JESSICA (JESS) KING ’96 has worked to bring the foundational lessons of her Mennonite upbringing and education to others during her more than 20-year career leading equity-driven public sector organizations鈥攆rom creating economic opportunity to facilitating transparency in government to building journalistic literacy in communities. In recognition of her work, 91短视频鈥檚 Alumni Association and its Awards and Nominations Committee have selected King as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award, which honors alumni who have significantly impacted the lives of others. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to be recognized by my alma mater,鈥� said King, who graduated from 91短视频 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in liberal arts with minors in English, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and psychology. 

Service lights the way

After graduation, King volunteered with Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service (PULSE), founded by 91短视频 alumnus John Stahl-Wert ’81. In an experience she likened to a post-graduate program, King joined a community of young leaders to partner with Pittsburgh nonprofits for a year of service and leadership. She served at the Thomas Merton Center, a Catholic-founded center for peace and justice, and was later hired as executive director of PULSE, where she spent four years expanding her understanding of urban communities and the local businesses, organizations, and governments that serve them.听

King then led a six-year effort as founding executive director of the Union Project to transform an abandoned church building into an arts and enterprise incubator space. She spent more than a decade in Pittsburgh, where she met her husband, Chad. The couple has two daughters, Eleni and Esm茅 King Martin. Both Jessica and Esm茅 were greatly impacted by their intercultural studies at 91短视频; Jessica studied in Greece and lived with families in France and C么te d鈥橧voire (West Africa), while Esm茅, a rising junior at 91短视频, spent the spring 2025 semester in Guatemala and Mexico.听

Foundations in community聽

King grew up Mennonite in Lancaster County. Her father was killed in a plane crash when she was two. After her mother remarried, her mother and stepfather started a paint store, where King and her three siblings all worked at different points. 

鈥淕rowing up, my family had a robust network of support, and our church community was also an essential part of our local economy,鈥� King said. 鈥淐onnections are important for a prosperous community.鈥� 

King has intentionally lived in low-income neighborhoods for much of her adult life, creating relationships and solidarity that have informed her work and career path鈥攆rom Pittsburgh to Lancaster, where she fought poverty through entrepreneurship for seven years as executive director at ASSETS; ran for Pennsylvania鈥檚 11th Congressional District; and served four 鈥渆ye-opening鈥� years as chief of staff for the City of Lancaster. 

鈥淭here鈥檚 a narrative that our situations in life are based on our choices, but generational trauma and poverty, oppression based on race or gender, and access to quality education are huge factors. The rules of our economy are created by the wealthy and well-connected, creating systems of opportunity and disinvestment that are so much more than choice,鈥� said King. 

She says that Jesus teaches us about economic issues more than many other Christian themes. 鈥淟oving our neighbors as ourselves includes examining and changing socioeconomic systems that support people,鈥� she said. 

Since September 2023, King has served as inaugural executive director of in Lancaster. The nonprofit is focused on funding innovation in local news to support informed and engaged communities. It is also working 鈥渦pstream from news鈥� to build trust, center solutions, and equip action.听

King says her recent work reminds her of the conflict transformation teachings at 91短视频, including those taught by John Paul Lederach.听

鈥淐hange is possible,鈥� said King. 鈥淲e can choose not to participate in the dystopian fears that can paralyze and isolate us. Values, teachings, and examples from 91短视频 and the broader world provide guideposts and road maps to other ways forward.鈥澛�

King will share her story at 91短视频 TenTalks, held on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 1:30 p.m. in Martin Chapel during Homecoming 2025. For a full schedule of Homecoming events and activities, visit聽emu.edu/homecoming.

Nominations for the 2013 awards are due March 1, 2013. Award recipients will be honored at , Oct. 11-13, 2013. for either the Distinguished Service Award or Alumnus/a of the Year Award are made by 91短视频 alumni or current members of the 91短视频 community and are reviewed by the alumni association.

91短视频 will also recognize an 鈥淥utstanding Young Alum,鈥� to be presented for the first time in 2013. A young alum is someone who has graduated from 91短视频 within the last 15 years.

Guidelines

A Distinguished Service nominee must be an alumnus/a of 91短视频 and must have made an outstanding contribution to 91短视频, the church or community over a long period of time.

To be awarded the Alumnus/a of the Year, a nominee must be graduates of 91短视频 (or attended at least two years) and must have made a significant contribution or achievement in their profession, church, community or family in recent years.

“Our theme celebrates and highlights 30 years of the 91短视频 cross-cultural program and the experiences it has created as it has become an integral part of our community life,” said , director of . “Many alumni, including some from years prior to the start of the current program in 1982, identify their cross-cultural or international study experiences as having had life-changing impacts on them and the way they understand the world.”

The cross-cultural celebration will begin on Friday during the homecoming chapel assembly. , professor of , and Rami Kassis, international education partner from Palestine, will give a presentation on 91短视频’s study abroad program, at 10 a.m.

The will open its season with a production of “No Roosters in the Desert,” which focuses on four Hispanic women crossing a treacherous desert toward what they hope will be a better life in the United States. It鈥檚 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday in the MainStage theater in University Commons. Advance tickets are recommended and are available by calling the at 540-432-4582 or by ordering online at emu.edu/boxoffice.

At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, alumni will be invited to attend a program featuring a video and welcoming by an alumni music group, “The Walking Roots Band,” in Lehman Auditorium. Following the program, alumni typically mingle on the lawn in front of Lehman Auditorium.

Alumni will then be dismissed by classes for group photos, reunions and lunch.

Breakfast meetings will be held Saturday morning for alumni and friends of the , , the , and .

Athletics will host the breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in University Commons (court C) where they will induct and the 1980 women’s field hockey team. Reservations are necessary.

91短视频 will host an International Marketplace Buffet 5-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, to celebrate the cross-cultural programs鈥� history with an evening of international cuisine, performers, musicians and storytellers. All are welcome; reservations are encouraged.

A dessert reception sponsored by the Encore! alumni group will be held at 2 p.m. in the recital hall of Lehman Auditorium (registration encouraged). This event is open to all and features student and faculty talent.

Special reunions are scheduled Saturday for members of all Middle East and Central America cross-culturals, and for alumni of the 1983 Euroterm.

The Jubilee Alumni Association will honor and induct the class of 1962 at a luncheon on Saturday at 12 p.m. in Martin Chapel.

Ken A. Boyers, a 1983 alumnus and principal of Cub Run Elementary School in Harrisonburg, Va., and Sylivia Clymer Helmuth, a 1979 alumnus and reading specialist of Peak View Elementary School in Harrisonburg, will give the 2012 Jesse T. Byler lecture series at 9 a.m. Saturday in room 123 of the seminary building. Boyers will speak on the “School of Hospitality,” while Clymer Helmuth will present on “Help! Testing Has Taken Over My Teaching!” The lecture is open to everyone but registration is encouraged.

Local artist Eric Kniss will show a collection of his recent drawings and sculptures, beginning with an artist鈥檚 reception at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Margaret Martin Gehman Art Gallery in the University Commons. The show is open for viewing throughout the weekend.

Field hockey, men鈥檚 soccer, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball games are scheduled Saturday. Women鈥檚 volleyball hosts Lancaster Bible College and women’s soccer will be taking on Randolph-Macon, with both games starting at 1 p.m. Field hockey hosts Virginia Wesleyan at 4 p.m. Men鈥檚 soccer rounds out the athletic activity with a 7:30 p.m. game against Lynchburg.

The alumni baseball game at 11:30 a.m. Saturday will give opportunity for former Royals to play the current 91短视频 baseball team, followed by a cookout.

The annual Paul R. Yoder Sr. Memorial Golf Classic will take place Friday, Oct. 12, with morning and afternoon starts, at the Heritage Oaks Golf Course in Harrisonburg.

Special activities for children (kindergarten through fifth grade) and youth (grades 6 through 12) are scheduled at various times Saturday, and childcare will be provided if pre-registered. Reservations are necessary for children and youth activities.

Activities will culminate with a worship service 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, in Lehman Auditorium. ” and will be recognized during this time.

The registration desk in the University Commons will be open 3-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13.

For more information, see the 91短视频 web site (emu.edu/homecoming), call the alumni office at 540-432-4245, or e-mail: douglas.nyce@emu.edu.

“From the moment I was announced as one of the core recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, every night and morning I say my prayers [and] I ask, ‘Lord, keep me humble,'” said , a 2007 master鈥檚 degree graduate in conflict transformation. “By being humble I hope to touch more lives and can be an example for the next generation of peacebuilders.”

Describing 1991 grad , a former supervisor was quoted in an 91短视频 publication as saying, “Glen Lapp was the ideal nurse, very self contained and capable, as well as extremely compassionate鈥攁nd above all, humble about it.”

Over its , 91短视频 held several events centering on its recognition of 鈥� she gave talks to public audiences five times over the weekend. Gbowee is the first Nobel Prize winner in the school’s 94-year history. Gbowee led a women鈥檚 movement that was instrumental in ending 14 years of civil war in Liberia in 2003. She is co-founder and executive director of Women, Peace and Security Network Africa.

Lapp, a volunteer with , was killed on Aug. 5, 2010, with nine others on the same team. They were returning from a difficult trip in which they provided health care in a rural mountainous region of Afghanistan. 91短视频 awarded its annual , the first time the university has ever given an alumni award posthumously. Lapp鈥檚 parents, Marvin and Mary Lapp of Lancaster, Pa., and other family members accepted the award on his behalf.

A Noble Alumna – Leymah Gbowee ’07

During one of her weekend speeches, Gbowee said she will continue to pray for God’s blessing to stay humble with the continued media coverage and requests for interviews. In tongue-in-cheek fashion, later remarked that Gbowee was henceforth going to be in the worldwide spotlight due to receiving the Alumna of the Year award from 91短视频. The audience of hundreds laughed heartily at the thought that being 鈥渁lumnus of the year鈥� might overshadow her .

“As a peacebuilder we can never hold onto anger,” said Gbowee. “My journey has taken me many places. I have seen many things to make me angry and break my heart, but as I step from one place to another I see that if we must change our communities, change the world, [then] anger, pain and thoughts of evil cannot be a part of our mindset.”

A central figure in the peace movement that brought an end to the Liberian Civil war, Gbowee came to 91短视频 in 2004 for three classes in the and then returned to the in 2005 to participate in a round-table of . She completed her MA in conflict transformation in 2007. In a press conference at the beginning of the weekend, Gbowee credited 91短视频 with helping her to heal from the traumas she had experienced and with developing an understanding of the roots of violent conflict from a worldwide perspective.

鈥淟eymah Gbowee mobilized and organized women across ethnic and religious dividing lines to bring an end to the long war in Liberia, and to ensure women鈥檚 participation in elections,鈥� noted the in announcing the award. 鈥淪he has since worked to enhance the influence of women in West Africa during and after war.鈥�

Gbowee co-founded with a fellow SPI alumna, Thelma Ekiyor of Nigeria. In her memoir, 鈥�,鈥� Gbowee discloses additional 91短视频 connections that influenced her work, including CJP professors , John Paul Lederach and .

“In honoring Leymah, you also honor Liberia,” said William V.S. Bull, Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, during remarks following a celebratory luncheon with award recipient family and friends. “Thank you, 91短视频, for fostering peace and providing training for peacebuilding among people of this world.”

More information on Gbowee and her ties to 91短视频 can be found at

A Distinguished Alumnus – Glen Lapp ’91

The words “compassionate, caring and humble” were used throughout Homecoming weekend when describing 40-year-old Glen Lapp.

The Distinguished Service award recognizes a life that “exemplified selfless service,” according to Duane Ringer, Lapp’s former colleague at Lancaster Regional Medical Center. In a prepared statement, the Lapp family said, “Glen was always looking ahead to the next thing and always felt there was something more he could be doing.”

Lapp and nine other workers from IAM were ambushed, robbed and killed when driving Land Rovers over rough mountainous terrain to return to Kabul after a relief trip in northern Afghanistan. Volunteering with MCC and assigned to IAM, Lapp was an executive assistant and the manager of its provincial ophthalmic program. 聽Lapp鈥檚 perspective on his assignment was recorded in his last report submitted to MCC: “[T]he main thing that expats can do is to be a presence in the country, treating people with respect and with love and trying to be a little bit of Christ in this part of the world.”

While at 91短视频, Lapp’s passion for life spilled into the gym. “Glen was probably the best setter we ever had, or close to it” said , assistant professor of education and former men’s volleyball coach. “Glen was the kind of person that everybody just followed because he was also very humble. I remember him being involved with people, caring about them. And I remember how focused he was. You knew that Glen would go on to do something important but you didn鈥檛 know what that would be. He had a concern for people and the world, you could see it back then.鈥�

Lapp graduated from 91短视频 as a math major and four years later earned a second bachelor鈥檚 degree, this time in nursing, at Johns Hopkins University. He did various types of work before volunteering in Afghanistan, including providing care to people of the Havasupai Nation in Supai, Arizona, and helping in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Trina Trotter Nussbaum ’99, who nominated Lapp for the 91短视频 award, wrote, “What a fitting way to honor his life’s work! He offered his life up for service like Jesus did and ended up losing it, like Jesus did. Who knows how many people have been touched and inspired because of Glen’s witness and sacrifice?”

Lapp may best be summed up by 91短视频 President Loren Swartzendruber, who stated during Saturday’s opening presentation, “the world needs more people like Glen.”

History of the Awards

The Alumnus of the Year Award, begun in 1967, recognizes an 91短视频 graduate who has made a recent major achievement in his or her profession. The Distinguished Service Award seeks to honor an alumnus who 鈥渄emonstrates in notable ways the Christian service and peacemaking emphases of the university.鈥�

Photos, podcasts, and other information on the Homecoming and Family Weekend can be found at

Compassionate, Gentle Births in Haiti

By Ken Heatwole, MD

A good cause. Passion. Compassion. High motivation. Extremely motivating. Delicate negotiator. Put all of these into a lady who is already vivacious, likable, and mild-mannered and out comes Nadene Brunk.

In 2000, I was on the medical mission team that introduced Nadene to Haiti. Granted, as a Certified Nurse Midwife, she was already primed to be acutely aware of women鈥檚 health, especially as it relates to pregnancy. But the impact of that visit and the seeds of vision that were planted went well beyond her own expectations.

The reality of what she witnessed and the statistics of Haiti 鈥� 75% of births unaided by skilled attendants, high infant and maternal morbidity and mortality by largely preventable causes, almost nonexistent prenatal care, early childhood disease and death rates, and rampant postpartum disease 鈥� were more than enough to impregnate the vision of help for the women of Haiti.

Through her own vivid thought process and with the help of others close to the cause, Nadene birthed in 2006.

The primary goal of MFH is to educate and train the women of Haiti in the skills of midwifery and place them in areas of need. We are preparing to graduate our third class and are now interviewing candidates for the fourth. The graduates are already embedded into various rural communities and have been highly successful. In good modern mission philosophy, this program is for the Haitians, in strong collaboration with local Haitians, and to be, ultimately, largely Haitian driven. MFH is barely a toddler yet, but its growth is dramatic and largely due to Nadene.

Passion 鈥� The plight of the pregnant Haitian woman and how to care for her are daily on Nadene鈥檚 mind and lips. Without hesitation, she will enter into fervent discussion on the statistics and emotions of Haiti. Her e-mails of research, organization, and various personal reflections are sent at all hours of the day and night.

Compassion 鈥� There is a certain amount of chaos and aggressiveness during labor and delivery in Haiti. One of the lesser, but no less important, goals that Nadene fosters in this project is her own philosophy of compassionate and gentle care during birth. She models this approach, urges all of the volunteers to do likewise, and actively teaches this approach to our Haitian staff and students. And outside of the delivery room, her compassion and caring highlight the importance of developing and maintaining relationships.

High motivation 鈥� To make a project like MFH work, sustain, and grow, there must be leadership that is greatly motivated and driven to see the big picture, yet focus also on the necessary details. The future for MFH may always be cloudy. Nonetheless, since day one of this service to Haiti, Nadene has believed strongly in her vision of better health care for the women of Haiti and has pursued it with unbridled gusto. In the most positive sense of the word, Nadene is obsessed with the success of this project.

Inspiring 鈥� Nadene鈥檚 leadership and belief in a program that is right and good in our world excite and move those around her. She has motivated into action: midwives across the United States and Canada to volunteer through insight sessions at the national midwife conference; university professors to bring their students for training and experience; the Haitian Ministry of Health to see MFH as a model for the rest of the country; the support of women鈥檚 groups through impassioned testimonials; churches with worship sermons; and the MFH board and her family as we become more invested in the cause. MFH has even captured the attention of the United Nations, the wider international midwife community, and, hopefully with upcoming negotiations, the Bush-Clinton Foundation.

Negotiator 鈥� Nadene has developed into a masterful and delicate mediator. And there has been no lack of opportunities 鈥� contracts with a challenging Haitian government, hiring and firing of Americans and Haitians alike, working with the personalities of 250 midwives that have been placed in volunteer positions, settling contracts of our Haitian staff, collaborating closely with the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, and working with major benefactors like the Bon Secours Healthcare System and the International Rotary Club. She takes each challenge, often processing it out loud with those close to her, and, even in the most sensitive and potentially explosive scenarios, creates an outcome of good will for all.

While the cause of MFH has many contributing to its growth and success, it is fundamentally Nadene鈥檚 vision. She is the current heart and soul of this mission, but has the wisdom and intention of raising this 鈥渃hild鈥� of hers into an adult mission that can sustain itself regardless of an individual or the few.

Learn more about 91短视频’s annual alumni awards

Ken Heatwole, MD, is on the board of directors of Midwives for Haiti, as well as its medical director. He also practices family medicine in Mechanicsville, Virginia. He is husband of Virginia 鈥�79, son of John Paul Heatwole, class of 鈥�51, and grandson of long-time Eastern Mennonite employee Ammon Heatwole (deceased).

Read more…

The world was stunned and outraged at the senseless, unprecedented assault on the one-room Amish school that took the lives of five children and wounded five others on Oct. 2, 2006. Forgiveness? So quickly and for such a heinous crime?

Donald Kraybill ’67

A symposium on "forgiveness" with a focus on understanding the Amish response will be held Friday, Oct. 10, 10-11:30 a.m. in Lehman Auditorium.

Two Lancaster area men who spoke on behalf of the Amish community in the aftermath of the tragedy and fielded hundreds of media queries will speak and lead a question and answer period.

Speakers

Donald B. Kraybill, distinguished professor of sociology at Elizabethtown (PA) College, and Herman Bontrager, president/CEO of Goodville Mutual Casualty Company, will reflect on Amish beliefs that prompted them to forgive, show compassion and respond graciously, despite their deep pain.

Dr. Kraybill has written 20 books, many on Amish life, including The Riddle of Amish Culture (1989/revised 2001).

He is a 1967 Bible and sociology graduate of 91短视频.

Herman Bontrager ’72

Bontrager, a 1972 alumnus, is secretary-treasurer of the National Committee for Amish Religious Freedom and was instrumental in establishing a fund for victims of the West Nickel Mines shooting.

The program will launch homecoming and parents weekend at 91短视频.

The Alumni Association will honor Kraybill as "alumnus of the year" and Bontrager will receive the annual "distinguished service" award during a worship service 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 in Lehman Auditorium.

The symposium is open to the public free of charge.

"WWLD: What Would Lloyd Do?", is a musical comedy written by and starring Ted Swartz ’89 and Trent Wagler ’02, and directed by Ingrid De Sanctis ’88). The play, with guest artist Jay Lapp and featuring music groups The Steel Wheels, Shekinah and Sons of the Day, will be presented 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Oct. 10-11 in Lehman Auditorium. Tickets, at $7.50 for adults and $5 for students, are available in advance at Red Front Super Market and at the door.

Ted Swartz (l.) and Trent Wagler will premiere a new theater piece, "WWLD (What Would Lloyd Do??), as part of homecoming weekend at 91短视频, Oct. 10-11. Photo by Jon Styer

A symposium, "Forgiveness in the Face of Tragedy: The Amish of Nickel Mines," will take place 10-11:30 a.m. Friday in Lehman Auditorium. Featured speakers will be Donald B. Kraybill ’67 and Herman Bontrager ’72, both of whom played key roles with the Amish community following the tragic shootings in a schoolhouse October, 2006. A question and answer period will follow.

Ken J. Nafziger, professor of music, will lead a worship celebration of song and scripture 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 in Lehman Auditorium. Recipients of the alumnus of the year award, distinguished service award and lifetime of service award will participate and be recognized in the service.

Reunions and Breakfast Meetings

Traditional homecoming features will include reunions at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11 for graduating years ending in a "3" or "8," from 1963 to 2003. The "Jubilee Alumni," persons who attended 91短视频 50 years ago or more, will hold a luncheon and program at 11:30 a.m. that day in Campus Center Greeting Hall, where members of the class of 1958 will be formally inducted.

Breakfast meetings will be held Saturday morning for alumni and friends of the business and economics department; nursing, education, the sciences, athletics (Loyal Royals), Bible and religion (Haverim).

The language and literature department will host a reunion 9-10 a.m. for all staffers formerly associated with the ".

See the full Homecoming schedule for more detail.

Oakwood Gathering and Science Summit

Former residents of Oakwood residence hall are invited to gather near the site of this "once-beloved dormitory," which has been demolished to make way for a three-story, environmentally-friendly, 120-bed facility, at 11 a.m. Saturday to share stories and jog memories. Read more about the recent demolition of Oakwood and see the web-cam to track progress.

At a mini science "summit" 10 a.m. Saturday, 91短视频 science faculty and students in environmental classes will share research projects and give updates on plans to renovate and expand the 40-year-old facility.

Arts and Athletics

An art exhibit featuring works by 91短视频 visual arts and communication professors Barbara Fast, Cyndi Gusler ’93, Jerry Holsopple ’80 and Steven Johnson will be on display in the third floor gallery of Hartzler Library. Media will include mixed media fiber art, drawings, photography and digital images. A gallery talk and reception will be held 4 p.m. p.m. Saturday.

Varsity field hockey, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer games are scheduled on Saturday, preceded by a Loyal Royals "fun run" 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the 91短视频 track.

The Paul R. Yoder, Sr., Memorial Golf Classic will be held Fri., Oct. 10 with start times at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Spotswood Country Club in Harrisonburg.

More Information

Special activities for children (kindergarten through fifth grade) and youth (grades 6 through 9) are scheduled at various times Saturday, and childcare for infants through age 5 will be provided during reunions and at other designated times.

During the weekend, a documentary video produced by alumnae Tiffany Horst ’07 and Carrie Keagy ’07, will be shown several times, featuring historic images and interviews that help to interpret the growth and changes that 91短视频 has seen over the years while remaining true to its vision, according to Douglas J. Nyce ’86, director of alumi/parent relations.

The registration desk in the University Commons will be open 3-8 p.m. Fri., Oct. 10 and 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 11.

For more information, go to www.emu.edu/homecoming, call the alumni office at (540) 432-4245 or e-mail alumni@emu.edu.

Catherine Mumaw

Catherine R. Mumaw, a 1954 91短视频 graduate and veteran educator from Corvallis, Ore., and a former Harrisonburg, Va., resident, received 91短视频’s 2006 “alumna of the year” award during the Sunday morning worship service of homecoming and family weekend.

The award is presented annually to a graduate who has been recognized for significant achievements in their profession, community or church.

of Lansdale, Pa., a fellow member of the graduating class of 1954, received the “distinguished service award,” also during the homecoming service.

The annual “distinguished service” award seeks to recognize graduates who have demonstrated in notable ways the Christian service and peacemaking emphases of the university.

Catherine R. Mumaw, alumna of the year

Dr. Mumaw, a home economics graduate of 91短视频, returned to teach courses in that discipline at her alma mater, 1957-74. She earned a master’s degree in 1958 and a PhD in 1967 from Penn State University.

She was professor and chair of the home economics department at Goshen (IN) College, 1974-86, and served as associate professor in the Human Development and Family Studies department at Oregon State University, 1987-95.

Through OSU, she helped Bunda College of Agriculture in Malawi update their home economics and human nutrition programs and took part in a faculty exchange program with Avinashilingam Deemed University in India.

Mumaw retired early from OSU to work in Nepal. From 1995-99, through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), she was an education adviser for Kathmandu University School of Education. There, she and her colleagues worked to improve education especially in Nepal’s primary schools.

While in Nepal, she served twice as a technical adviser for the Asia-Pacific region of the Food and Agricultural Organization, which developed distance education programs for rural women in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

In retirement, Mumaw keeps up with international friends, sings in a church choir, does amateur photography, serves on the International Federation of Home Economics’ Congress Committee that is preparing for its hundredth anniversary meeting in 2008 in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Having traveled to all the major continents and over 40 different countries, she has embarked on a new journey – as a newlywed. She married Clair Basinger of Harrisonburg, Va., on Oct. 14, 2005.

Mumaw is a daughter of the late John R. Mumaw, who was president of 91短视频 1948-65.

Claude Good

Claude Good, distinguished service award

Good and his wife, Alice Longenecker Good, also a member of the class of 1954, lived among the Triqui Indians in Mexico for 25 years while translating the New Testament into their language.

With intestinal worms a major medical problem among the children they served, Good looked for ways to treat malnutrition caused by roundworms that can devour 25-30 percent of the food eaten by a child each day.

His investigations resulted in the “Worm Project” (), a medical treatment that, for about two cents a pill, can eradicate most parasitic worms in a child for up to six months.

“We hope to have at least 12 million pills distributed by the end of 2006 in about 70 countries,” Good noted, adding a wish that his receiving the “distinguished service award” will “help publicize something that the world truly needs.”

As part of his work with the Worm Project, Good frequently addresses groups who might contribute financially; these audiences sometimes include school-age groups. His soft and easy manner, as well as his general appearances, has resulted in his being dubbed “Mr. Rodgers.”

Good continues to work with international students from the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, connecting them with families and churches in the Philadelphia area. He also has an international scripture ministry in the Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church where he and his wife are members.

It happens around the second weekend in October each year – scores of former 91短视频 students return to campus and reconnect with friends and former classmates.

More than a thousand 91短视频 alumni and parents of students are expected to continue that tradition Oct. 13-15, 2006 as they gather to celebrate on the theme, "Setting the Stage: Service & Song."

Among the myriad events scheduled are "91短视频 on Stage," with performances by students, faculty and alumni, interspersed with humorous skits from the theater department 8 p.m. Fri., Oct. 13 in Lehman Auditorium.

Mennofolk Music

"," a festival of acoustic musicians with Mennonite connections or roots, will provide the main entertainment at this year’s homecoming event.

The Cincinnati-based duo "Over the Rhine" will present a concert 9 p.m. Saturday in Lehman Auditorium. Fifteen other acts – folk, jazz, blues, traditional bluegrass and a capella – will perform at three locations on campus from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Some of the artists also will perform at three locations in downtown Harrisonburg on Friday night.

A dinner and commemorative reunion marking 85 years of the (YPCA), the oldest student-led Christian service and leadership development organization on campus, will be held 5 p.m. Oct. 14 in the University Commons. Reservations are required.

A worship service 10 a.m. Oct. 15 in Lehman Auditorium will have a music and scripture emphasis. Recipients of the (Catherine Mumaw) and (Claude Good, both members of the class of ’54) will be recognized during the service.

Traditional homecoming features will include reunions 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 14 for graduating years ending in a "1" or "6," from 1961 to 2001. The "Jubilee Alumni," persons who attended 91短视频 50 years ago or more, will hold a luncheon and program at 11:30 a.m. that day at the Eastern Mennonite High School dining room.

David Batstone, an entrepreneur, senior editor of "Worthwhile" magazine and professor of social ethics at the University of San Francisco, will speak at the business and economics department breakfast meeting 8 a.m. Oct. 14 during homecoming weekend.

Breakfast meetings will be held Saturday morning for alumni and friends of the business and economics department; nursing department, the science department, Bible and religion department (Haverim), the music department (Encore!) and the language and literature department.

Outstanding alumni athletes will be recognized at a "hall of honor" breakfast Saturday morning. This year’s inductees are Jill Basinger Mullet of Berlin, Ohio, who played basketball and volleyball, 1981-84; and Tim Cressman from Scottdale, Pa., a track and field standout, 1988-91.

History major and pre-law minor alumni and other interested persons are invited to a special luncheon meeting 12:30 p.m. Oct. 14 to hear guest speakers address vocational, ethical and theological themes within a law-related course of study and career. A new student-led law society, "Res Judicata," is developing on campus in connection with 91短视频’s pre-law minor.

An art exhibit featuring works by Barb Gaucher, an art teacher at Eastern Mennonite High School, will be on display in the of Hartzler Library. A reception for the artist will be held 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14.

Varsity field hockey, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer games are scheduled on Saturday, preceded by a Loyal Royals "fun run" 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the 91短视频 track.

Activities Include Golf Classic

The Paul R. Yoder, Sr., Memorial Golf Classic will be held Fri., Oct. 13 with start times at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Spotswood Country Club in Harrisonburg.

Special activities for children (kindergarten through fifth grade) and youth (grades 6 through 9) are scheduled at various times Saturday, and childcare for infants through age 5 will be provided during reunions and at other designated times.

The registration desk in the University Commons will be open 3-10 p.m. Fri., Oct. 13, and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 14.

"It is a totally new venture for 91短视频 to host a ‘Mennofolk’ event on campus as a part of Homecoming and Family Weekend," said Douglas Nyce, director of alumni-parent relations. "We believe that it will be an attraction for many alumni families, as well as for the Harrisonburg/Rockingham community and beyond.

"Hosting a reunion for the Young People’s Christian Association will also be special, because so many 91短视频 alumni took part in YPCA programs during their years as student," Nyce added. "We look forward to seeing many old friends as well as families of current students here on campus. There will be something for everyone to enjoy!"

For more information, go to www.emu.edu/homecoming/, call the alumni office at (540) 432-4245 or e-mail alumni@emu.edu.

For more, read the latest edition of .

Myron Blosser

Myron E. Blosser

Myron E. Blosser, a 1983 91短视频 graduate and veteran educator from Harrisonburg, received 91短视频’s 2005 "alumnus of the year" award during the Sunday, Oct. 16, worship service of homecoming and family weekend.

The award is presented annually to a graduate who has been recognized for significant recent achievements in their profession, community or church. Melodie M. Davis, a 1975 91短视频 graduate who has a 30-year tenure as a writer/producer with Mennonite Media in Harrisonburg, received the "distinguished service award," also during the homecoming service.

The annual "distinguished service" award seeks to recognize graduates who have demonstrated in notable ways the Christian service and peacemaking emphases of the university.

Following graduation, Blosser taught at Strasburg (VA) High School for three years before taking a position teaching biology at Harrisonburg High School.

He has received wide recognition over the years for his efforts to instill students with a love of science by taking them beyond the classroom walls.

Blosser led a group of Harrisonburg High School students across the country in 1998 to study environmental science for several weeks. He took another group on a similar trip two years later.

In 2001, he left Harrisonburg High and joined the faculty at Eastern Mennonite High School with the retirement of long-time biology teacher David A. Mumaw, who Blosser said "made me want to be a teacher in the first place."

In 2003, he and two other EMHS teachers in several disciplines led 22 students to the Pacific Ocean, following the trail of Lewis and Clark in the year of the 200th anniversary of the explorers’ voyage of discovery.

This summer, Blosser and another 22 EMHS students followed the Colorado River by bus and raft from its source all the way to Yuma, Mexico, where it enters Mexico. The group analyzed the river’s water along the way and its effects on local farms and a major city, Las Vegas.

Blosser has received numerous recognitions for his teaching, including "biology teacher of the year" in 1993 from the Virginia Association of Biology Teachers, in 1994 from the American Association of University Women and in 1998 from the National Association of Biology Teachers. He was one of 20 teachers nationwide named to the 1999 USA Today Teacher First team and was a member of the state education committee that wrote Virginia’s science Standards of Learning.

The Harrisonburg native is married to Rhonda Graber Blosser, a 1986 91短视频 graduate. Their children are Kurtis, Kelsey and Bryce, all students at Eastern Mennonite School.

Melodie Davis

Melodie M. Davis

Davis, an English major at 91短视频, took a position with the former Mennonite Broadcasts, Inc. (now Mennonite Media), one month after graduation and has been with the agency since then.

Today, as writer/producer for Mennonite Media, she works with radio spots, writes a syndicated column, "Another Way," and does editing for the organization’s "Third Way Cafe" () web site. The radio spots are carried on some 300 stations across the country; her column appears in 10 newpapers in North America, including the Harrisonburg Daily News-Record.

Davis also works on documentaries on difficult life issues that have aired on network and cable television.

Davis’ radio spots and other work have received awards from the church and secular media. Her "Parenting on the Edge" radio spots were recognized in the 2003 Gracie Allen Awards.

She has written eight non-fiction books and also works part time as editor of the inspirational newsprint tabloids, "Together" and "Living," published by the Shalom Foundation.

The Goshen, Ind., native is married to Rockingham County native Stuart Davis. The couple has three adult daughters – Michelle, Tanya and Doreen.

Again in mid-October, scores of former 91短视频 students will return to campus to reconnect with friends and classmates.

More than a thousand 91短视频 of students will continue that tradition Oct. 14-16, 2005, as they gather to celebrate on the theme, "Where Generations Meet."

"Homecoming is an exciting time of year as so many alumni, parents of students and friends of the university gather on campus for a time of celebration," said , director of alumni-parent relations. "It’s our desire to see several generations of people reconnecting over the course of the weekend as they take in the many events."

Activities will run non-stop on campus all weekend long.

91短视频 students, faculty and alumni will blend their musical talents and styles in a "Showcase Performance," 8 p.m. Fri., Oct. 14 in Lehman Auditorium. The event will be broadcast live on WEMC, 91.7 FM.

An art exhibit featuring the works of 91短视频 senior Veronica B. Amstutz will go on display Sat., Oct. 15 in the third floor . A reception for the artist will be held 2:30-4 p.m.

, the university radio station, will hold an open house 1:30-4 p.m. Sat. at its studios on the hill overlooking campus. WEMC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall, the oldest public radio station in Virginia.

A barbecue dinner with live music will be held on the front lawn of campus, weather permitting, at 5:30 p.m. for students, faculty, alumni and friends.

The acclaimed Harlem Gospel Choir from New York City will perform 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in Lehman Auditorium. Advance tickets are available by calling the 91短视频 box office, 540-432-4582.

An alumni-parent worship service 10 a.m. Oct. 16 in Lehman Auditorium will feature storytelling, special music and celebration. Recipients of the "Alumnus of the Year" and "Distinguished Service" awards will be recognized during the service.

Traditional homecoming features will include reunions 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 15 for graduating years ending in a "5" or "0," from 1960 to 2000. The "Jubilee Alumni," graduates who attended 91短视频 50 years ago or more, will hold a luncheon 11:30 a.m. that day at the Eastern Mennonite High School dining room.

Breakfast meetings will be held Saturday morning for alumni and friends of the business and economics department; nursing department, mathematics department, the Suter Science Center, Bible and religion department (Haverim), language and literature department, Hall of Honor (athletics) and the music department (Encore!). 91短视频’s Peace Club and Black Student Union will both hold special reunion events as well.

Friday night, the 91短视频 men’s basketball team will host special activities to open their new season. An open gym for alumni and their families will be held 9-10 p.m. in the University Commons, followed at 10 p.m. by an alumni basketball game.

Following a highlight film of last year’s basketball season, the 2005-06 EMY Royals team will take to the court at 12 midnight, the official start of basketball practice as sanctioned by the NCAA. The team will hold a slam-dunk contest and an intra-squad scrimmage.

Varsity field hockey, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer games are scheduled on Saturday, preceded by a three-mile Loyal Royals "fun run" 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the 91短视频 track.

The annual alumni golf classic will begin at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fri., Oct. 14, at the Spotswood Country Club.

Special activities for children (kindergarten through sixth grade) and youth (grades 7 through 12) are scheduled at various times Saturday, and childcare will be provided during reunions and at other designated times.

The registration desk in the University Commons will be open 3-10 p.m. Fri., Oct. 14, and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 15. You may also .

For more information and to register, check the 91短视频 web site (), call the alumni office at 540-432-4245 or e-mail: homecoming@emu.edu.

The second weekend in October each year, scores of former students arrive on campus to reconnect with friends and classmates. More than a thousand alumni and parents of students are expected to continue that tradition Oct. 8-10, 2004 on .

More than a thousand 91短视频 alumni and parents of students are expected to continue that tradition Oct. 8-10, 2004 as they gather to celebrate homecoming and parents weekend.

( for Homecoming will remain available until Oct. 6.)

"Many alumni formed significant relationships during their college years that last a lifetime," said , director of . "At homecoming, they’ll come together to celebrate these friendships and their connections to the larger university community," he added.

Events

Among the myriad events scheduled are Homecoming concerts featuring 1993 graduate Dan Gardner, a recording artist from Atlanta, Ga., on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8-9, at 8 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium. Gardner won a national "Today’s Superstar" competition on NBC Television’s "Today" show in 2002 and launched a successful recording and concert career. Advance tickets are available by calling the 91短视频 box office, (540) 432-4582.

Donald R. Clymer, director of 91短视频’s cross-cultural programs, will answer questions about the school’s off-campus study opportunities 10 a.m. Oct. 9 in the University Commons.

An alumni-parent worship service 10 a.m. Oct. 10 in Lehman Auditorium will have a music emphasis led by Kenneth J. Nafziger, professor of music, and the 91短视频 Chamber Singers. Recipients of the "alumnus of the year" and "distinguished service award" will be recognized during the service.

Traditional homecoming features will include reunions 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 9 for graduating years ending in a "4" or "9," from 1959 to 1999. The "Jubilee Alumni," persons who attended 91短视频 50 years ago or more, will hold a luncheon and program at 11:30 a.m. that day at the Eastern Mennonite High School dining room.

Breakfast meetings will be held Saturday morning for alumni and friends of the business and economics department; nursing department, the science department, Bible and religion department (Haverim), the music department (Encore!) and the language and literature department.

Everyone’s a fan during Homecoming!

Outstanding alumni athletes will be recognized at a "hall of honor" breakfast Saturday morning. This year’s inductees are Sandy Brownscombe, a former women’s basketball, men’s volleyball and field hockey coach at 91短视频; and Elton Horst, a cross-country standout. For the first time, a team – the 1976 men’s cross-country team – will also be inducted.

Home economics alumni will gather at 3 p.m. Saturday in Martin Chapel for a reception and program. Tributes will be given in honor of the late Mary Emma Showalter Eby, founder of the 91短视频 home economics program.

A reception for a cross-cultural seminary group who went to the Middle East 30 years ago with Willard Swartley, a former Bible and religion department professor, will be held 7 p.m. Saturday in Martin Chapel.

Several alumni authors will be present for a book signing 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday in the university bookstore: Dwight Hartman, Samuel L. Horst, Elton Lehman, Janet Patton, John Stahl-Wert and Willard and Mary Swartley.

An art exhibit featuring mixed media by Aaron Echorst, a 1994 91短视频 art graduate, will be on display in the third floor gallery of . A reception for the artist will be held 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9.

Varsity field hockey, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer games are scheduled on Saturday, preceded by a Loyal Royals "fun run" 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the 91短视频 track.

The annual alumni golf classic will begin at 1 p.m. Fri., Oct. 8, at the Heritage Oaks Golf Course west of Harrisonburg.

Special activities for children (kindergarten through sixth grade) and youth (grades 7 through 12) are scheduled at various times Saturday, and childcare for infants through age 5 will be provided during reunions and at other designated times.

The registration desk in the University Commons will be open 3-10 p.m. Fri., Oct. 8, and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 9.

For more information, go to , call the alumni office at (540) 432-4245 or e-mail alumni@emu.edu.