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:

• Hannah Chappell-Dick, major in Biology, minors in Kinesiology & Exercise Science, Honors, and Coaching; Bluffton, Ohio
• Bethany Chupp, major in Psychology and minors in Honors and Art; Canby, Oregon
• Anahely Cruz, major in Liberal Arts, (Elementary Education Licensure, PreK-6, Special Education Licensure K-12) and minor in Psychology; Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Tyler Eshleman, major in Peacebuilding and Development and minor in Sociology; Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Teresa Garcia-bautista, majors in History, Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies and minor in Pre-Law and Political Studies; Timberville, Virginia
• Brooke Lacock, major in Psychology, minors in Honors and Art; Paradise, Pennsylvania
• Carissa Luginbill, major in Social Work and minors in Art and Psychology; Bluffton, Ohio
• Jolee Paden, major in Business Administration, Recreation Leadership & Sports Promotion; St. Joseph, Illinois
• Philip Watson, major in Psychology and minor in Photography; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Londen Wheeler, majors in Digital Media, Photography, and Communication; Faber, Virginia