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:

–Nels Å�������Dz�, major in Biology, from Harrisonburg, VA

–Michael Allen, major in Liberal Arts, from Fork Union, VA

–Jossimar Diaz-Castro, major in Philosophy & Theology, from Harrisonburg, VA

–Ryan Eshleman, majors in Philosophy & Theology and Biology, from Harrisonburg, Va.

–Darian Harnish, majors in Accounting and Economics, from Lancaster, PA

–Josh Kanagy, major in Psychology, from Harrisonburg, VA.

–Julia Schmidt, major in History, from Pandora, Oh.

–Hannah Schrock, major in Biology, from Iowa City, IA.

–Kelley Schroder, major in Music, Education Licensure, from Leesburg, Va.

–James Souder, major in Environmental Sustainability, from Harrisonburg, VA

Undergraduate seniors share reflections on their spiritual journeys in light of the 91����Ƶ mission, vision and shared values related to faith and discipleship.

Worship Leaders: Julia Schmidt, Darian Harnish Speakers: Emily Harnish, Kiersten Rossetto, Nels Akerson, Bekah Enns, Taylor Weidman Saxphone: James Souder

Sarah Schoenhals, Justice from Generation to Generation,  Senior Social Work major from Archbold, OH

Joel Nofziger, Confession as a Restorative Practice in the Church, Junior History and Peacebuilding & Development major from Lancaster, PA

Taylor Weidman, Dissimilarity is Hope” Junior Peacebuilding & Develoment, Environmental Sustainability, nad Economics major from Chambersburg, PA

Jamila Witmer, His Dream is our Command: Breaking Stereotypes through Integration, Senior Liberal Arts major from Lancaster, PA

Rose Byler, Living into the Tension: Social Services and Systemic Change, Senior Social Work major from Goshen, IN

Thomas Millary, Pluralistic Realm: Toward a Theology of Peace, First-year Pecaebuilding & Development and Philosophy & Theology major from Dillsburg, PA

Julia Schmidt, Holding Dignity in the Community of Faith, Junior History and Philosophy & Theology major from Pandora, OH