Crossroads Summer 2009 - Alumni Magazine of Eastern Mennonite University

heart & soul ...the arts summer 2009

emu... preparing students to serve and lead globally

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 1

vol. 90, No. 1

Dance scene from the spring 2009 production of Iolanthe, directed by theater department chair Heidi Winters Vogel, who has an MFA in directing from Pennsylvania State University. Iolanthe, which involved 54 current and former students – 24 onstage, 9 in the orchestra, 15 in design, and 6 as stage managers and crew – is a comic opera with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W.S. Gilbert.

Photo by Jon Styer ’07

crossroads summer 2009, Vol. 90, No. 1

Crossroads (USPS 174-860) is published three times a year by Eastern Mennonite University for distribution to 12,000 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/president/mission.

Board of Trustees: Susan Godshall, chair, Mount Joy, Pa.; John M. Bomberger, Harrisonburg, Va.; Andrew Dula, Lancaster, Pa.; Gilberto Flores, Newton, Kan.; Curtis D. Hartman, Harrisonburg, Va.; Shirley Hochstetler, Kidron, Ohio; Gerald (Gerry) R. Horst, New Holland, Pa.; Joan King, Telford, Pa.; Linford D. King, Lancaster, Pa.; Herb H. Noll, Lancaster, Pa.; Kathleen (Kay) Nussbaum, Grant, Minn.; Kathy Keener Shantz, Lancaster, Pa.; J. Richard Thomas, Ronks, Pa.; Lillis Troyer, Walnut Creek, Ohio; Diane Z. Umble, Lancaster, Pa.; Paul R. Yoder, Jr., Harrisonburg, Va. Associate trustees: Myron E. Blosser, Harrisonburg, Va.; Steve Brenneman, Nappanee, Ind.; Robert (Bob) P. Hostetler, Erie, Pa.; Charlotte Hunsberger, Souderton, Pa.; Clyde G. Kratz, Broadway, Va.; Amy L. Rush, Harrisonburg, Va.; Dan Garber, Hutchinson, Kan.; Carlos Romero, Mennonite Education Agency rep, Goshen, Ind.; Judith Trumbo, Broadway, Va. Loren Swartzendruber, president; Fred Kniss, provost; Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement; Andrea Wenger, marketing and communications director.

Bonnie Price Lofton Editor/writer bonnie.lofton@emu.edu

Jon Styer Designer/photographer jon.styer@emu.edu

Paul T. Yoder Mileposts editor paul.t.yoder@emu.edu

Jim Bishop Public information officer bishopj@emu.edu

Marcy Gineris Web content manager marcy.gineris@emu.edu

Jason Garber Web/new media coord. jason.garber@emu.edu

Lindsey Roeschley Project coord./videographer lindsey.roeschley@emu.edu All EMU personnel can be reached during regular work hours through calling (540) 432-4000, or via contact details posted on the university website, www.emu.edu.

Cover: Mikaela Bender ’08, shown here in the gallery of the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh (www. contemporarycraft.org), is completing a year (2008-09) in voluntary service under PULSE, Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience. Bender, who double majored in art and communications, is the graphic designer for the Society. Photo by Jon Styer.

POSTMASTER: Submit address changes to: Crossroads Eastern Mennonite University 1200 Park Road Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Loren Swartzendruber '76, MDiv '79, DMin, in front of a Dennis Maust mosaic

Treasuring Prophetic Artists As many of you know, before I became president of EMU, I was president of Hesston College in Kansas, where I had the privilege of knowing sculptor Paul A. Friesen. Paul had served as a pastor in Illinois and came to Hesston College in 1957. He teamed up with fellow artist Robert W. Regier and together they developed the art programs at both Hesston and nearby Bethel College.

Reflecting his deep roots in the church (his parents were Mennonite missionaries in India, where he grew up) and his deep love of the arts, Paul offered these prayerful words at the dedication of Hesston's Friesen Center for the Visual Arts last year: You invite us to be creative members in the work of your kingdom on earth. You have given us the mental faculty to form visual images of concepts and of objects not existent, to create images expressing our deep feelings which call further into the deep, and to form images of experiences that have both blessed and scarred lives. You invite us to be visual prophets and priests proclaiming your good news to a despairing and hurting world, and to alert us to the evil forces that serpentine their way into our individual and corporate lives.

Like all Mennonite colleges, EMU is dedicated to offering encouragement, support, training and space to women and men who feel called to be prophets and priests through the arts. Toward this end, we are committed to upgrading the “old gym” [circa 1957] into the modern facility required by the growing number of students in our Theater and Visual and Communication Arts departments and their devoted, talented teachers. Join us in making this a reality. Join us in supporting and experiencing the arts at EMU.

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Loren Swartzendruber President

arts

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transforming

8

12

experiencing

14

18

challenging

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In this Issue appreciating

10

enlivening

sustaining

16

expressing

serving

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transcending

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Branching From Good Soil Mennonite-influenced art comes to life (again) MANY ALUMNI in the visual and performing arts view their EMU roots dualistically. On one hand, the majority liked living, studying and worshipping in this soil – they credit it with who they are today. On the other hand, they felt compelled to burst forth from it, even at the risk of making themselves and others uncomfortable.

Until the late 20th century, Mennonites in this country tended to limit the arts to: (1) functionality, as in hand-crafted quilts for beds and pottery for food, or (2) education, as in artistic creations with explicitly Christian themes.

Today vibrant diversity characterizes the arts at EMU. Yet tension remains between artistic expression and the values embodied in that expression. At its best, the tension is healthy – the kind of straining necessary for change, rather than the root-bound type of tension that chokes growth. At its worst, the tension drives artists into exile from their home communities or, conversely, it erodes communities when no standards are upheld.

It is the nature of artists to resist confinement and to question orthodoxy. It is also the nature of communities to cling to those beliefs and practices they think will ensure their continued viability. Both the stable roots of community and the new branches nurtured by artists likely are needed.

Older alumni and faculty recall with some bemusement the first tentative steps toward permitting visual and performing arts on campus: the earliest art classes appeared in the late 1920s, when a home economics teacher also taught some art at the high school level (in those days the high school and college overlapped); the first motion pictures were permitted on campus in 1949, but only for teaching purposes; and the first full theater production was The Diary of Anne Frank, staged in 1960 by the Smithsonians, a student literary society.

(Regardless of their parts, the females in the production all wore head coverings, as required by the college prior to Myron Augsburger becoming president in 1965.)

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Warren Rohrer ’50 / 1927-1995 / Fall / 1992, oil on linen, 60 x 60 inches / Private collection, courtesy of the Rohrer family and Locks Gallery, Philadelphia

WARREN ROHRER ’50, an abstractexpressionist painter well-known in Philadelphia, was a Bible studies major, though he did take the art courses EMC offered in his day – painting, composition, design and crafts. For further instruction in the arts, he enrolled in James Madison College (now University). During his third year at EMC, he married a fellow student, (Martha) Jane Turner of Broadway, Va., who became a widely published poet.

By the time Warren and Jane were raising two sons in southeastern Pennsylvania in the 1950s, they no longer had formal ties with the Mennonite church or Mennonite educational system. Yet their roots showed.

Though Warren taught at the Philadelphia College of Art and Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rohrers spent more time away from the city than in it. They lived for 23 years on a rural parcel in Lancaster County, not far from land that Warren’s ancestors had farmed since the 1730s.

Warren Rohrer took his first steps away from the family farm by being the only child to attend college. In his adult life, Rohrer carefully studied fields worked by Pennsylvanian farmers, often referring to this theme when he named and described his artwork. The Rohrers also collected 19thcentury, Amish-made quilts of a certain type, consisting of vivid swatches of cloth pieced

arts

into geometric patterns. In 1984, Rohrer returned to EMU to receive its “alumnus of the year” award. When Rohrer died in 1995, his memorial service was held at Community Mennonite Church in Lancaster.

A catalogue published for a 2003 retrospective exhibit of Rohrer’s work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art contains Rohrer's explanation for the connection between “the agricultural processes I had known all my life" and his "painting processes": "I built all-over surfaces by layering brushwork in which color was often extracted from seasonal information.”

FROM 1683 when the first Mennonites – Dutch and German – settled in Germantown, Pa., to the mid-1900s, Mennonites in America tended to be farmers, much like those of Rohrer’s family background. They emphasized simplicity, practicality, non-frivolous pastimes, and non-conformity to the ways of the larger world, partly in reaction to being persecuted in the Old World. Their universe held little space for the arts.

In parts of the Old World, however, Mennonites lived in urban settings where they embraced the arts. In the 17th century, for example, Jacob van Ruisdael, one of Europe’s earliest, greatest landscape painters, was born into a Mennonite family in what is now the Netherlands.

“By the 1780s Ruisdael’s reputation was established – he was a ‘must have’ artist,” said art commentator Jenny Uglow in the spring 2006 issue of RA Magazine. Uglow quoted words written by acclaimed British painter John Constable in 1819: “I have seen an affecting picture this morning, by Ruisdael.

It haunts my mind and clings to my heart… the whole so true and fresh.”

In Uglow’s assessment, “Ruisdael’s observant, meticulously accurate ‘understanding’ of natural effects, as Constable called it, combined with a vibrant and imaginative sympathy for the effects of nature, water, clouds and light” to exert a powerful influence on British landscape painters.

“Not only did Ruisdael’s legacy shape landscape painting in Holland but it also had a far-reaching influence in England, on Barbizon in France and the Hudson River School in the United States,” according to www.codart.nl/exhibitions/details/916, a website maintained by experts in Dutch and Flemish art. Today Ruisdael’s paintings and

etchings reside in some of the world’s top museums, such the Met in New York, the National Gallery in London and in Washington D.C., and the Getty in Los Angeles.

Ironically, in his day Ruisdael could not find enough buyers to escape from poverty.

The Mennonite community of his Haarlem childhood footed the bill when he fell ill in his early 50s and entered a charity hospital in 1681. There he died in 1682.

A Dutch contemporary of Ruisdael’s, Samuel van Hoogstraten (1627–1678), was the son of a Mennonite painter, Dirk van Hoogstraten, and a member of the Dordrecht Mennonite congregation until he married outside the group. He was a disciple of Rembrandt’s, and his paintings are also in famous museums today.

IN GERMANY around the beginning of the 19th century, Hermann Sudermann (1857–1928), of Prussian-Mennonite origins, became a famous dramatist and novelist.

His dramas featured Sarah Bernhardt and other well-known actresses of the time and inspired about 30 films.

By Sudermann’s era, however, the Prussian Mennonite church had lost most of its theological distinctiveness. Members viewed themselves as loyal citizens of their country,

willing to do the bidding of their national leaders, up to and including going to war on behalf of their country.

Sudermann rose to become a member of the German upper class, with a mansion, expensive art collection, and much pleasure travel. He cheered for Germany when World War I began, publishing Kaiserlied (“Song of the Kaiser”). His nationalism and his romantic view of ethnicity and homeland made his works popular with the Nazis during World War II. As Sudermann’s case shows, artistic talent and success do not necessarily mean Mennonite or Anabaptist values have been improved upon, or even upheld.

MENNONITE-EDUCATED ARTISTS are blessed with – at times burdened by – deep feelings and creative urges. Sometimes these harmonize with their church tradition and sometimes they conflict with it. Referring to visual artists (but applicable to all) sculptor and former pastor Paul A. Friesen said art serves "those wishing to see beyond words, minds wishing to probe mysteries that baffle speech, and hearts desiring to feel and experience the power of love through the visual elements."

Bonnie Price Lofton, MA ’04, editor

Jacob van Ruisdael / circa 1628-1682, Dutch painter of Mennonite origins / Landscape with a Wheatfield / oil on canvas, 15.75 x 18 inches / Courtesy of the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

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transforming The transformation of EMU from largely avoiding the arts to warmly welcoming them occurred after Myron and Esther Augsburger brought their energies here in the mid-1960s. As president from 1965 until 1980, Myron opened the door to EMU’s first official instrumental music, first drama courses, first faculty-mentored theater productions, and first art major (in 1971 Esther was the first to graduate in that major). Esther, who was raised in art-rich India, founded and ran the arts program at Eastern Mennonite High School from 1972 to 1980, while producing her own sculptures (see note at bottom right). Today at EMU, artists are not only transforming the university, energizing and enriching it, they are transforming themselves and the society in which they live with their fresh, often challenging, ways of experiencing and presenting the world. photo by steven david johnson

Cyndi gusler ’93 / Conglomerate / Shards of windshield glass and other recycled materials

CYNDI GUSLER ’93, Chair of vaca dept. (EMU) /

"I collect trash and use it to create various works, from 'trash fashion' [see photo on page 25] to this piece [above] from the series I call 'Conglomerate.'" During a visit to the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum, Gusler was inspired by a display of minerals: "The actual minerals and photos of them became a constant reference for me as I turned fallen wood and discarded containers into glittering 'minerals.' I had the pleasure of smashing cracked, ceramic dishes, sweeping up bits of a car window from the street after a break-in, and pulling non-recyclables out of public trash bins. I also had the experience of tedious hours of reassembling glass shards into new patterns one shard at a time, using tweezers to grasp the tiny bits."

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HERB WEAVER ’79, PROFESSOR OF FINE ARTS, BETHANY COLLEGE (W.Va.) / Weaver combines

social commentary with whimsical humor in his ceramics and sculptures, often made by depicting or using familiar objects. For Hook, Lying, and Sinker (right, above), he fashioned "fishing tackle" and stacked it on a "pole” to depict the way certain politicians "lure" the public into a trusting relationship by employing tactics of trickery and deception to "catch" our attention. This ceramic sculpture won a $5,000 West Virginia Governor's Award and is now in the state collection in Charleston, W.Va. / In 2009, Weaver became “chief arts reader” for the College Board – meaning he oversaw 100 college professors and high school art teachers grading 30,000 portfolios submitted for Advanced Placement credit.

ESTHER AUGSBURGER ’71, SCULPTOR, PAINTER & RETIRED ART TEACHER / Augsburger’s Love Essence

(in background in photo at right) is situated near EMU’s seminary. It depicts the reverential act of foot washing. Augsburger’s artwork is displayed in nine countries. Former president Jimmy Carter and Rev. Billy Graham own Augsburger sculptures. One of Esther’s best-known sculptures is Guns Into Plowshares, a 16-foot-tall piece, created in collaboration with her son, Michael, in 1995.

Starting with a plow-shaped structure, they welded to it 3,000 guns collected in a police-run amnesty program. Until recently, the sculpture was displayed on D Street near Judiciary Square in Washington D.C. The D.C. police department plans to redisplay the sculpture, but has not announced its new location.

arts JAN GLEYSTEEN, CLASS OF ‘55 / illustrator of historical

books / Gleysteen, who attended both EMU and Goshen College for a year, was born and raised in Amsterdam, Holland. As a young adult he studied illustration and design at the Municipal School of Fine Arts and at the Royal Academy. During the early 1950s, he biked across Europe, sketching and painting along the way. He is currently producing pen-and-ink illustrations for a book he is writing on his family’s life from the 1930s through the 1950s, including five years as pacifists under Nazi occupation.

Gleysteen is the author of a number of books, as well as scripts for theater and film. One of his illustrations is on page 10.

FRANK AMEKA ’07 / marketing coordinator, James Madison University / “I do graphic design as well as supervise graphic designers working with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other Adobe Creative Suite Software. I'm responsible for photographs, video and web work as needed for University Unions [i.e. all non-academic activities geared to students]… Our work influences and impacts the wider JMU community.” / An Ameka photo of JMU students rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina was published in the Sept. 22, 2008, issue of Time.

Paulette Moore, MA ’09 / videographer who has produced videos for professor Lisa Schirch’s 3-D Security Initiative (see her YouTube shot at the U.S. Congress at www.3dsecurity.org) and on the history of the desegregration of a school system in rural Virginia, among others. She is a director/producer at Shenandoah University. Info: www.paulettefilms.com MARCIA ESCH ZOOK ’99 / exhibit coordinator at Harrisonburg (Va.) Children’s Museum / “I began by volunteering at the Children’s Museum for a few years before they offered me this job [exhibit coordinator]. I found I really loved the creative outlet it provided for me as the mother of young children, as well as the feeling of enriching the lives of children in our community.”

CHARITO CALVACHI-MATEYKO, MA ’06 / does “cultural

HERB WEAVER ’79 / Hook, Lying, and Sinker / Ceramics photo by Jon styer

stage presentations” in Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, often to school-aged groups, involving indigenous costumes from Latin American countries and stories about life in those countries. She created a book/CD package, Navidad Latinoamericana/Latin American Christmas (at www.latin-christmas.net) and has her own weekly Spanish-language radio show on a public radio station in Lancaster, Pa. Shannon Quinn Terranova ’05 / uses movement exercise in her work with adults with disabilities and has used drama & choreography in teaching inner city 5th and 6th graders and children with autism. / Was “Ruth” in 5-week summer theater run of Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2007. Lives in Burke, Va. MARY YODER ’07 / Creative Director, IKE Box, a nonprofit in downtown Salem, Ore. It works to empower at-risk youth by providing them job coaching and internship experiences. Yoder heads the new IKE Media Graphic Design program. “We will have our first round of interns this fall.”

ESTHER AUGSBURGER ’71 (with husband Myron ’55, ThB ’58) / Love Essence / Acrylic

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appreciating The faculty of the Visual and Communication Arts (VACA) department “seek to nurture a profound appreciation for the spiritual, emotive and poetic aspects of human existence,” according to www.emu.edu/vaca. Says Andile Dube ’06, MA candidate in media studies at New School University and graphic designer at a not-for-profit organization in New York City: “In addition to giving me a good academic foundation and technical skills, the VACA department at EMU prepared me to use my gifts in practical and meaningful ways.”

steven david johnson / Fluorescent Tube on the Shenandoah, North Fork / Digital photography

STEVEN D. JOHNSON, PROF. in vaca dept. (EMU) /

BARBARA FAST, PROF. in vaca dept. (EMU) /

KRIS SHENK ’97, QUILT DESIGNER /

In addition to their frequent appearance in EMU publications, Johnson’s photos have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Orion, Ruminate: Faith in Literature and Art, and Rock & Sling - A Journal of Literature, Art, and Faith. He proposed and nursed into life the popular digital media major at EMU and collaborates with VACA professor Jerry Holsopple in teaching videography, “I encourage students to stretch their faith, intellect, and creativity in a challenging interdisciplinary environment that promotes the development of a poetic sensibility.” Johnson has an MFA from the Savannah School of Art and Design. See some of his work at www.stevendavidjohnson.com.

Fast returned from a spring 2008 sabbatical in Egypt where she taught at the Coptic Cathedral in Cairo and investigated art around the country.

The experience inspired a Madonna series of mixed media pieces and work with Egyptian themes. Says Fast: “Because early (Coptic) Christians found a number of parallels between their ancient pharonic religion and the new Christian faith, early Coptic art often reflects this interesting mix.” Fast, who has a BA from Bethel College (Kan.) and an MFA from James Madison University, has been teaching and producing art at EMU since 1989.

Shenk has moved from doing interior design – which she studied at James Madison University as part of her arts major at EMU – to being a fabric artist at Quilt Designs in Goshen, Ind. / “I also completed a minor in business administration at EMU. I graduated with a well-rounded degree that gave me the tools to be the person and the artist I am now.” / “Mennonite education certainly helped form my worldview and opened the doors to creativity and art…I have one design, 'Facets,' that was directly influenced by an assignment from Barbara Fast’s 2-D design class at EMU.” / View Shenk’s quilt designs at www.quiltdesigns.com.

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arts Heidi Winters Vogel / associate professor and chair of the theater department. Has been professionally involved with, as well as taught, acting, directing, and playwriting. Received her BA in theater from the University of Minnesota and her MFA in directing from Pennsylvania State University. Served as visiting professor of directing at the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. Has also taught at St. Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis, Penn State, and Stages Performing Arts Academy. As a professional director, Heidi’s work includes: A Walk In The Woods (Avalon Theatre); Snakebit (Pennsylvania Centre Stage); Driving Miss Daisy (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival); Three Days of Rain (Next Stage); The Love of the Nightingale (Penn State); Macbeth (Shakespeare at the Palmer); Trojan Women (St. Louis University); and Master Harold…and the Boys (Loaves and Fish Repertory).

Thomas Joyner / a new theater faculty member

arriving for 2009-10 from the University of Central Florida. He received his PhD from the University of Colorado at Boulder. His doctoral thesis examined Irish theater and history, which will be useful in directing Dancing at Lughnasa by Irish playwright Brian Friel in the spring of 2010 and teaching a class on how Gaelic theater reflects the struggles of the Irish people. In September, Joyner will direct Stones in His Pockets, a play set in Ireland which won two Olivier Awards (one of highest honors in British theater) in 2001 for Best New Comedy.

Phillip Grayson / adjunct instructor in the theater department. He worked in theater at James Madison University for 26 years before retiring and coming to EMU in 2003. Grayson has been the thinker and lead designer behind the major sets and renovations in the theater area. He has an MA from Illinois State University and an MFA from Virginia Commonwealth.

Barbara fast / Madonna of Philae: Isis and Horus / Abaca paper, cotton, mixed media courtesy kris a. shenk

David Vogel / freelance theater artist, technical director (lighting and sound), and adjunct advisor at EMU. Received his BA in theater arts from the University of Minnesota and his MFA in theater production from Penn State University. Has taught lighting and sound design and theater production at Washington University in St. Louis and at Huntington University in Indiana, as well as at Penn State.

Scott Keen / digital media designer and painter.

Teaches graphic design, web design, and printmaking at EMU. Also an adjunct professor at JMU. Kreg Owens / teaches ceramics and sculpture as an adjunct instructor at EMU. Has an MFA degree in ceramics from James Madison University and an MA degree in speech communication from Eastern New Mexico University. Has had work in the books Beginning Sculpture, 500 Teapots, Architectural Ceramics, Wheel-Thrown Ceramics, The Ceramic Design Book, and The Best of Pottery.

LISA WHITE ’99 / restorative justice practioner through theater and psychodrama / Was in acting troupe of A Body in Motion, a play inspired by Howard Zehr’s restorative justice teachings that toured nine prisons throughout Pennsylvania in 2004.

kris a. shenk ’97 / Facets / Quilting

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enlivening Most artists enliven themselves and their audience, tilling the soil for spiritual and social changes. For instance, Howard Zehr, professor of restorative justice, has pioneered using photography to bring about restoration and healing following crimes. He has produced a photography-centered book on the victims of crime, as well as one on prisoners. He is now photographing children of prisoners. Zehr consulted on this wall mural (below) in Philadelphia, produced partly by community folks and partly by prisoners, who painted on pieces of parachute that were pieced together and pasted on the wall. For more information on murals produced under the two-year-old Greenfield Restorative Justice Program, read Phoebe Zinman's book Visual Restoration (2009), which contains an essay and photos by Zehr, and visit www.muralarts.org. photo by Michael Reali, courtesy of Greenfield Restorative Justice Program

ERIC OKDEH, LEAD MURALIST / Restoration wall mural in Philadelphia, inspired by Howard Zehr’s restorative justice concepts

JAN GLEYSTEEN ’55 / Book Illustration / Pen and ink (more info on page 7, top right)

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jonathan gehman ’86 / Bug / Ink on paper

arts photo by Matthew Gillis

INGRID DE SANCTIS ’88 / EMU theater artist in residence, 2008-09 / Director of students in Metamorphoses (above)

MELANIE PRITCHARD ’07 / grad student, Savannah College of Art and Design / Weathervane Revisited / Ink on bristol

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experiencing “There are many approaches to creating art,” says Aaron Eichorst ’94, who teaches elementary-school art classes in Charlottesville, Va., in addition to producing his own art. “For me it is about personal exploration.

Art provides a way to process experiences and commemorate the people and situations that make up my life. I use a variety of media and enjoy selecting and arranging materials. Natural history, identity, and music influence the outcome of my work.” For more samples from the artist featured on this page and those on the page at right, visit www.aaroneichorst.com, www.rubyskyphotography.com, and www.szrichardson.com.

Aaron eichorst ’94 / Offering / Paper cut-outs, embedded in waxy encaustic, topped with layers of acrylic paint

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arts KERI KAUFFMAN ’00 / photographic preservation and collections management / An arts major at EMU who just graduated from a joint masters degree program of Ryerson University in Toronto and George Eastman House in Rochester, N.Y. It is the only graduate program in the world taught by and for experts in photo preservation and conservation.

Conrad Erb ’04 / custom photography, especially

wedding. Based in Philadelphia, but travels widely.

More info: www.conraderb.com

Dustin Galyon ’06 / wedding photography, Hesston, Kan. See his work on Facebook under "Galyon Bartel."

Josiah Garber ’06 / studio and freelance photogra-

phy in Lancaster, Pa. Info: www.josiahgarber.com

Wayne Gehman ’84 / producer for Mennonite Media

and freelance photographer, especially of EMU sports, Harrisonburg, Va. See his photo on page 32.

Joanna Heatwole ’98 / teaches photography and

video at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y.

Jon Helfers ’08 / videographer and photo editer em-

ployed at Rosetta Stone (language learning software) in Harrisonburg, Va.

Tiffany Horst ’07 / photographer, employed as photo editor at Rosetta Stone.

Zach Nafziger ’01 / photographer and stained glass

artist, employed at Rosetta Stone.

Grace Nolt ’89 / photographer and graphic designer

at Spruce Lake Retreat in Canadensis, Pa.

ALICIA BERRY '00 & Keesha dickel / Bride / RubySky Photography, owned by Berry and Dickel

Rachel Schrock ’05 / employed by Hourglass Portrait Studio, Tallahassee, Fla. MATThew STYER ’05 / MA '10 candidate in digital design at Philadelphia University / Previously did photography and graphic design at EMU; continues to do freelance photography.

Ellie Lind ’04 / commercial television producer at WHSV 3 in Harrisonburg, Va. David Rohrer ’05 / commercial producer at WHSV 3.

CARRIE KEAGY ’07 / graphic design, photography, web

design, “Jill of artistic trades” at Water Street Ministeries (formerly Rescue Mission) in Lancaster, Pa.

MERLE GOOD ’69 / former producer-writer of dramas.

Today Good is widely known as co-owner, with his wife Phyllis Pellman, of Good Books. But his passion as an undergraduate was theater, along with writing.

In the 1970s, the Goods launched the “Dutch Family Festival” in Lancaster, Pa., where EMU students spent their summers performing in dramas written by Merle. He also wrote Happy as the Grass Was Green, a novel centering on a visitor to a close-knit conservative Mennonite family. This novel became the basis of a 1973 movie, Hazel’s People, starring Geraldine Page.

By the 1990s, the Goods’ business interests had grown to encompass a heritage interpretation center (The People’s Place) and several museums and galleries in the Lancaster area. Today, both Goods are primarily focused on book writing and publishing.

SANDRA ZEISET RICHARDSON '79 / The Potter / Paint on clay tile

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sustaining EMU’s seminary recognizes that liturgical art, music, ritual, and dramatic expression can play invigorating roles in worship. Elsewhere on campus, art activities are always present in classes that address trauma healing, as well as in many other classes, such as sociology or history, where dramatic skits can bring a lesson to life. When the American Art Therapy Association was founded in 1969, it signified widespread recognition that art can contribute to recovery from illness and maintenance of health and overall wellness.

Today many at EMU view art to be as nourishing as food and water, as cleansing as a shower. photo by Jon styer

milonica stahl-wert ’81 / in her home studio among her watercolors

MILONICA STAHL-WERT ’81, painter / Also a wordand-body movement artist, especially putting movement to scriptures and hymns (also known as liturgical dance). / “I like to gather scripture, song, word, and instrumental music to support the message [in a church service], sometimes using one and sometimes using all of these.” / Spent a semester studying at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and two years studying bodywork, focusing on “how to use the body in healing.” / During a period of suffering from Post Partum Depression, she discovered that “art was very healing and provided a way of coping.” / She was an early participant in the Mennonite Arts Weekend, a bi-annual event organized by members of the Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship, (http://cincinnati.oh.us.mennonite.net) .

The arts weekend was first held in February 1991.

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TED SWARTZ ’89, MDIV ’92, musical theater performer / Beginning in 1991, Ted Swartz

teamed up with Lee Eshleman ’86 to develop and perform skits and plays that crossed genres.

The works were biblically based yet hilarious, sprinkled with music, drama and insight. After Lee’s sudden death in May 2007, Swartz needed time to mourn the loss of his long-time friend and collaborator and time to find a new path for himself. Under the name Ted & Co. TheaterWorks, Swartz now collaborates with various talented people, who are often fellow alumni, to “bring to life stories from the Bible with a unique blend of both freshness and humor.” For homecoming 2008, Swartz and Trent Wagler '02 starred in the premiere of What Would Lloyd Do?, directed by Ingrid De Sanctis '88. (For more information, including how to buy DVDs, visit www.tedandlee.com)

MELINDA STEFFY ’03, multi-media artist / Has an MA in painting / In contrast to the broad, global vision fostered at EMU, “some of my [graduate art school] classmates only see their art-making as an intensely personal activity and are focused exclusively on their particular strain of art-making… on ‘art for art’s sake.’” / “My artwork frequently deals with themes of family history and collective memory in a way that brings me back to my roots and reinforces my sense of belonging to a broad community.” / On the other hand, “I think [there is at EMU] a subtle expectation that art should fit within certain boundaries of beauty or spirituality or community, and that really limits the depth and range of what art can communicate… People who make art that is disturbing or controversial or unconventional can find themselves operating on the fringes or being pushed out entirely.”

photo by Jon styer

arts DENNIS MAUST ’75 / ceramist & potter / “…[U]ses his relationships with people across cultures, a fascination with visual intricacy and his outrage at human devastation to make pots that ask questions of right and wrong,” wrote Chad Martin in the Nov. 2006 issue of Ceramics Monthly. “Ask Dennis Maust about his pots and he will likely respond with stories about people and places; he might tell you about Spain, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Peru or Egypt … I have learned to know Maust as a ceramics artist whose aesthetic sensibilities derive more from the variety of international locales where he has lived and traveled than from trends in North American ceramics.” A tile mosaic by Maust is situated on the ground floor of the Campus Center. It is visible behind EMU's president on page 2 of this magazine.

CLIFF LEE ’72 / porcelain artist / Stopped being a neu-

rosurgeon in the late 1970s to do pottery full-time / Has developed international reputation, with some of his porcelain vases owned by the Smithsonian Institution and the White House, according to an in-depth article in the Philadelphia Inquirer on Feb. 28, 2003. / More info: http://cliffleeporcelain.com RANDY SHENK ’85 / liturgical artist / Shenk is the unofficial artist-in-residence in his home church, Harrisonburg (Va.) Baptist, where he has created traditional-style pulpits from walnut, as well as one for a contemporary service by welding materials salvaged from a copy machine. In his hands, a futon and granite countertop have become a communion table and old metal posts have become a cross. Shenk earns his living as a cabinetmaker.

JUDAH OUDSHOORN, MA '06 / In his work with

TRENT WAGLER '02 & TED Swartz '89, MDIV '92 / Appearing in What Would Lloyd Do?

Community Justice Initiatives in Kitchener, Ontario (Canada), Oudshoorn practices a restorative approach with people who have offended sexually, as well as with survivors of sexual abuse. / “I am keenly interested in using the arts to do peace work. I am involved in a project that brings together a number of community agencies (and the clients they serve) to use art to explore the impacts of sexual abuse on people who offend, on people who have been victimized, and on the community.”

BONNIE STUTZMAN, MA ’05 / Relaxes from her work as a hospital chaplain by producing stained glass pieces and other art. Her husband, seminary dean Ervin Stutzman, MA ’99, works with wood, from carving pens to making furniture. He also takes hundreds of photos of uplifting or interesting scenes. In 2008 and again in 2009, the couple devoted a week of their summer vacation to artistic pursuits at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in Brasstown, N.C. MARY LOU WEAVER HOUSER, ’66 / founder of Art Spirit / Co-directs Herrbrook Farm Retreat Cottage in Lancaster, Pa., “an arbor for homecoming, hospitality and art spirit” / Former art teacher at Lancaster Mennonite School. / Works in mixed media. For more information, visit www.herrbrook.com EVA BEIDLER '71 / artist and art therapist in Washington D.C. area / Held an open arts room, with free supplies, for homeless senior citizens in the 1990s.

mELINDA STEFFY '03 / Apothecary / mixed media

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 15

expressing “As an artist in the Mennonite faith community, I choose to follow Jesus’ example to challenge, entertain, provoke, critique, prophesy,” wrote Douglas Liechty Caskey, professor of theater and communication at Goshen College, in an article in the Canadian journal Directions in 1998. “I choose to do this with an attitude of humility rather than to offend or disgust my audience, unless it happens that holding to my Christian beliefs in some way offends or disgusts. Then, I trust, we are poised for further dialogue sparked by an earnest desire to seek truth in its various authentic forms.”

Hudah gehman claude '50 / Spring / watercolor, collage

HUDAH CLAUDE ’50, CREATIONS IN MULTIPLE MEDIA / Working and living in Wilmington,

N.C., Claude creates jewelry, masks, paintings, and woodcarvings. “At Eastern Mennonite in the 1940s, I appreciated the creativity and harmony.

This has expanded into a more unrestrained love of heightened color, texture, contrast and happy accidents, as when making jewelry of silver or semi-precious stones, carving whimsical houses of cottonwood bark or using a paintbrush to capture a thought or a memory. How grateful I am that this love of learning has no bounds!”

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TODD YODER ’05, ARTIST / Yoder is a graduate

student in The Academy of Art University in San Francisco. With 13,000 students, it is the largest private school of art and design in the country. Writes Yoder: “The Academy is well known for its illustration program, as its faculty entirely consists of professionals in the field. I'm currently working closely with these instructors in order to write and illustrate a book for young adults. Once I graduate in a year, I hope to continue illustrating books and, I hope, some editorial pieces as well.”

BLAIR SEITZ ’67, PHOTOGRAPHER / Seitz has 20 photography-based “coffee table” books to his credit. Seven of his books are in the series Pennsylvania's Natural and Cultural Heritage. / At one point, his stock collection of 60,000 images were supplying photos to one or another publication in the world almost every day. Time, Newsweek, National Geographic Traveler, the Guardian and New York Times Sunday Magazine have run his photos. / Recently Seitz opened OnePlanet OneWorld gallery in Millville, N.J. / For more information, visit www.blairseitz.com

arts DONALD SHENK ’82 / artistic director, The Stillspeaking Theatre, San Marino, Calif. / While at EMU, he studied in London, England, and interned at Playwright’s Horizons in Manhattan. / Taught acting and directing at EMU from 1984 to 1987. / In the late 80s, moved to Los Angeles. Credits include the films Deadly Delusions and a sci-fi thriller Progeny (“neither of which you should rent,” jokes Shenk), and long stint as the “Weiner Dude” spokesman for Weinerschnitzel. / L.A. theater credits: leading roles in Blithe Spirit, The Lisbon Traviata and Teeing Off. Musical theater credits include Damn Yankees, Can-Can and a U.S. tour of Diamond Studs on the life of Jesse James / In 2002 became director of music & drama at San Marino Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. / In 2008, launched The Stillspeaking Theatre, a small professional theater in what had been the church sanctuary.

HELEN STOLTZFUS ’78 / founder & executive director of Arts and Literacy in Children’s Education (ALICE) in Oakland, Calif., offering all area children opportunity to do music, theater, dance and the visual arts / Prior to 2004, was co-artistic director of A Traveling Jewish Theatre (ATJT). Projects included co-writing and performing in Trotsky and Frida and Heart of the World, directing Sometimes We Need A Story More Than Food, The Fatherless Sky and Heart of the World, writing and performing the solo work Like a Mother Bear (basis of the film Send Word, Bear Mother), and co-creating and directing Diamonds in the Dark.

During Stoltzfus’ time with ATJT, it performed in more than 60 cities worldwide. / Directed EMU’s drama program from 1979 to 1981.

Todd Yoder '05 / Untitled / graphite

INGRID DE SANCTIS ’88 / freelance director, actor, playwright & EMU artist in residence for theater, 2008-09 / MFA in acting from UNC-Greensboro / Writing & directing portfolio includes plays on refugees in the Balkans (Torba), survivors of violent crime (A Body in Motion), and faith-stories created with inner city youth (WhaChaGonnaDu?). Likes projects that “make an impact.”

MARLA BURKHOLDER ’99 / actor, dialect coach, co-artistic director for Shakespeare in Clark Park, Philadelphia / MFA in acting from Temple University, 2003.

REBEKAH MILLER HOFFER ’04 / lead follow spot operator for Pennsylvania-based Sight & Sound Theatres, the largest professional Christian theater in the United States.

PAMELA MANDIGO ’08 / freelance director and playwright, based in Harrisonburg, Va. / Directed Dead Man’s Cell Phone for EMU in April 2009.

MARIANN MARTIN ’85 / taught drama at Hesston College in Kansas from 1987 to 1991 and from 1994 to 2002. Hesston confers an annual theater award named after her.

MIRIAM L. YODER ’06 / assistant stage manager, Folger Theatre, affiliated with the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C. / Previously was apprentice stage manager at The Studio Theatre in Washington.

Blair SEITZ '67 / Adrift: House in Peril, Delaware Bay / photography

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 17

challenging As one might expect in a “counter-cultural” Mennonite institution, artists here often prick the consciences of their audiences, challenging them to address social injustices or to become aware of blinders they might be wearing. Some works of art do not have obvious messages.

They may simply portray, for example, the despair and agony of someone who commits suicide or who is in a situation of abuse. “The dark stories need to be told too,” says actress Kim Stauffer ’99. “They are part of the human experience.”

David Kreider ’76, MAR ’78, MA ’09 / Loss of Innocence / pyrography (woodburning)

DAVID KREIDER ’76, MAR ’78, MA ’09 IN CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION / Kreider empathizes with the

peoples of Israel and Palestine, the area where he and his wife were both raised. In 2002, the Kreiders traveled to the Middle East, where David hoped to create “something uplifting and inspirational, something that captured the spirit of compassion and the soul of the people or the place in some way… But the images I had hoped to capture just weren't there.” Instead he created Loss of Innocence (above) depicting war-displaced, suffering Palestinian refugees to exemplify “the dark side of our inhumanity.” David also sees hope in his work: “The people are bound to each other in both life and in death,” despite faith differences, symbolized by differing garb. More art at www.kreiderart.com.

18 | crossroads | summer 2009

JERRY HOLSOPPLE ’80, PROF. in VACA dept. (EMU) /

MATTHEW GILLIS, UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT /

Over the last nine years at EMU, Holsopple has coached his documentary video students into producing works that have changed many lives, including helping to secure the freedom of Kurdish immigrants unjustly prosecuted under the Homeland Security Act. He and his students have also produced stunning video segments for every Mennonite Church USA convention during this period. He has won numerous awards, including ones for his production of Journey Toward Forgiveness, a documentary first aired on ABC in 2001 and aired again in 2003, 2008, and 2009 on the Hallmark Channel. In 2009-10, Holsopple will be on sabbatical as a Fulbright scholar in Lithuania. Discover more about Holsopple on page 22.

Gillis worked in humanitarian aid before he started college. He worked for Shelter for Life in Sri Lanka, living in a conflict zone for six months. He has been to 25 different countries, including Darfur, Sudan and Afghanistan; he has shot videos and photographs in Kenya, Rwanda and elsewhere for Global Relief and Development Partners. In 2008, he enrolled in EMU, where he interned in the department that produces Crossroads. Taking a semester off, he was a photo intern at National Geographic Adventure magazine, before embarking on EMU’s cross-cultural to Turkey and Greece. He is now a photo intern for the DC United soccer team. He plans to return to EMU in 2010, after Jerry Holsopple returns from his sabbatical in Lithuania.

arts photo by Matthew Gillis

JERRY HOLSOPPLE'S STUDENTS / Night Shoot / videography

Matthew Gillis / Sudanese Liberation Army Soldier in Darfur, Sudan / photography

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 19

serving What greater joy than putting one’s art to the service of others? Many of the artists in this magazine teach in various venues, public schools to summer camps, preschoolers to seniors. Jewell Brenneman ’53 (facing page, bottom), an accomplished ceramicist with numerous gallery showings, has taught in schools and universities in multiple states. Amanda Gross ’06 (below) teaches art to adults with disabilities. Photographer Benjamin J. Myers ’05 is devoted to capturing the spirit of key people and events at the U.S. Congress. photo by Jon styer

AMANDA GROSS ’06 / Working as an art assistant under Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience

AMANDA GROSS ’06, ART TEACHER / In the

summer of 2009, Gross finished a one-year voluntary service stint with Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience (PULSE). Living in a large downtown house with other PULSE volunteers, she spent her days assisting adults with disabilities to explore art. Founded by John Stahl-Wert ’81 in 1994, PULSE aims to “mentor a new generation of urban leaders who understand and appreciate the importance of the city for the world’s future, who commit their lives to the work of transforming our cities into places of hope and compassion, and who possess the skills and resources needed to do this work well.”

Stahl-Wert particularly wished to provide service and employment opportunities for recent college graduates in the arts field. More than 100 have served in PULSE, most doing art.

20 | crossroads | summer 2009

BENJAMIN (BENJI) J. MYERS ’05, PHOTOGRAPHER ON “THE HILL” / Myers began as a photography

intern with The Hill, a newspaper that appears daily when Congress is in session. Its articles and photos spotlight lobbying, political campaigns, daily business and other happenings on Capitol Hill. Myers is now the photo editor, with behind-the-doors access to some of the nation’s key decision-makers. To see some of his lovely candid shots, check out “The Hill Newspaper” on Facebook or visit www.benjaminjaymyers.com, where the Congressional photos are supplemented with photos taken elsewhere, such as Pakistan in 2005, Bulgaria and Turkey in 2007, and Vietnam and Hong Kong in 2008.

JEWELL GROSS BRENNEMAN, ’52-’53, CERAMICIST & painter / Brenneman is a native of Harrison-

burg, Va. After leaving what was then EMC as an undergraduate, she studied art at James Madison University, where she earned a BA and then an MFA in 1978 and at George Washington University, where she earned another MFA in 1990. She has taught art widely – in school, university and community settings. For 21 years she taught in Anchorage and Bethel, Alaska, and did studio pottery, sculptural raku, and low-fire salt ceramics. Now she works and lives in the Baltimore area, though her art is represented by galleries in a number of states. “I enjoy the processes of making pieces from wet clay and find myself avoiding glazes and finishes which mask out the textural qualities of the clay.” She also works with stamps, writing and drawings on figural sculpture and vessels.

arts

Benjamin j. myers '05 / Barack Obama on the campaign trail / photography photo by Dan Meyers

photo by Dan Meyers

JEWELL GROSS BRENNEMAN ’52-’53 / Pear Jammin’, acrylic on cotton, and Three Standing Cycladic Figures, raku clay/glaze, gold leaf/powder, wax

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 21

transcending To understand the Mennonites’ traditional hesitancy in regard to the arts, a brief look at history might be in order. In the Roman Empire, Christians were forced to perform before being put to death. “A man named Laureolus acted in a popular Atellan farce that ended with his crucifixion and tearing apart by animals,” wrote Debra Bruch in a fascinating article, “The Prejudice Against Theatre,” published in the summer 2004 issue of The Journal of Religion and Theatre.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, when the earliest Anabaptists were struggling to survive, they too faced life-or-death questions of how to transcend their treatment by the dominant culture, of how to follow Jesus as they understood him. Their approach to the arts reflected their answers. At EMU today – as seen on these two pages and the previous 23 pages – we honor the positive role of the arts, the way they can cause us to transcend our usual perceptions, to break out of our narrow boxes. But we also know they can play a destructive role. Rather than pretend the dilemma doesn’t exist, EMU faces it squarely, with a commitment to space for dialogue and God-given creativity.

Jerry holsopple '80 / Wind of the Spirit / digital imaging

JERRY HOLSOPPLE ’80, PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER / Holsopple ap-

pears twice in this Crossroads – on page 18 for his teaching of videography and here for his photography. He will also appear in a future issue for his music (acoustic stringed instruments) and book writing. Holsopple moves around the academic and arts worlds as if boundaries don’t exist. He has an MDiv from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and a PhD from the European Graduate School in Switzerland. He founded and designed the website www.thirdwaycafe.com. Many of his projects involve a combination of communication forms, such as the photographs, videos, music, and lesson handouts in the 15-session curriculum package Shalom Lifestyles: Whole People Whole Earth. It is available through Mennonite Media, Holsopple's former employer, at www.mennomedia.org.

22 | crossroads | summer 2009

TIM SWARTZ ’79, ARTIST & ARTS TEACHER / As one of the handful of arts teachers in this issue, Swartz represents the dozens of teacher-alumni who are nurturing a love of art among their students in public and private schools.

For the last 10 years, Swartz has taught art at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, Pa. / “I feel art in general, not just at the high school level, is valid and necessary because it develops and sustains the mind, spirit and body… It takes creativity and discipline, planning and spontaneity, experience and innocence. These seemingly opposite traits combine to create not only art, but a creative, productive mind.” / Swartz has developed a reputation for his portrayal of baseball subjects, with some of his watercolors possessed by the Phillies and the Baseball Hall of Fame. His baseball work, as well as landscapes, can be seen at www.timswartzart.com.

arts

photo by Jon styer

phoebe ann erb '69 / Bird / William Morris Patterns & Designs

TIM swartz '79 / in the pottery studio of Christopher Dock Mennonite H.S.

PHOEBE ANN ERB (GALLAGHER) ’69, TEXTILE DESIGNER / “You may not know Phoebe Ann Erb, but you may well have had her artwork all over your body,” began a 10/04/07 article in The Boston Globe. “She [has] painted designs that wound up covering thousands of yards of cloth – fabric used to make countless articles of clothing, and covers for chairs, sofas and such.” Gallagher retired from being a print designer for the fabric industry in the early 2000s when it became necessary to do her work on a computer rather than by hand.

She continues to produce art – the Globe article was written about one of her exhibits of collages. She is the author of five books in the Stemmer House International Design Library. Raised in a conservative Pennsylvania Mennonite farm family, Gallagher carries within her the “clean, bare, spare, ordered” esthetics of her grandmother’s house.

Margaret gehman '42 / Colorful Kancamagus / watercolor

MARGARET GEHMAN ’42, WATERCOLORIST & RETIRED ART TEACHER / Gehman, now a vigorous age 87, started teaching art at what was then EMC in 1944, when she was just 22 years old. She also taught physical education.

Determined to be better prepared for the subjects she was teaching, Gehman earned an MA (majoring in P.E., minoring in art) from George Peabody College of Education at what is now Vanderbilt University in 1948 and a doctorate in the same fields from there in 1962. She taught her last tennis class at EMC in 1982, but kept teaching watercolor painting until 1996. She has had six solo exhibits and has sold (or given away) hundreds of paintings, with the proceeds being donated to EMU. She also does pottery. “God is the greatest creator,” she said recently. “He gives us our creative ideas.”

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 23

Two Paths, Common Artistic Concerns

These two women, who don’t know each other, who graduated 17 years apart from EMU and who now live in cities separated by 1,700 miles, exemplify the diversity of expression, yet the commonality of artistic concerns, found among many alumni whose passion lies in the arts.

KIM LEHMAN ’82 OF AUSTIN, TEXAS

KIM STAUFFER ’99 OF NEW YORK CITY

Kim Lehman straddles so many (admittedly artificial) boundaries, it’s hard to know how to characterize her.

She has a repertoire of fun, educational programs, with some aimed at 2- to 6-year-olds (bees, birds, colors, cowboys, dinosaurs, fairy tales, etc.) and others aimed at 5- to 12-year-olds (stories and songs from around the world, pioneer days, plants and green growing).

For adults in garden clubs, churches, libraries, senior centers and such, Lehman does lively presentations on bees, as well as ones on folksy topics, such as the Shakers and traditional uses of plants and flowers. She frequently hearkens back to her upbringing in a Mennonite community in Pennsylvania, as in this workshop: “The Unbroken Circle: Learn How to Collect, Preserve and Share Family Stories.”

Lehman creates candles, paper, mosaics, jewelry, wood carvings, and watercolors, some of which she sells at craft fairs. She Kim Lehman also tends to 80,000 honey bees, which inspire many of her presentations.

Lehman’s journey to the arts was sparked by the sophomore year she spent in Washington D.C. under what was then called WSSY. EMU did not then permit dancing on campus, so Lehman seized being off-campus as an opportunity to take dance classes, which she loved. On campus, Lehman did choral singing, theater, and discovered new wave, post-punk music (from another student) and African American traditional sounds and cadences (from an EMU lecture).

“Looking back [on her years at EMU in the late 1970s and early 1980s], I think there was an unspoken idea that the arts are frivolous,” she told Crossroads. “Don’t take me wrong. I do love the incredible work ethics I learned from my background. Going to EMU and being around truly kind, productive, conscientious, salt-of-the-earth people was definitely a positive influence.”

BUT… “my perspective on the arts has changed considerably. It does not just need to be something I do when I retire. There is value in my work, and I can be compensated for creativity and expression.”

Lehman explains that storytelling, music and dance feed the spirit, create sacred spaces, and enable “learning, healing and personal understanding.” Anybody can and should use the arts to express himself or herself, she says. She no longer sees even the limits contained in these sentences that she used to utter: “If you can talk, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance.”

“I worked with a deaf choir, and I discovered that if you can’t talk you can still sing. I worked at a nursing center, and I learned that if you are in a wheelchair, you can still dance.”

Being cast as Miranda in The Tempest, directed by Barb Graber ’76, fanned a dramatic spark in Stauffer as an undergraduate at EMU, as did seeing The Merry Wives of Windsor in Washington D.C. with a Shakespeare class taught by J.B. Landis ’54.

After graduating with a double major in social work and theater in 1999, Stauffer earned an MFA in acting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she was one of the national finalists in the Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival. She then received a one-year acting fellowship with the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C. For the last three years, she has been living and working in New York City, as well as acting in regional theaters across the country. Between acting gigs she works as a nanny and teaching theater artist.

"It is a different lifestyle, and a different world from my upbringing. I have struggled to feel embraced by the larger Mennonite community – at a glance, what I do seems so different from more traditional Mennonite careers. Since my pursuit of theater [as a profession] has taken me out of the Mennonite context, I often feel alone and disconnected from it as I navigate my career. After a chance meeting with another actress of Mennonite background at a New York City audition, one who is no longer linked to the church or her community of origin, Stauffer realized, "There are other Mennonite theater artists out there, and we don't know how to find each other!

Though some are still connected to the church, many artists have left the community out of pain, rejection, necessity, or almost unknowingly, gradually. But whether we are currently practicing Mennonites or are no longer, the culture of our faith still unites us. It inevitably impacts the way we approach our art. I began to hunger for a space to dialogue about these issues with Kim stauffer other artists.”

Stauffer contacted several other Mennonite artists about setting up a website to “create a space for networking, dialogue and community building between Mennonite artists.” The result is a virtual community that welcomes “an artist of any discipline who has an understanding of, or connection to, the Mennonite community.” Nearly 200 people joined this virtual community in its first two months online. “It has been the bridge I was looking for to connect the Mennonite and the art in my life,” says Stauffer.

For more on kim lehman, visit www.Beeladyprograms.com and www.Kimlehman.com

For more information, visit www.mennoniteartistproject.ning.com

24 | crossroads | summer 2009

photo by matthew styer

mileposts Cyndi Gusler ’93, an art professor at EMU, guides the periodic fashion show of clothing made from recycled materials and trash. Students are the main designers and runway models.

Faculty and Staff

George R. Brunk III ’61, BD ’64, professor of New Testament at our seminary, has been appointed interim president for the 2009-2010 academic year by Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). George has taught at EMS since 1974, served as vice president and dean from 1979-1999, and has continued on the faculty part-time. He has also been teaching part-time each year at AMBS. George has served in numerous leadership positions in the Mennonite Church (now, Mennonite Church USA) for the past 30 years.

Gerald W. (Kirby) Dean ’92, men’s basketball head coach, was guest speaker at the Waynesboro (Virginia) High School Athletic Hall of Fame May 20 banquet where two members of the Little Giants basketball team were inducted in the Little Giants Hall of Fame. Kirby had previously served as the basketball coach for the Little Giants. Kirby encouraged listeners to find happiness, contentment and enthusiasm in the way they define themselves and “success.” He stressed valuing loyalty, investing in others, and meeting troubles head-on.

Jason Good ’05, assistant director of undergraduate admissions, is now head women’s soccer coach. Jason will continue to work in the admissions parttime. Jason is a proven recruiter and communicator, a student of the game, a hard worker, and both knowledgeable of and committed to EMU.

Lawrence M. Yoder, John S. Coffman professor of missiology at our seminary, was honored at EMU’s annual recognition dinner Apr. 28 for his 26 years of service at EMU. Lawrence retired this spring with the title professor emeritus. Before joining the EMU faculty in 1983, Lawrence spent 9 years teaching church history and Anabaptist studies at Wiyata Wacana Mennonite Seminary in Pati, Indonesia.

Lonnie D. Yoder, seminary professor of pastoral care and counseling, was the resource person for the Plains Pastors’ and Spouses’ Gathering of Central Plains Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA at St. Benedict Center, Schuyler, Neb., Apr. 19-21. Lonnie selected “Leadership on the Line: Living Expectantly through the Challenges of Leading” as the theme of the gathering.

1950-59

Clarence Rutt ’53, Lancaster, Pa., did 12 days of service in Bulgaria in March, assisting Patricia (Pat) Strong ’69 and Lamar

’70 Myers in their ministries.

Carl J. ’54 and Ruth Mohler ’55 Rudy have retired to Brookshire Community, Manheim, Pa., to be near their family. This was after Carl spent 40 years as a minister and Ruth 32 years as a teacher. They volunteer at Mennonite Resource Center and Ten Thousand Villages in Akron, Pa. Floyd J. Zehr ’54, New Wilmington, Pa., who began his college education at the age of 21, is devoting some of his retirement time to helping high school students. After receiving a PhD in physics from Syracuse University, he was employed by Westminster College in 1965. Floyd had one year sabbaticals at Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He also had leaves of absence to spend three years in Malaysia where he trained students who later came to the United States for additional training. For the last four years, in retirement, he has visited high schools with physics experiments as part of a science enrichment program administered through Westminster College and financially sup-

Why Are Musicians & Writers Missing?

We found that the wealth of artistic talent linked to EMU was greater than we projected in announcing this issue on “alumni in the arts.” Lacking sufficient space, we have held back the musicians and literary people. They will be covered next year. This issue is limited to the people in fields associated with what we now call VACA (Visual and Communication Arts) and Theater. This is not to suggest that VACA and Theater are more important than music and literature. It is simply that the VACA/Theater folks face a looming deadline in terms of the space they occupy at EMU (see page 33 for more details), so we could not afford to postpone telling their story.

ported by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Harry G. Lefever ’55, Atlanta, Ga., co-authored Sacred Places: A Guide to the Civil Rights Sites in Atlanta, Georgia, with Michael C. Page. It was published Nov. 1, 2008, by Mercer University Press. An image of the book cover and information about the book are available at www.waypoints.net/sacredplaces.

Gerald R. Brunk ’59, Harrisonburg, Va., EMU professor of history emeritus, has spent the last three years assisting in the supervision and evaluation of EMU student teachers in history. He continues giving impersonations of Menno Simons and enjoys singing in three music groups.

Elizabeth McClenahan ’59 Dawson, Lexington, Ohio, has retired after teaching for 32 years.

J. Daniel Hess ’59, Indianapolis, Ind., recently published Surely Goodness & Mercy, an anecdotal memoir containing an entry from each year of his life.

Ruth Nisly ’59, Portland, Ore., has retired from her calling to be a social worker. She now regularly volunteers at Ten Thousand Villages. Last year, Ruth traveled to Honduras, Nicaragua, Indonesia and Cambodia, interacting with Mennonite Central Committee personnel. She was able to engage in her long-time favorite hobby of bird-watching. Nisly has also taught in China, Lithuania and Columbia. She is a member of her congregation’s Columbia Sister Church Committee and teaches 1st and 2nd graders in Sunday school.

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 25

David W. Shenk ’59, Mountville, Pa., a global consultant with Eastern Mennonite Missions, and Badru Keteraegga, president of the University of Kampala, served together as conference facilitators at a Feb. 1-3 conference of international Christians and Muslims in Hargeisa, Somaliland. The conference was arranged by World Vision and International Somali humanitarian leaders to enable participants to explore the faith foundations that form their respective commitments.

Howard Zehr (center) with wife Ruby and former student Paranjoy Bordoloi

10,000 Prisoners Touched

This letter to Howard Zehr, professor of restorative justice, arrived via e-mail on June 17, 2009. Its writer, Paranjoy Bordoloi, MA '07, studied conflict transformation at EMU on a Fulbright scholarship before returning home to Assam, a state in northeastern India.

Dear Howard, I am happy to inform you that I have used the perspectives of Restorative Justice in the Health Communication strategy for Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program in Assam.

As an Information & Communication officer, I have influenced T. Yoder ’50 is the new editor Mileposts, his first series thePaul health government officers to viewofthe inmates with through the lens of alumni notes to appear in the winter 2006-07 issue of Crossroads. of restorative justice and pursued the plan to organize TB awareness Yoder succeeds T.jails Guengerich, assembled “Mileposts” for meetings at all of Paul the 27 of Assam,who so that the inmates having TB 24 years as a part-time job until he retired this summer at age 93. could get better treatment.

Guengerich, Yoder brings deep roots andjails a wide network in ILike personally attended 4 meetings at different and was able to the Mennonite community to the task of combing church periodicals, see the welcoming mood of the inmates. The officials were instructed newspapers and refreshments other information on to provide light to thesources, inmatesgathering and treat news themnotes with good activities, achievements and milestones on our 15,000-plus alumni. behaviors.

Frominteractions 1956 to 1977, Yoder was a missionary Ethiopia, The of the meetings were good physician and more in than 10,000 the only physician in a city of 30,000 in his first few years of service. inmates attended the meetings.

Upon United Yoder practiced medicine in I amreturning delightedtotothe inform youStates, that government of India has recogand around Harrisonburg, Va. He staffed a family practice office nized and appreciated this initiative and published it as one of thefor eight years.

Then he tended of 2009. prisoners and success stories of the countrytointhe themedical Annualneeds Report nursing home residents, while simultaneously serving as the bishop I also got some appreciations from my seniors for this initiative and overseer of the Harrisonburg district of Virginia Mennonite Conalong with a few others. So, I am indebted to you and other faculty ference. members, staff and my dear friends of EMU. Thank you!

Yoder best has been married for 57 years to Daisy, whom he met when With regards, Paranjoy she attended EMHS and EMU from 1946 to 1949. They have four children: Debra (Gullman), Daniel, Paul Jr., and Judith (Stroop).

Yoder grew up on a Delaware farm as one of 13 children under the care of his parents – 9 Historical biological Library siblings,isone adopted sister, and two The Menno Simmons now offering: additional youngsters.

Due to a decision by the state of Delaware  Heatwole and Suter Pottery. This 48-page book, with eight to expel Mennonite children for not saluting the American flag, the pages of color photos and many more in black and white, traces the Yoder children had difficulty completing high school. pottery output of two 19th-century Harrisonburg-area potters, John a young (1826-1907), teenager eager toEmanuel be a missionary doctor, Yoder D.As Heatwole and Suter (1833-1902).

Thewas book, permitted to come to Virginia to enroll in grade 9 at Eastern Menwhich also contains informative text, costs $8.50 ($12.50, if mailed). nonite High HeBoy. is theThis onlyisone of recording his siblingsofwith a college  David theSchool.

Shepherd a live the 1969 education. concert by the EMHS Vesper Chorus & Vesper Chorus Alumni. The Get in touch with Paul T.the Yoder – feelBoy, free atocantata call him first performance of David Shepherd by“Paul” Georgerather F. than “Dr. Yoder” – with your alumni news.

He’s at (540) 432-4205 or Root, occurred at the 1921 Eastern Mennonite commencement. From paul.t.yoder@emu.edu. then until 1977, the cantata was performed annually (with a few

Yoder New Mileposts Editor

Historic Art, Music, Offered

hiatuses). Retired EMU professor John Horst Jr. ’60 has written the commentary for this set of two CDs. The set costs $10 ($13, if mailed).

For more information, contact librarian Lois B. Bowman at bowmanb@emu.edu or (540) 432-4177, or write the Menno Simons Historical Library, EMU, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

fall 20072009 26 | crossroads | summer

Willard Swartley ’59, Elkhart, Ind., has had two more books published, Send Forth Your Light: A Vision for Peace, Mission, and Worship, Herald Press 2007, and Covenant of Peace by Eerdmans in 2006.

1960-69

Noah S. Martin ’63, Johnstown, Pa., has served in the Christian ministry for 45 years. In1978, he became the founder and director of New Day, Inc., a ministry to at-risk youth and their families in western Pennsylvania. Noah established and operates Noah’s Ark Publishing Company in Johnstown. He is the author of a number of books. In 2008, Noah published, What To Do While You Wait for the World to End. The book offers his response to the belief of some people that ancient prophecies are coming true in this time period and that we are facing catastrophic events and end-time horrors – in short, that the end of the world is near and that Christ is coming soon.

Noah offers a different way of understanding the end times – minus predictions, time tables, and scare tactics. In his book, Noah looks to the Bible and to the early church fathers to emerge with an interpretation that he describes as “reality eschatology ever coming / ever present / ever ready.”

Lee Yoder ’63, Harrisonburg, Va., joined an international team for school accreditation to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 14-20. Lee, an educational leader, was invited by the Commission on International Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA), Tempe, Ariz., to serve on the accreditation team for the Al Andalus Private Schools of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In February 2008, Lee chaired a School Validation Team for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in Philadelphia for the re-accreditation of the Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, a high school for girls in Washington, D.C. In June 2008, Lee returned to Harrisonburg after working eight years (2000-2008) as the founding superintendent for Namer American College in Cairo, Egypt. Previously, Lee was dean for academic affairs and professor of education at Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, Va. He also served as vice president and associate professor of education at EMU and principal of Christopher Dock High School, Lansdale, Pa. Linda Heatwole ’64 Bland, McGaheysville, Va., has served as a board member of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival for nine years and as its vice-president since 2002.

John M. Clymer ’64, Broomfield, Colo., is

a retired mathematics teacher. He continues to teach mathematics part-time at Front Range Community College. John is an enthusiast in basketball, softball and volleyball.

He serves as treasurer of Christian Church of Broomfield, where he and his spouse, Amanda Snader ’65 Clymer, attend.

John E. Gingerich ’64, Hartville, Ohio, served as pastor of Bethany Mennonite Church from the time it began in 1972 until his retirement in 1998. He taught secondary education at Hartville Christian School 1978-1999.

J. Daniel Martin ’67, York, Pa., teaches Bible at the Kraybill campus of Lancaster Mennonite School. Previously, he spent 16 years with the York City Public Schools where he was one of ten educators in the United States to receive the “heroes of education award” in 1998. In 1999, he received the “human relations award” from the City of New York for his positive influence on race relations.

Judith (Judy) Buckwalter ’69, Lancaster, Pa., is in her second year working in the Lancaster County Prison medical section.

Previously, she worked four years in full-time health services in a large refugee shelter in Buffalo, N.Y. Harvey Chupp ’69, MDiv ’72, Shipshewana, Ind., serves as overseer of two congregations in the Indiana-Michigan Conference of Mennonite Church USA. He is also the chair of Menno-Clinic India, a ministry of the local community churches which opened six years ago in Chiluvuru, India, and a dental and eye clinic that began two years ago. With a staff of 20 locals, the clinic cares for 60-70 persons a day. A newly formed, first generation Christian fellowship has emerged in the chapel of the clinic with 40-50 persons attending.

Phyllis E. Saner ’69 Gingrich, Thompsontown, Pa., has taught kindergarten in Juniata Mennonite School for 24 years. With gratitude, she credits her training at EMU for providing the skills for this ministry.

Kathleen Weaver ’69 Kurtz, Manassas, Va., is a pastoral counselor and supervisor for the Center for Pastoral Counseling of Virginia. In 2008, after completing the requirements, she became a diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.

1970-79

LaVern Yutzy ’70, Lititz, Pa., was appointed to consult on church-wide operations and alignment by Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership, effective Jan. 8. LaVern will be responsible for helping the denomination live within its means, eliminate duplication and achieve its goals. He will be called to identify ways of integrating churchwide priorities into the programs and practices of the entire church-wide system and propose ways of simplifying the system.

John D. Sauder ’72, Lititz, Pa., is president/owner of John D. Sauder Auto

Company. In May 2008, his spouse, Bonita Heishman ’72 Sauder, with their two daughters, Megan and Jacquelyn, traveled to the Holy Land on a baptismal trip arranged by Pastor Richard Geib through Menno Travel Service.

Bruce A. Yoder ’72, Richmond, Va., became the vice president for philanthropy of the YMCA of Greater Richmond on Jan. 1. The YMCA annually provides more than $5 million in financial assistance to its members and program participants to enable them to grow stronger in spirit, mind and body.

Founded in 1854, the YMCA of Greater Richmond served more than 157,000 individuals in 2008. Bruce, with a doctorate of philosophy degree and a certified fundraising executive qualification, also writes a weekly devotional essay that is emailed to all full-time YMCA employees, six YMCAs in California, Ohio, and North Carolina, and approximately 200 individuals outside the YMCA. This is facilitated through Words of Hope, which was begun after the attacks of 9/11. Words of Hope is an evangelical, international radio and literature ministry affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. It seeks to connect scripture with the mission of the YMCA and a life of service.

John (J.D.) Stahl ’73, Blacksburg, Va., professor of English in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, received the university’s 2008 W. E. Wine Award for Excellence in Teaching. J.D. has been a professor in the department for 26 years. He has written a book about Mark Twain and edited a textbook for college courses on children’s literature. He and his wife, Sarah, and two sons are active in the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church.

Patricia Widrick ’74 Ashley, Lowville, N.Y., a veterinarian, worked as a dairy practitioner in private practice for 27 years. She is now employed as a field veterinarian for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Daniel L. Dietzel ’74, Strasburg, Pa., began teaching English, Bible and social studies at Lancaster Mennonite School (LMS), upon graduation from EMU. He has taught at LMS for 35 years and anticipates continuing for sometime.

Kathleen (Kathy) Moshier ’74 Leichty, has worked almost ten years at the Jewish Hospital, Louisville, Ky. She is currently an infusion therapy nurse. She volunteers as treasurer for a nursing organization and in several roles in her congregation and in the local community.

Ethel Mumaw ’74, Millersburg, Ohio, a retired nurse, is now a tour guide at Yoder’s Amish Home in Millersburg. She rejoices in the opportunity to share her Christian belief to “people from all over the world” who come to hear the “Amish Story.”

Shirley Western ’74, Charlottesville, Va., has retired from her nursing career but continues to work part-time in the Heart Center of the University of Virginia.

J. Nelson Kling ’75, Lancaster, Pa., began working at Mennonite Home Communities in 1990. He held a variety of positions before becoming president in 1997. He is pursuing a masters degree in business administration online. He enjoys riding motorcycles cross-country with his wife, Marie. Nelson is on the board of Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Susan Brenneman ’78, Lansdale, Pa., is now associate director at i3 Innovus-Health Economics & Outcomes Research.

Wesley D. Park ’78, Bennettsville, S.C., a certified public accountant, is the chief financial officer of The School District of Marlboro County. He and his wife, Bonnie, are owners/innkeepers of Breeden Inn, Cottages & Retreat on Main, a bed and breakfast facility, in Bennettsville.

Larry Tyner ’78, MDiv ’86, Dayton, Ohio, is currently serving as pastor at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Kettering, Ohio. In October, Larry was affirmed as moderator of the Southern Ohio District of the Church of the Brethren.

J. Daryl Byler ’79, MA ’85, and his wife, Cindy, who live in Amman, Jordan, while working as Mennonite Central Committee country representatives for Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine, were featured speakers at a Mar. 19 forum in Strite Conference Room, EMU Campus Center. They reflected on MCC’s approach and activities in interfaith bridgebuilding and the challenges they encounter in their work. The forum was jointly sponsored by Justice and Peacebuilding and the Center for the Study of Abrahamic Traditions.

Herb Himmelberger ’79, Phoenix, Ariz., has been employed by the Arizona Department of Corrections for the last 18 yrs. He is a Lieutenant. He is also the Commander of a 30-member SWAT Team for the Department of Corrections.

Sharlene Freed ’79 Immel, Sellersville, Pa., is a nurse, caring for special needs children and young adults at Ridgecrest Pediatric Facility in Sellersville. She also works part-time at Dock Woods Community in Lansdale. Her husband, Nevin Immel ’78, has been employed by Derstine Foods in Sellersville for the last 6 years. Prior to that, Nevin and Sharlene had been co-owners of the Family Heritage Restaurant for approximately 7 years. At Derstine, Nevin works in purchasing, sales and customer service.

Nevin and Sharlene are both involved at the Line Lexington Mennonite Church, where Nevin teaches the post high Sunday school class. Sharlene and Nevin enjoy bike riding and have ridden in the MS150 City to Shore for the last 3 years.

Interfaith Peace Camp 2009

Three Faith Traditions In Summer Kids’ Camp Finding common ground in several faith expressions of peace and the phrase, “one tree, many branches,” was the primary focus of Interfaith Peace Camp held June 22-26, 2009, on the EMU campus.

Members from The Islamic Association of Shenandoah Valley, Beth El Congregation, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Valley Friends Meeting, Park View Mennonite Church and Shalom Mennonite Congregation, with support from EMU, organized and sponsored the camp for rising first- through sixth-graders from the Valley.

Children at this camp and last year's Interfaith Peace Camp discussed ways to make a difference in their communities and continue to build relationships and peace with others.

Vesna Hart, one of the organizers, said the program “introduced about 40 participants to Abrahamic faith traditions in order to build bridges of peace between their own faith communities and other communities.” The “Abrahamic faiths” are Judaism, Christianity and Islam, so-called because the major Old Testament figure Abraham is a part of the scripture of all three faiths.

After the successful three-day pilot camp in 2008 and positive feedback from children, parents and the wider community, organizers expanded this year’s camp to five days and involved more faith communities in the planning.

“We hope this camp contributes to inspiring youth of all ages to understand how various faith communities express and practice peace,” Hart said. “Campers focus on faith expressions of peace, but attendees are not required to be aligned with any particular religious tradition.

“At the heart of peace building is relationship building,” Hart added, “and the best way to build relationships is through open and sincere communication between diverse faiths and peoples. Building relationships with others heightens the likelihood that we won’t want to hurt the other.”

The camp utilized large and small group work, including recreational, artistic, dramatic and musical activities. Field trips included one to the Beth El synagogue, the mosque of the Islamic Association of Shenandoah Valley, and Park View Mennonite Church.

Jim Bishop ’67

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 27

Jeanne Isaac ’79 Luther, Victoria, BC, Canada, is a spiritual care volunteer at Victoria, BC, nursing homes and coordinates music at the local Franciscan Friary. Her husband, Kem recently published his second book, The Next Generation Gap. Paul N. Hoover ’79, Greencastle, Pa., is a seasonal grass-based dairy farmer with a farm bordering I-81. Each day, thousands of people observe his herd of Jersey cows in their pastures. Occasionally, a stranger will stop to visit, and many in the community watch what is taking place in the annual cycle of farm life. He sees himself as a “daily witness” and maintains that “God is good.”

Linford Stutzman teaches class members (from left) Becki Day, Tara Kreider, Anita Rhodes, Anna Dintaman, and David Landis.

Landis Blazes the Jesus Trail The Jesus Trail – a new 40-mile hiking trail that follows the routes Jesus would have walked in Galilee – along with its friendly American guide, David Landis ’04, have been the subject of reporting all over the world. They have been on ABC News, in the Washington Post, the Jerusalem Post, the Guardian in London. Distributed through the Post and Associated Press wire services, the story has appeared across the United States, from the Miami Herald to the Seattle Times.

Yet a year before all these stories, you could have heard about the Jesus Trail and David Landis right here at EMU where Laura Amstuz, communications officer for the Seminary, posted an online report about it on May 20, 2008.

That spring, Landis was part of a pilot program to offer a “hybrid” EMU course, combining online and in-person education, under the tutelage of Linford L. Stutzman, EMU associate professor of culture and mission. It was called “The Jesus Movement in the Early Context.” Landis and Anna Dintaman ’05 (featured on the ABC news report) were two of the six students in the class. As his class project, Landis chose to develop and promote the Jesus Trail.

More than a year later, on June 7, 2009, the Washington Post featured Landis as the trail’s co-founder, working with an Israeli entrepreneur, Maoz Inon. On the front page of its Travel section under the headline “A Spiritual Journey and Then Some,” Landis is seen in a photo taken by Dintaman. He is overlooking the Sea of Galilee, with a daypack on his shoulder. The Post article jumps inside to almost a full page with more photos taken by both Dintaman and Landis, where the reporter notes, “Landis, a Mennonite …hopes the project will encourage understanding among faiths and cultures.”

Actually, Landis is not simply “a Mennonite.” He works for Franconia Mennonite Conference from his base in Nazareth, Israel, according to an article he wrote on the Jesus Trail in the February 17, 2009, issue of The Mennonite.

His interest in the Middle East was sparked by his EMU cross-cultural to the Middle East during his junior year, he wrote in The Mennonite. “My experiences abroad initiated misgivings about going into medicine after graduation. I began a period of global travel to explore possibilities. In the following year, I visited more than 40 countries.”

Landis concluded, “The choice to follow Jesus is to transform life into a journey, take nothing for the road and walk with a trust in providence.” fall 20072009 28 | crossroads | summer

Galen Kauffman ’79, Mountain Lake, Minn., began serving Aug. 16 as lead pastor of Bethel Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake.

Edward (Ike) Porter ’79, Mattawon, Mich., is the chief chaplain at the Veteran’s Administration Medical center in Battle Creek, Mich. Ike is a certified federal mediator, consultative ethics coordinator and an anger management specialist.

Janet Ruth ’79, Corrales, N.M., recently edited the 2008 Vol. 37 of Avian Biology, which included two pages that she authored. One of them was about the breeding, distribution and abundance of the Arizona grasshopper sparrow; the other was on bird migration patterns in the U.S. borderlands region, using NEXRAD weather radar.

1980-89

John Bolton ’80, Glenside Pa., accepted the position of client development manager at Harvey Cedars Bible Conference on Long Beach Island in New Jersey in March. He is responsible for developing new ways for this 65 year-old conference center to serve the churches of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Delaware.

Rachel B. Johnson ’80, Covington, Va., teaches at ECPI College of Technology in Roanoke. Rachel credits her positive experience as a student at EMU as a valuable resource in relating to her students. She is a profound ecologist and “gravely concerned about man’s pernicious influence on the natural biology of the planet.” She spends her leisure time on the water. “Canoes and kayaks and swimwear are regular companions.” She and her husband, Rev. Carl Pattison, take yearly wilderness trips to Canada.

Philip (Phil) Ebersole, MDiv ’82, Aurora, Colo., ended a term as pastor at Peace Mennonite Community Church in Aurora in July 2008 and is currently pastor of The Bridge, a church start in Denver.

Jeffrey (Jeff) T. Hackman ’84, Lansdale, Pa., is completing is 25th year of teaching social studies in Mennonite high schools, 18 years at Western Mennonite, Salem, Ore., and 7 years at Christopher Dock in Lansdale.

Belaine Lehman ’84, Alexandria, Va., is in her 10th year of teaching elementary English as a second language; 8 of the years in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Regina Horst ’85 and her husband, John Chacha, Martinsville, Va., adopted 3 nieces from Tanzania, whose mother died in childbirth. Regina and John are actively involved in teamwork ministries.

Mary Jo Bowman ’86, MDiv ’07, Harlan, Ky., was licensed toward ordination by action of the Church of Life Commission on Feb. 5. She attends Harlan Mennonite Church.

John H. Denlinger, MDiv ’87, currently of Lancaster, Pa., was appointed executive director for Laurelville Mennonite Church Center. John had been senior pastor of Ridgeview Mennonite Church in Gordonville, Pa.., since 2000. He served as director of church relations, development and advancement at Locust Grove Mennonite School and as director of athletics at EMU. As a board member of Black Rock Retreat Center in Quarryville, Pa, and camp pastor for several Mennonite summer camps, John is highly familiar with Mennonite camping programs.

Leonard M. Dow ’87, Philadelphia, Pa., was ordained bishop on Apr. 26 for the Philadelphia District of Lancaster Mennonite Conference. His spouse, Rosalie ’89 Rolón-Dow, is an assistant professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware.

Krista King ’87 Powell and her husband, Dave, of Waynesboro, Va., have had a life mission as peace advocates. They have been leaders in their church and community in promoting stewardship efforts in finances and earth care. The Powells received Mennonite Mutual Aid’s 2008 Journey Award, accompanied by a $5,000 check and a chalice. The award is presented annually to people who demonstrate Christian stewardship that otherwise frequently goes unnoticed.

J. Myron (Myron) Brubaker ’88, Harrisonburg, Va., was featured in the Mar. 28 DNR in recognition of his invention of a multipurpose backyard game area for miniature golf, croquet, and other backyard games. Myron recently received a government patent for what he named a “Pi garden.” It is a compressed playing field that accommodates more than 50 indoor and outdoor games.

Tim Fahndrich ’89, Salem, Ore, was quoted in a Feb. 23 Wall Street Journal article on initiatives by chambers of commerce across the country to boost the ability of small businesses to tap into technology.

Tim, president of Third River Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in helping local businesses with Internet marketing, was “the driving force” behind an online social-networking site for his local chamber of commerce. “We are in a relationship economy, and people want to do business with those that they know, like and trust,” Tim told the Wall Street Journal. “With online social networking,

businesses get a chance to connect with others during the week and build a much deeper relationship. This turns into referrals and more business.” In the article, Tim said his business has gotten consulting contracts, found speakers and attendees for company events, sold products and found vendors based on recommendations from others. Tim was also awarded the 2008 Salem Area of Commerce new business of the year award for his outstanding contribution to the local business community Karen Hansen ’89, Virginia Beach, Va., has moved from being a special education teacher to being an 8th grade teacher in Chesapeake City Schools.

Paul ’89 and Lisa Zendt ’89 Shelly, live in Collinsville, Miss. Paul and Kevin Baer ’90 are co-founders and owners of Educational Leadership Solutions, established in 2004.

The company provides web-based solutions for school administrators and teachers and currently has products in 65% of the school districts in Mississippi. Additional information about their company is available at www.k12els.com.

1990-99

Brett Lehman ’91, Mt. Eaton, Ohio, obtained his masters in nursing in August 2008 from the University of Pittsburgh, with a family nurse practitioner specialty, and is now working in an internal medicine office in Bedford, Pa. Vaughn Troyer ’93, Millersburg, Ohio, is president of Hummel Insurance Company, Berlin, Ohio.

Candice Van Druff ’94 Boll, Midlothian, Va., and her husband, Mervin, are fully involved in Grace Church of Richmond.

For the last five years, Candice has been teaching in an inner city school, which she views as a great ministry for her and their two children.

Kristin Schlabach ’94 Estes, Harrisonburg, Va., teaches 3-year-olds at Community Preschool two mornings a week. Kristin finds it rewarding to have an impact on a young child’s first school experience.

Jennifer Bishop ’94, Hummel, Weyers Cave, Va., is the treasurer of Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership, a non-profit organization.

Tracy Smith ’94, Waynesboro, Va., began a new position in December 2008 as associate director, Communications & Systems at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va. Ronald Freed ’95, Collegeville, Pa., is newly employed as chief information officer for Blue Mountain Health Systems.

Jeffrey A. Shank ’95, formerly executive director of development and alumni relations at Lancaster Mennonite School, is now superintendent at Sarasota Christian School, Sarasota, Fla. Leslie S. Horning ’96, MDiv ’98, was ordained as pastor of Christiansburg

Mennonite Fellowship, Christiansburg, Va., Dec. 14.

Kristina Zendt ’97 Hamsher, Kidron, Ohio, teaches grades 3 and 4 at Central Christian School. The Hamshers attend Sonnenberg Mennonite Church.

Denise Marble ’99 Manry, Cumberland, Md., enjoys her role as a stay-at-home mom, caring for her two daughters, Lucy and Hannah, in addition to two other girls. She is completing a master’s degree in literary education.

Christine Dittmyre ’99 Mullins, Newport News, Va., is a 7th grade English teacher in the Newport News public school system.

Ramona Steiner ’99 Rios, Colorado Springs, Colo., is a school social worker in District 11 Schools, Colorado Springs.

Ramona credits her experience at EMU for laying a “great foundation” for her subsequent studies at the Denver Graduate School of Social Work.

Valarie Rodgers ’99 Stevens, Charlotte, N.C., was the first person at Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville to receive the Guardian Angel Award. The award goes to nurses recognized by patients for excellent care and service provided to them during their hospital stay.

2000-09

Maria Leaman ’00 Bowman, Columbia, Pa., is a receptionist at Eastern Mennonite Missions, Salunga, Pa. She works part-time as family life educator for COBYS Family Services, Leola, Pa.

Jonathan (Jon) Rudy MAR ’01, Manheim, Pa., is a self-employed consultant in international and domestic peacebuilding. He specializes in international peace program design, monitoring and evaluating programs, conflict transformation education, and nonviolence training. Previously he worked for 15 years in East and Southern Africa and Asia and the Pacific. His website is www.peacebuildingglobal.com.

Angie Longenecker ’02 Strite, Harrisonburg, Va., is the sexual assault crisis and prevention coordinator at Collins Center in Harrisonburg, Va. Felicia Zamora ’02, Managua, Nicaragua, is the delegations coordinator for a non-profit organization, known as AMOS, the Spanish-language acronym for a “ministry of sharing health and hope.” The organization’s main focus is primary health care. Agency personnel train health promoters in the rural areas of Nicaragua. Felicia’s task is to organize and lead groups to enable them to support communities, helping them with small projects in schools and clinics.

Rebekah Kratz ’04 Brubaker, Timberville, Va., received her licensed professional counselor certification in May 2008. She was named supervisor of children and adolescent clinical services at Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Service Board in February 2009.

Stuart Showalter '67 (front right) at the Parthenon in Athens

Stutzman Leads Trip to Turkey, Greece “Travel as a world citizen, yet as a pilgrim” proved to be good advice for 14 older adults, 11 of us EMU alumni, as we traveled in Greece and Turkey from May 19 to June 4, 2009, as participants in a Mediterranean seminar led by Linford (’84, MAR ’90) and Janet Stutzman (MAL ’91).

We climbed the stone steps to Mars Hill in Athens, heard minilectures in theater ruins in Corinth, Ephesus, and Miletus (ancient cities the Apostle Paul visited), noted archeological evidence for early Christians in a variety of locations, and worshipped in a long-abandoned basilica in Perga. Like Paul, we traveled on a ship – a Turkish gulet named Karina – and survived several hours of high winds and rolling waves during our six-day sojourn on the sea.

We also gained new appreciation for some of the obstacles that Paul encountered: beautiful temples to deities such as Athena, Zeus, Aphrodite, Artemis, and Apollo; commercial interests in the agora (marketplace); and monuments to powerful political empires.

As leaders, the Stutzmans shared enthusiastically from their expertise and experience. Both have led numerous EMU cross-cultural study groups to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Linford is associate professor of culture and mission at EMU, director of the John Coffman Center at the Seminary, and the author of Sailing Acts, a book that chronicles the couple’s 15-month adventure in 2004-05 to retrace Paul’s missionary journeys. Janet is former director of alumni relations at EMU. In reflecting on the seminar, Julia Fisher (SEM ’00), associate pastor of Landisville Mennonite Church in southeastern Pennsylvania, said, “Being able to walk and sail where the Apostle Paul did challenged me to think about what it means to be a missional church today. The dedication and willingness of Paul to keep going regardless of the circumstances will be a continuing inspiration. However, my greatest blessing was the chance to form new friendships with my fellow travelers.”

Other group members were Alden Hostetter ’79, Galen ’73 and Gloria ’74 Lehman, and Marilyn Schlabach, Harrisonburg, Va.; Ian and Annie Jenkins, Munich, Germany; Russ ’61 and Ruth ’58 Mumaw, Broadway, Va.; John ’63 and Carolyn ’62 Reed, Wooster, Ohio; and Stuart Showalter ‘67, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Stuart W. Showalter ’67 www.emu.edu | crossroads | 29

Jennifer Smith ’04 Caraccio, China Grove, N.C., directs and performs sales for Thirty-One Gifts.

Nora Helmus ’04, Denver, Colo., will graduate in June from the University of Denver with a master of social work degree.

Reunion Vocal Band 1989

Rebirthing Great Music For Homecoming 2009 The group first came together because James R. (Jim) Krabill ’73 had an irrepressible urge to “do music.”

Krabill had just returned stateside after 14 years of mission work with wife Jeanette Neff Krabill ’73 in Europe and West Africa. Today he is senior executive of global ministries with Mennonite Mission Network, Elkhart, Ind. In high school, Krabill was a member of “Sons of Jubal,” a folkflavored group that released an album in 1969 of songs largely written

by Mennonite young people and published in With magazine.

While at EMU, he was vocalist, guitarist and writer for the highlyacclaimed folk-rock group, “Rebirth.” They went on two national tours and made several recordings.

In consultation with other former “Rebirth” members, Krabill drew up a list of about 40 musicians from across North America and contacted them. Eighteen showed up one weekend in September 1990 in Harrisonburg, Va., to get acquainted, share their personal and musical journeys, play spontaneously in small groups, and engage in a lengthy jam session.

At a second meeting in Harrisonburg on Jan. 25-27, 1991, participants began plans for a recording and narrowed a list to 14 songs – no small task, given the range of musical tastes and backgrounds represented. The weekend included an intense session on what to call the formative group. From a list of some 150 possibilities came “Reunion Vocal Band.”

For the next 18 years, band members reassembled annually, usually at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, to reminisce, share personal updates and make some incredible music together.

Reunion Vocal Band has recorded two albums, Hunger for Beauty in 1991 and What We Have Tasted in the mid-1990s. Group members wrote much of the material.

EMU’s 2009 homecoming program this fall will include a Reunion Vocal Band concert on Saturday, Oct. 10. It will be the largest gathering, some 16 members – 14 from the original group – since the musicians’ first meeting in 1990. For more information, turn to the Homecoming brochure at the back.

Jim Bishop ’67 fall 20072009 30 | crossroads | summer

Iris de León-Hartshorn, MA ’05, Lancaster, Pa., has been named executive conference minister for Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference. She will step down from her current role with the executive leadership of Mennonite Church USA on Aug. 14. Prior to joining the executive leadership, de LeónHartshorn served as Peace and Justice Ministries director for Mennonite Central Committee, where she was responsible for the oversight of its U.S. peace and justice program for 11 years. Her master’s degree is in conflict transformation.

Martha McNew Sachs ’04 Magaña, Los Alamos, N.M., has moved to Atlanta.

She has been a high school physics teacher at Arabia Mountain High School, Stone Mountain, Ga. In 2008, Martha received a masters degree in physical science from Florida State University.

Shaunna Lynette Payne, MDiv ’05, Charlottesville, Va., is a December 2009 doctoral candidate at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. In addition, Shaunna is an administrative faculty member at the University of Mary Washington, where she directs the James Farmer Multicultural Center and is an adjunct faculty member associated with Multicultural Student Affairs. She plans to marry Charles (Adam) Gold II, Aug. 1, at Sweet Briar College in Amherst, Va. Jeremy Teter ’06 is the piano player and lead singer in SHAPIRO, a pop-rock band formed in Harrisonburg, Va. Jeremy, with friends Carl Shapiro and John and Nathan Granofsky, spent almost 4 months in Nashville, Tenn., working with producer/engineer John Mark Painter to prepare their first full-length record, titled “Shapiro.” SHAPIRO performed April 18 at a record release party at Memorial Hall of James Madison University.

Alex Brodt ’07, Silver Spring, Md., became accredited by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners as a licensed social work associate, the bachelor’s level license in Maryland, in December 2007. After spending 5 months as a dementia activities director with Sunrise Senior Living from August 2007-December 2007, he is now assistant to the director of nursing at Lorien Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Columbia, Md., a division of Maryland Health Enterprises.

He has been employed by Lorien Columbia since January 2008, where he coordinates the quality assurance/quality improvement program and serves as a liaison to the pharmacy contractor. In August 2008, Alex began a masters in health services administration part time at University of Maryland.

Christopher (Chris) Lehman ’08, formerly of Chambersburg, Pa., teaches

English at Rosslyn Academy, Nairobi, Kenya. He began teaching there in August 2008. Rosslyn Academy, a private Christian school founded in 1967, is an international, coed, day school with a North American curriculum for grades K-12. Approximately 46% of the 485 students are American, though more than 32 nationalities are present.

Kristina Annette Zaccaria ’08, Mt. Sidney, Va., graduated May 8 from James Madison University. She received her master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in behavior management. She plans to teach special education at Page County Middle School this fall.

Marriages

Emily Swartz ’76 to Robert Vandevander, Jan. 24.

Edward Allen Sandy II ’81 to Pamela Grimm, Apr.11.

Jeremy Jon Frey ’92 to Julieanna Kauffman ’03, May 24, 2008.

Jeffrey (Jeff) Eshleman ’99 to Solia Matute, Aug. 9.

Ramona Steiner ’99 to Peter Rios, July 30.

Victoria Halteman ’00 to Eric Deatelhauser, Oct.11.

Bettia (Tia) Widmer ’04 to David Johnson, Aug. 2.

Kelley R. Horst ’06 to Joel Shradley ’05, Nov. 15.

Kristy Marie Henkel '02 to Todd Arnold Wetmore, Dec. 6.

Paul Yoder ’06 to Katrina Martin ’07, Dec. 27.

Carmen Kennel ’07 to Josiah Garber ’06, Apr. 19, 2008.

Curtis Alan Yoder ’07 to Amanda Lynette Yoder, Dec. 20.

Jerome Martinez ’08 to Lindsay Smucker, Jan. 3.

Births

Michael Wayne ’82 and Elena Miller, Burkittsville Md., Elizabeth Michelle, May 17.

Vera Hailey ’90 and Chris Valenzuela, Stauton, Va., Isabel Hailey, Dec.12.

Lori Hochstetler ’91 and Karl Kuder, Chesterfield, Va., Megan Joy, Oct. 17.

Brent ’91 and Claudia Lehman, Mt. Eaton, Ohio, Aaron Logan, Jan. 22.

Peter ’92 and Ilse Ackerman Dula, Harrisonburg, Va., Simon, Apr. 7.

Nedra Rutherford ’94 and Ian King, Kansas City, Mo., Zephaniah Luke Rutherford, Sept. 4.

Jeanine Vlastis ’94 and Donnie Underwood, Keezletown, Va., Alexandra Caren, Nov. 4.

Joseph A. II ’95 and Elena Tsai Gascho, Columbia, Md., Margaret En-Chi, Dec. 22.

Christine Glick ’97 and Joshua Fairfield, Staunton, Va., Grace Elizabeth, Dec. 11.

Tammy Jo Yutzy ’98 and Paul Houge, Ogden, Utah, Elliana Joy, Oct. 30.

Sharisa Keim ’98 and Craig Zook ’01, Broadway, Va., Dane Emerson, Feb. 2.

Melissa Ward ’98 and Mike Atkins, Mt. Jackson, Va., Sara Ann, Mar. 21.

Jonathan ’99, Sem ’02, and Danielle Hofstetter, Lancaster, Pa., Liv Joanna Mae, June 27.

Darrick ’99 and Sheri Hummel, Berlin, Ohio, Eva Nicole, Jan. 20.

Thurman ’99 and Cindy Maury ’99 Mullet, Berlin, Ohio, Macy Bliss, Aug. 7.

Danielle Conser ’99 and J.C. Siembida, Salem, Ohio, Casey James, Nov. 14.

Travis ’99 and Gini Shew ’01 Trotter, Harrisonburg, Va., Martin Isaac Shew, Mar. 25.

Leah Emery ’00 and Jeremy Kratz ’99, Harrisonburg, Va., Sophia Grace, May 13.

Laura Hess ’00 and Zachary King, Lancaster, Pa., Avery Elise, Jan. 6.

Paul ’01 and Alicia Slaubaugh ’00 Berry, Harrisonburg, Va., Audra Grace, Mar. 9.

Benjamin (Ben) ’02 and Sarah Diener ’02 Beachy, Harrisonburg, Va., Samuel Diener, Mar. 23.

Benjamin ’03 and Sarah Gehman ’02 Bixler, Harrisonburg, Va., Susannah Rosa, Mar. 20.

Drew ’03 and Melinda Bontz ’03 Roynon, Harrisonburg, Va., Walter Allen, Feb. 3.

Cara Hershberger ’04 and Daniel Sahd, Bainbridge, Pa., Bethany Grace, Dec. 14.

Hannah Kratzer ’04 and Darrell Wenger, Harrisonburg, Va., Abram Andrew, Apr. 1.

Anniversaries

Joseph (Joe) ’59 and Constance Brenneman Longacher, Richmond, Va., 50th, married Dec. 30, 1958.

Deaths

Elsie Brackbill HS ’23, Harvey Lititz, Pa., died Dec. 12, 2007 at Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa., at the age of 103. Elsie was EMU’s oldest alumnus. She graduated as a registered nurse from Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, Pa., in 1926. In the following 40 years, until May 1969, when her husband, Francis, retired as a store manager, they lived in 20 cities in 8 states. Francis served in the S.S. Kresge Company, which is now the K-Mart Corporation. Upon retirement, Elsie and Francis settled in Malvern, Pa., where they became involved in the First Baptist Church of Malvern. Elsie initiated and worked with the Malvern Leisure Hour for senior citizens. Elsie and Francis were highly active in volunteer activities in the community. They moved to Landis Homes in 1985, where the volunteer tradition continued unabated.

Elsie helped Francis initiate the Landis Homes Caring Fund to assist financially challenged residents.

Dora M. Taylor, HS ’28, EMU ’33, Harrisonburg, Va., died Mar. 30 at the age of 98 at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Following her studies, Dora worked 8 years among the Cuban population in Ibor City, Fla. At age 35, she entered LaJunta Mennonite School of Nursing, graduating in 1948 with the Linda Evans Award. In the same year, Dora received an achievement award from the Colorado State Nurse’s association and the ANA Diamond Jubilee in Nurse Education. She was EMU’s school nurse 1949-1950. From 19511963, she served in a clinic in Honduras, and in Belize 1964-1967, under Eastern Mennonite Missions. Dora was the recipient of the 1994 Alumni of the Year Award from EMU. Nancy Heishman HS ’34, Puffenbarger, Harrisonburg, Va., died Feb. 7 at 92. Nancy worked at Rocco Hatchery.

She and her husband, Virgil, owned and operated Wayside Hatchery. In addition, she was an accomplished homemaker.

Surviving are two sons, Danny and John.

Esther E. Good (HS ’38) Keener, Lancaster, Pa., died Mar. 7 at the age 91.

Esther was a homemaker and a partner with her husband, Samuel, in farming on their dairy farm. Her life was characterized by her love for her family, prayer and music. Esther is survived by 10 children: James, Ruby, Linda, Bob, Paul, Fred, Sharon, Dan, Joanna, and Reba Sylvia Isabel Burkholder (HS ’39) Coffman, Stuarts Draft, Va., died Apr. 15 at the age of 89. Sylvia had been employed at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Harrisonburg, Va., for more than 30 years, retiring in May 2008. She enjoyed hosting persons at her table and gardening. She is survived by her husband, Paul.

Ruth E. Yoder (HS ’40) Bontrager, Milford, Del., died Mar. 15 at the age of 90, after a long illness due to Parkinson’s disease. Prior to her marriage, Ruth taught two years at Apple Grove Amish School and one year at Seven Hickories Amish School, both in Dover, Del. She then taught one year at Greenwood Mennonite School, Greenwood, Del. Ruth was the office manager and bookkeeper of husband Eli’s business, Milford Machine Works, and later Eli Bontrager & Sons. She was a charter member and pastor’s wife of Laws Mennonite Church, near Frederica, Del. Ruth and her husband served with Rosedale Mennonite Missions as guest house hostesses in Managua, Nicaragua, 1979-1981 and in 1983 in Northern Youth Programs at Beaver Lake Camp, Dryden, Ontario. Ruth is survived by her husband, Eli, sons, David, Joseph and Philip, and daughters, Leona, Esther, and Lucy.

Staunch Supporter Led Life of Accomplishment Kenneth A. Longacre, 75, of Franconia, an entrepreneur and longtime supporter of EMU, died of pancreatic cancer on May 6, 2009, at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, Pa. Longacre served on EMU’s board of trustees from 1987 to 1991, and then again from 1995 to 2000. He and wife, Cora W. Detweiler, co-chaired the University Commons Campaign in the 1990s. Their efforts, which included making the second-largest gift to the project, generated nearly $10 million for a state-of-the-art indoor athletic facility and student center.

Kenneth A. Longacre According to an obituary in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Ken Longacre’s business acumen can be traced to his father, Horace, and an 84-acre farm that he bought near Quakertown in 1944. “Horace purchased a used truck, and began selling eggs and vegetables and then added dressed hens. The enterprise evolved into a very large poultry business,” said the Inquirer.

“Ken dropped out of high school to work in the family business, and in 1975 his father put him in charge of the poultry manufacturing division, Horace W. Longacre Inc.,” said the Inquirer.

“Mr. Longacre’s brother, Henry, headed the retail division, Longacre Poultry Markets Inc., which operated 10 stores in the Philadelphia area. Combined, the two divisions had at their height more than 700 employees. The divisions merged with Wampler Foods in 1984, and the Longacres sold their interest in 1992.

In 1990, Ken bought Farm & Home Oil Co. In 1998, Ken became company chairman and his son, Rich, became chief executive officer.

The firm sold heating oil, propane and other fuels, installed and serviced air-conditioning and heating systems, and operated eight convenience stores and service stations from Levittown to Williamsport.

The Inquirer reported, “After Farm & Home was sold in 2008, Ken Longacre purchased Alderfer Premium Meats in Harleysville, which merged months later with Leidy’s Inc. to become ALL Inc., a provider of pork products, said son Kenneth Jr.” In keeping with his Anabaptist beliefs, Ken was a conscientious objector during the Korean War. As alternative service, he worked with Cora in a psychiatric hospital in Providence, R.I., from 1953 to 1955.

In addition to serving on the EMU board, Ken supported Mennonite education by serving on the board of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, Pa., and encouraging his children and grandchildren to attend EMU. Son Rich, daughter Donna, and daughter Beth all came to EMU for at least a year, as did granddaughter Ginger and grandson Quincy.

Ken Longacre is survived by his wife of 55 years, father, brother, two daughters and two sons, plus 14 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. He was predeceased by another son, Rodney.

EMU president Loren Swartzendruber offered words of appreciation at the memorial service, which was held at Swamp Mennonite Church in Quakertown on May 11, 2009.

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 31

Isabelle M. Bumbaugh HS ’45, Chambersburg, Pa., died May 9 at the age of 89. A recipient of the Florence Nightingale award, Isabelle graduated with honors from the Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing in 1950. During her nursing career, she was the operating room supervisor and assistant director of nursing at Chambersburg Hospital for 14 years. She then served as director of nursing at Menno Haven, Inc. in Chambersburg for 21 years, when she retired.

Nolan K. Good HS '52, Westover, Md., died June 2 at the age of 76. Nolan was a longtime member of Holly Grove Mennonite Church in Westover. He was actively involved in the congregation as an elder, congregational leader, song leader and music committee member.

Nolan was a lover of life, music and people. In Mennonite Church USA, he was a conference delegate, a member of the mission board and evangelism committee. Evidence of Nolan's robust love of music was demonstrated by his role as founder and charter member of Encore, a music department support group of EMU. He is survived by his wife, Mildred Detwiler Good, daughter, Kendra Good Rittenhouse, and sons, Kenneth V. Good and Nolan "Keith" Good.

Philip K. Clemens ’63, Pandora, Ohio, pastor at Pike Mennonite Church, Elida, Ohio, died Mar. 1 at home of cancer. He was at the age of 67. He taught music at EMC/EMU in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. He served in the pastoral ministry at various churches beginning in 1984. Before that he was professor of music at Goshen College from 19701986. He taught music and served in

32 | crossroads | summer 2009

years and operated a watch repair shop in Grantsville, Md., for eight years. He then moved to Belleville where he served as the principal of Belleville Mennonite School from 1963-1968. Following this, Paul became the pastor of Allensville Mennonite Church for 22 years. He also owned and operated a watch and clock repair business and a tax preparation service in Belleville beginning in 1963. Paul served on various committees in the Alleghany Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA and was a member of the Mennonite Historical Society.

Jan Jennings Wampler ’06, Weyers Cave, Va., died Mar. 7 at the age of 49 from complications related to her 40-year juvenile diabetic condition. Jan graduated from Gretna High School and held a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Longwood College. She worked

Calling Sports Enthusiasts The next issue of Crossroads, fall/ winter 2009, will focus upon “EMU and sports.” If you are working in the athletics arena now, or if you were an intercollegiate athlete when at EMU, please give us an update on yourself, including any information that you think might offer us story or photo possibilities. Our update form is at: www.emu.edu/crossroads/update.

Alternatively, if you are the parent of an EMU student or if you simply wish to e-mail your thoughts, send them to crossroads@emu.edu, along with your contact information. You can also mail them to the address on the back of this magazine. Your contributions will be appreciated! Deadline for submissions for the “sports issue” is September 1, 2009.

Edna M. King ’69 Mathews, Pleasantville, Ky., died June 3 at the age of 63.

Edna’s family noted they “lost a faithful friend, mother, wife and grandmother and sister after a brief illness.” She lived her life in service to Jesus, her Lord, and had a generous heart for others. Edna enjoyed having family and friends interacting with her. She loved cooking, entertaining, gardening, reading and camping. She was a Sunday school teacher and minister at Cropper Christian Church from 2005-2006. Her husband, Michael, and two children, Mark, and Juliana, survive.

Paul E. Bender ’72, Belleville, Pa., died May 13 at the age of 83. Paul spent three years in the Civilian Public Service in WWII, as an alternate to military service. He was based in Terry, Mont. He was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1949. He was a school teacher in Salisbury, Pa., for five

photo by wayne gehman

John Harold (Harold) Housman ’49, Lititz, Pa., age 81, died April 25 at Landis Homes, after a 14-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and completed his internship at Lancaster General Hospital. Harold spent many years in Africa with Eastern Mennonite Mission, Salunga, Pa., serving Shirati Hospital in Lake Victoria, Tanzania, and treating leprosy patients and teaching in the nursing school. He performed eye surgery and taught eye surgery in Somalia. He served two years at Deder Hospital in Deder, Ethiopia. He was a “Flying Doctor,” staffing 19 clinics twice a month in the region of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. He was sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation and the aircraft was provided

by Rotary International. After his years in Africa, he returned to Thomas Jefferson University for a three-year residency in ophthalmology. In 1975, he joined Dr. Paul Ripple in private practice and retired in 1993. From 1994 to 1996, he returned to West Africa and taught cataract surgery and general ophthalmology to African physicians at the Eye Hospital in Kano, Nigeria. His wife, Miriam Miller ’53 Housman, and three children, John Pierre, Ina Sue, and Heidi Jean, survive.

music ministry since 1968. Clemens held a doctorate in church music from Northwestern University, a master’s in sacred music from Union Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s in divinity from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He has written numerous articles on music and pastoral ministry. In his book, Beyond the Law: Living the Sermon on the Mount, Clemens offered a layman’s guide to discovering how God lives and moves among ordinary people. By focusing on themes of righteousness, community, and blessing, he illustrated how the Sermon on the Mount opens new avenues of discipleship when received not as law but as Jesus’ generous welcome to people from all walks of life. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, son, Jim, and daughter, Judy.

were church planters of the Vietnamese Christian Fellowship in Falls Church, Va., under the auspices of Virginia Mennonite Conference. She earned a doctorate of philosophy in Old Testament, with the vision of participating in the translation of the Vietnamese Bible. From 19952002, she worked with the Vietnamese Bible, Inc., in Midland, Tex. She taught at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in 2002 and 2003. In 2003, she was employed by the American Bible Society as a translation consultant and participant in revision of the 1925 version of the Vietnamese Bible. Can, who survives, and Xuan were currently providing pastoral leadership for McElwain Baptist Church in Birmingham. A son, Sam, also survives.

Melissa Gardiner, MA ’01, Durham, N.C., died Mar. 15 at age 40. Six years ago, she received a liver transplant. In the intervening years she lived in Chapel Hill, N.C., where she worked as a pastry chef, led aerobics classes, and worked on the Policy Oversight Committee for the United Network for Organ Sharing.

Her friends at CJP planted a dogwood tree on EMU grounds in Melissa’s memory.

Corrections and Clarifications The birth announcement of Nora Jane Raybould to Jennifer Hunter ’04 and Tim Raybould Fall/Winter 2008 issue of Crossroads was incorrect. The correct listing is, Jennifer (Jennie) Hunter ’04 and Tim Raybould, Oreland, Pa., Nora Jane, Aug.13.

Matthew Tschetter ’92 earned a BS in Organizational Leadership from Goshen College in 2007. The graduation year was incorrectly listed on page 38 of the Spring 2009 issue of Crossroads.

Kimberly Schmidt, director of Washington Community Scholars’ Center, is no longer an associate professor of history, as reported in the Spring issue; she is a full professor.

from 1981-2007 as an elementary physical education teacher, serving in that capacity for Rockingham County at McGaheysville Elementary School from 1985-2007. There, she organized and coached for many years the “Fitness Friends” jump rope team. Jan earned the honor of Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year for Virginia in 1987. Skillfully weaving academic curriculum into physical activities, she made learning fun. She truly loved the students and cared for their every need.

Jan had great relationships and enjoyed time with her co-workers, helping them when she could and always finding time to talk. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Wesley Bowman.

Xuan Huong (Lisa) Thi Pham, MAM ’89, Birmingham, Ala., died Mar. 7 at the age of 63 from cancer. Lisa and her husband, Can Ngoc Le, MAM ’89,

Degree Key BD - bachelor of divinity CMS - certificate of ministry studies HS - high school degree from era when high school and college were one MAL - master of arts church leadership MAM - master of arts in church ministries MAR - master of arts in religion MDiv - master of divinity ThB - bachelor of theology

Mileposts is compiled by retired physician Paul T. Yoder ’50, MAL ’92, who may be reached at paul.t.yoder@emu.edu or at (540) 432-4205. Feel free to send news directly to Paul or to the alumni office at alumni@emu.edu.

$1.2 Million in Hand, $1.6 Million to Goal Play Your Part by November 1st!

Tomorrow’s painters, sculptors, dramatists, video producers, and photographers require upgraded space at EMU today.

They are now being educated in what some alumni will recall as Eastern Mennonite’s first regulation-sized gym and student center, which opened in 1957.

Some classrooms and offices in this space have been modernized since 1957, but the former gym arena is neither air conditioned nor heated, and it certainly doesn’t meet the local building code for a sprinkler system, handicapped access and so forth.

For more than a decade, EMU has been “making do.” Staff and students have, for example, improvised a stage for theater, with an audience sitting in chairs salvaged from what used to be Strite Auditorium in the Campus Center.

But the fire and city officials have said, “Enough patching together. Fix the space properly or vacate it.”

Given the huge student demand for the Theater and the Visual and Communication Arts programs housed in the old gym area – and given the output of that program visible in this Crossroads – there is only one answer: “The space will be fixed!”

Thankfully, an EMU trustee has committed $1 million of the $2.8 million necessary to create:

Area needing renovation in University Commons

 A fully functioning main-stage theater  A technologically sound, state-of-the-art learning environment for the Visual and Communication Arts program  A renovated student-run coffee house to accommodate such events as intimate musical performances, debates, conversations with President Swartzendruber, documentary screenings, watching returns on election-night, and study sessions.

(Seed money for this space, known as Common Grounds, came from the Lilly Foundation).

The first part of the project – meeting the city’s code requirements – must be completed by Aug. 1, 2010. In short, EMU must have a minimum of $2 million in hand or pledged by Nov. 1, 2009. Renovation of the former gym will then begin in the spring of 2010.

Your contribution will make this project possible. You can enable EMU to continue its important work of preparing Theater, as well as Visual and Communication Arts, students to use their God-given gifts to enhance the world.

give

online by going to emu.edu/giving/Commons

learn

more about this project by contacting Kirk Shisler, Vice President for Advancement, at (540) 432-4499 or kirk.shisler@emu.edu.

emu.edu/giving

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 33

Alumni Award Winners photo by matthew styer

Leading Expert in Propaganda Alumnus of the Year Upon learning that he had been chosen “alumnus of the year” for 2009, Anthony Pratkanis ’79 responded humbly to the EMU office of alumni relations with these words: “Recently, the alumni magazine has been featuring the accomplishments of EMU alumni. Each of their stories and each of their achievements tell the value of an EMU education. I am honored to be associated with EMU alumni who have done so much for their and the world’s community.”

These remarks come from a man who has been cited or appeared in the mass media on more than 500 occasions, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, Dateline NBC, CBS News, C-Span, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, CNN, Newsweek, the Jim Lehrer Newshour, National Public Radio, and South China Morning Post, Hong Kong’s biggest English-language newspaper. His research has been translated into ten languages.

Anthony Pratkanis’s expertise on power and influence is accessible to the public via his bestselling book Age of Propaganda: The Everyday Use and Abuse of Persuasion (co-authored with Elliot Aronson and issued as a revised edition in 2001).

A Library Journal review of the book (posted on amazon.com) said: “Psychologists Pratkanis and Aronson present a thorough overview of how individuals and the mass media manipulate us using devious persuasive techniques… The authors’ quarrel with persuasive com-

34 | crossroads | summer 2009

munication today is that, rather than using logical argument, it uses emotional symbols to manipulate us… While a large portion of the book is devoted to advertising techniques, the authors also examine media coverage of the Gulf War, cult leaders, and political elections.

Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.”

Pratkanis earned a PhD in social psychology from Ohio State University in 1984. He began his career in the business school at Carnegie-Mellon University where he taught popular courses in advertising and consumer behavior. Since 1987 Pratkanis has been a psychology professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he has been awarded for excellence in teaching.

In 2006, Pratkanis became founding editor of the academic journal Social Influence. He is also a co-editor of Attitude Structure and Function, Social Psychology, The Science of Social Influence, and a past associate editor for the Journal of Consumer Psychology. His research program has investigated such topics as the delayed effects of persuasion, attitudes and memory, groupthink, affirmative action, subliminal persuasion, mass communications, source credibility, persuasion and democracy, and a variety of influence tactics such as the pique technique, phantoms, the projection tactic, the 1-in-5 prize tactic, and altercasting. Earlier, in 1995, he was elected a fellow of the American Psychological Association and most recently a fellow of the

Unity Rings Again

EMUand Homecoming 2009 Homecoming family weekend 2009 photo by jon styer

'EMU promotes Anabaptist values that only increase in significance as our planet burns with global climate change and the outbursts of genocide.'

Association for Psychological Science.

In addition to his scientific research, Pratkanis believes it is important to give this research to those who most need it – a lesson he says he learned while at Eastern Mennonite.

Over the last 10 years, Pratkanis has worked with AARP, FINRA, and with various civic groups and law enforcement agencies on strategies for preventing economic fraud crimes. This work has led to the development of call centers and educational materials that are capable of reducing victimization as a result of fraud by over 50 percent. In 2002, Pratkanis received a Telly award for his work as a scientific consultant on AARP’s video, Weapons of Fraud. He has testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission about what can be done to prevent economic fraud crimes.

Pratkanis has also served as an expert witness in court cases. His testimony on subliminal persuasion at the trial of CBS Records/ Judas Priest was instrumental in winning that case for the defense.

He served as an expert witness on behalf of the State of Oregon in their case against Publisher’s Clearing House and the State of California in their cases against MCI/Worldcom and Cingular Wireless.

At the beginning of this year, he was called by the State of Vermont to testify in their case against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, which made the claim that their Eclipse cigarettes were a “safer way to smoke.”

The verdict in this case is still pending.

He has also served as a consultant on persuasion and influence to two U.S. Presidential campaigns, various ballot races, and to government agencies on countering the propaganda of terrorists and dictators and on reducing conflict in war zones.

Concerning his undergraduate days, Pratkanis says: “I received an outstanding education at EMC, as we called it back then, from some very dedicated teachers. That education has served me well over the last 30 years.” Pratkanis has been a loyal contributor to his alma mater since the 1990s.

“When I look at what EMU is today, I see a university that continues this tradition of excellence and continues to promote Anabaptist values that only increase in significance as our planet burns with global climate change and the outbursts of genocide.

“The Anabaptist values of simple lifestyle, emphasis on conflict resolution, and respect for every human being result in an educational curriculum that provides students the skills to address the global problems we face today and in turn provides hope to those who most need it. That is why I came to EMC, and that is why the teaching and research that goes on at EMU today is of vital importance for the world community.”

Dentist Beloved at MCV Distinguished Service Award J. Robert Eshleman ’56, the winner of EMU’s “distinguished service award” for 2009, didn’t actually graduate from EMU. After just three years of studying, leavened with the hobby of ham radio, Eshleman left EMU in 1956 when he was accepted early into dental school at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV).

“When I got to dental school I was very insecure among all of these guys with degrees from large universities. I asked Rosalie Hartman if she would still marry me if I flunked out of dental school. She said, ‘Yes, but you won’t flunk out.’” Eshleman worked so hard that he finished the year number one in his class. The summer of 1957 he and Rosalie, a graduate of the nursing school at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, married.

From his days as a fearful student (and earlier days as a college “dropout,” when he took a year off from EMC to labor in the Shenk Chicken Hatchery – an experience which motivated him to return to college), Eshleman rose to chair of the restorative dentistry department from 1983 to 1992.

Today he is in his 50th year of teaching at MCV, where his advice and counsel is sought by clinical students who saw that he received the Lifetime Service Award for “outstanding dedication and student support.” He has done research in bonded fixed bridgework, published articles in the dental literature on a wide variety of subjects, given numerous continuing education courses, and volunteered clinical time, including taking a dental mission trip to Guyana.

In 2006 he received MCV’s Dr. James H. Revere’s Outstanding Service Award. The next year he was elected to MCV’s Medallion Society, “the highest honor the School of Dentistry bestows on its friends and alumni,” according to an MCV statement.

Bob and Rosalie are the parents of Curtis (UVA ’83 & ’94) and Lee (EMU ’86), who is deceased. www.emu.edu | crossroads | 35

EMU Homecoming 2009

Unity Rings Again

EMU Homecoming 2009 Homecoming and family weekend 2009

Join us October 9-11, 2009

We have planned activities for alumni, families, and friends.

Please register now, and look forward to a weekend of sharing wonderful memories from the past, renewing friendships, and building new ones as “Unity Rings Again”.

Friday, October 9 Conference: "Parenting in a Chaotic World" Seminary Building, Room 123, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The EMS Clinical Pastoral Education Program will serve as a supporting sponsor for the Fourth Annual Conference on Family Solutions of the Shenandoah Family Systems Network. Dr. Roberta Gilbert will speak on the theme: Parenting in a Chaotic World. Dr. Gilbert is the author of Connecting with Our Children: Guiding Principles for Parents in a Troubled World. Dr. Gilbert's practical application of systems thinking to the dilemmas of family life has made her books an important resource for many. Dr. Gilbert has studied with Dr. Murray Bowen and has served on the Faculty of the Georgetown Center for over twenty years. She also conducts the Extraordinary Leadership Seminars, a training process for pastors. Separate registration is required through www.shenfamilysystems.org.

Evening meal Dining Hall, 5-6:30 p.m.

Donor appreciation banquet (by invitation only) University Commons lower level, reception, 4:45 p.m.; banquet, 5:30 p.m.

Concert featuring Jim Croegaert Seminary Building, Martin Chapel, 7:45 p.m.

Jim Croegaert’s songs have been recorded by established artists such as Sandi Patti, Noel Paul Stookey, Steve Bell and others. Jim (also a Reunion Vocal Band member) and his wife Janalee will be performing his “Was It a Morning Like This?” “Here By the Water” and many others, songs that touch the heart and spirit.

Check www.emu.edu/homecoming for updates or more information.

Homecoming Chapel: Music, Culture, Faith & Worship Lehman Auditorium, 10 a.m Campus ministries interviews members of the Reunion Vocal Band, including James Krabill, Jim Croegaert, Mark Hartman and others, on their journeys with music, culture, faith and worship.

EMU Theater: "The Women of Lockerbie" University Commons, Mainstage Theater, 8 p.m.

A mother from New Jersey roams the hills of Lockerbie Scotland, looking for her son's remains which were lost in the crash of Pan Am 103. She meets the Women of Lockerbie, who are fighting the US Government to obtain the clothing of the victims found in the plane's wreckage. The women, determined to convert an act of hatred into an act of love, want to wash the clothes of the dead and return them to the victim's families. The “Women of Lockerbie” is fictional, although loosely inspired by a true story. Purchase tickets in advance via the attached registration form(recommended); tickets available on Homecoming weekend, while they last.

Art exhibit: Hartzler Library Gallery, open during library hours Alumni Invitational Art show.

Saturday, October 10

The Paul R. Yoder, Sr. Memorial Golf Classic, sponsored by Loyal Royals Spotswood Country Club, 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. shotgun starts with lunch at 11:30 a.m. 4-person captains choice with flighted scoring and great prizes.

Cost is $100 per person, with many sponsorship opportunities. Contact the EMU Athletics office at (540) 432-4440 or schlable@emu. edu to register.

Welcome center and registration desk University Commons, 3 – 8 p.m.

36 | crossroads | summer 2009

Welcome center and registration desk University Commons, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Science center annual breakfast and program Suter Science Center, 8 a.m.

Annual breakfast with fellow alumni, science faculty, and Dr. Joseph B. Martin '59, Professor of Neurobiology & Clinical Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School. Advance reservations required.

Room SC 106, 9 a.m. Lecture by Dr. Martin on Advances in Brain Research. More information at www.emu.edu/homecoming.

10 a.m. Tour of Suter Science Center with brief program reports by EMU's distinguished science faculty.

Room SC 106, 11 a.m. Report on plans to construct new labs and renovate Suter Science Center.

Haverim breakfast and program Seminary foyer, 8 a.m.

Watch our website www.emu.edu/homecoming for information on speaker for this event. Advance reservations required.

Business and economics breakfast and program Discipleship Center, 8 a.m.

Joyce Bontrager Lehman '65, speaker. Joyce is a program officer for microfinance within the Financial Services for the Poor initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and was EMU's 2009 Commencement speaker. Advance reservations required.

Nurses’ breakfast and presentation Campus Center 3rd floor, Room 350, 8 a.m.

Breakfast will be held in the classroom next to the Lisa Haverstick Nursing Lab. Following breakfast, the group will walk to the Science Center to take in the presentation there beginning at 9 a.m. Nursing alumni may also wish to remain and take part in the additional events to be held in Suter Science Center throughout the morning, described above under Science Center Breakfast. Advance reservations required.

Hall of Honor breakfast and awards University Commons Court C, 8:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Loyal Royals and EMU Athletics Department. Karla Alderfer Tierney '98, Becky Miller Lyda '92, and Jeana Driver '92 will be inducted into the Hall of Honor. Advance reservations required.

Parents perspective Campus Center, room 226, 9-10 a.m.

Are you a parent wanting to learn more about EMU's cross-cultural program? Join seasoned faculty leaders Linford and Janet Stutzman and cross-cultural programs director Beth Aracena as we share stories from past cross-cultural journeys, learn about future opportunities, and address your questions. Refreshments served.

Jesse T. Byler Lecture Series Seminary Building, Room 123, 9 a.m.

Barbara Brenneman Lehman '74, 2009 recipient of the International Reading Association's Arbuthnot Award, will speak on the topic, "Children's Literature in Testing Time". Advance registration recommended; no charge.

Language and literature department brunch Campus Center 1st floor, Room 105 (Strite Conference Room), 10-11 a.m.

Alice Wisler '83, writer, will be featured as the judge of our campuswide writing contest and will announce the winning entries during a presentation of awards to selected writers. The writing contest is sponsored by the cross-cultural program and the writing program. Students at the undergraduate, graduate, and seminary levels are invited to submit writing on topics related to EMU's mission that "educates students to serve and lead in a global context." EMU's "Christian community challenges students to pursue their life calling through scholarly inquiry, artistic creation, guided practice, and life-changing cross-cultural encounter." Advance reservations required.

Fun run Meet at the track, 10:30 a.m.

5K run/walk. All welcome. No entry fee.

All-Time Library Reunion & Unity Bell exhibit opening Hartzler Library, 10:30 a.m.

Everyone is invited to the Hartzler Library front entryway to view the newly created display that chronicles the history of what came to be known as the "Unity Bell," as well as the story of the 1969 "Library Drive." In the library, there will also be displays of artifacts and items used in days gone by. Immediately following, at 11, all former and current library employees, work-study students, and family are invited to gather and share stories and memories of the 40 years of Hartzler Library. Refreshments will be served at the reunion.

Jubilee alumni reunion luncheon and program Campus Center, Irene Martin Greeting Hall, 12:00 p.m.

This event is for alumni who attended EMU 50 years ago or more.

The class of 1959 will be honored and inducted into the Jubilee Alumni Association. There will be designated tables for classes of 1959, 1954, 1949, 1944, and 1939. General seating is available for other Jubilee Alumni guests. Advance registration required.

Lunch Dining Hall, 12- 1 p.m.

Noon meal served in the dining hall. Pay at the door.

Encore! Lunch and Student/Faculty Music Recital Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Martin Chapel, 12:30 p.m.

Sponsored jointly by EMU's music department and the "Encore!" alumni support group, this luncheon is open to everyone. Following the meal, enjoy a variety of student and faculty musical talents and styles, instrumental and vocal alike. Advance registration required.

Intercollegiate Athletic Contests Field Hockey vs. Sweetbriar College, 11:30 a.m.

Women's Volleyball vs. Southern Virginia, 1 p.m.

Men's Soccer vs. Hampden-Sydney, 7 p.m.

Intensive English Program 20th anniversary tea IEP House, 1110 Smith Avenue, 2 -3:15 p.m.

Join in the celebration of this milestone of 20 years of English language and American cultural education to international students and recent immigrants by coming to the IEP house for tea and to meet the program staff and faculty.

Cedarwood Residence Hall Open House Cedarwood Residence Hall, Open House 1:30-2:30 p.m. & 3:00-4:00 p.m., Dedication at 2:30-3 p.m.

Join President Loren Swartzendruber, Student Life Vice President Ken L. Nafziger, other EMU personnel, and alumni and friends for a brief dedication ceremony of EMU's brand-new environmentally friendly residence hall. The building will be open for visitors before and after the ceremony.

Alumni Women's Volleyball match University Commons, 3 p.m.

Odd years of graduation vs. even years.

Youth activities Grades 6-12, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Come explore EMU. From academics to social life, from the Shenandoah Valley to Delhi, India, EMU students and admissions counselors will lead the way. Meet at the welcome center in the University Commons for activities, including free pizza dinner. Please pre-register.

Children's activities Pre-school (ages 0-5) 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Child care is available during class reunions. Please pre-register.

Information will be at the welcome center registration desk. www.emu.edu | crossroads | 37

Grades 1-5, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Fun-filled activities organized and led by the EMU Student Education Association go far beyond child care. Registration includes free dinner and supplies. Information will be at the welcome center desk.

Class reunions Beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Reunions will be held for the classes of 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004 at various locations on campus.

Check at the welcome center in the University Commons for reunion locations. There is no charge to attend your reunion, but please register. If you wish to join your classmates for dinner following the reunion, please pre-register.

Family and reunion dinner University Commons, Courts B & C (by reservation) 5-6:30 p.m.

Enjoy this dinner buffet with classmates, family and friends.

There will be designated tables for reunion classes.

EMU Theater: "The Women of Lockerbie" University Commons Mainstage Theater, 7:30 p.m.

See description for Friday evening event.

Reunion Vocal Band Lehman Auditorium, 8:00 p.m.

Live on stage performing a concert 20 years in the making, Reunion Vocal Band will fill Lehman Auditorium on Saturday night with tight vocal harmony and a blend of folk, folk-rock, gospel, country, and a bit of jazz. Formed in 1989, Reunion Vocal Band brings together a collection of Mennonite musicians, singers, and song writers hailing from several states and a Canadian province. Homecoming and Family Weekend is delighted to host the 2009 gathering of this group.

Come enjoy an eclectic musical buffet served with a dash of humor and tall order of camaraderie. Purchase tickets in advance via the attached registration form (recommended), online, or at the door.

Conduct registration and payment securely online at www.emu.edu/homecoming, or return this form and payment, with check payable to Eastern Mennonite University, by September 19. Mail to Alumni Office, EMU, Harrisonburg, VA 22802. List only those attending and indicate how the names should appear on nametags. Please include maiden name.

Registration Name _____________________________________ Class _ ______________________ Spouse/Guest ______________________________ Class _ ______________________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City ________________________State___________Zip__________________________ E-mail ________________________ Day Phone ________________________________ Children and Youth Activities Name _______________________________ Age ______ Grade__________________ Name _______________________________ Age ______ Grade__________________ Childcare  During reunion  During Sunday worship Name _______________ Age ____ Name _________________ Age _ _____________ Name _______________ Age ____ Name _________________ Age _ _____________ Tickets

No.

Cost

Total

The Women of Lockerbie Advance tickets, Adults-$10, senior citizens and non EMU students-$8 (please fill in appropriate rate under “cost” column below).

Friday, 8:00 pm

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

Adult (non–students 18 & over)

______

$10.00

______

Student

______

$5.00

______

Haverim continental breakfast

______

$5.00

______

Science continental breakfast

______

$4.00

______

Hall of honor country breakfast

______

$8.00

______

Business deluxe breakfast

______

$8.50

______

Nurses’ continental breakfast

______

$4.00

______

Language & literature reception

______

$5.00

______

Jesse T. Byler Lecture Series

______

free

______

All–Time Library Reunion

______

free

______

Jubilee Alumni Lunch

______

$6.00

______

Encore! Lunch and Music Recital

______

$7.50

______

______

$8.50

______

Saturday, 7:30 pm

Sunday, 2:00 pm Reunion Vocal Band (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)

Sunday, October 11 Homecoming worship service Lehman Auditorium, 10 a.m.

Worship celebration of song and scripture. Musical selections by members of Reunion Vocal Band. Alumnus of the Year Anthony Pratkanis and Distinguished Service Award recipient J. Robert Eshleman will be recognized and participate in this service. Opportunity for sharing together through various expressions of experiencing Christ in our lives. Child care available if pre-registered.

Lunch Main dining room-Northlawn lower level, 11:30-1 p.m.

Pay at the door.

Award recipient dinner (by invitation only) West and East Dining Rooms, 12 noon EMU Theater: "The Women of Lockerbie" University Commons Mainstage Theater, 2 p.m.

See description for Friday evening event.

Monday, October 12 EMU Homecoming 2009

Alumni Association annual council meeting, 8 a.m.

EMU Homecoming 2009 emu.edu/homecoming

Breakfast programs

Lunch Programs

Dinner Family & Reunion Dinner Alumni from the Classes of 1970-73 In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the library drive, sign up below to participate in a Saturday evening group dinner and designated seating at the Reunion Vocal Band concert Dinner

______

$8.50

______

Concert

______

$10.00

______

Total amount enclosed

______

Questions? Please call (540) 432-4245. You may also reach us by fax (540) 432-4444 or email alumni@emu.edu.

Refund policy: To receive a refund, send your cancellation notice by October 6.

Registration and information is available at emu.edu/homecoming Office Use Only ID # ____________________ Amt Rec’d $________ Amt Due $_________________

www.emu.edu | crossroads | 38

EMU Homecoming 2009

EMU Homecoming 2009 emu.edu/homecoming

Reunion Vocal Band, In Concert!!

Lodging Information We're thrilled you're planning to return to the vibrant and diverse Harrisonburg community for this year's Homecoming and Family Weekend.

This year's event happens to fall on the same dates as Parents Weekend at neighboring James Madison University. But there's plenty of room for everyone! EMU is working on some special lodging arrangements just for EMU guests. That information will be posted on the web page as soon as possible, so you can plan to attend and rest easy. www.emu.edu/homecoming (click on "lodging").

Best Western Phone: (540) 433-6089 Rooms: 10 doubles Rate: $89 Lift Date: September 10, 2008 EMU Guest House Phone: (540) 432-4280 Rooms are also available in local homes.

Rate : Double, $42.50; single, $27.50 Lift Date: as long as “supplies” last…

The following hotels may have rooms available after their lift dates for JMU. Check after approximately September 10 to see if anything is available if you have not been able to secure accomodations before that time.

Candlewood Suites Phone: (540) 437-1400 Holiday Inn Express Phone: (540) 433-9999 Hampton Inn Phone: (540) 432–1111 Sleep Inn Phone: (540) 433-7100 See www.harrisonburgtourism.com for more information 39 | crossroads | summer 2009

Come experience the largest gathering of Reunion Vocal Band members ever in concert. Saturday, Oct. 10, at 8 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium, RVB will treat guests to a delightful blend of music (also see entry, under Saturday schedule, this brochure). Band members scheduled to perform are Michael Bade, Jim and Janalee Croegaert, Doug Jones, Michael Reece, Cheryl Zehr Walker, Steve Walker, and John Wiebe, as well as EMU alumni, Ken Brunk, Dean Clemmer, Rob Eby, Mark Hartman, James Krabill, Don Kulp, Jerry Lehman, Dennis Maust, Robert Maust and Elaine Stauffer Warfel!

Purchase tickets for the concert in advance via the Homecoming registration form attached, or online after August 1st at www.emu. edu/homecoming. Limited tickets will be available to purchase at the door. One night Only!

EMU Homecoming 2009

EMU Homecoming 2009 Unity Bell Exhibit Opening Alumni of the early '70s no doubt remember the legendary library drive of the fall of 1969, and the role that the "Unity Bell" played in that event. Forty years later with the bell cracked beyond repair, EMU has received the contribution of another bell for on campus. It's time to officially retire the old bell. On Saturday at 10:30, alumni from all eras, from those who rang the bell in fall, 1969, to those who never knew EMU had a Unity Bell, are invited to come to the official opening of this permanent exhibit, in the entryway of the Hartzler Library.

All-time Library Reunion Immediately after the celebration for the Unity Bell display, at 11 a.m., Hartzler Library will host a reunion for all its current and former work-study students and staff. Come view the changes in the library over 40 years, enjoy refreshments with friends you made while working in the library, and contribute your comments and entries to our "interactive library timeline." Special feature--there will even be miniature chocolate bells to sample!

Register in advance using the attached form; no charge.

09

EASTERN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID Harrisonburg, Virginia

Harrisonburg, VA 22802-2462 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 e-mail alumni@emu.edu

EMU Homecoming 200 20098 EMU Homecoming Oct. 10 - 12

don’t miss the brochure inside the back cover!

don’t miss the brochure inside the back cover!

Don’t miss your class reunion!

Oct. 9-11

Unity Rings Again

this event, please contact Kirsten Beachy at 432.4164 • beachyk@emu. edu or Vi Dutcher at 432.4316 • violet.dutcher@emu.edu.

Gather at your class reunion!

All Alumni who once resided in Oakwood will come together to share memories and refreshments.

Reunions for alumni who attended EMU 50 years ago or more will gather at the Jubilee Alumni Luncheon at 11:30 a..m in the Campus Center’s Martin Greeting Hall. All other reunions, for the classes of 1963 and later (grad years ending in 3 or 8) will begin at 3:30 p.m. After meeting in your designated location, each class will also have a space set aside for additional gathering and fellowship at the evening dinner, Alumni who or more are invited to the to be held in attended the diningEMU hall, 50 firstyears floorago of Northlawn.

Please register Jubilee Luncheon 12 the noon in thetoCampus Center Martin for bothAlumni your class reunionatand dinner follow. All Homecoming Greeting Hall.

Other guests class reunions will begin at 3:30 and Family Weekend are welcome to register forp.m. this After Familymeetand ing in designated locations, each class together. Please Reunion Dinner. Serving lines will be will openhave 5 – dinner 6:30 p.m. register for both your class reunion and dinner to follow.

Oakwood Reunion See inside for more details of these special reunions and online at www.emu.homecoming

weather vane Reunion

Cheer the were EMUonce Royals in of sporting eventsVane throughout All alumnionwho a part the Weather staff are welcome

the weekend. to attend a reception hosted by the language and literature department.

Former Weather Vane editors will reminisce about their experiences on EMU’s student newspaper. Advance reservations recommended; no Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the historic Library of 1969 charge. If you were a former editor and want to share your Drive memories at and the special activities planned to honor this event.

Enjoy Concerts, Jim Croegaert performing on Friday evening and Reunion Vocal Band performing on Saturday evening.

EASTERN Be inspired Sunday morning worship and recognition of alumni MbyENNONITE award recipients.

UNIVERSITY

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID Harrisonburg, Virginia

Relax and catch up with friends, former classmates and Harrisonburg, 22802-2462 professors—even if it’s not VA your reunion year. Homecoming events are planned for ALL EMU alumni.

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 e-mail alumni@emu.edu

Look inside for more details and registration information and online at emu.edu/homecoming www.emu.edu | crossroads | 40