Faculty, staff and fellow students nominated the recipients, who were cited for their “significant and verifiable impact” on the university and on student life; for their contributions to developing the institution’s 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����Ƶ’s shared values of Christian discipleship, community, service and .

They wore gold and blue cords as they graduated on Sunday, April 28.

Blue represents strength of conviction that one person can help to create a better institution or community. Gold represents the love of spirit and yearning toward creating a better university environment or community.

2013 recipients

• Nels Akerson, a biology degree recipient from Harrisonburg, Va.
• Michael Allen, a liberal arts degree recipient from Fork Union, Va.
• Jossimar Diaz-Castro, a philosophy and theology degree recipient from Harrisonburg, Va.
• Ryan Eshleman, a philosophy and theoogy and biology degree recipient from Harrisonburg, Va.
• Darian Harnish, an accounting degree recipient from Manheim, Pa.
• Josh Kanagy, a psychology degree recipient from Harrisonburg, Va.
• Julia Schmidt, a history degree recipient from Pandora, Ohio.
• Hannah Schrock, a biology degree recipient from Kalona, Ia.
• Kelley Schroder, a music degree recipient from Leesburg, Va.
• James Souder, an environmental sustainability degree recipient from Harrisonburg, Va.

For 91����Ƶ students, the chance to perform in front of their peers and professors is something they “cherish.”

“My professors have made my studies meaningful in the way that they have truly invested in me as a student,” said Kelley Schroder, a senior major from Leesburg, Va.

“They see my needs and work with me to help me grow as a musician and future educator.”

Number of musical forces share the stage

The concert, to be conducted by longtime 91����Ƶ music professor Ken Nafziger, will feature a number of student and community ensembles, including:

• Chamber Singers
• ChoirsWithoutBorders
• 91����Ƶ Chamber Orchestra
• two piano trios (piano, violin, cello)
• several vocal soloists

“This is the most combined effort of the music program. It’s special to have this many forces in one performance… in one place” says James Richardson, acting chair of music at 91����Ƶ. Richardson, who teaches voice and conducts ChoirWithoutBorders, also coached one of the piano trios for Saturday’s event. He will perform as a soloist as well.

The gala concert will feature pieces by Franz Joseph Haydn, 1732-1809, often referred to as the “Father of the Symphony” and considered one of the most prolific and prominent composers of the Classical period.

Student performances will include an array of Scottish songs (soprano, violin, cello and piano). The will perform symphony “No. 88.” The combined choirs, soloists and orchestras will perform “Mass No. 9 in D Minor, the Lord Nelson Mass.

Exciting performance opportunity for music majors and others

Schroder said she is looking forward to the music department coming together to celebrate the season.

“We all come from different performing groups but for this one event we do every year we come together as one large group and make wonderful music,” said Schroder.

Chloe Raber, a sophomore music and major from Dalton, Ohio agreed, adding, “I am in both choir and orchestra this semester, so I have gotten to know both the choral and orchestral parts of the Haydn mass, and I am looking forward to hearing how they come together.”

Admission and more information

Admission to the concert is free, but a $10 donation is suggested to benefit the music department student scholarship fund. For more information contact the music department at 540-432-4225 or email music@emu.edu.