Faculty, staff and fellow students nominated the recipients, who were cited for their “significant and verifiable impact” on the university and on student life, for their contributions to developing the institution’s positive image, for substantial contributions to the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County area and beyond, for their high academic and social standing and their embodiment of 91����Ƶ’s shared values of Christian discipleship, community, service and peacebuilding.

They wore gold and blue cords as they graduated Sunday, April 29.

Blue represents strength of conviction that one person can help to create a better institution or community. Gold represents the love of spirit and yearning toward creating a better university environment or community.

The recipients are:

• Benjamin Bailey, Simsbury, Conn., peacebuilding and development, Biblical studies major;
• Brendon Derstine, Harleysville, Pa., history and social science, secondary education licensure;
• Grace Engle, Wauseon, Ohio, social work major;
• Brandon Habron, Fredericksburg, Va., liberal arts major;
• Katie Jantzen, Plymouth, Neb., environmental sustainability;
• Clothilda Johnson, Banjul, The Gambia, nursing major;
• Katherine Landis, Lancaster, Pa., photography, digital media major;
• Rebekah *[last name omitted on request], Pettisville, Ohio, nursing major;
• Michelle Ramirez, Harrisonburg, Va., social work major;
• Andrew Richter, Perkasie, Pa., business administration major.

Johnson, bishop of the Diocese of The Gambia, is the first Gambian national to hold his position.

“Bishop Johnson has many years experience as a church leader in West Africa, a region where Christian-Muslim dialogue and understanding are essential,” said , associate campus pastor. “His diocese is also diverse in language and culture as it includes Senegal, Cape Verde as well as The Gambia.”

Johnson will speak about how his work impacts his faith and ministry and how Muslims and Christians can work together despite differences, said Peachey.

Johnson spent two decades as a priest and worked towards a goal of balance between “evangelism and social responsibility within a holistic and inclusive ministry.” Johnson’s ministry seeks to “nurture the soul, enlighten and empower the mind, nourish the body, protect the environment, promote advocacy and liberation for the sinned-against and downtrodden,” according to his .

He is the father of 91����Ƶ alum Francis Johnson and current undergraduate Clothilda Johnson.

For more information call at 540-432-4115.