For her, that moment came during the traumatic birth of her youngest child two years ago. Perez, a graduate of 91短视频 at Lancaster鈥檚 Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) program, shared that she failed out of her studies during that experience. But rather than quit, she pushed forward and kept fighting. She came back stronger, enrolling in the next cohort and earning Dean鈥檚 List honors throughout her time in the program. The road didn鈥檛 become easier, she said, but her resilience grew stronger.

That same resilience, she told the Class of 2026 graduates, lies in every single one of them. Many of them, who are nontraditional adult learners, balanced their coursework with jobs, families, and other responsibilities. 鈥淲e showed up tired, we showed up overwhelmed and stretched thin, and sometimes we showed up broken,鈥� she said. 鈥淩egardless, we still showed up.鈥�

When her mother was hospitalized and passed away in January, Perez said her classmates, who had become a support system, showed up for her. 鈥淚n one of my hardest seasons,鈥� she said, 鈥渋t was this community that reminded me I wasn鈥檛 alone.鈥�

Graduates recess following the Commencement ceremony.

Angelita Perez (left) was one of three graduates who shared their perspectives at Commencement. Dr. Jamie Mak (right), assistant vice president of academic and program growth for 91短视频 at Lancaster, opens the ceremony. 

Perez was one of 21 graduates of 91短视频 at Lancaster鈥檚 degree and graduate certificate programs who walked across the stage and were joyfully sent off into the world during the annual Commencement ceremony at Forest Hills Mennonite Church on Friday, May 8. This year, 91短视频 at Lancaster awarded 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates.

Dr. Jamie Mak, assistant vice president of academic and program growth for 91短视频 at Lancaster, welcomed the family members, friends, and guests gathered in celebration and commended the courage and commitment shown by the graduates.

鈥淎s you leave today, you carry more than just credentials,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou carry the values that define this community: peacebuilding, social justice, service, and compassion. You are entering a world that needs those values more than ever.鈥�

91短视频 at Lancaster awarded 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates.

Graduates Will Stover (left) and Alejandro Ulloa (right) share their perspectives.

In addition to Perez, graduates Will Stover and Alejandro Ulloa shared their reflections.

Stover, a graduate of the aviation program, highlighted his cohort鈥檚 accomplishments鈥攁ccumulating over 7,000 hours of flight time in their four years together鈥攁nd shared some of the lessons they learned in the program. He encouraged graduates to 鈥渢ake the first step鈥� when presented with challenges and opportunities, continue supporting one another and 鈥渒eep 鈥檈m flying,鈥� and find the positive in times of adversity. Echoing the mantra of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight squadron, he called on graduates to embrace being 鈥済lad to be here.鈥�

鈥淭here are days that are difficult, when we feel defeated, lost, and unsure of what鈥檚 next,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here are also days that feel easy, motivating, and full of hope. The phrase 鈥楪lad to be here鈥� is a reminder that, regardless of the day, resiliency ultimately wins.鈥�

When Ulloa was growing up, he often heard his mother say, 鈥渃ada cabeza un mundo entero.鈥� That phrase, he said, translates to 鈥渆ach head is a whole world.鈥�

鈥淢y mom鈥檚 words are a consistent reminder that God created each of us with uniqueness and complexity and finds each of us worthy of love,鈥� said Ulloa, who graduated with an MA in education with a concentration in Trauma and Resilience in Educational Environments (TREE).

After teaching at Lancaster Mennonite High School for 11 years, he said God called him to a different setting about four years ago. That鈥檚 when he applied to the program at 91短视频 at Lancaster to 鈥渟tay in touch with these faith-infused tenets of education and daily practice.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 so thankful for this program and its professors, who encouraged us to view our students in their entirety, to approach them with care and empathy first and foremost, and to remember that there鈥檚 an entire world in their heads,鈥� he said. Ulloa added that he leaves the program 鈥渕ore committed than ever鈥� to meet his students where they are, get to know them, and support them however he can.

91短视频 at Lancaster鈥檚 Class of 2026 graduates celebrate after walking across the stage.

Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo (left) delivers the Commencement address. Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus (right) offers welcome remarks during the ceremony.

Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo delivered the Commencement address. A first-generation college graduate and avid runner who became the first Latino mayor in the city鈥檚 history, he spoke about the process of training for a marathon and connected it to broader lessons in life.

Preparation, he told the graduates, is both a choice and an ongoing process. 鈥淪ometimes that means taking a step back and readjusting your training plan,鈥� he said. 鈥淪ometimes it鈥檚 just a check-in with yourself that brings you back to the basics. It鈥檚 about questioning your choices and making sure you鈥檙e on the right path.鈥�

鈥淭hink deeply about your choices, find a way to quiet the noise, listen to what truly matters, and make sure the commitments you make are for the greater good,鈥� Arroyo added.

In her remarks to the graduates, Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus expressed appreciation for the ways they have shown up for one another and for the 91短视频 community. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e wrestled with hard questions, you鈥檝e listened across differences, and you鈥檝e continued to pursue rigorous learning in a way that reflects both care and conviction,鈥� she said.

Kirk Shisler 鈥�81, vice president for advancement, welcomed the graduates as new members of the 91短视频 Alumni Association. 鈥淵ou join some 21,000 fellow alumni who distinguish themselves as people who serve and lead with distinction locally, regionally, nationally, and around the world,鈥� he said.

Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs, presented and commissioned the graduates. Dr. Dycus conferred the degrees and offered the closing blessing. Jess King 鈥�96, an 91短视频 parent and member of the 91短视频 Board of Trustees, led the opening invocation. Derek Kline, director of the aviation program, and Dr. Mak recognized the graduates.

In addition to King, board members Janet Lind, Gloria Diener 鈥�76, and Jane Hoober Peifer 鈥�74, MDiv 鈥�97, attended the ceremony.

The longtime higher education innovator and industry professional said she鈥檚 excited to expand access to 91短视频 Lancaster鈥檚 transformative learning opportunities and continue building onto the site鈥檚 established presence as a trusted educational partner.

鈥淚 want people to recognize that we have a gem here,鈥� Mak said. 鈥淚 feel like we鈥檙e kind of hidden, so let鈥檚 shine a spotlight on it.鈥�

91短视频 Lancaster continues to experience growth in its program enrollment and course offerings. Among its recent successful developments:

• The aviation program welcomed another large cohort of students for the fall 2025 semester. Sky-high demand for the program led to a waitlist for the 2025 cohort.
• The site launched an evening Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) cohort, expanding access for working adults and meeting critical needs of the regional health care workforce.
• The Trauma and Resilience in Educational Environments (TREE) program continues to see enrollment growth and is now a fully online asynchronous graduate certificate program.
• The school introduced a new drone certification course, demonstrating its responsiveness to emerging market demands and professional development opportunities. 

Mak said she looks forward to working with the rest of the 91短视频 Lancaster team and the Lancaster community at large to explore new and meaningful partnerships and new ways of delivering innovative and quality educational programs that are relevant to the workforce and professional development needs of the region.

Prior to her expanded role leading 91短视频 Lancaster, Mak helped strengthen the online programs at 91短视频, particularly at the graduate level. She collaborated with faculty across campus to implement online education best practices, partnered with the Graduate Recruitment Team to enhance prospective student experiences by streamlining website content and lead collection, and worked with the Advancement Team to establish the Online Education Advisory Committee of 91短视频 Alumni, achieving early successes with industry partnerships. 

Before joining 91短视频 in 2024, she served as managing director of the Global Innovation Partnership Program in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems at Drexel University. The program, which she launched, provides valuable remote and in-person educational experiences to students, professionals, and faculty across three continents. 

She holds a doctorate in education with a concentration in higher education leadership and management, a master of science in biomedical engineering, and a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. Each of those degrees is from Drexel University.

Mak has more than 30 years of business executive experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, including serving as vice president of commercialization at Helius Medical Technologies and head of strategy of operations for multiple functions at Bristol-Myers Squibb.

She brings a collaborative and student-centered approach to leadership, along with a deep commitment to 91短视频鈥檚 mission and values. 鈥淎t the end of the day, I chose 91短视频 because of its values,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 really like the values of peacebuilding, social justice, community service, and serving with compassion. Those values resonated with me.鈥�

A 2010 graduate of 91短视频鈥檚 bachelor of science in nursing program and a lifelong advocate for high-quality health care, Deibert has held leadership and educational positions throughout central Pennsylvania, including director of nursing at Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing in Lititz and adjunct faculty at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. Her clinical expertise spans long-term care, maternity, pediatrics, and neonatal intensive care (NICU), positioning her uniquely to lead and grow 91短视频鈥檚 high-performing nurse aide program.

91短视频鈥檚 nurse aide program, known for its exceptional student outcomes鈥攊ncluding a pass rate of 99% skills, 99% on the written portion of the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam鈥攃ontinues to meet growing workforce needs in partnership with over a dozen local health care organizations.

As program coordinator, Deibert will oversee curriculum development, student advising, and clinical partnerships, while shaping the next generation of compassionate and skilled nurse aides. 鈥淚鈥檓 honored to return to 91短视频 and lead a program that equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and heart to serve,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 look forward to working alongside our community partners to expand access to health care education and meet the needs of our region.鈥�

For more information about 91短视频 at Lancaster鈥檚 nurse aide program, visit:

91短视频 at Lancaster proudly celebrated the achievements of 45 graduates across its undergraduate and graduate programs at the ceremony, held at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania, where it conferred 11 bachelor of science degrees (including six in the aviation program), seven master of arts degrees in education, and 27 graduate certificates.

The Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus, vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging at 91短视频, delivered the Commencement address. Dycus, who has spent 15 years working in learning communities and ministry settings, including the past six years at 91短视频, will begin her role as interim president of the university on July 1. She shared words of celebration and encouragement with the graduates, and recognized how they adapted, stretched, and sacrificed to complete their studies.

鈥淵ou completed assignments with children on your lap, took exams during night shifts, joined Zoom classes between caregiving and work,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou have balanced more than books. You have raised families, worked jobs, navigated change, and carried responsibility, all while pursuing a vision that wouldn鈥檛 let go. You returned to the classroom not because it was easy, but because it mattered.鈥�

That theme of persistence and perseverance was also expressed by 91短视频 President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman in her welcome remarks, reflecting on how many graduates鈥攊mmersed in their coursework during the COVID-19 pandemic鈥攄emonstrated remarkable fortitude and resilience, while testing the bonds of what it means to be a supportive community of learners. Huxman, 91短视频鈥檚 first woman president and its first academic president, is retiring this year after nine years at the helm.

Four members of the graduating class provided perspectives from their time at 91短视频 at Lancaster.

Jill Jones, who earned a graduate certificate in trauma and resilience in educational environments, shared how a breast cancer diagnosis and a decision to transition from teaching kindergartners to preschoolers in a Head Start program led her to 91短视频 at Lancaster. She first scrolled past an ad for the graduate program on her Facebook feed, but when it kept appearing鈥攁nd a friend texted her suggesting she apply鈥攕he decided to take a chance.

鈥淲hat I found was the most amazing learning experience I have ever encountered: classes with students and professors who were as passionate about teaching others about trauma as I was, connections and relationships with people not only from all over the country but also in different countries, and courses that were so interesting I couldn鈥檛 wait to learn more and share what I had learned,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his program not only made me a better teacher but also a better person, and I use what I learned in this program daily in my classroom and life. It breathed back into me my love of teaching, with my only regret being that I didn鈥檛 do it sooner.鈥�

A pair of graduates from the aviation program, Griffin Snyder and Ella Hickey, spoke about their commitment as a class to see everyone succeed. Snyder said they鈥檝e not only learned how to operate aircraft but also how to manage pressure, assess risk, and lead with professionalism. He credited the program with cultivating essential skills in discipline, communication, and perseverance. 鈥淎t 91短视频 Lancaster, it鈥檚 not just about earning our certificates and ratings,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about the community we built along the way. Together, we have celebrated milestones, supported each other through challenges, and pushed one another to be our best.鈥�

Behind every successful pilot is a team, Hickey said, whether it鈥檚 instructors, classmates, or the aviation community. 鈥淭here was never any hesitation if someone needed help, we were there,鈥� she said, describing late-night study sessions and endless phone calls with classmates. 鈥淲e showed up for each other in a selfless way, balancing our own goals with a genuine commitment to seeing everyone succeed.鈥�

Wesley Morgan, who earned a BS in Leadership and Organizational Management, spoke about the challenge of balancing coursework with other responsibilities. 鈥淎ll of us have full-time jobs, families, and homes to take care of, and chose to add 鈥榮tudent鈥� to the many hats we have been wearing over the past two years,鈥� he said, recalling a time writing a paper at the hospital while his wife and newborn were asleep.

He found support through his cohort in the LOM degree completion program. 鈥淲e all met together weekly, all had the same assignments, and this meant we were all a part of each other鈥檚 lives for the two years we were together,鈥� Morgan said. 鈥淲e were not just classmates, we became friends as we worked together, struggled together, and learned together. It was a privilege to be a part of this program with the cohort we had.鈥�

91短视频 at Lancaster offers undergraduate and graduate academic programs and聽professional development programs to help students excel in today’s workforce.

Meghan Shober performed the prelude for the ceremony. Janet Lind, member of the 91短视频 Board of Trustees, led the opening prayer of invocation. Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs at 91短视频, presented and commissioned the graduates. Dr. David Martin, director of graduate teacher education, and Derek Kline, director of the aviation program, distributed diploma covers to the graduates. 91短视频 President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman conferred the degrees and provided the Commencement blessing. 

Kline’s distinguished career spans over two decades, including service as captain and first officer at both American Airlines and Piedmont Airlines where he operated domestic and international flights under Part 121 Air Carrier operations. His experience encompasses multi-engine, turbine, and jet aircraft, with DHC-8, B-757, B-767, ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 type ratings.

In addition to his extensive flight experience, Kline has served as a flight instructor, chief pilot and ground instructor, ensuring the highest standards in pilot training and safety through curriculum development and pilot performance evaluations. A Central Missouri State University graduate, Kline holds a bachelor of science degree in aviation management.

“We are thrilled to welcome Derek to 91短视频,” said Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs at 91短视频. “His extensive experience in commercial aviation and his passion for mentoring future pilots aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students for successful careers in aviation. Under his leadership, 91短视频鈥檚 aviation program will continue to grow and provide top-tier education for aspiring pilots.鈥�

91短视频鈥檚 aviation program has seen significant growth since it launched in 2018 with five students. The program added 24 new students in fall 2024, bringing total enrollment to 46. A total of twenty students have graduated from the program, and six more are set to graduate in May. Demand for the program remains high, with a waitlist for the 2025 cohort.

鈥淚 am truly honored to be the new director of aviation at 91短视频,鈥� Kline said. 鈥淚 was drawn to the incredible growth of the program and the unwavering commitment to providing students with the knowledge to excel in aviation.鈥�

91短视频 91短视频’s Aviation Program

91短视频 (91短视频) established its aviation program in 2018, offering a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) with a concentration in aviation focusing on professional flight training. In partnership with Aero-Tech Services, Inc., 91短视频 provides a comprehensive pathway for pilot education that equips students with exceptional training and career opportunities in commercial aviation and private charter operations.

As a Part 141 collegiate aviation program, 91短视频 has a reduced requirement for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, allowing graduates to qualify for the ATP with just 1,000 flight hours. Students earn their Private, Instrument, and Commercial Certificates, including a multi-engine rating and their Flight Instructor Certificates.

91短视频 at Lancaster celebrated the accomplishments of its graduates at a Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania. Walking in the ceremony were 21 undergraduates and 7 graduate students.

Commencement address

91短视频 Provost Dr. Tynisha Willingham delivered the Commencement address.

During one particularly challenging semester in her sophomore year at Pennsylvania State University, Willingham felt like giving up. The first-generation college grad struggled to balance two jobs, her responsibilities as a Resident Assistant and an 18-credit course load. She called home to tell her family how difficult things were and that she felt like returning home.

Her grandfather picked up the phone and told her, “I want you to remember, we’re so proud of you. Keep working hard,” Willingham recounted in her address. And, in that moment, she said, she could not find the words to tell him how overwhelmed she was or how she wanted to give up.

“For some of you, you’ve had those moments where you wanted to call it quits, where you wanted to send that text or make that call because it was hard, but you persevered nonetheless,” Willingham told the graduates. “I want you to know that, whether it was two years or four years, those long nights and early mornings were well worth it.”

Graduate speakers

Three graduates shared experiences from their journeys at 91短视频 at Lancaster.

Erica Gordon, a graduate of the Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) program, described a group activity during the final night of her Team Dynamics course. Tasked with finding an object and telling the rest of the group why it was important to her, Gordon shared a photo from her daughter’s wedding. She held back tears as she recounted telling the group that “completing this degree wasn’t just for me, but it was to show my daughters they could do it, too.”

“For far too long, I believed I wasn’t smart enough to be where I am tonight,” she told her fellow graduates. “After class that night, I received many encouraging texts that helped carry me through that program. It meant the world to me that they believed in me.”

Julie Landis, an MA in education graduate, said that when first starting out on their journeys, the path ahead seemed exciting and daunting. Together, they faced challenges and triumphs, moments of doubt and confidence-boosting successes. She left her fellow education graduates with words of encouragement.

“Remember why you chose this path,” she said. “Whether it was a deep-seated passion for shaping young minds, a desire to make a positive impact on society, or a commitment to lifelong learning, hold on to that purpose. Let it be your guide on the challenging days and a source of inspiration on the victorious ones.”

Samr Morcos, a graduate of the aviation program, reflected on the bonds formed with his classmates and expressed gratitude for the flight instructors who guided them and inspired them to reach new heights. He encouraged the graduates to carry forward the lessons of adaptability, resilience and effective communication they’ve learned at 91短视频. He said the aviation program has not only equipped them with knowledge, but also with the practical skills needed to lead and thrive in a dynamic environment.

“As we spread our wings on our individual journeys, let us remember that the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning,” he said.

Tribute to Capt. Clemmensen

The ceremony featured a tribute to Capt. Karl Clemmensen, an 91短视频 aviation instructor who passed away suddenly on April 11, 2024. Clemmensen began serving as an aviation instructor at 91短视频 at Lancaster in 2021. You can read his obituary . Aviation student Will Stover read the tribute.

Clemmensen was a driving force behind the excellence of the aviation program, nurturing its growth and maturity, Stover said. As a dedicated faculty member, he imparted his expertise in meteorology, aviation safety and air transport advanced subjects while also serving as an aviation industry liaison.

“Capt. Karl leaves behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and a lasting impact on our aviation community,” Stover said. “Though he may be gone, his spirit will forever soar among us.”

Other highlights

91短视频 President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman presented welcoming remarks and the conferring of degrees. Shannon Dycus, vice president of student affairs and dean of students at 91短视频, presented the graduates and provided the Commencement blessing. Dr. Christine Sharp, Dr. Daniel Lebo, David Martin and John Sibole assisted with the presentation of graduates. 91短视频 Board of Trustees members Janet Lind and James Rosenberger were in attendance.

91短视频 at Lancaster offers undergraduate and graduate academic programs tailored to the needs of its nonresidential and post-traditional learners. The school collaborates closely with local civic and business organizations to ensure that its curriculum aligns with the evolving educational and workforce landscape.

It will relocate to a state-of-the-art facility at the Listrak building in Lititz, Pennsylvania, in July. Read more about that move here.

The university will occupy a 15,000-square-foot space on the second floor of 100 West Millport Road in Warwick Township, which is owned and occupied by eCommerce tech company . 91短视频 at Lancaster executed a multi-year lease and plans to perform some minor upgrades to property infrastructure, IT and communications capabilities. Deepa M. Balepur, co-founding principal for Compass Real Estate, LLC. brokered the transaction.

The new location will provide state-of-the-art facilities for learning with classrooms, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training laboratory, designated student advisory areas, a cafeteria and coffee bar, ample parking, and outdoor space. In addition to Listrak, 91短视频 will join current building tenants , an event venue, and pediatric physical therapy facility .

According to Listrak CEO Ross Kramer, the company now has employees in more than 40 states and has embraced a hybrid work model, prompting the decision to bring in outside tenants.

鈥淟ike many commercial landlords, we have reevaluated our physical properties and have determined that we do not need the entire 93,000 square feet of our headquarters building,鈥� said Kramer. 鈥淎s strong supporters of STEM education, we felt that 91短视频 at Lancaster would be a great fit and believe the new space will provide a learning environment conducive to students’ academic and professional growth.鈥�

91短视频 at Lancaster has been located at its present location for almost 28 years. The new location offers convenient access to Lancaster Airport, flight training partner , and a growing network of partnerships with long-term care facilities in the region. The school offers a CNA program and a Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) with an aviation concentration. Drone technology education will be added to the program in 2024.

91短视频 at Lancaster provides a range of online degree and certificate programs, including a Master of Arts in Education degree with a nationally-recognized certificate in trauma and resilience and several other areas of specialization. Additionally, students who have taken courses from a technical, community, or four-year college can transfer those credits into the LOM Bachelor of Science degree completion program.

“The needs of today’s workforce are constantly changing,鈥� said Dr. Christine A. Sharp, executive director at 91短视频 at Lancaster. 鈥�91短视频 is committed to providing post-secondary education and professional development training that offers students a competitive advantage. Our mission is to ensure that those who complete our programs are well-prepared to make valuable contributions to the workforce and communities.鈥�

91短视频 91短视频

91短视频 at Lancaster offers undergraduate and graduate academic programs that serve the needs of non-residential students, including post-traditional adult learners. 91短视频 at Lancaster works closely with local civic and business organizations to ensure that our programs of study meet educational and workforce development needs in our communities. 91短视频 at Lancaster encourages students, faculty, and staff to live their faith and values through service to others, peacemaking, cross-cultural engagement, and sustainability. The 91短视频 main campus, offering undergraduate, graduate, and seminary degrees, is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

91短视频 Listrak Inc.

Listrak delivers results for over 1,000 retailers and brands by providing best-in-class email, text message marketing, identity resolution marketing, and push notifications through seamless cross-channel orchestration. Listrak鈥檚 data-first approach delivers 1:1 personalization at scale so messages can be sent at precisely the right time across the right combination of channels and devices to maximize customer engagement, revenue, and lifetime value.

Learn more about the STEP program and EMS at: www.emu.edu/lancaster/seminary/step