WHEN ML LORMEJUSTE ’25 arrived at the Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC) during the fall of 2024, he admits he wasn’t there to make friends. “I was just there to do what I needed to do and move on,” recalled the public health major. As the semester progressed, Lormejuste was nudged out of his comfort zone by social outings and group activities—and found himself forming close friendships with his eight housemates and discovering the value of community. Reflecting on that semester spent in Washington, DC, he said, “I love that group… They became a part of me.” 

Lormejuste is one of more than 1,000 students whose lives have been transformed through 91����Ƶ’s longest-running intercultural program, which is celebrating its 50th year of connecting students with internships, urban studies coursework, and shared community life. Launched in 1976, the program originally operated as the Washington Study-Service Year (WSSY) until 2002, when it was renamed Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC) as part of a shift from a yearlong format to three shorter terms per year. 

These transitions have allowed the program to stay relevant and responsive. Program staff spent the past two years gathering input for a new name from its alumni, 91����Ƶ students, and campus faculty and staff stakeholders. In April, the Provost’s Council and President’s Cabinet approved rebranding the program to the 91����Ƶ Washington Semester. 

The 91����Ƶ Washington Semester offers fall and spring semester terms and a 10-week summer session. It remains the only urban studies program among Anabaptist-affiliated institutions and draws students from schools across the country, including Bethel College, Bluffton University, Goshen College, and Viterbo University. 

Living, learning, and launching careers

Up to 15 students in the 91����Ƶ Washington Semester share cooking responsibilities, manage a collective food budget, and work together to maintain their home at the Nelson Good House in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast DC. Alumni over the past five decades point to their experiences in the program as a highlight of their college careers, if not their lives. 

“I never realized what a great program this was. I learned valuable lessons in adulting, from navigating a large city to living in community,” said Meredith Lehman ’25, 91����Ƶ’s first Rhodes Scholar. 

Like many students, her internship paved the way to a future career opportunity. She interned at the Institute for Policy Studies this spring and returned to DC over the summer to work as a fellow at the progressive think tank. “Everyone should do this program, no matter their major,” said Lehman, who double majored in political science and biology. 

Cynthia Lapp ’86, a music education graduate and pastor at Hyattsville Mennonite Church in Maryland, has benefited from the program in multiple ways. She was a student from 1983 to 1984, later served on staff for four years, and continues to support program interns at her church. Many of those interns have gone on to become pastors themselves. 

Lapp said her internship at Elizabeth Seton High School opened the door to a teaching position after college. She added that the program is especially meaningful for students new to community living. “Surrounding ourselves with people from different cultures and backgrounds helps us see beyond the way we think and live, including how our decisions impact those around us.” 

Some students find their perfect match through the program—not just professionally, but romantically. Alumnus Micah Shristi ’00, an English major who now works as director of International Student Services at 91����Ƶ, met his wife, Charlotte Gingerich Shristi, a Goshen College alumna, while in the program from 1998 to 1999. Many of his housemates from that year are among his closest friends, including Nathan Musselman ’00, who now lives next door. 

“What’s wild is that there’s another couple from our year,” he said. “Jenelle Hershey ’99 and Keith Hoover ’00 also got married after their time together in the program.” 

A ‘Good’ start 

In the fall of 1976, a scrappy academic program began immersing students in the cultured community of the nation’s capital. Nelson Good ’68, who came to DC as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, founded and directed the program until his retirement in 1987. 

The program, like the city around it, has seen plenty of changes. From the shift to three shorter terms and an accompanying name change in 2002 to a 2005 move from South Dakota Avenue to its current location on Taylor Street, the program has continued to evolve to meet the needs of its students and an ever-changing higher education landscape. 

“The new name more clearly communicates the program as a university-run academic offering, is grounded in the context of our nation’s capital, and is easy to remember and say. It also aligns with common naming conventions used by other universities’ DC-based programs, making it more recognizable regionally and beyond,” said Ryan Good, 91����Ƶ Washington Semester director and son of the late Nelson Good. 

While evolving, the program has remained committed to supporting students’ personal and career development. Students consistently report leaving the program with improved professional confidence, greater clarity about career direction, more comfort in working with people who are different than they are, and increased awareness of systemic injustices, said Good. 

“Dad would be thrilled to see the ways this program has evolved over the years. Though much has changed, the bones of the program he envisioned remain the same… supporting students as they make sense of who they are in a complex world, both personally and professionally.” 

Two events will celebrate the program’s 50th anniversary: a reunion during Homecoming 2025 on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1-3 p.m. in the Student Union, and a spring gathering at the Nelson Good House on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. 

For more information about the 91����Ƶ Washington Semester, visit:

This story appears in the Summer 2025 issue of Crossroads magazine.

Aram Hanson, an instructor in 91����Ƶ’s 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.  

“It seems that many people here liked our food, and that feels great,” 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����Ƶ staff member Amina Anwar for her Pakistani biryani.

Since winning last year’s 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. “We enjoy the whole vibe and like trying different types of food from different countries,” 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����Ƶ 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����Ƶ.

“A diversity of cultures, languages, and belief systems make our 91����Ƶ community stronger,” he said. “Nothing demonstrates this more deliciously than the International Food Festival.”

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. “I think it’s great,” she said while in line for cheesecake. “It’s really interesting to try food from other countries, and I think it’s a great alternative to the usual everyday ‘caf’ food that people get.” She said that Bethel has a very diverse student body, but does not have a similar food festival of its own.

While 91����Ƶ 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. “That Kurdish food was bussin, and you can quote me on that,” said Beachy, using a slang term for “delicious.”

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. “I love the diversity that 91����Ƶ brings and has brought historically to Harrisonburg,” the vice mayor said. “Part of the reason we are such an international city is specifically and directly because of 91����Ƶ and the work they do around the world.”

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. 

“These flags are more than fabric,” said 91����Ƶ senior and ISO co-President Fiker Yigzaw. “They are a testament to the stories, journeys, and contributions of our international students, past and present. Let’s continue to learn from one another, share in the joy of cultural exchange, and embrace the vibrant global spirit that unites us all.”

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

Last weekend, the 91����Ƶ community honored approximately 30 students at the sixth annual Donning of the Kente Ceremony.

The ceremony, always the first of the, recognizes and rewards achievement; honors those who contributed to the grad’s success; connects grads to their heritage; and encourages them to continue striving for excellence.

The ceremony was live in Martin Chapel, but limited to participants and their honorary donors. The new livestream format enabled friends and family, and a few honored donneers, from around the world to share in the joy of the moment, sending messages of love and support through the chat. [View the recording of the ceremony on .]

The ceremony, which is voluntary and open to all, celebrates the achievements of graduating seniors who recognize their international roots. Each graduate receives a stole of kente cloth, a symbol of prestige in many African societies, handwoven for each graduate, or a satin sash with flags from the countries they feel a connection with.

Each student selects an individual to place the stole or sash around his or her neck. Many seniors choose to wear the stole at commencement as an important component o f their academic regalia.

Hosts of the ceremony were Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services and special advisor to the president on diversity, equity and inclusion, and Micah Shristi, director of international student services. David Berry, professor of music, contributed musical selections, and Brian Martin Burkholder, campus pastor, gave the blessing.

Participants 

Nana Akyaa Okyere Acheampong, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, Va., donned by Kennedy Akwo 

Justice Allen, a recreation sports management major from Waynesboro, Va., donned by Bob Hepler, cross country and track coach

Josephine Awotoye, from Brooklyn Park, Minn., graduating with an MS in biomedicine and donned by Laura Otieno

Akiel Baker, a social work major from Bowie, Md., donned by Celeste Thomas

Luz Contreras, from McGaheysville, Va., graduating with an MS in biomedicine, donned by Professor Beth Good (nursing)

Maya Dula, a biology major from Lancaster, Pa., donned by Celeste Thomas

Brandon Higgins, a psychology major from Culpepper,Va., donned by Lindy Magness, assistant director for housing and residence life  

Amanda Jasper, a social work major from Madion, Va., donned by Celeste Thomas

Terry Jones Jr, a computer science major from Palmyra, Va., donned by Professor David Berry (music)

Brenda Kasongo, an accounting major from Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo, donned by her father Louis Kasongo Olenga

Yonas Ketsala, a nursing major from Alexandria, Va., donned by Brian Martin Burkholder, campus pastor and Yonas’s spiritual mentor

Philia Lienardy, a photography major from Semarang, Indonesia, donned by her best friend Kayla Segner

Anisa Leonard, a social work major from Nairobi, Kenya, and Harrisonburg, Va., donned by Shannon Dycus, dean of students

Rodrigo Makelele, earning an MA in conflict transformation, from The Democratic Republic of Congo and Harrisonburg, Va., donned by Jayne Docherty, executive director and professor, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding

Mariana Martinez-Hernandez, a peacebuilding major from Tegucigulpa, Honduras, donned by her roommate and cousin Alexa Lorenzana

Maha Mehanna, earning a graduate certificate in business administration (2021), and an MA in organizational leadership and a graduate certificate in restorative justice (2020), from Gaza, Palestine, donned by David Brubaker, dean and professor of the School of Social Sciences and Professions

Valerie Meza-Cooper, earning an MA in Counseling from Woodstock, Va., donned by Celeste Thomas

Aminata Wallet Mohamed, earning an MA in conflict transformation from Bamako, Mali, donned by Micah Shristi

Helen Momoh, earning an MA in conflict transformation from Harrisonburg, Va., donned by her spouse Charles Kwuelum

Sidney Morgan, earning an MA Transformational Leadership from Vancouver, Wa., donned by her three children

Edith Ortega-Sanchez, a peacebuilding and development major from Torreon, Mexico, donned by her mother Maria de Ortega

Jakiran Richardson, a biology major from Virginia Beach, Va., donned by Celeste Thomas

Gene St. Val, earning an MS in biomedicine from Eden, Md., donned by Tara Kishbaugh, professor and dean of the School of Sciences, Engineering, Art and Nursing

Shakeerah Sykes, earning an MA in Counseling from Harrisonburg, Va., donned by Professor Jennifer Cline standing in for Rita Dunston, Shakeerah’s aunt.

Angela Walker, earning an MA in conflict transformation, from Amity, Ore., donned by her nephew and nieces Asia, Andrew and Aaliyah Smith

Tessa Waidelich, a computer science major from Pettisville, Ohio, donned by Charles Cooley, instructor (computer science)

Rebecca Yugga, major in Spanish language and Hispanic studies from Rockingham, Va., donned by Celeste Thomas.

*Two students’ names have been redacted for security purposes.

The Donning of the Kente ceremony is traditionally the first event of 91����Ƶ’s Commencement ceremonies.  This spring’s event, along with other graduation events, has been postponed until fall 2020.

Multicultural Student Services Director Celeste Thomas started the first ceremony four  years ago to recognize the achievements of the university’s students of color. Participation has grown and the ceremony includes many international students, and more graduate students as well. Micah Shristi, director of International Student Services and advisor to the International Student Organization, is a co-host of the event.

Graduates can opt for a stole of kente cloth or a satin sash with a flag representing a country of cultural connection. At the ceremony, the stoles are placed around the graduate by a mentor selected by the student. 

“Anyone would agree that completing a university degree takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” said Shristi. “The donning ceremony honors the fact that completing a degree while navigating cultural and language barriers, perhaps in a foreign country far from family and friends,  is an even greater accomplishment.”

The fall event will be announced in conjunction with plans for the fall commencement ceremony. Visit for updates.

Here are the 2020 graduates, with some information about their academic and extracurricular accomplishments, as well as the name of their honorary donner.

Ariel Barbosa is a Bible, religion, and theology and sociology double-major with minors in  honors and interfaith studies. She is a Cords of Distinction honoree. She held leadership positions in Latino Student Alliance, Student Government Association, the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. She was a four-year member of the soccer team. She plans to work in Washington D.C. with long-term plans of moving to Brazil, where she has family. Professor Jenni Holsinger is her honorary donner.

Tala Bautista, a graduate student in the MA in conflict transformation program at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, was involved with On the Road Collaborative, Virginia Organizing, and FUEGO. Among her contributions to 91����Ƶ and CJP was the initiation of a relationship with the indigenous Monacan Nation. She will return to the Philippines and continue work with Coffee For Peace, an organization which she co- leads as vice president. Her honorary donners are Professor Johonna Turner and Katie Mansfield, lead trainer of the STAR program. 

Kirby Broadnax, a graduate student in the MA in conflict transformation program at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, was an orientation graduate assistant, and served on the CJP 25th Anniversary Planning Committee and the 2019 Community Grounding Day Committee. She was also involved in the 2018 Indigenous People’s Day Celebration. Kirby will return to Cleveland, Ohio, to reconnect with her network and explore the potential and interest around restorative and healing-centered ways of addressing conflict. Her honorary donner is Professor Johonna Turner.

Kiana Childress graduates with degrees in communications and photography. She was involved with the Black Student Alliance, Destiny’s Daughters, and the Weathervane newspaper. Kiana also was a member of the track and field team. She plans to stay in the Harrisonburg area, pursue work in her field and earn a master’s degree. Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services,  is her honorary donner.

Diana Crespin-Gomez is a Spanish and Hispanic Studies major who was involved in Latino Student Alliance. She will intern in Washington D.C. this summer through Washington Community Scholars’ Center. Her honorary donner is Ranene Ropp, Diana’s supervisor at the 91����Ƶ post office.  

Emilio R. Fajardo, a Spanish and Biology double-major, honored Professor Kris Schmidt as his honorary donner.

Sako Haji, a computer science major and Spanish minor, played two years of soccer. She also served as tutor with Church World Service and was a member of ACM and Latino Student Alliance. Her mother Sarah Salem is her honorary donner.

Sophia Hartman is a psychology major with a neuroscience minor. She is senior class president. I work at a residential mental health facility for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board and interned with the Psychiatric Emergency Team at Sentara RMH. She plans to move to Richmond, Virginia, and explore options to enter a graduate research program. Michelle Hensley, director of financial assistance, and Zach Yoder, director of retention, were her honorary donners.

Alexus Holbert is a graduate student in the MS in biomedicine program. She plans to become a nurse practitioner, with a long-term career goal of working with genetic counselors and oncologists. Her honorary donner is Celeste Thomas,  director of multicultural student services.

Paul Kayembe is a peacebuilding and sociology major with minors in pre-law, political studies and English. His various leadership roles include president of the 91����Ƶ Rotaract, co-president of the International Student Organization, chairman of the College Republicans, and program coordinator for Black Student Alliance. He is donning himself.

Earnest Kiah, a music performance major, led the gospel choir and was active in the Black Student Union. Earnest plans to move to Atlanta, Georgia, and pursue a career in real estate. Professor David Berry is the honored donner of the stole.

Kiara Kiah, a music performance and social work double-major, was a member of the Gospel Choir and Black Student Union, secretary for Destiny’s Daughters. Kiara will move to Atlanta, Geogia, to pursue a career in social work. Her honoree donner is Melody Panell, with Destiny’s Daughters.

Donaldo Lleshi, a biology and pre-med major, is a Cords of Distinction honoree. He served as a community assistant in the residence halls for two years, and held leadership positions in the International Student Organization, Latino Student Alliance, Student Government Association, Pre-professional Health Sciences Club and Rotoract. Donaldo also worked in multiple sectors of the campus, including custodial, facilities management, residence life, the  library, cafeteria, and Common Grounds. Daniel Zimmerman, the resident assistant while Donaldo was a CA in North Lawn, will be his honorary donner.

Rodrigue Makelele earns an MA in conflict transformation. He was a community organizer at Church World Service and plans to continue organizing work after graduation. His wife, Monique Tshibola, is his honorary donner.

Juan Becerra Martinez is graduating with degrees in organizational leadership, human resource management and marketing. At 91����Ƶ, he was involved with the cycling club, while also working at Best Buy. His honorary donner is his fiance, Samatha Holly Reed.

Maha Mehanna is completing her second master’s degree at 91����Ƶ. She previously earned an MA in conflict transformation and is completing an MA in organizational leadership. Dean David Brubaker will be her honorary donner.

Justin Odom is a political science and Biblical studies major with a minor in music performance. He also earned 91����Ƶ’s highest honor, the Cords of Distinction. Justin was involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Campus Ministry Council and Creation Care Council, Gospel Choir and Celebration. He was a senator in the Student Government Association, a ministry assistant, a pastoral assistant, community advisor in the residence halls, and a member of the track and field team. Justin will intern in Washington D.C. this summer. His honorary donner is Professor Ji Eun Kim.

Kiontay Reynolds is a computer science major. She will work as a software engineer after graduation. Her honorary donner is Celeste Thomas,  director of multicultural student services.

Phoebe Swe, a psychology major with an Honors minor, was involved with student life, Common Grounds, the Summer Peacebuilding Institute, the library, and summer conferences and events. She volunteered or interned at Gemeinschaft Home and the Kids Club at Park View Mennonite Church. She will do a year of service with PULSE in Pittsburgh, Pa. Her honorary donner is Micah Shristi, director of international student services.

Juan Vazquez is a computer engineering major and a member of the soccer team. His mother, Sofia Gomez, is his honorary donner.

The club sold 140 tickets for the event and also received money in the form of donations or from the silent auction that featured student and local art.

The event featured student performers of musical performances and spoken word, including Talibah Aquil, Meechy Jay, Willow Run, and Earnest Kiah and Bruce Cypress.

Diana J. Fox, an anthropology professor at Bridgewater State University in New Jersey, delivered the evening’s keynote presentation. She highlighted many of the roots of patriarchal society and how gender norms and the oppression of women is continuing. Her speech captured many of the ways in which women are oppressed around the world.

The club recognized seniors Emmanuel Kampanga, Phoebe Coffie and Angel Mallard with the ISO Excellency Award.

Though this was the club’s fifth gala, junior Paul Kayembe, ISO president, focused on the gala as a key event. The previous gala “was more of a surprise than anything,” Kayembe said.

Throughout the school year, ISO hosted different events like Professor Storytime, with each one promoting the gala. This allowed the club to sell tickets and gauge how well they were selling. Even in the final weeks leading up to the gala, the club had to change their strategies for selling the tickets.

The year-long process came with plenty of challenges and doubts. “Financially, we faced a lot of hurdles,” Kayembe said.

Though the club received some funding from the Student Government Association, the majority of the money had to come from sponsors. The club worked hard to go around the community, finding sponsors and donors for the gala.

Kayembe hopes that more students will come to future ISO events.

“This event was the first step [towards] earning their respect so that next year when we come with this same … ambition, they will not hesitate,” Kayembe said.

Junior Gillian Zehr, who was in charge of much of the gala’s designing, was pleased with how smoothly the event ran from start to finish. “There were [no hiccups], which with any event is crazy,” Zehr said. After much stressful planning and preparation, the event wrapped up in a communal fashion. “We had a solid group of people stay around and help us clean up that weren’t a part of ISO or LSA,” Zehr said. “They were just there to help.”

In a wrap-up email, Kayembe recognized the group efforts of the following members: Adila Wahdat, Akiel Baker, Alejandra Rivera, Ally Coffey, Aminata Wallet Mohamed, Angel Mallard, Arnold Muthoki, Ayu Yifru, Brandon Higgins, Cela Hoefle, Daniel Moyer, Emmanuel Kampanga, Gillian Zehr, Heyrin Cha, Kevin Sungu, Linda Ouedraogo, Louisa Quaynor, Mario Hernandez, Maya Dula, Michaela Nichols, Phoebe Coffie, Rebecca Yugga, Skyy Brinkley, Winifred Gray-Johnson, Xhorxhina Ndoka and Micah Shristi (advisor).

Portions of this article originally appeared in April 19, 2018, issue of The Weather Vane.

Read more about ISO’s annual event below.

For fight against Ebola, international students plan fundraising event with Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee

Nobel winner headlines 91����Ƶ international student fundraiser for Ebola orphans

“Do you know what an 91����Ƶ graduate should do and be when you are no longer on campus? Think of these things, of the people who invested in you because they believed in you. … Be a very good ambassador,” he urged.

Though many of students present perhaps thought beyond impending finals to consider their future plans, the ceremony was the first time to put on their caps and gowns and the first inkling of the celebration to come. During the May 6 Commencement ceremony, each of the 33 will wear a special stole, some made of kente cloth but others of satin fabric symbolizing heritage, roots within one or various communities, or citizenship.

The formal presentation of these stoles was the reason for coming together with family, friends and 91����Ƶ community members Wednesday evening. The ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of graduating students of color as well as the history of black students’ and students of color achievements at the university, according to Multicultural Student Services Director Celeste Thomas, who started the first event three years ago.

See this event and more in 91����Ƶ’s Centennial timeline chronicling diversity on campus. 

“We gather here to honor these students, some of whom are the first of their family to graduate from college, and to wish them well on their way forward,” she said in her welcome. “For those of you who our graduates have selected to place the kente cloth over their shoulders, it is a great honor.”

Micah Shristi, co-director of international student services and advisor to the International Student Organization, and M. Esther Showalter, advisor to the Latino Student Alliance, also co-hosted the event.

Read 2017 and 2016 coverage of the event. 

Donning of the Kente participants

Eyman Alasbali is graduating with an MA in education. Her father Ghorm Alasbali and mother Abdiah Alshebri presented the stole. She plans to take additional classes for a second concentration and then return to help her community.

Genesis Arzu  is earning a degree in digital media and plans to work in a production studio as an audio engineer after graduation. Celeste Thomas presented her stole.

Natasha Bridge is earning a degree in kinesiology and exercise science. Carolyn Stauffer, professor of sociology, presented her with the stole. Natasha plans to move home and work and further her education within the next two years.

Jazmine Carter is earning a degree in business administration, and plans to attend graduate school in the spring. Andrew Miller, instructor of business, awarded her stole.

Kevin A. Clark is earning a degree in Spanish with a minor in digital communications. Ann Hershberger, professor of nursing, presented his stole.

Phoebe Coffie is earning a degree in biology. After graduation, she plans to take the MCAT and continue shadowing and volunteering, working towards medical school entrance. Micah Shristi presented her stole.

Kimberly Daley is graduating with a degree in nursing. Marcia Pusey, instructor of nursing, presented her stole. Her goal is to be debt-free within three years.

Drew Diaz is earning a degree in biology and hopes to go to medical school His mother Pam Diaz awarded the stole.

Fabiana Espinal has earned a degree in liberal arts with a concentration in psychology. Amanda Styer and Alex Bowdey presented the stole. She plans to continue to be involved in the community following an internship related to Title IX and restorative justice. She’ll begin graduate school in fall 2019.

Denait Gebretsadik is graduating with a degree in history and a minor in Spanish. She was gifted her stole by Asmait Asgedom, and it was presented by Mark Sawin, professor of history.

Jerome Jones will graduate with a degree in psychology and plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Melody Pannell, professor of sociology, presented his stole.

Maleke Jones is graduating with a degree in psychology and a minor in pre-law. He will work for a local police department. Melody Pannell presented his stole.

Emmanuel Kampanga earned a degree in biology. He plans to take the MCAT and apply for medical schools in Europe. Micah Shristi presented his stole.

Keyri Lopez-Godoy is graduating with a degree in liberal arts and a PK-6 elementary education endorsement. She will teach in Harrisonburg City Schools. Mentor Louise Gallagher presented the stole.

Luisa Angel Mallard is earning a degree in communication. She hopes to eventually earn a master’s degree in restorative justice. Micah Shristi presented her stole.

Lania McKoy will graduate with a nursing degree and a psychology minor. Lamarr Wharwood presented her with the stole. She plans to celebrate this accomplishment, study for the nursing boards and then be the best nurse she can be.

Mandy Miller is earning a degree in social work. She wants to work for two years and then return for a master’s degree. Celeste Thomas awarded her stole.

Kennedy Okerere is earning a degree in business administration. He will return to his home state of Maryland to begin a new job. Celeste Thomas awarded his stole.

Louisa Quaynor will graduate with a degree in nursing. She plans to work in a Richmond area hospital after graduation. Marcia Pusey, instructor of nursing, awarded her stole.

Alejandra Tejada Rivera is earning a degree in nursing. She plans to work at Sentara RMH in the orthopedic unit. David Diaz presented her stole.

Da’Jahnea Robinson is earning a degree in psychology. Charisse Robinson presented her with the stole. Da’Jahnea will continue her studies in the MA in Counseling program at 91����Ƶ.

Chang Tan will graduate with an MA in biomedicine. He will work as a research coordinator while preparing medical school applications. Fellow graduate student Thi Do Lovo presented his stole.

Delight Tigoe has earned a degree in accounting. Her stole was presented by Lana Miller, undergraduate campus pastor, and Andrew Miller, instructor of business.

Myneshia Walker is graduating with a degree in sociology and a minor in coaching. She plans to return to her hometown and begin working. Sandy Brownscombe, professor of physical education, presented her stole.

Adila Wahdat graduates with a degree in digital media. She will work in marketing for a jewelry company. Friend Asmait Asgedom gifted her stole and was also the presenter.

Aminata Wallet-Mohamed will graduate with a degree in sociology. Friend Asmait Asgedom gifted her stole and was also the presenter.

Alexa Weeks is earning a degree in liberal arts with licensure in elementary education. Lana Miller, undergraduate campus pastor, presented her stole. Alexa hopes to find a teaching job in the Harrisonburg area after graduation.

Brittany Williams is earning a degree in recreation, leadership and sport studies. She plans to stay in Harrisonburg and work. Celeste Thomas presented her stole.

Isaiah Harris-Winn is earning a degree in business administration. Carolyn Stauffer, professor of sociology, presented his stole. He hopes to continue his basketball career overseas.

Elizabeth Witmer is earning a degree in social work with minors in sociology and Spanish. Ann Hershberger, professor of nursing, presented her stole. She will complete her social work practicum this summer in Guatemala and then continue working as office coordinator in the Intensive English Program.

Ryan Yates is earning an MA in interdisciplinary studies and a graduate certificate in transformative leadership. He plans to move to Los Angeles, California, and “create opportunities that will live on well beyond my years.” Deanna Durham, professor of social work, and Celeste Thomas presented him with his stole.

Brianna Zook is earning a degree in kinesiology and exercise science with minors in business and coaching. Kevin Griffin, head women’s basketball coach, presented her with the stole. She plans to attend graduate school.

]]> /now/news/2017/emu-response-rescission-daca/ /now/news/2017/emu-response-rescission-daca/#comments Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:20:59 +0000 http://emu.edu/now/news/?p=34729 Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, president of 91����Ƶ, released the following statement to the campus community today [Sept. 6].

Dear 91����Ƶ community,

Like you, I am saddened and troubled by the White House decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

This program that allows children of undocumented immigrants to live, work and study in the U.S. without fear of deportation has allowed nearly 800,000 “dreamers,” (12,000 in the Commonwealth of Virginia) to contribute positively to our country and the communities in which they live. For many, this is the only country they know.

As followers of Jesus, we are committed to walk with our DACA students. They are beloved members of the 91����Ƶ family.

As a community of learners, “dreamers” have helped us become better reflective thinkers who are culturally aware and globally engaged. We are particularly proud of the nationally recognized work of Isabel Castillo, a social work undergraduate and master’s in conflict transformation alumnus who has led significant efforts to support DACA.

As peacebuilders, we are committed to work locally, globally, and nationally in the next six months to find workable solutions that bring out “the better angels of ourselves.” As members of both parties on Capitol Hill have signaled: “These students have done nothing wrong.”

The following resources are available on campus for our DACA students:

• , director of , is available via email (micah.shristi@emu.edu) or by phone at 540-432-4459
• 91����Ƶ Counseling Center – details are .

Designated scholarships for undocumented students are available at 91����Ƶ. People who wish to contribute may send a check to “Bridges to Education Scholarship Fund,” Attn: 91����Ƶ Development Office.

Additional insight about our commitment to safety and justice for international and immigrant students can be found in the issued by Provost Fred Kniss and myself following the executive order that banned immigration from specific countries.

We will continue to be a community that stands with our DACA students.