Royals Freshman Athlete of the Year

Female Freshman of the Year:聽听(蝉辞蹿迟产补濒濒)

Judd had an outstanding season for the Royals softball team and was one of just four players to start all 34 games. She hit .304, third-best on the team, while totaling 35 hits, second-most on the roster. In 115 at-bats, she struck out only nine times. Defensively, Judd posted a .985 fielding percentage with just two errors in 132 chances while playing first base, catcher, and the outfield.

鈥淎liza Judd 鈥� great attitude, and she brings it every day,鈥� said head softball coach JD McCurdy. 鈥淪he was our leadoff hitter and an immediate impact player. If you ever come to see her play, you鈥檒l never know whether she鈥檚 0-for-5 or 5-for-5; she鈥檚 ice cold. She checks all the boxes as a great player and a great leader.鈥澛�

Male Freshman of the Year:聽聽(men’s track and field)

Rucker burst onto the scene for 91短视频, placing ninth in the shot put and 12th in the weight throw at his first collegiate meet, the Liberty Kickoff, which featured many Division I and II programs. The following weekend, he won the shot put and finished second in the weight throw, beginning a dominant indoor season in which he consistently won events while climbing the 91短视频 track and field record books. He set the program record in the indoor weight throw, ranks second in the indoor shot put, set the outdoor discus record, and ranks second in the outdoor hammer throw.

At the indoor ODAC Championships, Rucker earned Second Team All-ODAC honors in the shot put, and at season鈥檚 end he was named USTFCCCA All-South Region in both the shot put and weight throw. He followed with a stellar outdoor season, winning ODAC titles in the hammer throw and discus while finishing second in the shot put. He currently ranks 29th in Division III in the hammer throw and 50th in the shot put.

鈥淚 think one of the most impressive things about Koran is that, for the last couple of months, the throwers have had to pretty much coach themselves,鈥� said Director of Cross Country, Track & Field and Triathlon Bob Hepler. 鈥淗e鈥檚 shown a lot of character through his work ethic, and we are very blessed to have him.

Royals Athlete of the Year

Female Athlete of the Year:聽 ’26聽(women’s soccer)

Beachy was named Female Athlete of the Year following arguably her best season as a Royal. She scored 10 goals in her senior campaign, including a two-goal performance in a 4鈥�1 home win over Hollins on Senior Day. Beachy finished the season ranked seventh in the ODAC in goals, third in game-winning goals (5), and 11th in points (20), earning Third Team All-ODAC honors鈥攖he first All-ODAC selection for 91短视频 women鈥檚 soccer since 2017.

Her on-field production and leadership helped guide 91短视频 Women鈥檚 Soccer to one of its strongest seasons in recent years. The Royals finished 6鈥�11鈥�1 in 2025, recording their highest win total since 2019 and qualifying for the ODAC Women鈥檚 Soccer Tournament for the first time since that same year.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to recognize Leah,鈥� said Royals head coach Leo Alcoreza. 鈥淗er impact on our program goes far beyond stats. Come game day, Leah consistently delivered in the biggest moments, stepping up time and time again when we needed her most. As a team captain, she led by example every day. She鈥檚 not just an incredible athlete, she鈥檚 an even better teammate, person, and leader, and 91短视频 is better because of her.鈥�

Male Athlete of the Year:聽 ’26听(产补蝉别产补濒濒)

A four-year starter for the Royals, Miller played in and started 38 games this season and delivered one of the best individual campaigns in 91短视频 baseball history. He led the team with a .427 batting average, which ranked third in the ODAC for the 2026 season. Miller also paced the Royals and ranked second in the ODAC with 61 hits, the sixth-most in a single season in program history. On the bases, he stole 25 bags, leading the ODAC and tying the 91短视频 single-season record.

He helped guide 91短视频 to 14 regular-season wins, the program鈥檚 highest total since the 2019 season.

鈥淎idan should be getting his second All-Conference award later this month, and he鈥檒l finish in the top 10 in multiple categories in our record book, but that stuff is really irrelevant to what he鈥檚 meant to our program,鈥� said Royals head coach Adam Posey. 鈥淚f you guys listen, his nickname right now is 鈥楽kip,鈥� as in skipper of the team. He鈥檚 very passionate about what he does and very loyal, and we鈥檒l miss all of those things next year.鈥�

President鈥檚 Award

Female President’s Award:聽 ’26聽(women’s soccer)

Beachy is from Grants Pass, Oregon, and is a nursing graduate who achieved a 4.00 GPA during her time at 91短视频. She plans to work as a nurse on a medical-surgical floor and join an adult soccer league.

A four-year member of the women鈥檚 soccer team, Beachy was named Third Team All-ODAC in 2025. During her career at 91短视频, she played 5,391 minutes across 72 games. She led or co-led the team in scoring for three seasons, totaling 21 goals and eight assists. Beachy is the co-record holder for most single-game assists and points and ranks fifth all-time in career points (50) and sixth in career goals (21).

She was a four-year member of the Dean鈥檚 List and the All-ODAC Academic Team, a two-time VaSID Academic All-State selection, and a two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree. She was also a member of the Honors Program. Off the field, Beachy served as a Royal Ambassador, tour guide, peer tutor, and member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and the Nursing Student Association. She also served as a student-faculty representative for the nursing program and as an Honors Program facilitator.

鈥�91短视频 Athletics gave me the rare opportunity to play soccer while receiving a phenomenal nursing education, providing an outlet to exist purely as a competitor amid the demands of college,鈥� Beachy said. 鈥淭he joys and challenges of athletics expanded my capacity to serve and lead not only as a teammate, but also as a nurse, friend, and community member. I leave 91短视频 Athletics with precious relationships, lasting memories, and a deeper love for the game. It has been a true privilege.鈥澛�

Male President’s Award:聽 ’26 (baseball)

Hall is from Chesapeake, Virginia, and is a health and physical education graduate with minors in kinesiology, exercise science, and coaching. He achieved a 3.74 GPA during his time at 91短视频 and plans to pursue a career in physical education.

A four-year member of the baseball program, Hall played in 103 games for the Royals. He holds a career batting average of .278 with 87 hits, 17 doubles, and 46 RBI. In 2024, he was hit by a pitch 25 times, and he has been hit 47 times in his career, both 91短视频 baseball records.

Academically, he was named to the Dean鈥檚 List five times, the All-ODAC Academic Team four times, and is a CSC Academic All-District honoree. Off the field, he was a member of Every Nation Campus.

鈥�91短视频 Athletics is more than a season, more than a game, more than a practice, more than a result, and more than a feeling,鈥� Hall said. 鈥淚t is an outlet, it is a community, it is cherished moments and friendships that will last a lifetime. I felt at one point that I was defined by results. Coach Posey has helped me find my identity鈥攏ot in results, not in statistics, but in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 91短视频 Athletics has been a place where myself and others can grow in our faith and develop our foundation on a Kingdom that is everlasting.鈥�

Stay up to date with 91短视频 Athletics through its聽听补苍诲 聽accounts or visit its聽.

As one of the university鈥檚 most valued, cherished, and meaningful awards given each year, the Cords of Distinction honor recognizes those who have positively influenced on-campus communities, actively pursued 91短视频 values, engaged in and valued social and community involvement, and reflected academic excellence and social accountability. Recipients of the award are nominated by faculty, staff, administrators, and students and are chosen by the Cords of Distinction selection committee.

鈥淭hese students participate in high levels of engagement outside of classes and recognize the importance of the social and civic aspects of engaging in the local community,鈥� said Celeste Thomas, director of Multicultural Student Services, CoachLink coach, and co-chair of the Cords of Distinction committee. 鈥淭hey embody 鈥楾o whom much is given, much is required.鈥� They have chosen to make the community better than when they entered it, and we thank you all for that.鈥�

The 10 recipients were presented with blue and gold cords to wear at Commencement, which will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026.

They are:

• Sophia Armato
• Irais Barrera Pinzon
• Leah Beachy
• Leah Frankenfield
• Genesis Figueroa
• Arelys Martinez Fabian
• Dibora Mekonnen
• Sarah Prroj
• Roumany Sefin
• Emily Suarez Nunez

Click each recipient鈥檚 name above to jump to their section.

Sophia Armato

A Spanish language & Hispanic studies and education (PreK-12) licensure major from Manheim, Pennsylvania, she was honored by Sydney Metz, head field hockey coach.

Armato embodies what it means to be a Royal, choosing excellence in the classroom, dedicating hours of service to others, and living out her faith by loving like Jesus, her coach said. She has also raised the standard of integrity within 91短视频鈥檚 athletic community, Metz said, recalling a conversation they shared about the culture they hoped to build for the field hockey program.

鈥淥ur program was in a fragile place, and even one wrong move could set us back further,鈥� Metz said. 鈥淏ut in that conversation, we also talked about what it means to do the right thing, even when it鈥檚 difficult. 鈥� You showed a willingness to lean into this challenge, to start a standard, and to grow in every area of your college experience.鈥�

Metz said that Armato has made the most of her 91短视频 experience. 鈥淵ou could find 鈥楽oph鈥� coming to practice after a long day of student teaching, then leaving practice to help others understand a Spanish conversation,鈥� she said. 鈥淪he would end her evening working at home on projects for her small business, continuing her homework, only to wake up early to serve coffee at Common Grounds. And through it all, she was living out her faith daily.鈥�

Irais Barrera Pinzon

A political science and Spanish language & Hispanic studies major from Richmond, Virginia, she was honored by Celeste Thomas, director of Multicultural Student Services.

The first time Thomas met Pinzon, she knew immediately the student would change the tapestry of 91短视频.

Pinzon, with her infectious smile, high energy, and 鈥渦rgency to get down to business,鈥� motivates those around her to 鈥済et on board and, not just say something, but do something,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淵ou exude kindness toward everyone and have a genuine concern for the well-being of others. You are always seeking ways to make the world a better place, and when you set out to do something, you do not stop until you reach the goal.鈥�

That was especially evident in the menstrual hygiene project she led, securing a $1,200 grant and installing 10 dispensers across campus, Thomas said. Pinzon also served on the board of the Latinx Student Alliance (LSA), fed the unhoused, and participated in the International Food Festival, the Latino student banquet, and Hispanic Heritage Month events.

鈥淏eing a first-generation immigrant college student with your own challenges, you were able to look beyond your own needs and assist others who may be less fortunate,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淵ou shared that your goal was to inspire other first-generation Latino students to keep dreaming by showing them that no goal is too big.鈥�

Leah Beachy

A nursing major from Salem, Oregon, she was honored by Dr. Kate Clark, associate professor of nursing.

Beachy represents the very best of what it means to be both a nurse and a servant leader. She demonstrates keen intellect, discipline, perseverance, and a deep sense of purpose. 鈥淏ut what makes Leah truly exceptional goes beyond academics,鈥� Clark said.

During her four years on the women鈥檚 soccer team, Beachy exemplified courageous leadership, advocating for change, gathering teammate feedback, engaging administrators, and pursuing solutions grounded in accountability, Clark said. As senior captain, she helped rebuild trust and integrity within the program, contributing to one of its strongest seasons both competitively and culturally.

Through 91短视频鈥檚 nursing program, Beachy learned to unite clinical excellence with justice-oriented patient care, seeing health care not just as treatment, but as a pursuit of dignity, equity, and compassion. Shaped by her intercultural experiences in Guatemala and Mexico, she helped facilitate a trauma-informed support group at Our Community Place for individuals recently rehoused after homelessness.

鈥淎nd yet, even with all these accomplishments, Leah is most known for her warmth, her authenticity, and her limitless joy,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淲hether serving as a tour guide, an ambassador for 91短视频, or simply showing up for others, she builds community wherever she goes and has a lot of fun doing it.鈥�

Leah Frankenfield

A psychology major from Moraga, California, she was honored by Annalise Livingston, project coordinator for Royal RISE.

Frankenfield has been involved in just about every part of campus, always making an effort to connect with and support others, Livingston said.

鈥淵ou are one of the most compassionate, driven, and engaged people I know, and your persistent dedication to caring for and including those around you is wildly inspiring,鈥� she said. 鈥淵our determination to ensure that everyone feels they belong and have a safe space to be themselves, drawn from your own experience and vulnerability, shines through in your many involvements across campus.鈥�

Through her leadership across various clubs and organizations, including Asian-Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APISA), University Women鈥檚 Empowerment Network (UWEN), Student Government Association, and Royal RISE, the senior psychology major鈥攚ho will join 91短视频鈥檚 graduate counseling program this fall鈥攑lanned programs and events to create welcoming environments and encourage connection. 

Frankenfield also served as a TA and peer tutor, ensuring students felt seen and supported. She鈥檚 provided students with a warm, friendly presence through her work at Common Grounds, the dining hall, the advancement and admissions offices, the library, and beyond. 鈥淵ou embody authenticity and humility,鈥� Livingston said, 鈥渕anaging your hectic schedule in a semi-baffling way that leaves everyone around you wondering how on earth you do it all.鈥�

Genesis Figueroa

A political science and Spanish language & Hispanic studies major from Millersburg, Ohio, she was honored by Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus.

From her first day on campus, Figueroa has shown up consistently and with care, Dycus said.

As a conversation partner with the Spanish community and through her leadership roles鈥攆irst as a senator, then secretary, and eventually co-president鈥擣igueroa has shaped 91短视频 in ways both visible and deeply felt, building connection and belonging across campus. Those roles require navigating complexity, listening deeply, and representing others with integrity, Dycus said, and Figueroa has carried them with a steady, grounded presence.

鈥淲hat stands out most is not just what you鈥檝e done, but how you鈥檝e done it,鈥� she said. 鈥淎gain and again, people describe you as someone who listens deeply, brings warmth, and helps others feel seen. That kind of leadership shapes culture. That鈥檚 what you鈥檝e done for 91短视频.鈥�

Figueroa carried that spirit into the Latinx Student Alliance, as president of Young Democrats, and as a senior class officer, helping others learn together.

鈥淥ne nominator said it best: 鈥楪enesis rises to any occasion, leading with initiative, creativity, awareness, and a deep commitment to collective learning and action,鈥欌�� Dycus said. 鈥淎longside it all, you remain committed to your academic work, bringing discipline, focus, and purpose as a political science and Spanish major, as well as engagement with immigrant communities in Harrisonburg.鈥�

Arelys Martinez Fabian

A Spanish language & Hispanic studies and education (PreK-12) licensure major from Winchester, Virginia, she was honored by M. Esther Showalter, instructor of Spanish language and Hispanic studies.

In a fast-paced world, Martinez Fabian knows when to pause and be fully present with others, actively listening and walking alongside those in need, Showalter said.

During Martinez Fabian鈥檚 first year at 91短视频, Showalter鈥檚 childhood best friend unexpectedly passed away. In the midst of that loss, the student came to her office to offer support. She brought a small houseplant to honor her friend, and over the years, it has grown from a foot tall to four feet high. 鈥淚t is by far my healthiest plant,鈥� Showalter said. 鈥淢any people comment on how great it looks, and I tell them the story of my friend and how you, Arelys, have comforted me in my time of need, as you have for so many others.鈥�

Along with Figueroa, Martinez Fabian served as co-president of the Student Government Association, becoming the first Latinx women in that role. She led with heart and humanity, Showalter said, strengthening communication between students and administrators and ensuring student voices shaped key campus decisions. Her leadership also increased involvement from underrepresented students, contributing to a more inclusive and engaged campus culture.

鈥淎relys has lived the 91短视频 experience to its fullest,鈥� Showalter said. 鈥淪he is an inspiring leader, a curious learner, and an empathetic friend.鈥�

Dibora Mekonnen

A political science and social work major from Silver Spring, Maryland, she was honored by Deanna Durham, associate professor of social work and sociology.

Whether leading the social work student organization, the Young Democrats, or the University Women鈥檚 Empowerment Network (UWEN), or serving as a Community Advisor, hall director, dialogue facilitator, student chaplain, or development office assistant, Mekonnen has consistently worked toward a vision of 91短视频 at its best. She has also been involved with the Campus Activities Council, Student Government Association, and the 91短视频 Washington Semester. 鈥淥ver the past four years,鈥� Durham said, 鈥渋s there anything you did not say 鈥榶es鈥� to?鈥�

Mekonnen鈥檚 leadership and deep commitment to building a more inclusive and welcoming university have touched every corner, building, and space on campus, Durham said. This past semester, that impact extended into the local community through her senior social work practicum, where she worked with Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed. 鈥淵ou are a multitasker extraordinaire,鈥� Durham told Mekonnen. 鈥淵our ability not only to generate ideas but also to bring others along with you is impressive. You have embodied the belief that we are always better together.鈥�

As hall director of Elmwood, Mekonnen fostered a community grounded in inclusion, social awareness, and belonging, Durham said. 鈥淵ou have pushed for change on campus and have never remained silent when there was potential for harm to another student.鈥�

Sarah Prroj

A business administration major from Shkoder, Albania, she was honored by Tyler Goss, director of student engagement and leadership development. 

Goss remembers his first interaction with Prroj. The International Student Organization (ISO) was preparing for its popular International Food Festival. Dozens of cooks would soon gather on Thomas Plaza, and he and other volunteers were setting up decorations, including more than 50 flagpoles. Each flag came with its own challenge, Goss said, noting the political significance of their placement. 

鈥淚n the midst of all that chaos and decision-making, there was Sarah, a first-year student, stepping up, directing, delegating, and leading with confidence and ease,鈥� Goss said. 鈥淭hat moment was just the beginning.鈥�

The Albanian international student dedicated her four years at 91短视频 to the ISO, but her impact extends beyond that community. She served as a Community Advisor and Royal Ambassador and led the Good Business Gathering Club. At Common Grounds, she began as a barista and became its financial manager. She also served as student government treasurer. Away from campus, she volunteered at Young Life camp and shared her story at the Perspectives of World Missions Conference.

鈥淔rom ISO president to community volunteer to SGA treasurer, and all the hours of Common Grounds鈥� financial tasks in between, Sarah leads every space with dependability, vision, and a deep desire to help each community flourish,鈥� Goss said.

Roumany Sefin

A business administration and medical lab science major from Port Said, Egypt, he was honored by Dr. Jim Leaman, associate professor of business.

It鈥檚 the rare undergraduate student who publishes original research and presents it at a prestigious academic conference, Leaman said, yet Sefin did so halfway through his undergraduate career. 鈥淭hen, he leveraged that innovation to launch an entrepreneurial venture to serve the needs of others,鈥� the professor said.

Sefin combines world-class science with a true heart for service. As a dedicated researcher and founder of ROUMATICS, he鈥檚 already made a mark in the medical field, Leaman said. 鈥淗is cancer research at 91短视频 and Harvard was chosen for an American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting, a huge honor for any scientist.鈥�

One of his nominators wrote: 鈥淚n my many years as an instructor and mentor, I have seldom seen a student with more commitment to academic and moral excellence.鈥�

Sefin supports his peers on campus by tutoring across three academic disciplines and guiding international students as they navigate English and adjust to life in the United States. He is also an active volunteer at a local nonprofit and serves as a deacon at his church.

鈥淲hether he鈥檚 leading Bible study or teaching DNA workshops locally, Roumany leads with kindness and excellence,鈥� Leaman said. 鈥淗e truly represents the best of this community.鈥�

Emily Suarez Nunez

A nursing major from McGaheysville, Virginia, she was honored by Allen Clay Jr., associate dean for campus life. 

From student chaplain to hall director, Suarez Nunez鈥檚 time at 91短视频 has reflected her deep commitment to the well-being of the campus community, Clay said.

As hall director, she led first-year students with poise and compassion. She approached difficult conversations with empathy and clear boundaries, and worked through conflict in ways that built both accountability and belonging.

鈥淗er supervisors speak of her as a trusted leader who embodies 91短视频鈥檚 values of academic excellence, peace, justice, and social responsibility,鈥� Clay said. 

Suarez Nunez鈥檚 impact reaches well beyond residence life through her involvement in the Student Government Association, student chaplains, and Y-Serve. She has spent countless hours in service, led spring break trips to Atlanta and Puerto Rico, and helped coordinate volunteer opportunities that connect 91短视频 students with communities in need.

Her coworkers describe her as someone who can brighten a room, even while balancing the rigorous demands of a nursing degree. 鈥淗er patients will encounter not just medical expertise but a caregiver who knows how to listen, honor difficult moments, and help people feel seen,鈥� Clay said. 鈥淭hat is a gift that Emily will carry forward in the next steps of her life.鈥�

In his closing remarks at the ceremony, Jonathan Swartz, dean of students and co-chair of the Cords of Distinction committee, noted the many things the recipients will carry with them after graduating from 91短视频: their cords, degrees, relationships, and memories.

鈥淵ou also carry responsibility, because the world you are entering does not need more impressive resumes nearly as much as it needs people who are willing to live with clarity, compassion, and courage,鈥� Swartz said. 鈥淸It needs] people who will ask not just what can I achieve, but what can I repair; not just where can I succeed, but where am I needed? If these cords mean anything beyond today, it鈥檚 this: you鈥檝e already begun to answer those questions with your lives, and we trust you will keep answering them.鈥�

The 2026 Cords of Distinction committee members: Jonathan Swartz, Celeste Thomas, Kate Clark, Deanna Durham, Justin McIlwee, Dawn Neil, and Aundrea Smiley. Special thanks to Jennifer North Bauman for her help and to Thaddeus Jackson 鈥�25, who performed music for the event.

Watch a video recording of the ceremony below!

Aram Hanson, an instructor in 91短视频鈥檚 Intensive English Program (IEP), along with two of his IEP students, Dastan and Shalaw, conquered the competition at the 11th annual International Food Festival on Friday with their crowd-favorite Kurdish dishes.

Competing in the event for his first time, Hanson and his students prepared dolma (vegetables stuffed with rice and meat), biryani (a rice and meat dish), chicken tikka (kebabs), kuba (a type of dumpling), baklava and a variety of salads.  

鈥淚t seems that many people here liked our food, and that feels great,鈥� he said after being announced as a winner. He added that two of his family members recently opened a restaurant called Kabob Corner on South Main Street in Harrisonburg, and that if people enjoyed his Kurdish food, they would love the dishes served at the restaurant.

For placing first in the individuals and small groups category, the trio of Kurdish cooks received $200 in winnings. A second-place prize of $125 was awarded to Mohammad Khatiri and Ayam Ali, the cheesecake-baking duo behind , and a $100 third-place prize was given to 91短视频 staff member Amina Anwar for her Pakistani biryani.

Since winning last year鈥檚 competition, Khatiri and Ali have been busy selling their cheesecakes through their Instagram page and said they plan to launch a website soon. Khatiri said he was glad to be back at the festival for another year. 鈥淲e enjoy the whole vibe and like trying different types of food from different countries,鈥� he said. 

The winners of the student clubs category received a trophy and bragging rights. They are:

• First place: Asian-Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APISA)
• Second place:  Black Student Alliance (BSA)
• Third place: Latinx Student Alliance (LSA)

A total of 14 teams participated in the competition. Those sampling the dishes could vote on their favorite cuisines through a QR code at each table. 

Hosted by the International Students Organization (ISO) and the International Food Festival Committee, the festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year, drawing hundreds of students, faculty, staff and other 91短视频 community members to celebrate the rich flavors and traditions from around the world. Micah Shristi, director of international student services, said that more than 275 people participated in this year’s festival. He said that students represent 55 countries at 91短视频.

鈥淎 diversity of cultures, languages, and belief systems make our 91短视频 community stronger,鈥� he said. 鈥淣othing demonstrates this more deliciously than the International Food Festival.鈥�

The turnout at the event included many students from other schools who were on campus for the Intercollegiate Peace Fellowship conference held over the weekend. One of those students, Abby Chappell Deckert of Bethel College in Newton, Kansas, said she enjoyed the Pakistani biryani. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 great,鈥� she said while in line for cheesecake. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really interesting to try food from other countries, and I think it鈥檚 a great alternative to the usual everyday ‘caf’ food that people get.鈥� She said that Bethel has a very diverse student body, but does not have a similar food festival of its own.

While 91短视频 juniors Maria Longenecker and Leah Beachy may have disagreed on which cuisine earned their vote (Longenecker favored the Ethiopian dishes while her friend preferred the Kurdish ones), they said they both considered the festival among their favorite events of the year. 鈥淭hat Kurdish food was bussin, and you can quote me on that,鈥� said Beachy, using a slang term for 鈥渄elicious.鈥�

In between bites, Harrisonburg Vice Mayor Dany Fleming and his wife, Carol, campus visit coordinator for the admissions office, took in the upbeat music and positive energy at the Student Union. 鈥淚 love the diversity that 91短视频 brings and has brought historically to Harrisonburg,鈥� the vice mayor said. 鈥淧art of the reason we are such an international city is specifically and directly because of 91短视频 and the work they do around the world.鈥�

Friday’s event, held at the Orie O. Miller Hall of Nations inside University Commons, also included an announcement from ISO student leaders about seven new flags added to the hall: Belarus, Dominican Republic, Malawi, Mongolia, Puerto Rico, Sudan, and Uruguay. 

鈥淭hese flags are more than fabric,鈥� said 91短视频 senior and ISO co-President Fiker Yigzaw. 鈥淭hey are a testament to the stories, journeys, and contributions of our international students, past and present. Let鈥檚 continue to learn from one another, share in the joy of cultural exchange, and embrace the vibrant global spirit that unites us all.鈥�

Take a look at more photos from the 2025 International Food Festival in our Flickr gallery below: