°Őłó±đĚý 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:

• Emily Clatterbuck
• Drew Diaz
• Harrison Horst
• Maleke Jones
• Keyri Lopez-Godoy
• Michaela Mast
• Katrina Poplett
• Caleb Schrock-Hurst
• Brittany Williams
• Elizabeth Witmer

Gather for student leader perspectives on celebrating student-centered leadership and offering a prayerful blessing for Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman during this week of inauguration activities. Several student musical groups enhance this time of worship, celebration and blessing.

Reflections – Quinn Kathrineberg, Ariel Barbosa and Abigail Shelly.
Stings Ensemble – Jacinda Stahly, Isaac Dahl, Quinn Kathrineberg and Matthew Hunsberger.
Vocal Ensemble – Jon Bishop, Michaela Mast, Sylvia Mast, and Brandon Chupp.
Gospel Choir – Cameron White, Brittany Williams, Tae Dews, Ariel Barbosa, Andrew Troyer, Justin Odom, and Oksana Kittrell.
Gospel Choir Musicians – Earnest Kiah, Joseph Harder, Matej Gilgorevic, and Bruce Cypress.

Wondering about the personal motivations and impact of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington? Hear reflections from students, staff and faculty who participated in this historic march. What are the challenges? Where did you see Jesus? Where are you finding hope?

Melody Pannell shares from her experiences processing whether or not to participate in the march and what she experienced as a participant. Michaela Mast, Austin Sachs, Harrison Horst and Greta Ann Herin offer shorter reflections from their experiences.