Common Grounds, 91短视频’s on-campus coffee shop, has a proud tradition of being student-led and operated. This year’s leadership team endeavored to maintain that independence by making huge adaptations for the pandemic.

“We faced a challenge with seeing how Common Grounds fit onto 91短视频’s campus,” said Sarah Rittenhouse, the shop’s marketing and events manager and a junior elementary education major. They prided themselves on offering “a space where people can come, especially commuters 鈥� during the middle of the day.” But could they still offer that safely?

It took the team two weeks at the beginning of the fall semester to adapt their physical space. General Manager Lauren Hartzler, a senior business administration and marketing major, said that included removing some seating, adding signage, installing a plexiglass shield around the coffee counter, and increasing cleaning. They’ve also had to drop popular group events, like Tuesday Trivia, that used to pack out the shop with caffeine-giddy students.

“We really needed that time to get all the new baristas on the same page,” Hartzler said. They hired 10 new student employees at the beginning of the semester to fill out the ranks of their 23-person staff.

Their very first customer this semester was Jonathan Swartz, director of residence life, student accountability, and restorative justice, ordering his usual drip coffee with half and half, hold the sugar. He visits Common Grounds two or three times a week, and not just for the coffee. 

“Really it’s also to see who’s around and have any quick conversations that I haven’t gotten the chance to have at other times,” Swartz said. “This has been especially important this COVID semester since the other opportunities to connect in person have been somewhat limited. Common Grounds has done an amazing job adjusting to new protocols and procedures for keeping a campus coffee shop running and keeping our veins coursing with caffeine.”

At first, they only offered carry-out items, which Financial Manager Ethan Beiler, a senior mechanical engineering major, said dealt a major blow to their revenue. The shop only brought in $2,400 for the month of September, but thankfully, “it’s climbed 鈥� up to $4,600 for October.”

A big part of that increase is that patrons can now eat and sip in the shop provided they stay socially distanced. 

“I think one of our biggest assets is our physical space. People love to come in and study and have a drink,” Hartzler said.

Sophomore history and political science major Shannon Cooper agrees. She visits the shop “literally every day” to do homework and sip on an iced coffee or Sweet Africa tea steamer. 

“My favorite thing about Common Grounds is their homey-vibe environment. They have nice mood lighting, the wonderful smell of coffee, and comfy seating that I bounce between through the night,” Cooper said. “They’ve adapted so well, and I think they’re especially great at being cautious of when people leave so they can clean the tables, disinfecting the pens after every use, and ensuring that people are maintaining social distancing rules.”

Another contributor to their rebounding revenue is the that Beiler built, which allows students, faculty, and staff to order Common Grounds drinks and snacks on Mondays from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Baristas walk or bike the orders to the appropriate building, leave the ordered items in a designated crate by the door, and text the customer to let them know their milkshake, latte, bagel, or tea steamer has arrived. 

Don’t forget that, besides overhauling the shop’s operations, these four have had to navigate major shifts in their entire college experience 鈥� attending a variety of class formats and living, studying, working, and eating with constant caution.

“We just want to stay open and do this COVID thing well,” said Products Manager Emma Pirrung, a senior elementary education major. For them, doing it well means preserving their cornerstone of student sovereignty. And it appears that they’re succeeding.

“Now we’ve finally hit a cruise level,” Hartzler said. “I think that is our biggest accomplishment.”

Two clubs at 91短视频 did their best to get out the vote this month ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election 鈥� and contrary to the fraught and divisive national scene, they did so harmoniously.

The effort, which included a jointly staffed booth on multiple days outside the dining hall and one virtual evening session, was intentionally 鈥渂ipartisan,鈥� according to Adam Peachey, co-president of the College Republicans, and Luke Wheeler, co-president of the Young Democrats. 91短视频鈥檚 Student Government Association, an elected group of student leaders, helped to start the conversation and contributed staffing.

鈥淪GA thought this drive would be a perfect opportunity for the political clubs on campus to lead together and show unity during this extremely polarizing election season,鈥� said Theo Yoder, SGA vice-president. 鈥淲e hope that we made a difference in our community by helping give students the opportunity to practice their right to vote. SGA is also planning to work closely with them in the future to plan more events revolving around this election.鈥�

The clubs have also met with faculty, staff and administrators to consider ways to promote respectful and civil dialogue about the debates and the election in the coming weeks. 

Publishing a joint statement, via email to the campus community, was one high-profile way that group sought to elevate discourse, urge empathy, and raise awareness about how some aspects of the current election were impacting more vulnerable members of the community, specifically those 鈥渓acking in physical safety or an empowered voice.鈥� The message lifts up 91短视频鈥檚 community-building values and a shared priority to 鈥渕ove through these next weeks rooted in the values that define 91短视频 as peacemakers rooted in Christian understandings.鈥� 

An excerpt from the 10/16 email

Intentional 91短视频 community invites us to the following actions:

• Vote! As you are eligible, participate in the important decisions impacted by all of the roles on our ballots.
• As a learning community, lean into the critical thinking and questioning invited by this political moment. 
• Hold together communication priorities of speaking for self, listening to understand, welcoming discomfort as an opportunity for self-awareness, acknowledging history that is racialized and gendered.
• Continue to affirm our Non-Discrimination Policy stating 91短视频 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. Not only do we not discriminate, but we also affirm individuals of these identities. 
• Build a relationship or have a meaningful conversation with someone who sees things differently than you.

The statement was signed by Peachey, Wheeler, SGA co-presidents Justice Allen, Anisa Leonard, Allison Shelly, Dean of Students Shannon Dycus and Provost Fred Kniss.

A convocation on Oct. 28, which will include some of these same student leaders, will focus on the value of civic engagement and 鈥減romoting community values in this politically polarized time,鈥� Peachey said. 鈥淲e want to focus on ways to depolarize or handle things in ways that people can maintain or even find new friendships despite political differences.鈥�

Also on Oct. 28, historian and author Rick Shenkman, of George Washington University鈥檚 History News Network, will speak in a University Colloquium on 鈥�Why is Democracy So @#$&!  Hard?鈥� The event from 4:15-5:15 p.m. will be livestreamed at on 91短视频鈥檚 Facebook page. 

Discussions around campus climate during this tumultuous political season began at a September meeting attended by campus leaders representing students, faculty, student life and administrators, according to political science professor Ji Eun Kim, who advises both clubs.* 

鈥淲e have specific 鈥楲ife Together鈥� commitments which help to guide us all into situations like this,鈥� said Dycus, who convened the meeting. 鈥淲e want and need our students to be engaged civically. What does it look like to listen respectfully and share our opinions in ways which show compassion and build relationships? As we all care about and contribute these discussions as contributing citizens, centering our commitments towards wisdom, accountability and Christian peacebuilding help us do this in the right spirit.鈥�

The voter registration drive was the main focus of the two clubs, especially because other events, such as debate or election night watch parties, have been difficult to plan with COVID-19 precautions for on in-person gatherings, Peachey said.

Sponsoring a voter registration drive shows that 91短视频鈥檚 student leadership holds representation at the polls to be an important individual right, the two leaders said.

鈥�…Both clubs agree that the more people that vote, the more representative our government is and that, even if the people we are registering disagree with us politically, we still want those people to be represented,鈥� Wheeler said. 鈥淥ur desire for a representative election was a big driving force for the collaboration and SGA also helped to connect us and to encourage the bipartisan effort.鈥�

The voter drive is also an effort to encourage healthy ways of participating among the student body, Peachey said. The volunteers helped students check if they were already registered, register to vote in Harrisonburg or apply for an absentee ballot, he said.鈥淓specially with covid, we want to encourage other options besides driving home to vote.鈥� 

Reflecting on his experience, Peachey said that while 91短视频 has 鈥渁 reputation as a liberal campus,鈥� he鈥檚 experienced 鈥渁 lot of affirmation of anyone expressing different views.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檝e been encouraged by a lot of discussion going on about fostering a better political environment on campus and the desire to hear from both sides of the political spectrum,鈥� he said.

For his part, Wheeler says he鈥檚 learned a lot in 鈥渞eally productive and interesting鈥� conversations with Peachey.

鈥淚 have learned that we really are not that different, even with what might seem like vastly different views on the surface,鈥� Wheeler said, adding he appreciated Peachey鈥檚 鈥渄evotion to the political process and to helping everyone to vote,鈥� even as they may not share the same political views.  

*The meeting included Peachey, Wheeler and Young Democrats co-president Reuben Peachey-Stoner; SGA co-presidents Justice Allen and Anisa Leonard; Dean of Students Shannon Dycus; Provost Fred Kniss; Director of Student Programs Rachel Roth Sawatzky; Professor Mark Sawin, president of 91短视频鈥檚 Faculty Senate; and Vice President for Advancement Kirk Shisler.

A virtual welcome, we all know, is not the same as smiles, hugs and the buzz of excitement around the start of the academic year. 

In the wake of a decision to delay move-in to residential halls because of several COVID-19 cases on campus, 91短视频 hosted a series of virtual events to welcome students and their parents and caregivers.

Members of the campus community, including administrators, contributed to two town halls, one for students and one for parents and caregivers, as well as a worship service, among other online orientation events already scheduled for the weekend. A workshop on racial justice, hosted by the Student Government Association and Black Student Alliance, capped the schedule.

Classes begin Tuesday, Aug. 25, and faculty are busy reaching out to students with details on the shift. Residential students will move in Sept. 3-6.

A panel of administrators took a range of questions during the Student Town Hall about new move-in plans, how the household model would function, symptom tracking, commuter student health and safety, and more. President Susan Schultz Huxman, Provost Fred Kniss and Dean of Students Shannon Dycus took questions sent in by students, with Director of Student Programs and Orientation Rachel Roth Sawatzky acting as host.

A similar event later in the weekend for parents and caregivers offered the opportunity to hear from Huxman, Kniss and Dycus. Vice President of Student Recruitment and Innovation Jason Good was the host.

“The decision was difficult but right,” Huxman explained, a necessary move, even at such a late stage, to protect the health and safety of 91短视频’s campus community.

The affected student leaders and staff are important contributors to setting 91短视频’s campus culture and critical to the success and welfare of the community as new students arrive, she said.

Huxman reiterated that the Virginia Department of Health and Center for Disease Control guidelines for higher education institutions do not recommend in-home or entry testing of students, faculty or staff. 91短视频 has implemented a daily symptom check and included quarantine before arrival, masking and physical distancing measures in addition to other health and safety protocols, she said.

[Visit the FAQs at for more on health and safety protocols.]

Huxman acknowledged criticism for the delay, but also offered grateful thanks for 鈥渢he outpouring of support, grace and prayers.”

Campus Pastor Brian Martin Burkholder and Campus Ministries staff hosted a Sunday worship service on the theme of worship, welcome and blessing. Two pastoral assistants and a professor offered anecdotes of belonging.

鈥淗as there been a time when you felt included and someone showed hospitality when you least expected it? Or has there been a time when you did that for someone else?鈥� said pastoral assistant Naomi Davis, echoing the theme of the service. 鈥淚 pray that is something we can pass on…I do hope 91短视频 can be that place for you, that you find clubs and spaces and moments where you are welcome, unexpectedly or when you do expect it, but that you find home here.鈥�

The service was rich with music offerings from 91短视频鈥檚 Chamber Singers and the student-led group Celebration.

Even as transition can be overwhelming, and especially such a strange one as what we鈥檙e all experiencing, Burkholder reminded listeners of the power of faith.

鈥淲e know that our life experiences, our faith and nurture has brought us to this point and God is with us. God is with each one of us. God鈥檚 love shines through and surrounds us. As you go, go inspired even in the midst of change and loss and the dynamic of an unknown future, trusting that all will be well. All will be well, even if quite different than what you imagined.鈥�

鈥淪CREAMING BINGO! COVIDeos! NEW WEEKLY PUZZLE! PEN PALS! & MORE!鈥�

Undergraduate students at 91短视频 (91短视频) are well-familiar with these raucous, all-caps subject lines hitting their inboxes like glitter-filled paintballs. The joyful missives are weekly activity updates from Tyler Goss, the assistant director of student programs and Hillside residence director.

When he鈥檚 crafting and coordinating campus-wide events, Goss knows, 鈥渋f I laugh when a new idea hits me, then that’s a sign of a worthwhile event.鈥�

Even during a pandemic, Goss is still finding ways to get students laughing, sharing, and supporting one another through virtual means. The aforementioned 鈥淪creaming Bingo鈥� has been his favorite so far 鈥� with the few students left on campus spread far apart on Thomas Plaza, other students joining from home via video chat, and Goss shouting out bingo numbers through a megaphone from the Campus Center balcony.

鈥淚t felt like the perfect event to keep things light and lively during these strange times,鈥� he says. Other recent hits include virtual trivia, live streamed yoga with Professor Justin Poole, and a blanket fort challenge.

鈥淧eople went ALL OUT!鈥� for that one, says Goss. Which is no surprise, given the which you can watch below. 鈥淓ntire basements were converted into blanket mansions with the fort being subdivided into multiple rooms.鈥�

How does he come up with these shenanigans?

鈥淚t’s sort of like the 鈥榊es, and鈥� rule of improv,鈥� says Goss, referencing the rule of thumb in theater improvisation where you build a skit by accepting what another actor just said 鈥� and then taking it further. 鈥淎 student suggests an ambitious idea to me, or a ridiculous thought hits my head, and I just go with it: 鈥榊es! That’s it鈥� and what else can we do with that!?鈥欌��

He also brainstorms with his student programs colleagues Rachel Roth Sawatzky and Shelby Alto, and student workers in the Campus Activities Council. And when he needs a bit of inspiration, social media platforms like TikTok are chock full of ideas for how to make people laugh.

Goss first came to 91短视频 as a grad student 鈥� he holds a master of divinity from the Eastern Mennonite Seminary and a master鈥檚 degree in conflict transformation from the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.

鈥淚 came to 91短视频 because I wanted to go to a quality Anabaptist seminary, but I also wanted to pursue a dual master’s degree in peacebuilding. You can’t get any better than 91短视频 for that combo,鈥� Goss said. He鈥檚 now been a residence director here for four years, and the assistant director of student programs for two years.

鈥淭yler has a great attitude and his positive spirit is infectious,鈥� said Roth Sawatzky. 鈥淗e continues his important work of building community and connecting students with each other and the broader 91短视频 experience despite our current dispersed reality.  When we initially discussed what this time would look like from a program perspective, his eyes were literally sparkling with excitement over the creative opportunities ahead.鈥�

The activities Goss organizes offer different comforts for students struggling with social distancing 鈥� ways to see familiar faces, voice concerns and questions, or just lighten up a day inundated with Zoom-based classwork. Ultimately, though, 鈥渂eing so distant from one another is hard, so we are trying to sustain the connectedness 91短视频 is known for,鈥� says Goss.

That connectedness is more important now than ever, although it takes a bit more creativity and technology to curate. To quote one of Goss鈥檚 tongue-in-cheek emails, 鈥淎s Eleanor Roosevelt once said, 鈥榯he internet can’t stop me!鈥欌��

.

Applied Social Sciences Department

Rachel Crist, Sarah Boshart, Harrison Horst and Samantha Jacob received honor cords signifying their membership into the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society from Dr. Carolyn Stauffer and Dr. Jenni Holsinger. 91短视频鈥檚 new chapter joins 650 other college chapters.

Biology and Chemistry Department

Janaya M. Sachs was named Outstanding Senior Chemistry Student, the highest award given to a chemistry/biochemistry major who demonstrates high academic achievement, significant research experience and the potential to contribute to the field. She will be recognized with other outstanding senior chemistry majors by the Virginia Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and was given a Merck Index by the ACS and the Merck Company. Read more about one of听 .

Tyler D. Denlinger and Robert H. Propst earned recognition as the Outstanding Senior Biology students, the highest award to acknowledge exceptional academic, scholarly and service accomplishments throughout a student鈥檚 career at 91短视频. The award also recognizes characteristics of initiative, wisdom, diligence, collegiality and integrity.

Kaylee M. Ferguson was given the Outstanding Service Award. Consideration is given to scholarship across the entire 91短视频 career, including research outside of the 91短视频 context, as well as qualities of leadership, citizenship, compassion, a commitment to working with others and the ability to place their 91短视频 experience with the context of service.

Diego C. Barahona earned the Excellence in Research Award for his exceptional performance in independent research, demonstrating initiative, integrity, knowledge of subject and high technical aptitude. Read more about one of his .

Leah C. Lapp was recognized as outstanding first-year chemistry student. Mario J. Hernandez was named outstanding second-year biology student.

Winners of the STEM poster contest, upperclass division are: first, Samantha Kauffman and Marchelle Smucker; second, Eli Wenger; third, Diego Barahona; honorable mention, Tyler Brenneman; Kyle Johnson and David Nester; Aron Harder, Austin Engle, Dylan Grove, James Paetkau, Ben Zook, Andrew Troyer and Collin Longenecker.

Winners of the STEM poster contest, underclass division are: first, Leah Lapp and Melissa Kinkaid; second, Seth Weaver and Jared Bergman; third, Linda Ouedraogo and Caroline Lehman.

Bible and Religion Department

The winners of an essay contest in the field of Bible, theology, church history and philosophy, sponsored by Haverim, the alumni association of Bible and Religion Department, were recognized. Justine Nolt won $300 and first place for her analysis of Eucharistic theology. Christina Hershey won $200 and second place for her treatment of Lancaster Mennonite Conference鈥檚 decision to leave Mennonite Church USA.听Janaya Sachs was awarded $100 and third place for her exegesis of 1 Corinthians 5.

Center for Justice and Peacebuilding

听The following students were recognized by Executive Director Daryl Byler: Caitlin Morneau, for publication of an article on restorative justice; Kajungu Mturi, for his work with Harrisonburg High School鈥檚 Peer Leaders program; Matt Tibbles, for work with youth at Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Boys and Girls Club; Jennifer Chi Lee, for overall leadership to CJP; and Myriam Aziz, Sho Igawa, Christine Kindler, Agnes Chen and Isabel Castillo for their Arts and Peacebuilding film productions.

Education Department

Five students were selected as Teachers of Promise by Don Steiner, interim department chair: Dorothy Hershey, Rebekah Hertzler, Erick Luna, Miranda Lyle and Amy Nussbaum. Teachers of Promise is a statewide honor recognizing gifted pre-service teachers.

Paul Lankford was awarded the Courage to Teach award, which is modeled after the principles of Quaker educator Parker Palmer. 鈥淧aul was selected for his dedication and effectiveness in teaching, genuine caring for students, value-based and highly principled behaviors, reflective thought and practice and a passion for teaching,鈥� Steiner said. Lankford was awarded a copy of Palmer鈥檚 Courage to Teach book.

History Department

Robert Cook was awarded the Outstanding History Student for his essay on Rockbridge County schools integration. A future social studies educator, he was awarded a copy of A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor.

Language and Literature Department

The following awards were presented by department chair Mike Medley:

• The Ray Elvin Horst Award for Excellence in Spanish: Maddie Gish
• Jay B. Landis Award (Literary essay): Jasmine Miller
• The Ervie L. Glick Award for Excellence in World Language Study: Anna Messer
• James Bomberger Award (TESOL): Jasmine Miller
• Carroll Yoder Award (English teaching): Quinn Kathrineberg
• Omar Eby Award (Creative writing): Kaitlin Abrahams

Mathematical Sciences Department

Junior Aron Harder was the winner of the department鈥檚 mathematics contest. Harder also won this contest as a first-year student. His prize was what Professor Owen Byer described as a 鈥渕ath geek鈥� t-shirt. Second place went to first-year Austin Engle.

Seven members of the Engineers for a Sustainable World club won first place in the first- and second-year undergraduate design team division at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Zone 2 Conference early March in Puerto Rico. Ben Zook, Dylan Grove, James Paetkau, Collin Longenecker, Austin Engle, Ben Stutzman and Andrew Troyer were recognized for their work.

Music Department

Jon Bishop was recognized as the Outstanding Senior in Music Composition Award. Jacinda Stahly earned the Outstanding Senior in Music Performance award.

Nursing Department

Professors Audrey Myers and Ann Schaeffer, Nursing Student Association (NSA) sponsors, presented the department鈥檚 annual awards.

Nina Simmons was given the Leadership Award, for her work in the NSA to involve all levels of students. She will work after graduation in the intensive care unit at Augusta Health.

Abbie Luther was given the Sacred Covenant Award. The sacred covenant is a model of nursing that honors the relationship between the nurse and the patient. 鈥淣ursing has shaped me and continues to shape me into embodying Christ in my everyday life,鈥� said Luther. 鈥淥ne of the biggest reasons I decided to study nursing was because it allowed me to be the hands and feet of Jesus. As my future as a nurse unfolds, my hope is that I stay grounded in this simple truth. Kindness, presence, grace, love and compassion will be my guiding light.鈥�

Leona Good听earned the Academic Achievement Award. 鈥淣ursing school has challenged me to step up because I know that my knowledge and education impacts the care I am able to give others. I am driven by the desire to be the best nurse I can be for my patients. As my journey into nursing begins this next year, I am looking forward to how my career will allow me to offer myself and form relationships with people in their most vulnerable times.鈥�

Visual and Communication Arts and Theater Department

Lila Marks received the Matthew Alan Styer VaCA Scholarship Grant for excellence and dedication to photography. 鈥淟ila is a passionate and compassionate documentary photographer of human encounters,鈥� said Steven David Johnson, department chair. Johnson added that Marks is an excellent student, receptive to critique and already approaching photography with a critical and professional acumen and interest. She is pursuing a vocation in humanitarian documentary photography.

The cast of earned a Certificate of Merit for Ensemble Acting from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The cast includes Jeremiah Hines, Dylan Peachy, Collin Dutt, Abigail Greaser, Emma Roth, Clara Bush, Robert Weaver and Esther Ajayi.

Greaser and Bush earned nominations for the Irene Ryan Acting Competition. Roth is an alternate.

Ezrionna Prioleau was recognized for her outstanding work in stage management for The 39 Steps and recommended for the KCACTF national competition in stage management.

Academic Success Center and Writing Program

Janaya Sachs was honored as Tutor of the Year. 鈥淪he has been a chemistry, mathematics, Bible and general-whatever-I-can-help-you-with-I-will-help-you-with tutor,鈥� said Linda Gnagey, director of the Academic Success Center. 鈥淲e want to thank Janaya for three years of support for many different students at many different academic levels and departments.鈥�

Graduating tutors were also recognized: Kaylee Ferguson (biology), Leona Good (nursing), Jacob Hertzler (computer science), Andre Kalend (biology and history), Lamar Kiser (nursing), Timothy Martin (mathematics) and Sam Miller (biology). Quinn Kathrineberg and Luisa Miller were recognized by Professor Vi Dutcher, director of the Writing Program.

Common Grounds Coffeehouse

鈥淐ommon Grounds Coffeehouse is routinely blessed to be led by exceptional students who give boundless creative energy and passion to their shared work,鈥� said Rachel Roth Sawatzky, student programs director. She recognized three of the five managers who are seniors: Stephanie Anders, events manager; Maddie Gish, operations manager; and Ryan Thomas, finance manager.

Read more about their contributions .

Student Government Association

The spring 2017 executive council was recognized: Quinn Kathrineberg, president; Mario Valladares, vice president; Keyri Lopez- Godoy, secretary; Rachel Holderman, vice president of marketing; and Tyler Denlinger, treasurer.

Spring 2017 senators are Dera Nwankwo, Nicole Litwiller, Rebecca Cardwell, Val Hernandez, Seth Weaver, John Sanchez, Ali Zuercher, Carlos Garcia, Lamar Kiser, Leah Wenger, Luke Mullet, Caroline Lehman, and Victoria Barnes.

Campus Activities Council

Seniors Ali Hartzler and Jeremiah Robinson were recognized by Mike Yoder, assistant director of student programs and orientation for their commitment and dedication to providing creative and positive entertainment that engages the entire student body. Hartzler has been involved for two years with the tech department and as vice-president this year. Robinson joined CAC this year. Both have been instrumental in planning a variety of events, including the Color Run at Homecoming, the Presidents Ball, and Springfest.

Campus Ministries

Pastoral assistants were recognized: Rachel Breidigan, Maddie List, Grayson Mast, Janaya Sachs, Hannah Shultz, Alexa Weeks and Brittany Williams.

Ministry assistants were recognized: Sarah Regan, Bekah Mongold, Madalynn Payne, Nathaniel Nissley, Cameron White, Alex Wissler, Andrew Troyer, Dylan Grove, Austin Sachs, Jenna Lile, Maia Garber, Seth Weaver, Abigail Shelly, Ariel Barbosa, Justin Odom, Taylor Allen, Clarissa White, Lydia Haggard, Lindsay Acker, Kyra Lehman, Janet Spain, and Joseph Harder.

Residence Life

听Seniors and community assistants Eli Wenger and Becky Barrett were recognized for three years of service. Wenger鈥檚 鈥渒ind and welcoming鈥� personality was noted as well as his ability to create enthusiastic participants in community.

Barrett 鈥渆ffortlessly gets along with all of her residents,鈥� said Tyler Goss, resident director. 鈥淪he is driven, organized and not afraid to speak up. She is a strong, grounded and welcoming leader.鈥�

Goss also recognized Matthew Hunsberger, who has been promoted to assistant director of residence life after many years as a residence director.

Athletics

All second-semester athletics award-winners were honored. Their accomplishments can be viewed .

In a time of celebrating firsts 鈥� Huxman is the university鈥檚 first woman president and the first to come from west of the Mississippi, among other notable claims 鈥� the week included many time-honored traditions: a hymn sing, chapel service, scholarly gatherings, a special dinner and brunch, as well as community service with Harrisonburg City’s annual Black鈥檚 Run Clean-up.

View the photo album of the week’s events below.

The Lov91短视频 fundraiser effectively kicked off the week, raising $106,500 from 692 gifts and capping an extraordinary day that highlighted the 鈥渓ove鈥� many feel for this 100-year-old institution.

Performances by the revitalized , a rousing run of the Hitchcock spoof 鈥�,鈥� and talks by Centennial historian ’67 were also scheduled during the week.

More than 500 people attended Friday鈥檚 and many of them attended the student-planned inaugural gala that evening, during which guests came dressed to the nines. (鈥淚 didn鈥檛 even recognize you,鈥� was a commonly heard phrase.) Yoder Arena was transformed into a swanky, dimly lit space with festively decorated tables, an array of food and beverages, a live band, dance floor and lounge area.

Past presidents and 91短视频 history were memorialized with banners containing important events during each person鈥檚 tenure. (Appropriately Dr. Huxman鈥檚 banner was blank.)

Toasts were offered by Julia Ronnenbaum, daughter of the Huxmans; Fred Kniss, provost; and Evon Bergey, presidential search committee chair. Azariah Cox offered a toast on behalf of the student body.

Huxman and the 91短视频 mascot, Herm, were featured in an about the making of a time capsule, created by seniors Eli Wenger and Macson McGuigan. The duo toured campus, collecting items from various programs and departments. Herm is alternately hungry and distracted, and Huxman must keep him on task to get the job done.

A highlighted the hopes of 91短视频 students, faculty and staff for 91短视频鈥檚 future.

“I was very pleased with how the Gala went,” said sophomore Nicole Litwiller, a member of the planning committee. “Matt Ruth did a great job hosting, the food was great, and I enjoyed the music! I also appreciated how students were able to interact with faculty and staff members in an informal way. I enjoyed chatting with Susan for a bit as well.”

Joining Litwiller on the planning committee of students and staff were Rachel Crist, Mario Hernandez, Eli Wenger, Brittany Williams, Celeste Thomas, Lynn Veurink and Rachel Roth Sawatzky.

鈥淲e need to make sure they realize that this is dangerous,鈥� says senior Stephanie Anders, before everyone breaks into laughter. The peril in question is a new acquisition at 91短视频鈥檚 : a whipped cream canister powered by pressurized nitrous oxide. Much like carbon dioxide makes soda, the nitrous oxide is used to aerate fresh cream to create the drink topping on the fly.

Gathered for their weekly meeting, the managers discuss how to ensure baristas clean the canister without exploding it. Laptops out, they pound down notes and send emails amidst the laughter and problem solving. It is decided that Sol Brenneman, the products and marketing manager, will conduct training sessions with each barista.

, director of student programs, offers guidance and support, but the five students here are the ones brainstorming and implementing ideas. Each spends between 10 and 20 hours per week in their roles making Common Grounds tick. Many didn鈥檛 expect to find themselves in leadership positions.

鈥淚t often takes a nudge鈥� for the right people to step up to the challenge, says Roth Sawatzky. Thanks to that nudge, new products, initiatives, projects and events are constantly expanding the coffeeshop鈥檚 repertoire.

鈥淎s Common Grounds is truly a student-run small business, it has always had students in key operations and leadership roles,鈥� says Roth Sawatzky. 鈥淚t is the staff who bring the space to life, with their warmth, energy and care.鈥� In addition to the five managers, 24 students work as baristas.

Maddie Gish 鈥� Operations Manager

• Senior with majors in and .
• Responsibilities: hiring, barista evaluation, training, scheduling, troubleshooting, team guidance.
• Common Grounds experience prior to serving as a manager: two semesters as a barista, 鈥渁nd I loved 迟丑补迟!鈥�

When former operations manager Abby Dwyer asked if she鈥檇 consider the position, Gish balked. 鈥淚 started out college as a really shy person, and I never thought I鈥檇 be a leader 鈥� it鈥檚 been really fun to see myself grow so much.鈥�

One day I received a frantic call from a barista, “the water won’t turn off, it’s spewing everywhere!” As operations manager, my role encompasses problem solving and literally fixing anything that might break. I’ve never been much of a “fixer,” but I walked in that shop determined to not leave until the water was fixed. I unscrewed the handles, used a wrench to tighten and right the part which had been overly aggressively used, and stopped the water from flowing. Then, I reassembled it. That experience left me so giddy because I had shown not just myself my unrealized capabilities, but also my barista. Together we learned that you don’t need to be prepared for every situation, you just need to try your best and use your existing skills.

Notable initiatives this year: Developing and implementing a campus-wide customer survey (skills learned in sociology courses). In response, Common Grounds expanded their hours and products. Gish also solicited department donations to offer free coffee to students during finals week last semester, and is working to create a promotional video and staff training video.

Stephanie Anders 鈥� Events and Marketing Manager

• Senior majoring in .
• Responsibilities: Art curation, event booking and promotion, sound and light tech.
• Common Grounds experience prior to serving as a manager: One semester as a barista.

鈥淐ommon Grounds was really my only connection with people outside of classes,鈥� says Anders, who transferred to 91短视频 from Christopher Newport University.

After I started working there, I began to feel like I had a space to call my own. I did the majority of my homework there, and even took a few naps in between classes. A lot of campus was and is still unfamiliar to me because my classes have been concentrated in the Suter Science Center, but Common Grounds gave me a place where I feel completely comfortable. Now, part of my job is to pass that on 鈥� through events we have, art we display, and the atmosphere we strive to create.

In one week, Anders might organize a Black Student Union event, chapel gathering, honors capstone presentation, concert, art show opening and Preparatory Music rendezvous.

Notable initiatives this year: Working with the 30-person staff to rewrite the business鈥� mission and vision statements to reflect a modern sustainability and community focus. She鈥檚 also introducing new events such as bingo nights, 鈥淪teal a Mug鈥� and karaoke.

Sammy Kauffman 鈥� Catering Manager

• Junior majoring in , .
• Responsibilities: Event food and drink catering, 91短视频 department coffee grinding and delivery, managing catering accounts.
• Common Grounds experience prior to serving as a manager: Three semesters as a barista.

With plans to apply to medical school, Kauffman didn鈥檛 think she鈥檇 have time to be a manager. However, the flexible hours of her particular role helped make the position feasible.

鈥淚 like that Common Grounds kind of forces me to do something non-academic that is still productive,鈥� says Kauffman.

Common Grounds itself is relaxing, and my job in particular relaxes me because I get to work with food and kind of flex my organizational muscles outside of academics. I also really enjoy working with our management team and the barista.

Kauffman comes up with food and drink offerings for catered events, such as the make-your-own coffee float options at the April 7 Presidential Inauguration Gala.

Notable initiatives this year: Redesigning and repricing the catering menu. She鈥檚 also organizing late-night food events to offer students food from local restaurants, with possible delivery available to dorm rooms, and tracking catering profits to determine which services are most beneficial to the shop.

Sol Brenneman 鈥� Products and Marketing Manager

• Sophomore majoring in .
• Responsibilities: Inventory, ordering, initiating and maintaining local supplier relationships.
• Common Grounds experience prior to serving as a manager: None.

鈥淗onestly the only things I know how to do are make coffee and tea,鈥� jokes Brenneman 鈥� his managerial skills play out behind the espresso machine scenes with supplier networking and organization. Sol handles 12 key vendor relationships and the related logistics for every product that Common Grounds offers to the public.

Notable initiative this year: Evaluating and improving the inventory system. Brenneman has been establishing amounts of products and ingredients to keep on hand, and has been tracking how quickly they tend to run out, 鈥渃onverting inventory management to a more reflexive and intuitive model,鈥� says Roth Sawatzky. He has also introduced Mr. J鈥檚 sandwiches and increased local ingredient suppliers.

Ryan Thomas 鈥� Financial Manager

• Senior majoring in and e.
• Responsibilities: Sales and costs tracking, reporting, and forecasting; funding managing; banking.
• Common Grounds experience prior to serving as a manager: None.

Thomas, a member of the soccer team, rarely hung out in Common Grounds before working there. 鈥淚 thought it was the hippie place 鈥� but I am a coffee fan,鈥� he explains. The previous financial manager, Breanna Kauffman, tapped him on the shoulder to consider the job. Thomas wanted professional experience and decided the position 鈥渨ould definitely take me out of my comfort zone!鈥�

At first I thought I would be doing the bookkeeping and just basic accounting skills. However, the job has been more than that; I have and will be completing projects that will hopefully make Common Grounds a better place to come to and also a more sustainable business. These projects have sharpened my accounting skills, but also given me experience coming up with ideas on how to push a business forward, then implementing them, and then being willing to go back and see if the projects worked.

Notable initiatives this year: Cost analysis and price alterations. 鈥淲hat I鈥檝e tried to aim for is to be sustainable financially,鈥� says Thomas. Currently, Common Grounds receives a portion of its labor budget from the Student Government Association, but is working towards increasing profits. Thomas has also been working on more efficient systems for receiving gift cards and charging purchases to campus departments.

***

In two years, sophomore Nicole Litwiller has used her artistic worldview, psychology background and creative problem-solving skills to carve out her own niche at 91短视频. When the major came here from Sarasota, Florida, she only knew a handful of people on campus.

鈥淚 remember the first week or so feeling really lost. Once I started getting involved, I kind of found my stride. And that鈥檚 how I knew this place was home,鈥� says Litwiller.

Litwiller is extending that sense of belonging to other students through the 鈥�,鈥澨� a campus-wide competition designed to increase student involvement and foster team camaraderie.

Housing-based teams 鈥渃heck in鈥� to campus events, which are assigned different point values. The team with the highest percentage of involvement at the end of the year will receive a trophy and special celebration during Springfest. This semester is the 鈥減ilot program鈥� of what would ideally be an annual, year-long event explains Litwiller, whose Maplewood Dorm team is currently in the lead.

The Cup grew out of brainstorming sessions in the (SGA), where Litwiller is a senator.

鈥淚 love Harry Potter,鈥� says Litwiller.

The Royals Cup is based on the 鈥淗ouse Cup,鈥� which is awarded to one of four 鈥渉ouses鈥� (dormitories) in the magical Hogwarts School. 鈥淭hat inspired me to think about it in a way that the 91短视频 campus could benefit from, whether you鈥檙e a 鈥榤uggle鈥� (magic-less human) or a wizard,鈥� she jokes.

Lead Residence Director Scott Eyre, Director of Student Programs Rachel Roth Sawatzky, Professor Kirsten Beachy and Rachel Holderman,听SGA vice president of marketing, have been the other primary organizers behind the competition.

Litwiller is also part of the and . She鈥檚 also joined the planning committee for the Inauguration Gala, a formal event April 7 to celebrate the of Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman as 91短视频鈥檚 ninth president.

Litwiller鈥檚 artistic spirit informs her involvement in each of these.

鈥淎rt is just something that鈥檚 always been a part of me,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t is how I observe things, and how I look at the 鈥榣ittle beauties鈥� 鈥� that helps me to look at things a little bit differently than someone with a more scientific or mathematical mind might think of things.鈥�

Litwiller says that, besides art, participating in Odyssey of the Mind in high school 鈥� a youth competition which fosters creative problem-solving 鈥� has informed her approach to college. Her liberal arts concentration in psychology helps Litwiller consider individual and group wellbeing within the many organizations she navigates.

Music, good conversation, and reflection keep Litwiller energized for this work. 鈥淕et involved in the things that give you the most energy, but also make sure to take times for things that restore you,鈥� she advises.

Nominate a student with an email to lauren.jefferson@emu.edu.

Molly Kirby, who completed her nursing degree in 2.5 years instead of the standard four, was given the Academic Achievement Award. Presenting the honor was Professor Ann Schaeffer, who said Kirby has already accepted a position as a nurse in a cardio-surgical intensive care unit and plans to eventually pursue a doctorate as a nurse anesthetist.

Valerie Rodeffer earned the Servant Leadership Award. Schaeffer shared that Rodeffer鈥檚 greatest accomplishment 鈥渋s being role model for her children, showing them you can do anything you put your mind to, no matter how old you are.鈥� Rodeffer will work as a nurse in Winchester and plans to begin her master鈥檚 degree at 91短视频 next fall.

The Sacred Covenant Award, honoring the nursing student who most exemplifies the values of nursing as exemplified in the program’s , was given to Juni Schirch-Sanchez. Schirch-Sanchez says she values the relationships she builds with patients and the intimacy, vulnerability and openness that the profession calls for.

Vice President of Student Life Ken L. Nafziger kicked off the chapel by urging participants to join wholeheartedly into the celebration of the semester鈥檚 achievements. 鈥淲e often celebrate but in a muted fashion,鈥� he said, 鈥渟o let鈥檚 not be that way today.鈥�

Nafziger was joined on stage by representatives of several departments for the traditional event, held at the conclusion of each fall and spring semester. Many of the honorees were being recognized before departing for their cross-cultural during spring semester.

Academic Success Center

Director Linda Gnagey and Professor Vi Dutcher recognized three Academic Success Center tutors as 鈥済reat examples of dependable accessible support”: Lorraine Armstrong, political science tutor; Robert Propst, science; and Elisabeth Wilder, social work, sociology and writing.

Campus Ministries

Campus Undergraduate Pastor Lana Miller recognized ministry assistants who are departing on cross-culturals next semester: Shelby Alto, Taylor Martin, Elizabeth Witmer, Elizabeth Resto, Kieran O’Leary, Marina Baker, Esther Ghale, Lydia Musselman and Ethan Herman. Ministry assistants, known on campus as MAs, integrate faith into practice in their residence halls and volunteer their time to assist others. Miller thanked them for 鈥渏oining us as campus pastors.鈥�

Three pastoral assistants, known as PAs, were also recognized: Christina Hershey, Perry Blosser and Hannah Daley. PAs are students whose 鈥渄esire to serve God is integrated into life, work and relationships.鈥� Both Hershey and Blosser served on numerous committees. Hershey organized conversation groups, Election Day Communion and other communal events. Blosser 鈥減ulled together countless musicians and signing groups鈥� for chapel events, and he also leads the monthly hymn sings. Daley, who concluded her field hockey career this fall, leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes Speak and Athletes鈥� Bible Study.

Student Programs

Thirteen students received the Leadership Effectiveness and Development (LEAD) Series Certificate: Sammy Kauffman, Maddie Gish, Gillian Zehr, Hannah Daley, Tae Dews, Rachel Holderman, Ale Hartzler, Brittany Williams, Oksana Kittrell, Liana Hershey, Felix Kioko, Alicia Ygarza and Carlos Garcia.

The series focuses on leadership issues chosen by participants, said Director of Student Programs Rachel Roth Sawatsky, with this semester鈥檚 topics being communication, leadership dynamics, conflict, women in leadership and team-building. Students can choose to attend single events; regular attendance results in a certificate of completion.

Additionally, Gillian Zehr was recognized for her work as Common Grounds Coffeehouse products and marketing manager for the last two semester. She was responsible for taking care of product sales, trends and tracking; ordering and vendor relationships; and advertising. This semester, she also negotiated a new contract with a local coffee roaster, as well as negotiating for local suppliers of foods.

Theater Department

Actors Emma Roth and Belen Yoder were nominated from the fall production of 鈥淔ar Away鈥� by an independent respondent to participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCATF) Irene Ryan Scholarship Audition. They will participate in the Region 2 festival Jan. 3-7 at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Professor Heidi Winters Vogel presented the award.

Student Life

Outgoing Student Government Association members include Elisabeth Wilder, Taylor Esau, Ella Spitler, Abigail Shumaker, Delight Tigoe, Maria Yoder, Jeremy Brenneman and Caleb Schrock-Hurst.

Co-presidents Elisabeth Wilder and Quinn Kathrineberg also recognized Ken L. Nafziger, who retires in December.

鈥淜en has been a valuable member of SGA through his thoughtful insights, care for students, and impeccable knowledge of the SGA Constitution,鈥� Wilder said. 鈥淭here are few people I know that love 91短视频 and its people more than Ken L. Nafziger.鈥�

鈥淜en is a deep listener, an energetic presence, and a steadfast leader,鈥� said Kathrineberg. 鈥淭hank you for your devotion to SGA, and thank you for the the consideration and respect you have for this 91短视频 community.

Athletics

James De Boer, sports information director, recognized the following athletes for their awards during the fall semester.

Men鈥檚 Cross Country: Abrham Amine: All-ODAC Second Team, ODAC Men鈥檚 Cross Country Rookie of the Year; Alec Thibodeaux: ODAC Runner of the Week, (Sept. 1-5), All-ODAC Second Team, Royals Athlete of the Week (Oct. 31-Nov. 6), All-South/Southeast Region Team.

Women鈥檚 Cross Country: Megan Good:听 All-ODAC Second Team, Royals Athlete of the Week (Oct. 24-30); Kat Lehman: ODAC/Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Scholar-Athlete; Juni Schirch-Sanchez: Royals Athlete of the Week (Nov. 7-13)

Field Hockey: Emily Augsburger: All-ODAC First Team; Lorraine Armstrong: All-ODAC Second Team; Hannah Daley: Royals Athlete of the Week (Oct. 10-16), All-ODAC Third Team; Emily Price: Royals Athlete of the Week (Sept. 19-25), All-ODAC Third Team.

Men鈥檚 Soccer: Emmanuel Boamah: All-ODAC First Team; Parker Leap: Royals Athlete of the Week (Sept. 5-11); Juan Luna: ODAC Player of the Week (Sept. 12-18); Royals Athlete of the Week (Sept. 12-18); All-ODAC Second Team; Matthew Overacker: Royals Athlete of the Week (Oct. 3-9). Dylan Polley: All-ODAC Third Team; Ryan Thomas: CoSIDA Academic All-District.

Women鈥檚 Soccer: Laura Rittenhouse: All-ODAC Third Team; Hannah Walker: Royals Athlete of the Week (Oct. 17-23).

Women鈥檚 Volleyball: Becca Hardy: Royals Athlete of the Week (Sept. 1-5), CoSIDA Academic All-District; Maria Yoder: Royals Athlete of the Week (Sept. 26-Oct. 2).

Men鈥檚 Basketball: Maleke Jones: Royals Athlete of the Week (Nov. 14-20).

Women鈥檚 Basketball: Chloe Roach: Royals Athlete of the Week (Nov. 21-27).

, director of student programs, opened the service: “Every day on this campus, there are great people doing great things, big and small gestures, accomplishments made after long-term commitments and one-off unexpected triumphs. Most of these good deeds are never recognized. We all carry on our work and responsibilities, working hard at doing the right thing because we care and we are people of integrity鈥hat鈥檚 what real leadership is all about.鈥�

While no one works solely with hope of recognition as motivation, Sawatzky said recognition is important 鈥渢o pause and honor these individuals 鈥nd to say thank you to the students who are leaders, scholars, athletes, volunteers, dramatists, future nurses, future teachers, tutors, theologians and advocates.”

She also noted that such students 鈥渟et the bar high for students around them鈥� and provide 鈥渕otivation, energy and meaning to us as professional staff 鈥� You are what makes 91短视频 not just a good place to work and learn, but a great place.”

Language and Literature Department

Department chair presented the following awards, which honor former faculty members and current scholars:

Nathan Peters was awarded the Jay B. Landis Award for Excellence in Literary Studies.

Naomi Scoville was given the Omar Eby Writing Award and the James R. Bomberger Award for Excellence in TESOL.

English education major Rebekah Hertzler earned the Carroll Yoder Award for Teaching Excellence.

The Ervie L. Glick Award for Excellence in World Language Study was given to Teresa Garcia-Bautista, who Medley said “has exhibited academic excellence and a clear sense of calling in using her studies in graduate studies and service to the church.”

Kari King, who was the student representative on the faculty search committee, earned The Ray Elvin Horst Award for Excellence in Spanish.

Education Department

Teachers of Promise Institute are Austin Mumaw, Erin Nafziger, Isaac Driver, Malea Gascho and Ruthie Beck.

The “Courage to Teach” Award was presented to Angelica Diaz.

Psychology Department

The Exemplary Achievement in Psychology: Service and Scholarship was awarded to senior Brooke Lacock, co-president of the Psychology Club, for her impact on the and the campus as a whole, said Professor .

Mackenzie Lapp and Rachel Bowman earned the G.R. Lehman Outstanding Achievement in Research award for their “exceptional dedication” to their senior research projects. Koop praised their “intellectual curiousity and dogged persistence” and predicted future graduate school success.

All three students are among nine psychology majors at the Virginia Association for Psychological Science annual conference April 20-22, 2016, in Newport News, Virginia.

Science Department

Outstanding Second-Year Biology Student was awarded to Samantha L. Kauffman by Professor

Eyan P. Roth and Hannah L. Weaver were named Outstanding Senior Biology Students, especially impressive, said Professor , as both are transfer students and “distinguished themselves in the two years they’ve been here.”

Professor recognized three students: senior , for his entry into the Student Research Competition of the Special Interest Group in Computer Science Education; and first-year students Claire J. Waedelich and Carolann G. Wengerd for their poster presentations at Capitol Region Celebration of Women In Computing. Wengerd earned a third-place award at the undergraduate level.

Three students, all absent on their cross-cultural trip this semester, were recognized. was named Outstanding Senior Chemistry Student. Janaya M. Sachs earned an award for excellence in research. Maria R. Yoder was recognized as Outstanding First-Year Chemistry Student.

Nursing Department

Jess Rheinheimer was recognized by Professor for academic excellence in n studies. Recently named , Rheinheimer is a member of the Honors Program and has been inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society.

Ann Marie Bauer was awarded the , which recognizes student-nurses who exemplify 91短视频’s “sacred covenant” model : service, empathy, agape love, empowerment, and faith.

Recognition for servant leadership went to Louise Krall, co-president of the Student Nurses Association.

Bible and Religion Department

Professor named the winners of the essay contest as Bekah York and Christian Hershey, sharing first place and a $500 cash prize, and Christian Parks, who won $100, for their scholarly work. Haverim is the alumni group of the department.

Theater Department

Professor recognized Clara Bush, MaKayla Baker and Caleb Townsend for their nominations for the Irene Ryan Acting Competition by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. All three are members of the cast of “,” currently in its final run on campus.

Multicultural Services

Oksana Kittrell, Tae Dews and Christian Parks听 were the student leaders for the first that traveled over spring break. Christian Parks and Philip Watson planned and implemented the first on campus. Londen Wheeler, minister of music, and Christian Parks, choir director, provided leadership to the gospel choir. Brittany Williams, Oksana Kittrell, Kendi Mwongo, Tae Dews and Makora Nyagwegwe led efforts in organizing the first President’s Ball.听 Delight Tigoe and Lynne Cha led the Alpha Omega Dancers for Christ.

Residence Life

Resident director recognized three-year Community Assistants , Andrew Yoder and Sam Stoner, and also senior returning Community Assistants, Valerie Meza-Cooper and Londen Wheeler. Community assistants live and serve in the residence halls.

Academic Success Center

Director presented certificates of thanks to the following student-graduates who provided services in the : Alex Bender (two years, computer science tutor), Tylar Burgdorf (one year, receptionist), Giulio Garner (two years, Spanish tutor), Stephan Goertzen (one year, computer science tutor), Brielle Hoch (four years receptionist), Andrea King (fpur years receptionist and tutor), Jaclyn Kratz (three years, math tutor), Isaac Mast (one year, computer science tutor), Lauren Sauder (one year, writing and economics tutor), and Andrew Yoder (two years, economics tutor).

Kristy Wertz, a two-year nursing tutor, was recognized as Tutor of the Year.

Student Programs

Common Grounds Coffeehouse management team this year was Rachel Schrock, events manager; Abby Dwyer, operations manager; Brianna Kauffman, finance manager; and Valerie Meza-Cooper, catering manager.

Timothy Callahan, Juan Luna and Kegan Yoder served on the Recreation Sports Leadership Council, which oversaw the nearly 500 members of the campus community involved in intermural sports. Terry Dotson and Colton Frey were the Game Room Leadership Council, which helped to set the budget and make decisions regarding programs and offerings for the approximately 2,500 visitors who used the game room this year.

Campus Ministries

, undergraduate campus pastor, recognized ministry assistants in the residence halls:听 Megan Bishop, Perry Blosser, Sarah Boshart, Heyrin (Lynn) Cha, Dylan Grove, Abe Hartzler, Oksana Kittrell, Keyri Lopez-Godoy, Luis Longo, Jasmine Miller, Lydia Musselman, Da’Jahnea Robinson, Austin Sachs and Janet Spain.

Pastoral assistants, who support the MAs, are Jonathan Augsberger, Amanda Helfrich, Christina Hershey, Jolee Paden, Grayson Mast, Lydia Tissue, Courtney Unruh and Wesley Wilder.

Leadership Effectiveness and Development (LEAD) Series II Certificate of Completion

The following students completed a leadership seminar series: Brittany Williams, Alex Miller, Abby Dwyer, Meg Green, Hannah Heishman, Rachel Schrock, Grantley Showalter, Olga Balthazar, Delight Tigoe, Malachi Bontrager, Cameron White, Rediet Girma, Gillian Zehr, Ben Zook, Kegan Yoder, Tae Dews, Oksana Kittrell, Richard Robinson, Mario Hernandez, Alejandra Tejada Rivera, Jesse Reist, Jonae Guest, Makora Nyagwegwe and Heyrin Cha.

Student Government leaders and athletes in winter and spring sports who had earned honors (see w) were also recognized.

Editor’s Note: The following Visual and Communication Arts students were recognized in a separate ceremony April 22: Styer Scholarship, Azariah Cox; photography, Jonathan Bush; studio, Brooke Lacock; video, Jonathan Bush and Caleb Schlabach; and motion graphics, Rachel Cardwell.