ical students, some of whom lived in his home. In 1995, he joined his son, Kevin, to help establish High Country Family Medicine. After retirement at age 79, Elam continued his community involvement by delivering meals on wheels and serving as a hospice volunteer. An avid cyclist, both bicycle and motorcycle, he earned the coveted motorcycle “Iron Butt” Award for riding 1,000 miles in 24 hours. During his 50 years in Ashe County, Elam was involved in Warrensville Methodist Church, Jefferson Mennonite Fellowship, Meadowview Mennonite Church, and Big Laurel Mennonite Church. He sang in the choir, led music, led youth groups, and taught Sunday school. His passion for singing led him to the local barbershop quartet, Ashe Choral Society, and multiple solo performances at special occasions. He was an accomplished musician including playing the auto harp and organ. Elam is survived by his wife, Orpah Mae Horst ’39 Kurtz. Penny Driediger, MDiv ’08, is RMH's supervisor of chaplain interns
Hospital & Seminary Now Training Together Eastern Mennonite Seminary (EMS) and Rockingham Memorial Hospital (RMH) in Harrisonburg, Va., are working together to train chaplains and pastors to be more compassionate caregivers during crisis situations. The hospital recently hired Penny Driediger as a part-time chaplain and supervisor of chaplain interns who are enrolled in the EMS Clinical Pastoral Education program. Driediger is a 2008 seminary grad and a course assistant at EMS. “The collaboration between EMS and RMH provides Driediger, and future supervisory education students, with an opportunity to have a foot in both worlds – the clinical world of patient-focused care and the educational world, encouraging the growth and development of clinical pastoral education students,” said Robin Martin, manager of chaplain services at RMH. This step forward for the EMS Clinical Pastoral Education program means the seminary can provide another level of education for those interested in the chaplain ministry and can provide more opportunities for students who want to go through the first level of the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. “The 40% time position with Rockingham Memorial Hospital represents a shared commitment to pastoral education,” said Kenton Derstine, CPE director at the seminary. “It symbolizes the hospital's confidence in our CPE program and an appreciation for what our chaplain interns have contributed to their patients and staff.” “For the hospital, this agreement to have a supervisory education student means that we will get an employee with a theological degree and several years of supervised ministry experience,” said Martin, as well as “someone who has learned active listening and empathic caregiving and is able to reach out in a compassionate pastoral role to connect with others, especially those who are suffering.” — Laura Amstutz, MDiv ’06 fall 20072010 26 | crossroads | summer
Coleen Beachy ’68 Harlow, Mylo, N.D., died in the Presentation Medical Center, Rolla, N.D., April 22, at age 62. She graduated from Rolette High School before attending EMU. After graduation from EMU, Coleen became a school teacher. Her teaching career took her to schools in Oregon, Mississippi, North Dakota, Virginia and Red Lake, Ontario, Canada. Later, she used her skills to teach her children in her home. Coleen was devoted to God and her family. After being diagnosed with cancer, she became active in Relay for Life activities. She was a member of Salem Mennonite Church.
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. Corrections The following items pertain to the spring 2010 issue of Crossroads: On page 22, Capital Christian Fellowship in Lanham, Md., was described as “non-denominational.” It actually belongs to Lancaster Mennonite Conference. On page 38, Oxford Circle Mennonite was described as being located in northeast Philadelphia (in the photo caption) and in west Philadelphia (in the text). Northeast Philadelphia is its actual location. On page 39, Bianca Prunes was named incorrectly as Bianca Walker. On page 50, the birth of Emma Elizabeth Blyer to Doug ’99 and Kristina Blosser ’98 Blyer was recorded twice, once with an incorrect date. The correct date is March 4, 2010. On page 53, the obituary of Luke D. Yoder, Sem ’78, incorrectly had the name “Paul” before “Luke.”
Free Access to ATLAS for Alumni As a result of a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., alumni of Eastern Mennonite University have been granted free access to ATLASerials®, a full-text collection of more than 150 major religion and theology journals selected by leading religion scholars, theologians, and clergy. This collection is administered by the American Theological Library Association, which has been producing research tools in religion and theology for more than sixty years. Contact Jennifer Ulrich, ulrichjm@emu.edu or (540) 432-4173 for access information.