree surveying, invasive species removal, wetland planting, and boat tours on the Anacostia River.

Alex Miller, a theater and environmental science double major at Goshen College from Middlebury, In., is working at the Keegan Theater as a costume design intern for three productions during the summer.

鈥淚 am excited to help with costume design in a professional setting and look forward to working with several costume designers over the course of the summer. I hope to add their advice, techniques, and knowledge to my professional toolkit,鈥� they said.

Kendra Oguamena, a psychology major from Alexandria, Va., is helping Girls on the Run DC with program outreach, coach recruitment processing, and communications. She has found it meaningful to see and hear about the coaching experiences from past and current volunteer coaches. Girls on the Run provides an “inclusive place of belonging, where girls feel supported and inspired to explore their emotions, cultivate empathy and strengthen their physical and emotional health.”

Katelyn Sellars, a nursing major from Telford, Pa., works with Mary’s Center’s Centering Pregnancy program, designed to improve equity and health among expecting parents. She also works with the patient education team, developing skills in patient education. Mary’s Center provides primary health care and other wrap-around services to any individual that enters their doors regardless of their ability to pay.

Josh White, a business administration major from Chesapeake, Va., is with the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development, which fosters just and equitable community development solutions that address the needs and aspirations of low- and moderate-income district residents by convening, advocating, and educating diverse stakeholders. Josh is conducting research, collecting citations and taking inventory of a variety of housing and loan documents for historical outcomes of DC tenant policies.

Ten graduating seniors were honored as Cords of Distinction recipients in a ceremony Saturday afternoon, April 30, 2022, at 91短视频.

Faculty, staff and fellow students nominated the recipients, who were cited for their 鈥渟ignificant and verifiable impact鈥� on the university and on student life; for their contributions to developing the institution鈥檚 positive image; for substantial contributions to the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County area and beyond; for their high academic and social standing; and their embodiment of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 shared values of Christian discipleship, community, service and peacebuilding.

Rodrigo Barahona

An environmental science and economics from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Rodrigo was honored by Micah Shristi, director of International Student Services.

Rodrigo Pablo Felipe Sebastian Barahona Barahona, or 鈥� to his friends鈥撯�漅odri鈥�. Since the moment he first set foot on campus Rodrigo has consistently and constantly demonstrated welcoming, connecting, and generously serving others as his highest priorities. This is exemplified by the chill relaxed friendly creative presence that Rodrigo brings to any interaction and by the many and wide-ranging community building activities on his 91短视频 resume:

1. International Student Organization (鈥淚SO鈥�). Unfailing participation, planning, and leadership of the club throughout his 4 years at 91短视频 including 2 years as treasurer. Let me give you an example: Even this semester with an evening class at the same time as our weekly club gathering, Rodrigo still comes to the gathering as soon as his class is over even if it’s just for 5 minutes at the tail end of the gathering. Connecting with and supporting ISO members is so important to him. Rodrigo has also been an active member of the Latino Student Alliance.

2. Creative expression. Through participation in formal and informal music ensembles Rodrigo has (literally) helped to set the rhythm of campus life with his skills as a drummer with the 91短视频 Jazz Ensemble and many other musical collaborations. I would be remiss if I failed to mention creative video collaborations with Jay Cho. 

3. He鈥檚 brainy. One major was not enough for this man. He needed two, so he鈥檚 graduating with a double major: economics and environmental science.  And surprise, surprise, Rodrigo uses his braininess to help other students by serving as an economics tutor in the Academic Success Center and an English language tutor in the Intensive English Program. 

4. Community service: Gardens, solar panels, field trips, vines, figs鈥� Oh, my! 

All this and more鈥� and always friendly, welcoming, unassuming, and non-judgmental. Rodrigo models creativity, compassion, and hard work to his peers. There will be a Rodri-shaped hole in 贰惭鲍鈥檚 community fabric next semester. Thank you for everything, Rodrigo. These Cords of Distinction are well deserved.  

Asha Beck

A digital media and communications major and Spanish minor from Linville, Virginia, Asha was honored by Professor Kathy Evans, education.

It has been an immense pleasure to work and learn alongside Asha Beck this year. Asha has a heart for people; she possesses natural leadership qualities; and she holds a deep passion for justice. 

Whether she is planning an event or working on an art project, Asha centers relationships with others as an essential part of all that she does. She cares for people and it shows in the way she listens empathetically and in the way she works to include people who have often been left out. She sees people, truly sees them, regardless of their status or of their ability to provide something in exchange – she simply sees them and includes them in the most genuine of ways. In thoughtful and compassionate ways, Asha embodies the tagline, 鈥淏elong Together,鈥� and has helped to make 91短视频 a place where people indeed do belong. 

Asha is also a natural leader. She has been a member of Safe Space since her first year at 91短视频; as one of the Leadership Council members this past year, she has worked to build community and support fellow students. In addition, she has held leadership in the Art Club and served as a senator with SGA. With her commitment to a relational ethic, her leadership takes on a quality of collaboration and invitation. I remember being at a Safe Space meeting where students were discussing the roles of president, vice-president, etc. and in part because of Asha鈥檚 leadership, they ended up settling on a leadership team model, where they all worked together to make decisions and plan events. I think they even rewrote the club constitution to reflect this commitment to a non-hierarchical leadership structure. 

Lastly, one of the things that I have appreciated so much has been Asha鈥檚 fierce commitment to justice and equity. Again, from a completely relational place, she is willing to have difficult and authentic conversations that demonstrate a willingness to learn from others鈥� perspectives. From caring for chickens to hosting conversations about healthy emotional boundaries, Asha has spoken out about important issues and has supported initiatives that create opportunities for education, advocacy, and a better 91短视频. 

Asha鈥檚 care for the earth, her love for people, and her concern for all of life have led her to be one of those quiet champions for a more just world. I look forward to seeing where Asha鈥檚 path continues to take her. 

Alcinda Brubaker 

A marketing major from Keezletown, Virginia, Alcinda was honored by Celeste Thomas, Director of Multicultural Services.

I am humbled to stand before you today to share the accomplishments of this wonderful young woman, Alcinda Brubaker. It was my pleasure to serve as her adviser for the Black Student Alliance as well as mentor. I have come to not only know Alcinda as a talented young woman but I have been blessed to have the honor to get to know her heart. 

Alcinda began her journey at 91短视频 in 2010 and in the words of Langston Hughes, 鈥淟ife ain’t been no crystal stair. It鈥檚 had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor鈥擝are.鈥� Despite all of your challenges you have kept climbin鈥� and reachin鈥� landin鈥檚, and turnin鈥� corners, and sometimes goin鈥� in the dark, but you have followed your own advice and have never given up! 

You have given so authentically and unselfishly of yourself to the 91短视频 community, the greater Harrisonburg community, and to the well-being of the numerous students you have mentored. Your impact will be felt for years to come. You have impacted not only the BIPOC community but you have left your footprint on the entire campus. On campus you have served the following: Royal Society Ambassadors, Art Club, Black Student Alliance, The Weather Vane, Student Life, and the Department of Business and Leadership to name a few. Additionally, you have served Gift and Thrift, Harrisonburg Renaissance, International Festival, Beats for Mozambique, and Divine Unity Community Church. Your reach has been broad. 

You are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those who are marginalized. You recognize the privilege that you hold and work hard to make the playing field equitable for everyone. You live your favorite quote by Ghandi, which is, 鈥淏e the change you wish to see in the world.鈥� You have worked hard to overcome adversity and you are resilient beyond words. 

I leave you with these words from Amanda Gorman: 鈥淔or there is always light, if only we鈥檙e brave enough to see it. If only we鈥檙e brave enough to be it.鈥� You are BRAVE! Look what a war orphan from Mozambique has accomplished when given the opportunity!

Tahj鈥檃e Coleman

A psychology major from Willingboro, New Jersey, Tahj鈥檃e was honored by Celeste Thomas, Director of Multicultural Services.

I am well pleased to have had the opportunity to walk alongside Tahj鈥檃e during her journey at 91短视频. In the words of Maya Angelou,鈥淒oes my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 鈥機ause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room.鈥�

Tahj鈥檃e is a deep thinker. She is one who sits back and observes situations before contributing. She takes it all in and comes to the table informed. She does her research. She has a heart and genuine concern for people and creates opportunities for those who are less fortunate than herself.  

Tahj鈥檃e is a true advocate for social justice. She not only assisted with the creation and painting of the Black Lives Matter Mural but has on numerous occasions raised her voice and spoke truth to power in the 91短视频 Weather Vane newspaper. She unapologetically shared her passion about the inequities happening in the world and on campus. She stood up with confidence, bravery, self determination and empowerment while serving her people.

She carries that same passion in her service with the Black Student Union, the Student Government, Psychology Club and Royal Ambassadors. It wasn鈥檛 enough to just be a part of these organizations, she held leadership roles in all of them. She always shows up in spaces as her authentic self and this is a unique gift.

Additionally, she has worked at Covenant House where she was able to counsel homeless youth and guided them in the direction of working toward a positive and productive future. In an effort to assist students in having a better college experience, she is conducting research on how childhood verbal abuse can create low self-esteem in college students and can ultimately create a lack of sense of belonging in college.  

Tahj鈥檃e has taken being a young woman of color on campus very seriously. It is not lost on her the importance of representation to underclassmen of color and that regardless of one鈥檚 ethnicity, your hard work will pay off! To paraphrase Maya Angelou: Tahj鈥檃e, Bringing the gifts that Your ancestors gave, You are the dream and the hope of the slave. You Rise, You Rise, You Rise!

Elizabeth Eby

A major in peacebuilding and development and Bible, religion and theology from Goshen, Indiana, Elizabeth was honored by Professor Justin Poole, theater program director.

Throughout her four years at 91短视频, Elizabeth Eby has been a standout student, always dedicated, hardworking, fearless, and passionate. She has juggled multiple activities with patience and a smile on her face, contributing greatly to group dynamics in diverse settings.

Elizabeth has served as Pastoral Assistant (then Student Chaplain) for two years, as a hymn sing student leader, as planner and leader of campus worship services and the Sunday Night Worship service during the pandemic shut down period. 

In theater Elizabeth’s contributions onstage and behind the scenes have helped launch and sustain a significant growth period for the theater program. From her first leading role, playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast during her freshman year to her unforgettable portrayal of doomed rockstar Mercutio in U2 Romeo and Juliet and the featured dancer in the opera Noye’s Fludde Elizabeth has demonstrated remarkable skills as a performer. Elizabeth has been the recipient of multiple Irene Ryan Acting nominations from the Kennedy American College Theater Festival. She was even one of the select few to make it to the finals round in this year’s regional competition, beating out theater majors from much larger programs. Elizabeth has also been a community teacher for the after-school program On the Road Collaborative at Thomas Harrison Middle School, demonstrating her commitment to nurture another generation of artists. 

Elizabeth Eby’s presence at 91短视频 has made this a better place, and I look forward to seeing where she goes from here!

Skylar Hedgepeth

An elementary education major from Smithfield, Virginia, Skylar was honored by Ashley “Stick” Kishorn, head field hockey coach.

Skylar Hedgepeth has connected with a tremendous amount of people during her time at 91短视频. I realize there are so many individuals who could speak on behalf of Skylar tonight. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to present Skylar Hedgepeth for this recognition of Cords of Distinction Award. 

Skylar has taken opportunities to be a leader in a wide variety of roles on campus and throughout our community by participating as an active member with Eastern Mennonite Student Women鈥檚 Association and the Committee of Diversity & Inclusion.  As Celebration co-president and a Student Chaplain Assistant, Skylar exemplifies her passion to serve others through 贰惭鲍鈥檚 student-led worship service. She dedicates her summers to Fuge Camps, where she works as a bible study leader to create change in the lives of students. Skylar鈥檚 compassion and selfless contribution to others will continue to guide her as she pursues her future as an educator. In addition to her activities, Skylar鈥檚 dedication to academic excellence has allowed her to maintain a 4.0 Cumulative GPA and hold a spot on the 91短视频 Deans List each semester. She has been recognized as a member of the NFHCA All – Academic Squad and a Scholar of Distinction. 

In the recruiting process four years ago, I could tell that 91短视频 and the field hockey program would be a good choice for Skylar and for our program, but more importantly Skylar was a perfect fit for the 91短视频 community as a whole. Skylar already possessed many of the values and characteristics, and of course the field hockey skills to make a prominent contribution to 91短视频 Athletics. Skylar made an immediate impact on the field hockey program starting her career leading the team in goals as a freshman and earning the 91短视频 Rookie Athlete of the Year Award. Sklyar also earned All-ODAC recognition during her freshman and junior seasons. As she finishes her field hockey career, she leaves her mark on the program and her name in the record book, finishing 17th all time in scoring. Additionally, Skylar鈥檚 work ethic and determination allowed her to participate as a dual-sport athlete and also played softball and lacrosse.

Beyond the statistics and her capabilities as an athlete, Skylar exemplifies what you hope each and every athlete who comes through the program will aspire to be. You hope that they will get involved and be active participants in the community, you hope that they will be able to grow their faith, and you hope that they will grow as leaders and be able to advocate for themselves and for others. She has taken full advantage of the Division III athletic experience and submerged herself into the 91短视频 community. She cares deeply about women鈥檚 representation, she is vocal about the rights of underrepresented groups, and steps up to share her faith with others. I am grateful for the opportunity to have coached Skylar. I could not be more proud of her and the impact that she will have on future students as an elementary teacher.  

Hannah Leaman

A mathematics major with secondary education licensure and a minor in Honors from Bakersfield, California, Hannah was honored by Professor Daniel Showalter, mathematics.

During her first three years at 91短视频, Hannah quickly established herself as a disciplined student, talented writer, and a master of mysteries. For example, did you realize that Hannah shares the title of reigning world champion of the Kryptos Codebreaking Competition held by the University of Central Washington? But rather than selfishly limiting her sharp wits to her own academic pursuits, she invests them in helping others. As one nominator said, 鈥淗annah has so courageously spoken out on important issues on campus and done so with grace, thoughtfulness, and compassion. She has been a quiet and fierce advocate for a better 91短视频.鈥� 

Still, it wasn鈥檛 until our cross-cultural to Thailand together that I truly began to see Hannah鈥檚 poetic soul and transformative presence. Although I may not have earned the same 15 credits as the students on the trip, I learned just as much, and a large portion of my growth took place from reading Hannah鈥檚 journal. She taught me how an event can be interpreted quite differently by people with different backgrounds and how our past experiences color our present perceptions. She introduced me to inspirational leaders like Glennon Doyle. And her unique way of articulating social dynamics and personal tensions changed the way I organize my thoughts. Yet, Hannah is not only an eloquent writer; she backs her words up with her actions. When a member of our cross-cultural broke her ankle, I took care of the basic needs, but Hannah quickly perceived that the student鈥檚 emotional needs and feelings of inclusion were just as important. Without any prompting, she organized a daily rotation of support for the member 鈥� a task that required numerous hours and lasted the entire trip. And this is just one peer; everyone respected Hannah. At one point, when Hannah was wrestling with some personal issues, she asked my 9-year-old daughter Ellie if she had an extra stuffed animal to share; this was a breakthrough moment in Ellie feeling connected with Hannah. As Ellie said, 鈥淎nyone who understands the power of bonding with a stuffie can be trusted.鈥� Here are some other comments written by her cross-cultural peers: 鈥淗annah鈥檚 curiosity shines and is a huge asset.鈥� 鈥淗annah, you balance strength of character and genuine thoughtfulness, peppered with giddy enthusiasm for the beautiful things in life鈥� 鈥淗annah, you make things happen. You are very intelligent in the way you care for others.鈥� 鈥淗annah, I always enjoy conversations with you. They never stay as small talk for long.鈥� And, my personal favorite, 鈥淗annah is badass but also so kind and loving. The combo makes her even more badass.鈥�

This spring, I鈥檝e been supervising Hannah鈥檚 semester of student teaching. In terms of content and pedagogy, she was a star, which was no surprise. Behavior management, however, can be much trickier even for experienced teachers. On Hannah鈥檚 first day of middle school instruction, she took a stand when she heard some culturally inappropriate comments. That day would have gone so much more smoothly for Hannah had she chosen to ignore the comments, but she has never been one to opt for the easy way out. Another incident occurred a couple weeks later when the cooperating teacher was absent – this one had the potential to emotionally endanger other students and was personally directed at Hannah when she tried to intervene. Rather than hold a grudge against the students who were responsible, Hannah regrouped that night, and then entered into a mediated restorative process in the following days. This process not only helped heal her relationship with the students but also helped the students sincerely and willingly change their speech and behavior as a result. 

Hannah, may you continue to sustain your balance as a dancing daffodil and a badass advocate for this world. 

Faith Manickam 

A biology, pre-med major and chemistry minor from Hesston, Kansas, Faith was honored by Rachel Roth Sawatzky, director of Student Programs, Student Life.

Cords of Distinction are presented to 91短视频 students who make positive contributions to student life and the institution at large, while maintaining good academic standing. It is my distinct honor to present this award to Faith Manickam who has both met and exceeded these criteria in her academic and community engagement endeavors throughout her time at 91短视频. Biology professor Jeff Copeland indicates that Faith distinguished herself in the classroom and in preparation for medical school, but that she is not just a great student, she is also a great classmate. Professor Deanna Durham also reflected on Faith鈥檚 academic giftedness, adding that Faith also offers 鈥渁 presence that encourages others to share; she pauses before speaking and you can see her wondering about how to put her questions into words. She is sensitive and mindful of others, giving space and a kind smile. I’ve enjoyed hearing her process in class, reflecting about identity and faith, aware of the larger world yet fully immersed where she is.鈥� Deanna also noted with appreciation, 鈥淔aith shows up again and again: for SGA; campus events; poetry readings; speakers; convocation; and so on. And she not only shows up but she engages deeply in discussions and conversations, lingering to talk…she doesn’t want to miss an opportunity to learn more.鈥�

In my own experience of Faith I have found that she embodies the words of musician and philosopher, Jimi Hendrix: 鈥渒nowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.鈥� I have yet to meet another student who can hold space with such compassion and confidence. Dean of Students Shannon Dycus reflects, 鈥淔aith has both natural and learned leadership skills. Watching her in leadership means getting to witness the ways she is actively attentive to the needs of people around her – you see her eyes moving with care. Faith’s leadership is centered in possibility – always asking the questions of how we can show up. The spirit that drives this in her motivates others to the generative care she holds.鈥� 

Not only is she wise and thoughtful, Faith is also a great conversationalist. I value the many conversations that have spilled over from a scheduled meeting into an extended personal conversation. Over the course of those conversations, Faith and I have discovered numerous shared experiences and deep connections. If Faith and I had gone to college together, I hope that we would have been friends; and in any case, I am very glad we are friends now.

Faith, as you set your eyes toward the next phase, I want to offer you this advice for life, in the words of Indian writer and political activist Arundhati Roy: 

To love. To be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never to forget.

Faith 鈥� good luck and on behalf of 91短视频, thank you for your leadership and the spirit in which you offered it.

Misrahim (Mizz) Nyagwegwe

A recreation and sports management major from Norristown, Pennsylvania, Mizz was honored by Brian Martin Burkholder, University Chaplain, and Carlin Kreider, Campus Missionary, Every Nation Campus.

Well, what does one say to honor Misrahim (Mizz) Nyagwegwe upon his recognition as a recipient of the 91短视频 Cords of Distinction? He is a beloved son, thoughtful brother, dedicated uncle, friend to many, basketball player and valued teammate, mentee, and mentor to peers. What stands out most clearly is the loyalty Mizz extends to the people for whom he cares. Mizz is always willing to go the extra mile to care for and benefit others, sometimes setting aside his own preferences, motivated by a desire to see those around him grow and improve.

When observing Mizz in action, it is his steadfast presence that stands out. When Mizz is there, he is there. His contributions to the well-being of others, or toward meeting the goals of the team, or advancing a shared purpose are steady and consistent. He shows up and offers what he has to offer with an unassuming yet confident presence and he brings joy by sharing his warm smile and friendly personality.

It seems that Mizz finds great joy in serving others. He is a four year member of the men鈥檚 basketball team – elevated to co-captain his senior year, a ministry assistant and student chaplain assistant contributing to the intentions of campus ministries and the Office of Faith and Spiritual Life, a community advisor with residence life, a rec sports intern helping to organize and run events, and a dedicated student leader with Every Nation Campus as they moved from having affiliate status to being an official 91短视频 student club.

In addition to his on campus involvements, Mizz has been active at his church serving on the parking team and as an Armor Bearer and he participated in a spring break mission trip to Myrtle Beach. He also contributed to the Royals Read program with the men鈥檚 basketball team reading to area children.

Our hope for Mizz is that he continues to pursue God and grow in his own understandings of his purpose 鈥� his vocation. May God bless Mizz with a deep knowledge and experience of the love God has for him, and may Mizz continue to find ways of reflecting this love outward so it in turn blesses others who cross his path.

Mizz, congratulations on being honored with the 91短视频 Cords of Distinction.

Allison Shelly

A political science major with minors in Honors, journalism, community organizing and development, and history from Collinsville, Mississippi, Allison was honored by Professor Ji Eun Kim, political science.

Salt and light. Allison Shelly is the person who recalls what Jesus said to his followers: To be salt and light of this world, affecting and influencing the people, community, and the world around us. As shared by multiple enthusiastic nominations, Allison made a 鈥渟ignificant and verifiable impact鈥� on all of us during her four years at 91短视频. 

As her colleagues appreciated her presence and active work in every corner of our campus and beyond, succinctly reviewing Allison鈥檚 list of countless positions and accomplishments is highly challenging. She was the SGA co-president during COVID and polarized election year, a position in which she helped the campus organize “Race Matters,” “LGBTQ+ Matters” orientations, hosted town halls, co-hosted a convocation event reflecting on political polarization on campus. Her peers also called her a great leader of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Cross Country, Track & Fields, and 91短视频 Triathlon teams. Allison served as a Community Advisor for first years as well as the 91短视频 Honors mentor. She also worked in the Visual Arts in Worship Documentary team, a collaborative work between 91短视频 and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Except for the semesters when she was off -campus, either for her Middle East Cross-Cultural or to work as a Community Organizing intern at Congregation Action Network in DC, her name always appeared on the Weathervane, where she served as the writer and photographer. You may have also come across her bright, friendly smile at Common Grounds as she was our barista for four semesters. Allison鈥檚 active campus engagement was also accompanied by her excellent academic standing. As a major in political science with four minors (in history, community organizing, journalism, and honors), she has been an all-A Dean鈥檚 list student with a perfect GPA. 

Now while Allison鈥檚 resume certainly shines with numerous accolades, it is who she is and how she does the work that really makes her deserving of this award. Allison is a person who tirelessly holds on to the values of justice and equity in all aspects of her life. She is empathetic and genuinely cares about others, especially those whose voice has been silenced and or marginalized. It is no surprise that her research topics have always centered around the issues of unjust political systems that suppress others and perpetuate injustices (e.g., examining the mistreatment of Kurds, assessing the international human rights regimes that are inherently limited in addressing ongoing violence). Allison is passionate about the ways in which we can create real change, yet she approaches others with great nuance and humility, hoping to communicate and understand the complex emotions that others or herself may experience in this arduous journey for justice. Her attentive listening skills and thoughtful presence invite and challenge us to become more loving and caring people. Last year, Allison shared three values that she wishes to engrain in the foundation of her being and purpose: First was 鈥渋nitiative鈥� (with the wisdom that her actions may not create immediate social change). Second, a mindset of 鈥渁bundance.鈥�  And lastly, 鈥渃reativity鈥� which often blooms the most when we are limited. I feel blessed to have been able to work with Allison these past four years, who truly inspires us with such a desire to improve herself and the world around her. I look forward to seeing her continue to walk this journey guided by her values.

Three 91短视频 business students participated in in early April at James Madison University.

TechStars events are hosted around the United States and around the world. The organization is for anyone interested in entrepreneurship. Students from 91短视频 participated along with those from JMU and VMI and community members.

The event was organized by the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund, a nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization serving the Shenandoah Valley. 

“It was exciting to see a number of our 91短视频 students involved in these regional events,鈥� said Jair Drooger, instructor of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 entrepreneurship class and director of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Center for Innovation and Leadership. 鈥淭he opportunity to vet and pitch your own idea or to join with others working to solve a problem of interest, rapidly provides the participants with so many real-world experiences that are critical to their entrepreneurial journey.” 

Lizzy Kirkton said she learned to keep her product simple and to think on her feet. A double major in business administration and organizational leadership, she hopes to work in the field of environmental sustainability. She鈥檚 also interested in working in a team-oriented environment and facilitating ethical decision-making in the business field. 

Despite not usually being the person who spoke up and steered conversations, Kirkton ended up being the person in her group who led discussion. She came away with a lot more confidence in her ability to communicate clearly and confidently. 鈥淏y the end of the weekend, I was a lot more comfortable networking and having conversations with people I didn鈥檛 know.鈥�

During the event, individuals participated in a one-minute pitch and then formed teams around their favorite ideas. They have the weekend to create a business, which they then pitch on Sunday.

Hebron Mekuria, an engineering major, was participating with a pitch contest win already. She won The Sullivan Foundation鈥檚 pitch contest in March. 

The Techstars experience helped uncover the importance of team dynamics, she said. 鈥淚t was evident this could make or break our idea鈥 was better able to understand how to add value to a team and identify if a teammate added value to me and my work. 

She also enjoyed meeting CEOs, managers, investors, entrepreneurs and others who were eager to 鈥渃onnect with young minds set on solving a problem.鈥� 

鈥淭he event provided a fantastic opportunity to strengthen collaboration skills with team-members, identify my personal strengths, and develop critical-thinking skills throughout the weekend,鈥� said Aaron Shenk, a business administration major. 

Projects pitched to the judges Sunday included a waste management program and custom guitars.

Prizes for the winning team include legal packages, social media recognition, and community support.

More than 100 91短视频 students were recognized for accomplishments and achievements during the 2021-22 academic year during a special recognition ceremony Tuesday.

Academics

Academic Success Center

Seniors who worked as tutors were recognized: Rodrigo Barahona, Jonas Beachy, Ben Bontrager-Singer, Garrett Cash, Tarynn Clark, Erin Clayton, Elizabeth Eby, Ike Esh, Ben Greenleaf, Mary Harnish, Tasia Hoover, Caleb Hostetler, Brenda Kasongo, Nicole Miller, Sara Beth Mumbauer, Jake Myers, Andrea Troyer, Laura Troyer, Jason Wong, Eli Wright, Teo Yoder, Janessa Zimmerman, and Verda Zook.

Bible and Religion

The annual Haverim* writing awards are given to students whose essays demonstrate robust scholarship related in one way or another to biblical studies, religion, philosophy, and/or Anabaptist/Mennonite thought and practice. Cash awards of $300, $200, and $100 for first, second and third place, respectively, come with the prize. 

• First place: Elizabeth Eby for 鈥�”Beyond Cancel Culture: Uniting around Difference in the Book of Acts,鈥� highlighting how the 鈥渃ancel culture鈥� phenomenon can too often cause precisely the exclusion that it seeks to address and articulating how the Apostolic Decree encouraged radical inclusion while still challenging and de-centering the voices that perpetuate injustice.

• Second place: Isaac Alderfer for his exploration of the industrialization of food production and his argument that a turn toward agroecology could offer a form of food production that pays attention to both social and environmental justice.
• Third place: Jake Myers for his history of monasticism in Ireland and effects on surrounding communities.

*Haverim, the Hebrew word for friends, is a group of Bible, religion, and theology and seminary alumni which supports 91短视频 and EMS.

Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sustainability

• Nicole Miller: Outstanding Senior Chemistry Student
• Faith Manickam: Outstanding Senior Biology Student
• Isaac Alderfer and Jacob Myers: Outstanding Environmental Sustainability Student
• Evan Kauffman and Meredith Lehman: Outstanding First-Year Chemistry Student Award
• Megan Miller and Isaac Spicher: Outstanding Second-Year Biology Student Awards
• Jessie Landis: Award for Excellence in Research, 
• Andrew Troyer: Award for Exceptional Service.

Business and Leadership

• Rodrigo Barahona: Outstanding Economics Senior
• Alcinda Brubaker: Exceptional Service Award
• Max Driver: Outstanding Business Administration Senior听
• Max Driver: Outstanding Research Award
• Jaylon Lee: Outstanding Recreation and Sports Management Senior
• Isaac Longacher: Outstanding Marketing Senior
• Verda Zook: Outstanding Accounting Senior.

Center for Justice and Peacebuilding

Graduate student Conner Suddick was selected for recognition for 鈥渆xceptionally artful and inclusive leadership,鈥� according to his advisor Katie Mansfield, lead trainer with the Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience. 鈥淐onner, thank you for imagining an inclusive experience for every body at 91短视频 and working creatively to address historical and present wounds and weave a more loving future that includes queer bodies, engaging research, writing, participatory arts-based research and circle processes.鈥�

Education

Five education students were named as 2022 Teachers of Promise, among 100 of the best and brightest pre-service teachers in Virginia:听

• Mary Harnish, from Lancaster, Pa.; Elementary Education, PreK-6 & Special Education
• Hannah Leaman, from Bakersfield, Ca.; Mathematics, Secondary Education, 6-12
• Rachel Lute, from New Market, Va.; Early Elementary Education, PreK-3
• Bethany Shultz, from Harrisonburg, Va.; Elementary Education, PreK-6 
• Anna Smith, from Edinburg, Va.;  Elementary Education, PreK-6.

Gage Riddick was selected by department faculty for the annual Courage to Teach Award, modeled after principles in Parker Palmer鈥檚 book of the same name. Department faculty selected Gage for his  dedication and success in teaching, her genuine caring for students, reflective practice, highly principled behaviors, and her courage to navigate challenging experiences. He was presented with a copy of Palmer鈥檚 book.

91短视频 faculty selected Skylar Hedgepeth for the Virginia Woman鈥檚 Scholar Award from the Virginia State Organization of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. The award is for an outstanding graduate with the promise of being a key woman educator.

Language and Literature

The following students earned awards and scholarships, many of which are in memory of valued professors who provided powerful examples of mentorship, scholarship and teaching.

• Sarah Bascom is the winner of the Carroll Yoder Award for Teaching Excellence, which honors an 91短视频 senior or junior who has demonstrated academic excellence in both literary studies and education courses and has shown a clear call to the teaching profession.听
• Claire Whetzel earned the Ray Elvin Horst Award for excellence in Spanish.听
• Jessamine Domingo earned the Ervie L. Glick Award for excellence in world language study.
• Claire Whetzel is awarded the Omar Eby Writing Award. This award is presented to a senior majoring or minoring in writing studies who demonstrates excellence in the craft of creative writing and who provides insightful critique and support for other writers in creative workshops.
• Neo Carter was awarded the Omar and Anna Kathryn Eby Scholarship.
• Sarah Bascom and Tiffany Carey were awarded the Hubert R. and Mildred Pellman Scholarship.
• Karla Hostetter was awarded the Leroy Pellman/Elizabeth Lauver Scholarship.
• Jessica Chisolm and Joseph Whetzel were awarded the Esther Eby Glass Scholarship.
• Hannah Landis, Maria Menjivar, and Lucy Unzicker were awarded the Ernest G. Gehman Scholarship.听

Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science

• Jonas Beachy and Laura Troyer: Outstanding Seniors in Engineering Award, awarded by the faculty as the highest honor for the graduate/s demonstrating academic excellence, service, and contributions to community and culture at 91短视频.
• Ike Esh and Hannah Leaman: Outstanding Seniors in Mathematics Award, awarded by the faculty as the highest honor for the graduate demonstrating academic excellence, service, and contributions to community and culture at 91短视频.
• Isaac Andreas and Trajon Brown: Outstanding Seniors in Computer Science Award, awarded by the faculty as the highest honor for the graduate demonstrating academic excellence, service, and contributions to community and culture at 91短视频.
• Ike Esh won 贰惭鲍鈥檚 annual math competition.
• Winners of the Kryptos international codebreaking competition, out of 77 teams, were Hannah Leaman, Caleb Hostetler and Mana Acosta. Look for news coverage soon!

Music

Two students were honored with the Outstanding Student in Music Award for leadership, service, music performance and music scholarship.

• Eve Yavny has served as concertmaster of the 91短视频 Chamber Orchestra, is a two-time winner of the 91短视频 concerto competition, and gave an excellent senior recital performance. She has distinguished herself as a teacher and assistant in the Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Program as well as performed in countless university and department events. 听
• Isaac Longacre distinguished himself throughout his career at 91短视频 with exceptional performances in four 91短视频 musical theater productions, playing iconic roles from a villain to a hero in “Shrek,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “U2 Romeo and Juliet,” and “Noye’s Fludde.”

Political Science

Paige Hurley was named the History and Political Science Outstanding Student. She was recognized for exemplary service, as the student assistant for the program, and scholarship, with听 research published in New Errands, the online publication of the Eastern American Studies Association.

Psychology

• Avery Trinh and Katie Zuercher were both awarded the Galen R. Lehman Outstanding Achievement in Research Award. Both had exceptional designs, data collection and interpretation of results. Katie鈥檚 research was on the survival processing paradigm for first person shooter video games and Avery worked with 91短视频 Institutional Research on a survey about belonging.
• Joshua Wenger and Lindsay Green received the Judy H. Mullet Award for Internship Excellence, for their outstanding and consistent performance in psychology internship with exceptional independent work in establishing a unique field placement experience with Sentara Behavioral Health and Outpatient Center and the Community Care and Learning Center, respectively.

Campus Life

Campus Activities Council

Natallie Brown, Isaac Andreas, Thomas Erickson, Aliyyah Haggard, Ashley Schoenhardt and Jeremiah Yoder for the CAC All-Star Award. Criteria includes volunteering over 200 hours or working more than 350 hours.

Office of Faith and Spiritual Life

The following students were recognized for leadership as student chaplains, nurturing faith and spiritual life in various ways: Micah Buckwalter, sustainability; Alyssa Breidigan, worship; Natallie Brown, discipleship; Elizabeth Eby, engagement; Kate Landis, worship; Emma Nord, community; Reah Clymer, community; and Halie Mast, service.

Center for Interfaith Engagement

Philip Krabill and Leah Walker were recognized for offering opportunities in fall and spring, respectively, helping to create spaces on campus for engagement around issues of religious diversity and justice. They co-planned events such as SoulStories and interfaith leadership convocation breakout groups, student dinners, and celebrations of sacred holidays on campus, according to Trina Trotter Nussbaum, associate director of the Center for Interfaith Engagement, who offered the appreciation.

Multicultural Student Services

Director of Multicultural Student Services Celeste Thomas recognized the leaders the Latinx Student Alliance, many of them first-year students who stepped in to revive and continue the club after several seniors involved in leadership graduated: co-presidents Ashley Iscoa, Mayra Cruz and Cristal Narciso; co-secretaries Diego Tijerina Saucedo and KC Argueta-Rivas; marketing director David Flores Cano; historians Emily Diaz and Ariel Morales Bonilla; and treasurers Margarita Hernandez-Perez and Tony Cortes.

Residence Life

Sarah Grossen was recognized with the Outstanding CA Award, for her three-year commitment to serving as a community advisor in 91短视频 residence halls. 鈥淪he continuously creates safe, fun, and inviting spaces for all of her residents,鈥� said Tyler Goss, assistant director of student programs.

Student Government Association

Co-presidents of the Student Government Association Philip Krabill, Faith Manickam, and Aman Seyoum, were recognized for outstanding leadership by Dean of Students Shannon Dycus.

The co-presidents passed the gavel to the incoming leadership team of Meredith Lehman, Ella Brubaker, and Hannah Beck.

Athletics (includes winter and spring seasons)

Athletic Department Awards

Freshman of the Year 鈥� Brii Redfearn: Women鈥檚 Basketball and Damon Morgan: Men鈥檚 Track & Field

Athlete of the Years 鈥� Paris Hutchinson: Women鈥檚 Volleyball and Alijah Johnson: Men鈥檚 Track & Field

President鈥檚 Award 鈥� Allison Shelly: Women鈥檚 Triathlon, XC and Track & Field and Isaac Alderfer: Men鈥檚 XC and Track & Field

Field Hockey

Skylar Hedgepeth, Maggie Groetsch, Kate Landis and Libbie Derstine were named Scholars of Distinction as well as to the National Academic Squad. Joining them on the National Academic Squad were Rachel Breslin, Keely Mitchell, Cassidy Armstrong and Morgan Leslie.听

Women鈥檚 Volleyball

Paris Hutchinson: VaSID All-State Second Team

Men鈥檚 Basketball听

Tim Jones: Royals Athlete of the Week; D3 National Team of the Week; ODAC MBB Player of the Week; 1,000 Career Points; All-VaSID Second Team; All-ODAC Second Team.

Mizz Nyagwegwe and Mark Burkholder were each named to a Royals Athlete of the Week honor.

Women鈥檚 Basketball听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听

Claiborne Poston: Royals Athlete of the Week

Men鈥檚 Indoor Track and Field

Distance Medley Relay 鈥� Set 91短视频 indoor T&F record 鈥� 10:22.26 

Alijah Johnson: Set 91短视频 indoor T&F record in the 60m 鈥� 6.96; Set 91短视频 indoor T&F record in the 200m 鈥� 21.96; All-ODAC Second Team in the 200m; All ODAC Third Team in the 60m;听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 All-VaSID First Team 鈥� Sprints; Qualified for NCAA Indoor National Championships.

Justice Allen: Royals Athlete of the Week

Eli Roeschley: Royals Athlete of the Week; All-ODAC Second Team in Triple Jump

Isaac Alderfer: Royals Athlete of the Week;听All-ODAC Second Team in the Mile; All-ODAC Second Team in the 800m; All-VaSID Second Team 鈥� Mid Distance;听Qualified for NCAA Indoor National Championships; DMR-All-VaSID Second Team

Women鈥檚 Indoor Track and Field

Jenna Weaver:听 Royals Athlete of the Week听

Men鈥檚 Volleyball

Nate McGhee: Royals Athlete of the Week

Baseball

Jon Sawyers: D3 Team of the Week听

Brett Lindsay: ODAC Player of the Week听

Ray Tricarico, Ethan Spraker, and Natty Solomon were each named to a Royals Athlete of the Week honor.听

Women鈥檚 Lacrosse

KC Argueta-Rivas and Skylar Hedgepeth were each named to a Royals Athlete of the Week Honor.

Softball

Grace Fravel, Bri Allen, Emily Campbell and Sierra Lantz were each named to a Royals Athlete of the Week Honor.听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听

Men鈥檚 Outdoor Track & Field

Alijah Johnson: Men鈥檚 ODAC Track Athlete of the Week and Royals Athlete of the Week.

Women鈥檚 Outdoor Track & Field

Kendra Oguamena: Royals Athlete of the Week

When sophomore Hebron Mekuria attended The Sullivan Foundation鈥檚 Ignite Retreat, she didn鈥檛 know there would be a business pitching competition. The weekend had offered Mekuria a chance to dig into her entrepreneurial dreams with information and tools, the support of her peers and plenty of inspiration. She figured she would enter the competition to get some practice for her entrepreneurship class final at 91短视频, and take a shot at the cash prize. 

And then she won.

Mekuria, an engineering major and Yoder/Webb Scholar, is passionate about the emotional, psychological, and social needs of children. In her native country of Ethiopia, Mekuria sees a need for empowerment, starting with literacy. Her winning idea works to promote early development of reading habits by creating resources for Ethiopian preschoolers, specifically in the Amharic language. Her win earned her funding to begin the project, and business mentorship connections.

The biannual is geared towards social impact, seeking to equip students who have ideas with tools for implementing them. The foundation itself supports 鈥渟ervice-oriented college students鈥� in the southern United States.

The weekend was filled with workshops, networking activities and space for participants to grow ideas and projects, or develop them more fully. Among the different societal issues participants considered at this event were the more than 90% domestic violence rate in Pakistan, the disconnect between dieting and health, the lack of inclusive gyms for LGBTQ+ people, and more. At the end of the retreat, there was a pitching and prototyping competition.

This win meant a great deal to Mekuria鈥攊t was validation of the promise of her plan. 鈥淲hen I found out that I won, I was in disbelief, and the biggest thing for me was that I felt seen,鈥� Mekuria says. 鈥淪omehow, out of all the brilliant and ambitious students there, being chosen in the pitching competition just made it feel like my idea was actually worth being pursued, and the problems I identified were worth being solved.鈥� 

Spud Marshall, the Sullivan Foundation鈥檚 director of student engagement and leader of the retreat, commented in the . 鈥淲e love working with students like Hebron who are actively making a difference in their communities,鈥� he said. 鈥淗er peers selected her project to receive funding to take the next step and bring her idea to life! We are thrilled to offer her both financial support and mentorship as she gets started.鈥�

Mekuria鈥檚 biggest takeaways? 鈥淚t’s important to understand the value of your environment in affecting your motivation, self-confidence, and just general outlook,鈥� Mekuria says. 鈥淪urround yourself with people that you want to imitate someday.鈥�

Once classes end, Mekuria鈥檚 next step will be to meet up with an attendee of Ignite who wants to work with her, and, she says, 鈥済et this thing off the ground!鈥�

Two new majors at 91短视频 will prepare students for careers in the thriving and expanding fields of business analytics and public health.听

Business analytics sees expansive growth

This new Bachelor of Science degree within 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Business and Leadership Program combines elements of the current business administration major and a recently-approved data analytics minor within the Mathematics and Computer Science Program. The program launches in fall 2022.

Business analytics uses data and statistics to help businesses improve their performance and make efficient and forward-thinking decisions. Analysts use a variety of techniques, tools, and technologies to gather and examine data, create models, and make and implement recommendations. 

鈥淏usiness analysts are in high demand for positions that offer excellent salaries and job security,鈥� said Professor Jim Leaman, program director. 鈥淭his is a new and expanding subfield of the broader business world, which means graduates of our program will have lots of job options.鈥�

Business analysts work in an interdisciplinary role to communicate and exchange information between data technicians and executives and clients, he said. Coursework aims to prepare students to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and problem solving in business contexts. 

The program includes overlap of courses required for the data analytics minor, Leaman said. 鈥淎dding just one class gives you a minor and additional expertise.鈥�

Public Health

贰惭鲍鈥檚 public health major builds on the strong reputation of the undergraduate pre-med, nursing and STEM majors, as well as the MS in Biomedicine program. Coursework is wide-ranging and interdisciplinary, building strong foundational knowledge with research and communications skills and intercultural competency. The interdisciplinary nature of the field allows for integration across the fields of biology, pre-med and nursing, social sciences, statistics, and global development.听

Beth Good, professor of nursing, has worked in public health in many countries. She holds a doctorate in nursing science and research and a Master of Public Health Nursing degree, and will be teaching some of the courses in the program. 

Read more about 91短视频’s community health course and its project-oriented learning experience.

鈥淭he past couple of years have highlighted for the U.S. and the world the importance of a strong public health workforce,鈥� Good said. 鈥淓mployers are recognizing that graduates of undergraduate public health programs have a solid foundation in a broad range of skills and knowledge and there is an increasing interest to businesses and non-profit sectors engaged in education, civic affairs, international development and health-related activities.鈥�

Students can choose to follow one of two tracks: environmental health, which taps into 91短视频’s strong environmental science program, and computer programming or data analytics, to help students develop data science competencies.

The first introductory course begins in spring 2023, with the program officially launching in fall 2023. If interested, incoming students in fall 2022 will be able to take required courses to prepare them to transition into a public health major in fall 2023.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for skilled public health professionals. A variety of career opportunities include health education, research, environmental health, journalism, community development and policy work.

Read more

The Diamond Royals hosted Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday for an ODAC doubleheader, with a celebration for this year’s senior class prior to first pitch. .

鈥淭hese young men have exemplified the core values of our program in the time they have spent on campus,鈥� said Head Coach Adam Posey. 鈥淥ver the course of the last five years, they have been part of some of the most monumental wins in program history, while continuing to move our program forward in the classroom and the community. While there will be a very big hole to fill as they move on, we are lucky to have had them in the Black and Royal, and I have no doubt that they will be successful in their next endeavors.鈥�

Fifteen seniors and their families were honored.

• , pitcher, Ocean Lakes HS/Virginia Beach, Va.鈥� Major: Marketing
• , infielder, Red Lion Christian/Bear, Delaware. Business administration
• , pitcher, Essex/Essex, Va. Marketing
• , infielder/pitcher, George C. Marshall/Falls Church, Va. Business administration
• , pitcher, Dinwiddie/Dinwiddie, Va. Liberal arts
• , outfielder, Courtland/Fredericksburg, Va. Biology
• , 1B/pitcher, CD Hylton/Woodbridge, Va. Recreation and sports management
• , outfielder, Randolph Henry/Saxe, Va. Recreation and sports management
• outfield, Denbigh/Newport News, Va. Recreation and sports management
• , infielder, Gloucester/Gloucester, Va. Graduate: MA in organizational leadership/ UG: Recreation and sports management
• , infielder, pitcher, Gates County/Gates County, N.C. Health and physical education
• , pitcher, Atlantic Shores Christian/Chesapeake, Va. Accounting 
• , 1B, Eastern Mennonite/Hesston/Harrisonburg, Va. Liberal arts
• , pitcher, Millbrook/Winchester, Va. Economics
• , catcher, Eastern View/Culpeper, Va. Recreation and sports management
  

Teammates await seniors and their families during Saturday鈥檚 ceremony. Each senior selects a teammate to present them with their commemorative photo.

The ceremony is a time to recognize the commitment and dedication of the program鈥檚 senior, but also go share thanks and gratitude to the family members who supported student-athletes throughout their journey to 91短视频 and while with the Royals. From left: Assistant coach Bailey Hall and senior Brett Lindsay, head coach Adam Posey and Kathryn Lindsay, Brett鈥檚 mother.

La鈥檃kea Fujita and Anna Filipkowski, junior accounting and business administration majors at 91短视频, have both received scholarships from the Virginia Skyline Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants.

The scholarship recognizes academic achievement and evidence of leadership and future promise in local college students. This year there were two scholarship recipients from 91短视频 and two from James Madison University. Both women have served as student representatives for 贰惭鲍鈥檚 business and leadership department and are involved in various other extracurriculars and jobs.

Filipkowski, a Troy, Virginia native, is a member of the 91短视频 women鈥檚 soccer team. She also works for the 91短视频 Fitness Center, managing both the front desk and facilities, and does financial work for U.S. Lawns of Richmond.

Filipkowski鈥檚 goal is to obtain a position at an accounting firm to gain experience, which would then help her to sit for the CPA exam within a year.

鈥淚 am goal-oriented with my studies,鈥� Filipkowski says. 鈥淚 enjoy participating in my classes and only missed a couple due to traveling with soccer.鈥� She says she enjoys 鈥渂eing a part of the 91短视频 community.鈥�

After obtaining a bachelor of science degree in accounting, Fujita aspires to pursue a career as a CPA and eventually, a forensic accountant. 鈥淚 want to use my gifts of logic and organization and my interest in investigation to solve crimes and bring justice about,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 had the opportunity to explore this career with the FBI鈥檚 head of forensic accounting and this confirmed my career goal.鈥�

In order to sit for the CPA exam, Fujita is taking additional credits this semester, and will explore additional credit options over the summer and after graduation. She plans to take her CPA exam immediately after fulfilling her credit requirements.

鈥淪tudent loan debt is debilitating and negatively impacts the economy,鈥� Fujita says. 鈥淚 want to break that pattern by aiming to graduate from 91短视频 debt free.鈥� Her plan includes a scholarship from 91短视频, applying to other scholarships, and work study and summer jobs. Fujita is an associate in her mother鈥檚 public relations business in addition to being the financial manager of Common Grounds Coffeehouse.

鈥淸With this scholarship] I can focus more on my studies and my calling to be a forensic accountant,鈥� Fujita says. 鈥淚 am blessed and thankful to have people who believe in me and are willing to assist in this goal.鈥�

In 2020, Fujita also received the Minority Accounting Scholarship from the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.

The Virginia Skyline Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants provides continuing education programs and networking opportunities for accounting and finance professionals in the region.