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.

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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.

Alkaabi was one of eight students producing the 鈥溾�� as part of their coursework in the fall of 2016.

Three Continents features 45 minutes of nationality-specific music curated by a rotating cast of IEP students. In the fall, it ran a special feature 鈥� testimonies of the IEP experience.

Music and more

Led by former instructor James Smoot, the show ran for three semesters, including last summer. The radio production allowed the Level IV students to practice interviewing one another and improve pronunciation by listening to their own voices. [Learn more about the show in .]

Past shows, some of which are , include everything from Ethiopian jazz to Guatemalan marimbas to traditional Chinese minority groups to the Eagles.

鈥淭he depth of musical traditions is pretty astonishing,鈥� says Smoot. 鈥淲e had four Chinese shows, and not one of them had anything in common with each other.鈥�

IEP program instructors ‘very helpful’

The radio documentary was hosted by Guatemalan student Angel Estrada Cardona, who is now in the final level of IEP. After finishing the program, he wants to study for a master鈥檚 degree in public health or food safety, with the intention to work in epidemiology.

The radio show also featured the following students.

Mohammed Alaryani is from the United Arab Emirates. He plans to attend James Madison University for marketing and business management after completing IEP. And after that? 鈥淕et a good job!鈥� in his home country. 鈥淚 feel excited because I want to show people [that] in our country, we live for peace,鈥� he said in the radio documentary.

Jing Yao, from China, is going through IEP to be able to study landscape and architectural design in the United States. Afterward, he intends to return to China. As an only child, 鈥淚 need to take care of my parents,鈥� he explains.

Alda Rodriguez, from Honduras, plans to pursue a career in dentistry.

Lingjun Li, from China, eventually wants to move to a large city to study psychology. New York City and Washington, D.C. are his current top choices.

Former IEP students Paulina Alozie from Nigeria and Luis Baiges Montes de Oca from Puerto Rico are also featured.

Alkaabi closes the radio feature with praise for IEP鈥檚 instructors. 鈥淎ll of them are friendly, and if you have some trouble or something, they鈥檙e going to be the first one who鈥檚 going to help you,鈥� he says.

“This radio documentary project was a wonderful marriage of an IEP lecturer’s interest and experience, his expertise as an English educator, and the language needs of the students,鈥� says IEP Director . 鈥淭hey got to share something from their hearts and homelands and improve their English skills at the same time. This was also an opportunity for the students to produce something they can share with others and be proud of. We at the IEP are all very proud of these students.”

Smoot encourages anyone interested in continuing the Three Continents production to contact him at james@wqsv.org.

Want to hear more? The includes a feature on immigration (starting at 18 minutes), with many IEP students included.听

鈥淵ou鈥檙e really punching the onset of that syllable each time,鈥� says lecturer , pointing over Ahn鈥檚 shoulder to a graphic representation of Ahn鈥檚 voice patterns on the screen. 鈥淪ee, each peak is a syllable.鈥�

As Ahn, a student from South Korea, returns to the script, Smoot elaborates: 鈥淚 can tell so much about how these students speak by the wave patterns. It鈥檚 a very effective pedagogical technique if you have the resources and flexibility to do it. My idea is to get them to pay attention to the way they speak鈥攏ot only hear themselves, but see it, too.鈥�

The radio show is part of Smoot鈥檚 work with 91短视频鈥檚 (IEP), an immersive experience that helps students build their language skills. Students in the June class came from Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Congo, China, Kurdistan, Iraq and South Korea鈥攁 mix of international students and legal US residents.

91短视频 60 to 80 students work on pronunciation, comprehension, and reading and writing skills through semester-long classes, small-group sessions, tutoring and computer lab work. This spring, Smoot hit on a new way to do that learning in a real-life setting that also enhances community connections: a radio program broadcast on in Staunton, Virginia.

鈥溾�� airs at 8 p.m. Wednesdays this summer on the community station, featuring student-chosen music from Asia, Africa and South America interspersed with the students from the various countries talking about the stories and culture that shape the music.

鈥淚 did community radio in Portland, and it鈥檚 something I really believe in,鈥� Smoot says. 鈥淲hen they started the Staunton station, I said, 鈥榃hat can I do to help out?鈥� They suggested making some produced content instead of just live stuff. I thought of a show about music to involve immigrants, but in an interesting way. You learn so much about people from their songs and what they have to say about those songs. It was a way to get many things done at the same time.鈥�

Back in the radio business

For that to happen, Smoot needed a space where production could happen. He found a ready-made one on 91短视频鈥檚 campus, in the studio used by WEMC until it merged in 2007 with WMRA, a station owned by James Madison University.

Smoot received permission to use the old studio, which already had soundproofed spaces, control rooms and other necessary elements. The 91短视频 physical plant and information technology teams fixed it up and equipped it with computers and microphones.

鈥淲e got so lucky by getting this place,鈥� says Smoot. 鈥淚 was very surprised when everyone down the line said, 鈥榊es.鈥� It鈥檚 really, really cool.鈥�

And now students are benefiting as a result. The first four shows were produced during the spring semester as an extracurricular project. The summer group has woven the production into the class itself, doing the editing and production work alongside the language training. The first show was broadcast on June 1, and a total of 14 are planned at this point.

Radio production improves accents

, director of the IEP program, has been pleased with the creative effort.

鈥淥ne of the things IEP has been concerned about is accent. Sometimes our students know English quite well and can read and write but have trouble communicating,鈥� Roth says. 鈥淛ames was thinking about that and learned about the radio station on the hill and the equipment there. He asked me if he could pursue that, and I said, 鈥楢bsolutely!鈥� It鈥檚 just worked out really well.鈥�

The students have enjoyed it, too. Ahn says he has had fun selecting Korean songs and weaving them into a show.

鈥淭he first time using the program was very hard for me, but now it鈥檚 easy,鈥� Ahn says. 鈥淚鈥檓 happy that I can do a broadcast program and record my voice.鈥�

Enock Mukanda Samalenge, a student from Congo, says it takes imagination to put a good show together, trying to represent the myriad of cultures found in his country.

鈥淵ou have the ability to choose what kind of show you want to do,鈥� Samalenge says. 鈥淪o if you want to do something about love, you choose some specific songs and use the editing program to mix it with your words. And sometimes you listen to what you say, and it helps you understand more what errors you do when you speak and to improve the language.鈥�

More shows possible

WQSV is a low-power station with a broadcast radius of only about 10 miles, but the shows are also streamed live at . IEP staff are also hopeful that eventually Harrisonburg鈥檚 WMRA might rebroadcast the shows on that station.

Smoot would like to see the broadcasts will endure beyond the summer, but he says that will likely require others to help with the time-intensive work. Shorter classes during the academic year and the rotation of IEP鈥檚 offerings could also pose challenges. Without a doubt, though, it has been a positive experience so far.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot of work, but I get really charged up about it,鈥� Smoot says. 鈥淚鈥檓 like a kid in a candy store. It鈥檚 the most interesting thing I鈥檝e done in my three years at 91短视频.鈥�

Yu, a native of Canton in the south of China, holds a bachelors degree in business administration from Shenzhen University. In 2012, Yu came to the United States to join relatives. After a brief stay with relatives in San Francisco, Yu heard about Harrisonburg from her friend Wenjun 鈥淲endy鈥� Wu, a 2014 91短视频 nursing graduate .

After working briefly as a massage therapist in Harrisonburg, Yu wanted to return to school and IEP seemed a natural fit. Though initially reluctant to return to the classroom, Yu thought improving her English-language skills would be empowering.

鈥淭he program is a bridge for people like me, immigrants who are already educated,鈥� she said, of her decision to enroll in IEP. 鈥淚t is a bridge to connect my old life to my new life.鈥�

What she didn鈥檛 realize was her participation would bring out qualities she didn鈥檛 know she possessed and lead her to a new vocation.

IEP started with a handful of students in 1989, says director , but its steady growth necessitated a move from a small building near the seminary into refurbished Roselawn quarters in 2012.

91短视频 60 to 80 students take IEP courses each session, representing 15 to 20 different countries. Students spend 20 hours a week in small classes working on their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. While beginning courses focus on fluency, upper-level IEP courses help international students with cultural differences, especially in the academic realm where most plan to continue their studies.

Chinese students will notice differences in academic expectations, Yu said, especially in terms of citation and plagiarism. 鈥淚n China we still want an original idea, but we do not have the same rules. In China, we can use other people鈥檚 words and we do not need a citation.鈥�

A cultural difference that may puzzle Chinese students, she says, is the emphasis on critical and creative thinking in the classroom. 鈥淲hen you write an essay [here],鈥� she says, 鈥測ou don鈥檛 need to follow the mainstream.鈥� Learning, she adds, 鈥渋s about more than just learning facts.鈥� This freedom has encouraged her to explore new ideas beyond what she terms the 鈥渓isten, understand, follow鈥� creed experienced in her former academic setting.

With her improved English skills, Yu had planned to enroll at James Madison University to earn a master鈥檚 degree in business administration. However, as she progressed through the higher levels of IEP, Yu started to realize her passion lay in helping others to learn English, rather than in business.

For Yu, her new calling to empower immigrants through education is more than academic. 鈥淢y mom is coming here 鈥� how will she learn English and how will she get a job? She could live in San Francisco or New York [speaking only Mandarin], but in a place like Harrisonburg, if you don鈥檛 know English, then you can鈥檛 do anything.鈥�

After realizing her passion for teaching English, Yu made the decision to stay at 91短视频 to earn a . 鈥淚 like the environment here. I like how they treat me here. There is a and things like that. Even the ], which I was interested in before changing my major, has a course called 鈥�,鈥� which I think is unique.鈥�

Despite being an IEP success story, the transition to graduate classes in a second language has not always been easy for Yu. 鈥淩eading and writing something professional involves a lot more than simple English,” she says. “Graduate-level papers require academic language and critical thinking.鈥�

Yu works in the 91短视频 cafeteria, as a Mandarin conversation assistant, and as a tutor for students at IEP.

There are several Chinese students who are alumni of IEP currently enrolled at 91短视频 as well as several other Chinese students who came to 91短视频 through other universities and high schools. No matter their origins, they are a close-knit group. Yu says the group gets together on a regular basis; they ushered in Chinese New Year with a party. 鈥淚 am older than my friends by two or three years, but we are the same and they treat me the same.鈥�

Yu says she would like to return to China as a visitor some day, but with her mother in the process of relocating to the United States and with her commitment to graduate studies and then teaching, Yu says her future will be here.

[Editor’s note: Concerning Winifred Yu’s reference to the challenge of transitioning from IEP to graduate classes in a second language, 91短视频 has an , with tutoring in , available to听students at no charge.]

The signing occurred during a one-day visit to the 91短视频 campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia, by President Meng Zhaohuai of Sichuan University, accompanied by five other administrators. 鈥淚t was cold and rainy when we arrived, but now it is sunny,鈥� said Meng through an interpreter at a luncheon for the delegation. 鈥淭hat is a sign of our friendship.鈥�

met with the delegation, signed the agreement and hosted the luncheon, along with two vice-presidents and other university leaders. ( was not present due to previous commitments in other states.)

The two universities do not overtly resemble each other. Sichuan is a public university of 11,000 students in Dazhou, a city of 800,000. 91短视频 is a private church-rooted school of 1,800 in Harrisonburg, Va., with a population of 50,000. But the leaders of both institutions emphasized their mutual interest in cultural exchange.

The two schools have been interacting for 16 years through Mennonite Partners in China, which places English teachers at Sichuan University of Arts and Science and many other schools. In turn, Sichuan sends visiting scholars to 91短视频. (A current visiting scholar, Gu Juan, acted as the interpreter for the delegation during the 91短视频 visit.) A cross-cultural group from 91短视频 will spend some time there later this year.

, formerly known as China Educational Exchange, is sponsored by four international Mennonite organizations. It is headed by Myrrl Byler, who accompanied the Sichuan delegation on its three-day visit to the United States.

Sichuan promotes international interaction by, among other things, forging exchange agreements with universities in six countries. 91短视频鈥檚 biggest international program is the requirement that all undergraduate students participate in a cross-cultural experience. Most students do a study-service tour in another country before graduation.

鈥淪ichuan University of Arts and Science is the kind of school we like to relate to,鈥� said Byler. 鈥淚t is in a more rural area of China and needs help connecting with the outside world.鈥�

While at 91短视频, the Sichuan delegation visited three academic departments 鈥� hosted by professor , hosted by director , and hosted by two students who had been in China on an .

鈥淭his program is a mixture of the traditional arts and newer media,鈥� said senior Emma King.

The Chinese delegation and their translator and their American hosts then began discussing the use of 鈥渘ewer media鈥� and 鈥渄igital media鈥� and 鈥渟ocial media鈥� and several Chinese phrases. The terminology in communication, media and computer technology keep changing, they agreed, in both English and Chinese.

In addition to President Meng, the Sichuan University representatives were:
鈥� Deng Jie, director of educational administration
鈥� Yu Wengsheng, director of international exchange and cooperation
鈥� Du Songbai, dean, College of Literature and Journalism
鈥� Feng Jin, professor, College of Culture and Communication
鈥� Li Xuemei, dean, College of Foreign Languages

There was this funny message: 鈥淗istory professors Mark Sawin and Mary Sprunger hope students will find them in their temporary office spaces borrowed from the library.鈥�

Some employees signed up to help colleagues move their office belongings from spaces they need to vacate on campus to other landing spots before classes begin.

A dozen staffers volunteered to clean dormitory rooms on a Saturday morning in July, responding to an emailed request for extra cleaning help. (Physical plant staffers needed assistance to achieve a quick turn-around between two huge summer camps using the residence halls, back to back.)

91短视频鈥檚 long-time registrar, David Detrow 鈥�77, was juggling classroom assignments, squeezing classes into all available spaces, awaiting the completion of classroom, seminar and office spaces on the second and third floor of Roselawn, plus those in the east section of the Suter Science Center.

鈥淚t鈥檚 satisfying to reuse and bring to new life a residence hall that has been under-utilized,鈥� said physical plant director C. Eldon Kurtz 鈥�76, perched atop the three-story-high unfinished elevator shaft attached to Roselawn, surveying a stupendous eastern mountain view with his assistant director, Ed Lehman.

Daryl Bert 鈥�97, who monitors 91短视频鈥檚 construction and renovation projects as vice president for finance, noted that inspiration for renovating Roselawn flowed from successfully meeting the needs of 91短视频鈥檚 fast-growing Intensive English Program. Before IEP moved to the revamped first floor of Roselawn in 2012, IEP was lodged in a small house near the seminary building on Smith Avenue.

Success of听IEP

鈥淎fter our success with IEP鈥檚 space, we began to consider whether we could re-purpose the other floors of Roselawn,鈥� Bert said. He added, however, that IEP鈥檚 growth owed more to 鈥渢he energy and entrepreneurship of [IEP director] Kathleen Roth,鈥� than to its new space, which merely addressed the need for additional space generated by Roth鈥檚 efforts.

By the spring 2015 semester, one of the largest classrooms on campus will be on the third floor of Roselawn. It will feature a soaring ceiling, made possible by a 鈥減op-up鈥� structure on the roof of Roselawn, offering a great, naturally lit space for up to 50 people.

Another room will be the hub of distance-learning, with television screens, cameras and seats for 20.

鈥淚 expect a lot of our growth in graduate and professional studies over the next number of years to be in the development of distance-learning programs,鈥� said Jim Smucker, dean of 91短视频鈥檚 newly named School for Graduate and Professional Studies.

鈥淲ith a few exceptions, we are saying any new program needs to be able to be delivered at a distance. Our preferred model will be a hybrid approach which will include short-term residencies and synchronous and asynchronous delivery.鈥�

The undergraduate side of the university is also growing, with a 6% increase over the last three years and a 39% increase in applications since 2009. Tallying all of the programs, including graduate students, 鈥渨e are as large of a university as we have ever been since opening as a school in 1917,鈥� said Luke Hartman 鈥�91, vice president for enrollment.

The second and third floor of Roselawn will bring together a number of liberal arts departments that often collaborate in an interdisciplinary manner 鈥� history, applied social sciences, Bible and religion, and language and literature. (Psychology will join this group on a temporary basis, awaiting renovation of the western portion of the Suter Science Center.) A large-sized classroom, medium-sized classroom, seminar room, and gathering area will be shared among these departments.

Two of these departments will be vacating old houses on the southern edge of campus, which will be turned into administrative offices and 鈥渋ntentional community鈥� housing for students. The former language and literature area will be occupied by the department of development and church relations, which is moving from a privately owned house for which 91短视频 paid rent.

Meanwhile, renovations on the 45-year-old Suter Science Center are fully underway, with the word 鈥渞enovations鈥� used broadly. The 鈥渉ead room鈥� on Suter鈥檚 southern flank had to be torn down entirely when its foundation proved to be unstable. So that part of Suter Science will be rebuilt from the ground up. Some other parts of Suter have been gutted, as necessary to rework the ducting for heating, cooling and ventilation and to make other changes required for state-of-the-art science laboratories and classrooms.

Most building since 2000

Construction projects this summer are the most extensive undertaken at 91短视频 since the northern section of the University Commons was built in 2000 to house the athletic facilities, snack bar, game room, student-life offices, and bookstore. That cost $11 million. The construction budget for the projects underway this summer will total $9.4 million.

For its first 90 years, 91短视频 averaged one major construction project every seven years. The pace of new construction and renovations has accelerated in recent years, as 91短视频 seeks to accommodate the growing demand for up-to-date spaces.

Cedarwood residence hall was completed in the fall of 2009, along with extensive renovations to Elmwood and Maplewood residence halls 鈥� all conforming to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. These dorms have proven to be highly popular for rental by summer groups, which accounts for the thousands of new faces on campus this summer.

In 2011, the Lee Eshleman Studio and MainStage theaters, Margaret Martin Gehman Art Gallery, Common Grounds Coffeehouse, and the Kenneth A. Longacre Sr. Advanced Media Lab were completed, rounding out the renovation of the University Commons.

Renovations to the east portion of the Suter Science Center began in early 2014 鈥� a $7 million project.

鈥淭o stay on the forefront of a whole-person education 鈥� with graduates who become physicians, nurses, lab technologists, physical therapists, and other science professionals 鈥� we are committed to having the quality of facilities needed by our teachers and students,鈥� said Kirk Shisler 鈥�81, vice president for advancement.

鈥淚 am deeply grateful to the 465 alumni, friends and foundations that have supported our current renovations,鈥� he said.鈥�^*

Kurtz says Roselawn is proving to be an 鈥渁mazing transformation of spaces.鈥� Previously, consideration had been given to tearing down Roselawn, since it was not accessible to people with physical disabilities and had no air conditioning or cross ventilation via its narrow windows. But it was built on a solid foundation, with a strong shell, so Kurtz and Lehman worked with Blue Ridge Architects to find a way to salvage the building.

Learning from leed work

Now Kurtz thinks Roselawn might end up being one of the nicest places on campus, with 鈥渁ll the lessons we learned in putting up LEED-certified residence halls being applied to Roselawn. These are standard for us now.鈥�

Like Cedarwood, Roselawn will have its climate controlled through a 鈥渧ariable refrigerant flow鈥� system, used successfully for 20 years in Japan and Europe but fairly new to the United States. The occupants of each room will be able to regulate the temperature to their satisfaction. 鈥淲e keep adding climate-controlled space, yet our energy usage keeps going down,鈥� said Kurtz. 鈥淪aving energy is really satisfying to me.鈥�

Between the construction projects and the high usage of facilities by summer groups, Kurtz said his staff have been stretched thin this summer 鈥� 鈥渨e haven鈥檛 budgeted additional positions to take on the extra work.鈥� On the plus, 鈥渨e鈥檙e looking forward to less maintenance on the ancient and obsolete HVAC systems that are being replaced.鈥�

Lest smaller improvements be overlooked amid the big ones, note that night lighting is appearing on the sand volleyball court, with labor provided by physical plant staff and materials partly covered by a grant from the student government association.

The , begun in 1989 to support international students wishing to study in America, now has 85 students, a marked increase from its fall 2008 enrollment of 35.

In the last year alone, the program has added 19 students, an increase of 29 percent made possible by a large applicant pool.

The purpose of the program is to prepare students to obtain undergraduate or graduate degrees in the United States. The program is an 鈥渁cademic English鈥� program, meaning emphasis is put on teaching the skills that will help the individuals be successful in a higher-education setting.

Classes emphasize listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar.

A primary reason for the growth is IEP鈥檚 move to a new location in a former dormitory last fall that dramatically increased space and the program鈥檚 ability to serve more students.

鈥淲e outgrew our space,鈥� said , director of the Intensive English Program. 鈥淚t was really, really tight.鈥�

Even now, instructors have had to begin offering afternoon classes to facilitate the program鈥檚 large number of students, now just 15 short of capacity.

Refugees and immigrants also have benefited from less-stringent requirements to obtain a visa in the past decade, Roth said, making getting to the U.S. easier. And more students are making 91短视频 a specific destination due to word-of-mouth about the IEP program.

鈥淚t was sort of the perfect storm of visas being easier to get, and the number of students that had a good experience and they tell two more [people],鈥� Roth said

The 85 students now enrolled in IEP represent a mix of countries from all over the world, Roth said, including a fair number from Saudi Arabia because of increased recruitment efforts there.

鈥淲e have had semesters where a majority were from Korea and then the next couple of semesters the majority were from Latin American and then the majority were from the Middle East,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his semester, we have a really great mix and the more diverse the group is, the faster the instruction is because you can鈥檛 rely on your home language [in the classroom].鈥�

Since its inception, more than 1,000 students from 62 countries have come through the IEP program.

Courtesy Daily News Record, Oct. 1, 2013

With 85 students this fall, 91短视频鈥檚 is fully utilizing its newly renovated space on the ground level of Roselawn, a former dormitory into which IEP moved in 2012.

鈥淥ur long-term goal for IEP is 100 students,鈥� said , director of the program. 鈥淲e鈥檙e getting there more quickly than we expected.鈥� In the fall of 2008, the year before Roth became director, IEP had 35 students.

IEP is particularly adept at helping international students sharpen their English skills so that they can enter American colleges, said Roth. In recent years 91短视频 has also invited local immigrants and refugees to its English-language center.

Prospective students are tested before they enter and at the end of each term to determine their placement level. After a semester or a year or more, the successful students are able to enter 91短视频 or other schools as regular students.

Nabeel Alsulami, 24, one of this fall鈥檚 students, earned a university degree in accounting and worked at an architectural firm before he came to the United States earlier this summer. He hopes to pursue a or at nearby James Madison University. He is among 35,000 students from Saudi Arabia who are in the United States, many of them with scholarships from their government.

鈥淭he IEP students and faculty are like a family,鈥� said Alsulami, who didn鈥檛 know anyone when he arrived on the 91短视频 campus. 鈥淣ow I have lots of friends.鈥� He likes the small informal classes.

Since its opening in 1989, IEP has taught more than 1,000 students from 62 countries. Classes are kept small to allow better teacher-student interaction, as well as close student relationships. Class sizes usually range from 6 to 12. Tutoring is also offered one-on-one and in small groups.

While many language programs teach survival English, 91短视频鈥檚 program helps international students, immigrants, and refugees to go further 鈥� to develop the speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills necessary for university study or professional success, said Roth.

Several local employers of immigrants are providing money to help their employees study at IEP. In addition, local students receive a tuition discount of more than 75 percent.

鈥淲e also emphasize cross-cultural interaction, believing that this speeds the learning process and creates lifelong memories,鈥� said Roth, adding: 鈥淎ll of our students are a gift to IEP, to the 91短视频 campus, and to the Harrisonburg community. They help us become better world citizens.鈥�

For the 2013-14 school year, IEP is offering classes from late August to mid-December, from early January to late April, and short sessions in May and June.

More information is available online at or by calling 540-432-4053.

But three years in 91短视频鈥檚 has made the 31-year-old fluent in the language and ready to take the next step in securing a career.

鈥淣ow, I have a big plan to become a dental hygienist,鈥� Polanco said. 鈥淭he program is amazing.鈥�

The expansion of IEP鈥檚 recruiting efforts next year may help the program serve more students like Polanco, according to the program鈥檚 director, , a driving force behind a new partnership among 91短视频 and four other Mennonite institutions.

Students at the other four schools under the will screen admissions applications and recommend international students to 91短视频鈥檚 program.

The institutions involved in the three-year partnership with 91短视频 are Bethel College, Bluffton University, Goshen College and Hesston College.

鈥淲e are a precollegiate program that teaches intensive English to prepare students to study in an English medium,鈥� Roth said.

This month, an agreement also was made final between 91短视频 and Bridgewater College that facilitates the same recruiting partnership.

According to Anne Marsh, coordinator of Bridgewater鈥檚 Center for International Education, the college will screen students and recommend those who may benefit from the English immersion courses.

The program serves a wide range of students, from professionals to those who want to pursue or continue school in the U.S. or need to learn English for their job at home, to those who want to learn English for personal reasons. Roth is not sure exactly how much the new partnership will affect the program鈥檚 enrollment, but said even small numbers would make a difference.

鈥淎 lot of these schools have not been able to recruit internationally,鈥� she said.

91短视频鈥檚 program began in 1989 to support international students wishing to study in America. The classes emphasize listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar.

Currently, 54 students 鈥� half of them international students here for the summer, and the other half immigrant or refugee students living in the U.S. 鈥� are enrolled in 91短视频鈥檚 summer IEP program.
The international students represent seven nations and the immigrant or refugee students hail from 14 countries.

鈥淚t really helped me,鈥� said Zyad Alqurnas, 24, an international student from Saudi Arabia. 鈥淢y English skills are improving day after day.鈥�

Courtesy Daily News Record, June 19, 2012

, , and have each signed a memo of understanding with 91短视频鈥檚 (91短视频) . Each college/university has agreed to do an initial screening of students who apply to the institution and then recommend IEP to those who could benefit from the one-semester, or more, English language immersion experience.

Two years ago, IEP Director approached MEA Senior Director with the idea of making IEP available to the other Mennonite colleges/universities. Moyer was excited about the potential for this type of collaboration and encouraged Roth to pursue the idea.

Over a period of time, Roth met individually with admissions, enrollment and academic staff of the four colleges/universities.

鈥淚 believe very strongly in Mennonite education and the work MEA does to bring educators together. I was grateful for the opportunity to share how IEP could work on their behalf and was pleased by their openness and eagerness to work together,鈥� said Roth.

Moyer believes that this collaboration among Mennonite higher education is one that our missional church can also celebrate.

鈥淭he world community is relating in new ways; there is an openness to learn from each other,鈥� said Moyer.听鈥淭he Anabaptist view of God’s love for all people is being modeled in relationships that go beyond our borders. The faith and values that Mennonite education teaches is significant for our neighbors both near and far.鈥�

91短视频鈥檚 IEP began in 1989 to support its international students who needed English language skills in order to study in an American academic setting. Classes focus on language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar through cultural immersion and much personal attention. The program emphasizes the value of cultural diversity even as it helps students understand North American academic rules, methods of study and expectations. Currently, 45 to 55 students, representing 15 to 20 different countries, are enrolled in each IEP session.