“I get out of the car and these two girls are running by and, all of a sudden, one of them says, ‘Hi, Dottie,’” said Weber. That student turned out to be Maria Longenecker, a senior biology major who had Weber as an eighth grade teacher.

“Maria was one of the students I wanted to see,” Weber said. “And here she was, the first person I meet on campus. It’s unbelievable.”

Her husband Tim chimed in: “You have to understand, we could be at the top of Mount Everest and she’d know somebody. We could go anywhere and inevitably someone will say, ‘There’s Dottie!’”

Weber recalled last being on campus in 2005 to cater the wedding reception of alumna and former faculty member Catherine R. Mumaw. She was one of nearly 70 members of the Class of 1975 making a special trip back to 91����Ƶ this weekend for their milestone 50th reunion during Homecoming 2025. 

As she and a group of classmates sat at a table in the Seminary Building on Friday leafing through a Shenandoah yearbook from 1975, they marveled at old photos and reminisced, sharing stories and memories from their time at 91����Ƶ. 

“It’s amazing who I can remember from these photos,” someone says. 

Another alumna asks, “Does anyone remember taking classes in the old chicken house? Is this the building where it used to be?”

One of those classmates, Julia Shultz King ’75, traveled all the way from Melbourne, Australia, to attend the homecoming festivities. After graduating with a nursing degree, she worked for the Medical College of Virginia and eventually the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, before serving as a missionary with Youth With A Mission. She has lived the past 13 years in Australia. 

She shared a story about putting out a fire in the Northlawn dormitory, after someone had left a candle near the window and a curtain had caught alight. This was the first reunion she could remember attending. She had missed the 50th reunion for her high school in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, because Australia had been in lockdown in 2021, and so “it made me extra want to be here,” she said. 

“I’m happy to be well enough that I could travel alone to get here,” King said.

Her friend, Weber, said something similar: “Who knows, at this age, you might not be able to come back in another five years.”

This group of alumni, said Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, who serves as director of alumni engagement and community connections at 91����Ƶ, was the only graduating class to ever create a two-volume yearbook. The Class of 1975 welcomed Alex Haley, author of Roots, to campus as part of a lecture music series. And the cross country team made 91����Ƶ history, becoming the National Christian College Athletic Association cross country champion that year. 

“There was also a unique tradition that happened during y’all’s time here,” she said. “Newly engaged students were thrown in the fishing pond. A lot of people got engaged that year, from what I’ve learned.”

Homecoming weekend is all about celebrating and reconnecting with one another, with this campus, and with the values that make 91����Ƶ such a special place, Reed said during the on Saturday morning. “Whether you’re an alum returning after many years or a student just beginning your journey, this is a time to remember that 91����Ƶ is family,” she said. “And there’s always a place for you here.”

Keep reading for highlights and photos from the weekend’s events!

Seated on a couch in the Student Union, Doris Horst Toll ’79 and her husband Marvin took the morning on Saturday to relax and unwind as they sipped on a hot cocoa from Common Grounds and flipped through the latest issue of The Weather Vane student newspaper. The couple from Michigan had returned for Homecoming to connect with old friends and had attended the at Lehman Auditorium the night before. “It brought back a lot of good memories of being in that chapel as a student,” she said.

Hall of Honor

MainStage Theater was packed to the gills on Saturday for a ceremony celebrating this year’s four Hall of Honor inductees: 

• Athletics events coordinator Phil Guengerich ’70 was introduced by 91����Ƶ Athletic Director Carrie S Bert ’97.
• Volleyball middle blocker Justin Reesor ’10 was introduced by former teammate Ben Yoder ’08. 
• Soccer forward Mitchell Leap ’12 was introduced by former coach Roger Mast ’85.
• Basketball center David Falk ’15 was introduced by former coach Kirby Dean.

An alumna attending the ceremony, Debbie Swartley ’08, of Penn Laird, Virginia, ran cross country and track while at 91����Ƶ, and said she typically comes to Homecoming every year. “It’s just so much fun to be back on campus,” she said. “We typically walk around to see the changes for people who haven’t been here in awhile, and the kids love it.”

Gatherings and reunions

The weekend featured several gatherings, including:

• one celebrating the 50th anniversary of 91����Ƶ’s social work program and the tenure of Professor Deanna Durham, 
• a gathering of alumni shaped by their experiences in the Middle East during 50 years of faculty-led interculturals to the region, 
• and a 50th anniversary get-together for alumni of the recently rebranded 91����Ƶ Washington Semester program.

An alumnus of the D.C. program, Avery Trinh ’22, was attending the lattermost gathering with his mother, Rebecca Dietz ’79. Both of them were in the program while it was called different names (Trinh was in WCSC in Fall 2021, while Dietz was in WSSY from 1977-78) and under different program directors (Trinh was led by Ryan Good, while his mom was taught by Ryan’s father, Nelson Good). In fact, Trinh said, his mom used to babysit Ryan Good. 

It was his first homecoming since graduating from 91����Ƶ, Trinh said, and the D.C. reunion offered a way for both him and his mom to get involved. 

“There’s always a lot of chatter about how 91����Ƶ is changing,” he said. “The reason I really enjoyed my time here is the professors who taught me. They were in it to help students grow. So, as long as people like them stick around, I think 91����Ƶ is in good hands.”

It had been a little more than a decade since Chris Fretz ’05 had been back to Harrisonburg. But for the economic development grad, who now works as a web developer for a marketing agency in Lancaster, the 20th reunion was enough of a draw to bring him back to campus. His wife, Lindsey Frye ’04, was a student and staff member for the D.C. program and so they also attended the 50th anniversary gathering. 

Some of the biggest changes he’s noticed since he’s been gone include Common Grounds’ move upstairs and the renovation of the old gym into the MainStage Theater, though other changes less visible have been just as significant. 

“It’s been encouraging to see the growing diversity of 91����Ƶ and to see that the administration is really looking to meet students where they’re at,” Fretz said. 

Meet-and-greet with Interim President Dycus

At a meet-and-greet with 91����Ƶ’s interim president inside the Campus Center, the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus answered questions from first-generation student and senior nursing major Emily Suarez Nunez. Dycus spoke about her path to 91����Ƶ and to the leadership position she’s held since July 1, as well as what excites her most. 

She called on alumni to loudly and proudly share the stories of 91����Ƶ’s successes and talk to others about how 91����Ƶ has impacted their lives, their children’s lives, and the ways their families have been nurtured by the university.

“We’re not proud enough about who 91����Ƶ is, but we have an amazing community here, a meaningful mission, and it shows up across the world,” said Dycus, who is the first Black woman to serve in the role. “And I am most excited about being able to be the person who gets to advocate for that everywhere I go.”

TenTalks

At the annual hosted at Martin Chapel on Saturday afternoon, 91����Ƶ’s three 2025 alumni award winners each had 10 minutes to impact, influence, and inspire the audience. This marked the first time that alumni award winners presented at the event.

The speakers were: 

• Jessica “Jess” King ’96, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, has led equity-driven public sector organizations for more than 20 years. She spoke on the theme of fear and the role it’s played in her career and in her life.
• Outstanding Alum of the Year Brittany Caine-Conley MDiv ’14, one of the lead organizers for Congregate Charlottesville, shared her experiences making connections with local justice groups leading up to the white supremacist rally in 2017 and spoke on the importance of solidarity.
• Alum of the Year Fabrice Guerrier MA ’15 (conflict transformation), founder and CEO of the first collaborative worldbuilding production house for science fiction and fantasy storytelling, spoke about the power of imagination. He invited audience members to close their eyes and picture building a city on a new planet in the year 2035.

Royal City Celebration

Outside on the Front Lawn, the Royal City Celebration had everyone grooving to live music from the Richmond-based Premiere Band and savoring bites from food trucks offering barbecue, tacos, and ice cream. The crisp fall temperature and clear skies could not have been more perfect for the occasion.

The event also featured 91����Ƶ’s second annual crowning of a homecoming court, which included:

• Seniors Jamaury Starks and Royale Parker
• Juniors Christopher Varone and Janaria Kenreich
• Sophomores Bennett de Tenley and Shawna Hurst
• First-years Johnathan Badowski and Logan Turchetta

Justin Reesor ’10 grew up in a Mennonite family in Stouffville, Ontario, Canada, where he played volleyball in middle and high school. His cousin, Allan Reesor-McDowell ’02, played on the 91����Ƶ men’s volleyball team—and Reesor had traveled to see him play at a tournament in New York. His uncle, Robert Reesor ’89, and sister, Denise Reesor ’07, also attended 91����Ƶ.

While visiting his sister, Reesor fell in love with the 91����Ƶ campus and Harrisonburg. “I thought it was a beautiful area, and I liked the idea of a small college with smaller classes and easier access to professors.” Reesor arrived in fall 2006 prioritizing academics and his social life, but after walking on during a scrimmage, he spent four years as a middle blocker on the 91����Ƶ men’s volleyball team under Coach Steve Benson.��

Reesor made an immediate impact. In his first season, he was named the North East Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA) Western Conference Rookie of the Year and 91����Ƶ Newcomer of the Year. He earned spots on the NECVA All-Western Division Second Team in 2009 and the NECVA All-Western First Team in 2010. At the time of his graduation, Reesor led the Royals in career blocks (462) and sets played (406), and ranked fifth in career kills (867). 

While at 91����Ƶ, Reesor majored in business administration and minored in accounting. He now serves as senior director of finance at Accumulus Synergy. He and his wife, Rachel Mast Reesor ’09, have three children: Emma (10), June (7), and Charlie (4). 

Reesor will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. in the MainStage Theater (University Commons 170) during Homecoming 2025. For a full schedule of Homecoming events and activities, visit��emu.edu/homecoming.

Mitchell Leap ’12, a health and physical education major, followed in the footsteps of his parents, Bill ’86 and Renee Kreider Leap ’85, and attended 91����Ƶ after a successful soccer career at Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, a city he “always liked.” His mother has worked in 91����Ƶ’s financial aid office since 1986. “I’d been around 91����Ƶ all my life, and I thought it would be a good place to continue my education and play soccer.” 

During his four years as a forward under head men’s soccer coach Roger Mast, Leap was a two-time All-ODAC First Team honoree, earning the distinction in 2009 and 2011, and made the Second Team in 2008. He received VaSID All-State First Team honors in 2011 and VaSID All-State Second Team honors in 2008 and 2009. One of the most prolific scorers in 91����Ƶ men’s soccer history, Leap ranks fourth all-time in the Royals’ record book for career goals (35) and fifth for total points (80).

Leap looks back fondly on the tight-knit campus community at 91����Ƶ. “There’s value in attending a place where you feel like you know everybody and everybody knows you.” His connection to 91����Ƶ Men’s Soccer continued after graduation: his brother, Parker Leap ’16, also played forward for the Royals, and his cousin, Justin Carey MBA ’21, has served as head coach since 2022. 

Today, Leap lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, with his wife of nine years, Amber, and their three children—Rory (6), Rhema (3), and Mesa (1). He works in full-time ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as area representative for the City of Lynchburg and Amherst County. 

Leap will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. in the MainStage Theater (University Commons 170) during Homecoming 2025. For a full schedule of Homecoming events and activities, visit emu.edu/homecoming.

David Falk ’15, a general studies major with a concentration in business, grew up in Madison, Virginia, where he had an impressive high school basketball career. He spent a postgraduate year playing at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, before head men’s basketball coach Kirby Dean recruited him to 91����Ƶ. 

As a 6-foot, 6-inch center, Falk played in 105 games with 56 starts, tallying 1,058 career points in four seasons with the Runnin’ Royals. He was a two-time ODAC First Team honoree, earning the distinction in 2014 and 2015; he received VaSID All-State First Team honors those same two years. Falk also made the D3hoops.com All-South Region Third Team in 2014 and the D3hoops.com All-South Region Second Team in 2015.

At the time of his graduation, Falk held an 91����Ƶ career record for blocks (214) and ranked third all-time in career rebounds with 952. Today, he still holds 91����Ƶ records for most rebounds in a game (28 vs. Lynchburg on Feb. 28, 2014), most rebounds in a season (375 in 2013-2014), and most blocked shots in a season (82 in 2013-2014).

After learning life lessons from Coach Dean—including “having perspective” and “to always have faith in God”—Falk returned to Madison where he and his wife, Katelynn, live with their two children, Preslee (4) and McCoy (2), on a 2,000-acre farm focused on cattle, corn, and soybeans.��

Falk will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. in the MainStage Theater (University Commons 170) during Homecoming 2025. For a full schedule of Homecoming events and activities, visit��emu.edu/homecoming.

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—from creating economic opportunity to facilitating transparency in government to building journalistic literacy in communities. In recognition of her work, 91����Ƶ’s 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. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my alma mater,” said King, who graduated from 91����Ƶ with a bachelor’s 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����Ƶ 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.��

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 Esmé King Martin. Both Jessica and Esmé were greatly impacted by their intercultural studies at 91����Ƶ; Jessica studied in Greece and lived with families in France and Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa), while Esmé, a rising junior at 91����Ƶ, spent the spring 2025 semester in Guatemala and Mexico.��

Foundations in community��

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. 

“Growing up, my family had a robust network of support, and our church community was also an essential part of our local economy,” King said. “Connections are important for a prosperous community.” 

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—from Pittsburgh to Lancaster, where she fought poverty through entrepreneurship for seven years as executive director at ASSETS; ran for Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District; and served four “eye-opening” years as chief of staff for the City of Lancaster. 

“There’s 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,” said King. 

She says that Jesus teaches us about economic issues more than many other Christian themes. “Loving our neighbors as ourselves includes examining and changing socioeconomic systems that support people,” 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 “upstream from news” to build trust, center solutions, and equip action.��

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

“Change is possible,” said King. “We can choose not to participate in the dystopian fears that can paralyze and isolate us. Values, teachings, and examples from 91����Ƶ and the broader world provide guideposts and road maps to other ways forward.”��

King will share her story at 91����Ƶ 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��emu.edu/homecoming.

Herm is sending out his Royal roar, calling all 91����Ƶ alumni, family, friends, students, and community members, both near and far, back to campus for Homecoming 2025 from Oct. 10-12.

This year’s lineup of events offers something for everyone, from the Royal City Celebration with local food trucks and live music, to an evening of a capella, and a pair of planetarium shows. That’s not to mention all the program and affinity gatherings, alumni and athletic awards, athletic events, TenTalks, and more!

The homecoming website is your complete source for events, updates, and registration. The deadline to register for those events marked with an asterisk (*) is Oct. 1.

91����Ƶ’s alumni award winners and TenTalks presenters are:
Jess King ’96, Brittany Caine-Conley ’14, and Fabrice Guerrier MA ’15 (conflict transformation).

91����Ƶ Athletics will recognize four Hall of Honor inductees:
athletic events coordinator Phil Guengerich ’70, volleyball middle blocker Justin Reesor ‘10, soccer forward Mitchell Leap ’12, and basketball center David Falk ’15.  

Look for the ⓕ and  icons that denote a livestreamed event available on the and pages. You do not need an account to view these events.

Athletics events will be streamed through the website.

Here are a few highlights of the weekend. See the full schedule for more details.

Friday, Oct. 10

Golden Alumni Luncheon*ⓕ
11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m.
Martin Chapel (Seminary Building)
Alumni who attended 91����Ƶ 50 or more years ago (classes of 1975 and earlier) will gather for a program and luncheon that includes the induction of the class of ’75. Tickets are $25.

A Walk Down Memory Lane*
2-3 p.m.
Outdoor steps of Martin Chapel
This guided campus tour features stops at historic and modern spaces, including the new Track & Field Complex and recently renovated Student Union, Common Grounds Coffeehouse, and Admissions Office.

Friday’s reunions	Saturday’s reunions
Classes of ’65 and ’70* 2-4 p.m. Seminary Building 204��LOCATION CHANGED TO:��Campus Center – Greeting Hall Tickets are $10 Class of ’75*ⓕ 2-4 p.m. Martin Chapel Class of ’80* 2-4 p.m. Campus Center Greeting Hall��LOCATION CHANGED TO:��Seminary Building 204 Tickets are $10	Class of ’95* 4-6 p.m. Sage Bird Ciderworks (325 N. Liberty St., Harrisonburg) HoCo “5s & 0s” After-Party* (Classes of 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020) 8:30-10:30 p.m. Capital Ale House (41-A Court Square, Harrisonburg) Tickets are $20

A Capella Celebration*ⓕ
7:30 p.m.
Lehman Auditorium
Enjoy an evening of music with a special collaboration of local a capella groups. Tickets are $10.

Saturday, Oct. 11

Homecoming Kickoff Celebration ⓕ
9-9:45 a.m.
Lehman Auditorium
Kick off the day with a welcome from Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus, live music, and tasty treats.

Hall of Honor Ceremony
10-11 a.m.
MainStage Theater (University Commons 170)
Celebrate the 2025 Hall of Honor inductees: athletic events coordinator Phil Guengerich ‘70, volleyball middle blocker Justin Reesor ’10, soccer forward Mitchell Leap ’12, and basketball center David Falk ’15.

COLOR RUN��CANCELLED

Interim President Meet-And-Greet
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Campus Center greeting hall
Connect with 91����Ƶ’s new interim president, Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus, at this meet-and-greet.

Planetarium Viewings*
Discovery Room (Suter Science Center 101)
12:30-1:15 p.m. and 1:15-2 p.m.
Explore the cosmos with a demonstration of 91����Ƶ’s planetarium projector, which was restored this spring by a group of 2025 engineering graduates for their senior capstone project.

91����Ƶ TenTalks ⓕ
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Martin Chapel
Prepare to be impacted, influenced, and inspired at this annual event, modeled after the world-famous TED Talks. For the first time in Homecoming history, this year’s TenTalks features 91����Ƶ’s three alumni award winners—visionary artist and futurist Fabrice Guerrier MA ’15 (conflict transformation), organizer Brittany Caine-Conley ’14, and leader Jess King ’96—who will be sharing their stories for 10 minutes each with a Q&A at the end.

Royal City Celebration
3-7 p.m.
Thomas Plaza and the Front Lawn
After a successful debut at last year’s Homecoming, this crowd favorite is back! All alumni and affinity groups are invited to the weekend’s largest gathering, featuring entertainment, live music from the Richmond-based , local food trucks, and plenty of fun.

Sunday, Oct. 12

Homecoming Worship Service ⓕ
10 a.m.
Martin Chapel
Dr. Benjamin Bergey, associate professor of music at 91����Ƶ, leads worship in this reflective and meaningful service featuring music from the 91����Ƶ Chamber Singers.

*Registration required
ⓕ  Livestream available on Facebook and YouTube

More than 120 alumni who attended 91����Ƶ (then Eastern Mennonite College, or EMC) 50 or more years ago gathered for the Jubilee Luncheon in Martin Chapel on Friday. Eighty of those in attendance represented the class of 1974 and were inducted into the Jubilee Alumni Association.

Alumni traveled from near and far to attend the luncheon, sharing treasured memories and lessons learned from their time at 91����Ƶ. Jackie Sullivan Smoot ‘74, who taught in the Shenandoah school system for 37 years, talked about her life-changing intercultural experience teaching for a summer in Atlanta. “I grew up that summer. My appreciation for my family, for life in general, grew that summer,” said the Shenandoah, Va. alumna.

For Joe Fretz ‘74, the questions raised at 91����Ƶ served as a sort of anchor, grounding him through loss and his faith journey long after graduation. “The courage to question turned out to be the great gift I received from 91����Ƶ,” said the Colorado-based alumnus.

June Smucker-Handrich ‘74 traveled from Oregon. Patricia Lehman ‘74 traveled 41 hours from Washington state, and Kirk Martin ‘74 and Callie Kan flew over 9,000 miles from Singapore. Alumni who attended the luncheon came from a total of 14 states and three countries.

Friday afternoon continued with an art opening at 91����Ƶ’s Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery. The packed exhibition featured the work of Becca Gish ‘09, Rhoda Miller ‘03 and Jon Styer ‘07. The alumni spoke about how the natural world inspired their pieces and about their artistic journeys during and after 91����Ƶ.

Styer says he developed a love for combining arts forms—drawing, painting and graphic design—at 91����Ƶ where he had the opportunity to “explore all of the arts.”

View the exhibition through Nov. 8! The gallery is open Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday night came to a close with the Royal Appreciation Reception: Royals in the Land of Oz in University Commons. More than 190 alumni and donors chatted over hors d’oeuvres prepared by food service director Shannon Grinnan and her Pioneer College Catering team. Attendees, which also included student leaders, enjoyed gourmet cheeses to apple pie pot stickers to a ginger apple mocktail with fresh mint from the 91����Ƶ gardens.

President Susan Schultz Huxman shared updates about the university at the event; she punctuated each update with an on-theme quote from The Wizard of Oz. “There’s no place like a welcoming and inclusive home,” Huxman said. “Creating spaces for all students to be seen and validated is an ongoing, collective effort across the university.”

President Huxman kicked off the Opening Celebration Breakfast on Saturday in University Commons. “This morning we celebrate achievements. We celebrate careers. We celebrate memories.” The breakfast recognized Seth Crissman ‘09, MDiv ‘15 with the Outstanding Young Alum Award; Kendra Conrad Bailey ‘03, MA ‘05 with the Alum of the Year Award; and Dr. Lee Roy Berry Jr. ‘66 with the Distinguished Service Award. (Crissman, Bailey, and Berry are pictured left to right above.)

Following the breakfast, a separate ceremony celebrated Hall of Honor inductees Gina Troyer ‘93 (volleyball, basketball, and softball); Bianca Ygarza ‘14 (basketball); Roland Landes (professor and coach of men’s cross-country, baseball, men’s basketball, women’s cross-country, and track and field); and Michael Allen ‘13 (track and field). Each inductee was introduced by a family member, friend, or coach. (Troyer, Ygarza, Landes, and Allen are pictured left to right above.)

More than 300 people—alumni, affinity groups, clubs, programs and departments—filled the Front Lawn for food, fellowship and fun at the Royal City Celebration. Music by the 91����Ƶ Gospel Choir, music professor Dr. David Berry, and the Walking Roots Band featuring Seth Crissman ‘09, MDiv ‘15; Perry Blosser ‘18; Greg Yoder; Kristina (Landis) Yoder ‘09; Mitchell Yoder ‘09; and Lauren Yoder ‘09 provided the backdrop for the sunshiny setting. Deanna Reed, mayor of Harrisonburg and director of alumni engagement & community connections, brought the emcee energy.

The Royal City Celebration also brought 91����Ƶ’s first crowning of a homecoming court. The court included first-year students Ella Richer (environmental science) and Jack Gallagher (business); sophomores Caleb Metzler (political science, sociology, Spanish) and Kaylene Todd (psychology); juniors Leah Beachy (nursing) and Joshua Stucky (nursing); and seniors Adam Stolzfus (engineering) and Adriana Jacobs (physical education). (Gallagher, Todd, Beachy, Stucky, Stotzfus, and Jacobs are pictured left to right above; Richer and Metzler are not pictured.)

The two students elected from each class were chosen by the student body as role models, leaders, and contributors to the campus community. Laughter and cheers ensued as members were introduced and crowned with glittering tiaras by Ka’Shea Jones-Mitchell, administrative assistant for advancement.

Modeled after TED Talks, 91����Ƶ TenTalks featured three speakers—Ashley Mellinger ‘24; Adesola Johnson, senior biology major; and Dr. Mark Sawin, 91����Ƶ professor of history and honors program director—sharing their stories for 10 minutes each with a Q&A at the end.

Read a longer detailed write-up or

Saturday afternoon also included a Track & Field Complex Dedication featuring a planned program with remarks from donors and 91����Ƶ leaders. A pole run and relay race marked the official opening of the track where attendees were able to test out the surface for themselves.

Read a full write-up of the event.

Sports fans had a number of opportunities to get their fix during the weekend: an alumni baseball game that pitted grads against 91����Ƶ’s baseball team, Women’s Field Hockey vs. Sweet Briar, Women’s Volleyball vs. Lynchburg, Women’s Soccer vs. Guilford, and Men’s Soccer vs. Lynchburg.

Topping off the festivities was a Sunday morning worship service at Park View Mennonite Church with the 91����Ƶ Chamber Singers. Additionally, alumni from the Black Student Alliance, Latinx Student Alliance, Asian Pacific Islanders Student Alliance, and Queer Student Alliance gathered on- and off-campus during the weekend.

91����Ƶ Theatre premiered its production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical on Friday. The show continues on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.

Check out the for any recorded events. We hope to see you again next year!

Johnson shared insights from her research on kidney disease using zebrafish at Notre Dame this past summer as well as her personal journey of falling in love with research. After an 91����Ƶ professor asked her to present research from an 91����Ƶ organic chemistry lab at UVA’s Chemical Society meeting, Johnson realized that she loved sharing her work with others. 

Johnson adheres to the personal motto “just keep swimming” from the movie Finding Nemo to guide her career choices. Her professors also highly influenced her journey into research through their constant encouragement and by providing opportunities including a trip to Australia to research fruit flies. “They have taught me to dream big and go for things I never would have expected myself to do,” she said.

Between nursing school and finishing her debut novel “Heartache on the Play Stage,” Mellinger was used to putting herself last. After a series of hardships while trying to become a licensed nurse post-graduation, she shared her realization of needing to prioritize herself.

“Trying to pour from an empty cup isn’t going to work,” she cautioned, detailing the ways in which she has begun to practice self-care, from sleep hygiene to exercise to choosing more nutritious foods. “Self care is not optional. It is essential for a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

Mark Sawin is a name known to many on campus, but his work is not limited to the classroom. Sawin spoke about his recent research and efforts to preserve Mrs. Isa Mae (Banks) Francis’ Green Book house where traveling Black folks stayed when hotels turned them away. Listed in the Green Book from 1953-1961, the house sits at 252 N. Mason Street. It is the last remaining Green Book house in Harrisonburg and was kept in its original state by siblings Henry and Lois Rouser, descendants of Mrs. Isa Mae (Banks) Francis.

William Reed, father of 91����Ƶ’s own Mayor Deanna Reed, inherited the property from Lois Rouser in 2022. The Reeds called in experts, including Sawin, with the hope of further honoring the house’s legacy. Sawin has been researching the property and the family’s history because he says “being a historian is honoring people by telling their story.”

The perennially popular TenTalks during Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024 will feature three speakers each representing a different stage of the 91����Ƶ journey: current student Adesola Johnson, alumna Ashley Mellinger ’24, and faculty member Dr. Mark Metzler Sawin.

The speakers will each have 10 minutes to “impact, influence and inspire” the audience, and then answer questions from the crowd. The format is modeled on TED Talks presentations.

The free event will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, in Suter Science Center 106. Registration is required for this event. It will be livestreamed on the 91����Ƶ .��

Register for events !

Investigating the Role of Retinoic Acid on Podocyte Development

Johnson, a senior biology major from Dallas, serves 91����Ƶ as a hall director, executive Royal Ambassador, DEI student leader and a tutor in the Academic Success Center.

This summer she had the opportunity to conduct research at the University of Notre Dame, where she investigated the mechanisms regulating kidney development using zebrafish as a model organism. She is deeply passionate about advancing scientific research and said she looks forward to presenting her findings to the 91����Ƶ community at TenTalks.

The Art of Self-Care

Mellinger, of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, had one busy senior year. The Cords of Distinction recipient  published her debut novel, Heartache on the Play Stage, in January and graduated from 91����Ƶ with a BSN in May. In the meantime, she’s been working on earning her RN license. 

Mellinger said her presentation will focus on “the art of self-care.” “This summer provided me a lot of freedom and downtime to recoup from the stress of nursing school and I learned how to truly take care of myself,” she said. “I’d like to share some tips with you all!”

Mrs. Ida Mae Francis and her Green Book House

Sawin, professor of history at 91����Ƶ and co-director of the honors program, is part of a team of researchers helping preserve the history of a Harrisonburg, Virginia, house listed in The Green Book.

During the Jim Crow era, The Green Book was a guide created by and for African Americans that listed open and safe places for them to eat, visit and lodge while traveling. Sawin’s presentation will look at Harrisonburg’s primary Green Book property, Mrs. Ida Mae Francis’ Guest House, telling its history and the story of the thriving, entrepreneurial Black community it serviced for 50 years (1912-1962).

Sawin, an 91����Ƶ faculty member since 2001, has spent two decades working with members of Harrisonburg’s Black community to help tell the story of Newtown and the Northeast Neighborhood before it was devastated by urban renewal projects in the early 1960s.

For a full list of Homecoming and Family Weekend events, visit: emu.edu/homecoming

“This year’s festivities will feature a ‘lion’s share’ of new and exciting events, including the Royal City Celebration, which invites all class reunions, affinity groups, department and club gatherings to meet at Thomas Plaza and the Front Lawn for food, fellowship and fun!” said Deanna Reed, Harrisonburg mayor and 91����Ƶ director of alumni engagement & community connections. “In addition to the gathering, which promises to be the largest at Homecoming, all are invited to follow the ‘yellow brick road’ to campus for musical theater showings, athletic events, and the return of the ever-popular TenTalks presentations. This year there’s no place like HOMEcoming!”

The homecoming website is your complete source for events, updates, and registration.

91����Ƶ’s alumni award winners are:
Dr. Lee Roy Berry Jr. ’66; Kendra Conrad Bailey ’03, MA ’05; and Seth Crissman ’09. MDiv ’15.

91����Ƶ Athletics will recognize four Hall of Honor awardees:
longtime employee and coach Roland Landes; standout jumper and sprinter Michael Allen ’13; volleyball, basketball and softball player Gina Campbell Troyer ’93; and basketball star Bianca Ygarza ’14.

Look for the ⓕ Facebook icon that denotes a livestreamed event. Go to the to view these events; recordings will also be available after the event. You do not need a Facebook account to view the livestream.

Athletics events will be streamed through the website.

Here are a few highlights of the weekend. See the full schedule for more details.

Friday

– Jubilee Alumni, those who have graduated 50 years ago or more, will gather for a program and luncheon that includes the induction of the class of 1974. * ⓕ

– Art Gallery Opening, from 4-5 p.m. in the Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery, features artworks from 91����Ƶ alumni artists Rebecca Souder Gish ’09, Rhoda Miller ’03, and Jon Styer ’07. 

– Musical Theater Production of “Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” 91����Ƶ students and community members play multiple roles in this epic rock musical version of Rick Riordan’s beloved young-adult novels about an underachieving kid who discovers he is a demigod. Tickets for the show, held in the Studio Theater at 7 p.m., are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for children 18 and younger, and $6 for college students. 

Saturday

– Recognizing Hall of Honor and alumni award winners, the Opening Celebration Breakfast features a welcome by President Susan Schultz Huxman.

– A Hall of Honor Ceremony at the MainStage Theater from 10-11 a.m. will celebrate this year’s inductees.

– New to this year’s lineup of events, the Royal City Celebration invites all class reunions, affinity groups, department and club gatherings to follow the yellow brick road for food, fellowship, and fun! Meal tickets to the gathering, held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thomas Plaza and the Front Lawn, are $20 for adults and $9 for children ages 5 to 11. *

– See Royals athletics in action on the brand new Turf Field with Field Hockey vs. Sweet Briar at noon, Women’s Soccer vs. Guilford at 3 p.m., and Men’s Soccer vs. Lynchburg at 6 p.m. The Women’s Volleyball team takes on Lynchburg in Yoder Arena at 2 p.m.

– Prepare to be impacted, influenced and inspired at the annual 91����Ƶ TenTalks. Modeled on TED Talks presentations, this event in Suter Science Center 106 from 2-3 p.m. features alumna and novelist Ashley Mellinger ’24; Adesola Johnson, senior biology major; and Dr. Mark Metzler Sawin, 91����Ƶ professor of history, speaking for 10 minutes each with a Q&A at the end.��* ⓕ

– Turn out for the new track & field complex dedication at 3:30 p.m.

– “Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” Another chance to catch this exhilarating spectacle starting at 7 p.m. in the Studio Theater.

Sunday

– Worship with 91����Ƶ Chamber Singers at 9:30 a.m. at Park View Mennonite Church.

– “Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” A third and final showing of the epic rock musical, capping Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024, starts at 7 p.m.

*Registration required

The speakers — soprano Madeline Bender ’93, runner Ryan Gehman ’16 and leader Kevin Ressler ’07 — will each have 10 minutes to “impact, influence and inspire” the audience, and then answer questions from the crowd. The format is modeled on TED Talks presentations.

The free event will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, in Suter Science Center 106. Homecoming registration is not required to attend. Email alumni@emu.edu for instructions on how to access the Facebook livestream of the event.

A complete list of events and activities is on the Homecoming and Family Weekend website.

Divine dissatisfaction

Madeline Bender ’93 will share the story of her journey from rural Mennonite kid to international opera singer, arts entrepreneur and educator.

In 2012, Bender founded , which offers classes to children in the fields of music, theater, dance and filmmaking. Her innovative arts programs are taught in esteemed private and public schools across Manhattan.

She has created performances including Instrumental Storytellers at Symphony Space in Manhattan, the annual Creative Stage Spectacular! and, most recently, produced and directed Summer Shebang!, sponsored by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. 

Her work has paired her with notable opera directors such as Sir Peter Hall, Robert Wilson, David McVicar, Paul Curran and Sir Jonathan Miller.

She, along with artistic partner Timothy Long, is the founder and director of Voices of Hope, an annual opera gala that has raised more than $250,000 to provide life-changing education to severely underprivileged children around the world.

Bender, who has a master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music, lives in New York City with her husband Paul Whelan, a bass-baritone opera singer, and their 14-year-old son.

Her TenTalk will investigate what makes citizen artists tick, as well as the forces that drive them to seek to make radical change in the world through the arts.

Run for your life!

Diagnosed with autism at four years old, Ryan Gehman ’16 struggled with anxiety and other mental health challenges growing up. 

But when Gehman discovered running, he says it literally saved his life.

The Millersville, Pennsylvania, native has run four marathons to date, including two Boston Marathon races. He finished the 2023 Boston Marathon this past April in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 31 seconds, which placed him 103rd overall.

In 2014 while at 91����Ƶ, Gehman won the NCAA South Southeast Regional Cross-Country Championships and was named Southeast Regional Athlete of the Year.

Gehman says he runs to help himself navigate life on the spectrum and aims to be a source of hope for other neurodiverse people, as well as anyone in need of strength to face adversity.

He is a former cross-country and track coach at Lancaster Bible College and Lancaster Mennonite High School. These days he shares his passion for fitness as a wellness assistant at Landis Homes, where he fosters the movement of others.

TenTalks attendees are invited to hear his story, from the heartwarming and humorous way his running began to the dream he’s now chasing: qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Trials.

“Break all the rules, build a better world”

Kevin M. Ressler ’07, M. Div., was not afraid to break some rules as a child.

As a third grader, Ressler refused to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance because of his discomfort with war. 

During a semester-long simulation of the Revolutionary War, the middle-schooler was named governor of Pennsylvania and then disrupted class when he demanded freeing slaves as part of the Declaration of Independence.

His life, he says, has been spent seeking ways to bring about an equitable peace and justice for all.

In a summary of his TenTalk, Ressler says that people are raised to maintain the status quo of the system even when they might not realize it.

“We are taught that … if you follow the rules and apply yourself that you will get rewarded with comfort and security,” the community activist and leader says.

“But, if you actually care about a better world, you have no choice but to break the rules and risk losing everything so that others might gain.” 

Ressler leads , where he’s been CEO since July. The nonprofit organization serves the greater Coatesville, Pennsylvania, community by focusing on improving its health, social, emotional and economic conditions.

He graduated from 91����Ƶ with a bachelor’s degree in Justice, Peace and Conflict Studies and spent a year with Mennonite Voluntary Service and with AmeriCorps VISTA. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2013.

Ressler was executive director of Meals on Wheels of Lancaster from 2014 to 2020 and president and CEO of the United Way of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, from 2020 to this June. He has served on multiple boards including for Meals on Wheels of Lancaster, United Way of Pennsylvania and Everence Federal Credit Union.

He lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with his wife Melissa and their two daughters, Acacia, 9, and Iriana, 6.

“We are excited about this year’s lineup,” said Jennifer North Bauman, director of alumni and parent engagement. “There is something for everyone to enjoy.”

The is your complete source for events, updates, and registration.

91����Ƶ’s alumni award winners are:
Andy Dula ‘91, Basil Marin ‘10, and Paul and Lisa Zendt Shelly ‘89.

91����Ƶ Athletics will recognize four Hall of Honor awardees:

catcher/infielder Miranda White Terry ‘08, pitcher Jamie Fraysher Runner ‘09,
mid-distance runner Luke Yoder ‘08, and the 2003 women’s basketball team.

Look for the Facebook icon that denotes a livestreamed event. Go to the to view these events; recordings will also be available after the event. You do not need a Facebook account to view the livestream.

Athletics events will be streamed through the website.

Here are a few highlights of the weekend. See the full schedule for more details.

Friday

– Jubilee Alumni, those who have graduated 50 years ago or more, will gather for a program and luncheon that includes the induction of the class of 1973.

– Acclaimed soprano Madeline Bender ’93 will collaborate with several 91����Ƶ ensembles to perform selections ranging from beloved opera arias and classics of the Great American Songbook to musical sketch comedy for the evening’s traditional Celebration Concert in Lehman Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and free for 91����Ƶ students and children 12 and under.

Saturday

– Recognizing Hall of Honor and alumni award winners, the Opening Homecoming Celebration Breakfast features the 91����Ƶ JazzCombo and a welcome by President Susan Schultz Huxman.

– The 10 a.m. Program Gatherings are double-billed as Lifelong Learning Options. Take your pick in an area of interest—from interfaith engagement and education to the Hall of Honor ceremony to a Suter Science Seminar.

– Classes ending in 3 and 8 will celebrate reunions and reconnect over lunch.

– See Royals athletics in action on the Turf Field with Field Hockey vs. Roanoke College at noon, Women’s Soccer vs. Roanoke College at 3 p.m., and Men’s Soccer vs. Ferrum College at 6 p.m.

– From 1-2 p.m., several special Affinity Gatherings are hosting get-togethers. Groups include alumni who were honored as Cords of Distinction recipients, those who worked at Common Grounds, and those who performed with Chamber Singers. Black Student Alliance (BSA), Latino Student Alliance (LSA), and the Asian Pacific Islander Student Association (APISA) will hold a tailgating party for alumni, students and parents in the University Commons parking lot starting at 1 p.m.

– This year’s TenTalks features acclaimed soprano Madeline Bender ’93, runner Ryan Gehman ’16, and leader Kevin Ressler ’07 reflecting on a broad range of topics that will impact, influence, and inspire you.

– Fall Festival, from 3-6:30 p.m., features fun for all ages and includes live music, local food trucks, yard games, inflatables, a photo booth, and more!

– Writers Read with poet Kate Baer ’07, the three-time New York Times bestselling author of What Kind of Woman, I Hope This Finds You Well, and And Yet. Registration required for this event in the Mainstage Theater at 7:30 p.m. General seating.

Sunday

– A traditional worship service at 10:30 a.m. features music, liturgy and alumni award winners.

We hope to see you at 91����Ƶ October 9-11, 2015!

Celebrations and��events include:

• A festive gathering preceding class reunions on Saturday, Oct. 11
• Class reunions for years ending in “4” and “9”
• Departmental breakfasts and special interest reunions
• A Jubilee Alumni event and program for alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago
• Sporting events: soccer, field hockey and volleyball
• Community picnic on Saturday evening for��ALL��members of the��91����Ƶ��community
• Sunday worship service with alumni award recipients

See the��.

Remembering 2013

In 2013,��91����Ƶ recognized the first “Outstanding Young Alum”; embraced music and theater performances; enjoyed fellowship with alumni and donors; and cheered on the Royals during��. Browse����and learn more about the honorees , and .

Future Homecomings

Don’t forget to��save the date��for future��celebrations. The 2015 Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration is scheduled for Oct. 9-11, and the 2016 celebration will be held Oct. 14-16.