The award honors the efforts of graduating students who have made outstanding contributions to the university, community or society.

The Blue cord represents strength of conviction that one person can help to create a better institution; also willingness and openness to share thoughts and ideas.

The Gold cord represents love of spirit and yearning towards creating a better university community in which all can take part; gold is also the color of achievement.

This years recipients of the Cords of Distinction are:

• Carissa Harnish, major in biology and Spanish; Manheim, Pennsylvania
• Emma King, major in digital media and communication and minor in journalism and photography; West Unity, Ohio
• Rachel King, major in biology; West Unity, Ohio
• Jacob Landis, major in congregational and youth ministry and biblical studies and minor in biology; Sterling, Illinois
• Rebecca Longenecker, major in English and minor in mathematics; Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• Timothy (Jordan) Luther, major in biblical studies; Martinsville, Virginia
• Rebecca Martin, major in history and minor in economics and Spanish; Akron, Pennsylvania
• Gee Paegar, Jr., major in history and environmental sustainability and minor in political studies and international development; Monrovia, Liberia
• Erin Rheinheimer, major in art (K-12 education licensure) and minor in environmental sustainability; Alexandria, Virginia
• Emily Shenk, major in liberal arts (elementary education licensure); Goshen, Indiana

Senior Jacob Landis preaches on the Advent theme of peace – “Comfort, comfort O my people” – but not too much or displaced comfort! Readings for this second week of Advent include (God comforting the people in exile) and (John calling people in the wilderness).

Jacob is a major, x-c runner extraordinaire and also serves as a pastoral assistant with campus ministries. Next semester he’ll be on Cross-Cultural to the Middle East.

How are you searching to clarify your call in life? Students who participated in the (MIP) over the summer months share reflections from their experiences of exploring a sense of call to ministry.