HARRISONBURG, Va. 鈥� 91短视频 and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community announced Monday, May 11, a strategic partnership that strengthens and expands their long-standing relationship, allowing VMRC to plan for future growth while providing 91短视频 with the resources to advance its educational mission.

As part of the agreement, VMRC will acquire Park Woods, a 13-acre oak-hickory forest it shares with 91短视频, with a commitment to continue stewarding and preserving the urban green space as an enduring asset to the community. The partnership also includes a five-year plan for VMRC鈥檚 potential expansion through its purchase of the land upon which the 91短视频 baseball field now sits, along with the construction of a new ballfield at another location on the university campus.

The partnership, which has been approved by each institution鈥檚 board of trustees, supports their long-term strategic goals by strengthening financial sustainability, expanding opportunities for intergenerational engagement, and reinforcing their shared presence as mission-driven organizations serving the public good.

Leaders of the neighboring Harrisonburg institutions describe the partnership as a 鈥渨in-win,鈥� supporting both VMRC鈥檚 capacity to serve current and future residents and 91短视频鈥檚 ability to invest in academic excellence, student access, and community engagement.

鈥淭his partnership honors our history while giving us the flexibility and capacity to plan for long-term vitality,鈥� VMRC President and CEO Jake Bell said. 鈥淚t allows us to continue providing high-quality care and community while strengthening our connection to 91短视频 and the region we both serve.鈥�

鈥淭his partnership reflects who we are and how we want to lead,鈥� 91短视频 Interim President Shannon W. Dycus said. 鈥淚t builds on decades of relationship, shared geography, and common values, while positioning both institutions to respond thoughtfully and responsibly to the future.鈥�

91短视频 and VMRC share a foundation of Anabaptist-Mennonite values and a commitment to community, service, and care for the whole person. The two institutions have long been neighbors and partners, and this agreement positions them to collaborate more intentionally on academic, cultural, and community initiatives that benefit students, residents, employees, and the greater Harrisonburg region.

Media Contact:
Ryan Cornell
Senior Writer & Communications Manager
ryan.cornell@emu.edu
(540) 432-4059

In our series of student and alumni stories, social media posts, and letters and emails, we invited you to become part of Lov91短视频 history by making this year鈥檚 Giving Day the best one yet. You answered the call, giving $402,722 to scholarships and financial aid, direct support for faculty and staff, 91短视频鈥檚 life-changing intercultural programs, and, for the first time, resources for first-generation college students.

Together, we surpassed the $400,000 goal set by Lov91短视频 organizers and topped our previous record of $365,512, raised last year, by an impressive 10%.

In an email sent Thursday, Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MA 鈥�20 (conflict transformation), annual giving and donor communications specialist, expressed gratitude for the generosity shown by 91短视频 alumni, friends, and fans.

鈥淚t is inspiring and humbling to witness the outpouring of support our community showed鈥攚ith every gift, text to a family member or friend, or post to social media, you helped us meet our goal. We are incredibly grateful.鈥� she said.

Among the highlights from this year鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Giving Day, she shared, were:

• Unlocking every challenge of the day;
• watching hundreds of alumni, employees, donors, and students connect and celebrate during the Lov91短视频 Community Meal; and
• welcoming 19 future Royals who visited for the day into the 91短视频 community.

鈥淭hank you again for showing up for 91短视频,鈥� Litwiller said. 鈥淵our support has a direct impact on current students, future students, and the entire 91短视频 community.鈥�

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni fill Yoder Arena for Wednesday morning鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Pep Rally.

The day kicked off with the third annual Lov91短视频 Pep Rally at Yoder Arena. The rally had it all: a dramatic entrance by Herm on an e-bike, the return of the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon, and performances by the top three athletic teams from the previous night鈥檚 Lip-Sync Battle.

Read a recap of the pep rally below!

Sights and sounds from the University Festival: Past, present, and future Royals meet with Herm (top photo), snap pics at the Lov91短视频 photo booth (left), and bob for apples (right) at one of the Student Union club booths.

Following the pep rally, the University Festival in the Hall of Nations connected faculty members with prospective students and featured games and activities hosted by student clubs. 

Mathematics Professor Dr. Daniel Showalter brought his two daughters and his dad, Dennis Showalter 鈥�73, to the event. He said he gives to scholarships such as the HDH and Flora Showalter Endowed Scholarship, which supports math and computer science students, on Lov91短视频 Giving Day.

鈥淭his is my dream job,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to do whatever I can to keep the atmosphere vibrant and living. I feel really grateful that I get to wake up every morning and go to a job that is meaningful and enjoyable.鈥�

Jacob Horsley 鈥�22, MBA 鈥�25, associate director of undergraduate admissions, said he chooses to give back to the university on Lov91短视频 Giving Day because he鈥檚 a 鈥渞epeat Royal.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 a double-alumnus,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 have experienced the impact of this supportive community, and I want to make sure that it continues.鈥�

The Lunch & Lawn Party returned to Thomas Plaza with a free student lunch and various lawn games.

The campus community enjoyed Wednesday鈥檚 warm weather at the Lunch & Lawn Party on Thomas Plaza, where they savored Korean beef bowls and competed in lawn games. The annual student appreciation lunch, free for all students and hosted in partnership between Pioneer College Caterers and the Campus Activities Council, included the traditional egg toss and a Bubble Bus that filled the Front Lawn with giant bubbles.

From 2 to 4 p.m., members of 91短视频鈥檚 MA in Counseling program led self-care activities at the Student Union.

As 91短视频鈥檚 night owls kept the energy alive, Lov91短视频 participants had plenty more activities to enjoy. Back by popular demand and hosted by the Student Government Association, the Real Life Mario Kart Race returned to the University Commons indoor track, where teams of three raced on scooters, dodged obstacles, and collected prizes. Later, from 10:30 p.m. to midnight, the Art After Dark craft event featured live music from 91短视频鈥檚 jazz trio.

View the full schedule of events at .

Leaderboard competition

The winners of the 2026 Lov91短视频 leaderboard competition are:

Academic program

• First place ($1,000 prize): Nursing
• Second place ($500 prize): Natural Sciences
• Third place ($250 prize): Education

Student club/org

• First place ($1,000 prize): Muslim Student Alliance (a new org formed this year!)
• Second place ($500 prize): Black Student Alliance
• Third place ($250 prize): 91短视频 Outdoor

Athletic team

• First place ($1,000 prize): Women’s Volleyball
• Second place ($500 prize): Women’s Basketball
• Third place ($250 prize): Men鈥檚 volleyball

Challenges (all unlocked)

Donors unlocked all $170,000 in challenge match funds for the University Fund, student scholarships, intercultural programs, athletics, and, new to Lov91短视频 this year, support for first-generation college students.

Lov91短视频 Early Challenge: We received more than 120 gifts before the start of Lov91短视频 Giving Day to unlock $15,000 for the University Fund.

All-day challenges

Loyal Royal Challenge: More than 250 alumni made gifts to 91短视频 during Lov91短视频 Giving Day to unlock $20,000 for student scholarships.

Friends of 91短视频 Challenge: More than 175 non-alumni made gifts to unlock $15,000 for the University Fund.

Future Royal Challenge: Because 19 prospective students who were in attendance on Lov91短视频 Giving Day paid their tuition deposit, either on the day or beforehand, we unlocked $19,000 in scholarship funds.

Timed challenges

Early Herm Gets the Worm: We received 75 gifts before 9 a.m. on Wednesday to unlock $15,000 for student scholarships.

First-Gen Match of 10: In a first-ever Lov91短视频 challenge of its kind, a 鈥渕atch of the match鈥� through a NetVUE grant, we raised $10,052 to support first-generation students.

Lov91短视频 at First Sight: We received 110 gifts between noon and 3 p.m. to unlock a whopping $30,000 for the University Fund.

What a Wonderful World: We received 80 gifts from 5-7 p.m. to unlock $20,000 to ensure all students are able to access 91短视频鈥檚 impactful intercultural experiences.

The Generosity Marathon: We received 55 gifts from 7:30-9 p.m. to unlock $10,000 for 91短视频 Athletics.

Late-night Leadership: We received 100 gifts from 9 p.m. to midnight to unlock $20,000 for the University Fund.

Thanks to everyone who donated, shared their time to celebrate their love of all things 91短视频, and joined in the festivities on campus! Special thanks to the 2026 Lov91短视频 planning team: Nicole Litwiller, Arelys Martinez Fabian, Cassandra Guerrero, Kyle Dickinson, Leah Frankenfield, Luke Litwiller, Maria Longenecker, Omar Hoyos, Steve Johnson, and Tyler Goss.

Swipe through our photo album from the day below!

Herm was missing. The crowd of faculty, staff, students, and alumni at Yoder Arena for Wednesday morning鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Pep Rally called out his name. They searched high and low. But he was nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, the roar of a motorcycle engine filled the gymnasium. Moments later, everyone鈥檚 favorite friendly blue lion glided onto the hardwood on a sleek new e-bike.

The e-bike, announced Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MA 鈥�20 (conflict transformation), Lov91短视频 organizer and pep rally emcee, was a new addition to the Sadie Hartzler Library, thanks to a generous donation from an 91短视频 alum, the diligent work of senior Joshua Stucky, and a partnership between library staff and the Shenandoah Bicycle Company.聽

Starting Monday, students can check out the bike from the library at any time and 鈥渆asily bike all over campus and Harrisonburg,鈥� she said.

Herm鈥檚 dramatic entrance was just one of many memorable moments that energized the crowd with the Lov91短视频 Giving Day spirit. Wednesday鈥檚 pep rally had it all: a current student exclaiming her love for 91短视频, a future student officially declaring 91短视频 as his school for next year, and performances by the previous night鈥檚 Lip-Sync Battle champions. 

鈥淚t’s sure to be the best Lip-Sync Battle this side of the Shenandoah,鈥� promised fellow pep rally organizer and emcee Tyler Goss, director for student engagement and leadership development.

Scroll down to the bottom of this article to watch a video recording of the pep rally.

Students snagged free Lov91短视频 shirts shot into the crowd by the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon.

Throughout the event, engineering lab tech Henry Bowser and engineering student Max Fritts fired shirts into the stands using the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon. The launcher, which debuted at last year鈥檚 pep rally, was funded by 2019 alumni Ben, an engineering graduate, and Kayla Zook.

Lov91短视频 Giving Day is an opportunity to pause and celebrate all the incredible things about 91短视频, which include 鈥渙ur amazing academic programs, our incredible athletic teams, our impactful clubs and orgs, and our supportive community as a whole,鈥� Litwiller said. 鈥淧art of how we can express that celebration is through generosity.鈥�

Funds from Lov91短视频 Giving Day benefit current and future students, faculty, and staff by making education more affordable and providing them with the facilities and resources they need to access an outstanding education. Since the first Lov91短视频 Giving Day in 2017, the university has raised more than $2 million on annual giving days. 

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, this year鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Giving Day was the best one yet, with over $402,000 raised, according to the .

The pep rally began with the premiere of the official Lov91短视频 Giving Day video. It celebrates the past nine giving days and sets sights on the future, featuring voiceovers from Litwiller and Marketing and Communications Project Manager Aric Berg, along with cameos from faculty, staff, students, athletes, and alumni. The video was produced by Macson McGuigan 鈥�17.

Watch the official hype video below!

Sophomore Ari Smart speaks about finding her fit at 91短视频 (left) and future student Brady Crisp (right) rings the cowbell.

Ari Smart, a sophomore majoring in art education, shared her experiences at 91短视频. The Stafford, Virginia, native, who serves as a Royal Ambassador and plays on the field hockey and lacrosse teams, spoke about finding her place in a community that made her feel seen, supported, and valued. 鈥淭his is a place that pushes me to grow,鈥� she said. 

Through classes that challenge her to think differently, clubs that let her explore new interests, and experiences that prepare her for the future, she has gained confidence, independence, and the ability to take initiative.

鈥淭his university has given me more than an education; it has given me a sense of belonging, a community that feels like family, and experiences I will carry with me for the rest of my life,鈥� she said.

鈥淚t has helped me grow into a stronger, more confident version of myself, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.鈥�

The pep rally crowd also welcomed a future Royal to the 91短视频 family. Brady Crisp, a senior from Fluvanna County High School who will join the men鈥檚 soccer team this fall, took part in the cherished tradition of ringing the cowbell to celebrate his commitment. 

Each time a prospective student who was in attendance on Lov91短视频 Giving Day paid their tuition deposit鈥攁s Crisp did鈥攅ither on the day or beforehand, the university unlocked an additional $1,000 in scholarship funds. The Future Royal Challenge, funded by two graduates from the Class of 1958, raised $19,000 in scholarships on Wednesday.

The women鈥檚 volleyball (left) and lacrosse teams (right) perform lip-sync routines at the Lov91短视频 Pep Rally on Wednesday.

The third annual Lov91短视频 Pep Rally showcased performances by the top three athletic teams from the previous night鈥檚 annual Lip-Sync Battle, hosted by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The women鈥檚 basketball and lacrosse teams competed for second place, with the basketball team prevailing after a crowd vote. The women鈥檚 volleyball team, this year鈥檚 champions, combined lip-syncing with a carefully choreographed routine to a medley of songs from High School Musical.

Senior Admissions Counselor Lexi Fotis-Brown MA 鈥�25 (organizational leadership) led this portion of the pep rally, hyping up the teams and the crowd. 鈥淎bsolutely electric,鈥� she told the teams. 鈥淛ust remember, you’re all winners in my heart.鈥�

Earlier in the event, emcees Litwiller and Goss exchanged some lighthearted banter. 

Goss said, 鈥淲ait, so you鈥檙e telling me we do all this to make the student experience at 91短视频 the best it can be? What are you going to tell me next? That the generosity of donors helps fund student scholarships, improve campus facilities, and even keeps the lights on?鈥�

鈥淚 mean, yeah, you said it,鈥� Litwiller replied.

Watch a recording of the pep rally below!

The world has changed in many ways since the inaugural Lov91短视频 Giving Day was held on April 4, 2017.

One thing that鈥檚 remained constant through the years, says Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MA 鈥�20 (conflict transformation), is the outpouring of donor support during the annual Lov91短视频 Giving Day.

鈥淭his year is our 10th annual giving day, so it feels very significant,鈥� said Litwiller, annual giving and donor communication specialist. 鈥淗aving been a student when Lov91短视频 Giving Day began, I experienced the impact of donor support directly through financial aid to ensure I could access my education at 91短视频. Now, I work in the Advancement office and get to see the ways our donors channel their passion through giving to support 91短视频 and our students. We’re so grateful for all of the support our community has shown and continues to show.”

Participate in our 24-hour giving day extravaganza, in which alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends come together to support and celebrate the wonderful university we all love. Help us set a new record! Last year, we raised $365,313 from 360 unique donors. With your help, we can all make a difference by contributing to scholarships and financial aid, direct support for faculty and staff, life-changing intercultural programs, and, for the first time ever, resources for first-generation college students.

Lov91短视频 Day Events

Clockwise from top left: Adam Stoltzfus ’25 fires shirts into the crowd during last year’s giving day pep rally. | Students play lawn games on the Front Lawn during the Lov91短视频 2025 Lunch & Lawn Party. | Tyler Goss zooms down the indoor track during the Real Life Mario Kart Race. | The 91短视频 community gathers inside the Hall of Nations to celebrate during an evening meal together. (Photos by Macson McGuigan ’17)

Plenty of events will be held throughout the day to demonstrate your Royal pride and unleash your Lov91短视频 spirit. Tag #Lov91短视频 and #ForTheRecord in your social media posts and tell your friends and family about Lov91短视频 Giving Day.

Tuesday, March 31

Lip Sync Battle
8 p.m. | Yoder Arena
91短视频鈥檚 athletic teams will compete in their annual Lip Sync Battle, hosted by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Come out to cheer on your favorite teams.

Wednesday, April 1

Throughout the day, the 91短视频 merch store, staffed by representatives from the University Outpost, will sell apparel and other 91短视频-branded merchandise at the Student Union from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Lov91短视频 participants and guests can also stop by the Lov91短视频 hub inside the Hall of Nations at any time during the day to win prizes, collect a free T-shirt while supplies last, and make a gift in-person.

Lov91短视频 Pep Rally
10:15 a.m. | Yoder Arena
The 10th annual Lov91短视频 Giving Day kicks off with a high-energy pep rally to get everyone in the giving mood. Come early for the doughnuts, but stay for the performances featuring the previous night鈥檚 Lip Sync Battle winners.

Lunch & Lawn Party
Noon-1:30 p.m. | Thomas Plaza
The annual student appreciation lunch, free for all students and hosted in partnership between Pioneer College Caterers and Campus Activities Council, returns to Thomas Plaza. A description of the event promises 鈥済ood food, lawn games, and prizes.鈥�

Lov91短视频 Community Meal
5:30-7:30 p.m. | Hall of Nations
Join the campus community for an evening of live music, food, and a celebration of all things 91短视频. Dinner is free and open to all students, prospective students, faculty and staff, alumni, donors, and families. .

For a full list of events, including the first-ever Lov91短视频 dating show, the return of the popular Real Life Mario Kart Race, and an Art After Dark craft night, visit .

Lov91短视频 Day Challenges

This year鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Giving Day features $170,000 in challenge match funds from generous donors, split between full-day and timed challenges. It鈥檚 the most challenge match funds ever, Litwiller said.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 huge,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e really counting on our community to come together and unlock all those funds throughout the day.鈥�

The day also marks the return of the popular leaderboard competition. Each gift of $10 or more is eligible to cast a vote for your favorite academic program, student club or organization, and athletic team. First place in each category will receive $1,000, second place receives $500, and third place receives $250.

Lov91短视频 Early Challenge (almost there!)

Help us reach our goal of receiving 120 gifts before Lov91短视频 Giving Day to unlock an additional $15,000 toward the University Fund, our top fundraising priority.

All-Day Challenges

Loyal Royal Challenge
If 250 alumni make a gift to 91短视频 before midnight, $20,000 to student scholarships will be unlocked.

Friends of 91短视频 Challenge
If 175 non-alumni participate in Lov91短视频 Day, $15,000 to the University Fund will be unlocked.

Future Royal Challenge
Admissions is once again teaming up with Lov91短视频 Day. For each prospective student who attends Lov91短视频 Day AND pays their tuition deposit (either on the day or prior to it), we’ll unlock $1,000 for 91短视频’s scholarship funds. This challenge is funded by two graduates from the class of 1958.

Timed Challenges

Give early and often to help us unlock over $150,000 in matching funds.

Early Herm Gets the Worm
6-9 a.m.
If we receive 75 gifts before 9 a.m., we’ll unlock $15,000 for student scholarships.

First-Gen Match of 10
10 a.m.-noon
In this first-ever challenge of its kind, each gift made for first-generation student support will be matched up to $10,000. Plus, a NetVUE grant will match the match鈥攁ll money raised through the end of next year will be matched up to $60,000. These gifts provide programming for first-gen students to explore vocation in a way that celebrates discovery, fulfillment, and calling. Give from 10 a.m.-noon and have 4x the impact.

Lov91短视频 at First Sight
Noon-3 p.m.
On our first Lov91短视频 Giving Day, we had a total of $30,000 to unlock throughout the entire day. Now, in celebration of our 10th giving day, a generous donor has committed that much for just one massive challenge. With 110 gifts between noon and 3 p.m., we’ll unlock a whopping $30,000 for the University Fund.

What a Wonderful World
5-7 p.m.
In honor of his late wife Christine Good Shenk ’83, Ed Shenk ’83 has put forward a $20,000 match for Intercultural Programs. Christine’s cross-cultural to the Middle East during her time at 91短视频 was incredibly transformative for her. With 80 gifts from 5-7 p.m., we will unlock $20,000 to ensure all students are able to access 91短视频’s impactful intercultural experiences.

The Generosity Marathon
7:30-9 p.m.
If we receive 55 gifts from 7:30-9 p.m., we’ll unlock $10,000 for 91短视频 Athletics thanks to an alumni couple from the class of 2020 and an anonymous donor couple.

Late-night Leadership
9 p.m.-midnight
In celebration of Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus‘ first year in office, two generous donors have put up $20,000 in this final challenge of the day. One-hundred gifts from 9 p.m. to midnight will earn us a final boost for the University Fund to close out the day.

Other ways to show your 91短视频 love

From March 25 to April 1, stop by Common Grounds Coffeehouse and enjoy “The Blue Monarch,” a naturally blue tea steeped from butterfly pea flower petals, swirled with milk, white chocolate, and blueberry, and topped with cold foam鈥攁ll to celebrate Royal pride. Feeling extra regal? Add boba! Plus, with any order during that week, you can choose to add a small donation that will support student scholarships.

You can also show your 91短视频 love by supporting a couple 91短视频 alumni-owned businesses.

The is partnering with 91短视频 again this year. From now through April 1, enjoy a 鈥淏lue & Gold鈥� Blueberry Mango Trifle, and profits will support 91短视频鈥檚 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund. This fund directly supports 91短视频鈥檚 commitment to creating a community of learners where everyone feels connected, accepted, valued, and respected.

In honor of Lov91短视频 Giving Day, the owners of AJ鈥檚 Gentlemen鈥檚 Barbershop are giving back to their alma mater. When you stop by and mention Lov91短视频, 10% of your service will go directly to support 91短视频鈥檚 Intensive English Program. Book online at or stop by, and don’t forget to say Lov91短视频.

How to give

You can give online via credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay at , by calling 800-368-3383, written check or check by mail, donor-advised gifts, IRA gifts or establishing recurring giving. All gifts are tax-deductible. You can also stop by the Lov91短视频 hub on April 1 and make your gift in person.

For more information about Lov91短视频 events and challenges, visit .

A fall 1981 intercultural to Jerusalem left a lasting impression on the late Christine Good Shenk 鈥�83. 

The accounting grad, who passed away in July 2024, formed friendships that semester that endured long after she graduated from 91短视频. Nine of her fellow students on the intercultural became part of a close-knit circle of friends known as 鈥淭he Gang,鈥� which has continued to gather regularly for decades.

Her widower, Ed Shenk 鈥�83, was not part of the intercultural. At the time, the international agricultural development and biology education major was studying at Pennsylvania State University. Over the years, though, as the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, couple attended biannual reunions in major cities, members鈥� homes, beach houses, and even aboard a Caribbean cruise, he deepened his friendships with members of The Gang.

In her memory, he donated $90,000 to establish 91短视频鈥檚 new Intercultural Programs Alumni Grant Fund and intends to make additional gifts going forward. The fund provides financial support for students who want to participate in intercultural programs but may not have the means to afford them. 

91短视频鈥檚 intercultural programs have impacted thousands of graduates, offering opportunities to engage in different cultures, build global relationships, and experience a new perspective.

鈥淲hen I began to think about the impact of intercultural programs, it was the friends, the experiences, and the exposure to other cultures that really lasted for her,鈥� Ed Shenk said. 鈥淭his is something she would鈥檝e supported.鈥�

His donation marks the largest-ever gift from an alum specifically for intercultural programs, according to Tim Swartzendruber 鈥�95, senior regional advancement director for 91短视频. 

鈥淭his is the first fund, in the 53 years of excellence in crosscultural learning at 91短视频, that will go 100% to undergraduates who need financial support to seize this life-changing opportunity, and stipends for our adventuresome professors who lead interculturals!鈥� he wrote in a recent Facebook post.

Christina Harrison, director of 91短视频 intercultural programs, called the grant fund a 鈥済ame changer鈥� for students. 鈥淭his alumni-funded support will eliminate financial barriers for so many students who may be unable to consider an intercultural travel program due to lack of resources,鈥� she said. 91短视频 leaders said they hope the fund will reach $500,000.

For more information about 91短视频鈥檚 unique experiential intercultural learning opportunities, including future programs, visit .

Note 鈥淚PAGF鈥� when you and you will join alumni like Ed Shenk who are paying it forward in a meaningful way for today鈥檚 students. 

Kirk Shisler 鈥�81 wants to make one thing very clear: He鈥檚 not retiring. At least not anytime soon. After 21 years of faithfully serving his alma mater as its vice president for advancement, he鈥檚 simply switching gears. 

This summer, Shisler will transition from his lofty perch as VP to a new position specially carved out for him that utilizes his unique qualities and strengths in a way that benefits 91短视频 best. He said his new role as senior gift planning advisor will allow him to focus exclusively on securing major gifts to sustain 91短视频鈥檚 mission.

鈥淲e recently crossed the halfway point of 91短视频鈥檚 five-year, $40 million Forward Together campaign, and I am pleased to report that we have already raised $29 million, or 72% of the goal, which puts us ahead of schedule,鈥� Shisler said. 鈥淚 look forward to increasing our fundraising momentum even more as I assume my new role.鈥�

Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus will formally announce the news of Shisler鈥檚 transition via email on Thursday, Jan. 22. With the announcement, 91短视频 officially enters into a national search for its next vice president for advancement.

For several years now, Shisler said, he鈥檚 anticipated a transition like this one. By passing his administrative responsibilities on to a successor, he can directly focus his energies toward the aspects of advancement he enjoys most and where he will have the greatest impact. And, despite the various headwinds straining higher education, Shisler said he believes 91短视频 is poised to transcend those challenges.

鈥淲e have a strong leadership team in place under Interim President Dycus, and a tremendous faculty and staff,鈥� Shisler said. 鈥�91短视频鈥檚 value proposition includes a proven track record for the employability of its graduates, who also benefit from an education that blends rigorous academics with soft skills in leadership, conflict resolution, and other skills needed to succeed in today鈥檚 work environment.鈥�

鈥楢n enduring imprint鈥�

91短视频鈥檚 presidents, past and present, commended Shisler for his effective fundraising, steadfast leadership, and deep commitment to the university over the past two decades. 

Dycus, interim president of 91短视频 since July 1, credited Shisler with 鈥渟haping a culture of generosity rooted in mission鈥� and strengthening alumni and donor relationships. 鈥淜irk鈥檚 steady, values-driven leadership will leave an enduring imprint on this institution and the countless students whose lives have been changed through his work,鈥� she said.

Dr. Loren Swartzendruber 鈥�76, MDiv 鈥�79, president of 91短视频 from 2003 to 2016, noted that he had recruited Shisler twice to 91短视频: first as an admissions counselor when Shisler was a high school senior, and later as president when Shisler was hired to lead the advancement division. 鈥淣o university president can be successful without a person of Kirk鈥檚 caliber in that office,鈥� said Swartzendruber. 鈥淗is continuing efforts to attract leadership gifts will pay dividends for years to come.鈥�

And President Emerita Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who led the university from 2016 to 2025, expressed gratitude for the 鈥渆normous positive impact鈥� Shisler had 鈥測ear after year for 20 years without fail,鈥� advancing 91短视频鈥檚 mission, supporting its students, contributing to its financial health, and ensuring its donors felt special and important. 

鈥淲ithout 鈥楥aptain鈥� Kirk鈥檚 can-do spirit, relational genius, and organizational prowess, there is no first-ever 91短视频 comprehensive campaign for people, programs, and facilities,鈥� said Huxman, referencing the Forward Together (2023-28) campaign. 鈥淭here is no audacious $40 million five-year goal, half of which we raised in just the first two years. This bold and successful campaign has been the crowning achievement of his great legacy in executive administration at 91短视频.鈥�

Indeed, there have been many crowning achievements for Shisler over the years. Whether it鈥檚 the completion of 91短视频鈥檚 state-of-the-art track and field complex鈥攔egarded among the finest athletic facilities in the conference鈥攖he transformation of laboratories and classrooms in the Suter Science Center through a $12 million campaign (2007-15), or renovations to the south section of University Commons, he鈥檚 always kept his eyes squarely on the prize: ensuring 91短视频 not only survives but also thrives long into the future.

Less visible, but just as impactful as those capital improvement projects, is the membership growth of 91短视频鈥檚 throughout his tenure. The group of alumni and donors name 91短视频 in their estate plans, supporting the future financial stability and security of the school. 鈥淲e have grown the society from roughly 150 members, when I arrived in 2005, to over 600 today,鈥� Shisler said. 鈥淲e often refer to these future gifts as 91短视频鈥檚 Book of Futures. The approximate future value of these estate commitments currently exceeds $35 million.鈥�

Clockwise from top: Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement, with Phil Helmuth and Graham Stauffer, during Lov91短视频 Giving Day 2023. | The longtime advancement VP speaks during a gathering celebration at Homecoming and Family Weekend 2021. | Shisler accepts a hard hat from Braydon Hoover 鈥�11, MA 鈥�21, then-associate vice president for advancement at 91短视频, during a groundbreaking ceremony for the track in 2023.

Focus, patience, and tenacity

One key ingredient to Shisler鈥檚 success is the length of his tenure, which has allowed him to build close connections and enduring relationships with alumni and donors.

According to a from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, fundraising administrators have a median of five years of service in their position, slightly below the median for all higher ed administrative positions (5.5 years). Those figures are well below the 21-year span that Shisler has served at 91短视频.

During those 21 years, he estimated, working with advancement teams and the three aforementioned presidents, he helped raise about $120 million for 91短视频. Last year, thanks to a combination of generous donors and several large bequests, the university achieved its second-highest fundraising total on record.

鈥淭hose who have been involved in higher ed and nonprofit fundraising for as long as I have know that it takes significant focus, patience and tenacity to secure gifts of significance for our organizations,鈥� Shisler said. 

Doug Mason, an advancement consultant who has advised 91短视频鈥檚 team for 15 years as well as many other schools, said his most successful clients have leaders who 鈥渟tick with it and really invest in the mission of their institution.鈥�  

鈥淒onors really appreciate continuity,鈥� Mason said. 鈥淗aving somebody like Kirk, who鈥檚 been there for over two decades, is quite unusual, and it鈥檚 been extraordinarily beneficial to 91短视频.鈥�

So why exactly has Shisler stayed for so long? He said the societal impact of 91短视频鈥檚 alumni around the world continues to motivate him and sustain his commitment to the university鈥檚 mission. He added that, through the years, he鈥檚 been blessed to be part of 鈥渉ighly motivated and supportive teams of advancement professionals,鈥� and that he鈥檚 continually inspired by the dedication and high-quality work of 91短视频鈥檚 faculty and staff.

A seasoned fundraiser

Growing up in Telford, Pennsylvania, Shisler said his parents taught him at a young age the importance of giving generously and of tithing to the church. But it wasn鈥檛 until later, after entering the workforce, that he realized his skills in storytelling and communications could be used to fundraise for causes he cared about. The Dock Mennonite Academy alum graduated from 91短视频 with a bachelor of arts in English in 1981. He then began a quarter-century career at Laubach Literacy International, a nonprofit now known as ProLiteracy.

In 2004, Swartzendruber called Shisler to ask whether he would be interested in the VP position, succeeding Richard L. Gunden. After an interview that summer, Shisler accepted the offer (he started in the position in April 2005). 鈥淟oren said to me, 鈥榃ell, Kirk, you will have served Laubach for 23 years. I鈥檓 really hoping that you鈥檒l give the same amount of time, or more, to 91短视频,鈥欌�� Shisler recalled. 鈥淎nd here we are. With my transition to a different role, I may end up serving 23 years.鈥�

As a result of his change, the avid fly fisherman said he鈥檒l spend less time on the road and more time with his family鈥攈e and his wife, Mary Ann, have two sons, Ben and Andy. He鈥檒l also spend less time in meetings as he devotes his focus entirely on working with major donors to design 鈥渃haritable gifts of significance鈥� for 91短视频.

Back when he was first hired at the university, Shisler told the late Jim Bishop, former public information officer for 91短视频, in a 2005 news article: 鈥�91短视频 is at a very exciting juncture in its history. I believe the school is truly a vehicle for healing and hope in our troubled world, and I look forward to joining the 91短视频 community as, together, we advance its mission.鈥�

Twenty-one years later, those words still ring true.