A new photo book memorializing the “MJ Dream Hike” is now available for purchase, with proceeds going towards the MJ Sharp Peace & Justice Endowed Scholarship at 91短视频.

Photographers and hike participants Riley Swartzendruber 鈥�19 and Christy Kauffman 鈥�19, designed the book. It was originally developed as a keepsake for hike participants and donors, but those involved realized there were many more who were invested in the endeavor. 

In 2017, Michael J. Sharp, a 2005 alumnus who was working in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a United Nations expert on armed groups, was murdered by unknown assailants. The story of Sharp鈥檚 life and work has been widely publicized around the world, including in documentary films and in a biography slated for publication next spring.

Two years after his death, 12 hikers 鈥� including Swartzendruber and Kauffman, then students at 91短视频, trekked to the top of Kilimanjaro. The group included MJ Sharp鈥檚 father John Sharp, 91短视频 Provost Fred Kniss 鈥�79, Wilmer Otto 鈥�73 and former Board of Trustees members John Bomberger 鈥�77 and Gerry Horst 鈥�72.

Their efforts commemorated Sharp’s legacy and raised more than $136,000 for an endowed scholarship in his name that benefits Congolese peacebuilders studying at 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP). The scholarship鈥檚 total stands at nearly $215,000 鈥� a sum which has enabled two graduate students, David Niringabo and Yolanda Emedi, to study at CJP.

“Christy and I are extremely grateful for being part of such a meaningful trip and we want to provide another way for MJ’s story to live on and grow,” said Swartzendruber.

The hike also included close friends and former colleagues.

“As one of his close friends in the Congo, considering the fact that I didn’t have the opportunity to be in Kansas during the funerals in April 2017, the hike was a good opportunity for me at least to have mourning,” wrote Serge Lungele, one of Sharp’s colleagues. “Whenever I think of the hike, I see MJ alive and this gives me a new motivation to work for peace, to work on MJ’s track.”

The books are for sale at cost, with supporting contributions from CJP and 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Development Office.

“Making the book was important to us for many reasons,” Swartzendruber said. “Putting it together allowed us to reflect on our photos and decide what evoked the most accurate emotions we experienced on the trek. It gave us a good outlet for us to process what the trip meant. On a broader level, we wanted something physical to share with our fellow hikers, as well as to all the donors and folks who supported us through the journey.”

91短视频 will host an in-person “Walking Ceremony” and online Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020.

The Walking Ceremonies will be Saturday, May 1. [The rain date is Sunday, May 2.] Graduates of 2020 and 2021 are invited to attend one of three smaller ceremonies associated with 91短视频’s academic schools.

• 9:00 a.m. School of Theology, Humanities and the Performing Arts
• 11:30 a.m. School of Science, Engineering, Art and Nursing
• 2:00 p.m. School of Social Sciences and Professions

An outdoor venue will be used. Graduates may also register four guests. More information will be forthcoming.

Two virtual ceremonies will also be held. The Class of 2021 Commencement will be on Sunday, May 9, at 1 p.m. EST. The Hon. Deanna Reed, mayor of Harrisonburg and a member of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Board of Trustees, will give the Commencement address.

The weekend will also feature an online commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020. This event will be Saturday, May 8, at 1 p.m. EST. Professor Carolyn Stauffer will give the commencement address.

鈥淲ith COVID still significantly present in our communities and Virginia guidelines for hosting gatherings still very restrictive, a virtual ceremony and these distanced walking ceremonies will allow us to celebrate our graduates and their accomplishments in the safest way possible,鈥� said Provost Fred Kniss.

The Virginia governor’s related to commencement exercises enabled planning of the in-person events.

For more information, visit .

Two clubs at 91短视频 did their best to get out the vote this month ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election 鈥� and contrary to the fraught and divisive national scene, they did so harmoniously.

The effort, which included a jointly staffed booth on multiple days outside the dining hall and one virtual evening session, was intentionally 鈥渂ipartisan,鈥� according to Adam Peachey, co-president of the College Republicans, and Luke Wheeler, co-president of the Young Democrats. 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Student Government Association, an elected group of student leaders, helped to start the conversation and contributed staffing.

鈥淪GA thought this drive would be a perfect opportunity for the political clubs on campus to lead together and show unity during this extremely polarizing election season,鈥� said Theo Yoder, SGA vice-president. 鈥淲e hope that we made a difference in our community by helping give students the opportunity to practice their right to vote. SGA is also planning to work closely with them in the future to plan more events revolving around this election.鈥�

The clubs have also met with faculty, staff and administrators to consider ways to promote respectful and civil dialogue about the debates and the election in the coming weeks. 

Publishing a joint statement, via email to the campus community, was one high-profile way that group sought to elevate discourse, urge empathy, and raise awareness about how some aspects of the current election were impacting more vulnerable members of the community, specifically those 鈥渓acking in physical safety or an empowered voice.鈥� The message lifts up 贰惭鲍鈥檚 community-building values and a shared priority to 鈥渕ove through these next weeks rooted in the values that define 91短视频 as peacemakers rooted in Christian understandings.鈥� 

An excerpt from the 10/16 email

Intentional 91短视频 community invites us to the following actions:

• Vote! As you are eligible, participate in the important decisions impacted by all of the roles on our ballots.
• As a learning community, lean into the critical thinking and questioning invited by this political moment. 
• Hold together communication priorities of speaking for self, listening to understand, welcoming discomfort as an opportunity for self-awareness, acknowledging history that is racialized and gendered.
• Continue to affirm our Non-Discrimination Policy stating 91短视频 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. Not only do we not discriminate, but we also affirm individuals of these identities. 
• Build a relationship or have a meaningful conversation with someone who sees things differently than you.

The statement was signed by Peachey, Wheeler, SGA co-presidents Justice Allen, Anisa Leonard, Allison Shelly, Dean of Students Shannon Dycus and Provost Fred Kniss.

A convocation on Oct. 28, which will include some of these same student leaders, will focus on the value of civic engagement and 鈥減romoting community values in this politically polarized time,鈥� Peachey said. 鈥淲e want to focus on ways to depolarize or handle things in ways that people can maintain or even find new friendships despite political differences.鈥�

Also on Oct. 28, historian and author Rick Shenkman, of George Washington University鈥檚 History News Network, will speak in a University Colloquium on 鈥�Why is Democracy So @#$&!  Hard?鈥� The event from 4:15-5:15 p.m. will be livestreamed at on 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Facebook page. 

Discussions around campus climate during this tumultuous political season began at a September meeting attended by campus leaders representing students, faculty, student life and administrators, according to political science professor Ji Eun Kim, who advises both clubs.* 

鈥淲e have specific 鈥楲ife Together鈥� commitments which help to guide us all into situations like this,鈥� said Dycus, who convened the meeting. 鈥淲e want and need our students to be engaged civically. What does it look like to listen respectfully and share our opinions in ways which show compassion and build relationships? As we all care about and contribute these discussions as contributing citizens, centering our commitments towards wisdom, accountability and Christian peacebuilding help us do this in the right spirit.鈥�

The voter registration drive was the main focus of the two clubs, especially because other events, such as debate or election night watch parties, have been difficult to plan with COVID-19 precautions for on in-person gatherings, Peachey said.

Sponsoring a voter registration drive shows that 贰惭鲍鈥檚 student leadership holds representation at the polls to be an important individual right, the two leaders said.

鈥�…Both clubs agree that the more people that vote, the more representative our government is and that, even if the people we are registering disagree with us politically, we still want those people to be represented,鈥� Wheeler said. 鈥淥ur desire for a representative election was a big driving force for the collaboration and SGA also helped to connect us and to encourage the bipartisan effort.鈥�

The voter drive is also an effort to encourage healthy ways of participating among the student body, Peachey said. The volunteers helped students check if they were already registered, register to vote in Harrisonburg or apply for an absentee ballot, he said.鈥淓specially with covid, we want to encourage other options besides driving home to vote.鈥� 

Reflecting on his experience, Peachey said that while 91短视频 has 鈥渁 reputation as a liberal campus,鈥� he鈥檚 experienced 鈥渁 lot of affirmation of anyone expressing different views.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檝e been encouraged by a lot of discussion going on about fostering a better political environment on campus and the desire to hear from both sides of the political spectrum,鈥� he said.

For his part, Wheeler says he鈥檚 learned a lot in 鈥渞eally productive and interesting鈥� conversations with Peachey.

鈥淚 have learned that we really are not that different, even with what might seem like vastly different views on the surface,鈥� Wheeler said, adding he appreciated Peachey鈥檚 鈥渄evotion to the political process and to helping everyone to vote,鈥� even as they may not share the same political views.  

*The meeting included Peachey, Wheeler and Young Democrats co-president Reuben Peachey-Stoner; SGA co-presidents Justice Allen and Anisa Leonard; Dean of Students Shannon Dycus; Provost Fred Kniss; Director of Student Programs Rachel Roth Sawatzky; Professor Mark Sawin, president of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Faculty Senate; and Vice President for Advancement Kirk Shisler.

A virtual welcome, we all know, is not the same as smiles, hugs and the buzz of excitement around the start of the academic year. 

In the wake of a decision to delay move-in to residential halls because of several COVID-19 cases on campus, 91短视频 hosted a series of virtual events to welcome students and their parents and caregivers.

Members of the campus community, including administrators, contributed to two town halls, one for students and one for parents and caregivers, as well as a worship service, among other online orientation events already scheduled for the weekend. A workshop on racial justice, hosted by the Student Government Association and Black Student Alliance, capped the schedule.

Classes begin Tuesday, Aug. 25, and faculty are busy reaching out to students with details on the shift. Residential students will move in Sept. 3-6.

A panel of administrators took a range of questions during the Student Town Hall about new move-in plans, how the household model would function, symptom tracking, commuter student health and safety, and more. President Susan Schultz Huxman, Provost Fred Kniss and Dean of Students Shannon Dycus took questions sent in by students, with Director of Student Programs and Orientation Rachel Roth Sawatzky acting as host.

A similar event later in the weekend for parents and caregivers offered the opportunity to hear from Huxman, Kniss and Dycus. Vice President of Student Recruitment and Innovation Jason Good was the host.

“The decision was difficult but right,” Huxman explained, a necessary move, even at such a late stage, to protect the health and safety of 91短视频’s campus community.

The affected student leaders and staff are important contributors to setting 91短视频’s campus culture and critical to the success and welfare of the community as new students arrive, she said.

Huxman reiterated that the Virginia Department of Health and Center for Disease Control guidelines for higher education institutions do not recommend in-home or entry testing of students, faculty or staff. 91短视频 has implemented a daily symptom check and included quarantine before arrival, masking and physical distancing measures in addition to other health and safety protocols, she said.

[Visit the FAQs at for more on health and safety protocols.]

Huxman acknowledged criticism for the delay, but also offered grateful thanks for 鈥渢he outpouring of support, grace and prayers.”

Campus Pastor Brian Martin Burkholder and Campus Ministries staff hosted a Sunday worship service on the theme of worship, welcome and blessing. Two pastoral assistants and a professor offered anecdotes of belonging.

鈥淗as there been a time when you felt included and someone showed hospitality when you least expected it? Or has there been a time when you did that for someone else?鈥� said pastoral assistant Naomi Davis, echoing the theme of the service. 鈥淚 pray that is something we can pass on…I do hope 91短视频 can be that place for you, that you find clubs and spaces and moments where you are welcome, unexpectedly or when you do expect it, but that you find home here.鈥�

The service was rich with music offerings from 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Chamber Singers and the student-led group Celebration.

Even as transition can be overwhelming, and especially such a strange one as what we鈥檙e all experiencing, Burkholder reminded listeners of the power of faith.

鈥淲e know that our life experiences, our faith and nurture has brought us to this point and God is with us. God is with each one of us. God鈥檚 love shines through and surrounds us. As you go, go inspired even in the midst of change and loss and the dynamic of an unknown future, trusting that all will be well. All will be well, even if quite different than what you imagined.鈥�

A recent admissions event for incoming students at 91短视频 drew historic numbers 鈥� and among those listening, surely some breathed a sigh of relief when President Susan Schultz Huxman announced that the university expects to open campus for in-person classes in fall semester 2020.

鈥淲e understand there are many questions about the future, some that even we cannot answer yet, but we are making a strong commitment that the pandemic will not diminish 贰惭鲍鈥檚 ability to deliver exemplary teaching and  caring community support for our students in fall 2020,鈥� said Huxman. 

Any one of several learning environments may be adopted in the fall, she said, with health and safety of students being the top priority and the decision dependent on the status of COVID-19 in the region and the recommendations of health and educational authorities.

Notably, in a survey during the last week of spring semester classes, students gave 91短视频 faculty and staff a 94 percent positive rating for the exemplary care received in and out of the classroom, Huxman said. 鈥�91短视频 has a reputation as a strong, caring educational community, and this response from our students is a real vote of confidence for all of us. Even in uncertain and challenging times, we鈥檝e all witnessed that our shared commitment to supporting and nurturing each other is stronger than ever.鈥�

贰惭鲍鈥檚 location, away from densely populated regions, and its small size 鈥� with related flexibilities in programming, scheduling, residential life and special attentiveness to supporting the individual student 鈥� are also advantageous at this time, Huxman said. 

The university continues to assess the budget impacts of COVID-19 on its current and incoming students, higher education, and the local, regional and national economy. CARES Act funding allotted to 91短视频 was dispersed earlier this summer to qualified students. Two funds 鈥� the renamed UFund for Resilience and the new Student Tuition Relief Fund 鈥� drew record donations during the university鈥檚 annual Lov91短视频 Day, yet another affirmation from the broader community of support for 贰惭鲍鈥檚 mission and sustainability.

Planning for fall semester began in April. Approximately 60 administrators, faculty,  staff and students  are collaborating on six teams to address university operations, including enrollment, teaching and learning, student life, faculty and staff, budget, and infrastructure. The teams are specifically tasked with contingency planning in their areas, from the best-case scenario of progressive, consistent improvement and lowering infection rates through the summer and fall, to a middle-case scenario of late resurgence in the fall, and finally, the worst-case scenario of ongoing waves of resurgence.

The planning process has included, and will continue to include, input from various internal constituencies 鈥� faculty, staff, students,  parents, board of trustees. In addition, 91短视频 leaders continue to consult with community leaders as well as  peer private universities in the Commonwealth and other higher education institutions in the Valley, including significant conversation and guidance from state educational and elected officials. 91短视频 continues to follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health, as well as Sentara RMH and the City of Harrisonburg.

More details will be released in the coming weeks. The following are general updates across campus.

Incoming Class of 2024 on target

贰惭鲍鈥檚 incoming class numbers are on track to exceed last year鈥檚 numbers, according to Vice President of Recruitment and Innovation Jason Good. 鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited about the incoming class and committed to working with parents and students as they process the complex factors related to attendance.鈥� A few interesting stats related to this class:

• Students represent 15 states;
• One-third are first-generation college students;
• 40 percent are athletes, and
• Nursing and biology programs continue to be top draws.

Residence Life focusing on health measures

Staff in Residence Life are focusing their attention on developing health and safety measures in conjunction with new guidance released last week by The American College Health Association, specific to housing occupancy, residential life, social gatherings, and dining hall practices, among other topics.

With health and safety, affordability is also a priority, according to Dean of Students Shannon Dycus. 鈥淢any, if not all students will have access to the option of single occupancy with no extra charge,鈥� she said, adding that students can still live with a roommate with additional agreements regarding risk.

Staff are hosting 鈥渢own hall鈥�-style events this summer, in conjunction with the Student Government Association, to keep students updated on developing new protocols and planning around health and safety issues. Also at the forefront of staff time is planning new ways to engage and welcome first-year students through orientation and transition to campus life. 

As with every new academic year, the value of building strong community among all students 鈥渋s what gives 91短视频 life,鈥� Dycus said. 鈥淓ngaging our students in leadership, shared values, personal well being, and social accountability matters and that will not change in the coming weeks and months.鈥�

Athletics at work on fall plans

In conjunction with plans to open for the fall semester, athletics administrators, coaches and staff are also preparing for the start of the fall athletic season. 鈥淲e are committed to providing the best student-athlete and team experience possible in the given circumstances,鈥� said Director of Athletics Dave King. 鈥淧rogramming will require a higher threshold of safety practices and most likely, a different format and schedule than in the past.鈥� The Old Dominion Athletic Conference, of which 91短视频 is a member, is developing schedules and post-season options for a variety of scenarios.

91短视频 can also conduct contests with other institutions outside the conference. Best practices and recommendations from health officials are being considered about issues related to conducting athletics including practice formats and scheduling, transportation, visiting teams, locker rooms, testing, tracing, and training room use, among other issues, King said. 

Flexible instructional formats, new tech

The infrastructure and academic committees are working on management of classroom space to minimize exposure and maximize social distancing practices. Committee members, in conjunction with the Provost鈥檚 Office, are planning flexible instructional formats to enable continuity of teaching in response to changing health needs of faculty, staff, and students. Faculty members and academic leaders are working this summer to design courses that will maintain 贰惭鲍鈥檚 high academic standards while offering easy flexibility for individual needs and changing public health requirements, said Provost Fred Kniss. Classroom technology setups are also being adjusted to facilitate greater flexibility and support for student learning.

(VCOM) has created new opportunities for 91短视频 pre-med students in recognition of their academic preparation, commitment to community service, and aptitude to succeed and serve in the medical field.

The Rocovich Scholar Early Admissions Program grants selected 91短视频 scholars with early acceptance to VCOM in their third year of undergraduate studies and guaranteed admission upon satisfactory completion of the undergraduate degree. 

Additionally, qualified graduates of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 undergraduate programs and of the MS in Biomedicine program are also eligible for the Guaranteed Admissions Interview Program.

鈥淰COM values candidates from 91短视频 who perform well and anticipates they will be well-prepared to succeed in the rigorous medical curriculum at VCOM,鈥� said John Rocovich Jr., VCOM founder and board chair.

Established in 2002 to alleviate the critical shortage of physicians in the Appalachian region, VCOM鈥檚 mission is to prepare globally-minded, community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promote research to improve human health. The institution has campuses in Blacksburg,Virginia; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Auburn, Alabama; and a new campus currently under construction in Monroe, Louisiana. 

鈥�91短视频 students preparing for medical careers are exposed to a rigorous curriculum and equipped with the skills to serve diverse populations,鈥� said Dean Tara Kishbaugh, of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 School for Science, Education, Arts and Nursing. 鈥淰COM has collaborated on similar agreements with 91短视频 for many years and we鈥檙e honored that these new partnerships will continue to open pathways for our graduates to serve in the medical field.鈥�

The new admissions agreements expand an 11-year partnership between the two institutions. Several 91短视频 graduates have graduated from VCOM. Two graduates of the MS in Biomedicine program are current students.

Anca Chirvasuta Dauer, who graduated from 91短视频 in 2012 with a degree in biology, said of her education at VCOM: 鈥淪tudying at VCOM has been everything I expected and more. I expected an academically rigorous program, which VCOM definitely provided, but I did not necessarily expect the atmosphere of support and camaraderie that I have experienced from fellow students and staff like the kind I enjoyed as an undergraduate at 91短视频. From daily classroom interactions, to anatomy labs and outreach projects, I have become close to many of my classmates and will feel honored to one day work as colleagues with such well-rounded, smart, and genuine people.鈥�

More on VCOM

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is a four-year private osteopathic medical school offering the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. VCOM provides state-of-the-art medical education and research that prepares globally minded, community-focused physicians who improve the health of those most in need. 

With campuses in Blacksburg, VA, Spartanburg, SC, and Auburn, AL, VCOM has graduated over 3,100 new physicians since its founding in 2001, with over 65% going into primary care specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology. The fourth campus in Monroe, LA, will open in the summer of 2020.

VCOM has become one of the largest medical schools in the country, yet each campus maintains the nurturing small private college atmosphere for the student. VCOM partners with many community-based hospitals throughout Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama for clinical rotations. The College is known for its national award-winning programs in primary care and global medical outreach, as well as a sports medicine department that cares for athletes at Virginia Tech, Auburn University, and Radford University. The College sustains an environment for innovative, impactful research that is well-positioned for long-term success. VCOM and its partners collaborate on research that will improve the quality of healthcare in its communities and throughout the world.

In the new role, Good will coordinate off-campus cross-cultural undergraduate and graduate courses, provide academic and programmatic oversight of the undergraduate cross-cultural requirement, and teach undergraduate cross-cultural learning courses. 

鈥淎t 91短视频, equipping students with relevant, robust cross-cultural experiences is central to all of our programs, from undergraduate to graduate,鈥� said Provost Fred Kniss. 鈥淏eth brings not just a wealth of personal intercultural and administrative experience to this new role, but also perspective as a parent whose own children were positively impacted by 贰惭鲍鈥檚 cross-cultural requirements.鈥�

The position is an expansion of the undergraduate-focused role previously held by Ann Graber Hershberger, who this year became Mennonite Central Committee鈥檚 interim associate director.

Cross-cultural study has been a part of the 91短视频 core curriculum for over 30 years. Faculty have introduced undergraduate and graduate students to cultural learning through educational travel in more than 80 locations around the globe.

Intercultural qualifications

Good has lived or worked internationally in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, India, Thailand, the Philippines, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, North Korea, Ukraine and Vietnam, as well as with underserved populations in the United States. In addition to English, she speaks Maa (Maasai), Swahili and beginner French. 

She completed her doctoral studies in nursing science and research, with a focus on conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, where she also earned a master鈥檚 degree in public health nursing and certification as a clinical nurse specialist. She completed her bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing at 91短视频 after earning an associate degree in nursing from Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) Area Community College.

A certified trainer of Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience, Good served as Mennonite Central Committee鈥檚 Kenya country representative with her husband Clair from 2018-19 and as the organization鈥檚 health coordinator 2012-18, having earned board certification in advanced practice public health nursing.

From 2005-12, she was clinical director at the Hope Within Community Health Center in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, and from 2003-12 she was the HIV/AIDS education program coordinator for Eastern Mennonite Missions, which is based in Salunga, Pennsylvania. She was a staff nurse at the Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center 2003-05.

As a medical missions worker in Kenya from 1989-2001, she began a small rural health center, provided community health and wellness education and children鈥檚 educational programs, and educated and learned in women鈥檚 groups.

She has taught at 91短视频 since 2012.

Grads in the family had four different crosscultural experiences

Good鈥檚 own cross-cultural perspectives have evolved over her years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the mid-1980s and in Kenya 1989-2001. Intercultural experiences, she said, allow people to learn skills and gain experiences that will help them communicate and navigate relationships with people from other cultures and who hold different beliefs and ideas.

When Good and her husband Clair first served overseas, in church construction and later church planting, it was with a sense of calling that she now describes as 鈥渢he white savior thing.鈥� Soon, however, she realized that the experience was more a 鈥渓earning exchange.鈥�

In Kenya, she had anticipated speaking out against the Maasai practice of female genital mutilation. But while she continues to believe it is wrong, she came to believe it was more important to address it through 鈥渁 conversation with friends instead of from on a soap box,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat was a huge shift for me, from wanting to tell people what to do to 鈥楬ey, why don鈥檛 we talk about this and see where the conversation goes.鈥欌��

The Goods have four daughters, all of whom graduated from 91短视频 having fulfilled the undergraduate cross-cultural requirement, but in different ways. Even though the family had lived internationally, their daughters鈥� college-age travel experiences were important, Good said: traveling apart from their parents developed new confidence to travel and engage interculturally. One daughter attended a Mennonite World Conference in Zimbabwe, another spent a semester in the Washington Community Scholars鈥� Center, another enrolled in a three-week summer trip to China, and the fourth spent a semester in Colombia.

鈥淚 think they were pleasantly surprised that there were some things that they recognized from their growing up, but also that there were still new things to learn,鈥� Good said.

And, Good observed, her children鈥檚 experiences of living cross-culturally have allowed them to 鈥渢hink more deeply,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey think in a more broad worldview.鈥�

The following appointments are announced by Fred Kniss, provost; David Brubaker, dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professions; Sue Cockley, dean of the School of Theology, Humanities, and Performing Arts; and Tara Kishbaugh, dean of the School of Sciences, Engineering, Art, and Nursing. 

Benjamin Bergey, assistant professor of music

Bergey earned his Doctor of Music Arts and Master of Music degrees from James Madison University with a concentration in orchestral conducting, literature and pedagogy. He is a graduate of 91短视频 with a degree in church music and vocal performance. Bergey is currently music director of the Rapidan Community Orchestra and director of music at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. He was assistant conductor of orchestras at James Madison University from 2013-18 and has performed with several orchestras. He brings experience in arts administration and marketing as well, including roles as founder and director of Harrisonburg Sacred Arts and as the music editor of the forthcoming bi-national hymnal Voices Together, for Mennonite Church USA.

Sarah Bixler, instructor, Eastern Mennonite Seminary 

Bixler is completing her PhD in practical theology with an emphasis on Christian education and formation at Princeton Theological Seminary, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2021. At the seminary, where she also earned a Master of Divinity degree, she has worked in administrative roles with Princeton’s Center for Church Planting and Revitalization and Iron Sharpening Iron: Leadership Education for Women Clergy project. She has more than a decade of ministry and teaching experience at Eastern Mennonite Middle School, Zion Mennonite Church (Broadway, VA) and Virginia Mennonite Conference.

Bixler earned her MDiv at Princeton Theological Seminary and her BA in English (secondary education) at 91短视频.

Bethany Detamore, instructor of nursing 

Detamore has worked as an RN and case manager in outpatient surgery and in medical-surgical nursing. She has a BSN from West Virginia Wesleyan University and an MSN from Western Governors University.  

Penny Driediger, assistant professor of practice, Eastern Mennonite Seminary

Driedeger has taught clinical pastoral education and served as director of mentored ministry. She has a B.A. in Social Work from 91短视频 and an M. Div. from Eastern Mennonite Seminary with a concentration in Pastoral Care. She is ordained for ministry with Virginia Mennonite Conference and most recently she has received Supervisor status through the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. She has also been a staff chaplain at  Sentara RMH and served for 20 years in urban ministry in Hamilton, Ontario.

Beth Good, assistant professor and director of intercultural programs

Good will teach in and also provide leadership to 贰惭鲍鈥檚 intercultural programs, including the undergraduate crosscultural program and off-campus cross-cultural curricular components.  She鈥檒l also teach undergraduate cross-cultural courses. She most recently served as Kenya Country Representative for Mennonite Central Committee, with her husband. Previous professional experiences include living and working in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya, serving as MCC’s global health coordinator, working as director of clinical services of Hope within Community Health Center, serving as the HIV program coordinator for Eastern Mennonite Missions, and teaching classes for 91短视频’s RN-BS in program. She holds master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in nursing from Widener University. Her BSN is from 91短视频.

Wendell Shank, instructor, language and literature

Shank holds a MEd from James Madison University and a master鈥檚 degree in teaching Spanish as a foreign language from the University of Salamanca. He earned his BA in English literature and Spanish at 91短视频. He has taught at JMU and Eastern Mennonite High School and worked in support services and as a home school liaison for Harrisonburg City Schools. Shank also has experience with interpretation in the medical and social services fields, as well as in mediation.

Angela Spotts, instructor, health and physical education

Spotts earned an MS in cardiac rehabilitation and exercise science from East Stroudsburg University and a BS in health science from Bridgewater College. In addition to teaching experience, she was worked as an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehabilitation and clinical settings. 

Matt Tibbles, instructor, applied social sciences

Tibbles brings a broad background in juvenile justice, youth and family services to his teaching role. He earned a BA in youth and family ministry from Harding University and an MA in conflict transformation from 91短视频. He has worked as a minister, auditor, juvenile justice transition officer and as a nonviolence trainer in Washington state, Texas and Alaska. Tibbles co-taught several courses as a graduate assistant while studying in 贰惭鲍鈥檚 MA program.

Lela Faye Yoder, instructor, nursing

Yoder has more than 20 years experience in the nursing profession. She has an MSN degree from the University of Toledo and a BNS from 91短视频. Yoder has worked in a variety of hospital settings, including as a staff and charge nurse in cardiac care, orthopedic-surgical and peri-operative departments. She has also worked in family practice.

Sarah Ann Bixler will join the seminary as an instructor. She is completing her PhD in practical theology with an emphasis on Christian education and formation at Princeton Theological Seminary, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2021. 

At the seminary, where she also earned a Master of Divinity degree, she has worked in administrative roles with Princeton’s Center for Church Planting and Revitalization and Iron Sharpening Iron: Leadership Education for Women Clergy project.

Bixler earned her BA in English (secondary education) at 91短视频. After graduation, she taught at Eastern Mennonite School from 2002-07 and served as a youth minister at Zion Mennonite Church from 2001-2009. She has also been a curriculum writer with Brethren Press and served Virginia Mennonite Conference as an interim youth minister (2006-07) and as a conference coordinator (2011-13).

鈥淪arah has served as part of the 鈥楯ourney Forward鈥� team of Mennonite Church USA for the past two years,鈥� Heisey said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to have this denominational leader and scholar bringing her gifts into our community.鈥� 

Academic areas of interest include Christian education and formation, youth and young adult ministry, missional theology and innovation, Anabaptist theology and ecclesiology, organizational leadership and attachment theory.

Penny Driediger will be assistant professor of clinical pastoral education (CPE). She has taught CPE and ministry formation, and has directed mentored ministry at EMS since 2008.

Driediger has a BA in social work from 91短视频 and an MDiv from Eastern Mennonite Seminary with a concentration in pastoral care. She is ordained for ministry with Virginia Mennonite Conference and most recently received supervisor status through the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. 

鈥淧enny鈥檚 deep roots in chaplaincy and urban ministry offer rich wisdom to seminarians who are deepening their own practice in these areas,鈥� said Heisey.  

A full list of new faculty for both the seminary and the university can be viewed here.

The Dean of Students is the senior student life representative at 91短视频, responsible for the co-curricular aspects of learning and living on campus. The dean collaborates with student life operations and supervises various directors.听

鈥淲e saw in Shannon exceptional gifts, skills and dispositions that will serve well our students and staff,鈥� said Provost Fred Kniss. 鈥淪he is a strong and thoughtful leader who will combine emotional intelligence and wisdom with administrative savvy in leading our highly skilled team of student life staff. Her combination of experience with students in an academic setting and with pastoral support of persons in crisis in her congregational setting prepares her well for this role.鈥�听

Before and during her time as co-pastor of First Mennonite Church, Dycus served as academic advisor and adjunct faculty in the humanities at Franklin University of Ohio. She also taught courses in critical thinking, ethical reasoning and learning skills. At First Mennonite, she led missional and faith formation ministries.听

Dycus has also worked in the chaplaincy, K-12 education and with a youth-focused nonprofit.听

鈥淚n this new role, I see one of my primary responsibilities as helping to nurture the culture at 91短视频 rooted in our shared values,鈥� Dycus wrote in an email from the Mennonite Church USA convention last week, where she served on the worship planning team. 鈥淲hether in classrooms or sanctuaries, my experience has taught me the necessity of cultivating inclusive and creative spaces, the soil from which academic success flourishes. Student life at 91短视频 had excelled at this and I hope to encourage ongoing efforts for the sake of this community and its impact on those around it.鈥�

Dycus holds a Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she was awarded the Excellence in Liturgical Worship Leadership Award. She is completing a diploma in the art of spiritual direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary.听听

She earned her BA in middle and secondary education with a certification in psychology, sociology and economics at Butler University.

Dr. Jayne Docherty, formerly CJP鈥檚 academic programs director, will become executive director, effective May 8.听

鈥淲hile we celebrate this wonderful new professional opportunity for Daryl, we also are sad to lose his gifted leadership at CJP and in the broader university,鈥� said Provost Fred Kniss. 鈥淗e has helped to lay a strong foundation for the future by working with our development office and generous donors to double CJP鈥檚 endowment and scholarship capability. He also provided guidance to the development of broadened academic programs relevant to addressing today鈥檚 challenges. He leaves the center with strong enrollment and a talented group of faculty and staff. These are all true gifts for 91短视频, CJP and the wider peacebuilding community.鈥�

During Byler鈥檚 time at CJP, the center added a master鈥檚 degree in restorative justice; strengthened the Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice; managed several successful grant-funded programs, including a two-year UNDP project in Iraq to provide peacebuilding trainings for Iraqi academics and youth; and started an annual Peacebuilder of the Year Award to celebrate and honor alumni achievement.

鈥淭he past six years have been fruitful, largely because of Byler鈥檚 efforts to expand CJP鈥檚 external network and building internal capacity,鈥� said Dr. David Brubaker, incoming dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professions at 91短视频 and a long-time professor at CJP. 鈥淎s is usually the case with exceptional leaders, Daryl is leaving CJP with a strengthened financial and management capacity and poised for continued growth as a globally renowned peacebuilding and restorative justice academic and practice center.鈥�

Byler was the center鈥檚 sixth director 鈥� and one of its longest-serving, since its beginnings in 1995.

鈥淚t has been an honor to work with such brilliant and creative colleagues for the past six years and I have full confidence in the faculty and staff at CJP to carry on this important work,鈥� Byler said 鈥淭he peacebuilding world changes rapidly and I believe CJP needs newly innovative leadership and vision on a regular cycle. I look forward to continuing to support and elevate the center鈥檚 global reputation and network from an organization that shares similar important goals.鈥�

In his new role, Byler will 鈥渃ontinue to advance causes that are near to CJP鈥檚 heart,鈥� Kniss said. The foundation is the region鈥檚 leading funder of civil legal aid, providing more than $55 million in grants since its inception in 1978 to promote equal access to justice for the area鈥檚 most vulnerable communities.

One appeal of the position, Byler said, is that it 鈥渃ircles back to where I started my career as a staff attorney with East Mississippi Legal Services.鈥� A 1988 graduate of University of Virginia Law School, Byler arrived that same year in Mississippi, working there as an attorney and pastor of Jubilee Mennonite Church until 1994. From 1994 until 2013, he worked with Mennonite Central Committee, first as director of their Washington Office and then as a regional representative, with his wife Cindy, for Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Israel-Palestine.

Docherty, who earned her PhD at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University and brings both practice and academic experience to her new role, praised Byler as a 鈥渨onderful leader and champion for CJP who will be missed.鈥�

鈥泪蹿 I have learned one thing in almost 20 years at CJP, it is that this place never stands still and it always thrives,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur excellent faculty, staff, and students are keeping us on the leading edge of practice, research, and teaching. Our graduates are changing their communities. I look forward to making sure the many CJP stories are broadcast near and far and ensuring that we have the resources to keep leading the way in peace and justice education.鈥�

This article has been updated. Jayne Docherty was initially named as acting executive director and subsequently moved into the executive director role.

A political science major and revised minor and a global studies major and minor will be offered beginning this fall.

鈥淭hese new majors reflect an expanding awareness that community, which 91短视频 has long emphasized, also happens at national and global levels,鈥� said Provost Fred Kniss. 鈥淲ith these new majors, students will develop knowledge and skills that will help them effect positive change in diverse settings.鈥� 听

Political science

The political science major will train students to apply their research and analytical skills to current political affairs and offer students real-world learning through internships. It will prepare students to pursue further studies and careers in fields such as law and public policy.

鈥淭his major will closely align with 贰惭鲍鈥檚 core mission,鈥� said Professor Mark Metzler Sawin. 鈥淲hile many universities offer political studies, our program will be distinctive in its embodiment of our university鈥檚 values.鈥�

Students will learn to think critically and analytically about power, authority and legitimacy, examining 鈥渢he traditional role of relevant political actors, institutions, and mechanisms through a critical lens,鈥� said Professor Ji Eun Kim. In addition to developing theoretical and moral ways of understanding political events, they will gain critical oral and writing skills for 鈥渟peaking and understanding the language of these key actors鈥� based on rigorous reasoning and dignity and respect for others.

Its interdisciplinary approach and diverse curriculum includes course topics such as human rights and dignity, political reconciliation, international relations, American politics, and peace and security in East Asia.

The major also requires a term at the Washington Community Scholars鈥� Center in Washington DC, where internships offer real-world extensions to classroom learning and vocational experience in policy, politics, advocacy and law. WCSC internship sites in these fields include working on Capitol Hill with the Catholic social justice lobby NETWORK or Mennonite Central Committee鈥檚 Washington Office;听and working to increase civic exchange political dialogue with the Faith and Politics Institute. [Learn more about internship sites in these fields.]

Global studies

The global studies major is fitting for a university that for 35 years has required students to have cross-cultural experience. In the program, students will identify a regional and language focus to prepare them for cross-cultural engagement, in addition to further study and careers in fields such as international development, human resources, intelligence and research analysis, and education in public and private sectors.

鈥湻〔驯�檚 identity and history positions us to create and offer a global studies program to undergraduate students in a unique way,鈥� said Professor Tim Seidel, who helped develop the major with vice president and undergraduate academic dean Deirdre L. Smeltzer, cross-cultural program director Ann Hershberger, and professors Adriana Rojas, Jim Leaman and Ji Eun Kim. 鈥淕raduates will be equipped with solid knowledge and relevant skills 鈥� and be equipped for postgraduate study and for professional opportunities including working in governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector.鈥�

With three areas of concentration 鈥� sustainability, justice and peacebuilding, and societies and cultures 鈥� the major will focus on intercultural communication and the role of faith in global studies while exploring global political and economic actors beyond the state.

The curriculum will include course topics such as globalization and justice, biblical theologies of peace and justice, and cultural anthropology. Region-focused studies may include, for example, history and culture of Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia.

The major was developed with funding from a United States Department of Education Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Languages grant.

Jennifer Cline, PhD, LPC, ACS, assistant professor, MA in Counseling

Cline earned a BS in psychology and early childhood education, an MA in community counseling and a PhD in counseling and supervision, all from James Madison University. She worked as a counselor and clinical supervisor in private practice for over 15 years, and is credentialed as a licensed professional counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and National Certified Counselor. Her clinical, research, and teaching interests include the intersection of technology and relationship, clinical supervision, pedagogy and learning outcomes, and social justice issues.

Stefano Colafranceschi, PhD, assistant professor of computer science and engineering

Originally from Italy, Colafranceschi earned a BS in aerospace engineering, an MS in astronautical engineering, and a PhD in computer science, all from the University of Rome. He spent a highly productive decade working in Geneva, Switzerland, and at the Florida Institute of Technology for CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, prior to beginning at 91短视频.

Greg Czyzszcon, PhD, LPC, assistant professor, MA in Counseling

Czyzszcon earned a BA in history and secondary education, an MEd in special education, an MA in community counseling, and a PhD in counseling and supervision from James Madison University. He brings extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, and families in the fields of education, social work, school counseling, and clinical mental health counseling. His clinical and research interests include parent/child attachment, in-home family counseling, interpersonal neurobiology and trauma-informed care.

Barbara Wheatley, EdD, assistant professor of teacher education听

Wheatley earned her BS from Mississippi University for Women, an MEd from Wichita State University, an MS from Indiana State University, and her EdD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Virginia. Wheatley has expertise and extensive experience in literacy education, as well as teaching licensure as a reading specialist, elementary teacher and library media specialist.

The story of (Hyperion Children鈥檚 Books, 2009), written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Scott Magoon, is one of Huxman鈥檚 favorites, she told the crowd in Lehman Auditorium, and provides an encouraging lesson relevant to the start of the new academic year.

Little Spoon decides life isn鈥檛 鈥渃utting it,鈥� and it takes hearing from the other utensils about their limitations and what they envy about him (for example, he has the joy of diving into a bowl of ice cream and the warmth of swirling around in a cup of hot tea) to make him think twice about his own capabilities.

鈥淲e should zealously value the diverse attributes of others if we want to succeed as citizens, as experts in our field, and as innovative entrepreneurs in society,鈥� Huxman said.

Sometimes reflecting on 鈥測our special attributes and your unique talents鈥� in the company of others brings a new perspective, that 鈥測our talents are important, valued, and even necessary,鈥� she concluded.

With diversify joining grow, engage and celebrate as one of the four goals of 91短视频’s 2017-22 strategic plan, Huxman encouraged students to become active partners and participants:听鈥淪tudents, I wish you well. In addition to doing well in class and making new friends, I encourage you to think boldly and ask yourself, ‘How can I engage around the table with a diversity of people and ideas?’鈥�

To highlight diversity around campus, Huxman introduced representatives from four of the 30 campus clubs. Jakiran Richardson, with Black Student Union, Ariel Barbosa, Latino Student Alliance, and Paul Kayembe, International Student Organization, each spoke briefly about upcoming opportunities for involvement. Celeste Thomas, director of Multicultural Student Services, gave a brief plug for February鈥檚 Martin Luther King Day 鈥� a “day on,” she called it 鈥� of service, learning and remembrance.

Convocation also included a welcome from Provost Fred Kniss, who situated 91短视频 as a faith-based learning community within a larger history and legacy of liberal arts institutions.

91短视频 is “a safe place where faculty and students can explore together the most difficult and most significant questions of our day, using all the tools of science and scholarly inquiry,” he said. “And we do this within the context of a community of faith.听 As we gain a deeper understanding of our world, our society, and our selves, we also come to know more deeply who God is and how to live more faithful lives.”

The standing ovation of the morning (supplemented by heartfelt whoops of admiration) was awarded to Professor David Berry, who performed a jazzy piano selection billed as an 鈥渋nstrumental response鈥� to the preceding speakers. (.)

Convocation closed with a commissioning of the China cross-cultural group, departing late in the evening, led by Professor Mary Sprunger and Myrrl Byler, adjunct professor and director of Mennonite Partners in China.

And then ice cream was served on Thomas Plaza. Spoons were available.

A campus culture that 鈥渞espects students鈥� right to protest鈥� 鈥� that nurtures both students and the social movements they create, and embraces student activism as being the result of new knowledge at the core of liberation 鈥� benefits the entire community, said Hinojosa, a professor of history at Texas A & M. In their activism, students think critically, lead outside the classroom, practice civic engagement, and develop a greater sense of social responsibility.

Hinojosa鈥檚 August 14 address on the conference theme of 鈥淏eing or Becoming a Third Way University鈥� began the two-day event鈥檚 broader discussions around campus engagement, civic collaboration and diversity and inclusion, goals that are articulated in the university鈥檚 strategic plan.

鈥淒r. Hinojosa鈥檚 address was a helpful invitation as we anticipate the return of students to campus,鈥� said Provost Fred Kniss. 鈥淐ultivating students鈥� abilities to engage with the world is central to our mission, and as an institution we can also learn from their desires for change.鈥�

Conferences an annual tradition

贰惭鲍鈥檚 faculty-staff conferences bookend each academic year, with the fall event providing gathering in fellowship and renewal of the community鈥檚 common purpose and goals.

Braydon Hoover, director of development and annual giving and frequent conference emcee, pointed out that common vision in his welcome: 鈥淲e鈥檙e all here for the exact same purpose 鈥� to prepare every single one of our students to distinctively serve and lead in a global context,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hether you coach on the grass or you cut it, whether you teach 18-year-olds or students a little older, whether you work remotely or right here on campus, whether you took a break this summer or work diligently all year round, and even whether you hail from the titular religious tradition or another completely different, we 鈥� all of us 鈥� are 91短视频.鈥�

The event included workshop sessions, worship and fellowship opportunities, and what鈥檚 become an annual favorite, 鈥淪torytelling,鈥� featuring members of the campus community sharing about their journeys to, towards or within the 91短视频 community. Fall storytellers included professors Johonna Turner and Esther Tian; Jasmine Hardesty, director of development and planned giving; and Scott Barge, vice president of institutional effectiveness.

The event was also a forum for announcements about the upcoming academic year, including the observance of MLK Day with extensive service and learning opportunities replacing scheduled classes.

Keynote speaker calls for empowering synergy

Hinojosa knows what it means to envision a different university. While a student at Fresno Pacific University in California, he joined student movements to encourage the hiring of more diverse faculty and expansion of the curriculum and academic programs.

鈥淗ow could a university in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, surrounded by a large Latinx population and located in an area that gave birth to the greatest and most successful farm workers civil rights movement, not teach a course on this?鈥� he said.

The synergy between his own student activism and intellectual engagement 鈥� the 鈥済rowth of political consciousness and understanding of history,鈥� his own and his people鈥檚 鈥� was both personally empowering and beneficial to the campus community.

Now a tenured professor of history at Texas A&M University, Hinojosa also directs the history department鈥檚 undergraduate studies and is co-founder and co-director of the Latina/o Studies Working Group sponsored by the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research.

Sharing his pedagogical philosophy that asks 鈥淪o what? Now what?鈥� with his students in courses about social movements, Latinx history, gender, comparative race and ethnicity, Hinojosa has become a resource, guide and mentor to diverse student activists.

This role 鈥� and the work of activism itself 鈥� is 鈥渕essy鈥� and 鈥渃haotic,鈥� but 鈥渕ore important than ever,鈥� he said.

In considering the role of the 鈥渢hird way university,鈥� Hinojosa noted the history of socially progressive Christians. While 鈥渄istorted forms of Christianity got the most play,鈥� they quietly went to work in communities around the world.

鈥淎 third way university must build on this radical tradition,鈥� he said.

In response to a question from Director of Multicultural Services Celeste Thomas, Hinojosa elaborated on additional ways of supporting black and brown students in the predominantly white university setting: listening to the voices and perspectives of marginalized students, hiring diverse and/or culturally competent faculty and staff, providing safe community spaces for these students, and prioritizing issues and the history of diverse communities in curriculum and academic programs.

Beyond the keynote

Afternoon breakout sessions offered faculty and staff opportunities to learn more about distinctive programs that link to core values of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 mission and vision. 听

Various restorative justice initiatives and programs were highlighted in a special session hosted by professors Johonna Turner and Carl Stauffer, who co-direct the housed in the . Jon Swartz, associate dean of students, talked about restorative justice as it relates to the campus community and highlighted the growth, and growing interest, in RJ-related trainings. Meg Sanders, director of 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Graduate Teacher Education program, spoke about the new master鈥檚 degree and graduate certificate in restorative justice, as well as the integration of RJ principles and practices into professional training courses offered by the university.

Director Kimberly Schmidt presented on the , 贰惭鲍鈥檚 Washington D.C.-based program offering cross-cultural urban studies, internship and community living experience. She was joined by Associate Director Ryan Good and Program Assistant Karlyn Gehring.

Doug Graber Neufeld presented on the , a collaborative initiative of 91短视频, Goshen College and Mennonite Central Committee to lead Anabaptist efforts to respond to the challenges of climate change. Neufeld, a biology professor at 91短视频, directs the center.