James V. (Jim) Bishop will retire June 30 after 40 years as public information officer. In addition to managing the news bureau and writing copy for university publications, Bishop hosted programs on local radio stations WEMC-FM, WSVA and WBTX, wrote a weekly column, Bishop’s Mantle” for the Harrisonburg Daily News-Record, an occasional column, “Virginia Ham” for Mennonite Weekly Review, Newton, Kan., and wrote essays for HealthQuest, the Rockingham Memorial Hospital magazine.

George R. Brunk III, dean emeritus and professor emeritus at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, has taught in the area of New Testament at EMS since 1974. He was vice president and seminary dean from 1977-1999. In 2009-10, he was interim president at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. Dr. Brunk has a forthcoming commentary on the book of Galatians for the “Believer’s Church Commentary.”

Violet (Vi) Horst, assistant professor of nursing and a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, has taught at 91����Ƶ since 1993. In addition to teaching child health at 91����Ƶ, she works part time in the Children’s Medical Center at the University of Virginia and plans to continue teaching there after retiring from 91����Ƶ.

Arlene G. Wiens joined the faculty in 1986. She serves as chair of 91����Ƶ’s nursing department and teaches in the BS and MS in nursing programs.  In addition, she has been a member of several state wide nursing committees. Dr. Wiens’ research interests include educational mobility for RNs, transition into practice and historical analysis of nursing supply and demand.

91����Ƶ President Loren Swartzendruber presented the retirees with a gift and a plaque during the ceremonies. They also received tributes from their colleagues.

Anil D. Solanki, an adjunct faculty member at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, was given special “honorary retiree” status. Dr. Solanki, a native of India, teaches Hebrew in the seminary. In 1969, the Bible Society of India commissioned Solanki to begin work on a new translation of the  Bible into his native language, Gujarati. Working with his wife, Shaila, he completed the 35-year project in 2004.

Forty-year service awards were presented to Beryl H. Brubaker, director of Hartzler Library, and to Jim Bishop, public information officer.

Thirty-five year service awards were given to Galen Lehman, psychology department chair, and Samuel O. Weaver, associate director of development.

Lewis Driver, multi-tradesman in physical plant, received a 30-year service award.

Twenty-five year service awards went to Ann G. Hershberger, professor in the BS and MS in nursing programs; Renee Leap, associate director of financial assistance; Audrey Shenk, automation coordinator and acquisitions administrator, Hartzler Library; and Arlene G. Wiens, nursing department chair.

Twenty-year certificates: Bonnie Bowser, circulation and office manager, Hartzler Library; Kim G. Brenneman, professor of psychology; Karen Cline, accounts payable coordinator; Roger Mast, associate professor of physical education and head men’s soccer coach; Linford Stutzman, associate professor of culture and religion, Bible and religion department; and Lonnie D. Yoder, associate dean and professor of pastoral care and counseling, EMS.

Fifteen years:  Beth Bergman, seminary registrar; Melody Cash, associate professor of nursing; Sue Cockley, Adult Degree Completion Program director; Michael Downey, head athletic trainer; Joan Griffing, music department chair; Theodore (Ted) Grimsrud, professor of Bible and religion; Ed Lehman, assistant director, physical plant; Cindy Mathews, office manager, music department; Marci Myers, special events assistant, church relations and development; Twila K. Yoder, assistant to the president; and Howard Zehr, professor of restorative justice, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.

Ten years: Doug Blyer, fleet and equipment coordinator, physical plant; Jayne Docherty, professor of leadership and public policy, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding; Michele Hensley, director of financial assistance; Douglas C. (Doug) Hertzler, associate director, WCSC-Washington Community Scholars Center (WCSC), Washington, D.C., and associate professor of anthropology; Brenda Martin, accounts receivable billing coordinator; Lawrence W. (Laurie) Miller, director of student programs and recreational sports; Janelle Myers-Benner, academic program coordinator, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding; Linden Rhodes, custodian, physical plant; Samuel R. (Sam) Sauder, user support analyst, Information Systems; and Mark Metzler Sawin, history department chair.

Five years: Mary Kay Adams, executive director, Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival; Laura Lehman Amstutz, assistant in seminary admissions and seminary communications coordinator; Arthur (Art) Borden, associate director of development; Tony Brenneman, structural supervisor, physical plant; Beth Brunk, registration coordinator, registrar’s office; Peter Dula, assistant professor of Bible and religion; Violet (Vi) Dutcher, language and literature department chair; Toni Flanagan, associate professor of education; Jason Good, associate director of undergraduate admissions; Diann Harman, custodial assistant, physical plant.

Also Greta Ann Herin, associate professor of biology; Phoebe Kilby, associate director of development, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding; James M. (Jim) Leaman, associate professor of business and economics; Marvin Lorenzana, director of multicultural services; Dawn Nyce, interlibrary loan/serials coordinator, Hartzler Library; Mary Parakuo, custodian, physical plant; Lisa Rodino, associate director of undergraduate admissions; Matthew Siderhurst, associate professor of chemistry; Travis Trotter, assistant registrar; Margaret Upton, health services director; Heidi Winters Vogel, associate professor of theater, and Lois B. Wenger, receptionist and phonation coordinator, development department.

The faculty and staff of 91����Ƶ honored three colleagues who are retiring and cited 47 others for years of service at the school’s annual recognition dinner Tuesday evening, May 4.

Ron Piper

Ronald E. (Ron) Piper, vice president for finance, retired Apr. 30 after 24 years as an administrator. The 91����Ƶ Board of Trustees awarded Piper “administrator emeritus” status at its March meeting.

Piper served as chief financial officer of the university, responsible for the development and final preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets. He handled financial compliance, oversaw internal control policies and procedures, provided strategic information concerning finances and represented the institution in external business transactions. He gave oversight to the business, human resources, physical plant, financial assistance and auxiliary services departments.

Wendy Miller

Wendy J. Miller, assistant professor of spiritual formation at the seminary, will retire after 19 years on the EMS faculty. The 91����Ƶ Board of Trustees awarded Miller professor emerita status at its March meeting. Along with teaching, Miller has been a retreat speaker and spiritual director and developed “SoulSpace,” a guide for scripture reading and prayer on 91����Ƶ’s web site.

She has written several books, “Invitation to Presence: A Guide to Spiritual Disciplines” (Upper Room Books, 1995) and “Jesus, Our Spiritual Director: A Pilgrimage through the Gospels” (Upper Room Books, 2004) and writes a monthly column on spiritual formation in “Lectionary Homiletics.”

Joyce Hedrick

Joyce C. Hedrick is retiring after 17 years at 91����Ƶ, serving most recently as disability support services coordinator in the Academic Support Center. She did presentations on attention deficit disorder and about students with disabilities and their transitions into college and university settings.

Hedrick was a pastor in Hawaii and Pennsylvania, an administrator and a secondary school teacher before coming to 91����Ƶ. She is active at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church.

91����Ƶ President Loren Swartzendruber presented the retirees with a gift and a plaque during the ceremonies. They also received tributes from their colleagues.

Use the 91����Ƶ personnel directory for more info on faculty and staff awarded for service.

35 years

Thirty-five year service awards were presented to John W. Fast, assistant professor of music and assistant to Global Village curriculum; and Betty J. Hertzler, mail services supervisor, 91����Ƶ post office.

Anita B. Weaver, office coordinator for the Adult Degree Completion Program, received a 30-year service award.

25 years

Twenty-five year service awards went to Evelyn E. (Evie) King, custodial services supervisor, physical plant; Martin G. (Marty) King, audio-visual manager, information systems; Roman J. Miller, Daniel B. Suter endowed professor of biology; and Dorothy Jean Weaver, professor of New Testament, Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

20 years

Twenty years: Gretchen H. Maust, office coordinator, visual and communication arts and assistant coordinator, Abrahamic Center; and Teresa L. Puckett, lead custodian, physical plant.

15 years

Fifteen years: Harlan deBrun, instructor, physical education and recreation department; Elroy J. Miller, associate professor, applied social sciences department; Jennifer L. (Jenni) Piper, user services manager, information systems; Don A. Yoder, director of seminary admissions; and Nathan E. (Nate) Yoder, associate professor of church history, Eastern Mennonite Seminary and archivist in Hartzler Library.

10 years

Ten years: Jason H. Alderfer, network systems administrator, information systems; Beth K. Aracena, associate dean for curriculum, cross-cultural programs; Lora L. Baker, custodian, physical plant; Stephen Cessna, associate professor of chemistry; Kenton T. Derstine, director of Clinical Pastoral Education and field education and placement, Eastern Mennonite Seminary; Cheryl D. Doss, secretary-coordinator, Suter Science Center; Linda W. Gnagey, director, Academic Support Center; Philip J. (Phil) Guengerich, events coordinator, athletics; Valerie M. Helbert, associate director, Summer Peacebuilding Institute, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding; Terrance L. (Terry) Jantzi, associate professor, applied social sciences department; Jonathan A. (Jon) Kratz, director, international student services; Linda L. Sauder, office assistant, Adult Degree Completion Program; Karen J. Weaver, hostess at the 91����Ƶ Guesthouse; and Leslie K. Weaver, office assistant, financial assistance.

5 years

Five years: Joan B. (Joni) Baughman, administrative assistant, student life division; Steven A. (Steve) Benson, head coach, men’s and women’s volleyball; William R. (Bill) Culbreth, assistant professor, business and economics department; Katherine B. (Katie) Derstine, secretary/receptionist, registrar’s office; Annmarie L. Early, associate professor, MA in counseling program; Laura H. Esch, office coordinator, nursing department; William H. (Bill) Goldberg, associate director, Summer Peacebuilding Institute; Kevin J. Griffin, head coach, women’s basketball; Sonia L. (Jeanne) Horst, assistant professor of psychology, Julia M. Hottinger, custodian, physical plant; Steven D. Johnson, associate professor of visual and communication arts.

Also David A. (Dave) King, athletic director; Jonathan L. Lantz-Trissel, recycling and water reduction coordinator, physical plant; Philip M. (Mark) Mace, head men’s baseball coach; Joy Y. Martin, office coordinator, applied social sciences department; Daniel B. (Dan) Risser, user services hardware support, information systems; Kirk L. Shisler, vice president for advancement; Walter W. (Walt) Surratt, assistant professor, business and economics department; Cynthia E. (Cindy) Voth, assistant director of housing and residence life; and Linda E. Witmer, associate professor/assessment counselor, 91����Ƶ at Lancaster.

MCC language assistants

Mennonite Central Committee language assistants Norman Aguilera of Nicaragua, Sara Hanna of Egypt and Alexandra Montoya of Columbia were also recognized during the ceremonies.

Retirees

Beryl H. Brubaker

Beryl Brubaker

Beryl will retire at the close of this academic year after 37 years as a teaching and administrative faculty member. She has been provost since 2000, giving overall guidance to the undergraduate and graduate academic programs, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, various auxiliary programs and the Adult Degree Completion Program. She was interim 91����Ƶ president for seven months in 2003 between Joseph L. Lapp and Loren Swartzendruber.

Earlier, Dr. Brubaker was vice president for enrollment, 1994-2000, and nursing department chair, 1994-2000. She joined the nursing department faculty in 1970.

Vernon E. Jantzi

Vernon Jantzi

Vernon is retiring after 32 years, having served as a teacher and administrator, most recently in the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and the undergraduate justice, peace and conflict studies program. A sociologist, linguist and researcher, he has led cross-cultural seminars and taught in the Summer Peacebuilding Institute and done considerable advisory work for development and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) around the world.

Nevin J. Bender Sr.

Nevin Bender

Nevin served the 91����Ƶ community 25 years as an Associate in Servanthood after a major stroke ended his career as a pastor and social worker. As a member of the grounds crew, he has performed many of the hardest, least glamourous jobs on campus.

“Nevin’s passionate faith, intense work ethic and model of service have been an inspiration to all,” said his colleague, Will Hairston.

Helen I. Nafziger

Helen Nafziger

Helen has been director of career services at 91����Ƶ 22 years, helping generations of students to “choose, change and use a major” as they explore vocational options. She advised undeclared majors, assisted students and others on career issues, provided a library of career resources and addressed parents during campus visits, drawing from her wealth of knowledge and experience.

Patricia Hostetter (Pat) Martin

Pat Hostetter Martin

Pat became director of the Summer Peacebuilding Institute (SPI), a 20-course, six-week program that is part of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, after earning an MA degree in conflict transformation in 1998. Before coming to 91����Ƶ, Martin worked with Mennonite Central Committee programs in Southeast Asia 18 years, including living and working in Vietnam during that conflict.

Allon H. Lefever

Allon Lefever

Allon is retiring as director of the masters in business administration (MBA) program at 91����Ƶ after five years to pursue several entrepreneurial interests and take on a wider leadership role with Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). He will continue as a visiting faculty member, teaching a summer entrepreneurial course in the MBA program.

Heading the list of persons recognized for long years of service with 45 years was Lois B. Bowman, librarian of the Menno Simons Historical Library and Archives in Hartzler Library.

30-year service award:

• Sandra L. (Sandy) Brownscombe, professor of education and physical education

25-year service award:

• Lawrence M. Yoder, professor of missiology, Eastern Mennonite Seminary

20-year service awards:

• David W. Emswiler, HVAC-plumbing assistant, physical plant;
• C. Eldon Kurtz, director of physical plant;
• Marie S. Morris, vice president and undergraduate academic dean;
• Lester R. Zook, physical education and recreation department chair.

Fifteen-year service awards:

• Gregory T. (Greg) Becker, director, auxiliary services;
• Rachel J. Diener, director, Early Learning Center;
• Janice L. Gerber, information office coordinator;
• William H. (Will) Hairston, grounds supervisor;
• Joyce C. Hedrick, disability support services coordinator;
• Violet M. Horst, assistant professor of nursing;
• Janice. K. Liskey, accounting manager, business manager;
• Gloria I. Rhodes, coordinator and assistant professor, justice, peace and conflict studies department;
• Lucinda Schlabach, office coordinator, physical education and recreation department;
• Annie B. Thompson, custodian.

Ten years:

• Pamela D. Arbogast, lead custodian;
• Owen D. Byer, professor of mathematical sciences;
• Jane Wenger Clemens, associate professor of social work;
• Nancy R. Heisey, chair of Bible and religion department;
• Janice (Jan) Jenner, director, Practice Institute, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding;
• Julie M. Lake, custodian;
• Daniel E. Marple, Jr., network systems engineer, information systems;
• Pamela A. Rutt, assistant director, MA in education program, 91����Ƶ Lancaster;
• Lisa L. Schirch, professor of conflict studies, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding;
• Timothy J. Swartzendruber, associate director of development.

Five years:

• Brenda K. Beckler, head field hockey coach;
• Brian Martin Burkholder, director of campus ministries/campus pastor;
• Gerald W. (Kirby) Dean, head men’s basketball coach;
• Deanna F. Durham, community learning coordinator and associate professor of sociology/social work;
• Martha G. (Marti) Eads, professor of language and literature;
• Julie K. Haushalter, campus pastor, Eastern Mennonite Seminary;
• Miriam E., Hill, custodian;
• Matthew W. (Matt) Hunsberger, Lehman Auditorium facilities technician;
• Lisa G. Landes, assistant professor of nursing;
• Betty R. Lee, lead custodian;
• Bonnie Price Lofton, publications editor, marketing and communications department;
• Kenneth L. Nafziger, vice president for student life;
• Daniel C. Patterson, electrical/HVAC assistant;
• Amy C. Potter, associate director, Practice Institute, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding;
• Moira R. Rogers, professor of language and literature;
• Priscilla R. Simmons, RN to BN program director and professor, 91����Ƶ Lancaster;
• Kathy K. Smith, program administrator, Practice Institute, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding;
• Cynthia J. (Cindy) Smoker, office coordinator, development department;
• John L. Spicher, chemical hygiene officer, chemistry department and anatomy lab instructor, biology department;
• Judy F. Townsend, custodian;
• Andrea Schrock Wenger, director of marketing and communications;
• Alex R. Yoder, counselor, financial assistance department;
• Laura A. Yoder, assistant professor of nursing.

Loren Swartzendruber, 91����Ƶ president, also received a certificate for five years of service from Susan M. Godshall, chair of the 91����Ƶ board of trustees.

Mennonite Central Committee language assistants Deicy Bermudez Hurtado and Cecibel de la Tamaris were also recognized during the ceremonies.

The faculty and staff of 91����Ƶ honored two colleagues who are retiring and cited 33 others for long years of service at the school