“Community organizing is fundamentally a project of power-building within and among groups of people marginalized from existing power structures,” says Professor Ryan Good, co-director of the Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC). Starting this fall, students at 91短视频 (91短视频) will be able to study community organizing and community development through the new minor that Good championed. 

Students who are interested in community-based work, social and racial justice, activism, or a career in the nonprofit and social services sector will find this minor to provide skills and analytical frameworks complementing many professions. The minor may be useful to those pursuing majors in business and leadership; Bible, religion and theology; peacebuilding and development; political science; psychology; recreation and sport management; social work and sociology.

“Community organizing has been part of significant reforms and a variety of social movements in the U.S. going back more than 100 years.  Organizers may work with faith-based groups or with other types of organizations, such as schools or labor associations,” says Professor Jenni Holsinger, director of 91短视频’s sociology program in which the minor is housed. “For many students, it’s exciting to learn about new ways to help their own communities and to find hope, and possible career paths, in the work that has been done before and is being done now.”  

The minor consists of 18 credit hours, completed through three classes and an internship, plus two elective courses. One introductory course covering the history, theories, and tactics of organizing in the United States since the early 20th century is offered on the Harrisonburg campus, while the two other required courses and the internship are fulfilled during participation in the WCSC fall or spring semester program. The minor is situated within the Sociology program.

WCSC, located in Washington D.C. since 1976, is a program of 91短视频 (91短视频) and is open to students from other schools, including Bethel College in Kansas and Bluffton University in Ohio, who regularly send students. The program has a strong history of placing student interns with nonprofits that mobilize community action, work to meet local needs, and advocate for social policies that support local communities, for example, the and the .

Social work major Reh Franklin is a current intern at DC Central Kitchen, a nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. Franklin鈥檚 projects this semester include co-facilitating group therapy sessions, creating data tracking tools for mapping the cost effectiveness of corner store programs, and creating and distributing surveys related to food equity, access, and justice.

Last fall, Sophia Minder, a social work major at Bethel College, interned with the Congregation Action Network, working with area congregations to 鈥渂ring awareness to immigration issues through organizing actions and meetings with legislators.鈥�

“Many 91短视频 graduates seek employment in the U.S. nonprofit and social services sector,” Good said. “At a moment when the role of geography in driving and reproducing polarization and structural inequality in the U.S. has been made dramatically evident, a minor focused on place-based analysis, practice, and action will feel timely and relevant to many students.”

WCSC鈥檚 network of contacts and organizations within community organizing and development is broad. Specific examples of potential internship sites include:

• CASA de Maryland
• Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development
• Common Good City Farm
• Community of Hope
• Congregation Action Network
• DC Central Kitchen
• Empower DC
• Latin American Youth Center
• MANNA, Inc.
• Mary鈥檚 Center
• ONE DC
• Sitar Arts Center
• THEARC
• Washington Area Community Investment Fund

The term “environmental justice” is increasingly joining the common lexicon of activists and community leaders. The movement addresses massive problems like climate change and racism 鈥撎齜ut rather than siloing these struggles, looks at their intersections: how social issues and environmental crises play off one another, and how marginalized communities often bear the brunt of environmental degradation.

Take, for example, work that 91短视频 (91短视频) Professor Doug Graber Neufeld has done . The dams’ history, having been introduced at the hands of British colonizers who forced local residents to build them, had to be addressed. But when building these sand dams became a collective endeavor that was cohesive with locals’ community values, they became an effective and climate change-resilient method of water storage.

Or look at the stream restoration work that biology students and faculty conducted in the rural area around Bergton, Virginia. They were joined in the project by students at 91短视频’s , who interviewed community members about their social climate concerning aquatic ecosystems and water quality.听

It’s a field that students at 91短视频 have been calling for more education in 鈥� prompting faculty and staff to create a new environmental justice minor.

Professor Jenni Holsinger, who oversees the minor, said student interest has been building in the relationship between social and environmental issues. 

“Environmental justice is touched on in multiple courses, but not often named, and students have asked for a more explicit focus,” Holsinger said. “The minor will provide an interdisciplinary space to bring together students who are majoring in natural science programs and with students from other majors.”

The interdisciplinary minor will benefit students going into a variety of fields, including public health, urban planning, public administration, community organizing, humanitarian aid, engineering, and law. It includes an upper level course specifically focused on environmental justice, in which students analyze problems such as water rights, internal colonialism, and pollution, and the social movements that have responded to those issues. 

“Our students have a strong interest in the intersection between environmental and the social sciences, and the environmental justice minor will allow them to delve deeper into prevalent injustices around environmental harms and marginalized communities,” said Professor Jim Yoder, director of the environmental sustainability program in which the new minor is housed.

While students can begin working towards the minor now, the new course will debut in the 2021-22 academic year.

Other courses included in the minor cover sustainable food systems, race and gender, community health, urban sociology, and marginalized voices in Hispanic America: providing a wide-angle lens to examine the intersections of environmentalism with different social justice movements.

“The curriculum is also extremely relevant to events from this summer,” Holsinger explained. “It provides a perspective to help us understand the ways that our experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic are connected to historical and current anti-Black racism through structural patterns of injustice around environmental harms and benefits.”

Participants in the minor will also have opportunities to construct community-based research projects in response to local environmental justice issues.

“This type of experiential learning is a promising way for students to be involved in addressing the interrelated issues of poverty, health, and environmental conditions,” said Holsinger.

What will a post-pandemic world look like? How is COVID-19 affecting each of us differently, and what are our responsibilities to one another in the face of those disparities? What do we know about the biology of the virus? And are there things that are changing for the better because of this crisis?

A free seven-week online course offered at 91短视频 this summer will delve into those questions and more. Community members are welcome. Students can opt for a pass/fail grade and will have online access to readings, videos, and other materials before each class. 

The course meets each Tuesday evening, beginning June 30, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for seven weeks, with a different pair or trio of faculty and staff from different academic fields leading each class.

The lectures and Q and A will be recorded and available for viewing later.

The course is co-led by language and literature professor Kevin Seidel and chemistry professor Laurie Yoder.

鈥淲hat pulled me in at first was the possibility of teaching with faculty from all three schools 鈥� sciences, social sciences, and humanities 鈥� talking together and learning from one another about the virus,鈥� Seidel said. When the pandemic hit, he started fervently gathering information and perspective: from scientists, from fictive literature, and from poetry, trying to make sense of 鈥渢his strange new world.鈥� 

Week 1 | June 30, Tuesday, 6:30鈥�8:30 p.m.

Treating COVID-19

What do we know about the biology of COVID-19? What鈥檚 next in vaccine development? What public health measures are working to slow the spread of COVID-19?

Kristopher Schmidt, Associate Professor of Biology

Kate Clark, Assistant Professor of Nursing

Week 2 | July 7, Tuesday, 6:30鈥�8:30 p.m.

Pandemic History and Data

What can we learn from past pandemics about life after this one? What can we learn from visual presentations of data about the pandemic? 

Mary Sprunger, Professor of History

Daniel Showalter, Associate Professor of Mathematics

Week 3 | July 14, Tuesday, 6:30鈥�8:30 p.m.

Politics and Collective Trauma

Why has the U.S. response to COVID-19 been so contentious and uneven? What is collective trauma and what might it have to do with that response?

Mark Metzler Sawin, Professor of History

Ryan Thompson, Assistant Professor of Psychology

Trina Trotter Nussbaum, Associate Director, Center for Interfaith Engagement

Week 4 | July 21, Tuesday, 6:30鈥�8:30 p.m.

Zoonotic Viruses, Wet Markets, and the Economics of COVID-19

Where do coronaviruses come from? What are the links between environmental degradation and pandemics? What does COVID-19 have to teach us about how our economy is connected to the natural world? What are the economic impacts from a pandemic?

Jim Yoder, Professor of Biology

Jim Leaman, Associate Professor of Business and Leadership

Week 5 | July 28, Tuesday, 6:30鈥�8:30 p.m.

Our Life with Animals, Our Life with God

Why are so many people taking refuge in nature during the pandemic? Why is that refuge harder to come by for some people? What do the scriptures say about how our life with God is related to our life with animals? 

Steven Johnson, Professor of Visual and Communication Arts 

Andrea Saner, Associate Professor of Old Testament

Week 6 | August 4, Tuesday, 6:30鈥�8:30 p.m.

Systemic Racism in the U.S. before and after COVID-19

Why has COVID-19 hit African-Americans harder than other groups? Why does rural Navajo Nation have the highest infection rates in the country?

Jenni Holsinger, Associate Professor of Sociology 

Matt Tibbles, Teaching Fellow, Applied Social Sciences

Jim Yoder, Professor of Biology

Week 7 | August 11, Tuesday, 6:30鈥�8:30 p.m.

Resilience, Repair, and Transformation after COVID-19

How do we carry forward what we鈥檝e learned about COVID-19, trauma, and restorative justice? 

Johonna Turner, Assistant Professor of Restorative Justice and Peacebuilding

Katie Mansfield, Lead Trainer, Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR)

鈥淛ust having this little piece of the woods to come and kind of escape to was so valuable to me,鈥� senior Bekah Mongold 蝉补颈诲.听

She鈥檇 come to 91短视频 from Mathias, West Virginia 鈥� 鈥淚 am very much not a city girl, so living in Harrisonburg was like a culture shock to me,鈥� she said 鈥� and the 13-acre woods nestled between the 91短视频鈥檚 Park Wood Apartments and track and the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) reminded her of her rural home.

However, the more time that Mongold spent in Park Woods 鈥� not only for respite but also as part of her spring semester studies 鈥� the more she realized that not everything about the woods was as it should 鈥� or could 鈥� be.听

Mongold and five other students taking the spring environmental sustainability capstone course focused their research on the woods, and presented findings and proposals during the 91短视频 Academic and Creative Excellence Festival in April.

鈥淚t makes me a little bit sad cause like I know when you when you just walk through, you think, 鈥極h, it鈥檚 so green! It鈥檚 so pretty!鈥� And then when you start noticing what is green, it鈥檚 like, 鈥極h, that鈥檚 maybe not quite as healthy as it should be,鈥欌�� she said.

The urban forest offers space for immersing oneself in nature, seeking spiritual renewal, learning about the environment and running, hiking and playing. But as Mongold and her classmates learned, it also encapsulates the sometimes-problematic interactions of social and ecological systems.

A live project

Assessing the ecological needs of the wood鈥檚 flora and fauna and the broader community was a 鈥渓ive project,鈥� applied social sciences professor Jenni Holsinger said, that involved 鈥渞eal research and real problems that come along with the research process.鈥澨�

Mongold and fellow senior Nidhi Vinod assessed forest management needs and possibilities in Park Woods, while Ethan Mathews and John Dudley focused on water management, and Victoria Barnes and Xander Silva mapped the stakeholders.

Park Woods is plagued with the invasive bush honeysuckle, plus emerald ash borer, which has caused the death of nearly all of the ash trees there. It also faces frequent flooding from rainfall runoff from elevated surroundings; a diversion dike along its southeast edge retains water in order to prevent flooding of and the dispersion of sediments into the Harrisonburg creek Blacks Run.

Along with the dead ash trees, that flooding threatens or destroys parts of the Park Woods walking path, a winding trail that, along with the fire circle, the pavilion, and, in years past, Park Cabin, is responsible for attracting many of the woods鈥� stakeholders: VMRC residents, nearby community members, Eastern Mennonite School students, and 91短视频 alumni and student groups. One alumni group, Friends of Park Woods, was organized a few years ago by Paul Lehman and Professor Emeritus Kenton Brubaker and has done much to bring attention to the plight of the woods.听

Moving forward

The capstone students pointed to possible interventions in Park Woods, including community volunteers and even goats to remove invasive plant species.听

For water management, defining waterways and constructing a wet pond would make the woods both more healthy and attractive, said Mathews, with the pond in particular becoming 鈥渁 nice place for anybody to come enjoy.鈥�

Even with a limited budget, Barnes said, small improvements 鈥� in signage, for example 鈥� would promote student use of the woods. And adding bathrooms in Park Cabin would benefit guests, as well.

Intervening, though, takes balance, said Silva.听

鈥淚 think the biggest thing I learned was finding the line between maximum utility of a space and keeping it a natural ecosystem,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here are a lot of things that we could do here that would make it a lot more appealing for students and just humans in general, but I also think there are a lot of things that are really special about this place that we really shouldn鈥檛 change. … you kind of have to step back and say this space has its own ideas of what it wants to do, and that has to be taken into account.鈥�

鈥淚 would like to come back in 10 years and seeing more than just honeysuckle and ivy,鈥� Mongold 蝉补颈诲.听

That may be doable 鈥� but other hopes are less likely.

鈥淚 would really like to see some ash trees through here,鈥� she added, 鈥渂ut I don鈥檛 think that鈥檚 possible.鈥�

Cross-cultural study, which students have called an integral and 鈥渓ife-changing鈥� component of 91短视频鈥檚 core curriculum for more than 30 years, has taken students to more than 80 domestic and global locations such as the Middle East, Lithuania, Central America and China.

Whether with a full semester abroad or as part of a summer or alternative program, students fulfilling their cross-cultural requirements establish the foundations they need for living, serving and leading in a global context.

Summer cross-culturals

鈥淲hat we鈥檝e experienced, which has provoked much thought and emotion, are the many ways in which one history can be told,鈥� the South Africa group wrote in the 鈥淯nderstanding the Boer Narrative鈥� entry on the cross-cultural blog. That trip is focused on the nation鈥檚 legacy of colonialism and apartheid, and its attempts to overcome that past.

In Puerto Rico, students observed the 鈥渁we-inspiring鈥� perseverance of people still suffering the effects of Hurricane Maria, wrote Emily Lam. The group, led by Professor Jenni Holsinger and Adam Yoder, also learned about the island鈥檚 history, participated in service, and visited Aibonito, San Juan and El Yunque.

The group in Mexico, led by Linda and Brian Martin Burkholder, learned about cultures in different regions of the country, and visiting Mexico City, Teotihuacan and the Costa Esmeralda of Veracruz. They also visited a church youth group in Ecatepec, near Mexico City.

鈥淒espite the language barrier we all got along great,鈥� wrote Emma Picht. 鈥淪ome of us made bets over hot salsa, and we played word games to practice our Spanish and their English. 鈥� Jessica, one of the girls from the youth group, and I connected over music and singing, despite my limited vocabulary.鈥�

In Washington D.C., students in 91短视频鈥檚 cross-cultural urban studies, internship, and community living experience at the Washington Community Scholars鈥� Center are gaining professional experiences through internships. They also learn about urban cultures, history and life through various tours and a course titled 鈥淏lues & Dreams: A Multicultural History of Washington D.C.鈥�

2019-20

Upcoming cross-culturals in the 2019-20 academic year will take students to Vienna and Europe, the Washington Community Scholars鈥� Center and Guatemala and Columbia.

Beginning August 1, Beth Good 鈥�03 will be 91短视频鈥檚 director of Intercultural Programs. Currently the Kenya Country Representative for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), she has also lived and worked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Her other roles have included MCC鈥檚 global health coordinator, the director of clinical services of Hope within Community Health Center, the HIV program coordinator for Eastern Mennonite Missions, and instructor for 91短视频鈥檚 RN-BSN program. She earned her PhD and MSN from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Now a graduate student at Kutztown University, Joshua works as a success coach with the , which partners with ChildPromise, Inc. to provide support for students who are current or former members of the foster care system.

Joshua notes that out of more than 400,000 foster care children in the United States, less than 10 percent decide to pursue any type of college degree, and that it is a privilege to hear their stories and offer support as they work towards their goals.

What attracted you to attend 91短视频 as an undergraduate?

At first, I just wanted to move away. I lived outside of Philadelphia my whole life and I wanted to be anywhere else. Then I fell in love with Harrisonburg because it has a very unique environment of a half-urban/half-rural area. They have an exciting downtown area that always has great events, and lots of open space and vistas.

You majored in liberal arts and focused in business. Why did you choose that combination and what skills did you gain from that interdisciplinary emphasis?

I began my journey as an accounting major. I loved the work, but realized that the career of an accountant wasn鈥檛 quite what I needed in life. I thrive off of relationships and knew that I needed to work more directly with people.

My experiences working with the Campus Activities Council and Residence Life affirmed that notion and I knew that I needed to change my path. I spoke with an academic advisor, Amy Springer Hartsell, who discussed a possible future in student affairs. It was too late to switch majors without having to extend my studies a couple years, so I decided on a liberal arts major, with a focus in business knowing that I could use that degree anywhere life took me.

What did you do after graduation?

I worked full-time as an assistant hall director at the University of Colorado to affirm my passion for higher education and student affairs. I loved everything about my job: the residents, my student staff, my daily work and my boss who turned out to be a great mentor. Unfortunately the position was terminated after one year.

I am pursuing my master鈥檚 degree in higher education at Kutztown University. Some of my goals here are to learn about opportunities to bring restorative justice to common student conduct processes, and how to find resources that help our students with financial, housing and food insecurities.

Can you talk a bit about your current work at Kutztown? What are its joys and challenges?听

I am currently a graduate assistant working in a new aid program called the Providing Resources for Future Standouts program (PROFS). It focuses on giving aid to students who grew up in the foster care system who have decided to pursue a college education. I administer this program that provides financial aid, free on-campus summer and winter housing, and free off-campus trips to places like Washington D.C. or New York City or Philadelphia. I coach them through the challenges they face as students who may not have a network of听 support.

Because this is such a new program, I have had the opportunity of creating the program鈥檚 foundations. This includes policy creation, event organization, case management and relationship building. I also go to group homes to encourage foster care children to pursue a college degree.

I love all of my students and their unique personalities. Each has a story unlike anybody else鈥檚 and I get to watch them overcome all of that negative history that might have held them back. The hardest part is knowing that, although I provide a lot for them, I will never be able to give what a family would. One student sat in my office crying. She was trying to get a loan to buy a car, but had no credit. The dealership told her to get her parents to co-sign, but since neither are a part of her life, she had to let it go.

Have you found any of your experiences or coursework at 91短视频 helpful in your current work?

91短视频 challenged me and helped me grow in every way I needed to best support my students. Through my philosophy classes with Christian Early and sociology classes with Carolyn Stauffer and Jenni Holsinger, I was challenged to see the privileges I live with as a white, middle-class male with a supportive family.

More than that, the most important lesson I learned was with Residence Life: I am a community builder, both in my personal and work life. Our motto was Learning to live together, and I keep that motto to this very day. We are all discovering ourselves and how we relate to others day by day, and it鈥檚 a process we experience together.

What do you think makes 91短视频 graduates distinctive?

91短视频 offers a view of the world that I did not experience anywhere else. There is a clear focus on community, both locally and globally. Many of my coworkers have a very success-driven mindset because their schools taught them how to get ahead of the curve.

91短视频 taught me that success means nothing if I use it to put others down. It is that care for community, which 91短视频 instilled in me, that made me the perfect leader for a program like no other.

What are some favorite memories of your time at 91短视频?

I was very active as a student and made many memories. From winning the variety show two , to my adventures to Cookout with friends, it is difficult to pick only a few memories because so many come to mind. I often check back to the 91短视频 social media pages and websites to find that the residents I served as an RA are now in leadership positions.

I was able to experience many different adventures, and participated in a couple of harmless hijinks in my time, but I will always remember my time as an Community Assistant. Scott Eyre and Micah Hurst, my two residence directors, were two of the most influential people in my life. They encouraged me when I was feeling hopeless. They guided me with wisdom when I felt lost. They gave me the strength to do hard things when challenges appeared in my hall. I will always be thankful for the Res Life community at 91短视频.

Other influential people:听Christian Early changed the way I think about the world, and there is no going back! Take a class with him. The reading is worth it. And Kristen Beachy inspired me to write again in her non-fiction creative writing class.

What are your plans for the future?

Next year, I will graduate with my MEd degree in higher education and student affairs. I want to work on the frontlines with students and help them succeed. My dream would be to move back down to Harrisonburg to be with my pseudo-family and friends, but I will go wherever God leads.

In the meantime, I am getting as involved as possible. I will be advising a couple student organizations, going to national conferences, building mentorships, and organizing presentations to inspire others with the success of my PROFS program.

What advice to you have for current undergraduates?

GET INVOLVED! And do so early. The CAC Barn Dance isn鈥檛 overrated, and your RA鈥檚 floor events aren鈥檛 stupid. These events are a time to get to know the people who will change your life over the next four years. If what you鈥檙e interested in isn鈥檛 available on campus, make it happen. The faculty and staff at 91短视频 love to support the students and want to be involved (why else would they let you call them by their first names?).听 If you want to make an anime club, or knitting club, or even a drum circle club, go to the Student Life office and make it happen.

Faculty, staff and fellow students nominated the recipients, who were cited for their 鈥渟ignificant and verifiable impact鈥� on the university and on student life; for their contributions to developing the institution鈥檚 positive image; for substantial contributions to the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County area and beyond; for their high academic and social standing; and their embodiment of 91短视频鈥檚 shared values of Christian discipleship, community, service and peacebuilding.

Emily Clatterbuck: presented by Paul J. Yoder, PhD, assistant professor of teacher education听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听

Emily Clatterbuck has confidently declared that 鈥淭eachers are leaders,鈥� contending that 鈥淭eachers work to create positive change through their leadership. They set examples for their students and colleagues, and they help one another: students and colleagues. Teachers teach because they have been called to lead.鈥� In her sense of conviction鈥攁nd more importantly through her actions in both classrooms here on 91短视频鈥檚 campus and in local public schools鈥擡mily Clatterbuck exemplifies the 91短视频 Teacher Education mission of 鈥渢eaching boldly in a changing world through an ethic of care and critical reflection.鈥�

Emily has put her commitment to the 91短视频 community and the teaching profession into practice through many leadership and service engagements. As the secretary and then president of the Student Education Association, Emily planned a book drive and canned food drive aimed at giving back to the local community. She contributed to the professional development of current education students through planning a panel for first-year teachers. Emily also contributed to the life of the university through organizing childcare during 91短视频 Homecoming and planning a Language & Literature Department chapel with professors Kirsten Beachy and Carol Snell-Feikema.

Emily has helped to communicate 91短视频鈥檚 mission to those beyond the campus community. She contributed to recruiting local prospective education students through her work in Admissions and volunteered her time to assist in the Education Department during Scholarship Day. Emily has also intentionally sought opportunities to extend her learnings from her cross-cultural semester in Guatemala and Colombia through utilizing her Spanish fluency in the classroom and attending events that support local immigrant communities.

A native of Rockingham County, Emily has continued to invest in the local community. She volunteers with fundraising events at the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department. Emily also seeks opportunities to work with children such as reading to young people at Second Home Childcare and doing crafts with participants of Ridgeway Mennonite Church鈥檚 Kids Club.

Finally, Emily has excelled in the classroom. She is an engaged and conscientious student. More importantly, however, is the balance Emily strikes, being quick to speak up in class, yet making room for multiple voices during class discussion. Emily is the recipient of the Carroll Yoder Award for Teaching Excellence in recognition of her academic excellence in both literary studies and education courses. Emily was also one of five Teachers of Promise awardees. We applaud Emily for all she has achieved already and for answering the call to be a teacher who authentically cares for students of all backgrounds and thus leads by example.

听顿rew Diaz: presented by Maria Esther Showalter, MA, multicultural student advisor

We are living in times when people seek power or a position of leadership to benefit themselves. However, a few leaders shine even brighter because their leadership style is so different. In 1970, Robert K. Greenleaf published his first essay, entitled “The Servant As Leader,” which introduced the term “servant leadership.” Of his philosophy, Robert Greenleaf wrote, “The servant-leader is servant first… Becoming a servant-leader begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.鈥�

Drew Diaz has impacted our campus with his gentleness and genuine care and service for others. A popular saying describes Drew very well, 鈥淎ctions speak louder than words.鈥� His ability to listen empathetically is unique and a gift to those who surround him. His professors say that he is great at building community in his classes, encouraging and willing to work hard, helping others is part of who he is. Drew makes people special simply by listening to them and walking with them. He accepts people for who they are. His friends and classmates think highly of Drew and feel comfortable around him because he treats people with respect and he is always ready to lend a hand at all times. From the very first time that Drew joined the Latino Student Alliance, he was ready to roll up his sleeves and do any kind of work. He always asked, 鈥淗ow can I help?鈥� It is evident that he enjoys serving people and gladly goes the extra mile. One of my favorite memories about Drew was when his peers nominated him to lead the new student orientation mixer. He said it was out of his comfort zone and he had never done anything like that before. He did an incredible job and a natural leader was born before our eyes.

Drew has been consistently committed and responsible to his studies while being an active member of the Latino Student Alliance. He was always dedicated and faithful to the many events organized throughout the year. He was also a support for the Multicultural and International Student Services. Drew volunteered with On the Road Collaborative that empowers young people at Skyline Middle School. He also volunteered with Medical Ministry International in Honduras. This experience made a huge impact in his life. He actively tried to incorporate these experiences within his daily interactions at 91短视频.

Drew, we want to thank you for servant heart and your willingness to help at all times. We know that you will continue caring for others. Just as Maya Angelou once said, 鈥淚鈥檝e learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.鈥�

Harrison Horst: presented by Jenni Holsinger, PhD, associate professor of sociology

There’s a theme that underlies Harrison’s extensive involvement across 91短视频鈥檚 campus. It is important to understand this theme if you want to understand the connection between solar panels and saxophones.听What many people recognize about Harrison, including those who nominated him for this award, is his collaborative energy and his attention to building community.

Read more about Harrison Horst’s many involvements at 91短视频.

Indeed, Harrison is motivated by a radical vision for a more nuanced form of community.听His understanding of community is not limited to some narrow, superficial conceptualization.听I suggest that Harrison has added three dimensions to the idea of community that are desperately needed.

First, Harrison exemplifies a broad sense of community that is inclusive of all life around us.听Harrison鈥檚 community includes the natural environment that connects all of our lives. We see this in his dedication to Earthkeepers, the first student club he joined upon arriving at 91短视频 from Pennsylvania.听His advocacy for the environment remained strong through his four years at 91短视频. It included a research position with the new Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions, and culminated in the form of a well-received podcast entitled “Shifting Climates” which he developed, in partnership, for his capstone project in the honors program.

Second, Harrison understands community-building to be key in solving our social and environmental problems.听An example of this is the work he was involved in connecting low-income homeowners in Harrisonburg with free energy auditing service.听He has served his local urban community by volunteering with groups like Renew Rocktown and Harrisonburg Renaissance, and he has served local communities elsewhere by leading service trips over school breaks.

Lastly, Harrison demonstrates the power and responsibility that comes from being an individual who is part of a larger institution.听Harrison has given tirelessly for four years from the gifts he has been given and as a multi-talented individual he has many gifts.听As a skilled musician he helped to revitalize the 91短视频 jazz band. As an expert wordsmith he served as staff and editor for 91短视频鈥檚 newspaper.听Even his strong academic skills he looked to share through formal and informal tutoring for his peers.

Harrison has been an inspiration to me.听Not only does he exhibit an extraordinary sociological imagination but he has shown that students can leave a legacy.听He has asked 91短视频 to challenge itself.听And he has provided a model for us to follow.听Harrison has made the most out of every moment here, even up to the last week of his senior year by way of his second semester-long cross cultural trip.听And I suspect he will continue to be involved in the student solar project even after he walks across the stage.

Harrison, we honor you today with the Cords of Distinction and we encourage you to continue building communities. You will be missed in the capacities you have served here but I trust that you will continue to influence our lives in new ways.听Blessings as you 鈥渓eap forward in faith of a greater plan.鈥�

Maleke Jones: Presented by Kirby Dean, MS, head men鈥檚 basketball coach

Maleke Jones represents everything that administration, faculty, staff and alumni want to define 91短视频 graduates. Of all the young men I鈥檝e had the opportunity to work with at 91短视频 over the last 15 years, in none have I witnessed so much growth as I have seen in Maleke 鈥� in the classroom, on the basketball floor, concerning social issues, and in all facets of life. Four years ago I encountered a teenager in Charles Town, West Virginia, who had unlimited potential but was blind to the great things he was capable of accomplishing. Today a mature man stands before me who has found himself while here at 91短视频 and yet still has only scratched the surface of the positive influence he can have on this world moving forward.

听

The thing that separates Maleke from his peers is the sacrifices he has been willing to make to find success here at 91短视频. Few have been privy to these sacrifices as I. I often wonder how many student athletes would be willing to work through school breaks for facilities management, including spring break as well as all summer long, instead of going home and hanging with friends or heading to the beach, in order to be able to afford school?听 I鈥檓 often curious as to how many student athletes would go through the re-habilitation of tearing every ligament in their ankle and return as ?

I鈥檇 love to know how many student athletes had to go through an appeals process just to get admitted to a college and yet carry a high GPA during their senior year at that same college. We live in an environment of statistics, probabilities, and projections; I wonder what the probability of Maleke Jones graduating from 91短视频 was back when he committed to 91短视频 in the spring of 2014?听 I鈥檇 say the probability was less than 5 percent and yet here we stand today to celebrate his graduation, present him with Cords of Distinction, and relish all the positive things he has brought to the 91短视频 community.

Maleke鈥檚 list of involvements is stellar: Whether working with Campus Activity Council or the Black Student Union, doing volunteer work with the Special Olympics or Unified Games, speaking his faith at Aletheia Church, playing basketball or singing his rhymes of racial equality and social justice, Maleke always seems to be involved in activities that benefit others in some way. The measure of a great basketball player is the ability to make those around him more successful, I鈥檇 say Maleke does this on the basketball floor as well as in life. It has been an honor to recruit Maleke, coach Maleke, and present him with his Cords of Distinction.听 Thank you Maleke, and I can鈥檛 wait to see all the great things you are going to do with the rest of your life!

Keyri Lopez-Godoy: Presented by Ron Schultz, MEd, instructor in teacher education, PK-6 program coordinator

There was something notably special about Keyri from the moment she arrived at 91短视频 three short years ago. Her inquisitive nature, passion for life, gracious and humble spirit, and her care and concern for others are qualities that have endeared her to many at 91短视频 and the local community. The scope of Keyri鈥檚 influence is evidenced in the comments of those across campus who nominated her for this special recognition, ranging from peers to professors and staff personnel from various departments. The adjectives used to describe Keyri included: conscientious, caring, dedicated, sincere, compassionate, brave, articulate and inspiring!

Read more about Keyri’s journey to 91短视频 and her calling to teach.

Keyri views service as a calling, and as a way to pass on the blessings that she has received from many others. She says,

I am an instrument of God (who has the opportunity) to make a difference in somebody else鈥檚 life, even if it is just with a smile. When I am in service I enter into relationship, I walk the path with others, I enter into an endless world of possibilities and the chance to spread the most powerful tool any human has: love.

Her motivation to serve is also rooted in the modeling of her family, beginning with the influence of her grandparents during those early childhood years in El Salvador, and the determination, work ethic and unwavering faith as exemplified by her parents during the process of relocating to the United States when Keyri was in third grade. Throughout her educational journey, many teachers, mentors and peers have inspired her to set high expectations and give her best effort in everything she does. Those early experiences of learning English as a second language have also served as a motivation to teach young students during such an influential time in their lives.

After just her first semester at 91短视频, Keyri accepted the role of ministry assistant as an opportunity to encourage others in their faith journey. During the last two years, she has served as a community advisor while also filling the role of secretary for the Student Government Association for a semester. Other on-campus involvements have included participation in 91短视频鈥檚 Rotaract Club, the Latino Student Alliance Club, and as a conversation partner for international students in the Intensive English Program.

Keyri鈥檚 acts of service have extended beyond campus through her involvement in other local initiatives and organizations. She engaged with the Alterna Community in Georgia during a Y-Serve trip; she has used her bilingual skills to translate documents for local schools; and she has helped to inspire local high school students who have the opportunity to become first-generation college students. Perhaps one of the more courageous forms of service in the last year has been her advocacy work in raising social awareness to immigration and Differed Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)-related issues. She helped to coordinate events on and off campus by sharing her own story, including an 91短视频 chapel service, Q&A sessions, and a march in downtown Harrisonburg in an effort to gain support for those impacted by DACA legislation and the Dream Act.

Service has clearly characterized Keyri鈥檚 contributions to the 91短视频 community; and although current legislation makes the future somewhat uncertain, Keyri鈥檚 faith and compassion for others will continue to motivate her efforts wherever she goes. Thank you, Keyri, for the many ways you have blessed our community at 91短视频.

Michaela Mast: Presented by Judy Mullet, PhD, professor of psychology

Imagine a world where

• we only invest financially in corporations that support climate and social justice;
• education prioritizes relationships as the flag ship for living;
• it鈥檚 an everyday matter to grow and market food for the local community;
• there are ample tutors, counselors, community advisors, kids club leaders and mentors for everyone to feel valued and supported;
• we welcome visitors beyond nation borders and learn each other鈥檚 languages and share perspectives not possible with in-groups;
• we run the hills just for sake of running;
• where we raise our voices in three-part harmony to connect hearts, minds and souls;
• And finally, imagine a world where Jesus shines so brightly as 鈥渓ove in practice.鈥�

Michaela writes, 鈥淟ove in practice transforms a contentious, destructive world into a reconciled world 鈥� and a Mennonite church into light for community, reconciliation and the way of Jesus.鈥�

We can imagine such a world because of someone like Michaela who lives into this vision as if the second coming is already here. Integrity. Grace. Humility. Kindness. Wisdom. And a holy spirit of connection.

At 91短视频, she lived the seven dreams painted above as both advocate and mediator. She camped out with Divest91短视频 to encourage investments in renewable energy companies, worked in campus gardens and coordinated the distribution of garden produce. She joined the leadership team of the Coalition for Climate Justice, walked with kindred spirits in the historical Women鈥檚 March in D.C., and shared vigils for Standing Rock.

As well-rounded as any student can be, Michaela leads from any chair. She at the ODAC cross-country championship meet in her first cross-country season. She sang in Emulate, served as an Honors Council member, senior class officer, Intensive English Program tutor and Summer Peacebuilding Institute assistant.听 In her backyard she welcomed children as a camp counselor, helped start a Kid鈥檚 Club at Park View Mennonite Church, and led Friendship Camps that extended that yard into Romania. Rich in mind and soul, she remains a stellar scholar, earning the G.R. Lehman Award for Outstanding Research in Psychology, and a poster session entry at the Virginia Association for Psychological Science.

Next year she embarks on a journey that she describes as 鈥渢he apex of my education, bringing together many areas of thought while also elucidating the connection between the Anabaptist tradition I identify with, my belief in holistic, radical love, and a topic that has threaded its way through my time here.鈥� This , sponsored jointly by 91短视频, Goshen College and Mennonite Central Committee鈥檚 Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions, will send Michaela across the U.S. in co-creating climate change literacy podcasts for youth.

We can only imagine where 鈥渓ove in practice鈥� will lead her in the future. May the dream continue, for the sake of our shared future.

Katrina Poplett: Presented by Jonathan Swartz, MA, MDiv., director of residence life, student accountability and restorative justice

鈥淲e have to change ourselves in order to change the world,鈥� said author, activist, philosopher, and feminist Grace Lee Boggs. Interpreting this quote further, Adrienne Maree Brown writes that 鈥渢his doesn鈥檛 mean to get lost in the self, but rather to see our own lives and work and relationships as a front line, a first place we can practice justice, liberation and alignment with each other and the planet.鈥� This work of changing ourselves is the work of learning. It is the work of paying attention, of being awake to our lives and the lives of those around us. It is also the work of action. It is the work of taking risks in order to build trust, create change, support relationships, and show up for each other.

Katrina Poplett鈥檚 four years as an undergraduate student at 91短视频 have been packed full of showing up. From her engagements as a community advisor in her sophomore year, to various involvements in Team Accord, the Weathervane, Divest 91短视频, Peace Fellowship, RJ Steering Committee, Take Back the Night, Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, and peer restorative justice facilitation; Katrina has made and continues to make an indelible mark on the 91短视频 campus and beyond. Interviewing restorative justice scholar and activist Fania Davis during chapel at the end of the ACE Festival seemed to be a fitting capstone to Katrina鈥檚 nearly endless (undergraduate) engagement with the 91短视频 campus.

Katrina鈥檚 resilience came through in new ways in this past year as she spent most of the year managing the aftereffects of a broken leg. She experienced what it was like to receive the care and concern that she has so often given to others.

Not only has Katrina impacted the 91短视频 campus, she has also offered her gifts to the Harrisonburg community as a co-facilitator of restorative conferences and circles in conjunction with the Fairfield Center and the Harrisonburg Restorative Justice Coalition. Katrina is Shalom Mennonite Congregation鈥檚 representative to the local Faith in Action Initiative, and she has worked with Gemeinschaft Home as a restorative justice educator. In her 鈥渄own time鈥� during the summers in Minnesota, Katrina has worked as a case coordinator for Restorative Justice Community Action and been involved in social action with Black Lives Matter and Standing Up for Racial Justice.

Katrina, you have left an enduring legacy at 91短视频. Your impact has spread from 91短视频 to Harrisonburg and even to Minnesota. You have also learned that changing the world is hard work 鈥� perhaps impossible work 鈥� but it is work that cannot be done alone. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to witness your years here. Keep showing up.

Caleb Schrock-Hurst: Presented by Brian Martin Burkholder, MDiv, campus pastor and director of campus ministries

Caleb Schrock-Hurst: hard-working, involved, active and vibrant, present, a blessing. These are descriptors used by faculty and students who nominated Caleb for the Cords of Distinction. Indeed, with only two years on campus, Caleb has made a substantial contribution to the life of the 91短视频 campus and broader community after having done the same at Hesston College for the first two years of his college experience.

Among other things, Caleb has been engaged as a pastoral assistant, chapel planner, musician and speaker for chapel, preacher for the Seminary School for Leadership Training and Park View Mennonite Church, staff writer and copy editor for the Weathervane, a member of Peace Fellowship, youth sponsor at his church, participant in the Ministry Inquiry Program, and a Student Government Association senator and co-president. One person noted that 鈥渉e does a good job of furthering 91短视频鈥檚 core values of peacemaking, community involvement, discussion and sustainability.鈥�

When asked, 鈥淲hy do you choose to do service or volunteer work?鈥� Caleb responds, 鈥淯nderstanding my talents as not only talents but as products of racial and economic privilege has always driven me to participate in as many and as wide a variety of events as possible to support whatever community I am a part of at a given time. I鈥檝e been able to do this through various church and school communities through music, academic and athletic ability, and whatever else needs to be done. Nothing exists without a dedicated community, and members willing to sacrifice their own time and effort for the good of the whole is what creates and sustains that community. I love making the most of whatever opportunities come my way.鈥�

And plenty has come his way. The good news is that Caleb pays attention and responds to needs. When it seemed prudent to energize the 91短视频 campus community around engaging dynamics and timely opportunities, Caleb was instrumental in implementing the Podcast Like No Other. He lined up interviews with faculty, staff and students, served as the interviewer and recorder, and posted the podcasts. In short, he got the job done. He also responded favorably to offering a farewell reception for beloved faculty who were finishing their teaching at 91短视频. He helped host spaces for students to engage the challenges around budget reductions and a changing academic schedule.听 He demonstrated care and concern enough to bring people together. He also stepped in to complete the spring semester series of Friday Announcements at the close of Friday chapels.

As a gifted and skilled writer, Caleb also contributes to community engagement and well-being through this medium. I expect we will hear more from him through the years as he offers perspectives and insights in the form of blogposts, articles, commentary and editorials. Surely he will keep us connected, thinking, and engaged in ways that benefit all and for this we are grateful.

Brittany Williams: Presented by Joohyun Lee, PhD, assistant professor of recreational leadership

听鈥淎s each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God鈥檚 varied grace鈥� 鈥� 1 Peter 4:10.

God says we all live to serve, that by helping others we fulfill our own mission. Ever since she started her studies at 91短视频, Brittany Williams has participated in a broad swath of organizations, clubs and volunteer activities. She relished every opportunity she could find to work with people and to help others. She reveled in the joy that comes with feeling that she makes a difference in their lives. In every one of her altruistic endeavors, she obtained a sense of fulfillment, happiness and a surge of energy. Serving others became her mission and passion. She exemplifies the core attributes of a servant leader.

Brittany was one of the most outstanding students I have encountered in my first year at 91短视频. In my course, she always sat in the front row and engaged intensely with the lecture materials. However, her serious academic pursuit is not what captured my attention. It was her willingness to help others. When classmates were struggling in a problem set that required a budget calculation, she immediately volunteered to guide and assist them. When I needed a student research assistant to help with data collection and coding of my research, she stepped up and pitched in. Throughout all these activities, and whenever serving others, she was consistently passionate and pleasant. Overall, she was the most dedicated and involved student I have known.

Brittany has been engaged in leadership roles with numerous organizations on campus. She was a vital member of Black Student Union and organized a variety of social activities. She was a pastoral assistant for Campus Ministries and did a lot of behind-the-scenes work to prepare for various campus ministries event. She also made a significant contribution as . She walked with the team in a strong and supportive leadership role, providing a steadfast, calming and mature presence during transitional periods. She greatly assisted the new interim head coach in communicating key information to team members while serving as a role model in focusing on academic and athletic pursuits. She was also elected as the President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In addition to taking leadership roles in many capacities on campus, Brittany also served on an array of important committees. She was a member of the student planning committee for President Huxman鈥檚 inauguration. She served a student member of the track and field/cross country head coach search committee. She also served on the planning committee for 91短视频鈥檚 first Academic and Creative Excellence festival guest speaker. She was always thoroughly engaged, demonstrated active listening, and creatively contributing to the activities with which she was involved.

Brittany also volunteered with a plethora of local community organizations, including the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Center, Harrisonburg International Festival Research, Community Mennonite Church Food Pantry, Martin Luther King Community Service Events, and Sister Care-Mennonite Women USA.

If I may quote Brittany鈥檚 comments about her desire to serve others, she says,

God has given us all different gifts and interests. When I serve others, I do it because it is a passion. I genuinely enjoy working with people and experiencing the feeling when completing a task. As I continue to do service with others, I learn more about myself, my community, and other people around me. It allows me to have an insight for the environment I am working. Service for me isn鈥檛 just about going in and making changes for others, but also learning to live a better lifestyle for myself.

Brittany, you have been a blessing to all of us. You have inspired us with your faith, your action, your service, your leadership and your compassion. Thank you for walking with us and I wish you great successes in the next chapter of your life.

Elizabeth Kate Witmer: Presented by Kathleen Roth, MS, director of the Intensive English Program

I first met Elizabeth Witmer听in early August 2015.听We met at Red Robin Restaurant in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for an interview for a work-study position in the Intensive English Program (IEP) that would begin in the fall of Elizabeth鈥檚 freshman year at 91短视频.听I was impressed with Elizabeth鈥檚 humility and her obvious joy in life.听This was the beginning of a four-year involvement for Elizabeth at the IEP.听Over these years we鈥檝e learned that Elizabeth, along with the humility and joy that she takes into her relationships and involvements, has a keen intellect, dedication to detail, a passion for justice, and the commitment to do things RIGHT.

In her time at 91短视频, Elizabeth has used her passion, personality and skills to be active in a number of involvements.听In the summer 2017, Elizabeth took part in the Ministry Inquiry Program to help her determine if her call to service might involve the pastorate. During this time, she worked at a community-organizing project that helped to hone her interest in working to alleviate injustice and suffering in the world.

The list of projects, activities and commitments that Elizabeth has been involved with while a student is long and totally consistent with her desire to be a faithful follower of Christ.听At IEP, her dedication to the students led her to become a conversation partner and a student tutor in addition to her work hours.听Her work has exposed her to the plights of the immigrant and refugee students and the cultural adjustments of the international students, so that she has become an advocate for these students and become universally appreciated by them.

Elizabeth鈥檚 involvements haven鈥檛 been limited to the classroom or the international student areas of university life. She has also been a member and co-president of the Coalition for Climate Justice which has helped her to be aware of the environmental perils we face and the opportunities we have to be activists in its protection. She has been a member and co-president of the Third Culture Kid Student Fellowship where she has been involved in dialogue and program development. Elizabeth has been a member of the Peace Fellowship through which she has been active in campus/community events such as protests, vigils, workshops, and conferences that have included the Mennonite Central Committee United Nations and Intercollegiate Peace Fellowship.

Other involvements have included the International Student Organization, Take Back the Night, DACA Dialogue Committee, Latino Student Association, Social Work is People, Mennonite Central Committee East Coast Board as the student representative from 91短视频, Asamblea de Derechos Civiles, Patchwork Pantry, New Bridges Immigrant Resource Center, and the nursing home and prison worship team. These many involvements are rounded out and motivated by her faith and her ongoing relationship with her family and home congregation and have helped her to stay grounded and kept her desire to be like Christ foremost in her thinking.

Elizabeth says, 鈥淚 want to work at root causes of issues, and travel the world my passions include immigration, women鈥檚 rights, creation care, and prison abolition. One day I may run for public office, although I see myself as more of a grassroots organizer.鈥� With Elizabeth鈥檚 passions, Spanish fluency, skills, and energy, she is well placed to make an impact for good wherever she will find herself in the future.

As a small liberal arts university, 91短视频 provides a myriad of ways for students to practice leadership 鈥� to learn, experiment, make mistakes and grow outside comfort zones 听鈥� whether through athletics and academics, student government, residence life, campus ministries and more.

鈥淭oday we want to recognize a number of folks who have been engaged in this practice, using their time, gifts and abilities for the betterment of our community,鈥� he said. 鈥淔rom my vantage point in student life, it has been inspiring to see up close and personal, the many leadership contributions, of so many on our campus. Today we celebrate with you, and thank you for these contributions.鈥�

Academic Success Center

Senior tutors with the Academic Success Center were recognized: Johanna Burkholder (accounting); Emily Clatterbuck (writing and Spanish, three years), Phoebe Coffie (biology, 1.5 years), Aaron Dunmore (economics, two years), Liesl Graber (writing, three years), Corey Hostetler (history tutor, three years), Austin Huff (math and computer science, three years),听Sammy Kauffman (biology, two years), Maisie Kirkley (psychology, two years), Cerrie Mendoza (environmental science, one year), Susanna Sewall (nursing, two years), Rachel Shenk (core curriculum, two years), Stephanie Slabach Brubaker (nursing, one year), and听Lara Weaver (psychology, three years).

Janae Kauffman was awarded the Tutor of the Year Award for her three-year commitment to students 鈥渨ho often requested her, the ways in which she fulfilled the mission of the writing tutor, and her strong philosophy of tutoring overall,鈥� said Professor Vi Dutcher, director of the university鈥檚 writing program.

Applied Social Science

Josh Good was inducted into Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society. Professor Jenni Holsinger presented him with the cords.

Athletics

• Newcomer of the Year awards went to听Rachel Sauder, soccer,听and Brett Lindsay, baseball.
• Athletes of the Year are Michaela Mast, cross country and track and field,听and Connor Faint, track and field.
• Presidents Awards went to Emily Augsburger, field hockey, and Dan Lutz, volleyball.

Other award-winners from the spring semester were also recognized, and can be viewed at .

Bible and Religion

Michaela Mast won first place and $300 in the Haverim Writing Awards contest with her paper, 鈥淭he Wilderness of the Bible in the Age of the Anthropocene,鈥� which traces the theological and cultural constructions of wilderness from Genesis to her own cross-cultural in the Middle East.

Sarah Longenecker earned second place and $200 with 鈥淎rt as Mediator.鈥�

Luke Mullet won third place and $100 for 鈥淭oward Composition: Creatively Performing Scripture in a Dynamic World.鈥�

The awards were made by Professor Peter Dula, who used his remaining time to encourage submissions for next year鈥檚 context with this line: 鈥淚f you want to receive more money for an academic paper than you will ever get in your life, we invite you to participate next year.鈥�

Campus Ministries

Undergraduate campus pastor Lana Miller recognized the following:

• Ministry assistants Lindsay Acker, Victoria Barnes, Sara Byler, Caitlin Campbell, Maya Dula, Larissa Graber, Val Hernandez, Emma Hoover, Yonas Ketsela, Anisa Leonard, Skylar List, Olivia Mbualungu, Bekah Mongold, Caleb Oakes, Meredith Stinnette, Christian Stutzman, Nik Tucker, Matthew Zimmerman.
• Pastoral assistants: Perry Blosser, Rachel Breidigan, Cela Hoefle, Grayson Mast, Austin Sachs, Elizabeth Resto, Amanda Williams, Brittany Williams.

  

Center for Justice and Peacebuilding

Graduate students Samira Abou Alfa, Talibah Aquil, Astur Tahlil听and Mikayla Waters-Crittenton听were recognized for sharing听 their concerns with CJP faculty and staff about prioritizing inclusion around race, gender, sexual orientation and religion as well as making classes and community more trauma-sensitive.

Biology and Chemistry

The following awards were presented by Professor Tara Kishbaugh:

• Outstanding first-year chemistry student: Austin Yoder
• Outstanding second-year biology student: Kevin Sungu
• Outstanding senior chemistry student: Marchelle Smucker
• Outstanding senior biology student: Katherine Lehman and Samantha Kauffman
• Award for Excellence in Biology/Chemistry Research: Braden Herman
• Biology/Chemistry Award for Exceptional Service: Melissa Kinkaid.

Additionally, the winners of the STEM Celebration poster contest were recognized. Click here for those results.

Education

Jasmine Miller, currently on cross cultural, was awarded the Courage to Teach Award.听 The award is modeled after principles in Parker Palmer鈥檚 book, a copy of which is given to the winner. Faculty select this student on several criteria.

The five annual Teachers of Promise from 91短视频 are Emily Clatterbuck, Jessica Longenecker, Keyri Lopez-Godoy, Hannah Shultz听and Alexa Weeks. Read more here.

Language and Literature

• Emily Clatterbuck was awarded the Carroll Yoder Award for Teaching Excellence in honor of a senior or junior who has demonstrated academic excellence in both literary studies and education courses and demonstrates a clear call to the teaching profession.
• Laurie Serrell earned the Ervie L. Glick Award for Excellence in World Language Study, which honors a senior or junior who has exhibited academic excellence as a Spanish major and has show a clear sense of call to pursuing graduate work or using language skills in service to the church.
• Liesl Graber earns the Jay B. Landis Award for Excellence in Literary Studies, honoring a student majoring or minoring in the language and literature field of study who completes an essay, research paper or scholarly presentation for a literature course that exemplifies the components of good literary analysis.
• Liesl Graber also was awarded the Omar Eby Writing Award, honoring a senior majoring or minoring in Writing Studies who demonstrates excellence in the craft of creative writing and who provides insightful critique and support for other writers in creative workshops.
• Kevin Clark earned the Ray Elvin Horst Award for Excellence in Spanish.

  

At the end of her presentation, Professor Vi Dutcher noted that each award was named for an esteemed emeritus faculty member, and she recognized two emeritus professors Ervie L. Glick and Ray Horst present at the event.

Mathematical Sciences

Cameron Byer, Daniel Harder听and Ben Stutzman were recognized for their win in the international Kryptos crypto-analysis competition. Read more about that win here.

Cameron Byer won the 91短视频 Math Competition, introduced by Professor Daniel Showalter as 鈥渁 competition for people who go out of their way to take a math test when they don鈥檛 have to,鈥� a description epitomized by the second-place-tie-winner Andrew Riemer-Berg, who took the test from Latin America where he is traveling on cross cultural. Ben Stutzman was the other second-place finisher.

Music Department

Andry Stultz and Hannah Schultz received the Excellence in Music Education Award.听Perry Blosser earned the Excellence in Music Composition.

Nursing

The following students were chosen by their peers and faculty.

Rachel Breidigan was awarded the Servant Leadership Award for her service to others. She is president of the Student Nurses Association and will be working on the progressive care unit at RMH. 听She chose nursing for many reasons, including 鈥渢he desire to help others, the strong biblical parallels it has, and, of course, job security.鈥�

Stephanie Slabach Brubaker is awarded the Sacred Covenant Award and the award for academic achievement. The first award reflects the high performance of the embodiment of the Sacred Covenant Model 91短视频 nurses use to guide their practice. In the choice of nursing as her profession, Stephanie hopes to 鈥渃ombine my desire to help others with my fascination with how God orchestrated the human body. I find that through nursing, I can comfort others in their time of need.鈥� Next year, she will join Mennonite Central Committee SALT program to work at a clinic in Bangladesh.

Residence Life

Carissa Luginbill and Scott Eyre recognized eight senior Community Advisors: Elizabeth Eutsler, Austin Huff, Ben Durren, Rediet Girma, Victoria Campbell, Keyri Lopez-Godoy and Robert Weaver.

Scott Eyre mentioned that a record number of CAs are returning next year, one way in which this particular group has left a legacy.

The five nominees for Residence Life鈥檚 Transformational Leadership Award, voted by their peers, are Bailey Hall, Capril Mirarchi, Keyri Lopez-Godoy, Jakya Jones and Phoebe Swe. The finalist will be announced later this week.

Psychology

Four students were recognized by Professor Gregory Koop.

Michael Austin and Michaela Mast jointly earned the Galen R. Lehman Outstanding Achievement in Research, judged on the criteria of initiative and ingenuity, public dissemination, and quality of writing.听Michaela鈥檚 research was titled 听“The brain on music: An inquiry of shared music-color associations.”听Austin鈥檚 research was on “Directed forgetting: Examining accounts through negative priming”

Hannah Cash was awarded the Theory to Praxis Internship Award, for her work with The Making Space, a local art therapy program. Along with other responsibilities, Hannah helped to improve social media presence and community outreach, and was asked to continue her involvement as the new secretary to the board of directors.

Lara Weaver earned Best Undergraduate Poster at the Virginia Association for Psychological Science conference earlier this month. Her project was entitled “Role of intrinsic and extrinsic religious motivation and empathy in predicting theological ideation.”

Student Programs

Jack Hummel and Da鈥橨ahnea Robinson were recognized for their work on Campus Activities Council. Jack served for two years, doing 鈥渁ll things technical,鈥� and Da鈥橨ahnea was marketing director 2016-17 and vice president in 2017, among other roles.

From Common Grounds, the following leaders were recognized: Abe Hartzler, the events manager who hosted 70 campus events; Taylor Esau, who spent two years as a barista and this year as operations manager, a human resources specialist who works with 25-plus employees; Tim Callahan, finance manager; and Sammy Kauffman, who worked for one year as a barista and then two years as catering manager.

Tim Callahan was also recognized for his work with Recreational Sports.

Student Government Association

Caleb Schrock-Hurst and Adam Harnish, co-presidents of spring 2018, ceremonially passed the gavel to Mario Hernandez and Nicole Litwiller, recently elected co-presidents for the fall 2018 semester.

Spring 2018 leaders completing their service include:

• Emmanuel Kampanga, vice president
• Erik Peachey, treasurer
• Rachel Holderman, vice president for marketing
• Jeremy Brenneman, Secretary
• Senators Fred Flores, Hannah Nichols, Ruth Reimer-Berg, Susanna Sewall, Emma Yoder, Grant Amoateng, Joshua Curtis, Mario Hernandez, Paul Kayembe, Donaldo Lleshi, Ella Spitler, Austin Tomlin.

Recently elected fall 2018 officers are:

• Nicole Litwiller and Mario Hernandez, co-presidents;
• Paul Kayembe, vice president;
• Ben Zook, treasurer;
• Luke Mullet, secretary.

Visual and Communication Arts

Junior Missy Muterspaugh was awarded the Matthew Alan Styer Scholarship Grant, which honors 鈥渆xceptional skill and dedication to photography and/or graphic design.鈥�

Royals Cup

Andrew Troyer claimed his third consecutive individual Royals Cup title, for attendance at a wide variety of campus events throughout the year. Elmwood gathered the most points to take the Royals Cup.

Based in the Nelson Good House in the Brookland neighborhood, WCSC hosts students each semester and over the summer from 91短视频 and other partner institutions. It鈥檚 been a valued program since the 1970s.

The event was an opportunity for President Susan Schultz Huxman, in her ninth month in office, to meet program faculty and staff and hear from alumni about its impact. Undergraduate Dean Deirdre Smeltzer, as well as five faculty members, also made the trip.

The day included a presentation by WCSC director , visits to internship sites, a Nelson Good house tour and a meet-and-greet evening with university and program alumni. 听

Living and working in D.C.

Lunch at an Ethiopian restaurant on the H Street Corridor ended with a quick history lesson from Schmidt, offering a peek into the urban seminar courses that students take at WCSC. Schmidt described the stretch of businesses now gentrifying nearly five decades after riots decimated the African-American commercial hub. 听

The group then made visits to two intern sites. In a plaza near the Capitol, social work major Peter Dutcher described his 5:45 a.m. runs with , an organization that supports those experiencing homelessness through an innovative running program. 91短视频 visitors formed a circle reminiscent of the program鈥檚 routine morning member circle while Dutcher and his supervisor described the organization鈥檚 impacts and the broader world experiences that such internships offer.

At the historic E, Bluffton student Anna Cammarn has been applying her majors in both music and psychology in a unique music therapy role serving students with behavioral needs.

鈥淔rom the time I was a freshman in college, I didn鈥檛 know if I wanted to be a music therapist or a clinical psychologist,鈥� Cammarn told the group. 鈥淚nterning at this institution has made me realize that even though I am not a music therapy major, this profession is something I can do with my life.鈥�

Program alums continue their support

After a meet-and-greet with local alumni, the group moved to the Nelson Good House for hors d鈥檕euvres and continued conversation.

Phil Baker-Shenk was a participant in 1976-77 to Washington Study Service Year, a year-long program that was the precursor to today鈥檚 WCSC.

鈥淚 haven鈥檛 stopped dreaming big out-sized dreams about building and nurturing institutions,鈥� he said. 鈥淲ithout WSSY, this path and these dreams would not have been possible for me. WSSY and its younger sibling WCSC is surely one of the gems in the Mennonite crown. […] Let鈥檚 all guard this crown jewel.鈥� 听

Recent alum Kiersten Rossetto Nassar shared how visiting the Nelson Good House during her college search process impacted her decision to attend 91短视频. She spent a semester in the program, which eventually led her to make her home nearby in the city. 听

Alums and supporters also heard updates from Associate Director of Development about the growth of the new WCSC and the potential to start awarding program scholarships to break down cost of living barriers to students with financial need. 听

Academic Success Center

Linda Gnagey, director of the Academic Success Center, and Professor Vi Dutcher, with the Writing Program, recognized the following tutors concluding their service in December: Hannah Gross, Harrison Horst, Kat Lehman and David Nester.

Campus Ministries

Ministry assistants completing their service are: Kyra Lehman, Holly Mumaw, Laura Rittenhouse, Jenna Lile, Clara Weybright, Anali Martin, Seth Peters, Aaron Gusler, Sarah Kline, Kate Kauffman, Hannah Wheeler and Joseph Harder.

Pastoral assistants are Alexa Weeks and Nathaniel Nissley. Undergraduate Campus Pastor Lana Miller provided the recognition.

Center for Justice and Peacebuilding

Professor Roxy Allen Kioko recognized the following students:

• Hannah Kim for her听outstanding听work as a graduate research assistant;
• Kajungu Mturi and Brenna Case for their work with the Brazil delegation that spent five days on campus learning more about restorative justice [read more here];
• Trina Trotter Nussbaum for her commitment to community-building at CJP;
• Andrea Moya Urena and Renata Loberg for their leadership with the DACA Dialogue Planning Committee [read more here];

Department of Applied Social Sciences

Katrina Poplett and Jonatan Moser were recognized for their leadership over the past two years of Take Back the Night by Professor Deanna Durham, faculty advisor [read more here].

Sociology major Harrison Horst was recognized by Professor Jenni Holsinger for his academic work and service. Read about Harrison’s many

Theater Department

Professor Heidi Winters Vogel recognized the nomination of Emma Roth, Clara Bush and Renata Loberg 鈥� actors in the fall production of MacBETH 鈥� to the Irene Ryan Scholarship competition and Amber Hooper for the stage management competition at Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival.

Latino Student Alliance

Co-presidents Ariel Barbosa, Alejandra Rivera, Anna Messer and Mario Hernandez were recognized by M. Esther Showalter, faculty advisor. [Read about their fall activities here.]

Business and Economics Department

Ryan Faraci, Jacob Sloan and Erik Peachy were recognized for extraordinary academic performance by Professor Tammy Duxbury. Brittany Williams was recognized for her leadership, academic performance and service by Professor Joohyun Lee.

Multicultural Student Services

Director Celeste Thomas recognized the Alpha Omega Dancers for Christ: Hannah Shultz, Delight Tigoe, Qing Wang (Freya), and Kellie Serrell.

The Black Student Union Board of DeVantae Dews, Childra Nwankwo, Ivan Harris, Jess Washington, Precious Waddy, Jourdyn Friend and Clarrisa White were also recognized for their steadfast leadership.

Music Department

Luke Mullet was honored by Professor Ryan Keebaugh for achievement in composition and choral music (Professor James Richardson presenting). Read about Luke’s many talents.

Nursing Department

Professor Audrey Myers, advisor of the Nursing Student Association, presented the department’s biannual awards: Dylan May, academic achievement award; Kim Heatwole, servant leader award; and Annie Trinh, Sacred Covenant Award.

Student Life

Rachel Holderman and Nicole Litwiller, student leaders of the Royals Cup competition, named Elmwood Residence as the top points accumulator of the fall semester.

The “fall individual MVP” was Andrew Troyer, followed in second place by Andrew Reimer-Berg. Third place was a three-way tie with Cameron Byer, Sarah Ressler and Lucas Wenger. In fourth place was Aaron Horst, Skylar List, Adam Peachey and Kayla Sauder. Rounding out the top 10 MVPs is Lauren Hartzler.

Student Government Association

Outgoing members were recognized: from the executive council, Nicole Litwiller, vice president and Luke Mullet, secretary; and from the senate: Nathaniel Nissley, Abigail Shelly, Leah Wenger and Ben Zook.

Athletic Honors

Student-athletes receiving honors and awards during the fall semester were also recognized. For more coverage, visit .

Because the racks are empty and the compliments for this special 12-page issue abound, we鈥檙e making it available here for eager readers far and near.

鈥淚 am thrilled that so many people on campus have appreciated the ‘Year in Review,’鈥� said Harrison Horst, who co-edited the Weather Vane this past year and led a team of editors and photographers in creating this issue.

The issue was commissioned by the Student Government Association (SGA) as one way of replacing the Shen yearbook, which published its final edition in 2016.

鈥淭he hope was that the Year in Review issue would preserve a lot of the things people liked about yearbooks while also adjusting its content to fit the current needs of students,鈥� Horst said. 鈥淎mong other things, it was clear that yearbooks were most highly treasured by seniors, so we tried cater this Year in Review issue more to the graduating class by including senior reflections, letters to the class from advisors and administration, and a two-page 鈥極n the Sidewalk鈥� type photo feature of seniors and their time here.鈥�

Senior reflections are offered by SGA co-president Elisabeth Wilder, Tyler Denlinger, Robert Propst, Grantley Showalter, Mario Valladares, Lorraine Armstrong, Mariah Martin and Diego Barahona.

Well-wishes are offered by President and Vice President of Student Life and Enrollment , as well as class advisers Professor and Professor .

Club activity summaries are offered by Oksana Kittrell, Black Student Union co-president; Mario Hernandez, Latino Student Alliance co-president; Lydia Haggard, leadership; Clara Weybright, leadership; and Matt Holden, president of Royals Lifting Club [weightlifting].

Horst was joined by co-editors Zachary Headings, Justine Nolt, Robert Propst and Allie Sawyer. Photographers were Ariel Barbosa, Aaron Dunmore, Harrison Horst, Sarah Longenecker, Caleb Townsend and Adila Wahdat.

.

Applied Social Sciences Department

Rachel Crist, Sarah Boshart, Harrison Horst and Samantha Jacob received honor cords signifying their membership into the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society from Dr. Carolyn Stauffer and Dr. Jenni Holsinger. 91短视频鈥檚 new chapter joins 650 other college chapters.

Biology and Chemistry Department

Janaya M. Sachs was named Outstanding Senior Chemistry Student, the highest award given to a chemistry/biochemistry major who demonstrates high academic achievement, significant research experience and the potential to contribute to the field. She will be recognized with other outstanding senior chemistry majors by the Virginia Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and was given a Merck Index by the ACS and the Merck Company. Read more about one of听 .

Tyler D. Denlinger and Robert H. Propst earned recognition as the Outstanding Senior Biology students, the highest award to acknowledge exceptional academic, scholarly and service accomplishments throughout a student鈥檚 career at 91短视频. The award also recognizes characteristics of initiative, wisdom, diligence, collegiality and integrity.

Kaylee M. Ferguson was given the Outstanding Service Award. Consideration is given to scholarship across the entire 91短视频 career, including research outside of the 91短视频 context, as well as qualities of leadership, citizenship, compassion, a commitment to working with others and the ability to place their 91短视频 experience with the context of service.

Diego C. Barahona earned the Excellence in Research Award for his exceptional performance in independent research, demonstrating initiative, integrity, knowledge of subject and high technical aptitude. Read more about one of his .

Leah C. Lapp was recognized as outstanding first-year chemistry student. Mario J. Hernandez was named outstanding second-year biology student.

Winners of the STEM poster contest, upperclass division are: first, Samantha Kauffman and Marchelle Smucker; second, Eli Wenger; third, Diego Barahona; honorable mention, Tyler Brenneman; Kyle Johnson and David Nester; Aron Harder, Austin Engle, Dylan Grove, James Paetkau, Ben Zook, Andrew Troyer and Collin Longenecker.

Winners of the STEM poster contest, underclass division are: first, Leah Lapp and Melissa Kinkaid; second, Seth Weaver and Jared Bergman; third, Linda Ouedraogo and Caroline Lehman.

Bible and Religion Department

The winners of an essay contest in the field of Bible, theology, church history and philosophy, sponsored by Haverim, the alumni association of Bible and Religion Department, were recognized. Justine Nolt won $300 and first place for her analysis of Eucharistic theology. Christina Hershey won $200 and second place for her treatment of Lancaster Mennonite Conference鈥檚 decision to leave Mennonite Church USA.听Janaya Sachs was awarded $100 and third place for her exegesis of 1 Corinthians 5.

Center for Justice and Peacebuilding

听The following students were recognized by Executive Director Daryl Byler: Caitlin Morneau, for publication of an article on restorative justice; Kajungu Mturi, for his work with Harrisonburg High School鈥檚 Peer Leaders program; Matt Tibbles, for work with youth at Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Boys and Girls Club; Jennifer Chi Lee, for overall leadership to CJP; and Myriam Aziz, Sho Igawa, Christine Kindler, Agnes Chen and Isabel Castillo for their Arts and Peacebuilding film productions.

Education Department

Five students were selected as Teachers of Promise by Don Steiner, interim department chair: Dorothy Hershey, Rebekah Hertzler, Erick Luna, Miranda Lyle and Amy Nussbaum. Teachers of Promise is a statewide honor recognizing gifted pre-service teachers.

Paul Lankford was awarded the Courage to Teach award, which is modeled after the principles of Quaker educator Parker Palmer. 鈥淧aul was selected for his dedication and effectiveness in teaching, genuine caring for students, value-based and highly principled behaviors, reflective thought and practice and a passion for teaching,鈥� Steiner said. Lankford was awarded a copy of Palmer鈥檚 Courage to Teach book.

History Department

Robert Cook was awarded the Outstanding History Student for his essay on Rockbridge County schools integration. A future social studies educator, he was awarded a copy of A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor.

Language and Literature Department

The following awards were presented by department chair Mike Medley:

• The Ray Elvin Horst Award for Excellence in Spanish: Maddie Gish
• Jay B. Landis Award (Literary essay): Jasmine Miller
• The Ervie L. Glick Award for Excellence in World Language Study: Anna Messer
• James Bomberger Award (TESOL): Jasmine Miller
• Carroll Yoder Award (English teaching): Quinn Kathrineberg
• Omar Eby Award (Creative writing): Kaitlin Abrahams

Mathematical Sciences Department

Junior Aron Harder was the winner of the department鈥檚 mathematics contest. Harder also won this contest as a first-year student. His prize was what Professor Owen Byer described as a 鈥渕ath geek鈥� t-shirt. Second place went to first-year Austin Engle.

Seven members of the Engineers for a Sustainable World club won first place in the first- and second-year undergraduate design team division at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Zone 2 Conference early March in Puerto Rico. Ben Zook, Dylan Grove, James Paetkau, Collin Longenecker, Austin Engle, Ben Stutzman and Andrew Troyer were recognized for their work.

Music Department

Jon Bishop was recognized as the Outstanding Senior in Music Composition Award. Jacinda Stahly earned the Outstanding Senior in Music Performance award.

Nursing Department

Professors Audrey Myers and Ann Schaeffer, Nursing Student Association (NSA) sponsors, presented the department鈥檚 annual awards.

Nina Simmons was given the Leadership Award, for her work in the NSA to involve all levels of students. She will work after graduation in the intensive care unit at Augusta Health.

Abbie Luther was given the Sacred Covenant Award. The sacred covenant is a model of nursing that honors the relationship between the nurse and the patient. 鈥淣ursing has shaped me and continues to shape me into embodying Christ in my everyday life,鈥� said Luther. 鈥淥ne of the biggest reasons I decided to study nursing was because it allowed me to be the hands and feet of Jesus. As my future as a nurse unfolds, my hope is that I stay grounded in this simple truth. Kindness, presence, grace, love and compassion will be my guiding light.鈥�

Leona Good听earned the Academic Achievement Award. 鈥淣ursing school has challenged me to step up because I know that my knowledge and education impacts the care I am able to give others. I am driven by the desire to be the best nurse I can be for my patients. As my journey into nursing begins this next year, I am looking forward to how my career will allow me to offer myself and form relationships with people in their most vulnerable times.鈥�

Visual and Communication Arts and Theater Department

Lila Marks received the Matthew Alan Styer VaCA Scholarship Grant for excellence and dedication to photography. 鈥淟ila is a passionate and compassionate documentary photographer of human encounters,鈥� said Steven David Johnson, department chair. Johnson added that Marks is an excellent student, receptive to critique and already approaching photography with a critical and professional acumen and interest. She is pursuing a vocation in humanitarian documentary photography.

The cast of earned a Certificate of Merit for Ensemble Acting from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The cast includes Jeremiah Hines, Dylan Peachy, Collin Dutt, Abigail Greaser, Emma Roth, Clara Bush, Robert Weaver and Esther Ajayi.

Greaser and Bush earned nominations for the Irene Ryan Acting Competition. Roth is an alternate.

Ezrionna Prioleau was recognized for her outstanding work in stage management for The 39 Steps and recommended for the KCACTF national competition in stage management.

Academic Success Center and Writing Program

Janaya Sachs was honored as Tutor of the Year. 鈥淪he has been a chemistry, mathematics, Bible and general-whatever-I-can-help-you-with-I-will-help-you-with tutor,鈥� said Linda Gnagey, director of the Academic Success Center. 鈥淲e want to thank Janaya for three years of support for many different students at many different academic levels and departments.鈥�

Graduating tutors were also recognized: Kaylee Ferguson (biology), Leona Good (nursing), Jacob Hertzler (computer science), Andre Kalend (biology and history), Lamar Kiser (nursing), Timothy Martin (mathematics) and Sam Miller (biology). Quinn Kathrineberg and Luisa Miller were recognized by Professor Vi Dutcher, director of the Writing Program.

Common Grounds Coffeehouse

鈥淐ommon Grounds Coffeehouse is routinely blessed to be led by exceptional students who give boundless creative energy and passion to their shared work,鈥� said Rachel Roth Sawatzky, student programs director. She recognized three of the five managers who are seniors: Stephanie Anders, events manager; Maddie Gish, operations manager; and Ryan Thomas, finance manager.

Read more about their contributions .

Student Government Association

The spring 2017 executive council was recognized: Quinn Kathrineberg, president; Mario Valladares, vice president; Keyri Lopez- Godoy, secretary; Rachel Holderman, vice president of marketing; and Tyler Denlinger, treasurer.

Spring 2017 senators are Dera Nwankwo, Nicole Litwiller, Rebecca Cardwell, Val Hernandez, Seth Weaver, John Sanchez, Ali Zuercher, Carlos Garcia, Lamar Kiser, Leah Wenger, Luke Mullet, Caroline Lehman, and Victoria Barnes.

Campus Activities Council

Seniors Ali Hartzler and Jeremiah Robinson were recognized by Mike Yoder, assistant director of student programs and orientation for their commitment and dedication to providing creative and positive entertainment that engages the entire student body. Hartzler has been involved for two years with the tech department and as vice-president this year. Robinson joined CAC this year. Both have been instrumental in planning a variety of events, including the Color Run at Homecoming, the Presidents Ball, and Springfest.

Campus Ministries

Pastoral assistants were recognized: Rachel Breidigan, Maddie List, Grayson Mast, Janaya Sachs, Hannah Shultz, Alexa Weeks and Brittany Williams.

Ministry assistants were recognized: Sarah Regan, Bekah Mongold, Madalynn Payne, Nathaniel Nissley, Cameron White, Alex Wissler, Andrew Troyer, Dylan Grove, Austin Sachs, Jenna Lile, Maia Garber, Seth Weaver, Abigail Shelly, Ariel Barbosa, Justin Odom, Taylor Allen, Clarissa White, Lydia Haggard, Lindsay Acker, Kyra Lehman, Janet Spain, and Joseph Harder.

Residence Life

听Seniors and community assistants Eli Wenger and Becky Barrett were recognized for three years of service. Wenger鈥檚 鈥渒ind and welcoming鈥� personality was noted as well as his ability to create enthusiastic participants in community.

Barrett 鈥渆ffortlessly gets along with all of her residents,鈥� said Tyler Goss, resident director. 鈥淪he is driven, organized and not afraid to speak up. She is a strong, grounded and welcoming leader.鈥�

Goss also recognized Matthew Hunsberger, who has been promoted to assistant director of residence life after many years as a residence director.

Athletics

All second-semester athletics award-winners were honored. Their accomplishments can be viewed .

鈥淪tudents learn an incredible amount by taking a research project from start to finish,鈥� said Dr. , who co-directs the program with Dr. . 鈥淎s they enter their final semester here at 91短视频, many are applying to medical school or other professional health schools, and their research projects give them an important and unique experience that sets them apart from other applicants.鈥�

Since 2013, the MA in Biomedicine program has helped 27 graduates prepare for careers as health professionals. The research project is an important and distinctive curricular challenge, bringing students together with faculty advisors and community mentors as they develop and conduct original research.

鈥�91短视频’s Biomedicine program provides students with the opportunity to conduct research that is original and hypothesis-driven,鈥� says Stauffer. 鈥淭his equips each student with a unique niche that they can optimally leverage when applying for professional health schools. Original research opens doors and can make all the difference as a springboard for a student’s future.”

Jessica Morris hopes to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine or earn a PhD in medical scientific research. Milan Sheth is most interested in the field of emergency medicine. The research project offered the opportunity to delve into topics relevant to their career goals.

Morris, a George Mason University graduate, investigated the impact of the Affordable Care Act on Shenandoah Valley residents falling into the 鈥渃overage gap鈥� created by Virginia鈥檚 limited Medicaid benefits.

She came away with a new knowledge of the objectivity required to conduct research, a healthy skepticism about media coverage of health issues and how that affects patient knowledge.

Sheth, an Ohio State University graduate who is interested in emergency medicine, researched the factors involved in responses of patients undergoing rapid induction of a common anesthetic, ketamine.

His research has specific applications for first responders and other medical personnel, who need identify patients who may be most susceptible to potential adverse effects associated with rapid sequence intubation of ketamine.

He says he鈥檚 gained new skills, such as identifying relevant published research and interpreting statistical results, and a new appreciation for the impact of clinical research on patient treatment. 鈥淚 have a deeper appreciation for researchers and the dedication they put forth towards finding breakthroughs and cures,鈥� he added. 鈥淢y passion for medicine continues to grow and this project solidified my purpose for entering the healthcare field.鈥�

Student research

A comprehensive list of researchers, their projects and committee members follows:

听Nkem Asianua: 鈥淎frican American鈥檚/African鈥檚 Awareness of Their Increased Risk of ACE Inhibitor Induced Angioedema in Ventura County, Ca.鈥� Committee members: Professors Esther Tian and Greta Ann Herin.

Lujain Binyahya: 鈥淎n Analysis of Patient Experience at Sentara-RMH.鈥� Committee members: Professor Carolyn Stauffer, Steve Nelson.

Sanjay Dick: 鈥淔elis Catus and Chronic Renal Disease: A Comparison of Clinical Treatments Found at Rural and Urban Animal Hospitals in Southeastern Pennsylvania.鈥� Committee members: Professor Tara Kishbaugh and Jennifer Lyle, D.V.M.

Alexandar Hetrick: 鈥淪tudent Influenza Vaccination Rate and Risk of Infectious Disease at 91短视频.鈥� Committee members: Professors Carolyn Stauffer and Jeffrey Copeland.

Jessica Morris: 鈥淩eforming Health Care: The Impacts of The Affordable Care Act on the Health Insurance Status of Individuals Residing in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.鈥� Committee members: Professors Kim Brenneman and Jenni Holsinger.

Melody Nyoni: 鈥淓xamination of STI awareness among transitioning youth in the Valley Youth House (VYH) Program in Allentown, Pa.鈥� Committee members: Professor Kim Brenneman, Elizabeth Allen.

Nikita Patel: 鈥淭he Value of Time and Patient Satisfaction during Physician-Patient Visits in Central Virginia.鈥� Committee members: Professors Carolyn Stauffer and Ann Hershberger.

听Noor Qureshi: 鈥淢ental Health Attitudes in the Dallas Pakistani Community.鈥� Committee members: Professors Jeffrey Copeland and Gregory Koop.

Chanel Sampson: 鈥淧ossible Risk Factors of Uterine Fibroids Evaluated through a Self-Assessment of Symptom Severity.鈥� Committee members: Professors Greta Ann Herin and Cathy Rittenhouse.

Shanae Scott: 鈥淩outine Eye Exams and Awareness of Ocular Disease Associated with Diabetes in Harrisonburg, Va.鈥� Committee members: Professors Esther Tian and Tara Kishbaugh.

Ruchir Shah: 鈥淒etermining the Link Between Smile Symmetry and Character Perception at 91短视频.鈥� Committee members: Professors Gregory Koop and Ann Hershberger.

Milan Sheth: 鈥淜etamine-induced Changes in Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Pre-hospital Intubated Patients.鈥� Committee members: Professors Daniel Showalter and Matthew Siderhurst.

Benjamin Stern: 鈥淓ssential Competencies for the Rural American Doctor.鈥� Committee members: Professor Kim Brenneman and Randall Longenecker, MD.