Lee Snyder Archives - 91��Ƶ News

Dianne Swann-Wright, known for historical research at Monticello, remembered for contributions to 91��Ƶ

Lauren Jefferson — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 19:39:20 +0000

Dianne Swann-Wright, former director of multicultural programs at 91��Ƶ and a leading historian of African American history, died Jan. 23, 2018.

At the time of her death, she was director of the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park in Baltimore, Maryland.

A wake will take place at Vaughn Greene Funeral Home, 4905 York Rd., Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Jan. 29, from 4-8 p.m.

The funeral is at Bright Morning Star Church, RR 617, Dillwyn, Virginia, on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at noon.

A pioneer and champion

Swann-Wright joined the 91��Ƶ community as an assistant in the learning center in August 1990. [She was then known as Dianne Wright.] She served as director of multicultural programs from 1993-97. During this time, she taught African American history courses and led cross-cultural groups to Kenya, encouraging African American students to learn more about their heritage.

From 1997-98, she became the first African American to hold a senior administrative role on campus when she served as interim vice president for student life.

While at 91��Ƶ, she earned a doctorate in American history from University of Virginia.

From 1998 to 2005, Swann-Wright was director of African-American and special programs at Monticello. Her hiring as the first African American senior staff member was “,” wrote historian Kendra Hamilton in 1999. Before her hiring by then-Director of Research Lucia “Cinder” Stanton,” Hamilton notes there was “a gaping crater in the institution’s allegedly comprehensive knowledge of life on Jefferson’s mountaintop.”

Swann-Wright and Stanton co-founded the , which has identified and collected oral histories from descendants of families enslaved at Monticello. The duo also co-authored the official Monticello report linking Jefferson to Sally Hemings. Much of their research helped to develop programming and interpretation around African American life, experiences and culture at Monticello.

Influencing, empowering

At 91��Ƶ, Swann-Wright was no less influential.

“She was the reason why I was able to succeed as a student at 91��Ƶ, and she was why I came back to be her successor at 91��Ƶ as director of multicultural services,” says , now a professor of social work at 91��Ƶ. “She was the reason why I had the courage to return again and teach. She believed in me.”

Several other alumni share similarly strong admiration and affection for Swann-Wright. “Outstanding woman and supporter,” wrote one alumna in a Facebook post.

Swann-Wright’s passion for sharing and celebrating African American history was remembered by Professor Emeritus , who served with her on an advisory council to support multicultural efforts, appreciation and programming.

Pannell also recalls this influence: “She ensured that as a student of color, I was immersed, engaged and empowered by voices within the community-at-large that reflected my history and ancestry. She took me and other students to meet in person Cornell West, Maya Angelou, Sonya Sanchez and James Farmer, powerful voices that each spoke to the importance of raising my own voice, critically and with creatively, about issues of social justice.”

Longtime friend Linda Alley first met and worked with Swann-Wright in what was then called the Student Life Division.

“I watched as Di went far beyond her job description in mentoring students, many of whom kept in touch with her for years,” Alley said. “She would report to me how proud she was or which ones needed extra prayer. She sent pictures of them and their children, because they were her spiritual family. My own son benefited from a tutoring session when she came to our house and spent some hours with him. Teaching was her gift, and she did it from a place of deep wisdom.”

Swann-Wright had an insightful way of helping faculty and administrators to see the causes and potential effects of decisions, Alley said. “91��Ƶ would be a different place without the lingering effects of Dianne’s sojourn there.”

“She told once told me that her life’s work was helping people to recognize and respond to society’s lies and views. She called this ‘the Great Re-Education Project,’” recalls nursing professor . “Dianne was deeply influential among 91��Ƶ faculty and staff due to her honesty, openness and ability to name truth.”

Lee Snyder was academic dean when Swann-Wright was at 91��Ƶ. “We worked closely together. I learned much from Dianne, a generous colleague and dear friend,” Snyder said. “She taught me the power of story in furthering appreciation of diversity and she modeled a gracious spirit which has enriched all of us who knew her.”

When Snyder was president at Bluffton College, she invited Swann-Wright to speak about her Monticello research.

“And we all celebrated with her when her book, A Way Out of No Way: Claiming Family and Freedom in the New South, was published in 2002 by University of Virginia Press,” Snyder said, recalling that much of that research was completed while Swann-Wright was balancing full-time work at 91��Ƶ with her doctoral work.

Remembrances of Dianne Swann-Wright are encouraged (use the comment box below) and will be shared with the family.

Twila Yoder retires after 19 years as assistant to 91��Ƶ’s presidents

Lauren Jefferson — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 19:20:38 +0000

For 19 of the past 21 years, has served at 91��Ƶ as assistant to the president, including most recently, to the university’s newest one. Yoder helped Dr. , who started in January 2017, navigate her first year on the job.

Twila Yoder, assistant to the president, with President Susan Schultz Huxman at a retirement reception in December 2017. (Photo by Cody Troyer)

At a retirement reception in December, Yoder’s long service and insightful guidance were honored by many in attendance, as well as by Huxman, who offered a warm parting tribute.

“Twila trained three presidents,” Huxman told the gathered crowd in the Campus Center, which fittingly included some other beneficiaries of Yoder’s gentle tutelage.

Yoder has actually worked with six men and women who occupied , some for many years and others for interim terms.

Beginning in June 1999, she worked with Joseph Lapp (1987-2003), then Loren Swartzendruber (2003-2016), and since January, Huxman.

Additionally, however, three interim presidents kept the business of the university moving forward: Beryl Brubaker (May-December 2003); Fred Kniss (May-August 2013 for Swartzendruber’s sabbatical), and Lee Snyder (July-December 2016).

With all of these presidents, interim and permanent, Yoder enabled smooth functioning at the highest levels of the university. Among her duties, she “schedules all of the president’s meetings; serves as corporate secretary to the Board of Trustees; aids in the development of numerous administrative documents, such as board policy manuals; and serves as a representative of the president’s office on numerous committees including the crisis management preparedness team and the facilities task force, among other duties,” according to an October 2015 Weather Vane profile.

Over the years, Yoder equipped her office on the third floor of the Campus Center with symbolic reminders of positive operating procedures in the “pressure cooker, roller coaster world of the university president,” Huxman said, referencing Yoder’s “Top Ten List” of how to deal with disgruntled callers and two stones marked strength and joy.

Twila Yoder (seated left), assistant to the president, with President Loren Swartzendruber and other members of the President’s Cabinet in 2004. (91��Ƶ file photo)

Yoder occupied her role with “purpose, positivity, patience and perspicuity,” Huxman said, elaborating on this last word by praising her colleague’s ability to “see clearly, deeply, reverently … with insight.”

From anticipating sensitivities of various campus constituencies to holding confidentiality on a range of subjects to informing the community of births and deaths, “Twila has put her master’s degree from our seminary to very good use,” Huxman said.

Yoder is a 1998 graduate of Eastern Mennonite Seminary. She and her husband Steve Yoder ’78, SEM ‘98 have four adult children, three of whom graduated from 91��Ƶ.

In a recent interview, Yoder shared that she looks forward to time with family and another “chapter” of meaningful work.

“It has been an incredible blessing to serve an institution I love in a role that has been so life-giving for me. I will miss all the people that give life to this incredible place,” she said.

Convocation and traditional ‘Shenandoah Welcome’ kick off new academic year

Walt Wiltschek — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 16:50:42 +0000

With the greeting of “Happy new year!” from Provost Fred Kniss, an address from Interim President Lee Snyder and a traditional “Shenandoah Welcome,” 91��Ƶ’s 2016-2017 academic year made its debut Wednesday at opening convocation in a filled Lehman Auditorium.

“For each of us—student, faculty or staff person—this marks the beginning of another chapter in a longer story,” said Snyder, who is serving for six months during the transition from former President Loren Swartzendruber to President-elect Susan Schultz Huxman, who will take office Jan. 1.

The Europe cross-cultural group, led by Professor Justin Poole and his wife Amanda, receives the blessing of Brian Martin Burkholder, campus chaplain. Andy Miller, director of cross-culturals, is at the podium.

“Sometimes you don’t know where you’re going, but the only way you’ll find out is if you get going,” Snyder said, quoting former Poet Laureate Rita Dove. “So this morning we get going.”

Snyder, who served as president of Bluffton University and as a vice president, dean and professor at 91��Ƶ before retirement, examined the concepts of “Change, Hope and Promise” as three forces influencing the experience of the year ahead. She drew on the words of the prophet Jeremiah, who told the Hebrew people in exile that God had “plans to give you hope and a future.” (29:11, NIV)

“As a community, we are part of an overarching narrative of the love of Jesus, and the end of that story is one of courage, grace and humbly walking together as we discover God’s purpose for our lives,” she said.

Earlier, Kniss welcomed approximately 283 new students, including first-year and transfers, to campus with the accompaniment of a big round of applause.

“You are joining a community of learning that has been on the move for nearly 100 years,” he said. “This is an exciting place to be.”

Kniss noted this year’s academic focus on the unequal access to clean water, which will be explored through the —“Memory of Water” by Emmi Itäranta—as well as through visiting speakers and other events.

New students, staff and faculty march through a tunnel of greeters to bluegrass music in 91��Ƶ’s traditional “Shenandoah Welcome,” a ritual of each new academic year.

The celebratory tone of the convocation paused for a moment of remembrance for Sarah Armstrong, director of the MA in Education program, who died unexpectedly on Aug. 24.

Other features of the program included an invocation from David Evans, assistant professor of history and mission; a send-off for a group of students doing a cross-cultural program in Central Europe this fall; greetings from Student Government Association co-presidents Quinn Kathrineberg and Elisabeth Wilder; and robust congregational singing.

The music spilled out of the auditorium at the conclusion of the convocation when new students, faculty and staff were blessed with 91��Ƶ’s Shenandoah Welcome, exiting through a gauntlet of clapping and smiles backed by traditional Appalachian bluegrass music.

A catalyst for stewardship, Ray Martin helps 91��Ƶ and partners to launch the Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions

Walt Wiltschek — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 16:53:20 +0000

Holding his 19-month-old grandson, Ray Martin told the audience gathered at 91��Ƶ (91��Ƶ) Thursday afternoon why he had made a generous donation to study and combat the issues of climate change.

“We’re playing fast and loose with God’s creation,” Martin said. “I feel as if I owe it to him,” nodding toward his grandson, “to leave our planet, our earthly home, in good shape.”

The Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions, launched Thursday with a $1 million donation from Martin, will aid that goal. Led by 91��Ƶ, the center will also include Goshen (Indiana) College and Mennonite Central Committee as founding institutions, with additional partners expected to join later.

“The Center will stimulate and motivate our commitment at all levels,” Martin said. “It will be a visible statement to the larger world that Mennonites are serious about climate change.”

Collaboration with other like-minded groups and organizations will create “an impact felt much beyond Mennonite circles,” he added.

An oversight board, chaired by 91��Ƶ provost , is developing more concrete plans and objectives for the Center. Kniss said the work will focus on four areas: connecting with a national and global network, researching best practices, educating by sharing findings, and innovating through new ideas and methods.

Members of the oversight board and leadership team gather.

“When a generous donor with a passion for addressing an important problem is able to link hands with an institution that shares his or her passion, good things can happen,” Kniss said. “We have an exciting year coming up. There’s a lot of work to do.”

Mobilizing commitment

Each of the three founding partners will have two representatives on the oversight board, with , vice president and undergraduate academic dean, and , professor of biology, serving as the 91��Ƶ representatives.

The interim 91��Ƶ leadership team that will guide the work includes , associate professor of sociology; , sustainability coordinator; , director of institutional research; and , special projects support for the provost’s office. The oversight board expects to select a permanent director to start in fall 2017.

The new initiative fits well with a Mennonite tradition of “transformative education,” said Interim President .

The Rev. Mitch C. Hescox, president of Evangelical Environmental Network, was present for the afternoon ceremonies.

“It feels like today we are taking a rather bold step forward to address climate change,” Snyder said. “However we are grounded in the strength of God’s faithfulness and a global faith community where we share the call to be good stewards of the planet for the well-being of all of God’s creatures.”

Among those present to celebrate the launch were members of the climate change activism community, including The Rev. Mitch C. Hescox, president of ; Karen Leu, program coordinator of ; and Charlie Strickler, co-founder of , and several other members; and Tom Benevento, of .

Lead donor Martin prefers to be called an ‘investor’ in the future

Martin, a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, who now lives in northern Virginia, attended Eastern Mennonite College from 1959 to 1961 before finishing his bachelor’s degree in economics at Goshen. He went on to a long career in international development and global health work through USAID, the World Bank and other organizations.

This past April, he contacted 91��Ƶ to broach the idea of making “a major investment in addressing climate change.”

Martin said he selected 91��Ƶ to lead the effort due to his familiarity with the school, which was “hugely formative” in his life, along with 91��Ƶ’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and its innovative, “cutting-edge” spirit with initiatives like the and leadership for the program.

“91��Ƶ’s history and the various programs that 91��Ƶ conceptualized and launched were just evidence of an institution that had a lot going for it,” Martin said. “I came to see 91��Ƶ was doing even more than I had realized, and I decided 91��Ƶ as an institution to lead this might be a good bet.”

Martin cited capital projects and curricular alignment as two overt signs of 91��Ƶ’s commitment to . The campus has one of Virginia’s largest commercial-scale solar arrays atop Hartzler Library, as well as LEED-certified residence halls and other energy-efficient buildings, and five campus gardens.

91��Ƶ also offers a major in e and weaves creation care into curricular offerings. This scholarly commitment was solidified in 91��Ƶ’s accreditation with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools by the inclusion of an expansive Quality Enhancement Plan titled .

Kenneth Newbold, Goshen College provost, visits with 91��Ƶ Interim President Lee Snyder. With Mennonite Central Committee, Goshen College is a partner in the new center.

A second partnership with MCC

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), meanwhile, received another major gift from Martin this past year to start a maternal-child health project in memory of Martin’s wife, Luann. MCC East Coast region executive director Bruce Campbell-Janz says he looks forward to partnering with the climate change effort, as well.

Quoting scripture from Hebrews 10, which encourages the church to “provoke one another to love and good deeds,” Campbell-Janz thanked Martin for his “holy provocation” on this issue.

“I’m excited about the founding of the Center and the challenge it presents to MCC to deepen its engagement,” Campbell-Janz said, noting the importance of climate change as a social justice issue. “Those least responsible for the climate change process are often the most affected.”

Likewise, Goshen College – which operates the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center and provides leadership for the Mennonite Creation Care Network – sees this new effort as a natural place for partnership.

“This work really does confirm our longtime commitment as a denomination to address climate change, environmental stewardship and the care of the creation that God has provided for us,” Goshen College Provost Kenneth Newbold said. “It gives us yet another tool and resource to advance the important efforts we have undertaken. We’re here to focus on solutions and take action.”

Kniss, his 91��Ƶ counterpart, said the oversight board will “flesh out” next steps in the coming months. An additional advisory board of experts will provide further input, and a broader consultation with partners is planned for spring 2017.

Dr. Lee Snyder begins her six-month term as interim president of 91��Ƶ

Lauren Jefferson — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 19:20:58 +0000

Just a few minutes into her first day of work at 91��Ƶ (91��Ƶ), Interim President was greeted with a pleasant surprise.

This surprise was an “old friend,” a large oil painting by abstract impressionist artist Warren Rohrer ’50 that had graced the walls of Snyder’s office when she was dean and provost several years ago.

Noting the bare walls of the presidential suite as he welcomed Snyder this morning, Provost had returned to his office and brought with him the painting.

Gifted by the artist to 91��Ƶ in 1986, the canvas is primarily delicate variations of eggshell blue, overlaid on a darker base apparent on the lower edge. Titled “Different Situation,” the artwork now hangs on the wall opposite from Snyder’s desk.

“It brings back wonderful memories,” she said. “I feel quite at home here.”

Snyder, who replaces President Emeritus Loren Swartzendruber, begins her six-month interim appointment today. 91��Ƶ’s tenth president, Dr. , will begin Jan. 1, 2017.

As she settles in, Snyder says she has several formal and informal meetings scheduled through next week, as well as a campus tour to view some of the architectural and organizational changes to campus since she served as interim provost for the 2008-09 academic year.

“I look forward to rejoining this special university community, to getting to know students and faculty and to working with a superb administrative team,” she said. “It is a privilege to be back.”

Snyder, who holds a doctorate in American and Victorian literature from the University of Oregon, brings many years of higher education leadership to the interim role. In addition to serving as interim provost at 91��Ƶ, she filled the same role for the 2014-2015 academic year at Goshen (Indiana) College.

From 1996 until retiring in 2006, she served as the eighth president of Bluffton (Ohio) University.

Previously, she was vice president and academic dean for 12 years at 91��Ƶ. She came to 91��Ƶ in 1974. Until 1982, she taught part-time in the humanities and in English, and was an assistant in the dean’s office. She was named academic dean in 1984 and then assumed the responsibilities of vice president as well in 1987.

A native of Harrisburg, Oregon, Snyder attended 91��Ƶ for one year and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon. Later she earned a master’s degree in English literature and linguistics from James Madison University and returned to University of Oregon for her doctorate.

Snyder and her husband, who have two adult daughters, now divide their time between Salem, Oregon and Harrisonburg, Virginia. They are members of Community Mennonite Church, in Harrisonburg, and associate members of Salem Mennonite Church in Salem.

91��Ƶ leadership conference to create a new paradigm of “Leading into the Common Good”

Walt Wiltschek — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 14:19:16 +0000

Author and speaker Peter Block headlines a list of notable speakers for “,” a conference for practitioners, scholars and students April 7-9, 2016, at 91��Ƶ (91��Ƶ).

Block, a well-known expert on organizational development, community building and civic engagement, will address the conference live via video. A strong advocate for the concept of “servant leadership,” he is the author of The Abundant Community: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods (2010), Community: The Structure of Belonging (2008), The Answer to How Is Yes: Acting on What Matters (2001) and Stewardship: Choosing Service Over Self Interest (1993).

, vice president and dean of graduate studies at 91��Ƶ and one of the primary organizers for the conference, says Block will bring an important perspective as an “outsider” to the church. Smucker says Block’s address will focus on “third-way leadership.”

“We’re struggling as Anabaptists with leadership paradigms and how we make decisions,” Smucker says. “We want to facilitate a conversation about how we go forward and further develop our movement in a way that brings us together.”

The conference will focus on clarifying Anabaptist values related to leadership, examining historical models, critiquing current economic and social systems, and developing applied theories that can be used to build more effective and future-looking organizations.

The planning committee is emphasizing the representation of diverse voices and perspectives, and students from the various Anabaptist-related schools will be sharing during each plenary session.

Other keynote speakers include:

Bryan Welch, CEO of B The Change Media and founder of Mother Earth News;
John Sharp, teacher, author, storyteller, and historian;
Lee Snyder, a former vice president and academic dean who will serve as at 91��Ƶ;
John Stahl-Wert ’81, recognized expert in leadership and innovation;
Rachel Waltner Goosen, professor of history at Washburn University;
’82, executive director of Lancaster County Conservancy and former CEO of Isaac’s Famous Grilled Sandwiches;
Gilberto Perez Jr. ’94 , senior director for intercultural development and educational partnerships at Goshen College;
Jeff Boodie ’07, founder and CEO of JobSnap;
, associate professor of organizational studies and of 91��Ƶ’s MBA program;
David Miller, associate professor of missional leadership development at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary;
Dominique Burgunder-Johnson, Goshen College director of marketing and current collaborative MBA student;
, professor in 91��Ƶ’s Bible and religion department and former academic dean;
Rick Castaneda, home/school liaison for Harrisonburg City Public Schools and founder of Men of Character;
, MA ’07 (conflict transformation), doctoral student at James Madison University and instructor with the Summer Peacebuilding Institute and 91��Ƶ’s business department.

Workshop topics include emergent leadership, leading innovation, people management ethics, developing resilient organizations, and authentic leadership.

The conference grew out of discussions at the (ACRS), a community of Mennonite elders and scholars who meet monthly for fellowship and intellectual engagement at 91��Ƶ. Six years ago, ACRS initiated a biography project on 20th-century Mennonite leader Orie Miller; the result was a published by Herald Press in May 2015.

In the planning and conception process, the group found synergy with conversations happening in the program (a joint project of Bluffton University, Canadian Mennonite University, 91��Ƶ and Goshen College), which Smucker says had recognized a lack of scholarly work around leadership and Anabaptism. A network of partnerships began to grow.

The conference is sponsored by ARCS, 91��Ƶ’s , , (MEDA), and . Co-sponsors include Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Bethel College, Bluffton University, Canadian Mennonite University, Conrad Grebel University College, Goshen College and Hesston College.

“We have never before pulled off a conference of this type with this amount of collaborative engagement,” says Lee M. Yoder, chair of the ACRS steering committee and former vice president and associate professor of education at 91��Ƶ. “It’s the first of its kind.”

With presidential search on schedule, educator and administrator Lee Snyder will serve in an interim role

91��Ƶ communications staff — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:22:26 +0000

Respected educator and administrator Lee Snyder, PhD., will serve as interim president of 91��Ƶ (91��Ƶ) beginning July 1, 2016. Her appointment comes as President Loren Swartzendruber retires after a 13-year tenure and more than 35 years in Mennonite higher education.

With the announcement of the appointment, the also reported that the is proceeding as scheduled. The interim arrangement is expected to last no longer than Dec. 31, 2016, and will allow for adequate transition time for 91��Ƶ’s next president.

“Dr. Snyder is a well-respected administrator and church leader known for her commitment to Mennonite Church USA,” said Carlos Romero, executive director of Mennonite Education Agency and ex-officio member of the search committee. “We are grateful she has accepted this call. She joins a strong group of professionals in the president’s cabinet to carry on the vision of 91��Ƶ as the search for the long-term presidential appointee moves forward.”

Dr. Lee Snyder

Snyder brings a lifetime of service to Mennonite higher education to the interim role. From 1996 until retiring in 2006, Snyder served as the eighth president of Bluffton (Ohio) University.

Previously, she was vice president and academic dean for 12 years at 91��Ƶ. Snyder, who holds a doctorate in American and Victorian literature from the University of Oregon, came to 91��Ƶ in 1974. Until 1982, she taught part-time in the humanities and in English, and was an assistant in the dean’s office. She was named academic dean in 1984 and then assumed the responsibilities of vice president as well in 1987.

After retiring from Bluffton University, Snyder returned to 91��Ƶ to serve as interim provost for the 2008-09 academic year.

“This arrangement is in many ways the best case scenario,” said Board of Trustees chair Kay Nussbaum. “Our timeline for naming 91��Ƶ’s next president is on track and an interim arrangement will allow for a smooth leadership transition. In addition, the institution will benefit greatly from the experience and wisdom of Dr. Snyder, who has devoted a lifetime to Mennonite higher education and is uniquely equipped to lead 91��Ƶ during this interim period.”

Snyder and her husband, Delbert, taught in Nigeria from 1965 to 1968. Her many board and association assignments include: moderator of Mennonite Church USA, chair of the China Educational Exchange Board, chair of the Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA and a member of Mennonite Health Services Alliance Board of Directors. During the 2014-2015 academic year, she served as interim provost at Goshen (Indiana) College. She has also held brief assignments in Asia and Latin America.

Formerly Homeless and Drug Addicted, Father of Three Completes Master’s Degree

Laura Lehman Amstutz — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:36:42 +0000

In 2005 Nathaniel Daniel had lost everything. He was jobless, homeless, addicted to drugs, and involved in criminal activity. His wife had left him, taking their three children with her. This year he will graduate from Eastern Mennonite Seminary with a degree.

“We are never beyond God’s reach,” says Daniel. “We are never beyond God’s love. That’s the message I want to take to people with addictions. My seminary degree is part of my testimony and witness to what God can do.”

Daniel is planning to start a chapter of , the program that turned his life around, in the Harrisonburg, Va., area. U-Turn For Christ is a residential drug and alcohol program for men and women who are seeking restoration from drug and alcohol addiction. It has a Biblical foundation.

Daniel entered the U-Turn program in 2005 at the urging of his estranged wife, Eleni Maile. He completed several months of residential treatment and then, in phase two of the program, did six months of service helping survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Finally, Daniel was reunited with his family and they moved together from California to Tennessee, where Daniel continued to work for a branch of U-Turn. In 2007 Daniel returned to Harrisonburg for a high school reunion at .

“I realized as I was giving my family a tour of Eastern Mennonite High School and 91��Ƶ (91��Ƶ) that I wanted my family to be a part of this community and that I wanted to study in seminary,” he recalls. His older son, Yonaton, is now a rising sophomore at 91��Ƶ. His younger children, Yosef and Asene, are students at Eastern Mennonite High School.

“The seminary has been incredibly challenging, intentional and formative for me. The people here have been able to speak into my life. They affirm who I am and also continue to stretch and pull me, preparing me for what God has called me to do.”

Daniel says he is also pursuing a conflict transformation degree to address the ways that addicts hurt not only themselves, but those around them: “Helping people restore relationships with others is part of the healing process.”

In 2010 Daniel was ordained in the Mennonite Church. He and his family attend in Linville, Va.

Daniel is one of 18 graduates who received degrees on April 27. Daniel and 12 others received master of divinity degrees, four received master of arts in religion degrees, and one received a master of arts in church leadership. Six received graduate certificates.

Daniel’s story embodies what Lee Snyder PhD, president emeritus of Bluffton University, told seminary graduates in her commencement address titled “Reclaiming the Story.”

“The biblical narrative ‘is not a safe or simple story,’ but then neither are our stories safe or totally comprehensible. We join a cast of unlikely heroes, scruffy characters and needy travelers on a journey of faith. Beloved of God, we are invited into a company of individuals who have experienced the Redeemer’s transforming love.

“The church has a story which must be shared. It is ‘scripture’s grand narrative’ that allows us to abound in hope rather than to wallow in despair.”

Daniel and his classmates will enter into a variety of congregational and other ministries upon graduation. Some will continue in ministry roles they have now, and others will embark upon new ventures, as Daniel plans to do by launching a local chapter of U-Turn for Christ.

Snyder Returning to 91��Ƶ as Interim Provost

Jim Bishop — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Lee F. Snyder, 91��Ƶ interim provost (Photo by Barbara Schwartz)

A former vice president and academic dean at 91��Ƶ will return to serve as interim provost for the 2008-09 school year.

91��Ƶ President Loren Swartzendruber announced that Dr. Lee F. Snyder will begin serving Aug. 25 in the second highest administrative post at the university.

She succeeds Dr. Beryl H. Brubaker, who is retiring this summer after 37 years as a faculty member and administrator.

The provost gives overall guidance to the undergraduate and graduate academic programs of the university as well as Eastern Mennonite Seminary, various auxiliary programs and the Adult Degree Completion Program.

"I am pleased that Dr. Snyder will serve in this interim role at 91��Ƶ," Swartzendruber said. "She brings a wealth of experience to the responsibilities she will carry."

Academic Background

Snyder was vice president and academic dean of 91��Ƶ for 12 years before becoming president of Bluffton (Ohio) University, where she served with distinction from 1996 until retiring on July 31, 2006.

Snyder joined the 91��Ƶ faculty in 1974 and taught part time in the humanities and in English while serving as an assistant in the dean’s office, 1974-82.

A native of Harrisburg, Ore., Snyder attended 91��Ƶ for one year and earned a B.A. degree from the University of Oregon.

Later she received an MA in English literature and linguistics from James Madison University and a PhD in American and Victorian literature from the University of Oregon.

Her doctoral work focused on the writings of contemporary California writer Joan Didion.

Global Interests

Lee and her husband, Delbert W. Snyder, taught in Nigeria, 1965-68. Her many board and association assignments include: chair of the China Educational Exchange Board, 1989-95; chair, executive Board of Mennonite Church USA and moderator, Mennonite Health Services Alliance board of directors, 2006-present and current chair.

Assignments in Africa, Asia and Latin America have contributed to her interest in global issues and international education.

Snyder and her husband again reside in Harrisonburg, Va.

Lee Snyder Archives - 91����Ƶ News

Dianne Swann-Wright, known for historical research at Monticello, remembered for contributions to 91����Ƶ