University Fund Archives - 91短视频 News /now/news/tag/university-fund/ News from the 91短视频 community. Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:28:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 Lov91短视频 Giving Day 2025 ‘a huge success,’ raises record-setting $365K /now/news/2025/lovemu-giving-day-2025/ Thu, 03 Apr 2025 20:00:57 +0000 /now/news/?p=58651 Grand total surpasses $350K goal set by organizers

Before the clock struck midnight on Wednesday, April 2, Lov91短视频 Giving Day 2025 achieved its fairy tale ending. A generous outpouring of support from all members of the 91短视频 community鈥攁lumni, faculty, staff, current and prospective students, and friends鈥攔esulted 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短视频 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短视频 Giving Day paid their tuition deposits, donors matched their commitment by contributing $27,000 to student scholarships. That鈥檚 nearly double the $15,000 raised for that challenge last year!

The 2025 Lov91短视频 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鈥檚 soccer
  • Second place ($500 prize): Women鈥檚 volleyball
  • Third place ($250 prize): Men鈥檚 volleyball

Nicole Litwiller, annual giving and donor communication specialist, said that a highlight for her was seeing the whole 91短视频 community come together to embrace their pride for 91短视频. 鈥淭here 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,鈥 she said on Thursday. 鈥淭hanks to their support, Lov91短视频 Giving Day was a huge success, and we once again beat last year鈥檚 record. I鈥檓 so grateful for everyone who showed their support.鈥

Seeing septuple?!

Left to right: Christina Harman, Leah Beachy, Mana Acosta, Cassidy Williams, Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, Celeste Thomas, Hannah Beck, and Nicole Litwiller pose after Monday鈥檚 lookalike contest. (Photo by Macson McGuigan/91短视频)

Four 91短视频 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短视频 week. The contest honored Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who has served as 91短视频鈥檚 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鈥攖he latter of whom wore a bald cap to portray Huxman鈥檚 husband鈥攔eceived an offer of a fancy dinner at the president鈥檚 residence along with three guests of their choice. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 spooky because I use all of those words,鈥 Huxman said, before announcing her pick. 鈥淵ou all used the correct enunciation and everything.鈥 Following the contest, Litwiller announced that the Lov91短视频 Early Challenge had been reached, which unlocked $10,000 toward The University Fund. for more photos from the event.

Getting hyped at Herm鈥檚 House

91短视频 engineering major Adam Stoltzfus fires a Lov91短视频 shirt into the crowd during the second annual Lov91短视频 pep rally held at Yoder Arena on Wednesday morning. The BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon, designed by Stoltzfus with help from engineering lab tech Henry Bowser, was funded by 2019 alumni Ben and Kayla Zook. (Photo by Macson McGuigan/91短视频)

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

91短视频 junior Naomi Kratzer shares her 91短视频 journey at the Lov91短视频 pep rally. (Photo by Macson McGuigan/91短视频)

Naomi Kratzer, an 91短视频 junior from Goshen, Indiana, majoring in music performance and history, shared her own 鈥淩oyal Tale鈥 leading her to 91短视频. 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鈥 the five Mennonite colleges in the U.S. It was 91短视频鈥檚 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. 鈥淢y story didn鈥檛 begin when I stepped onto campus, and neither did any of yours,鈥 she said. 鈥淏ut 91短视频 is known to be a home for all of our vastly diverse, chaotic, and ever-complicating plots. 91短视频’s resilience is in the people.鈥

Tyler Goss, left, and Makinto play dueling flutes to cap off the pep rally. (Photo by Macson McGuigan/91短视频)

In a dazzling display of musical mastery, Goss, dressed as the jester from the Lov91短视频 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 

Left to right: 91短视频 professors Dr. Gaurav Pathania, Dr. Benjamin Bergey, and Dr. Kate Clark share their own Royal Tales. (Photo by Macson McGuigan/91短视频)

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

Clark graduated from 91短视频鈥檚 nursing program, worked as a nurse for several years, and then returned to teach at 91短视频 in 2011. She gave a shout-out to the Graham Central Station ice cream flavor at the cafeteria鈥斺淚鈥檝e never had it anywhere else,鈥 she said鈥攁nd added that her job at 91短视频 is the best one she鈥檚 ever had. 鈥淚 love that 91短视频 has a point of view,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a place that has a perspective. 鈥 I love working for a place that I feel stands for something, and it鈥檚 something that鈥檚 important and needed in the world.鈥

The overcast skies and brisk temps didn鈥檛 sour spirits at Wednesday鈥檚 lunch and lawn party, free for all current and prospective students. (Photo by Macson McGuigan/91短视频)

Sanctuary of sound

91短视频 Music Professor Ben Guerrero, third from left, leads a tour of the new recording studio at the Astral Hall on top of the 91短视频 hill. (Photo by Zack Furr/91短视频)

Music Professor Ben Guerrero led tours of the new recording studio inside the Astral Hall on top of the 91短视频 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短视频 students and staff. Today, it鈥檚 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 鈥榳heelie鈥 good time

Tyler Goss zooms down the indoor track, prize box in his clutches, during the Real Life Mario Kart Race on Wednesday evening. (Photo by Macson McGuigan/91短视频)

91短视频 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短视频 men鈥檚 volleyball team won a five-set thriller over Randolph College.

91短视频 students, prospective students, faculty/staff, alumni, donors, and families gather at the Student Union on Wednesday evening for the Lov91短视频 Cookout. The event featured live music from students Naomi Kratzer and Joshua Stucky. (Photo by Macson McGuigan/91短视频)

Challenges (all unlocked)

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

Loyal Royal Challenge: 91短视频 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短视频 Challenge: Non-alumni deepened their commitment to 91短视频 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短视频 Giving Day paid their tuition deposit, we unlocked $27,000 for scholarships.

Rise 鈥橬 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短视频鈥檚 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短视频鈥檚 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短视频 sports by pitching in 60 gifts (50 gifts were needed) between 7:30 and 9 p.m. to unlock $10,000 for 91短视频 Athletics.

Before The Clock Struck Midnight Challenge: 91短视频鈥檚 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短视频, and joined in the festivities on campus! Special thanks to the Lov91短视频 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短视频 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鈥檚 events, swipe through our gallery below:

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Alumni, donors contribute $340K for Lov91短视频 Giving Day 2024 /now/news/2024/alumni-donors-contribute-340k-for-lovemu-giving-day-2024/ Thu, 11 Apr 2024 22:36:18 +0000 /now/news/?p=56306 Shatters $300K record set last year

This year鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Giving Day was an out-of-the-park grand slam, and we鈥檙e not just talking about the one hit by a Royals slugger at Wednesday鈥檚 baseball game.

The eighth annual giving day extravaganza, held on Wednesday, April 10, was bigger than previous years 鈥 featuring a number of new events that amped up the Lov91短视频 spirit 鈥 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).  

鈥淚 am blown away by the support from this community,鈥 said Lov91短视频 organizer Nicole Litwiller 鈥19, MA 鈥20 (conflict transformation), annual giving and donor communication specialist. 鈥淣ot only did we raise over $340,000, which is in itself a massive accomplishment, but we also saw the 91短视频 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短视频 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends shared what they loved most about 91短视频 online (using the #91短视频GivingDay and #StrongerTogether hashtags) and on campus. They showed up and showed out at Lov91短视频 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短视频.

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 鈥 Music (85 votes), The Weather Vane (37 votes), and Men鈥檚 Soccer (192 votes) 鈥 each won $1,000. View the second-place and third-place winners, which received $500 and $250, on the Lov91短视频 website at .

Here鈥檚 a recap of the events and unlocked challenges that made Lov91短视频 Giving Day 2024 a smashing success:

Events

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

Hundreds pack Yoder Arena for Wednesday morning’s pep rally, a new addition to Lov91短视频 Giving Day this year.

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

From left to right: Nora Osei 鈥15, 91短视频 senior Kate Landis and admitted student Megan Smith share why they love 91短视频 at Wednesday’s pep rally. Smith participates in the new tradition of ringing a cowbell for making a tuition deposit.

An alumna, a current student and an admitted student each shared what they love about 91短视频. Nora Osei 鈥15, an 91短视频 basketball and soccer player who now works as director of growth and partnerships for Nike Sports Camps, shared her tips for finding success. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to be a standout athlete or student at 91短视频 to find success,鈥 she told the crowd. 91短视频 senior psychology major and multi-sport athlete Kate Landis talked about the highlights of her last four years at 91短视频. Admitted student Megan Smith said she had visited 10 other colleges and did not consider 91短视频 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短视频 felt like home. 鈥淢y mom and I got back into our car and we looked at each other and said, 鈥楾his is the right place,鈥欌 said Smith.

Pep rally emcee Braydon Hoover counts down as 91短视频 President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman prepares for the pie! Watch the moment of impact on our (starting around 47 minutes in).

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鈥檝e 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短视频 Facebook page. 

The faculty and staff team eyes the competition during a game of dodgeball.

Following the pep rally, a team of faculty and staff faced off against students in 尝辞惫贰惭鲍鈥檚 first-ever game of dodgeball. The faculty/staff team left the court victorious after one game. Yoder Arena鈥檚 courts then opened up for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and the climbing wall.聽

Also new this year was the addition of Admitted Student Day to the Lov91短视频 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短视频 events. It was, what President Huxman called, “a trifecta day.鈥 When Herm was asked about how the day was going, he gave an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

Students enjoy the Lunch & Lawn Party at Thomas Plaza on Wednesday afternoon.

91短视频 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.

Eggs fly through the sky during an egg toss contest.

As mentioned at the beginning of our recap, Wednesday鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

Dennis Showalter 鈥73 grills up hamburgers and hot dogs at the Lov91短视频 Cookout on Wednesday evening.

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 鈥73, president of the Alumni Council, served up fresh burgers and hot dogs. The Rain Pickers, a trio of strings musicians and 91短视频 alumni, performed live music while hungry Royals chowed down. Pioneer College Caterers provided their services for lunch and dinner.

Members of the International Students Organization (ISO) perform “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” at the Karaoke Sing-Off on Wednesday night. The group won Most Engaging/Best All-Around. (Photo by Cassidy Walker / 91短视频)

The Lov91短视频 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短视频 Love, and Queer Student Alliance (QSA) and Latino Student Alliance (LSA) split the winnings from the Best Theme category. 

Lov91短视频 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. 鈥淲hen we surpassed $340,000, cheers erupted, Tyler Goss started playing 鈥榃e Are the Champions鈥 over the speakers, and everyone sang along in celebration,鈥 Litwiller said. 鈥淚t 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.鈥

91短视频 Professor Jerry Holsopple has a spring in his step during Wednesday evening’s barbecue cookout.

Challenges

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

Loyal Royal Challenge: 91短视频 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短视频 by making at least 175 gifts throughout the day and unlocking $15,000 to student scholarships. 202 out of 175 gifts needed were given!

People of all ages enjoyed the Lov91短视频 Cookout.

Future Royal Challenge: Because 15 prospective students attending Lov91短视频 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鈥檝e Got Spirit Challenge: The 91短视频 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!

91短视频 President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman matched every dollar donated up to $9,000 in the Rally with Royal Women Challenge to raise more than $20,000 for the networking and philanthropy initiative. 

Rally with Royal Women Challenge: Royal Women for 91短视频, a new networking and philanthropy initiative, raises direct financial aid for students who want to attend 91短视频. 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 鈥橰ound the World Challenge: Donors joined Herm in letting their love for 91短视频 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鈥檚 Love Got to Do With It Challenge: Loving 91短视频 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短视频 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短视频, and joined in the festivities on campus!

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

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Prove we are 鈥淪tronger Together鈥 on Lov91短视频 Giving Day, April 10! /now/news/2024/prove-we-are-stronger-together-on-lovemu-giving-day-april-10/ Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:29:41 +0000 /now/news/?p=56213 The Apollo 11 mission landed the first human on the moon. The 鈥90s Chicago Bulls squad hoisted six championship trophies in eight years. The four mop-topped members of The Beatles left an enduring legacy on pop music鈥

It鈥檚 clear throughout history that we are all, and have always been, 鈥Stronger Together鈥 as a team. As our rallying cry for the eighth annual on Wednesday, April 10, we invite you to join us in supporting 91短视频 to prove we are truly 鈥淪tronger Together.鈥

Participate in our 24-hour giving day extravaganza, in which alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends come together to support and celebrate the wonderful university we all love. Help us set a new record! Last year, we raised $300,915 from donors giving 844 gifts. With your help, we can all make a difference by contributing to even more scholarships and financial aid packages, direct faculty and staff support, DEI initiatives and more!

Plenty of events are scheduled to show off your Royal pride and unleash your Lov91短视频 spirit. Follow our live interviews and coverage throughout the day on our 91短视频 , hosted by Nicole Litwiller 鈥19, MA 鈥20 (conflict transformation), annual giving and donor communication specialist. Tag #Lov91短视频, #91短视频GivingDay and #StrongerTogether in your social media posts and tell your friends and family about Lov91短视频 Giving Day.聽

Events

Lov91短视频 Pep Rally
10:10-11 a.m. | Yoder Arena
Jump-start your morning with an hour of 91短视频 spirit, storytelling and a chance to watch Herm pie President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman in the face. Doughnuts from Krispy Kreme will be provided beforehand. This event will be livestreamed.

Student vs. Faculty/Staff Dodgeball
11-11:30 a.m. | Yoder Arena
Students and faculty/staff face off in a friendly game of dodgeball. 

Choose Your Own Adventure Activities
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | University Commons
Add some activity to your afternoon. The climbing wall and pickleball and basketball courts will be open, with arts and crafts available and a university fair open to prospective students.

Lunch & Lawn Party
Noon-2 p.m. | Thomas Plaza
91短视频 leaders and administrators show their student appreciation by flipping burgers behind the grill. In addition to a lunch, free to all students and prospective students, attendees can play lawn games and win prizes.

Lov91短视频, LoveYourself
2-4 p.m. | UC Student Union
Stop by the Lov91短视频 Hub at the Hall of Nations for various self-care activities, including snacks.

Baseball game
4 p.m. | 91短视频 Baseball Field
Cheer on the Royals as they take on Mary Baldwin University.

Lov91短视频 Cookout
5:30-7:30 p.m. | UC Parking Lot
Live music, free food and celebration 鈥 what鈥檚 not to love? This event is free and open to the public. Please so we’ll know how much food to prepare.

Karaoke Sing-Off
8-9:30 p.m. | UC Student Union
Show off your pipes while competing for a chance to win $100 for your favorite club at 91短视频. Both solo and group singers are welcome. Judges will crown their favorites in three categories: Best Theme, Most 91短视频 Love, and Most Engaging/Best All-Around. Plus, everyone who performs gets a free small Common Grounds drink.

Late Night Jammin鈥
10:30-Midnight | UC Student Union
Lov91短视频 Giving Day draws to a jazzy close with live music from 91短视频 students and a biscuits and jam bar (hence the punny name).

Challenges

This year鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Giving Day features more than $125,000 in challenge match funds from generous donors, split between full-day and timed challenges.

After a one-year hiatus, the leaderboard for athletic teams, academic programs and student organizations has returned. Donors who contribute a tax-deductible gift of $10 or more on Lov91短视频 Giving Day can vote for a favorite team, program and organization. First, second and third place finishers from each category will receive between $250 and $1,000.

Lov91短视频 Early Challenge (almost there!)
Help us reach our goal of receiving 100 gifts before Lov91短视频 Giving Day to unlock an additional $10,000 toward the University Fund, our No. 1 student-centric fundraising priority.

Full-Day Challenges

Loyal Royal Challenge: If 91短视频 alumni give 250 gifts, another $15,000 is unlocked to the University Fund. 

Stronger Together: Parents, students and all-around fans can show their love for all things 91短视频. If 175 non-alumni participate in Lov91短视频 Giving Day, $15,000 will be unlocked for student scholarships.

Future Royal: For each prospective student who attends Lov91短视频 Giving Day and pays their tuition deposit, another $1,000 is donated to the University Fund.

Timed Challenges

Wake Me Up Before You Give-Give
Time: 6-9 a.m.
Goal: 75 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 to the University Fund

We鈥檝e Got Spirit
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Goal: 50 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 to the University Fund鈥nd an opportunity to pie President Huxman!

Rally with Royal Women
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Goal: $9,000
Royal Women for 91短视频, a new networking and philanthropy initiative, is determined to raise direct financial aid for students wanting to attend 91短视频. President Huxman has pledged to match every dollar donated in this challenge up to $9,000 to help Royal Women achieve its goal.

The Roar Heard 鈥楻ound the World
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Goal: 75 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 to the University Fund

What鈥檚 Love Got to Do with It?
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Goal: 50 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 toward student scholarships

Carrie Us to Midnight
Time: 9 p.m.-Midnight
Goal: 100 gifts
Unlocks: $10,000 to the Athletics Annual Fund

Other ways to get into the Lov91短视频 spirit

Try 鈥淭he Herm Sandwich鈥
From Monday, April 8, to Wednesday, April 10, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is offering The Herm Sandwich, a ham sandwich with “a Royal twist.鈥 The sandwich consists of double-smoked ham or smoked tofu with barbecue sauce and Swiss dill coleslaw on pumpernickel bread. Lola鈥檚 will contribute $1 from every Herm Sandwich sold to the University Fund. 

Watch our video
As you may have noticed in our rad 鈥80s-inspired workout videos, we鈥檝e been getting 鈥淧umped Up鈥 about Lov91短视频 Giving Day and we hope you are, too! Check out a teaser below for our full Lov91短视频 Giving Day video, which releases on Monday, April 8.

Thank you to the many departments and people who have lent their valuable skills and insights to Lov91短视频 Giving Day. For more information about Lov91短视频 events and challenges, visit .

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91短视频 Recognized for Fundraising Excellence as Giving Tops $6 Million /now/news/2013/emu-recognized-for-fundraising-excellence-as-giving-tops-6-million/ Thu, 01 Aug 2013 16:20:03 +0000 http://emu.edu/now/news/?p=17695 In late May, near the end of what turned out to be one of 91短视频鈥檚 best fundraising years, the named 91短视频 a winner of an Overall Performance Award for fundraising excellence.

Total giving to 91短视频 for the 2012-13 fiscal year was $6,277,000, a 24 percent increase from the $5,059,000 given to 91短视频 in the previous year. The most recent fiscal year was the second-best year for overall fundraising in the past decade, behind $6,562,000 in total support in the 2005-06 fiscal year.

CASE recognized 91短视频 as one of five 鈥渟uperior fundraising programs鈥 in its peer group, after a blind review of fundraising data over the past three years. Also recognized in 91短视频鈥檚 category were Abilene Christian University, Gonzaga University, the Rochester Institute of Technology and Union University.

鈥91短视频 continues to benefit from a very loyal core of alumni donors and individual friends of the university,鈥 said , vice president for advancement. 鈥淲e are very pleased to report that our efforts to increase the giving participation of alumni and current parents continues to bear fruit.鈥

The university was supported by a total of 3,830 donors last year, up from 3,565 the previous year. The number of alumni donor households increased from 1,942 to 1,995 from 2012 to 2013. Gifts from parents of current students increased from 53 to 86 over the same period, while gifts from parents of former students increased from 231 to 236.

The also enjoyed its best year to date, receiving more than $1.5 million in gifts and commitments last year. Through the end of June, the campaign had raised $5.9 million. Shisler anticipates reaching the campaign goal of $7 million during the current 2013-14 fiscal year.

Gifts to the , 91短视频鈥檚 unrestricted annual fund, totaled $1,767,000, while $358,000 was received in new gifts to the university鈥檚 endowment funds. The endowment funds support student financial aid, facilities maintenance and various academic programs.

鈥91短视频 is especially fortunate to have a donor constituency of alumni and friends who support the institution in three significant ways,鈥 says Shisler. 鈥淸This happens] through consistent annual giving, through periodic capital giving to support our capital projects, and, increasingly, through people incorporating 91短视频 into estate plans to make a major gift to 91短视频 at the end of their lives.鈥

Over the past year, 50 people included 91短视频 in their estate plans, bringing the size of the to 547.

The alumni giving rate now stands at about 23 percent. That is well above the national average for all universities (13%), and compares favorably to 91短视频鈥檚 peer institutions in Virginia as well as other Mennonite colleges.

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91短视频 sees increase in total contributions for 2011 /now/news/2011/emu-sees-increase-in-total-contributions-for-2011/ /now/news/2011/emu-sees-increase-in-total-contributions-for-2011/#comments Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:44:11 +0000 http://emu.edu/now/news/?p=7291 91短视频 (91短视频) experienced a growth of 15 percent over聽last year聽in total contributions for the 2011 fiscal year ending June 30.

Total contributions were $5,627,312, up $744,555 from fiscal year 2010.

“We are pleased that giving to the University Fund has remained strong, even as donors聽have begun making significant聽capital commitments to our campaign for the new Suter Science Complex,” said Dr.聽Fred Kniss, provost and acting president of 91短视频.聽“We are also quite fortunate to have an especially loyal core group of alumni and donors who persisted with steadfast support amidst continuing softness in the economy,” Kniss added.

Contributions to the University Fund totaled $1,818,000, an increase聽of nearly聽two percent聽over last year. 91短视频’s University Fund provides annual operating support for the institution as well as merit and need-based financial aid to students.

According to Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement, 91短视频 received several substantial聽gifts that made the difference in total giving for the fiscal year. “We successfully completed a聽$2.5聽million theater and fine arts campaign.聽聽Over $520,000聽of these funds were received during the year.聽 This includes聽naming gifts for a new studio theater,聽art gallery and advanced media lab,” said Shisler.

Several聽substantial聽contributions were also received in support of a campaign to raise funds for a new science facility at 91短视频. “We are in the聽early phases of fundraising, and anticipate that several years of intensive effort will be required to reach our goal for this major project,” said Shisler.

It was also a strong year for bequests at 91短视频.聽 Gifts from the estates聽of 19 donors聽 amounted to nearly $1.1 million, an increase of 57 percent over聽the previous year.

“We are very grateful for the continued strong support for 91短视频 in the midst of difficult economic times.聽 We view this as an affirmation of the importance of our university’s mission,” said Kniss.

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91短视频 Giving Sees Slight Increase /now/news/2010/emu-giving-sees-slight-increase/ Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=2271 Unrestricted contributions of $1,786,000 to 91短视频 for the 2009-10 fiscal year ending June 30 were up 3.4 percent over the previous year.

Total contributions to 91短视频, including restricted gifts and grants, totaled $4,857,757 compared with $6,194,442 in 2009.

"The decrease in total giving is largely due to a windfall bequest of $1 million 91短视频 received last year," noted 91短视频 President Loren Swartzendruber. noted.

"In recent years, total philanthropic support has hovered around $5 million per year, so this past year has been more typical in that regard. Overall, it was a good year for 91短视频, especially given the continued softness of the economy," the president said.

Over $3 million in restricted gifts and bequests was contributed in support of special projects in both the undergraduate and graduate programs as well as for endowment.

According to Kirk L. Shisler, vice president for advancement, 91短视频 received several substantial gifts that made the difference in total giving for the fiscal year.

"We successfully completed a $2.4 million theater and fine arts campaign with nearly $500,000 of these funds received during the 2009-10 fiscal year. This includes $146,000 that was contributed to establish a studio theater in memory of 91短视频 alumnus Lee Eshleman," Shisler reported.

91短视频’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) was the recipient of several large grants this past year, including $200,000 in special project support from the Kellogg Foundation for the ", a program focused on racial reconciliation among descendants of slaves and slave owners.

91短视频’s endowment fund also received a boost in new contributions of $667,000 during the year. Scholarship support for business and science students were among several program areas that benefited from these new contributions to the endowment fund.

"We are extremely grateful for the widespread support 91短视频 received in what has been a very challenging economic environment for fundraising," Swartzendruber said.

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Andy Dula is New 91短视频 Trustees Chair /now/news/2010/andy-dula-is-new-emu-trustees-chair/ Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=2256 The June 18-19 meeting of the 91短视频 board of trustees was the final one for Susan M. Godshall to preside over as chair.

Godshall, of Elizabethtown, Pa., handed the gavel to her successor, Andrew (Andy) Dula of Lancaster, Pa., at the close of the two-day sessions.

Susan Godshall passes the gavel to her successor as 91短视频 board chair, Andy Dula
Susan Godshall passes the gavel to her successor as 91短视频 board chair, Andy Dula. Photo by Jim Bishop

Dula, a 1991 91短视频 graduate, is chief financial officer at EG Stoltzfus Construction, Lancaster, Pa. He will serve a three-year term as board chair.

Godshall, a 1965 91短视频 alumna, joined the board of trustees as a representative from Lancaster Mennonite Conference in November, 1998, and was elected board chair in 2004.

Alumni following Godly path

Godshall opened the meeting with a devotional based on Psalm 78. She told the board that she recently reviewed old trustee minutes and felt as though she was reading “a developing story” that began with the school’s founding in 1917.

“The vision behind the school’s beginning remains much the same today – training young people in the ways of God and of the Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective on Christian service…to live as God’s people in a society that would pulls us in other directions,” Godshall said.

“I am impressed, in reading 91短视频’s ‘Crossroads’ magazine, by seeing the difference that 91短视频 alumni are making as their stories connect with God’s story,” she said.

Board adopts budget, reports funds

In board actions, the trustees adopted a preliminary operating budget with $30.1 million in total revenues for the 2010-11 fiscal year, a 6 percent percent increase over 2009-10.

The budget includes funding of $1.3 million for capital expenditures and debt reduction and $4 million in student scholarship funds and calls for $1.8 in contributions to the University Fund by June 30, 2011.

Gerry Horst, chair of the advancement and enrollment/marketing committee, reported that 91短视频’s University Fund (for annual unrestricted contributions) was running over 6% behind last year’s pace.

“Intensive year-end efforts continue to close the gap by June 30,” Horst said.

Outgoing trustees

Several other trustees concluded terms of service at the June board meeting. In addition to Susan Godshall, the board recognized:

  • Steve Brenneman of Nappanee, Ind.
  • Shirley Hochstetler of Kidron, Ohio
  • Robert Hostetler of Erie, Pa.
  • Joan King of Telford, Pa.
  • Lillis Troyer of Walnut Creek, Ohio
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91短视频 heartened by contributions amid stressful economy /now/news/2009/emu-heartened-by-contributions-amid-stressful-economy/ Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=1967 Total charitable contributions to 91短视频 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 were $6,069,782, an increase of 15% over the previous year. This is only the second time in the past six years that total giving to 91短视频 exceeded the $6 million threshold.

“We are extremely grateful for the widespread support 91短视频 received in what has been a very challenging economic environment for fundraising,” said 91短视频 president Loren Swartzendruber.

Gifts to 91短视频’s annual fund – known as the University Fund – totaled $1.73 million compared with $1.85 million in 2008 for a decline of 6.9% in unrestricted support. “The shortfall in annual giving is cause for some concern,” said Dr. Swartzendruber. “However, given the larger picture it is very understandable. A number of our alumni and donor friends have experienced economic hardship, and so naturally some have felt compelled to reduce their support.”

In a show of support for 91短视频 students, 126 faculty and staff made extra contributions during the year to help offset some of the losses in endowment revenue. Together with some 60 alumni and trustees, $128,000 was given and pledged to establish an Emergency Student Aid Fund. Proceeds from this fund will be awarded as financial aid to students during the 2009-10 academic year.

In the area of designated gifts and grants, 91短视频 had one of its best years in the past decade. Nearly $3.4 million was contributed in support of special projects in both the undergraduate and graduate programs as well as for endowment.

According to Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement, 91短视频 received several substantial gifts that made the difference in total giving for the fiscal year. “A gift of $971,000 from the estate of Dr. Paul Hill of Virginia was the single largest gift to 91短视频 this past year,” Shisler said, noting that the Hill gift will support 91短视频’s endowment fund as well as provide financial aid to pre-med students in 91短视频’s science program.

91短视频’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) received nearly $800,000 in special project support from a variety of sources, including Church World Service, Fetzer Institute, Kellogg Foundation, The Ploughshares Fund and Compton Foundation. Substantial grants were made to other 91短视频 programs as well, including an award of $132,000 from The Virginia College Fund and $117,000 for 91短视频’s nursing program from the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation.

Additional restricted gifts and grants in the $25,000 to $50,000 range benefited 91短视频’s music and scholarship programs as well as two new programs at Eastern Mennonite Seminary to provide online instruction and an Hispanic studies initiative.

“It is a special privilege to walk with our students as we prepare them to serve and lead in a global context,” Swartzendruber said. “Our mission simply could not be fulfilled without the involvement of those who are excited about what our graduates are doing all over the world.”

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91短视频 Annual Gifts Set New Record /now/news/2007/emu-annual-gifts-set-new-record/ Fri, 13 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=1461 91短视频 has received $5,111,510 in total contributions for the 2006-2007 fiscal year ending June 30.

Kirk L. Shisler, vice president for , reported that contributions of $1,764,000 to the set a new record, surpassing the 2006 annual fund total of $1,733,000 by nearly two percent. The University Fund supports student financial aid, funds for and other program budgets as well as the (CJP), Shisler noted.

Support for 91短视频’s undergraduate and graduate programs included $751,000 in endowment contributions and $2,599,210 in restricted grants and contributions. Included in the above totals was $220,000 in bequests and deferred gifts, Shisler noted.

“With the exception of 2006 in which several rather large endowment gifts were received, this was one of our strongest years in terms of endowment giving,” Shisler added.

CJP and Seminary Generate Large Gifts

Several of the larger gifts 91短视频 received in 2006-07 were designated for The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and for Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

The Fulbright Program and Church World Service provided grants of $357,000 and $251,000, respectively, for scholarships and special projects of CJP.

Meanwhile, 91短视频’s seminary benefited from a gift of $208,000 from an individual donor to provide scholarship support to seminary students.

Alumni Continue to Give

According to Shisler, an area of continued emphasis is alumni giving.

“For several years now, the average total giving of alumni to the University Fund has increased quite steadily,” he noted. “In 2006-07, for example, average giving rose from $413 to $473, an increase of 14.5.

“However, we continue to address overall alumni participation in giving, which is currently around 30%,” Shisler said, adding: “We believe that participation will increase as we engage alumni more actively in the life of the institution.”

Included in the giving totals are contributions of $121,000 from 165 91短视频 faculty and staff who supported the university’s annual fund and other programs during the year.

“91短视频 is blessed with the support of many alumni and friends who care deeply about our mission,” said President Loren Swartzendruber. “Our intent is to be good stewards of the investments donors make toward the education of our students. In addition to significant financial support, we value the prayers of God’s people on our behalf.”

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Trustees Act on Finances, Hear Updates /now/news/2006/trustees-act-on-finances-hear-updates/ Tue, 14 Nov 2006 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=1269 J. Richard Thomas makes a proposal for action
J. Richard Thomas, chair of the academics committee of the 91短视频 board of trustees, makes a proposal for action to the full board as President Loren Swartzendruber and board chair Susan E. Godshall listen.
Photo by Jim Bishop

The of 91短视频 heard campus updates and took action on finances during its quarterly meeting on campus, Nov. 10-11.

The 16-member governing body approved a revised, final operating budget for the 2006-07 fiscal year of $26.4 million, a 4.9 percent increase over last year. The budget includes capital budget funding of $826,900 and calls for $1.87 million to the by the close of the fiscal year on June 30, 2007.

Kirk L. Shisler, vice president for advancement, reported that gifts to the University Fund, which helps close the gap between tuition and actual operating costs of the school, “are more than 20 percent ahead of the same time last year.”

Shisler reported on new initiatives to increase the alumni giving rate above the current rate of 30 percent participation. The good news, he said, is that the average alumni gift for unrestricted purposes has more than doubled in the past five years to $415.

Campus Entryway Discussed

91短视频 President Loren Swartzendruber gave a progress report from Van Yahres Associates, a Charlottesville, Va., architectural firm, outlining the most recent ideas for developing clearly-marked campus perimeters as well as a more clearly defined entryway.

Dr. Swartzendruber noted that the university has talked with city officials on their plans for improving and widening Mt. Clinton Pike and how that may affect 91短视频’s plans to create a defined perimeter.

“The city has indicated their willingness to make their plans available so that any development of a campus perimeter can be done with city data in mind,” the president said.

Swartzendruber reported that a Crisis Management Preparedness Team (CMPT) has been meeting regularly to outline plans and procedures in the event of emergency situations ranging from fires and ethical breaches to natural disasters.

“The potential for such a serious disease outbreak as a flu pandemic creates the need for comprehensive planning for a variety of scenarios,” the president said.

Number of Undergraduates Increasing

Kenneth L. Nafziger, vice president for , told the board that the number of Virginia undergraduate students has increased from 339 in 1998 to 402 this year. The undergraduate ethnic/international population has also grown to about 20 percent of the total student body.

In addition, 91短视频 attained a first-to-second-year retention rate of 81 percent in last year’s entering class, an improvement of five percentage points – approximately 10 students – over a ten-year average, Dr. Nafziger noted.

The board accepted a recommendation to appoint an associate trustee from the United Methodist Church, who is compatible with the vision of the seminary, to serve on the trustee seminary committee. Approximately 20 percent of the Eastern Mennonite Seminary student body is from that denomination.

The board grappled with requests coming to the university from church-related educational programs in other parts of the world, asking 91短视频 to offer accredited courses for their students.

91短视频 President Loren Swartzendruber said that “hardly a month goes by that we don’t get impassioned pleas from legitimate, worthy sources – India, Ethiopia and the Dominican Republic being recent examples.

“We agonize over a desire to find ways to respond within the reality of limited resources,” the president said, acknowledging there is a “window of opportunity” to offer an Anabaptist theological presence for the next generation of church leaders worldwide.

Trustee Gilberto Flores of Newton, Kan., said “the Ethiopian Meserete Kristos Church has much to teach the North American church in the wake of a period of persecution. They provide a lesson in humility and perseverance in seeing how God is working around the world.”

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91短视频 Reports Record Gift Income /now/news/2006/emu-reports-record-gift-income/ Wed, 12 Jul 2006 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=1161 Kirk Shisler gives an upbeat report of donor giving Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement at 91短视频, gives an upbeat report of donor giving during the past year at a faculty- staff “New Year’s Breakfast” that welcomed the 2006-07 fiscal year.

91短视频 has received $6,585,205 in total contributions for the 2005-2006 fiscal year ending June 30, a 24 percent increase, or $1,293,843 more than last year.

Kirk L. Shisler, vice president for , reported that contributions of $1,730,000 to the set a new record, surpassing the 2005 annual fund total of $1,591,000 by more than eight percent. The University Fund supports student financial aid, funds for and other program budgets and the (CJP), Shisler noted.

Support for 91短视频’s undergraduate and graduate programs included endowment giving of $1,651,000 and bequests and restricted grants of $3,154,000, Shisler noted. The increase by more than $1 million in endowment support “was largely the result of three major gifts to establish endowments for undergraduate faculty release time, the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Eastern Mennonite Seminary,” he said.

Giving by 91短视频 alumni continued to increase both in total giving – $2,981,878 compared to $1,995,475 in 2004-05 – and in the number of donors at the $1,000-plus level, Shisler said.

Included in the giving totals are gifts from 175 91短视频 faculty and staff who supported the university with contributions of more than $112,000.

“In a host of unique ways, 91短视频 donors have responded with a resounding ‘Yes’! to our persistent, and hopefully gracious, invitations to join with the university in its transformative work,” Shisler said.

“91短视频 is blessed with the support of many alumni and friends who care deeply about our mission,” said President Loren Swartzendruber. “Our intent is to be good stewards of the investments donors make toward the education of our students. In addition to signficant financial support, we value the prayers of God’s people on our behalf.”

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Board Approves New Programs, Drops Others /now/news/2006/board-approves-new-programs-drops-others/ Tue, 28 Mar 2006 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=1103 Paul R. Yoder Jr. responds to a committee report as fellow trustees listen. Paul R. Yoder Jr. responds to a committee report as fellow trustees J. Richard Thomas and Gerald R. Horst listen.
Photo by Jim Bishop

Approving several new academic programs and taking actions to strengthen the future of the university was the primary focus of the Mar. 24-25 meeting of the 91短视频 .

The school’s governing body heard a summary report with recommendations that followed nearly two-years of comprehensive work by a "prioritization" steering committee.

Prioritization report

The 13-member group, chaired by University President , led a process of evaluating all university programs to ensure that they fit the university’s mission to serve the Mennonite Church and larger world.

Dr. Swartzendruber gave a Powerpoint presentation on the project. The goal of the campuswide effort, he said, is "to experience healthy organizational change that will make 91短视频 a stronger,even higher quality program in the days ahead.

"This has been a transparent process all along, with findings and committee proceedings and recommendations posted on the web site for everyone to read," the president said.

The board took action to approve the prioritization report, with many of the recommendations to be carried out in a gradual, "evolutionary" fashion.

Merging departments

Among the changes, the board approved a recommendation to merge the art and communication departments to form the , effective fall 2006.

Marie S. Morris, undergraduate academic dean, pointed to the advantages to be realized by merging the two departments, noting that "the faculty are young and passionate about their discipline, with a positive effect on students.

"It is important to model a faith-based collaboration in the context of a liberal arts and Anabaptist faith context where students are equipped to engage in creative activity in a variety of media forms," Dr. Morris said. "Students will be enriched by the mixing in classes of students who are working in traditional studio arts and those working in digital applications. The critical analysis, combined with working side-by-side, will push each student to a greater level of excellence," she added.

The board also approved recommendations to add a major in digital media and a major in photography, effective fall 2006. Both programs are in response to student interest and will provide increased collaboration of students and faculty, improved advising and mentoring and more efficient budgeting and instructional space use.

New MBA track

Also approved was a new health services administration track within the program, starting fall of 2006. Allon Lefever, MBA director, said the courses will be offered on-line and will take two-and-a-half years to complete the certificate at one course a semester.

President Loren Swartzendruber speaks to the board of trustees. President Loren Swartzendruber gives a summary of the campuswide "prioritization" process to the 91短视频 board of trustees.
Photo by Jim Bishop

"The courses will emphasize case studies and ethical considerations and will prepare potential managers of nursing homes, retirement communities and other health care systems," Lefever said.

The trustees also approved recommendations to discontinue several academic programs with low enrollment, effective fall 2006 – the German major and minor, the economic development major and minor and the marketing minor.

"We weren’t certain when this process started where we’d end up, and in fact, we’re far from done at this stage," Swartzendruber said. "This huge task will mean little if we don’t continue working on it on an annual basis."

Other business

The trustees also:

–Approved a preliminary operating budget for the 2006-07 fiscal year of $25.5 million, a 3.6% increase. The new budget includes $ 5.5 million in student scholarships, a one percent wage increase for faculty, staff and retirees and $1.4 million toward capital projects;

–Approved five-year contracts for 10 undergraduate faculty members and one seminary professor and promotions in rank, effective fall of 2006, for seven undergraduate faculty;

–Heard that revenues for 2006-06 are at $944,520, about $130,000 above the same time last year, with 17 contributions of $50,000 or more received so far the current fiscal year. The board also was told that first-year student applications and deposits are "substantially ahead of 2005."

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91短视频 Trustees Consider Campus Design /now/news/2005/emu-trustees-consider-campus-design/ Mon, 14 Nov 2005 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=1007 What is the best way to enter the 91短视频 campus, especially for those persons who’ve never visited before?

The 91短视频 board of trustees spent a portion of their fall meeting, Nov. 11-12, focusing on that perplexing question with the aid of Van Yahres Associates, a Charlottesville, Va., architectural firm.

Using a Powerpoint presentation on "the anatomy of a campus," Mike Van Yahres, colleague Syd Knight and Sam Jones of Troyer and Associates, designers of the campus master plan, identified the key planning components as: a recognizable entrance, identifiable centers, definite edges, organized circulation (parking), efficient maintenance and simplicity of design.

Architects Mike Van Yahres and Syd Knight introduce key considerations in designing a welcome entrance to the 91短视频 campus.Architects Mike Van Yahres (standing) and Syd Knight introduce key considerations in designing a welcome entrance to the 91短视频 campus. Designing entranceways to schools and other institutions is the firm’s speciality.
Photos by Jim Bishop

Although the board’s discussion centered around where to create a main entrance, the other components factor heavily into that planning.

A successful entrance provides an "ah-ha" moment to visitors, engages the center of campus, is welcoming – often including admissions’ interests – and anticipates long-term growth and change, the architects said.

Board members raised questions about the city’s plans for roads surrounding the campus, the university’s relationship to other campuses such as Eastern Mennonite High School and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community EMHS and 91短视频’s long-term plan for purchasing surrounding buildings.

Suggestions from the board included the need for "ample and convenient parking" as well as "capitalizing on the beautiful view available from certain areas on campus."

The architects also noted that 91短视频 has enough land area to grow "by more than a third of its current population" over the long term.

"This is a 50 to 100-year decision, and we want to proceed carefully but expeditiously," 91短视频 said. "We will plan several meetings in late spring to engage faculty, staff and students in discussions about the options for an entranceway and welcome center."

In trustees’ actions, the board approved a revised final operating budget for the 2005-06 fiscal year of $24.6 million, a 4.5 percent increase over last year. The budget calls for contributions of $1.75 million to the by June 30, 2006 and includes $4,947,000 earmarked for student financial aid.

The board also gave the administration authority to increase tuition "not less than 5 percent and not more than 8 percent" for the 2006-07 year and approved a $600 increase in room and board. The room and board hike "will still place 91短视频 in a lower category than many peer schools currently charge," a board member noted.

Susan Godshall, chair of the 91短视频 board of trustees, confers with Carlos Romero of Mennonite Education Agency between sessions.Susan Godshall, chair of the 91短视频 board of trustees, confers with Carlos Romero of Mennonite Education Agency between sessions.
Photo by Jim Bishop

The board recessed to attend an 91短视频 chapel service and heard Carlos Romero, executive secretary of the Mennonite Education Agency (MEA), speak on how small the world is becoming and the changing demographics that are transforming schools and communities.

"Different cultures come with different unwritten rules," Romero said. He gave this example: His mother always instructed her children to not clean their plate lest the host think that she was an unfit mother who didn’t feed her family. He then contrasted that with the family who thinks if you DON’T clean your plate you are wasting food when there is so much hunger in the world.

"The heart of understanding comes when we can make the unwritten rules and expectations of various cultures clear," Romero told the assembly. "Grace in understanding is our call when it comes to cross-cultural relationships and in becoming the church God wants us to be.

"Deep in my heart I do believe in the goodness of people," he said. "I do believe in the power of Christ in our relationships."

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91短视频 Gives Gehman Philanthropy Award /now/news/2005/emu-gives-gehman-philanthropy-award/ Mon, 17 Oct 2005 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=976 President Loren Swartzendruber presents Margaret Martin Gehman with a plaque
91短视频 President Loren Swartzendruber presents Margaret Martin Gehman with a plaque naming her first recipient of the annual "Philanthropist of the Year" award from the university. At right are Susan Godshall, 91短视频 board chair, and Kirk Shisler, vice-president for advancemnt.
Photo by Jim Bishop

Margaret Martin Gehman may be retired from her long tenure on the 91短视频 faculty, but at age 83, she still exemplifies the moniker bestowed on her years ago – "Speedy."

Dr. Gehman’s continued work and support of the university was recognized at a donor appreciation banquet Friday, Oct. 14, with her being named the first recipient of the "Philanthropist of the Year" award.

91短视频 President Loren E. Swartzendruber presented Gehman with the award, citing her "long-time faithful, generous financial and other contributions to the university over the years."

"Margaret has supported the , many capital campaign projects and by establishing several gift annuities, supporting endowed scholarships, program endowments for indoor and outdoor athletics and the humanities and building endowments for Northlawn residence hall and Eastern Mennonite Seminary," Dr. Swartzendruber said.

The 91短视频 professor emerita joined the faculty in 1944 and taught and courses until her retirement in 1987. She continues to serve regularly as a volunteer on campus, assisting with special mailings and preparation for special events. She also volunteers at Eastern Mennonite Mennonite High School, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Mennonite Media Ministries and other local organizations.

While Gehman is the first recipient of the philanthropic award, she won’t be the last.

Swartzendruber announced that 91短视频 "will select one donor or donor couple each year from now on to receive what will be known as the ‘Margaret M. Gehman Philanthropist of the Year Award.’"

Gehman credits her late parents, J.D. Earl and Edna Martin from the Hagerstown, Md., area, for "teaching the value of a lifestyle of simplicity and generosity."

Gehman still drives the same blue 1967 Volkswagen Beatle. Her late husband, Dr. Ernest G. Gehman, taught German at 91短视频 for 47 years.

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Gift Income Sets New Record for University /now/news/2005/gift-income-sets-new-record-for-university/ Fri, 08 Jul 2005 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=908 Kirk L. ShislerKirk L. Shisler

91短视频 has received $5,151,962 in total contributions for the 2004-2005 fiscal year ending June 30, a 4.5 percent increase, or $226,000 more than last year.

Kirk L. Shisler, vice president for , reported that contributions of $1,484,655 to the set a new record, slightly surpassing the 2004 annual fund total of $1,480,491.

Support for 91短视频’s undergraduate and graduate programs included endowment giving of $631,949 and bequests and restricted grants of $3,035,358, Shisler noted. The largest restricted grant of $626,000 was received from Church World Service in support of 91短视频’s , now in its 11th year of operation. A grant of $125,000 from Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield was awarded to support the , named for a 1991 91短视频 nursing graduate from Lancaster, Pa., who died in 2003.

Giving by 91短视频 alumni continued to increase both in total giving – $1,993,603 compared to $1,928,366 in 2004 – and in the number of donors at the $1,000-plus level. Two hundred seven alumni contributed $1,000 or more in 2005 compared with 194 who gave at that level in 2004, Shisler said.

Included in the giving totals are gifts from 184 91短视频 faculty and staff who supported the university with contributions of more than $128,000.

"We are extremely grateful to our alumni, friends, faculty/staff, and special partners whose generous contributions resulted in another record year of annual support for 91短视频," said Loren E. Swartzendruber, 91短视频 president. "91短视频 benefits from an especially loyal group of donors whose passion for 91短视频 and its mission is consistently reflected in generous giving to both undergraduate and graduate programs of the university."

According to Swartzendruber, the strong year in donations also bodes well for 91短视频’s future given significant staff changes that have occurred within the advancement division in recent months.

"We are pleased that Kirk Shisler has assumed the post of vice president for advancement as of April 1, and that we will continue to benefit from the excellent service of Phillip Helmuth as executive director of development," Swartzendruber said. Helmuth served as interim vice president of advancement the past year.

Shisler graduated from 91短视频 in 1981 and spent more than 20 years in fund development leadership positions at Syracuse, N.Y-based ProLiteracy Worldwide prior to being recruited to his alma mater.

"I am excited to re-connect with 91短视频 in this role and to be part of a very strong team in advancing 91短视频’s mission," Shisler said. "We have some compelling opportunities to move 91短视频 forward in fulfilling its charter to prepare students to serve the global community as teachers, peacebuilders, pastors, medical professionals, business leaders, and in many other roles," he added.

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