CROSSROADS
SPRING/SUMMER 2019
IN A RIGHT PLACE
THE MAGAZINE OF EASTERN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY
VOL. 100 / NO. 1
CROSSROADS SPRING/SUMMER 2019 / VOL. 100 / NO. 1 Crossroads (USPS 174-860) is published two times a year by Eastern Mennonite University for distribution to 14,000 alumni, students, parents and friends. A leader among faith-based universities, Eastern Mennonite University emphasizes peacebuilding, creation care, experiential learning and cross-cultural engagement. Founded in 1917 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, EMU offers undergraduate, graduate, and seminary degrees that prepare students to serve and lead in a global context. EMU’s mission statement is posted in its entirety at www.emu.edu/mission. BOARD OF TRUSTEES KATHLEEN (KAY) NUSSBAUM, CHAIR / Grant, Minn. DIANN BAILEY / Granby, Conn. EVON BERGEY / Perkasie, Pa. HERMAN BONTRAGER / Akron, Pa. SHANA PEACHEY BOSHART / Wellman, Iowa JONATHAN BOWMAN / Manheim, Pa. RANDALL BOWMAN / Richmond, Va. HANS HARMAN / McGaheysville, Va. LOUISE OTTO HOSTETTER / Harriosnburg, Va. CHARLOTTE HUNSBERGER / Souderton, Pa. CLYDE KRATZ / Harrisonburg, Va. CHAD LACHER / Souderton, Pa. KEVIN LONGENECKER / Harrisonburg, Va. CEDRIC MOORE, JR. / Richmond, Va. E. THOMAS MURPHY, JR. / Harrisonburg, Va. MANUEL (MANNY) NUÑEZ / Alexandria, Va. ELOY RODRIGUEZ ⁄ Lancaster, Pa. JAMES ROSENBERGER / State College, Pa. VAUGHN TROYER / Millersburg, Ohio ANNE KAUFMAN WEAVER / Brownstown, Pa. CROSSROADS ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUSAN SCHULTZ HUXMAN / President KIRK L. SHISLER / Vice president for advancement SCOTT BARGE/ Vice president for institutional effectiveness JEFF SHANK / Alumni and parent engagement director STAFF LAUREN JEFFERSON / Editor-in-chief JON STYER / Creative director CHRISTOPHER CLYMER KURTZ / Staff writer MACSON MCGUIGAN / Photographer LINDSEY KOLB / Proofreader JOSHUA LYONS / Web designer All EMU personnel can be reached during regular work hours by calling 540-432-4000, or via contact details posted on the university website, www.emu.edu. POSTMASTER: Submit address changes to: Crossroads Eastern Mennonite University 1200 Park Road Harrisonburg VA 22802
FROM THE PRESIDENT
BEAUTY, BROKENNESS AND BROTHERLY LOVE SUSAN SCHULTZ HUXMAN
We’ve all heard the expression Success is where preparation and opportunity meet. In a related theological vein, Christian writer and pastor Frederick Buechner pens it beautifully this way: The place God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. This issue features EMU alumni in and around Philadelphia. Their lives are an anthem to our mission here to prepare students to serve and lead in a global context and to do that in the spirit of Scripture: to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. Their stories bring preparation and opportunity, deep gladness and deep hunger together in remarkable ways. Their choices for a life well-lived underscore the new positioning materials we’ve refreshed at EMU – stories that help us further distinguish our special brand of education in the increasingly competitive and cluttered educational landscape. After lots of research, and a ranking from Forbes magazine's Grateful Grads Index for the high percentage of alumni donors who are thankful for their quality education, we have good evidence to assert that our students are sought after at home and around the world. Why? Because our graduates thrive as confident real-world problem solvers and bridge-building leaders in their careers and communities. The beauty of our uncommon counter-cultural understanding is that we discern together what it means to activate the teachings of Jesus to serve and lead with distinction. Last fall, my husband Jesse and I were in Philadelphia visiting our oldest daughter and son-in-law who had moved from Kansas to the 26th floor of an apartment complex near the University of Pennsylvania. We stood in lines to do all the touristy things: seeing several historical sites, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. But the longest line, and the one with people of the most racial and ethnic diversity, was the one formed to stand under the iconic LOVE sculpture in Love Square. Incidentally, that sculpture was created by artist Robert Indiana shortly after JFK’s assassination. Yes, LOVE is a universal human yearning, perhaps especially in turbulent and tragic times. Enjoy these EMU alumni success stories – at crossroads that intersect deep gladness and deep hunger – in the colony William Penn, a Quaker who fled religious persecution, called The City of Brotherly Love!
IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES
16 'BLESSINGS AND BURDENS' Family businesses are a "marketplace ministry"
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ALUMNI IN MINISTRY "I get paid to spend time with God and people – unbelievable!"
IN A RIGHT PLACE
20 COMBINED EXPERTISE Sustaining a "God-given resource" through family-style mentorship
22 SACRED SPACE A medical interpreter amplifies voices otherwise unheard
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14 INVESTING IN CAMDEN
18 FINDING HAPPINESS
'REAL JOY' Lawyer improves lives through labor law
24 INFINITE POSSIBILITIES A 2015 pyschology grad prepares for his calling
ON THE COVER Heidi Hochstetler '03 works in child welfare services in Philadelphia, Pa. (Photo by Jon Styer)
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2 PHOTO
4 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
6 DONOR IMPACT
8 FAITH FOCUS
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25 MILEPOSTS
CAMPUS CULTURE
HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND 2019 33 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS
36 HOMECOMING EVENTS
PHOTO
2019
COMMENCEMENT The 101st Commencement was a day of joy and celebration as graduates, family and friends joined in academic festivities. PHOTOS BY JON ST YER AND MACSON MCGUIGAN
Professor Judy H. Mullet '73 offered the Commencement address. She retired this spring after 32 years of service to Eastern Mennonite University in the psychology and teacher education departments.
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Mike Ford leads Master of Divinity candidates David Gingerich and Tyler Goss during the processional.
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Jasmine Wilson, a psychology major from Woodbridge, Virginia, prepares for the traditional processional to the Front Lawn.
Graduate speakers (from left) Tyler Goss, Tiffany Dickson, Nelle Zimmerman and Mario Hernandez provided perspectives representing the seminary, graduate nursing, Adult Degree Completion Program, and undergraduates.
Kyle Good, a liberal arts major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, waits to accept his diploma.
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
FESTIVAL SHOWCASE A few friendly faces in the audience helped senior social work majors Eliana Tejedor and Jakya Jones through their presentations during a session on Virginia legislation at the Academic and Creative Excellence (ACE) Festival. Tejedor’s husband and mother-in-law took off time from work to hear her speak about the Equal Rights Amendment, a bill she followed as part of a project for Professor Carol Hurst’s social policy class. Jones, too, had familiar listeners. "I’m a Community Assistant, so some of my hall came out to watch," she said. "But it’s not hard to talk about something you’re passionate about." The senior hopes to work with juvenile offenders and shared about the experience of lobbying lawmakers against solitary confinement. In its second year, the spring semester festival has blossomed into a university-wide showcase of STEM and humanities research and arts performances and exhibitions. Events ranged from a keynote by Clemson wildlife conservation professor Drew Lanham to the quirky STEM Games Quiz Bowl (won by the Salticids), a documentary pre-premiere screening, a senior art show and a concert. Approximately 80 students were selected by a committee to give oral presentations in themed sessions moderated by faculty members. More than 100 students participated in poster sessions describing research and projects across all disciplines, while exhibits and performances involved another 90 students. Many students chose to focus their research on aspects of their curriculum or campus infrastructure, noted Provost Fred Kniss. "This high level of interest and attention says to me that EMU is a community where students know they are valued and their work can make an impact," he said. "Our faculty, too, are helping to create spaces where intellectual curiosity is rewarded and where their own practices can be influenced in ways that mean our students’ impact is present here long after they graduate." A sampling of such related projects included senior Dylan Grove’s design of a subsonic wind tunnel for the engineering department; senior Mario Hernandez’s research into retention in EMU STEM programs; and several senior environmental sustainability capstone projects focusing on Park Woods. Junior Anastasia Dronov conducted research with Professor Tara Kishbaugh into how chemistry students used (or didn’t use) the arrows of the Electron Pushing Formalism. Dronov, a chemistry tutor, joined the project not only to puzzle out a pedagogical problem and hopefully develop a new instructional strategy, but because she also knows teaching will be a big part of her future career. "Doctors have to explain a lot, and if they do it well, the patient is much better off," she said. The ACE Festival showcases "the riches of a liberal arts education," said Kniss. "Our students have well-rewarded us with their efforts. If you missed it this time, mark your calendar for next year!" The next ACE Festival is April 16, 2020. — LAUREN JEFFERSON
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DONOR IMPACT
INAUGURAL LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON
Donors Dennis and Sharon Showalter, both 1973 graduates, speak about their affection for the EMU community and the transformative education that the university continues to offer to students in the 21st century.
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Kirk Shisler '81, vice president for advancement, gives a welcome in the Hall of Nations to approximately 155 guests, including donors representing invested endowment contributions of $4.8 million of which the earnings generate perpetual annual support for student financial aid and programing. PHOTOS BY MACSON MCGUIGAN
BRINGING TOGETHER DONORS WITH STUDENTS who have benefited from their generosity was one goal of a busy year for Jasmine Hardesty, EMU’s director of development and planned giving. "We wanted to thank our donors, demonstrate their charitable impact and give them an opportunity to meet with their student-recipients here on campus,” she said. Those were the simple origins of the inaugural Legacy Scholarship Luncheon, held in the Hall of Nations midway through the spring semester. Approximately 73 donor households were invited to attend, representing invested contributions of $4.8 million to EMU’s endowment where the earnings generate a perpetual annual income stream of over $240,000 for student scholarships and academic programing in the areas of STEM, environmental sustainability and nursing. Members of the Board of Trustees, President’s Cabinet, former EMU presidents, academic chairs and prospective students were among the audience as well. In coming years, the annual event will feature other areas of academic and endowment focus, based on EMU’s new three-school structure, Hardesty said. The occasion symbolized the connection between those scholarship supporters who act as important change agents, “opening wide pathways for student access, affordability and achievement,” and their recipients, “talented, compassionate and globally engaged students,” who graduate each year to begin changing the world, said President Susan Schultz Huxman. Among the speakers were Sharon and Dennis Showalter, both 1973 graduates, who continue to support and donate
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Mario Hernandez speaks to legacy luncheon attendees about the benefits of an EMU education. A biology and history double-major, Hernandez graduated in May with Cords of Distinction honors.
to EMU because it is “still a community where students receive a superior, individualized education with that personal touch,” Sharon said. Senior Mario Hernandez talked more about that personal touch and “the concerted effort by the people who work here to get to know students.” He spoke of dinners in professors’ homes with their families, the opportunity to work on research projects, and even to drive a professor’s car on a field trip. “I was shaking the entire time,” he joked. Among the 155 guests was Leah Lapp, recipient of the CT Assist Innovative Grant Fund. A junior biology and chemistry major who hopes to attend medical school, she was inspired by hearing of how Scott Yoder '99, a physician assistant and co-founder of the medical staffing company CT Assist, had charted his career path. Donor Jane Hooley enjoyed spending time with Claire Waidelich, a senior computer science major and two-time beneficiary of the Dr. David J. and Jane L. Hooley Endowed Scholarship Fund. “I look forward to seeing her professional development after she graduates this spring,” Jane Hooley said. She and her husband David Hooley, a 1973 alumnus, discussed charities that interested him before his death in 2015. “Since he had always supported EMU, which has strong academic programs from a Christian and international perspective, we felt a scholarship would be of lasting benefit.” For Hooley as well as Thomas Lapp '84, the luncheon was “humbling and bittersweet.” Lapp and his wife Christy represented the N. LeRoy and Catherine A. Lapp Endowed Scholarship. His father, Dr. LeRoy Lapp, died in July 2018. Both parents, 1956 graduates, had strong ties to EMU. Catherine A. Lapp’s father John Harvey Alger was a member of the board of trustees for many years, and LeRoy Lapp was only able to attend college because of a patron’s financial generosity. “This scholarship allowed him to pay it forward to assist other pre-med/science majors to achieve their career goals,” Lapp said, adding that he and his sister, Ann Swisher, are particularly struck by how EMU students “share the ‘servant’s heart’ that our parents exemplified.” “EMU students are exposed to the Mennonite-emphasized beliefs of humility and servanthood, but they are also taught the skills needed to bravely face the issues in the world,” he said. “Those are important learnings and values our family shares.” — LAUREN JEFFERSON
“You as donors are changing the world through these students that you are supporting, and that makes a huge difference in their lives. The impact will be even greater than you might see, but you will know in your heart that you have helped to make that happen.” Teresa Boshart-Yoder, managing director of the Harrisonburg, Va., regional Everence office, sponsor of the luncheon Endowed scholarships provide critically important support to students attending EMU. In many cases, scholarship aid makes the difference between students choosing EMU or attending another university. Endowments also provide a financial foundation and annual stream of income that supports the university in perpetuity. EMU’s current endowment of $32 million generates approximately $1.5 million of revenue per year. The portion earmarked by donors for scholarship aid is less than one-third of this total sum – making the available funds per student half or less compared to many peer institutions. To bring EMU’s scholarship aid to a more competitive level and ensure accessibility to the students who will be tomorrow's leaders, it is essential that our alumni and friends join together to make an investment in EMU's endowment. Quick facts on EMU’s endowment: This past academic year, 218 active scholarships provided financial assistance to 206 students. You can endow a scholarship, department chair, or program (academic and extracurricular, such as athletics). To learn more, visit emu.edu/giving/endow Many majors, such as psychology, and some graduate programs do not yet have any direct scholarship support for their students. In 2018, EMU’s endowment, through the investment portfolio of MEA, had a net return (after fees) of 8.8% compared to its peer group average of 7.9%.
Would you like to learn more about the opportunity to create a family legacy at EMU through an endowment? Contact Jasmine Hardesty Director of Development and Planned Giving 540-432-4971 or jasmine.hardesty@emu.edu
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ROYAL FILES
Micah Hurst '02, MA '18 chats with students in weekly visits to campus. He is pastor of faith formation for youth and young adults at Weavers Mennonite Church. PHOTO BY MACSON MCGUIGAN
FAITH FOCUS
‘IT’S BEEN BEAUTIFUL' Ministry affiliates disciple students SOMETIMES CONVERSATIONS around a dining hall table can be about “nothing deep,” says EMU campus ministry affiliate Micah Hurst '02, MA '18 (church leadership) – but then a student “will say something like, ‘Well, I want to change the subject and ask you...'” Hurst, pastor of faith formation for youth and young adults at Weavers Mennonite Church, is one of six area pastors and ministry leaders serving students on campus. The others are: • Moriah Hurst, Park View Mennonite Church; • Adam King, MDiv '18, Rise Faith Community; • Gabriel Kreider and Oksana Kittrell '17, Divine Unity Community Church; and • Rachel Yoder, class of 2015, Eastside Church. “Having these pastors contributing to campus-wide ministries is a tremendous gift,” said campus pastor Brian Martin Burkholder. “They help campus ministries broaden the ministry and faith formation opportunities to better meet the growing diversity of our student body.” The ministry affiliates take part in the “Ministry Hub,” monthly dinner hour table conversations with student leadership from various on-campus ministries: Alpha Omega 8 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2019
Dancers for Christ, Celebration, Destiny’s Daughters, Every Nation Campus, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Gospel Choir, Hymn Sing, Y-Serve, pastoral and ministry assistants, and others. Fostering the spiritual growth of student leaders – and strengthening their ability to minister to their peers – can impact the broader campus, said Hurst, a former residence hall director at EMU for five years who also interned with campus ministries as a seminary student. “They have the most opportunity to care for others, so the more I can help them the better off the whole campus is.” Affiliates also host a Monday-afternoon prayer time around the fountain in front of Thomas Plaza, make brunch with students each month, meet one-to-one with student ministry leaders, and lead both small groups and larger group worship. Other activities also connect students with wider campusoriented ministry: Kreider, the DUCC representative, accompanied approximately 30 students to an Every Nation Campus conference where five students were baptized. “Our main goal on campus is to disciple students and to equip and empower them to be who God has called them to be,” he said. It’s joy- and hope-filled work. “It’s been beautiful to see students growing in their faith,” said Yoder, who leads two small groups for women. “Sometimes it’s been growth through doubts, other times through coming together as a community that challenges and encourages each other. My hope is that students become whole life disciples of Christ, are able to identify their God-given gifts and talents and how they can use them for the glory of His Kingdom, now and beyond their college years.” — CHRISTOPHER CLYMER KURTZ '00
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CAMPUS CULTURE
THE ROYAL TREATMENT New student space is 'more than a barbershop' EMU’S NEWEST STUDENT SPACE – a barbershop and salon space dubbed “The Royal Treatment” – opened with a ribboncutting ceremony during the university’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in January. The cozy room, managed by members of the Black Student Union, includes barber’s chairs, a hairwashing station, television and two couches, enlivened by a mural celebrating African and African-American culture. The new equipment and renovations were supported by generous donors who helped the project gain full funding on EMU’s crowdfunding site in record time. BSU members called The Royal Treatment a major milestone in university history. Senior Jessica Washington, the club’s secretary, said she never imagined “something like this” when she arrived on campus four years ago. “This is a real blessing.” “This is much more than a barbershop. This is a sanctuary,” said senior Jourdyn Friend, BSU vice president. “Your hairdresser is more like a counselor, there to talk about your problems... This space is progress towards recognizing not just the majority but also the minority. This is a symbol of our voice being heard.” BSU co-president Jakiran Richardson, a sophomore, views the new space as the university’s way of showing empathy and understanding for students of color who must adapt to a predominantly white campus culture. “We understand what you’re going through,” he translated. “Here’s something to show our appreciation for you being here and that we are about who you are.” Erick Camodeca, associate cross country and track and field coach, went to get a “temp fade” from senior Mark Loving III, who used to offer haircuts in his campus apartment but now has a more professional space to work. Camodeca arrived last summer, but his experience at four other universities has given him a critical eye. The new space, he said, “sends out a message that this university does care, that we are making a commitment to diversity and to our students.” The barbershop is “all about community, one of EMU’s core values,” Camodeca added. “What better place than a barbershop where people of all diversities and backgrounds can share an experience and learn something.” Junior Ariel Barbosa, co-president of Latino Student Alliance, remembered barbershop visits with her dad, who has both African and indigenous Brazilian heritage. That same feeling of “being at home there” in the barbershop of her childhood is one she hopes will be shared here. “I’m excited that students are at the center of this project,” she said. “I just envision this as a space that will be one of true diversity, where people of all hair types will find a place.” — LAUREN JEFFERSON
Top: Freddie Monahan and Jakiran Richardson pose in front of signage for The Royal Treatment. Monahan painted the mural on the adjacent wall. Richardson is co-president of Black Student Union, the club that will manage the space. Below: Mark Loving III '19 gives associate track and field coach Erick Camodeca a cut. The new student lounge space, with barber's chairs and a hairwashing station, is a favorite late night spot managed by the Black Student Union. PHOTOS BY MACSON MCGUIGAN AND ANDREW STRACK
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IN A RIGHT PLACE Their own potential recognized, fostered and sought, EMU alumni in and around Philadelphia find promise in others. BY LAUREN JEFFERSON AND CHRISTOPHER CLYMER KURTZ '00 PHOTOS BY JON STYER '07
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Providing leadership in a new era of reforms, Heidi Hochstetler '03 is director of child welfare services for one of Philadelphia's 10 neighborhood-based regions. She moved to the city soon after graduation and has worked there for 16 years.
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Scott Eldredge '82 in the neighborhood office of CUA 9.
UNWAVERING HEART Child welfare advocates sustained by belief in human potential
SOCIAL WORKER Heidi Hochstetler '03 arrived at EMU not knowing what “social services” were. On cross-cultural in Tanzania as a sophomore, however, the native of rural Holmes County, Ohio, grew close to trip leader and thenprofessor of social work Nancy Fisher, who told her about the field – and said that Hochstetler had “it.” “I was a social worker at heart, which is something that no one can learn or be trained in,” Hochstetler remembers 12 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2019
Fisher telling her. “After 16 years in the field, I think ‘it’ is an unwavering belief that people can change and become better. Now, I can recognize ‘it,’ too, both in my colleagues and new employees. You have to have that belief to carry with you. This is hard, difficult work walking alongside people who are sometimes having the worst times in their life.” Both child welfare advocates at the nonprofit agency Turning Points for Children, Hochstetler and colleague
Scott Eldredge '82 have long outlasted the average social work career length of just over seven years. Sustained by their commitment to children and their belief in the power of human potential, they’re providing important leadership in a new era for the city. Eldredge was indelibly shaped by growing up in a Christian group home for young people with a variety of challenges managed by his parents. “Living in service to others was a commitment
first modeled by my parents,” he said. While at EMU and after graduating, he worked with troubled teens in a variety of contexts, including alternative schools, residential treatment homes and wilderness programs. Eldredge’s 37-year career is marked by an almost entrepreneurial zeal for administration, beginning with his first part-time position. “They gave me the state regs and said, ‘If you can create a new foster care program and get funding for it, you’ll have a full-time job.’” Eldredge did this – the program eventually provided care for 638 children in community settings – and more, adding specialities of treatment foster care and adoption. After 14 years at that agency, he moved to a second agency to start and direct their child welfare division, eventually becoming part of the senior leadership team and director of family services. In 1987, at the height of the AIDS crisis, just a few months before Princess Diana was photographed shaking an AIDS patient’s hand without wearing gloves, Eldredge founded a nonprofit that became the leading provider of medical foster care for HIV positive children in southeast Pennsylvania. While working a full-time job, he also served as executive director, supervising a staff of 62 that
supported more than 330 children in need. More recently, Eldredge’s administrative skills have contributed to the city’s social services reforms, implemented after the 2007 horrific death by neglect of disabled teenager Danieal Kelly. Under the public-private partnership, the city was divided into 10 neighborhood-based regions and private agencies are contracted to provide child welfare management services. Eldredge and Hochstetler now direct two of these Community Umbrella Agency (CUA) regions. Each supervises approximately 115-135 case workers and other staff who provide integrated, comprehensive services to about 2,500 children and their families in crisis. Eldredge’s CUA 9 was recently ranked first on the Department of Human Services’ annual “scorecard,” which measures success through positive outcomes for clients and their families. Hochstetler was a case management director in CUA 3, ranked third among the 10 areas, until her promotion earlier this year to take over and help improve CUA 10. Though the work is challenging, relationships with the children they serve, with foster and adoptive parents, and with the case managers and staff they supervise give them both strength and
hope. Eldredge’s service isn’t just professional; it’s also personal. He and his wife Alice Moyer Eldredge '81, a school nurse, have fostered 12 children, some with urgent medical needs. “Our years as foster parents were a powerful experience for our family, including my own three daughters. I have learned so much and been affirmed by my time with other foster and adoptive parents,” he said. “Now encouraging and training new social workers is a new reward.” In her new administrative position since January, Hochstetler also spends more time “empowering other professionals in their own development.” That work is well informed by her 16 years of experience working and advocating within the welfare system. One of Hochstetler’s former clients, now 20, reconnected with her after a long search. As an eight-year-old, he had known her only by her first name. He lives several states away, but calls weekly and plans to visit soon. “He considers me to be family because of the things I went through with him in his childhood as his case worker. That feels incredible and makes me want to do this work for the rest of my life.”
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COMMUNITY IN CAMDEN Q&A: Finding purpose, growing opportunity
AFTER GRADUATING IN 2007, Timothy and Cheryl Heatwole Shenk moved to Camden, New Jersey, to be part of an intentional Christian community, which includes 12 adults and five children living in four houses and “supporting each other in discipleship, life and work.” They and their three children, Lydia, 9, Matteo, 7, and Vivia, 4, live in a rowhouse. Across the street are Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Sacred Heart School, where Timothy teaches K-8 physical and health education and Cheryl is lead teacher at the Montessori preschool she helped found.
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The family’s lifestyle choices are deeply considered. They “live lightly,” minimizing their use of the car; line-drying washed clothing; gardening for themselves and others; and contributing to educational programming at the nearby Center for Environmental Transformation. Timothy’s growing repertoire of magic tricks, the family’s culinary gifts, and their shelter rescue dog Kelbi, who requires daily walks, are all means to cultivating and enjoying friendships with their neighbors.
Timothy and Cheryl Heatwole Shenk and their children live near Sacred Heart School in Camden, New Jersey, where Timothy is a health and physical education teacher and Cheryl teaches in the growing Montessori program she founded (learn more at montessorisproutsincamden. blogspot.com). The couple made their first connection with the community through a Y-Serve trip and moved there soon after graduating in 2007.
WHAT WAS YOUR PATH TO CAMDEN? The intentional community here in Camden started in 2003 and EMU students connected with it first in 2004. In 2005, we led a spring break Y-trip to Camden (the first one from EMU went the year before), in part because Cheryl was interested in environmental justice and that was something the community was addressing through an urban gardening project. After returning from our Middle East cross-cultural in 2006, we spent most of the summer there and Cheryl completed her environmental science practicum. In many ways, being in Camden, just five hours from EMU, was a more challenging cross-cultural adjustment than being in the Palestinian and Jewish contexts in the Middle East. Our senior year we led another Y-trip. Though we had planned to work internationally after graduation with VMM or MCC, the community asked us to consider moving to Camden, and by the end of the week, we felt like Camden is where God could use us to learn, grow, and serve. We graduated from EMU in April 2007, got married in May, and moved to Camden in August.
IN ADDITION TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING AND THE INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY, HOW HAS LIVING OUT YOUR VALUES TAKEN SHAPE? In and out of the school and through our own children, we spend time interacting with kids in the neighborhood, helping connect them to and interact with the natural world. For example, we made a nature trail in the neighborhood park and use the outdoors in our teaching and learning experiences. Cross-cultural relating and learning has always been an important part of both of our family cultures, with parents and grandparents who served with VMM and MCC in Jamaica, Bolivia and Puerto Rico. This was supported also by our EMU experiences: we both went on our cross-cultural in the Middle East, participated on Y-Serve trips, got to know international students, and took courses. In recent years, we’ve had a growing awareness of the need and opportunity for us to actively work against racism hidden in our perceptions, institutions and culture. We’re both learning to read Scripture from the vantage point of living in an impoverished community of color.
WHAT HAS BEEN AFFIRMING OF YOUR LIFE AND WORK CHOICES? We have had many small but significant affirmations. Timothy: When our neighbor says, “You’re like family to me. You’re like my second family.” When another neighbor needs emergency child care and drops their children off at our house. When we use our skills and education to win a $20,000 Grand Prize grant to benefit children in our neighborhood. When we take children on the small nature trail we made in the neighborhood park, and later a child sees a picture from a beautiful forest and says, “Ms. Cheryl, that’s the place you take us!” One time a neighbor needed to go in an ambulance but she didn’t know what to do with her baby. Cheryl had gone to see what was happening. Someone said, “Give the baby to her, she’s Mr. Tim’s wife.” So Cheryl took care of the baby for a few hours and started a relationship with that family that continued for years. The fact that we are often the only white people in a space – we’re working toward integration and bringing the diversity and fighting against the forces of segregation and discrimination. Cheryl: Some of our most significant life decisions have happened quite quickly. Both our decision to move to Camden, and four years later, my decision to start pursuing Montessori training were both complete turn-abouts in our thinking over the span of a week. But in both cases, we can see in retrospect the way our life experiences had prepared us to take these unexpected new trajectories. We do feel as if we are contributing to the greater good, bringing the good news of God’s vision of justice.
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BLESSINGS AND BURDENS
Family businesses a ‘marketplace ministry’ of reconciliation
FAMILY AND BUSINESS are each complicated in their own right. And family businesses? “Family business is complex,” said Sally Landis Derstine '82, “because there is an overlap of three different systems: family, business and ownership.” The managing partner and a senior advisor at the Delaware Valley Family Business Center in Telford, Pennsylvania, Derstine grew up in a family with a business, and so has first-hand experience of the accompanying “blessings and burdens.” While family businesses are “the backbone of our economy” – a widely-quoted statistic is that they make up 90 percent of US enterprises – most don’t make it to or survive second-generation ownership. “That’s not because families are defective,” Derstine said. “It’s because they don’t understand the complexity and how to manage it.” She’s developed a unique model that depicts the teams and structures – family, shareholder, board, advisor and management – that families in business together must develop and foster to have healthy relationships and sustainability. Multi-generational business leadership and ownership is decidedly more mountain-climbing marathon than sprint, she said. “This work requires leaning into awkward, crucial conversations and lots of naming reality or ‘telling the truth in love,’” she said. “I enjoy guiding business families to ‘make peace’ and create the futures they want instead of ‘keeping the peace,’ or avoiding delicate discussions.” Derstine joined the center in 1992 and became its managing partner in 2014. Founded by Henry Landes in 1988, they have served hundreds of families, in part through a Family Business Learning Community that Derstine helped launch in her first year. “I feel a deep sense of gratitude and delight when our clients find their voice, gain clarity, make wise choices and are reconciled to themselves, their family, to God,”
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Sally Landis Derstine '82 talks about family dynamics in the meeting room of the Delaware Valley Family Business Center in Telford, Pennsylvania, where she is managing parter and senior advisor.
she said. “Every day confirms that my work is marketplace ministry.” As a student at EMU, Derstine “deeply appreciated” communication and business classes with Loren Johns, psychology classes with Galen Lehman '73, and playing field hockey for Sandy Brownscombe. (The team was the first in EMU history to qualify for a national tournament, and was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 2012.) But her career training, she said, began in the cradle. “I am grateful to my parents, siblings and extended family for teaching me about what’s really important in life, what it means to live compassionately and simply, love deeply, forgive and extend grace,” she said. She and her husband Douglas Derstine '82, who completed 36 years as a middle and high school teacher, delight in their growing family, which includes three children and a granddaughter. Derstine’s generational impact, though, also includes the families she helps through her work to “find their voice and make wise choices.” And that, she said, is “a sacred privilege.”
Joe Hackman MDiv '11
ALUMNI IN MINISTRY
PHOTO COURTESY OF MESSIAH COLLEGE
in Philadelphia and the surrounding region Hubert Schwartendruber'59 Andrew Leatherman '62 Donella Clemens '62 Richard Lichty '62 S. Luke Beidler '66 Ray Yoder '66 John Ehst '68 Noah Kolb '68 Freeman Miller '68 Mark Derstine '72 Janet Foderaro '72 Kathryn Wenger '72 Anna Detweiler '73 David Gehman '73 Galen Horst-Martz '75 Michael King '76 Sandra Drescher-Lehman '79 Mark Wenger '79 Kathy Yoder '79 Sandra Landes '80 Wayne Speigle '80 Michael Bishop '81 Regan Savage '81 Michael Clemmer '83 Sonya Stauffer Kurtz '85 Michael Derstine '86, MDiv '89 Margret Castillo '90 Steven Nyce '90, MAL '91 Kenneth Burkholder '91, MDiv '05 Steve Kriss '94 Cheryl Martin '94 Randall Nyce '94 Burt Parks MDiv '95 Marc Hershberger '95 Hsiao-wen Chen MA '96 (counseling) Benjamin Stutzman MAL '97 Kris Swartley '98 Lorene Derstine '99 Lorie Hershey MDiv '05 Timothy Moyer Certificate of Ministry Studies '06 Joseph Hackman MDiv '11 Beny Krisbianto MDiv '15 *according to EMU records as of 4/2019
I LOVE COACHING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO DISCOVER THEIR UNIQUE GIFTS AND CALLINGS. Joe Hackman MDiv '11 Harleysville, Pennsylvania, lead pastor at Salford Mennonite Church Advice from an EMU/EMS professor: Marcus Smucker taught that congregations are made up of people who possess premodern, modern and postmodern understandings of faith. In pastoral care-giving relationships, the role of the minister is to join individuals in speaking their particular faith language to help them make sense of God’s movement in their lives.
I GET PAID TO SPEND TIME WITH GOD AND PEOPLE – UNBELIEVABLE!
THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING “ALLOWED” INTO THE SACRED SPACE OF THOSE LATER DAYS IN A PERSON’S EARTHLY JOURNEY IS SOMETHING I NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED.
Sandy Drescher-Lehman '79
Steve C. Nyce MA '91
Green Lane, Pennsylvania, pastor at Methacton Mennonite Church Advice from an EMU/EMS professor: Speak/ act for those who don’t have a “voice.” | God at work: Every Sunday when our church gathers, with many different experiences and opinions and theologies, we sing and share our love for God and each other. | Fun EMU memory: I have so many! Hanging out with hall mates in Northlawn and with our “brother” hall in Ivy Hall, one of whom I fell in love with six years later and have been married to for 37 years!
(Christian ministries), Souderton, Pennsylvania, hospice chaplain for Caring Hospice Services God at work: During a recent visit with a newer patient, she shared the pain of losing two adult children in recent years from difficult illnesses. She noted her anger toward God. As she processed her feelings and as I was privileged to sit and listen, she simply felt validated. Over some weeks, she came to a place of peace and a few days later passed from this life to the next.
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DO WHAT BRINGS YOU HAPPINESS
Cindy Castellanos '99 often travels through Philadelphia's 30th Street Station on her travels as a recruiter for Danaher Corporation.
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ON THE MARKET STREET BRIDGE among other products. bus to attend Dock Mennonite Acadabove the Schuylkill River in Her reward is hearing from candidates emy, and later at EMU on her semester Philadelphia, Cindy Castellanos '99 thankful for her influence “in connecting cross-cultural to Ivory Coast and France. is the consummate professional as she them to an opportunity that has created The exposure to new worlds “helped me poses for photos, ready for a corporate a positive change for them or helped adapt to change,” she said. meet and greet in any impressively them progress in life,” Castellanos said. In her hours of conversation with appointed boardroom. But in the face “These young professionals are changing people in transition – all seeking purpose, of incessant shutter-clicking while the science world and making life better place and a community where they are answering a series of interview questions for us. One of them will find the cure challenged and empowered – she often and shifting out of the way of passing to something, I believe, so being able to shares from her own experience: "The curious pedestrians, she can only keep a be a part of that is something I am really straight path we’ve planned out for ourstraight face for so long. passionate about.” selves rarely happens, and that is totally Then she can’t resist clowning for Castellanos was always interested in OK." the camera. science; at EMU, she paired an elemenIn her own life, she’s looked up to It’s that authenticity – both in relation- tary education licensure with a biology Professor Sandy Brownscombe (now ship-building and communication – that minor. After teaching for a year, she then emerita), her advisor at EMU, whose has helped her to success in the world of worked in college admissions, recruited “passion and love for education showed in corporate talent acquisition. As a global fellows for clinical research teams at everything she did and how she taught, MBA recruiter for the Fortune 500 Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, even how she lived outside of her work,” global science and technology innovator and for five years was the western US Castellanos said. “While I was making a Danaher Corporation, she assesses the regional recruiting manager for Aramak. decision on what to do – and I changed brightest graduates from top universities Those experiences “have all been asmy major three times – I just thought in the US, Europe, China and India, and sets that have helped me to where I am that if I could be as happy as her doing then works to match them with the best today," she said. "I really love my job." something I love, I want to find whatever position within Danaher’s workforce Her global travels – “engaging and that is and do it.” of 67,000 associates in more than 30 building relationships with amazThat sentiment has evolved into her companies. ing people and exposing them to new motto, which she often shares: “Do what These companies provide medical situations and opportunities” – are an brings you happiness and in that doing, diagnostics, scientific research, dental extension of her own early cross-cultural your passion will shine.” outcomes, water safety and treatment, experiences, first as a teenager traveling and pharmaceutical and food packaging, from her Philadelphia neighborhood by www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 19
COMBINED EXPERTISE 'God-given' resource management through family-style mentorship
WHEN THE FLATBED TRUCK pulled into Heacock Lumber carrying a gigantic 5-foot-wide red oak trunk, foreman Zach Grasse '15 didn’t wave the driver away as he might have just a year ago. “Most sawmills wouldn’t know what to do with this log, but we’ll figure that out,” he explained. “I saw dollar signs in this.” Heacock’s mill can handle up to 40-foot-long sections, and that capability is just one tool business owner Duval Denlinger '91 and Grasse have at their disposal in efforts to diversify their offer20 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2019
ings, which include rough-cut, air and Grasse – Denlinger calls him his kiln-dried lumber, railroad ties, firewood, “right-hand man” – started working mulch, sawdust and more. at the sawmill in Plumsteadville the “Instead of trying to increase our summer after he graduated from high production, we’re trying to find the right school. At that point, all he knew was products for our customers, from the he loved to hunt and fish and wanted to person with a DIY project to contracwork outside. As he continued to spend tors and those in the resale business,” summers at Heacock working his way Denlinger said. Live-edge wood slabs into positions with more responsibilfor custom table- and bar-tops is just ity, Grasse started to see a future in the one example of a hot commodity that family-owned business and added a customers are often willing to drive long business minor to his environmental susdistances to purchase. tainability degree. He was hired full-time
Duval Denlinger '91, owner of Heacock Lumber, talks with his foreman Zach Grasse '15, who began working for the company as a high school student in the summers. Denlinger and his wife Tamara Hunsberger Denlinger '90 took partownership in 1994 from her grandfather and are now full owners. Grasse is also married to an EMU graduate, nurse Brielle Hoch Grasse '16.
after graduation. “There was one day when Duval sat me down and said that he saw a lot of him in me and that I am a great fit for the company and have a lot of potential here at the mill,” Grasse recalled. With Grasse in charge, Denlinger and his wife Tamara Hunsberger Denlinger '90 have the freedom to travel, including visits south to Harrisonburg to see son Tyler '17, a chemist at Merck, and daughter Mariah '19. Denlinger and Grasse also combine their efforts and expertise to weather the ups and downs of the business, which is affected by everything from international tariffs to increasing local regulations and devastating pestilential threats like the emerald ash borer and spotted lantern fly. The family-style mentorship Den-
linger has offered to Grasse carries on a maintain their lots through select timbertradition of the business, started in 1918 ing, providing the community with an by the Heacock family. In 1974, Taimportant and necessary product and mara’s grandfather Winfield Hunsburger with jobs, and giving back through compurchased the lumberyard. In 1994, he munity service. offered Denlinger part-ownership, not Denlinger, active at Blooming Glen long after he and Tamara returned to the Mennonite Church, is on the board area from two years of voluntary service of Bridges of Hope and Oxford Circle in Birmingham, Alabama. Christian Community Development “It wasn’t what I envisioned doing after Association, among other involvements. VS,” Denlinger said, adding that he had “Serving others takes on many forms and figured on starting his professional career can look differently at different times as an accountant. “But the more I got in our lives. Whether it was working into the work, the more I liked it.” Even- with Earthkeepers or the Big Brother/ tually he and his father-in-law bought in, Big Sister program while I was at EMU and after some years of partnership, he or in serving our customers, employees and Tamara became full owners. or residents in our community today, it’s He finds the work gratifying, seeing energizing to do it for God’s honor and how a “God-given resource” can be fully glory.” used without waste, helping landowners www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 21
A SACRED SPACE
John Neiswander '05 works in medical interpreting and Global Patient Services at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Interpreter amplifies voices otherwise unheard JOHN NEISWANDER '05 makes his living through speech, but he remembers clearly one time when words simply failed him. A young patient at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia had been pronounced brain dead following a tragic house fire, and Neiswander needed to interpret an exchange between the doctor and the desperate, anxious parents. “Suddenly, I could not get the words out. I could not speak. I remember trying to say the words, but I just couldn’t,” he said. He finally gathered his composure to be a calming presence in that tense moment. But he has also been present in times of joy, such as when a young patient with new cochlear implants heard for the first time and his mother began to cry. “Being in those spaces with the parents...it’s an honor, it’s sacred space,” he said, and sometimes the gratitude shown by parents is overwhelming. Neiswander currently works in Global Patient Services at CHOP, one of the nation’s top pediatric hospitals and a leading innovator in providing language access to patients and their families. He helps to process international patients, collects medical records, corresponds with families, facilitates intake, and aids in scheduling appointments and interpreters. Neiswander traces his earliest interest in
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language acquisition to a middle school mission trip to Costa Rica. “I realized there were a whole lot more people I could talk to if I learned Spanish,” he said. At EMU, his interest took on new meaning. His cross-cultural to Guatemala and his coursework as a business major and Spanish minor “helped to focus my values and beliefs and hone my awareness of those who don’t always have an audible voice, those who can’t speak for themselves, or simply aren’t heard,” he said. Now, his role allows him to “hear and amplify those voices.” His introversion is helpful, too. The best interpreters, Neiswander said, blend “into the background,” becoming vessels through which accurate meaning is exchanged. The moral imperative, he believes, is providing children and their parents with equal access to top-quality medical care and the opportunity to live healthy lives. But all too often, that does not happen. In the last five years, CHOP has doubled its interpretation services – in 2018, they were used in more than 110,000 in-person or phone encounters there – but most other medical facilities around the country are grossly unprepared to serve nonnative speakers, Neiswander said. That’s in spite of the fact that health outcomes are proven so much better for patients who can communicate
in their native language. “Think of what is missed when you’re not able to express yourself in your native tongue,” Neiswander said. “I remember being with a family who had lived in South Philly for 15 years and here at CHOP was the first time they had ever been offered a personal interpreter. Now they could fully express themselves through us to the physician. Their gratitude was immense, because we were respecting them as parents and giving them the opportunity to care for their child in the best possible way.” Though Neiswander does less daily interpreting in his current role, he liaises frequently with colleagues in his former department, Language Services, comprised of 30 full-time, nationally certified medical interpreters, among them speakers of Spanish, Arabic, Cantonese and Mandarin, French and Portuguese. Neiswander accomplished national certification himself after years of immersion and study – from his one-year term with Mennonite Central Committee SALT program, to a voluntary service position with a nonprofit organization in Texas, and to La Salle University for a certificate in Spanish interpretation – a professional journey rooted in a teenager’s first experience of meeting and helping strangers.
'REAL JOY' IN IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH LABOR LAW HER MOTHER’S EXASPERATED “You ought to be a lawyer!” was ultimately not lost on Amy Rosenberger '85, who as an eight-year-old was arguing her case for spending a Saturday with a friend. But heading off to EMU a decade later, her perceived career options – social work, nursing, teaching – didn’t include law. Mennonites, after all, have historically renounced suing or otherwise turning to the courts for conflict resolution. “But it sure is fun,” she said recently. Now practicing labor and employment law in Philadelphia, Rosenberger works with unions to protect people such as personal care providers, bus drivers and custodial workers against unfair treatment, and to negotiate for fair wages, benefits and retirement security. “I get a nerdy sort of satisfaction out of crafting a persuasive argument to a court, arbitrator or other decision maker,” she said. “But the real joy in my work comes from putting my arguments to use as part of a team of people with diverse talents all working together to help improve the lives of ordinary people in concrete ways.” Rosenberger graduated from EMU with a degree in English, minors in sociology and theater arts, and a deeper understanding of “the wider array of options for my professional role in society,” she said, thanks to a semester at the Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC) and “part professor, part counselor and part mentor” Nelson Good '68. A year after graduating, Rosenberger returned to Washington, and worked for WCSC and as support staff for five attorneys at a faith-based agency working with low-income families. Like her mother long before, her future brother-in-law noted her skills. “That’s actually the first time in my adult life that anyone said, ‘Yeah, you should think about going to law school,’” she said. First, though, Rosenberger and a former WCSC housemate (Goshen College grad and current seminary office manager Emily North) headed to San Francisco, where she found another legal secretarial job at a firm that represented labor unions. The firm opened her eyes to law as “a practical way to do something that can have
Amy Rosenberger '85 in her office in downtown Philadelphia at Willig, Williams and Davidson. She is a past president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association and currently sits on the board of directors of the AFLCIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee.
relatively immediate benefits for ordinary people, and something that I really felt a connection to,” she said. Now nearly a quarter century into practicing law, Rosenberger is continuing to “learn and develop as a lawyer and as a business partner” – and to have fun. As an eight-year-old, she had “no idea” what her mother had been talking about, “but I certainly do now,” she said. “It is still thrilling to be able to help right a wrong for an individual employee, or to help ensure fair treatment for a group of workers.”
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ON A PATH OF INFINITE POSSIBILITIES ROBERTO WINGFIELD '15 first developed an interest in interdisciplinary research while at EMU, and his current position as a project coordinator at the internationally renowned Moss Rehab Research Institute in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, means he’s smack in the middle of IRBs, protocols, participant samples and data collection — “all skills and knowledge that are applicable wherever I go next,” he said. That will most likely be to graduate school in clinical or educational psychology; in a previous position, Wingfield was a behavioral interventionist with children on the autism spectrum. Now, his primary assignment is administering neuropsychological assessments to patients with mild TBI, recently admitted to the emergency department. “In addition, he said, “we are investigating whether information from normal smartphone use can help better predict and understand recovery patterns following a mild brain injury, by downloading a smartphone app onto the participant's phone which both actively and passively collects an array of data.” Until that project begins, however, Wingfield has been assisting with management of a pending multi-year study funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to investigate factors related to treatment outcomes of African American patients over age 55 who suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) at least five years ago. Gaining experience in both practice and research settings has helped him narrow down future possibilities. His intellectual interests in college weren’t drawn magnetically in one direction. Wingfield “took a lot of classes in whatever I was interested in” and doubled down on two cross-cultural semesters in Morocco/Spain and the Middle East with concurrent research projects in cognitive psychology and generational trauma. He graduated with a double major in history and psychology, a combination that in retrospect makes sense: “I was always interested in people, behaviors, motivations and interpersonal relationships,” he said. “The historical side of that includes shifts in society, mass movements, and change on a large and small scale.” One “mass movement” the former cross country and track athlete jumped into feet first is Ultimate Frisbee. Wingfield co founded EMU’s club and now plays competitively with a traveling team in Philadelphia, a part of the Philadelphia Open Program. The sport is “fast and fun,” a good break after a long day’s work inside, and one sure thing in a world of infinite possibilities.
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MILEPOSTS FACULTY AND STAFF Owen Byer, professor of mathematics, and Deirdre L. Smeltzer ‘87, vice president and academic dean, and coauthors have published Journey into Discrete Mathematics (Mathematical Association of America Press, 2018). Hilary Moore, instructor of applied social science, Mount Crawford, Va., was inducted into the North Carolina Bar Pro Bono Honor Society as a recognition of her “substantial and valuable legal contributions” through at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services last year. Audrey Myers ‘88, professor of nursing, defended her doctorate in nursing practice dissertation “Increasing Lead Screening in Children Enrolled in Medicaid: A Quality Improvement Project” at James Madison University. She has been a member of the EMU nursing department since 2015. Timothy Seidel, professor of peacebuilding and development, is a co-editor of Palestine and Rule of Power: Local Dissent vs. International Governance (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019). The book of essays, part of the “Middle East Today” series, examines the rule of power in Palestine particularly in terms of the impacts of settler-colonialism and neoliberalism, along with forms of everyday resistance to both.
Ron Shultz ‘92, instructor of education, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree from George Mason University, with a focus on teacher education. His dissertation was “The (Trans)formation of Teacher Candidates’ Dispositions Toward English Language Learners in the Mainstream Elementary Classroom.” Carolyn Stauffer ’84, professor of applied social sciences, has been awarded a JustPax Fund grant to support the development of a new Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR) curriculum focused on sexual harms.
Alumni working at Living Branches in Telford, Pennsylvania, include (from left) Ken Burkholder '91, MDiv '05, board member; Angela Swartzendruber Hackman '03, board member; Keith Heavener '76, director of fund development; Rose Nussbaum Hackman '83, fund development administrative assistant; Joy Swartly Sawatzky '77, pastor; Lynne Allebach, STEP '11 (Lancaster), volunteer coordinator; Ed Brubaker '84, president and CEO; Sandy Landes '80, CML '15, pastor at Dock Woods. The group is in front of Elizabeth's Garden, honoring longtime resident Elizabeth Longacre, who with her husband Horace are also memorialized through an endowed scholarship at EMU. (Photo by Jon Styer)
1950-59 John Martin ’54, Harrisonburg, Va., is a retired professor and registrar at EMU. He volunteers at Park View Mennonite Church and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.
Virgene Steffen ’59, Dalton, Ohio, taught for more than 40 years in Ohio and Puerto Rico and has been the primary junior librarian at Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, where she is part of the pastoral team.
1960-69
Trina Trotter Nussbaum ‘00, MA ‘18 (conflict transformation), associate director of the Center for Interfaith Engagement, successfully defended her thesis “Self-Care May Not Be Enough: Secondary Traumatic Stress and Organizations: A Multiple Methods Study.” She is also pursuing a graduate certificate in nonprofit leadership and social entrepreneurship.
Nancy Fisher ’59, Pittsboro, N.C., is retired from social work. She volunteers weekly at Orange Correctional Center and is a member of the Chapel Hill Friends Meeting transition and support committee.
Barbara Wheatley, professor of education, and collaborators received the National Association for Gifted Children Curriculum Studies Award for their science unit Project Kaleidoscope: A Summer Curriculum Unit for Talent Development.
Harvey Mast ’59, Greenwood, Del., is a retired family physician.
Miriam Campbell Elliot ’64, Louisville, Ky., is a hospice health volunteer.
Paul L. Miller ’59, Partridge, Kan., now retired, was the founding principal at Pilgrim Christian High School as well as a pastor.
Carl Good ’64, Lititz, Pa., is a retired clinical psychologist. He served as the CEO of Mennonite Health Services, a school psychologist, a board member of Philhaven Hospital, and a Bronx, N.Y., Mennonite pastor.
Edwin Martin ’59, York, Pa., is retired from interventional cardiology. He now volunteers for the American Heart Association.
Sandra Erb ’62, New Holland, Pa., is a retired educator who is on the Stumptown Mennonite Church visitation team, attends sewing circles, and has presented about surviving widowhood. Paul Clymer ’64, Lititz, Pa., is a retired family physician.
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Thomas Hess ’64, Bethel, Pa., is retired after pastoring at Schubert Mennonite Church.
Mennonite Church, and chaplain at Greencroft Retirement Community.
Mamie Miller Mellinger ’64, Rockingham, Va., is retired from home health nursing and is now a free clinic volunteer. In addition to serving as an elder and the faith development coordinator at Park View Mennonite Church, she is an English conversation partner and reads nursing exams for students.
Ruth Schwartzentruber Umble ’69, Leola, Pa., is a substitute teacher at Linville Hill Christian School and Hinkletown Mennonite School. She has traveled internationally with mission organizations and to visit her sons and their families. She volunteers her time by knotting comforters for MCC.
Edward Plank ’64, Fresno, Calif., is a retired mentor from Fresno Pacific University. He volunteers at the Orchid Society.
Erma Martin Yost Class of ’69, Carlisle, Pa., is retired after teaching high school art for 35 years in New York City and Jersey City, plus a year in the EMC home economics department (1969–70). She and her husband Leon, a photographer who has been documenting rock art in the American Southwest for more than 40 years, exhibit their art in New York City at the artist-run Noho M55 Gallery, of which Yost was a founding member in 1975. Her artwork can be seen at ermamartinyost.com.
Susanna Stoltzfus ’64, Decatur, Ga., is a retired licensed professional counselor. She travels internationally, reads stories to preschoolers, and welcomes and orients newcomers to the Eastlake Commons cohousing community, where she also serves on the emergency preparedness team. Robert Weaver ’64, Lancaster, Pa., volunteers at the Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland, which benefits Mennonite Central Committee. He also sings in the Gap Male Chorus and in a quartet and a duet at his retirement home. James Witmer ’64, Alliance, Ohio, is retired after 41 years of pediatric practice. He served 10 years as the medical director of the Hattie Larlham Foundation and 24 years on the Marlington School District Board of Education. He is a Ruritan, and serves on the Christian education commission and the child care center board at Beech Mennonite Church.
MJ DREAM HIKERS AT THE SUMMIT Twelve hikers – including EMU seniors Riley Swartzendruber and Christy Kauffman, Provost Fred Kniss '79, Wilmer Otto '73 and former Board of Trustees members John Bomberger '77 and Gerry Horst '72 – trekked to the top of Kilimanjaro in March. Their efforts commemorated the life and legacy of murdered United Nations armed group expert, Michael J. Sharp '05, and raised more than $136,000 for an endowed scholarship in his name that benefits Congolese peacebuilders studying at EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. At the summit, MJ’s father John Sharp scattered his son’s ashes, a moving moment for those hikers who had known MJ well, like his Congolese colleague Serge Lungele, and those who had never met him, like the two EMU students, but who have been inspired by his work and the people he touched. The 8-day effort earned the attention of former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki R. Haley and Nobel laureates Leymah Gbowee MA '07 and Dr. Denis Mukwege each of whom sent video greetings and encouragement to the hikers as they made the ascent. Actress and activist Jane Fonda also posted a message of support on her blog, The first recipient of the Michael J. Sharp Peace and Justice Endowed Scholarship, Congolese peacebuilder David Nyiringabo, began his graduate studies in conflict transformation at CJP in fall 2018. In thanks shared with supporters later, Kniss said he was mindful of their good wishes during the tough mental and physical challenge of getting to the top. “I also thank you on behalf of the future Congolese students who will benefit from the scholarship, and the Congolese people who will benefit from their work,” he said. To support the scholarship, visit emu.edu/dream-hike.
Sheldon Yoder ’64, Avon, Ohio, is a retired proofreader who now is a web page designer and photographer for Wycliffe Associates. He serves Meals on Wheels as a cook, baker and driver. Allan Shirk ’65, Lancaster, Pa., spoke at EMU about a book that developed from a paper he wrote for one of his EMU history classes, Ed Nolt’s New Holland Baler: “Everything Just Went Right” (New Holland Area Historical Society, 2015). Shirk taught for a total of 34 years at Lancaster Mennonite School and at Western Mennonite School. L Eugene Hershey ’69, Sandston, Va., is a retired corporate pilot for Dominion Energy who has worked, served and lived in Peru, Bolivia, China and Singapore. He is a member of the board and choir at his church, where he leads music and teaches Sunday school. Rodney Mast ’69, Millersburg, Ohio, is the owner and pharmacist of Mast Pharmacies, on the board of directors for Killbuck Savings Bank, the president of Pickett Place Association, and a volunteer for Servant Partners in Honduras. Dwight Roth ’69, Monroe, N.C., is retired after 29 years of teaching. He volunteers at Habitat for Humanity and at White Oak Nursing Home, is a painter and a poet, and sings in the choir at Waxhaw Bible Church. Doris “Dottie” Driver Scott ’69, Charlottesville, Va., is retired from case management at the Jefferson Area Board for Aging and volunteers at the Loaves & Fishes food pantry. Jewel Wenger Showalter ’69, Irwin, Ohio, and her husband Richard ’68 are global volunteers with Eastern Mennonite Missions, global consultants with Rosedale Mennonite Missions, and lecturers for Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. She also freelances as a writer. She is retired from communications and administration at Eastern Mennonite Missions. Delores Swartz ’69, Goshen, Ind., is retired after serving as a chaplain for Bronson Methodist Hospital, associate pastor at Zion
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1970-79 Lois “Lag” Gochnauer Weaver ’70, Manheim, Pa., is a home health aide for Bayada Home Health Care. She sews for Little Dresses for Africa and knits caps for a local clothing bank. Christina Buckwalter ‘73, Keezletown, Va., taught English for three months in Moundou, Chad, with Mennonite Central Committee. She is a retired reading specialist and elementary school teacher. Aaron Kolb ’74, Williamsport, Pa., is a part-time staff physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Susquehanna. Tobias Leaman III ’74, Lititz, Pa., is a driver for Sunrise Transportation. Janell Roggie Lederman ’74, Sturgis, Mich., is retired after 35 years of teaching nursing at Glen Oaks Community College. She is a volunteer English teacher for the county literacy council and at her church. Helen Eby Leinbach ’74, North Webster, Ind., is the library director for North Webster Community Public Library. She has also served as president for Lakeland Kiwanis and as vice-president for North Webster Chamber of Commerce. Abram Moyer ’74, Lansdale, Pa., retired after 36 years as controller in local family-owned businesses and eight years in management in local non-profit organizations. He is an active member of Plains Mennonite Church and a board member at Community at Rockhill Retirement Community in Sellersville. David Schrock ’74, Silver Spring, Md., is the director of financial aid at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. Nelson Shenk ’74, Bally, Pa., pastors at Boyertown Mennonite Church. Phyllis Neff Smith ’74, Palm Bay, Fla., is a certified public accountant. June Smucker-Handrich ’74, Salem, Ore., is a retired nurse who volunteers weekly at the Liberty House Child Abuse Assessment Center. Roger Stutzman ’74, Buhl, Idaho, is a farmer. He has served on the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission, on the Idaho Sugar Beets Growers board, and as an elder at Filer Mennonite Church. Janet Nwankwo Unonu ’74, Washington D.C., is a health nutrition officer for the Edward C. Mazique Parent Child Center, and has organized community health fairs and medical missions trips to Nigeria.
Shirley Buckwalter Yoder ’74, Harrisonburg, Va., taught nutrition and family planning to village health workers, was a public health nurse, and served in various capacities with USAID, Goshen College, Mennonite Mutual Aid and EMU before retiring. Her community involvements include Open Doors Homeless Shelter and the Threshold Choir, and she is an honorary member of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival board of directors. Rachel Melhorn Phiri ’77, Ndola, Zambia, is director of the Institute for Women in Ministry at the Evangelical University, formerly Theological College of Central Africa. She began her work there in 2007 with student wives of pastoral students, and eventually helped to facilitate the founding of the institute, a distance learning program, in 2018. Rachel and her husband Dr. Lazarus Phiri, the university’s vice chancellor (president), serve with Pioneers International Mission Organization. The mission of the Evangelical University is to glorify God in providing holistically transformative, Bible-based training in theology and other disciplines to serve the church and community for local and global missional impact. Philip Baker-Shenk ’79, Sharpsburg, Md., is a partner in Holland & Knight’s Washington D.C. office, where he practices Native American law. Evon Swartzentruber Bergy ’79, Lancaster, Pa., is vice president of community initiatives at Landis Communities. She is also on the EMU board of trustees. Sandra Drescher-Lehman ’79, Green Lane, Pa., is a pastor at Methacton Mennonite Church. Eileen Kay Simmons Gardner ’79, Mechanicsburg, Pa., retired in May 2018 after 33 years as the nursing department’s patient simulation laboratory coordinator at Messiah College, where she is completing a master’s degree in counseling. Marlin Groff ’79, Kinzers, Pa., is the CFO at Lancaster Mennonite School, a supervisor for Paradise Township, and on the Mennonite Church USA church benefits board. He also chairs the board of directors for the Garden Spot Communities retirement community. Sue Aeschliman Groff ’79, Kinzers, Pa., is a legal administrator at Gibbel Kraybill & Hess. Marlene Hess ’79, Marietta, Pa., is a registered nurse and helps assist a single mother with five children. At church she helps with a monthly community meal, mentors young married couples, teaches adult Sunday school and leads worship. She also meets with people who are grieving. Reuben Horst ’79, Dayton, Va., pastors at New Beginnings Church and is a GriefShare facilitator. Joan Kenerson King ’79, Telford, Pa., is the senior integration consultant for the National Council for Behavioral Health. Beth Landis ’79, Eagle, Idaho, is a retired nurse who now volunteers in her congregation and community. She is also a member of the West Coast Mennonite Central Committee regional board. Kenneth Miller ’79, Goshen, Ind., is the CPA and owner of Cornerstone Financial Solutions. Edward “Ike” Porter ‘79, Matawan, Mich., is interim district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren Michigan District. He previously served as the director of pastoral care at the Battle Creek Veterans Administration for 22 years and as pastor at several Mennonite and Brethren congregations.
Susan Glick Ruth ’79, Chalfont, Pa., is a homemaker and a member of Line Lexington Mennonite Church. Phillip ’79 and Marian Hollinger Rutt ’79, Akron Pa., are realtors on the Marian Rutt Team – RE/MAX Pinnacle. Phillip is also a member of the Akron Lions Club, and Marian is a member of the Northern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce and the American Business Women’s Association in Lancaster area. Joseph Stoll ’79, Syracuse, N.Y., is a cartographer at Syracuse University and a volunteer photographer for the Syracuse Challengers baseball program for participants with special needs.
1980-89 Dan Hooley ’81, Canton, Ohio, is the interim pastor of LifeBridge Community Church in Dover. He previously was the pastor of First Mennonite Church in Canton and the interim pastor of Friendship Mennonite Church in Bedford Heights. Mim Shirk ’81, Goshen, Ind., is the new president and CEO of Anabaptist Providers Group, an affiliation of 16 retirement communities and other senior services providers in southeast Pennsylvania identified with historic Anabaptist faith traditions. She served as vice president of Mennonite Health Services for the past 21 years. Carla Zehr Roes ’82, Lowville, N.Y., is retired after more than 36 years working for Lowville Academy and Central School. Judith Trumbo ’82, Broadway, Va., president and CEO of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, was named the HarrisonburgRockingham Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year. Rev. Dale Brown ’84, Smyrna, Del., is a pastor for the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church. His community involvements include food pantries, Code Purple Shelters, disaster relief and spiritual formation ministries. Nancy Wollen Conver ’84, Emmaus, Pa., is a nursing supervisor at the Fellowship Community continuing care community in Whitehall. She recently returned from a medical missions trip to Jamaica and serves on the board of managers for Seaside Home in Cape May, N.J., a Christian vacation ministry for those in need. Rebecca Derstine Esch ’84, Newton, Kan., works part-time as a natural health consultant, is a certified health coach at the local recreation center, and works part-time as the office manager for her home-based landscape contracting business.
FAREWELLS Daryl Byler ’79, MA ’85, leaves the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding after six years as executive director. He is now director of fundraising for the DC Bar Association in Washington DC. Undergraduate Academic Dean and Vice President Deirdre Longacher Smeltzer ’78 ended 20 years at EMU this spring. She was a faculty member and chair of the mathematical sciences department and director of crosscultural programs before moving to her current position in 2013. Professor Ann Graber Hershberger ‘76, who began as assistant nursing instructor and served in many leadership roles over 33 years, will retire June 30. She is currently director of cross-cultural programs and at work updating the nursing department’s Sacred Covenant, which she helped develop in 2004. Professor Kim Brenneman ‘85 has retired after 30 years. She taught undergraduate and graduate psychology classes, chaired the department, and led four cross-culturals to India. Her areas of expertise include growth mindset and hopeful thinking in the classroom, cross-cultural experiential learning and cultural sensitivity. Professor Judy H. Mullet ’73 retires after 32 years of teaching psychology and teacher education. She directed the Honors program among other contributions. She was a soughtafter consultant on restorative discipline and peacebuilding in the classroom. Professor Chris Gingrich concluded 23 years this spring in the business and economics department. He has retired for health reasons. He was the “true blue economist” whose hiring enabled the start of the economics major, according to former colleague Rick Yoder. Joan Goodrich ’02 is retiring after 11 years in the business office as accounting coordinator. Joan was honored at a recent reception for her work ethic, patience and detail-oriented approach to her work.
Thomas Lapp ’84, Chadds Ford, Pa., recently established Triad Personal Paperwork Services, providing daily money management services for older adults and those who have difficulty with these skills. He was previously employed as a computer engineer, and in 2018 was elected as a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Sharon Miller, administrative director, has retired after 27 years with the Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music Program, which includes Musikgarten, youth symphony, the after-school violin program and instrumental lessons. She will continue to teach and perform at EMU and in Harrisonburg.
Marie Schuessler Morris ’84, Anderson, Ind., is provost at Anderson University. She is also vice chair of the board of directors and chair of the quality of care committee for Community Hospital Anderson.
Jim Smucker, vice president for enrollment, leaves EMU May 31 to join Keim Lumber Company, Millersburg, Ohio. Jim oversaw undergraduate and graduate admissions, financial aid, athletics and the marketing and communications department. He became EMU's first full-time graduate dean in February 2013 and moved into his current position in June 2016.
Joyce Lehman Peckman ’84, Chambersburg, Pa., is the nurse manager for Keystone Women’s Care. James Rittenhouse ’84, Green Lane, Pa., is partner at Detweiler, Hershey and Associates.
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Michael Slagell ’84, Thomas, Okla., a retired teacher, volunteers with Mennonite Disaster Service, Gideons, and Et Cetera Shop thrift store. Kathleen Ballentine Wendland ’84, Saint John, Kan., serves as part of the Father’s House of Worship ministry team. Sherwyn Smeltzer ’86, Harrisonburg, Va., has earned Certified Financial Planner status. He is a financial advisor at Park View Federal Credit Union. Ingrid DeSanctis ’88, Harrisonburg, Va., assistant professor of theater: playwriting at James Madison University, was awarded the university’s spring 2019 Make Your Next Move Award for her “outstanding work helping students move forward with their career goals and plans.”
EXEMPLARY EDUCATORS Perry Shank '99 (middle) was among 12 alumni educators recognized this spring for excellence. The computer science department chair at Harrisonburg High School was nominated for the Innovation in Education K-12 Award by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council, as was Katie Horst '12, educational technologist at Stuart Hall School. Other awardees include Harrisonburg City Schools Teachers of the Year Mary Jo Heckman MA '05 (education), Rachel Henschel '15 and Katrina Yoder '07. Rockingham County Teachers of the Year include Jerry Arbogast '90, Tom Baker '81, Seth Crissman '09, Tara Cupp '00, Cary Schulte '77 and Angela Strite '02. In Florida, Lisa Zendt Shelly '89 was named Administrator of the Year in Lauderdale County. Share your award at www.emu.edu/alumni/connect. (Photo by Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record)
Jewel Pitts ’88, Elkhart, Ind., is part of the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary presidential search committee charged with seeking a successor to the retiring Sara Wenger Shenk ’75. At AMBS Pitts is an associate professor of Anabaptist studies, the director of the Institute of Mennonite Studies and the editor of Anabaptist Witness. Melody Good Clymer ’89, Collinsville, Miss., teaches third grade at West Lauderdale Elementary School in Meridian. She earned a master’s degree in gifted education from the Mississippi University for Women in 2014. She is married to Michael Clymer MA ’99 (conflict transformation), a math instructor at Meridian Community College. Lynda Gingerich ’89, Eugene, Ore., is a senior manager for projects and programs at Symantec Corp. Kirby Keim ’89, Sarasota, Fla., is a software engineer lead at Vertex. Kimberly Biller Moomaw ’89, Mount Jackson, Va., is a second grade teacher for Shenandoah County Public Schools. Grace Louise Nolt ’89, Canadensis, Pa., works in creative composition and design for Spruce Lake Retreat, helps her neighbors with outdoor chores, volunteers at the Josie Porter Farm, and is on the board of directors for the Alice Visionary Foundation Project. Lisa Zendt Shelly ’89, Collinsville, Miss., principal at Northeast Elementary School, was named Lauderdale County School District’s 2018-19 administrator of the year. Phillip Stauffer ’89, Uniontown, Ohio, is the executive director of the Hartville Thrift Shoppe and of Castaways Resale in Henderson, Nev., a God Behind Bars initiative. He is also president of the Downtown Akron Kiwanis Foundation and on the Lake Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
One of many EMU alumni "friends-w ho-are-family" gro eight alums who me ups: t in Northlawn for Bible study in 1973 annual reunions. Th hold eir spouses include five alums and thr "honorary" alums. ee
Share a photo or video of your Royals family get-together.
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Deberniere Torrey ’89, Salt Lake City, Utah, is an assistant professor of world languages and cultures at the University of Utah.
1990-99 Kay Weaver Lera ’90, Madison, Wis., is owner of Lera Wellness & Care, a Nurtured Heart Approach consultant, and a registered yoga teacher. She also volunteers in the public schools. Tisa Wenger ’91, Hamden, Conn., gave a lecture “Religious Freedom: The Contested History of an American Ideal” at Brigham Young University in February. She is an associate professor of American religious history at Yale Divinity School.
Steven Miller ’92, Nampa, Idaho, was promoted to senior vice president of Northwest Farm Credit Services for western Idaho. He was previously the branch manager/relationship manager and vice president in Nampa. Darvin Martin, ’93, Brownstown, Pa., is the technical sales manager at SOTAX Corporation. He is chair of Lancaster Family History Conference, volunteers at Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, and has given lectures on local history, local Native American history and DNA as it relates to genealogy. Regina Christman Martin ’93, Brownstown, Pa., is a garden center office assistant at Stauffers of Kissel Hill. Tim Ruebke ’93, MA ’99 (conflict transformation), Port Republic, Va., spent 38 days in North Carolina as a FEMA alternative dispute resolution specialist assisting relief efforts following Hurricane Florence. He is the executive director of the FairField Center in Harrisonburg and a member of the Resolution Virginia board of directors. Eileen Boley ’94, Walkersville, Md., earned a master’s degree in school library media from McDaniel College in 2018. Kimberly Miller ’94, Harrisonburg, Va., is a reading specialist at Thomas Harrison Middle School. Kevin Nofziger ’94, Lancaster, Pa., is a stewardship consultant for Everence. Kristina Kunkel Wilson ’94, Manheim, Pa., is director of advancement for Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community. Ruth Hoover Zimmerman ’94, Fairfax, Va., is a senior program manager for World Vision U.S., providing financial and implementation oversight for five African countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Kenya and Tanzania. She is active in her congregation as well as in affordable housing and community peace and justice initiatives. Christopher Scott ’95, MDiv ’11, Winchester, Va., has earned a Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky., where he was a Beeson Scholar. He ministers at the church plant The Exchange. Diane Lazer Emswiler ’96, Broadway, Va., is a school library clerk for Rockingham County Schools. Rebecca Kauffman ’96, West Liberty, Ohio, is a pastor at Bethel Mennonite Church. Monica Hartzler Beachy ’99, Millersburg, Ind., is a Title 1 reading teacher for Middlebury Community Schools. Sharon Kozel Hicks ’99, Maineville, Ohio, is a licensed professional counselor at her private practice Kintsukuroi Counseling. Danielle Miller Hofstetter ’99, Lancaster, Pa., is a part-time children’s minister for Mellinger Mennonite Church. She previously was a theater director at Lancaster Mennonite High School. Jonathan Hofstetter ’99, Lancaster Pa., is an attorney and partner at Blakinger Thomas. He is also the board chair for Everence Federal Credit Union and chair of the elders council at Mellinger Mennonite Church. Jessica Stauffer Kline ’99, Newmanstown, Pa., is a registered nurse at WellSpan Good Samaritan VNA. Ben Wyse ’99, Harrisonburg, Va., was voted the Best Bike Mechanic of the Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine’s Best of the Blue Ridge Awards contest. Wyse pulls
his equipment in a trailer behind his own bicycle, and often serves the EMU campus on Wednesday mornings.
2000-10 Christopher Clymer Kurtz ’00, Linville, Va., is the director of development for the Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative, which creates college opportunities for Latino high school students. Alicia Horst ’01, MDiv ’06, Harrisonburg, Va., was part of a Charlottesville-based group that traveled to support people seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. She is the executive director for NewBridges Immigrant Resource Center and accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice to practice immigration law. Micah Hurst ’02, MA ’18 (church leadership), Harrisonburg, Va., begins as campus pastor of Hesston College in August. He is the pastor of faith formation for youth and young adults at Weavers Mennonite Church. Jay Monger ’02, Linville, Va., was named among the Top Forty Under 40 by The NEWS, a magazine focusing on the HVAC business. He is co-owner of Excel Steel and Excel Heating & Cooling. Felicia Zamora ’02, Managua, Nicaragua, is earning an MDiv at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She previously worked as a translator for Mennonite Central Committee and Compassion International. Her most recent work was with Provadenic, a nonprofit that trains people in rural areas to provide medical care to their communities. Rene Hostetter ’03, MA ’08 (church leadership), Harrisonburg, Va., is a palliative care chaplain at Sentara RMH Medical Center. Rosa Bare ’04, Harrisonburg, Va., is a major gifts officer for WVPT. Laura Helmuth Church ’04, York, Pa., is the owner of Windham Music Studios. Eric Kennel ’04, Lancaster, Pa., is the executive director for Compass Mark. Teresa Lehman ’04, Chambersburg, Pa., is a third grade teacher at St. Thomas Elementary School. She earned a math coaching endorsement from Penn State in 2017. Tamara Duncan Shoemaker ’04, Harrisonburg, Va., is an English language tutor and teaching assistant for Rockingham County Public Schools. Caleb Stitely ’04, Bealeton, Va., was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Business Aviation Association as an industry professional shaping the business aviation industry in profound ways. He is the marketing and client relations manager for Chantilly Air. Matt Gnagey ’05, Ogden, Utah, was one of 10 faculty to receive the 2018-19 Presidential Teaching Excellence Award at Weber State University, where he has taught economics since 2014. Aaron Green ’05, MBA ’11, Harrisonburg, Va., was named senior vice president and market leader for branches of F&M Bank in Page, Shenandoah and northern Rockingham counties. He has worked for the bank since 2010. Rodney and Janae Yoder Hostetter ’05, Ephrata, Pa., traveled to Namulonge, Uganda, to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the Aliyah Joy House. The six-apartment building named in honor of their daughter, who died at birth, will house families and generate rent income for the Comforter’s Center, a crisis pregnancy center in the capital city Kampala.
Travis Smith ’05, Annandale, N.J., has been named a northeast account manager for Lincoln Fine Ingredients, a national distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients to the personal care, cosmetic, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
ALUMNI NETWORK WITH STUDENTS
Heather Bender ’06, Iowa City, Iowa, is the executive director of the Crooked Creek Christian Camp in Washington, Iowa, where she was a camper as a child and later volunteered. She most recently was employed by New Pioneer Food Co-op. Aubrey Bauman Kreider ’08, Lancaster, Pa., is the director of marketing and communications at Lancaster Mennonite School. Scott Beckler ’09, Harrisonburg, Va., is a registered nurse at Sentara RMH. Maria Bowman ’09, Washington D.C., is a member of the D.C. School Food Advisory Board. Rosanna Shetler Coblentz ’09, Kalona, Iowa, is a registered nurse at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Grads working in STEM fields participated in a panel discussion with students. From left: Matt Tieszen '10, MA '15, physician assistant and EMT; Hannah Schrock Leaman '13, occupational therapy doctoral candidate at Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences; Claire Reilly, current student in EMU’s MS in Biomedicine program and Merck employee; and Abe Hartzler '18, with Conservation Services, Inc.
Jessica Springer D’Onofrio ’09, Millersville, Pa., is a registered nurse. Andrew Gascho ’09, Harrisonburg, Va., has been named the athletic director for Eastern Mennonite School. He will continue to coach the girls varsity soccer team and serve in communications and IT support. Amy Yoder Landes ’09, Kalona, Iowa, is an office assistant at the Water Shop. Alana Wenger Miller ’09, Seattle, Wash., was nominated for the Distinguished Staff Award at the University of Washington, where she is the benefits supervisor in the Integrated Service Center (human resources). Rev. Sage A. Olnick ’09, Lancaster, Pa., is an adjunct faculty member at EMU Lancaster, a chaplain at Hospice and Community Care and an affiliate community minister at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Berks County. She is also a member of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association and the Association of Professional Chaplains.
Alumni met with students in the Visual and Communication Arts program. From left: Mark Fenton '10, Gravity Group; Justin Roth '12, video producer, James Madison University; Sarah Harder '10, Smartly; and Chris Stauffer '12, WillowTree, Inc.
Joanne Sherlock Senft ’09, York, Pa., is a part-time research tech at Penn State Cancer Institute. She volunteers with the York-Adams County Immunization Coalition and for Caitlin’s Smiles in Harrisburg. Katherine Spengler ’09, Shillington, Pa., is a physical therapy assistant at Penn State Health St. Joseph Hospital and a volunteer firefighter for Cumru Township Fire Department. Julia Starks ’09, Charlottesville, Va., is lead nurse practitioner at KidMed. Lindsay Yoder Swartzendruber ’09, Kalona, Iowa, is an autism consultant at Grant Wood Area Education Agency.
2010Ellie Barnhart ’11, MS ’15 (nursing), Salem, Ore., co-authored an article published in American Nurse Today about rotating peripheral IV catheters based on clinical indication. Barnhart is an adult health nurse clinician at Salem Health. Brianne Ede ’11, GC ’16 (nonprofit leadership), MA ’17 (conflict transformation), Maumee, Ohio, is a program coordinator for Advocating Opportunity, a legal non-profit that provides legal services and advocacy to trafficked persons. She is a certified trained facilitator for Girl’s Circle and plans to cofacilitate a circle for court-involved youth this summer.
CROSS CULTURAL Anxo Pérez '97, Madrid, Spain, met with students on the spring 2019 Guatemala/Spain cross-cultural to discuss vocational discernment. Anxo, a bestselling author and entrepreneur, is a member of President Susan Schultz Huxman's Second Century Advisors group and the 2017 Alumnus of the Year. The cross-cultural was led by Professor Deanna Durham and spouse Byron Peachey MA '16 (counseling). (Photo courtesy of Byron Peachey)
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Ryan Eshleman-Robles ’13, Rockingham, Va., is the new boys varsity soccer coach at Eastern Mennonite School. He earned an MA in curriculum and instruction from the University of Mississippi and taught high school in Mississippi for five years before spending time in Guatemala with his wife, Valeria. Jennifer Hitt ’13, Mt. Crawford, Va., earned a master’s degree in education with a focus on special education from Averett University this year. She is an assistant administrator at Lutheran Family’s Minnick School in Harrisonburg. Dawn Mahaffey Murray ’13, Fulks Run, Va., is the owner of The Village Arts Center, a community and arts center in Broadway. She previously worked in early child development, training child care providers in art education. Aaron Erb ’14, MA ’15 (conflict transformation), Pittsburgh, Pa., was named the 2018 Victim Advocate of the Year by the Allegheny County Juvenile Court and the Pennsylvania Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission. He is the restorative justice coordinator at the city’s Center for Victims.
Tecla Namachanja Wanjala MA ‘03 was honored at the 2019 Summer Peacebuilding Institute as CJP Peacebuilder of the Year. A member and acting chair of Kenya's Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, she is the chair of the Kenya-based Green String Network. Its social healing and reconciliation program Kumekucha was selected as one of the top 10 global governance solutions from among 121 projects presented at the November 2018 Paris Peace Forum.
JOIN US FOR CJP’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS!
JUNE 5-7, 2020
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Sandy Grotberg GC ’02 (conflict transformation), Chambersburg, Pa., is a retired educator and peace trainer who recently became a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist. She helped co-found Community Uniting! and has been active in the Franklin County Racial Reconciliation group for the past two years. Matthew D. Hartman MA ’07 (conflict transformation), Damascus, Ore., is cofounder and principal of Just Outcomes, which supports communities and organizations responding to harm. From 2010-17, he was the restorative justice coordinator for the Clackamas County Juvenile Department, where he co-developed a victim impact program and redeveloped a victim-offender dialogue program. Zaenuddin Hudi Prasojo MA ’08 (conflict transformation), Pontianak, Indonesia, is a lecturer with IAIN Pontianak. He earned a PhD in religious and cross-cultural studies from Gadjah Mada University in 2012.
Alyssa Green ’14, Broadway, Va., has published Things Are Crazy with Daisy: Meet Daisy (CreateSpace, 2018), the first book in a children’s series about a “very curious dog.” Green teaches kindergarten at John C. Myers Elementary School.
Jennie Carr MA ’09 (education), Dayton, Va., received the Martha B. Thornton Faculty Recognition Award at Bridgewater College, where she teaches courses on elementary math methods and elementary curriculum instruction and serves in various other capacities.
Mila Litchfield ’14, Raleigh, N.C., is the volunteer coordinator at Heartland Hospice. She is also the 2018 “Ducks On The Pod” Fantasy Baseball League champion.
Adam Blagg MDiv ’12, Harrisonburg, Va., pastor at Otterbein UMC, is the executive committee vice president for Harrisonburg Faith in Action, a coalition of congregations working together to effect systemic change in the community.
Ellen Marie Roth ’14, Vientiane, Laos, works in administration and teaches English language students at Sharon International School.
CJP PEACEBUILDER OF THE YEAR
tion of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) Working Group on Improving Practice.
Alex Wynn ’14, Harrisonburg, Va., is an environmental consultant at Inboden Environmental Services. Laura Zehr ’14, Hollis, N.H., is a registered nurse at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center.
GRADUATE Gerry Keener MDiv ’78, Lancaster, Pa., was appointed the eighth president of Eastern Mennonite Missions. He had been EMM’s executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2010. David W. Boshart '86, MA '87 (religion) begins as assistant professor of missional leadership and pastoral care at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., in the 2019–20 academic year. Boshart earned EMU's Distinguished Service Award in 2012. He taught at EMU from 2010-15. He is married to Shana Peachey Boshart ‘85, denominational minister for faith formation for Mennonite Church USA. Since 2010, Boshart has served as executive conference minister for Central Plains Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA. He has held a position as associate professor at the Andrews University School of Education from 2009 to the present. Christine Poulson MA ’98 (conflict transformation), Staunton, Va., is the executive director of Resolution Virginia, which has released a new license plate celebrating and helping to fund community peacebuilding. Jonathan Rudy GC ’01 (conflict transformation), MA ’01 (religion), is Peacemakerin-Residence for Elizabethtown College’s Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking. He is senior advisor for human security at the Alliance for Peacebuilding, a senior fellow at the Social Enterprise Service Group, and a core member of the Global Partners for the Preven-
Smith Coleman MA ’12 (conflict transformation), Harrisonburg, Va., begins July 1 as the head of the North Branch School, a small progressive school in Afton focused on the environment and social justice. Meghan Painter MBA ’13, Elkton, Va., business operations director at Sentara RMH Medical Group, was named among the top 10 rising business leaders under age 40 for 2018 by the Shenandoah Valley Business Journal. Brittany Caine-Conley MDiv ’14, Charlottesville, Va., was part of a three-member team of clergy who officiated weddings during a recent trip to the U.S.-Mexico border to provide support for people seeking asylum in the United States. She is a United Church of Christ pastor and leader of Congregate Charlottesville. Gwendolyn Myers GC ’14 (conflict transformation), Monrovia, Liberia, was featured in Time magazine’s “Top Eight Young Reformers Across the Globe Shaping the World.” She was among several thousand global experts in human rights nominated to provide input to the agenda for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Ahmad Rahat GC ’14 (business), MA ’14 (conflict transformation), Brooklyn, N.Y., is an associate with KPMG’s Advisory. Working under corporate services, he provides support for efforts such as the development of change management and communications strategies. Jodie-Ann Geddes MA ’16 (conflict transformation), Oakland, Calif., is co-author with Tom DeWolf of The Little Book of Racial Healing: Coming to the Table for Truth-Telling, Liberation, and Transformation (Good Books/ Skyhorse, 2019). Geddes is board president of Coming To the Table, an organization that DeWolf co-founded and which he serves as executive director.
Susan Montgomery GC ’16 (conflict transformation), Knoxville, Tenn., is a self-employed clinical psychologist. She also earned a graduate certificate from the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma in 2018.
Matt and Erin Nicole Partee Cassidy ‘05, Arlington, Va., Cameron Taylor, Oct. 13, 2018.
Judith Nasimiyu Mandillah GC ’17 (peacebuilding and leadership), Kakamega, Kenya, is a principal probation officer in Kakamega County. In addition to other involvements, she is also an affiliate member of the Kenya Counselors Western Chapter, an accredited Kenyan legal community mediator, and consultant to the Kenya Children’s Charitable Institution Network.
Jenny ’06 and Jason Wagner GC ’16, Harrisonburg, Va., Timothy Wayne Crowe, Dec. 5, 2018.
Silvia Menendez Alcalde MA ’18 (conflict transformation), Lansing, Mich., is a restorative justice facilitator at Resolution Services Center of Central Michigan. Matthew Fehse GC ’17, MA ’18 (conflict transformation), San Diego, Calif., is the planning and logistics manager for the American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties and American Samoa. Valerie Fulton MSN ’18 (nursing), Bellefonte, Pa., won the Pennsylvania School Nurse Association 2019 regional school nurse excellence award (north central region) in March. Her capstone project related to developing an annual safe driving program for high school students. Quntashea Lewis MA ’18 (organizational leadership), Winston-Salem, N.C., is the new head women’s basketball coach at her alma mater, Salem College. She was previously an assistant coach at Mount Saint Mary College in New York. While at EMU, she was a graduate assistant coach and recruiter for the women’s basketball team.
MARRIAGES Meghan Cline ’07 to Matthew Boyce, Linville, Va., Dec. 28, 2018. Hannah Kraybill ’11 to Simon Jilg, Harrisonburg, Va., Nov. 2016. Rachel Kelley ’13 to Eric Long, Huntingdon, Pa., Sept. 29, 2018. Rose Jantzi ’14 to Ben Luna, Harrisonburg, Va., Aug. 4, 2018. Kara Meyer ’14 to Diogo Durante, Bridgewater, Va., July 29, 2017. Lenore E. Kauffman ’15 to Jonathan M. Bush ’16, Aug 5, 2017. Malachi Bontrager ’16 to Rachel Springer ’16, Harrisonburg, Va., May 12, 2018. Samuel Stoner ’16 to Rebekah Hertzler ’17, Dec. 30, 2017.
BIRTHS AND ADOPTIONS Andrew and Jessica Stauffer Kline ’99, Newmanstown, Pa., Alivia Jane, age 9, Nov. 2018. Sandy King ’00 and Steven Witmer ’99, Harrisonburg, Va., Kai King-Witmer, Dec. 5, 2018. Aboubacar Kaba and Mary Hope Brenneman ’04, Leesburg, Va., Timothy Billo Kaba, Mar. 15, 2018. Gabriel and Bethany Good Cropsey ’04, Leesburg, Va., Tirzah Evangeline, Feb. 18, 2019. Donny and Martha Sachs Magana ’04, Fremont, Calif., Jonathan Philip, May 14, 2017. Rachel Miller ’04 and Scott Parkinson, Washington D.C., Lawrence Finnegan, June 17, 2017.
Matthew ’05 and Sara Gingerich ’07, Linville, Va., Lydia Grace, Feb. 12, 2019.
Risa and Benjamin Yutzy ’06, MA ’17, Timberville, Va., Efram Silas, Jan. 29, 2019. Donald and Kimberly Blake ’09, Carson, Va., Charles Carter, Dec. 12, 2018. Ben ’11 and Kate Nussbaum Bergey ’10, Harrisonburg, Va., Lydia Marie, Sept. 21, 2018. Giles ’11 and Amy Histand Eanes ’10, Harrisonburg, Va., Gregory Rubén, May 21, 2018. Tony ’10 and Yvonne Stauffer Fajardo ’11, Harrisonburg, Va., Thiago Tony, Oct. 11, 2018. Nicole and John Hostetter ’11, Harrisonburg, Va., Thomas Milton, Nov. 2, 2018. Mitchell ’11 and Jasmine Martin Stutzman ’11, Hesston, Kan., Wilmer Stutzman, Dec. 13, 2018. Kendall ’12 and Emily Miller Wenger ’11, Rockingham, Va., Arlo Paul, March 21, 2019. Austin ’13 and Sarah Schoenhals Showalter ’12, Harrisonburg, Va., Tobin Henry, Nov. 7, 2018. Justin and Erin Nussbaum Beeker ’13, Broadway, Va., Luke Alan, Dec. 9, 2018. Brenan and Katie Lown Gray ’13, Harrisonburg, Va., Colin Morrison, Nov. 8, 2018.
CROSSCULTURAL RECONNECTION This spring, Delores Saner Jameson ’93, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, visited Costa Rica with her son, sister and niece to spend time with her host mom, Mayela Hernandez, and family from her 1991 EMU cross-cultural. The two families had shared visits several times but lost touch over some years. “We spent a few days at the beach visiting, laughing, sharing memories and eating delicious food. It felt as though no time had passed and our reconnection was stronger than ever,” Jameson said. She is executive director of the Harrisonburg Rockingham Child Day Care Center.
Zachary Markowitz and Hannah Miller ’13, Longmont, Colo., Rowena Miller Markowitz, Feb. 8, 2018. Everett ’15 and Kelsey Blosser Brubaker ’15, Harrisonburg, Va., Loam Oliver, Jan. 23, 2019. JD and Michelle Zook Spicher ’15, Belleville, Pa., Elaine Laurel, Sept. 21, 2018.
DEATHS Ammon Schrock, Sarasota, Fla., died Dec. 7, 2018, at 88. A builder and developer, he helped with purchasing and developing Lakewood Retreat, and served on the EMU Board of Trustees from 1980-94. Lena Beachy Yutzy Showalter ’51, Harrisonburg, Va., died Feb. 26, 2019, at 88. She was a loving and devoted wife to Omar Showalter ’68; a caring mother, grandmother, and friend; and a member of Lindale Mennonite Church. Rosa Yoder Moshier ’52, New Holland, Pa., died Dec. 21, 2018, at 90. She was married to the late Elton G. Moshier ’52. Rebecca Herr ’53, Lancaster, Pa., died Aug. 2, 2016, at 84. She was a registered nurse who worked as a missionary in Honduras for 12 years and in community health nursing for 20 years. She loved quilting, sewing and teaching Sunday school at East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church. Dorcas Zook Musser ’54, Alice, Texas, died March 26, 2017, at 87. She was a retired school teacher, and had four children, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Katherine “Kay” Yutzy class of ’56, Goshen, Ind., died Dec. 23, 2018, at 91. While on the Goshen College nursing faculty for 17 years, she joined the Elkhart Missions Network and assisted in upgrading the School of Nursing/ Midwifery in Dhamtari, India, to a college status.
CONTINUING HIS SERVICE Caleb Johnson MA ’13 (counseling), an Iraq war veteran, is one of four regional directors for Virginia Veteran and Family Support. “Everyone who goes into human services does so because of their own story,” he said. The agency connects veterans and their families to behavioral health, peer support and justice services, and provides community outreach and education. (Photo by Andrew Strack)
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Allen Martin ’59, Shipshewana, Ind., died Dec. 9, 2018, at 88. He was married to Ruth E. Nussbaum Martin ’53, and had six children, 14 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. Elias Saig ’59, Manhattan, Kan., died March 12, 2019, at 89. He was born and raised in Jerusalem. With encouragement from Mennonite Central Committee workers, he traveled to the United States to study, and later taught economics. Norman Herr Kreider ’60, Harrisonburg, Va., died Dec. 22, 2018, at 85. Married to Dorothy, he was the owner and operator of Miles Music Co. for 20 years, served as a team leader with Mennonite Disaster Service, and helped in the opening and management of Gift & Thrift. Mary Wenger Becker ’62, Akron, Pa., died Jan. 9, 2019, at 83. She spent most of her teaching career at John Beck Elementary. She was an accomplished writer and genealogist, and attended Ephrata Church of the Brethren.
MENNONITE HEALTHCARE FELLOWSHIP The Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship Board of Directors met in March at EMU. The group hosted a networking event for preprofessional health science students and President Dr. Lyubov Slashcheva ‘11 presented a chapel talk about the “medical industrial complex.” From left: Wanda Thuma-McDermond, Matt Tieszen ‘10, MA ‘15 (biomedicine), Clair Hochstetler, Dr. Lyubov Slashcheva '11, Professor Kristopher Schmidt, Paul Liechty, Tim Burkholder. Not pictured: Indigo Miller, Joann B. Hunsberger and Dr. Ryan Kauffman ‘99. (Photo by Macson McGuigan)
Eunice Hess Martin Jones ’62, Provost, Alberta, Canada, died March 31, 2017, at 78. She taught in a Hutterite colony in Alberta, and her teaching career spanned more than 30 years. Emma Jean Landis ‘62, Tunkhannock, Pa., died Nov. 10, 2018, at 82. She was a nurse in obstetrics, pediatrics, surgery and podiatry; served in Jamaica and on several Native American reservations; started Tunkhannock Adult Day Care; and helped to manage her husband’s medical practice. Dorothy Yoder Headings ’63, Harrisonburg, Va., died Dec. 27, 2018, at 78. She worked as a nurse, raised a family with her husband Dick, and became a receptionist at Sunnyside Retirement Community. Ethel Hershey ’64, Lancaster, Pa., died Jan. 15, 2019, at 82. A registered nurse, she worked as an administrator of the Pennsylvania State Health Center in Lancaster from 1969-94. She was an active member of Grace Point Church of Paradise her entire life. Joseph Stambaugh ’64, Winchester, Va., died Aug. 1, 2017, at 75. He was married to Naomi Long Stambaugh MA ’84 (religion). Joe was employed by IBM as a customer service engineer for 35 years, and was a member of Beekeepers of Northern Shenandoah and of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Wayne Alexander ’66, Hudson, Fla, died June 25, 2018, at 73. A native of Elkton, Va., he served in the Army in Vietnam, and then was an FBI special agent from 1970 until his retirement in 1999.
GLOBAL CHURCH FELLOWSHIP Glenn Kauffman MA ’92 (religion) and June King Kauffman ‘92, of Laurel, Maryland, and Steve Gibbs MDiv ’09 and Beth Gibbs CMS ’01, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, are among eight new international partner delegates serving LMC — A Fellowship of Anabaptist Churches to connect with the global church. The volunteer positions are for renewable five-year terms, and both couples will fundraise to defray their expenses. The Kauffmans will partner with the Conference of Mennonite Churches in Hong Kong, while the Gibbs will work with Iglesia Evangélica Menonita del Perú. From left: Delegates and program adminstrators Joe Garber, Yvonne Garber, Gerry Keener MDiv '78, Steve Shank, Judy Houser, Bill Houser, Keith Weaver, Leon Zimmerman, Glenn Kauffman MA '92, Steve Gibbs MDiv '09, Beth Gibbs CMS '01, and Tom Eshleman. (Photo by Micah Brickner)
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Dolores Godshall Bauman ’66, Pennsburg, Pa., died March 17, 2019, at 76. She taught elementary school, volunteered for a Care & Share Book Shoppe, and served as library director in Hudson, Illinois. J Allen Brubaker ’66, Harrisonburg, Va., died March 2, 2019, at 81. J Allen spent all of his working life in missions, radio broadcasts, Christian journalism and church relations. Paul Burkholder ’70, Lititz, Pa., died Oct. 26, 2018. He served as a Mennonite pastor and in financial counseling for Mennonite Mutual Aid Association and Tabor Community Services. Virginia Chandler ’72, Port Republic, Va., died Aug. 25, 2018, at 83. She taught for 32 years at Shenandoah Elementary School and was a lifelong member of the Port Republic United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Shenandoah River Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.
Donald Lee Good ’72, Telford, Pa., died Jan. 9, 2019, at 69. He was a salesman for more than 40 years, was active in his local congregation and volunteered on many service trips with church youth groups. Lowell Stutzman ’74, Gold Hill, Ore., died March 21, 2016, at 64. He served several terms on the Mennonite Brethren Mission Board and made numerous mission trips, often with groups, in the United States and to South America, Asia, Europe and Mexico. Philip L. Weber ’74, West Chester, Pa., died June 30, 2017, at age 64. Frank Earl Farrow MDiv ’77, Rogersville, Tenn., died Feb. 12, 2019, at 87. He was a former teacher, prison chaplain and missionary. Lois E Troyer ’78, Goshen, Ind., died Dec. 18, 2018, at 60. She worked in patient financial services at Goshen Hospital for more than 30 years, served on the Sonshine Day Care Board, participated in the Goshen Bowling League, and was a member of Benton Mennonite Church. Sandra Zeiset Richardson ’79, Seattle, Wash., died Dec. 27, 2014, at 57. She and her husband were directors of Camp Camrec, a Mennonite retreat center. Her artwork, primarily in ceramics but also printmaking, painting and metal sculpture, has been shown in several Seattle and national galleries. Carolyn Schrock-Shenk ’81, Goshen, Ind., died Feb. 6, 2019, at 63. She worked for Mennonite Central Committee from 1987-2000, and then taught peace and justice conflict studies at Goshen College until 2017. Hirut Dadebo ’00, Harrisonburg, Va., died Dec. 22, 2018, at 61. She worked at Haile Mariam Mamo Memorial Hospital in Ethiopia, followed by 22 years of employment at Oak Lea Nursing Home in Harrisonburg. Patricia “Patty” Burgers Hinegardner ’03, Bridgewater, Va., died Mar. 3, 2019 at 49. She was the pediatric care coordinator and diabetes educator at University of Virginia Medical Center Children’s Hospital, and had previously worked at Rockingham Memorial Hospital and Massanutten Technical Center in Harrisonburg. Amanda Sigman ’10, Mountville, Pa., died Nov. 27, 2018, at 41. She was a nurse at Lancaster General Hospital for 27 years.
Degree Key CLASS OF - attended as part of the class of a given graduation year GC - graduate certificate MA - master of arts MS - master of science MDiv - master of divinity Entries about alumni with both their undergraduate and graduate degrees from EMU are listed in the undergraduate section. Have an update? Visit emu.edu/alumni/update. Editorial Policy Milepost entries are printed on the basis of submissions from alumni or on the basis of publicly available information. We do not verify the accuracy of information that alumni provide, nor do we make judgment calls on the information that they wish to be published, beyond editing for clarity, conciseness and consistency of style. The information provided to us does not necessarily reflect the official policies of EMU or of its parent church, Mennonite Church USA.
ALUMNI HONOREES
HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND 2019
Alumnus of the Year
ERIK KRATZ
On a wintery first day of Royals baseball practice in January 2019, Coach Ben Spotts introduced his players to special guest Erik Kratz '02. Not long removed from his first-career postseason run with the Milwaukee Brewers, the 16-year MLB veteran had reached out and asked to share a special message with Royals players. “Erik told the guys that in all the baseball he has played in his life, he still has vivid memories of games and times with his teammates at EMU and he wanted to emphasize to them how meaningful those college years were,” Spotts said. “I am proud to say that Erik has never forgotten about his days at EMU as a player and a student and has maintained a close connection with our program. He genuinely cares about our program, players, and the experience our players have in their time at EMU.” Kratz’s message was powerful, but so were his actions: the Royals had seen firsthand his off-season training routine and “the work he puts in the weight room and the cages as well as his long-toss program,” Spotts said. Their witness to his perseverance, work ethic, dedication and faith was a unforgettable lesson, said Daniel Scott '19, an outfielder who had the opportunity to throw with Kratz in the off-season. In Scott’s nomination for Kratz as Alumnus of the Year, he wrote: “Erik is deserving because he is one of the few Division III athletes to make it and be successful in the big leagues. He hasn’t had an easy journey, being on 14 different teams and being sent up and down to the minors, but through his faith, he has been able to stay on the right path.” Kratz’s 2018 postseason run with the Brewers earned both the player and his alma mater some publicity, much to the de-
PHOTO BY ANDREW STRACK
light of his fans. “I’ve appreciated seeing an alumnus being recognized for his talents,” Scott said. Kratz, the university’s first professional athlete to win the Alumnus of the Year Award, is honored not only for his athletic talents, but for a career in which he has represented his alma mater with faith, sportsmanship, a dedicated work ethic and great class. Traded after spring training to the San Francisco Giants, Kratz treasures each day as an opportunity to play the game he loves and impact those around him in a positive way. “Every day when I wake up, honoring Him is my goal,” he said in a recent inter-
view for Crossroads. “Even if I don’t say His name, there’s something in my interactions on the field or the relationships with my teammates or the speeches I give.” His faith, and the support of his wife Sarah Troyer Kratz '02 and his children, helps him to make the most of the challenges of adjusting to new teammates and a new role while spending days at a time away from them. “I am in this situation because of Him and I want that to shine through,” he said. “I have to put in the focus, dedication and time, and be diligent and trusting of Him and I’m going to give it everything I have, because I know He gave everything he had for me.” — LAUREN JEFFERSON
ALUMNI HONOREES
PHOTO COURTESY OF MYRRL BYLER
Distinguished Service Award
WU WEI
Wu Wei MDiv '06 remembers his time at Eastern Mennonite Seminary with great fondness for the kind professors, patient Intensive English Program instructors, and helpful writing tutors. “Maybe, though, I just liked being in the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of Harrisonburg most,” said Wu, who comes from Beijing, a city of approximately 20 million people. Learning more about Anabaptism theology and peace witness made an impression as well, he said. “What I learned at seminary gave me a deep feeling and understanding of what I really believed. Our church in China is small. We are a minority and have many struggles. We have much to
learn from Anabaptist history, even as many people here do not know who the Anabaptists are.” In fall 2018, Wu became president of the China Christian Council (CCC), an umbrella organization based in Shanghai that oversees more than 60,000 churches and nearly 25 million believers. For his steadfast work on behalf of the Christian church in China, Wu is EMU’s 2019 Distinguished Service Award recipient. “I feel very honored by this award and send thanks for selecting me, but I don’t feel I have done very much to deserve this,” he wrote in an email. “I really just want to be a simple pastor of a church, which is what I enjoy the most. But I’ve been asked to serve as a leader in the China church. I hope I can use my experience as a pastor, the training I received at EMS and the help of good friends to serve the China church well.” The CCC provides theological training and resources for churches and oversees
pastoral development. As the voice of the registered Chinese churches to church bodies overseas and a member of the World Council of Churches, the CCC connects to provincial and municipal church councils across China and hosts numerous delegations from churches all over the world. Wu studied at EMU for four years with the support of the seminary and Mennonite Partners in China. He and his wife, Wu Jinzhen, then spent five years pastoring a small Chinese-language congregation in Louisville, Kentucky. Back in China in 2011, Wu asked to return to the pastorate, but church leaders and the Beijing government asked him to serve in an administrative capacity, overseeing churches and pastors in the city. His new role as CCC president will allow Wu to promote the mission of the Christian Church, he said, and “to strengthen Christian witness to society by uniting all Christians so that others can know Christ.”— LAUREN JEFFERSON
HOMECOMING AND FAMILYJohnWEEKEND 2019 and Michelle Sharp, parents of M.J. Sharp '05, accept the Life Service Award on their son's behalf. PHOTO BY JON ST YER
Young Alum of the Year
LIZA HEAVENER
Eastern Mennonite University’s 2019 Young Alum of the Year Liza Heavener '07 says she is “not afraid to jump into unchartered territory.” Her passion for changemaking has taken her from Souderton, Pennsylvania, to EMU to Capitol Hill to remote Borneo to her current position as the chief operating officer for the New York City-based community of next-gen philanthropists, impact investors and social entrepreneurs: NEXUS Global. Its 5,000-plus members, which include young people from over 70 countries and from some of the world’s most influential and wealthy families, have “a proven track record of knowing how to move the needle on the most pressing issues of our generation such as climate change, human trafficking, animal welfare and refugees and countless other topics,” Heavener said. “I don’t believe that all the money in the world can change the world, and I don’t always believe the best ideas are enough to change the world,” she said. “But if you bring those two things together with the right passions, synergies and collaboration, then we’re able to accelerate solutions that are going to help the planet and hurry history in the right direction.” EMU was “a safe space” for Heavener, with professors and staff willing to be her sounding boards as she earned a liberal arts degree with courses in pre-law, music, global studies, political science and business. She played field hockey, went on a Middle East cross-cultural, and spent two terms at the Washington Community Scholars’ Center, where one of her two internships was in the Senate Majority Leader’s office and the other later employed her. Those real-life experiences expanded her identity as a “citizen of the world” who is
geared for creating “lasting change and impact,” she said, and she has since worked to build common ground in Congress, managed a campaign that “failed spectacularly,” worked for an international consulting firm – and, on a whim, applied (and was chosen) to star in a documentary and television series about fighting illegal deforestation and releasing endangered orangutans in Borneo. At her first NEXUS Global Summit at the United Nations in 2012, though, Heavener thought, “I’m home. These are
my people.” Now married for five years to a man she first met in a crowded Metro station and the mother of a toddler, Heavener said that following her intuition has rarely led her astray. “Everyone has their own passion, and their definition of impact will be different,” she said – “but strive to do whatever you can to make the world a little bit better than it was yesterday.” — CHRISTOPHER CLYMER KURTZ '00
October 11-13, 2019
Friday, October 11
Saturday October 12
Campus Center, Admissions Office We invite children of alumni to visit EMU while on campus this weekend! Personalize your time by going to emu.edu/visit and selecting Daily Visit!
Campus Center, Admissions Office We invite children of alumni to visit while on campus this weekend! Personalize your time by going to emu.edu/visit and selecting Daily Visit!
Common Grounds Coffeehouse
Registration desk and welcome center
Prospective student visitation
University Commons, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. - midnight
Registration and welcome center
Campus Center, Martin Greeting Hall, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Pick up your packet that includes tickets for your registered events and weekend information. Enjoy coffee and network with friends and family.
Jubilee Alumni program and luncheon* (classes 1934 – 1969)
Seminary building, Martin Chapel, 11:30 a.m. Gather with alumni who attended EMU 50 or more years ago and enjoy a program, induction of the class of 1969, and lunch.
Class of 1954, 1959 and 1964 reunions Seminary Building, second floor, 1:30 p.m.
Registration and welcome center
Campus Center, Martin Greeting Hall, 3 - 8 p.m. Pick up your packet that includes tickets for your registered events and weekend information. Enjoy coffee and network with friends and family.
Art show opening and reception
Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery, University Commons, 4 p.m. Art show opening and reception featuring art education alumni: Bryan Chicas ‘16, Malea Gascho ‘11, Jenna Longenecker ‘13, Lauren Bykowski ‘14, Joshua Curtis, C ‘19.
Donor appreciation banquet (by invitation only)
University Commons, Courts B and C, 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:50 p.m.)
Music celebration concert
Lehman Auditorium, 8 p.m. Adults $10 advanced, $15 at the door, EMU student ID or 12 and under - free Enjoy music from the Clymer-Kurtz Band, Good Company, Professor David Berry, and the EMU orchestra. Audience will participate by singing select hymns together between music groups.
Prospective student visitation
Campus Center, Martin Greeting Hall, 7:30 a.m. – noon Pick up your packet that includes tickets for your registered events and weekend information. Enjoy coffee and network with friends and family.
Department gatherings*
Various locations and times
Nurses’ networking breakfast*
Campus Center, CC 301, 8 a.m. Meet to network and tour the new nursing simulation lab.
Suter Science Center breakfast and seminar*
Suter Science Center, SC 104, 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. seminar, 10 a.m. tour Reunite with professors and classmates for breakfast and then hear Dr. Carolyn Weaver Swenson, assistant professor of obstetrics & gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School.
Athletics Hall of Honor breakfast and awards*
University Commons, Yoder Arena Courts B and C, 8:30 a.m.
Education department reception and the Jesse T. Byler Series*
Seminary building, 123, 8:30 a.m. Connect with classmates and professors and hear a panel of local teachers share their experiences in local dual language classrooms. Coffee and pastries will be served.
Haverim breakfast and program*
Discipleship Center, 8:30 a.m. Connect over breakfast with classmates and professors. Hear a special presentation from Andrew Suderman, assistant professor in theology, peace and mission.
History department continental breakfast and reception*
Roselawn third floor, lounge area, 8:30 a.m. Join Mark Metzler Sawin and other faculty to learn more and celebrate establishment of the new major in political science.
Art exhibit open
Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery, 9:30 a.m. Enjoy artwork from alumni art education majors: Bryan Chicas ‘16, Malea Gascho ‘11, Jenna Longenecker ‘13, Lauren Bykowski ‘14, Joshua Curtis, C ‘19.
Business networking event*
University Commons, Common Grounds Coffeehouse, 10 - 10:45 a.m. Alumni and current students are invited to a meet-and-greet event. Reconnect with classmates and faculty and offer insight and career advice to aspiring young professionals. We hope students can make valuable connections with alumni and community leaders as well.
Campus tour*
Campus Center, Martin Greeting Hall, 10 a.m. See the two most recently renovated academic spaces, Roselawn and Suter Science Center, as well as a renovated dorm room.
EMU bookstore open
University Commons, EMU Bookstore, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Homecoming celebration
Lehman Auditorium, 11 a.m. Reunite with class members in this familiar campus landmark. Celebrate alumni award recipients, take class photos (professional photo for classes celebrating 10, 25, and 50 years), and enjoy seeing old friends. All alumni and guests are welcome.
Class reunions and lunch for years ending in 4 and 9*
Various locations Class of ‘54, ‘59 and ‘64 are invited to have lunch in the dining hall at reserved tables. Pay at the door; no reservations are necessary. Classes of ‘69, ‘74, ‘79, ‘84, ‘89, ‘94, ‘99 ‘04, ‘09 and ‘14 will meet in various locations. Registration required. Watch for class reunion locations at the registration desk.
Childcare and children’s activities *
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Childcare (ages 2-4), EMU’s Early Learning Center at Park View Mennonite Church, 1600 College Ave.; emu.edu/education/elc. Pizza lunch included. Children’s activities (ages 5-12), led by the EMU Student Education Association in Campus Center 226. Pizza lunch included.
Parent reception luncheon*
University Commons, Royals’ Den, noon
REGISTRATION FORM List only those attending and indicate how the names should appear on name tags. Please include birth name, if applicable. Name _____________________________________Class ____________ Spouse/guest _______________________________Class ____________ Address_____________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________ State _____________________________________Zip_______________ Email ____________________________Day phone _________________ Childcare (ages 2-4) and Children's activities (age 5-grade 5) Name _________________________________________ Age _________ Name _________________________________________ Age _________ Name _________________________________________ Age _________
Tickets Jubilee Alumni Program and Luncheon Music Celebration Concert
No. Cost _____ $15 _____ $10 (Adult) EMU student or 12 and under _____ Free Nurses’ Networking Breakfast _____ $10 Suter Science Center Breakfast _____ $10 Athletics Hall of Honor Breakfast _____ $15 Education Dept and Jesse T. Byler Continental Reception _____ Free Haverim Breakfast _____ $10 History Department Continental Breakfast _____ $7 Business Networking Event _____ Free Campus Tour ❑ 10 a.m. ❑ 1 p.m. _____ Free Parent Reception Luncheon _____ Free Class Reunion Luncheon _____ $15 Fun Run: T-shirt sizes and quantity: S___; M___; L___; XL___; XXL___ _____ $15 Tailgating _____ $10/space Total amount enclosed
Return to alumni office - 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg VA 22802
CUT HERE
Field hockey vs. Washington & Lee
Turf Field, 1 p.m.
Affinity gatherings
Check emu.edu/homecoming for up-to-date information, locations, and times. Black Student Union alumni and parent soiree
Fun run*
Turf Field, 3:30 p.m. registration/reception, 4:30 p.m. Halftime recognition of coaches and alumni, 6 p.m., followed by a meal for alumni and the team.
Fall festival
Turf Field, 4 p.m.
Center for Interfaith Engagement Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (25th anniversary gathering)
Concert
Community advisor and resident director reunion
Cords of Distinction alumni reception Ghana cross-cultural 1996 Peace Fellowship Various athletic teams (more info to come)
Campus tour*
Campus Center, Martin Greeting Hall, 1 p.m. See the two most recently renovated academic spaces, Roselawn and Suter Science Center, as well as a renovated dorm room.
Front lawn (rain location is University Commons, Yoder Arena), 3 p.m. Enjoy the fun and entertaining sounds of bands: Orquestra Tropikiimba, an Afro-Cuban band from Washington D.C. at 3 p.m. Free Union , a Charlottesville-based band rooted in soul and incorporating rhythm and blues, rock, and pop, begins at 4:30 p.m.
Tailgate*
University Commons, Common Grounds, 2 - 6 p.m.
Designated parking lot, 3-7 p.m., $10 per space Bring your own food, grill and enjoy a premier spot to listen to live music! Reserve your space when you register online; invite friends to join you in our specially designated tailgating area.
EMUTenTalks (Special 25th CJP anniversary edition) | Impact. Influence. Inspire.
Sample the Shenandoah Valley with a tasty tour of local food trucks. Pay on location for individual items.
Common Grounds Coffeehouse open
University Commons, MainStage Theater, 2 p.m. Inspiring 10-minute presentations by three transformative peacebuilders, followed by Q&A. Speakers include John Sharp, father of Michael J. Sharp ‘05, historian, storyteller, Kilimanjaro “dream hiker”; Tammy Krause MA ‘99, restorative justice pioneer in defense-victim outreach; and Darsheel Kaur MA ‘17, youth advocate, public educator, community builder, poet.
CJP 25th anniversary reception
TBD, 3 p.m.
Women’s soccer alumni gathering (20-year celebration)
Front lawn, 1 p.m. registration opens, 3 p.m. start time Cruise the 2-mile campus course (changes each year) with friends of all ages. Register and sign up to get a one-of-a-kind T-shirt. Registration required. See form to indicate T-shirt size. Front lawn, 3 - 7 p.m. Fun for all ages! Bring blankets and lawn chairs, listen to live music, eat dinner from local food trucks and enjoy the fall setting. Other activities include yard games, inflatables and a photo booth. See highlighted activities below.
Latino Student Association alumni and student gathering
Total _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Local food trucks
Special EMU photo booth
Take pictures with friends at our specially designed photo booth. #EMURoyalHomecoming
Women’s soccer vs. Lynchburg
Men’s soccer vs. Randolph Macon
Turf Field, 7 p.m.
Writers Read
Common Grounds, 8 p.m. Faith Eidse, PhD, will read from her bestselling novel, Healing Falls, which explores critical issues facing the American justice system, as well as the power of artistic expression to transform lives.
Trivia night (special edition)
Common Grounds, 9 p.m. Themed questions around literature will test your knowledge against other alumni and students.
Sunday, October 13
EMU Homecoming worship service
Lehman Auditorium, 10 a.m.
Award recipient luncheon (invitation only)
Seminary building, Martin Chapel, noon
Monday, October 14 Alumni Association annual council meeting Campus Center, 301-302, 8 a.m.
Li’l Royals’ Zone, 3 - 6 p.m.
Kids will have a blast playing games, jumping on inflatables, getting their faces painted and more.
*Registration required
Alumni and parent reception tent
Visit our reception tent from 4-6 p.m. to chat with EMU staff and enter to win free EMU spirit wear.
emu.edu/homecoming
Nonprofit ORG U.S. Postage PAID
1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg VA 22802-2462 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Parents: If this is addressed to your son or daughter who has established a separate residence, please give us the new address. Call 540-432-4294 or email alumni@emu.edu.
When you support the University Fund, you impact students through: ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
FAITH FORMATION
CROSS-CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
CREATION CARE PEACE AND JUSTICE WORLDVIEW
Give the gift of an education that transforms. Make your fiscal year-end gift by June 30
emu.edu/givenow