Herm was missing. The crowd of faculty, staff, students, and alumni at Yoder Arena for Wednesday morning’s Lov91����Ƶ Pep Rally called out his name. They searched high and low. But he was nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, the roar of a motorcycle engine filled the gymnasium. Moments later, everyone’s favorite friendly blue lion glided onto the hardwood on a sleek new e-bike.

The e-bike, announced Nicole Litwiller ’19, MA ’20 (conflict transformation), Lov91����Ƶ organizer and pep rally emcee, was a new addition to the Sadie Hartzler Library, thanks to a generous donation from an 91����Ƶ alum, the diligent work of senior Joshua Stucky, and a partnership between library staff and the Shenandoah Bicycle Company. 

Starting Monday, students can check out the bike from the library at any time and “easily bike all over campus and Harrisonburg,” she said.

Herm’s dramatic entrance was just one of many memorable moments that energized the crowd with the Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day spirit. Wednesday’s pep rally had it all: a current student exclaiming her love for 91����Ƶ, a future student officially declaring 91����Ƶ as his school for next year, and performances by the previous night’s Lip-Sync Battle champions. 

“It’s sure to be the best Lip-Sync Battle this side of the Shenandoah,” promised fellow pep rally organizer and emcee Tyler Goss, director for student engagement and leadership development.

Scroll down to the bottom of this article to watch a video recording of the pep rally.

Students snagged free Lov91����Ƶ shirts shot into the crowd by the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon.

Throughout the event, engineering lab tech Henry Bowser and engineering student Max Fritts fired shirts into the stands using the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon. The launcher, which debuted at last year’s pep rally, was funded by 2019 alumni Ben, an engineering graduate, and Kayla Zook.

Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day is an opportunity to pause and celebrate all the incredible things about 91����Ƶ, which include “our amazing academic programs, our incredible athletic teams, our impactful clubs and orgs, and our supportive community as a whole,” Litwiller said. “Part of how we can express that celebration is through generosity.”

Funds from Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day benefit current and future students, faculty, and staff by making education more affordable and providing them with the facilities and resources they need to access an outstanding education. Since the first Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day in 2017, the university has raised more than $2 million on annual giving days. 

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, this year’s Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day was the best one yet, with over $402,000 raised, according to the .

The pep rally began with the premiere of the official Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day video. It celebrates the past nine giving days and sets sights on the future, featuring voiceovers from Litwiller and Marketing and Communications Project Manager Aric Berg, along with cameos from faculty, staff, students, athletes, and alumni. The video was produced by Macson McGuigan ’17.

Watch the official hype video below!

Sophomore Ari Smart speaks about finding her fit at 91����Ƶ (left) and future student Brady Crisp (right) rings the cowbell.

Ari Smart, a sophomore majoring in art education, shared her experiences at 91����Ƶ. The Stafford, Virginia, native, who serves as a Royal Ambassador and plays on the field hockey and lacrosse teams, spoke about finding her place in a community that made her feel seen, supported, and valued. “This is a place that pushes me to grow,” she said. 

Through classes that challenge her to think differently, clubs that let her explore new interests, and experiences that prepare her for the future, she has gained confidence, independence, and the ability to take initiative.

“This university has given me more than an education; it has given me a sense of belonging, a community that feels like family, and experiences I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” she said.

“It has helped me grow into a stronger, more confident version of myself, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.”

The pep rally crowd also welcomed a future Royal to the 91����Ƶ family. Brady Crisp, a senior from Fluvanna County High School who will join the men’s soccer team this fall, took part in the cherished tradition of ringing the cowbell to celebrate his commitment. 

Each time a prospective student who was in attendance on Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day paid their tuition deposit—as Crisp did—either on the day or beforehand, the university unlocked an additional $1,000 in scholarship funds. The Future Royal Challenge, funded by two graduates from the Class of 1958, raised $19,000 in scholarships on Wednesday.

The women’s volleyball (left) and lacrosse teams (right) perform lip-sync routines at the Lov91����Ƶ Pep Rally on Wednesday.

The third annual Lov91����Ƶ Pep Rally showcased performances by the top three athletic teams from the previous night’s annual Lip-Sync Battle, hosted by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The women’s basketball and lacrosse teams competed for second place, with the basketball team prevailing after a crowd vote. The women’s volleyball team, this year’s champions, combined lip-syncing with a carefully choreographed routine to a medley of songs from High School Musical.

Senior Admissions Counselor Lexi Fotis-Brown MA ’25 (organizational leadership) led this portion of the pep rally, hyping up the teams and the crowd. “Absolutely electric,” she told the teams. “Just remember, you’re all winners in my heart.”

Earlier in the event, emcees Litwiller and Goss exchanged some lighthearted banter. 

Goss said, “Wait, so you’re telling me we do all this to make the student experience at 91����Ƶ the best it can be? What are you going to tell me next? That the generosity of donors helps fund student scholarships, improve campus facilities, and even keeps the lights on?”

“I mean, yeah, you said it,” Litwiller replied.

Watch a recording of the pep rally below!

Before the clock struck midnight on Wednesday, April 2, Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day 2025 achieved its fairy tale ending. A generous outpouring of support from all members of the 91����Ƶ community—alumni, faculty, staff, current and prospective students, and friends—resulted in a record-breaking $365,313 raised by 360 unique donors during the ninth annual 24-hour extravaganza. That total surpasses the $350,000 goal set by Lov91����Ƶ organizers and tops the $340,512 raised last year (a 7% increase).

Donors gave early and often, unlocking all $152,000 in challenge match funds for The University Fund, student scholarships, athletics, facilities, and intercultural programs. Because 27 prospective students who registered to attend Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day paid their tuition deposits, donors matched their commitment by contributing $27,000 to student scholarships. That’s nearly double the $15,000 raised for that challenge last year!

The 2025 Lov91����Ƶ leaderboard competition was fierce and fun-spirited, with the winners named below:

Academic program

• First place ($1,000 prize): Education
• Second place ($500 prize): Music
• Third place ($250 prize): Business and leadership

Student club/organization

• First place ($1,000 prize): SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Council)
• Second place ($500 prize): Earthkeepers
• Third place ($250 prize): Pickleball

Athletic team

• First place ($1,000 prize): Men’s soccer
• Second place ($500 prize): Women’s volleyball
• Third place ($250 prize): Men’s volleyball

Nicole Litwiller, annual giving and donor communication specialist, said that a highlight for her was seeing the whole 91����Ƶ community come together to embrace their pride for 91����Ƶ. “There were some moments yesterday where we were coming down to the wire to meet a challenge goal, but without fail, our community came through and helped us unlock every single one,” she said on Thursday. “Thanks to their support, Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day was a huge success, and we once again beat last year’s record. I’m so grateful for everyone who showed their support.”

Seeing septuple?!

Four 91����Ƶ staff members and two students channeled their inner Royal-in-chief for the first-ever President Huxman Lookalike Contest, held on Monday at the Student Union to kick off Lov91����Ƶ week. The contest honored Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who has served as 91����Ƶ’s ninth president since 2017 and is retiring this summer. Tyler Goss, director for student engagement and leadership development, hosted the competition, dispensing with his typical flair for the dramatic. 

The half-dozen contestants modeled their blue outfits and recited their favorite Huxmanisms. Determined by raucous cheers and selected by Huxman herself as judge, the winners of the contest, students Mana Acosta and Leah Beachy—the latter of whom wore a bald cap to portray Huxman’s husband—received an offer of a fancy dinner at the president’s residence along with three guests of their choice. 

“It’s spooky because I use all of those words,” Huxman said, before announcing her pick. “You all used the correct enunciation and everything.” Following the contest, Litwiller announced that the Lov91����Ƶ Early Challenge had been reached, which unlocked $10,000 toward The University Fund. for more photos from the event.

Getting hyped at Herm’s House

By the time the second annual Lov91����Ƶ pep rally began at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, donors had already contributed more than $54,000, or about 15%, of the day’s fundraising goal. The event, held at Yoder Arena, started with a screening of the official 2025 Lov91����Ƶ video (watch it on YouTube) featuring some of your favorite campus characters. Frequent emcee duo Braydon Hoover and Deanna Reed hyped up the crowd. 

Naomi Kratzer, an 91����Ƶ junior from Goshen, Indiana, majoring in music performance and history, shared her own “Royal Tale” leading her to 91����Ƶ. For more Royal Tales of students and alumni, check out our series of stories here. As she decided on which college to attend, the Mennonite-raised Kratzer “began scouring” the five Mennonite colleges in the U.S. It was 91����Ƶ’s campus that kept catching her eye, she said, due to its beautiful setting in the Shenandoah Valley, its strong music education program and its vibrant student community. “My story didn’t begin when I stepped onto campus, and neither did any of yours,” she said. “But 91����Ƶ is known to be a home for all of our vastly diverse, chaotic, and ever-complicating plots. 91����Ƶ’s resilience is in the people.”

In a dazzling display of musical mastery, Goss, dressed as the jester from the Lov91����Ƶ video, pulled a flute from his sleeve and performed the theme to Sesame Street. He was joined by Makinto, an internationally known musician and seminary student, who challenged him to a flute battle. Watch the pep rally . The flute duel begins at the 38-minute mark.

Royal Tales 

A Royal Tales panel discussion hosted by Litwiller with 91����Ƶ professors Dr. Gaurav Pathania, Dr. Benjamin Bergey ’11, and Dr. Kate Clark ’07 detailed their journeys to 91����Ƶ, the challenges they’ve overcome, what excites them about the future, and what they love most about 91����Ƶ. 

Clark graduated from 91����Ƶ’s nursing program, worked as a nurse for several years, and then returned to teach at 91����Ƶ in 2011. She gave a shout-out to the Graham Central Station ice cream flavor at the cafeteria—“I’ve never had it anywhere else,” she said—and added that her job at 91����Ƶ is the best one she’s ever had. “I love that 91����Ƶ has a point of view,” she said. “It’s a place that has a perspective. … I love working for a place that I feel stands for something, and it’s something that’s important and needed in the world.”

Sanctuary of sound

Music Professor Ben Guerrero led tours of the new recording studio inside the Astral Hall on top of the 91����Ƶ hill. Built in 1955, the former lecture hall was once home to the astronomy society. Starting in the early ’70s, it housed the WEMC radio station run by 91����Ƶ students and staff. Today, it’s a state-of-the-art studio with two isolation rooms and a Dolby Atmos control room for mixing immersive or 3D audio. The space can be used to produce full records, music videos, and informational and instructional videos. The studio officially opens this fall.

A ‘wheelie’ good time

91����Ƶ students, staff, and anyone daring enough to brave a gauntlet of projectiles and obstacles took part in a race around the indoor track, modeled after the popular Mario Kart video game. Participants rode scooters, dodging yoga balls and dodgeballs, grabbing prize boxes, and weaving their way around aerobics step platforms and hurdles laid out on the track, to fight their way to the finish line. Meanwhile, on the Yoder Arena courts down below, the 91����Ƶ men’s volleyball team won a five-set thriller over Randolph College.

Challenges (all unlocked)

Lov91����Ƶ Early Challenge: We received more than 120 gifts (100 gifts were needed) before the start of Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day to unlock $10,000 for scholarships. 

Loyal Royal Challenge: 91����Ƶ alumni gave more than 270 gifts (250 gifts were needed) over the 24-hour span to unlock $20,000 for The University Fund.

Friends of 91����Ƶ Challenge: Non-alumni deepened their commitment to 91����Ƶ by contributing more than 180 gifts (175 gifts were needed) throughout the day and unlocking $15,000 for scholarships.

Future Royal Challenge: Because 27 prospective students who registered to attend Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day paid their tuition deposit, we unlocked $27,000 for scholarships.

Rise ’N Shine, Royals! Challenge: Early birds helped reach this challenge by giving more than 80 gifts (75 gifts were needed) between 6 and 9 a.m. to unlock $15,000 for The University Fund. 

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fund Our Facilities Challenge: Donors demonstrated giant-sized generosity by awarding at least 65 gifts (65 gifts were needed) between 10 a.m. and noon to unlock $15,000 for improvements to campus facilities.

What Magnificent Academics We Have! Challenge: To celebrate 91����Ƶ’s stellar smarts, supporters donated at least 100 gifts (100 gifts were needed) between noon and 3 p.m. to unlock $15,000 for scholarships.

A Whole New World Challenge: 91����Ƶ’s intercultural programs have impacted thousands of graduates, offering opportunities to engage in different cultures, build global relationships and experience a new perspective. Donors contributed 80 gifts (75 gifts were needed) between 5 and 7 p.m. to unlock $10,000 for intercultural programs. 

The Mighty Royals Challenge: Athletics supporters showed their love for 91����Ƶ sports by pitching in 60 gifts (50 gifts were needed) between 7:30 and 9 p.m. to unlock $10,000 for 91����Ƶ Athletics.

Before The Clock Struck Midnight Challenge: 91����Ƶ’s night owls stayed up late to celebrate, giving at least 100 gifts (100 gifts were needed) between 9 p.m. and midnight to unlock $15,000 for The University Fund.

Thanks to everyone who donated, shared of their time to celebrate their love of all things 91����Ƶ, and joined in the festivities on campus! Special thanks to the Lov91����Ƶ planning team: Arelys Martinez Fabian, Genesis Figueroa, Tyler Goss, Cassie Guerrero, Liz Heilbronner, Steven Johnson, Luke Litwiller, Nicole Litwiller, and Arushi Sachan; Advancement; Marketing & Communications; Student Government Association; Undergraduate Admissions & Royal Ambassadors; 91����Ƶ Facilities; Pioneer College Caterers; Athletics; Information Technology; and all other faculty, staff and students who provided support by creating decorations or volunteered their time to help with events.

For more photos from the day’s events, swipe through our gallery below:

This year’s Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day was an out-of-the-park grand slam, and we’re not just talking about the one hit by a Royals slugger at Wednesday’s baseball game.

The eighth annual giving day extravaganza, held on Wednesday, April 10, was bigger than previous years — featuring a number of new events that amped up the Lov91����Ƶ spirit — and raised more money than ever before. A total of $340,512 was raised throughout the 24-hour event, cruising past the $325,000 goal set by organizers and eclipsing the $300,915 raised last year (a 13% increase).  

“I am blown away by the support from this community,” said Lov91����Ƶ organizer Nicole Litwiller ’19, MA ’20 (conflict transformation), annual giving and donor communication specialist. “Not only did we raise over $340,000, which is in itself a massive accomplishment, but we also saw the 91����Ƶ community (from current students, to alumni, to faculty and staff) show up for this day to make each event special and full of joy.”

91����Ƶ students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends shared what they loved most about 91����Ƶ online (using the #91����ƵGivingDay and #StrongerTogether hashtags) and on campus. They showed up and showed out at Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day events held throughout the day. And, they gave like never before, unlocking all $125,000+ of challenge match funds for The University Fund, student scholarships, athletics, and Royal Women for 91����Ƶ.

This year saw the return of the leaderboard competition. For every $10 donation they made, supporters could vote for an academic program, student club/organization and athletic team. The winners of those categories — Music (85 votes), The Weather Vane (37 votes), and Men’s Soccer (192 votes) — each won $1,000. View the second-place and third-place winners, which received $500 and $250, on the Lov91����Ƶ website at .

Here’s a recap of the events and unlocked challenges that made Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day 2024 a smashing success:

Events

Inspired by the ’80s theme in our leading up to the event, folks at 91����Ƶ showed up to campus looking like they just left an aerobics workout class — think teased hair, neon blue eyeshadow and neon windbreakers, warm-up jackets, legwarmers and headbands — while rocking out to hits from the decade.

Those attending the morning’s pep rally got a sweet start to their day with doughnuts (each representing the cost of an 91����Ƶ education that donors cover). The 91����Ƶ pep band added electricity to the first-ever Lov91����Ƶ pep rally, while emcees Braydon Hoover ‘11, MA ‘21 (organizational leadership) and Harrisonburg, Virginia, Mayor Deanna Reed pumped up the crowd. 

An alumna, a current student and an admitted student each shared what they love about 91����Ƶ. Nora Osei ’15, an 91����Ƶ basketball and soccer player who now works as director of growth and partnerships for Nike Sports Camps, shared her tips for finding success. “You don’t have to be a standout athlete or student at 91����Ƶ to find success,” she told the crowd. 91����Ƶ senior psychology major and multi-sport athlete Kate Landis talked about the highlights of her last four years at 91����Ƶ. Admitted student Megan Smith said she had visited 10 other colleges and did not consider 91����Ƶ as a possibility. But, after seeing the clean campus, enjoying the good food at the dining hall and learning about the strong nursing program, she said 91����Ƶ felt like home. “My mom and I got back into our car and we looked at each other and said, ‘This is the right place,’” said Smith.

Then, for a memorable moment from the day as President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman donned safety glasses and a poncho in preparation for a pie to the face. Because we surpassed our goal set in the We’ve Got Spirit Challenge, we unlocked $10,000 to The University Fund and got the honor of watching Herm pie the president. As it turns out, Herm has great aim! Watch a of the pep rally on the 91����Ƶ Facebook page. 

Following the pep rally, a team of faculty and staff faced off against students in ���DZ����ѱ�’s first-ever game of dodgeball. The faculty/staff team left the court victorious after one game. Yoder Arena’s courts then opened up for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and the climbing wall. 

Also new this year was the addition of Admitted Student Day to the Lov91����Ƶ Day and SGA Day festivities. More than 20 admitted students visited the campus for the day, taking tours, learning about programs at the University Fair and panel discussions and participating in the spirited Lov91����Ƶ events. It was, what President Huxman called, “a trifecta day.” When Herm was asked about how the day was going, he gave an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

91����Ƶ 475 people soaked in the spring sunshine and enjoyed food, fun and fellowship at the Lunch & Lawn Party held on Thomas Plaza. They played lawn games on the grass and competed in contests such as the egg toss.

As mentioned at the beginning of our recap, Wednesday’s baseball game featured a grand slam from utility player Alex Gulisano as the Royals defeated the Fighting Squirrels of Mary Baldwin in a 12-2 drubbing. Another highlight of the game was infielder Ethan Spraker’s inside-the-park home run. The game drew a large crowd, who enjoyed treats from the Ott Street Eats food truck courtesy of the SGA.

Hundreds of people from all ages and backgrounds celebrated the funds rolling in at a barbecue cookout held in the evening in front of the University Commons. Grillmaster Dennis Showalter ’73, president of the Alumni Council, served up fresh burgers and hot dogs. The Rain Pickers, a trio of strings musicians and 91����Ƶ alumni, performed live music while hungry Royals chowed down. Pioneer College Caterers provided their services for lunch and dinner.

The Lov91����Ƶ energy continued well into the night, fueled by a karaoke sing-off contest judged by Professor Daniel Showalter, Security Officer Elizabeth Jones, Mayor Reed and Herm. Each of the winning clubs received $100! International Students Organization (ISO) won Most Engaging/Best All-Around, Asian-Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APISA) won Most 91����Ƶ Love, and Queer Student Alliance (QSA) and Latino Student Alliance (LSA) split the winnings from the Best Theme category. 

Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day came to a close with a biscuits and jam bar and live music from talented musicians in the Student Union. Litwiller said a highlight of her day came when time was nearing midnight in the Student Union with several students who stuck it out. “When we surpassed $340,000, cheers erupted, Tyler Goss started playing ‘We Are the Champions’ over the speakers, and everyone sang along in celebration,” Litwiller said. “It was a beautiful moment to be a part of, and reminded me of why we do this work: To support these amazing students. I’m filled with gratitude today.”

Challenges

Early Challenge: Before the day even started, the gifts came rolling in. We received at least 100 gifts before the start of Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day to unlock $10,000 to student scholarships. 120+ out of 100 gifts needed were given!

Loyal Royal Challenge: 91����Ƶ alumni gave more than 250 gifts over the 24-hour span to best the goal set for this challenge and unlock $15,000 to The University Fund. 252 out of 250 gifts needed were given!

Stronger Together Challenge: Non-alumni deepened their commitment to 91����Ƶ by making at least 175 gifts throughout the day and unlocking $15,000 to student scholarships. 202 out of 175 gifts needed were given!

Future Royal Challenge: Because 15 prospective students attending Lov91����Ƶ Giving Day paid their tuition deposit, we unlocked $15,000 to The University Fund.

Wake Me Up Before You Give-Give Challenge: Early birds helped reach this challenge by giving 75 gifts between 6 and 9 a.m. to unlock $10,000 to The University Fund. 88 out of 75 gifts needed were given!

We’ve Got Spirit Challenge: The 91����Ƶ faithful showed their Royal pride during the pep rally by giving 50 gifts between 10 and 11 a.m. and unlocking $10,000 to The University Fund (as well as a chance to watch Herm pie the president). 54 out of 50 gifts needed were given!

Rally with Royal Women Challenge: Royal Women for 91����Ƶ, a new networking and philanthropy initiative, raises direct financial aid for students who want to attend 91����Ƶ. President Huxman matched every dollar donated up to $9,000 in this challenge between noon and 3 p.m. A total of $21,632.70 was raised during this challenge! 

The Roar Heard ’Round the World Challenge: Donors joined Herm in letting their love for 91����Ƶ be heard all around the world by awarding 75 gifts between 5 and 7 p.m. and unlocking $10,000 to The University Fund. 88 out of 75 gifts needed were given!

What’s Love Got to Do With It Challenge: Loving 91����Ƶ is not a secondhand emotion. Because we received 50 gifts between 7:30 and 9 p.m., we unlocked $10,000 to student scholarships. 52 out of 50 gifts needed were given!

Carrie Us to Midnight Challenge: Athletics supporters showed their love for 91����Ƶ sports and Athletics Director Carrie Bert by pitching in 100 donations between 9 p.m. and midnight to unlock $10,000 to the Athletics Annual Fund. 119 out of 100 gifts needed were given!

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared of their time to tell us how you Lov91����Ƶ, and joined in the festivities on campus!

For more photos from the day’s events, swipe through our below: