Crossroads Spring/Summer 2016

CROSSROADS

PREPARED TO TEACH SPRING-SUMMER 2016

THE MAGAZINE OF EASTERN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 1 VOL. 97 / NO. 1

CROSSROADS SPRING/SUMMER 2016 / VOL. 97 / NO. 1 Crossroads (USPS 174-860) is published three times a year

by Eastern Mennonite University for distribution to 14,000 alumni, students, parents and friends.

A leader among faith-based universities, Eastern Mennonite University emphasizes peacebuilding, creation care, experiential learning, and cross-cultural engagement. Founded in 1917 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, EMU offers undergraduate, graduate, and seminary degrees that prepare students to serve and lead in a global context.

EMU’s mission statement is posted in its entirety at www.emu.edu/mission.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES KATHLEEN (KAY) NUSSBAUM, CHAIR / Grant, Minn.

MICHELLE ARMSTER / Wichita, Kan. EVON BERGEY / Perkasie, Pa. MYRON BLOSSER / Harrisonburg, Va. HERMAN BONTRAGER / Akron, Pa. SHANA PEACHEY BOSHART / Wellman, Iowa JONATHAN BOWMAN / Manheim, Pa. RANDALL BOWMAN / Richmond, Va. JANET BRENEMAN / Lancaster, Pa. DAVID HERSH / Line Lexington, Pa. CHARLOTTE HUNSBERGER / Souderton, Pa. CLYDE KRATZ / Harrisonburg, Va. CHAD LACHER / Souderton, Pa. KEVIN LONGENECKER / Harrisonburg, Va. E. THOMAS MURPHY, JR. / Harrisonburg, Va. DANNIE OTTO / Urbana, Ill. ELOY RODRIGUEZ / Lancaster, Pa. AMY L. RUSH / Harrisonburg, Va. JUDITH TRUMBO / Broadway, Va. ANNE KAUFMAN WEAVER / Brownstown, Pa. TWILA K. YODER / Corporate Secretary to the Board CROSSROADS ADVISORY COMMITTEE LOREN SWARTZENDRUBER / President KIRK L. SHISLER / Vice president for advancement ANDREA WENGER / Marketing and communications director PHIL HELMUTH / Development and church realtions director JEFF SHANK / Alumni and parent engagement director STAFF LAUREN JEFFERSON / Editor-in-chief JON STYER / Designer/photographer LINDSEY KOLB / proofreader JENNIFER NORTH BAUMAN / Mileposts editor CALEB HOCHSTETLER / Web designer BJ GERBER / Mailing list manager All EMU personnel can be reached during regular work hours by calling 540-432-4000, or via contact details posted on the university website, www.emu.edu.

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

2 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

‘REBIRTH AND TRANSITION’ KAY NUSSBAUM ‘78 Chair, Board of Trustees

WITH SPRING IN FULL BLOOM, this issue of Crossroads celebrates rebirth and transition.

Dedicated to the theme of education, the magazine is a fitting forum to host a tribute to our leaders in education of the past, present and future.

Fitting too is a new design: Crossroads enters its third decade with an updated look and organization that reflects the diversity of programming and people who make up EMU. It will serve us well as we tell the story of this dynamic university and move closer to our Centennial celebration, 2017-18.

Most importantly, this issue celebrates President Loren Swartzendruber and his 13-year tenure at EMU, as well as the culmination of a search for his successor. I’m delighted to report that Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, president of Conrad Grebel University College, has been appointed with unanimous affirmation to become EMU’s ninth president.

Between these two leaders, we are fortunate to have yet another gift in the guiding presence of Dr. Lee Snyder, former academic dean and professor. She will lead EMU as interim president from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2016, at which time Dr. Huxman will assume office.

While president of Bluffton College for 12 years, Lee began collecting thoughts on her journey to leadership. In 2010, she published a memoir, At Powerline and Diamond Hill (Cascadia Publishing House), in which she meditates on the power of education — and her own calling to leadership in Mennonite higher education.

“Good sense, discriminating judgement, a healthy sense of humor, a down-toearth sensibility, and a spirit of gratitude are essential qualities of an effective leader,” Lee writes.

There is also tiptoeing around the “minefields” of politics and “not yielding to hypocrisy or cynicism,” as well as the “not infrequent in-breaking of joy and surprise – this too was part of the work.”

We hope this issue, too, provides those moments of “in-breaking joy and surprise,” insights into the unique Christ-centered education that has fed us and continues to feed us through our lives, as is evident in the features about our alumni educator-leaders.

In this significant time of transition, we are profoundly grateful for the gifts of institutional leaders who lead with integrity, conviction, commitment, and a clear sense of being a part of God’s redemptive work in the world.

IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES

2 13 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP Honoring President Loren E. Swartzentruber.

24 RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN EDUCATION Administrators talk the benefits of community building through 'RJ.'

26 OF MANY TALENTS

14 CHANGING TIMES

Paul Payne, teacher and coach, wears many hats at Hicksville (Ohio) High School.

32 EMU'S NINTH PRESIDENT Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman

38 ALUMNI HONOREES Donna and Wayne Burkhart Harvey Yoder Grace Schrock-Hurst Prasetyo

19

ON THE COVER

ROYAL FILES

Sarah Beck '11 Weirich at Clifton Middle School in Covington, Virginia. She commutes to teach each morning from Lewisburg, West Virginia, where her husband is in osteopathy school.

Read more at emu.edu/education/alumni.

Photo by Jon Styer.

TECH PIONEER

20

UNDAUNTED

8 PHOTO

10 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

11 FACULTY FILES

12 FAITH FOCUS

17 BY THE NUMBERS

35 MILEPOSTS

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PRESIDENT SWARTZENDRUBER

PRESIDENT SWARTZENDRUBER

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP PHOTO BY JON ST YER

After 13 years at Eastern Mennonite University, Dr. Loren E. Swartzendruber retires June 30. An alumnus of both EMU and the seminary, he has left an indelible mark on this nearly 100-year-old institution. His guidance and leadership have resulted in growing enrollment, strong undergraduate and graduate programs, a focused mission and vision, and a fiscally sound foundation that will enable the institution to thrive into the Centennial year and beyond.

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As Loren shared in his final University Forum this spring, he considers the privilege of leading EMU and working within this community of faith to be “a sacred calling in the Mennonite-Anabaptist tradition.� In the following pages, we celebrate the highlights of his presidency from 20032016, and we hear his thoughts on this sacred calling, on leadership and on his future.

PRESIDENT SWARTZENDRUBER

'A SACRED CALLING' President Loren Swartzendruber talks changes, challenges and leadership at EMU.

HIGHER EDUCATION IS CHANGING RAPIDLY IN OUR COUNTRY. WHAT IMPORTANT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION DURING YOUR TENURE?

DURING YOUR PRESIDENCY, YOU LED EMU DISCUSSIONS ABOUT AND DECISIONS REGARDING DIVISIVE ISSUES WITHIN THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY AND BEYOND. WHAT INSIGHT CAN YOU SHARE?

Competition for student enrollment has increased dramatically. Part of that is due to the commonly referenced myth that the liberal arts are dying; in reality, liberal arts graduates are in high demand by employers.

Delivery system options – often involving online components – have grown exponentially, requiring significant investment in infrastructure and training.

Accreditation agencies are demanding ever-increasing assessment and data on outcomes.

I frequently described the experience as whiplash. I engaged in hundreds of conversations, almost all of them with folks who hold their views with deep passion. There were many days when I asked, “Why me?” While I was the point person and took a lot of difficult hits that were hurtful personally, I was surrounded by a great board of trustees and members of the President’s Cabinet who shared the heaviness of the load. The only way to avoid these difficult issues is to withdraw from the culture and/or to be irrelevant.

Ultimately, I am driven by a deep love for the church, flawed as it is, and for a passion for justice as I understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN AT EMU DURING YOUR TENURE? The most obvious change is the total enrollment increase of nearly 30 percent, thanks in part to growing undergraduate enrollment, but also to our unique graduate program offerings at the forefront of leadership development for the common good, restorative justice and peacebuilding.

Additionally, we’ve become a more diverse campus in almost every way – religious affiliation, racial ethnic composition of the student body, more non-traditional students. One thing that hasn’t changed: I love our students and their enthusiasm for life, their obvious giftedness in so many facets of life.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES BEFORE EMU IN THE COMING YEARS? Competition for traditional undergraduate students will continue to increase.

Attracting a racially diverse faculty and staff that mirrors our student body is top priority. We need to engage alumni and friends from traditions beyond Mennonites to advocate and contribute funds. The changing environment of Mennonite Church USA will require adjustments in how the university relates to its founding denomination.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR LEADERSHIP ROLE IN A SMALL BUT HIGHLY COMPLEX INSTITUTION? I’ve often said, somewhat facetiously, that the job of a university president is simple: Gather the resources (financial and human) so that faculty and staff can carry out the mission of the institution – to educate our students to serve and lead in a global context. Hiring the right people is critical, both in the classroom and in leadership roles. I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by gifted leaders. You can’t lead a university by authoritarian decisionmaking. One leads by encouragement, vision, articulating the mission and by persuasion.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES OF A COLLEGE PRESIDENT? There aren’t many other roles quite like leading a university. Stamina, emotional intelligence, the ability to hear criticism while not taking all of it too personally, and comfort with being constantly “on the job” are some qualities that come to mind. I was once given this wise advice: “Don’t ever think you are as great as your biggest fans nor as bad as your most vocal critics.” For me, humor is a life-saver. I often say that in order to cry together, we must first laugh together.

A PLACARD ON YOUR DESK SAYS “PRACTICE THE ART OF THE NON-ANXIOUS PRESENCE.” WHY IS IT THERE? Rabbi and therapist Edwin Friedman first applied the phrase to family systems conflicts. Leaders are often confronted by conflict. Individuals want us to “fix” it. Expectations are frequently unrealistic. We can respond by “leaving” (no longer being present emotionally) or take on their anxiety.

Neither option is helpful. Doesn’t mean the leader isn’t anxious, but it does mean that one chooses not to lead out of fear and anxiety. In our current culture, non-anxious presence is needed more than ever. It confounds me that people of faith would be so driven by fear and anxiety.

YOU SEEMED COOL AND COLLECTED IN SOME TOUGH SITUATIONS. HOW DID YOU HANDLE STRESS AND PRESSURE? The notion of non-anxious presence is always on my mind. Being surrounded by gifted colleagues and a loving supportive spouse was very helpful. Always taking my role seriously, but not taking myself too seriously was pretty important. “This too shall pass” is a mantra of mine. No matter how bad it gets, it will get better. Of course, the reverse is also true; no matter how much we might celebrate today, we are never more than a few minutes away from a potential disaster. So, don’t overreact to either extreme. “I can’t change the past” is something I think about a lot. I reflect on my mistakes and try to learn from them, but I don’t dwell on them. Again, I experience a lot of internal feelings that I don’t deny; I just choose not to lead out of those that are negative. Physical exercise is also a key part of maintaining my health, something I make time for regularly, regardless of my full schedule.

WHAT’S NEXT? Of course, Pat and I look forward to spending time with our family. I’m looking forward to a period of rest and relaxation, and I’ve made no commitments through December 2016. We have moved to a house we purchased on the east side of Harrisonburg. We will not be on campus much during the next year to provide space for my successor. Beyond that we will enjoy occasional music, theater, art, sports events and other special occasions. With respect to future employment, I’ve said I’ll entertain possibilities that are either part-time or interim in nature. I intend to be “choosy” about what I might accept. I’m certainly not looking for a high-stress role! Pat and I have said that perhaps our most important task is to take care of ourselves physically, spiritually, emotionally, etc. so that we can be present to our family and friends.

www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 3

PRESIDENT SWARTZENDRUBER

‘ROYAL’ MOMENTS

2010

Highlights of EMU's many acomplishments during Dr. Loren E. Swartzendruber's 13 years as president.

First commercial scale solar array installed in 2010 on the library roof.

2007

2005

2003

Interviewed for BBC News about EMU’s sustainability initiatives.

Loren Swartzendruber becomes the eighth president of EMU.

2003

2004 Joins board of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia.

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Center for Conflict Transformation becomes Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.

Meets President Desmond Tutu.

2005

2006

The Comprehensive Prioritization Process, based on Robert Benne’s Quality with Soul, reviews all academic program priorities and sets foundation for fiscal health and institutional growth.

Formation of Crisis Management Preparedness Team in response to concerns about world-wide flu pandemic.

2007

Softball and men's basketball teams qualify for the NCAA tournament.

2008

2009

PRESIDENT SWARTZENDRUBER

2014 2015

Formal establishment of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

2012

The revitalized EMU logo is launched.

Roselawn renovations provide offices and classroom space for five undergraduate academic departments.

University Commons Phase I and II renovations complete.

2011

First cohort of Women’s Peacebuilding Leadership Program attends Summer Peacebuilding Institute.

2011

2013

Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, former SPI participant, visits campus.

Renovations of Suter East completed.

The largest first-year class in decades matriculates at EMU. A record-high 37 percent of the class is minority or international students. Graduate programs show 26 percent increase in growth.

2016 Cedarwood Residence Hall replaces Oakwood. Upon completion becomes first LEED-certified residence hall in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

2010

Attends ceremony in Oslo, Norway, with Nobel Peace Prize recipient Leymah Gbowee MA ‘07.

2011

Maplewood and Elmwood residence hall renovations are complete, also achieving LEED certification.

2012 Joins board of the Evangelical Environmental Network.

Women’s basketball earns second-straight at-large bid to NCAA tournament.

2013

EMU engages in a listening process to discern potential change hiring policy.

2014 Joins board of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

EMU Lancaster’s first associate provost, Mary Jensen, is named.

2015

First day of retirement.

2016

EMU Board of Trustees approves nondiscriminating hiring policy.

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PRESIDENT SWARTZENDRUBER

BIG NUMBERS

1

BLESSING (AMONG MANY) I can’t even imagine negotiating my career without the love and partnership of Pat over the last 46-plus years. EMU really did get “two for one” because of her own experience as a professional in leadership roles.

It wasn’t always easy for her: Who wants to hear their spouse tell the same stories in multiple settings over and over? The love and support of our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren has been immensely life-giving. I am incredibly blessed!

2

PROUD MOMENTS Not many college presidents get to enjoy the once-ina-lifetime experience of representing their university at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway. I was there in honor of Leymah Gbowee, alumna of EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.

At a reception in Georgetown, I was introduced to Vice President Joe Biden by Mark Shriver of the Kennedy family, who was our Commencement speaker that year. Mr. Biden immediately said, “Oh, I know the Mennonites quite well. They do good work.”

5+1

BOOKS THAT HAVE PROVIDED GUIDANCE OR INSPIRATION. I’ve read so many books that it’s hard to name the most important or influential. The Recovery of the Anabaptist Vision

by Guy Hershberger played a pivotal role at a crossroads in my life vocationally in 1972. I’ve also benefited from the wisdom of Leading People from the Middle by Dr. Bill Robinson, From Alfalfa to Ivy by Dr. Joseph Martin '59, Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idolatry of Certainty by Dr. Greg Boyd, and Dr. Daniel Goleman’s books on emotional intelligence.

The Bible is always a source of inspiration and guidance.

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1

CROSS-CULTURAL HIGHLIGHT Visiting several cross-cultural groups in the middle of their worldwide travels was always special. On one occasion, we joined the EMU group at a Shabbat service on a Good Friday evening in a synagogue in Nazareth, Israel. The students were asked to sing several songs and after the service, an older member wanted to know how long the choir had been on tour.

She was shocked when I told her, “This is not a choir.

They just enjoy singing together.”

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DISAPPOINTMENTS In terms of capital projects, I wish we could have improved our music facility, and I would love to have provided a new home for our world-renowned Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. The Suter Science project has been satisfying, particularly because the building was new in my first year of college 48 years ago, but we had to scale back the scope because of the recession. And I’m always conscious of the need to provide better compensation for faculty and staff.

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A HOST OF ROLE MODELS (BUT ONE IN PARTICULAR) Leading for the common good is central to how I understand my calling and practices. Additionally, a number of leaders over the course of my career have mentored me in particular ways. As an Anabaptist Mennonite, I’m profoundly influenced by Jesus’ model of servant-leadership.

PRESIDENT SWARTZENDRUBER

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

ONE OF LOREN SWARTZENDRUBER’S first memories of

A NEW NAME FOR SC-106

Science Center 106's transformation, shown here in an artist's rendering, will include new lighting and seating, as well as upgraded technology.

Suter Science Center 106 was the embarrassing moment when he was called by a girl’s name. He was a first-year student during orientation in 1968, trying as hard as he could to be anonymous, seated in the back row of the now iconic SC-106 lecture hall. Both Swartzendruber, and the building itself, were new to campus.

The professor, he remembers, called roll “in a very loud voice.”

“LorenE” stood up to much giggling and laughing.

Nearly 30 years later, to honor his 13 years of leadership at Eastern Mennonite University, that space is being renamed in honor of Loren and Pat Swartzdendruber's years of service to EMU. Most every traditional undergraduate student has had at least one class in the TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE tiered 256-seat hall, which is the largest CAMPAIGN OR TO DONATE, VISIT EMU.EDU/S106 classroom on campus and hosts classes OR CALL 540-432-4203. from every discipline.

DONORS OF $10,000 OR MORE SC-106 also serves as the home of the WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF BEING NAMED AMONG THE Suter Science Lecture series and is used 'FRIENDS OF LOREN AND PAT regularly by Campus Activities Council SWARTZENDRUBER.' for movie nights.

The new SC-106 will have new lighting, seating, audio and video technology, and moveable tables to allow for flexible instructional options. The approximate cost of the renovation is $500,000. Donors of $10,000 or more will have the option of being named as "Friends of Loren and Pat Swartzendruber."

In 2013, EMU concluded a $7.3 million campaign – launched in 2007 – to fund the renovation of Suter East, or Phase I of the campaign. Fall 2015 marked the first semester of use at full capacity.

The Suter West campaign focuses on the lower and upper levels of the building closest to Park Road. This phase includes new labs and collaborative learning spaces to support EMU’s new engineering program as well as renovated space for the D. Ralph Hostetter Museum of Natural History.

— LAUREN JEFFERSON www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 7

ROYAL FILES

PHOTO

2016

COMMENCEMENT More than 550 undergraduate and graduate degrees were awarded at EMU's 98th Commencement on Sunday, May 1.

PHOTO BY ANDREW STRACK

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ROYAL FILES

Ahmed Tarik , of Iraq, celebrates his master's degree in conflict transformation.

President Loren E. Swartzendruber presided over his final Commencement.

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

Though a rainy morning sent ceremonies inside, skies cleared in time for the processional into University Commons and postceremony celebrations on the lawn.

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

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The Latino Student Alliance alfombra was created with 100 pounds of rice and a variety of other materials, including flour, in the university’s Campus Center.

ROYAL FILES

PHOTOS BY ANDREW STRACK

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

A DEVOTION OF TIME Latino Student Alliance’s beautiful alfombra is the centerpiece for a Holy Week chapel service.

From left: Susannah Lepley, director of multicultural student services, Sebastian Rivas, Alejandra Tejada, Professor Cyndi Detwiler ' 93 Gusler, advisor M. Esther Showalter, Drew Diaz, Paola Diaz, Vivian Tejeda, Olga Baltazar, Rebecca Cardwell and Fernanda Hernandez.

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MORE THAN 150 MEMBERS of the Eastern Mennonite University and Eastern Mennonite Seminary community gathered in the Campus Center for a Holy Week service around the alfombra, or carpet, a colorful tradition of Central America and Mexico.

The four sections of the alfombra, made of rice, flour and other materials, were created by EMU’s Latino Student Alliance (LSA) in about 40 hours of painstaking work.

The sections represented the themes of immigration and refugees, salvation, hope and suffering. Celebrants formed a processional around the artwork, walking together for brief periods of silent meditation between scripture readings and hymns sung in both Spanish and English.

“These alfombras are made to welcome Jesus in remembrance of His entrance in Jerusalem during Palm Sunday,” said LSA leaders in their welcome. “Instead of palms, the communities prepare these colorful rugs to welcome Him as their King.”

Four senior leaders – Ana Cruz, Fernanda Hernandez, Rachel Cardwell and Paola Diaz – have helped the Latino Student Alliance become a presence on campus. One goal of the group is to prominently feature the vibrant diversity of Hispanic culture.

Because of the excitement generated by the alfombra, a wider Holy Week event and bilingual worship service may happen next year, with community groups and congregations invited to design and create their own alfombra.

Noted in the crowd were many faculty and staff who have lived and worked in Central and South America. LSA advisor M. Esther Showalter is a native of Bolivia. Additionally, a cross-cultural study group spent spring semester in Guatemala and Cuba, with Elaine Zook Barge '75, MA '04 (conflict transformation) and her husband, Nathan '84, MA '99 (conflict transformation), former MCC workers in El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala.

— LAUREN JEFFERSON

ROYAL FILES

FACULTY FILES

AGE OF SEXUALIZED POWER With ‘7×7 Laments,’ Professor Jerry Holsopple explores revelations of sexual abuse within the church, evoking discord as well as 'rays of hope.'

WHEN JERRY HOLSOPPLE '80 entered his sabbatical at Wesley Theological Seminary’s Luce Center for Art and Religion in the fall of 2015, he wasn’t sure where it would take him. It ended up being a journey through new ground and some rather dark valleys.

Holsopple, professor of visual and communication arts, is best known as a videographer and photographer. He delved into a newer pursuit, painting, to explore stories of sexual abuse and the culpability of the church in some of those stories, particularly the revelations of sexual abuse by Mennonite theologian and church leader John Howard Yoder.

Using a process of photo transfer, he began with thick, broad splashes of paint on each panel, then transferred inks from his photographs onto the paint. Using pallet knives, sandpaper and other tools, he added texture. The very act of ripping and tearing into the paint with the sandpaper and knives was a metaphor in itself, he says, noting that it can be painful to get underneath the stories and reveal truth.

In all, he created nearly 60 panels, most of which were exhibited in the Margaret Martin Gehman Art Gallery in February. The title, “7 x 7 Laments: For An Age of Sexualized Power,” is a deliberate reference to the “classical biblical text about forgiveness (70 times seven),” but with a “twist of numbers … to suggest that I and the church need to enter the depths of lament before forgiveness is even broached.”

The centerpiece of the show is “Shattered Trinity,” which features three women and considers the ways that sexual abuse breaks trust and destroys safe spaces.

“It’s part of my lifelong commitment to truth-telling as an artist, a commitment to relationships and people,” Holsopple says.

“I’m not good at doing art that’s just beautiful. It’s mostly dark.”

In turn, he hopes that others will begin thinking and talking about these topics in meaningful ways. “When my students walk in there, I hope they’re challenged – aesthetically, and in what they do and how they create art,” Holsopple says. “I want them to realize that experimenting and taking risks is part of what it means to be an artist.” —WALT WILTSCHEK

Professor Jerry Holsopple '80 speaks during an opening reception of his exhibit at the Margaret Martin Gehman Art Gallery at Eastern Mennonite University.

PHOTO BY JOAQUIN SOSA

"Shattered Trinity: The Broken Table" is the centerpiece of the exhibit "7 x 7 Laments: For An Age of Sexualized Power,” completed while Holsopple was on sabbatical as artist-in-residence at the Luce Center for Art and Religion in Washington D.C. The exhibit was at the Margaret Martin Gehman Art Gallery at Eastern Mennonite University.

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ROYAL FILES

Lonnie Yoder heads back to teaching and Nancy Heisey SEM '94 takes over as associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

FAITH FOCUS

CONNECTING EMU & EMS Leadership change enhances engagement between undergraduate and graduate programs AFTER YEARS of heightening collaboration between Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the undergraduate Bible and Religion department (and the history department which works closely with Bible and Religion), Professor Nancy Heisey SEM ’94 has been appointed to seminary associate dean at Eastern Mennonite Seminary beginning in August. She takes over from Lonnie Yoder, who has been dean since 2010 – and on the seminary faculty since 1991.

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Yoder will continue with the seminary as professor of pastoral care and counseling and continue long-time contributions to the wider church as a consultant whose insights are in high demand. Heisey will maintain her core commitments as a Bible and Religion professor, potentially teach occasional seminary courses, and “be in an excellent position to help implement her long-term vision for deepened connections between EMS and the Bible and Religion department,” reports seminary dean Michael King ’76.

This transition takes place at a time when EMS is seeking to expand its “out-of-the-box” operations in relation to delivery of courses, curriculum, and collaboration with other EMU graduate and undergraduate programs as well as Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.

Heisey has been undergraduate dean at EMU, as well as an administrator with Mennonite Central Committee and president of Mennonite World Conference from 2003-2008.

The two professors are longtime friends and members at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

— LAUREN JEFFERSON

IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER IS PERMANENT! If you are 70½ or older, you can gift up to $100,000 from your IRA to EMU with no federal income tax on your gift. The gift qualifies as your required minimum distribution (RMD), which can lower your income and taxes.

Ron '67 and Ruth Lapp '68 Guengerich, Goshen, Indiana, choose to make their annual University Fund gift through an IRA charitable rollover.

“We needed to take the required minimum distribution from Ron’s IRA. This was a good way to give and receive a tax break, allowing us to increase our gift! EMU is part of our family culture. We became engaged to marry as EMU students.

Our giving to the University Fund supports the day-to-day operations and furthers the mission, perpetuating the EMU experience for future students.

We are privileged to support our alma mater. It wasn’t something we thought we’d be able to do 30 or 40 years ago.”

Please contact us to learn how an IRA rollover gift can help you and our mission!

Introducing Our NEW Planned Giving Website Our NEW website includes valuable personal, financial and estate planning resources.  Request a free wills guide  Watch estate planning videos  Read stories of giving Visit our NEW website at EMUPlannedGiving.org We are here to assist you in creating a plan that is right for you and your family!

Contact Jasmine A. Hardesty, Esq., Director of Planned Giving, at 540-432-4971 or jasmine.hardesty@emu.edu to learn more!

Show your Royal pride in anticipation of your class reunion!

Alums with a class year ending in "1" or "6" are competing this year in the Reunion Challenge.

Can you give a $10 gift to help your class win the bragging rights as the most supportive class?

Go to emu.edu/alumni/challenge to provide a gift.

This is all about participation. Gifts of any size help out your class. Participation matters! www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 13

CHANGING TIMES EMU-prepared educators in the Valley TELL HAROLD LEHMAN that 402 of 1334 Eastern Mennonite University alumni working in education live in Virginia and he is not surprised at all.

Furthermore, he’s not surprised at the extraordinary number of educators who currently live and work in the Shenandoah Valley itself.

Teachers prepared for their careers

by Eastern Mennonite have shaped the minds, bodies and characters of thousands of children – and generations of citizens.

Sifting through the research of two local historians, Lehman found that in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, more than 75 Mennonites taught in one- and two-room public schoolhouses up and down the Valley. Of course, not all of these teachers were prepared by Eastern Mennonite's program; there was also Madison College and Bridgewater College – both of which Lehman attended.

But it’s safe to say the unique Mennonite influence is well-rooted and thriving in this part of Virginia.

Lehman himself taught from 19391941 in rural two-room schoolhouses, first at Criders and then at Fulks Run, about 25-35 miles northwest of Harrisonburg: “The longer you taught, the closer they moved you toward Harrisonburg,” he joked. His monthly salary was $65. On weekdays, he boarded near the school; his landlady charged $13 a month, “and $12 if I’d milk the cow.” He chose the higher rate.

Lehman still has the leather-bound roll book – daily checkmarks were consistent at the beginning but tailed off in the winter – and memories of schoolyard antics, including one wrestling match with a truculent seventh-grader that he 14 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

engaged in reluctantly, but won handily. “Not being an experienced wrestler, I think I was as surprised as he was,” Lehman said.

Eighteen when he started teaching, Lehman was not much older than his students. He had graduated from Eastern Mennonite School in 1936, which went through what is now considered 11th grade, and then stayed on at the college to complete the two years of coursework required to teach elementary school. That meant he took classes from his father, Daniel Webster Lehman – for some years, a one-man education department and recreation leader. “D.W.,” as he was called, often took part in sports competitions with students. (Like father, like son: a photo in the University Commons shows Harold, then professor of education, racket in hand “hopping the net” to congratulate his younger competition.)

To earn his high school teaching licensure and a bachelor’s degree, Lehman went to Bridgewater College for one year and to Madison College for three summers. “Local men doing their coursework to be high school teachers did take classes there,” Lehman says. “They just made sure we left campus at the end of the day.” JMU recently recognized him as their oldest living male graduate.

After four years of Civilian Public Service from 1943-46 working with mentally challenged children in New Jersey, Lehman returned to Park View with his wife Ruth Krady ’44 Lehman. He held a variety of positions, teaching physical education and serving as the high school principal and college registrar, before moving to James Madison University,

Harold Lehman '36 sits in the Whitmer Schoolhouse in the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center. The building is similar to the two-room schoolhouses of the Shenandoah Valley where he first started teaching. A third-generation educator, Lehman was also a professor of education at EMU and at James Madison University.

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

where he was professor of secondary education and school administration until his retirement in 1986.

He was at EMU long enough to carry on the family tradition and teach his oldest son, Ken D. Lehman, who graduated in 1969 with a degree in history education. Ken is one of four sons – Daniel ’72, David ’78, and Larry ’79 – all of whom became college professors.

“I think we all realized that teaching and being a part of a university community, like the one we grew up in, was a pretty great life,” said Ken, who teaches Latin American history at HampdenSydney College in Farmville, Virginia.

A NEW MODEL OF TEACHING Harold Lehman’s roll book – and those of local teachers for decades – was full of Yoders, Bowmans, Kiblers, Millers,

Fulks, Shumakers. Now Kurdish, Russian, Syrian and Hispanic names fill current roll books, along with the German and Scots-Irish surnames of the Shenandoah Valley.

This demographic change mirrors one taking place worldwide: We live in a time of unprecedented human movement, with the number of refugees fleeing war and oppression or economic distress at the highest level in human history. Nearly 45 million foreign-born individuals live in the United States; 25 percent of the children in this country are children of immigrant parents (Pew Research Center, 2015).

However, the trend of Mennoniteprepared teachers in local schools that Harold Lehman observed earlier this century has not changed. Approximately 112 administrators and faculty

in Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) hold degrees from EMU. With a curriculum that embraces diversity and builds cross-cultural competency, EMU's teacher-graduates are especially well-prepared for classrooms that are global microcosms. HCPS has one of the highest populations of Limited English Proficient students in the state; according to district records, students come from 36 countries and speak 42 different languages.

In one unique HCPS program, 11 of 22 teachers and support staff, as well as three administrators (for a complete list, see page 16) have a degree from EMU. In Room 23 of Keister Elementary School, Señora Jenna Martin-Trinka ‘07 holds up a picture book while 20 firstgraders crane their necks and shift on their folded legs.

Ves una tortuga? she asks. Do you see a turtle?

For some students, she is speaking their native language. For others, she is teaching in a new language.

Enséñame, José, she says. José troops to the front and points to the tortuga.

When he leaves the class 15 minutes later, he calls out Goodbye.

José is one of 440 students in the dual language programs at three elementary schools in Harrisonburg City Schools, in which students are taught for a half-day in Spanish and a half-day in English.

Keister has one of the newest programs, while the oldest cohort at Smithland Elementary School is now in fifth grade.

Plans are to offer the program through senior year of high school.

Martin-Trinka, who began her career as an ESL resource teacher, says she’s www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 15

Jenna Martin-Trinka '07 teaches her class of second-graders in Spanish at Keister Elementary School in Harrisonburg.

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

always wanted to work in the bilingual setting: “Teaching in Spanish was definitely a career goal, but I hadn’t imagined elementary school at all.”

Credentialed as a secondary Spanish teacher and a PreK-12 ESL teacher, she’s had to go back to school to earn an elementary credential. There is no special bilingual credential required in Virginia, but Martin-Trinka has pursued certification through an online University of Minnesota program to learn more about what is a fairly new kind of teaching in Virginia. In many ways, she credits her EMU training for the ability to handle the unique demands.

Collaboration, a skill she says was reinforced in the EMU curriculum, is a major part of the program’s success.

“We rely on each other so much … The kindergarten teacher in this program, Mariela Formiconi, is from Argentina 16 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

and I rely on her for help with Spanish, with content, with talking through the challenges, and my co-teacher Jennifer Kettelkamp and I share the same kids.

There’s collaboration among teachers and administrators at all of our schools with this program. We need each other to grow and be better teachers serving our students, because this is so new.”

Inspiration comes daily, she says: “I love to see the interaction between kids, knowing that we’re teaching them in an authentic way and that they’re building cultural sensitivities. I love to see Hispanic students be leaders in our classrooms and see that we value everything they bring to the classroom. We want to be the kind of school system that authentically values what children have to offer and values cross cultural understanding.

It really inspires me to do the work of teaching.” — LAUREN JEFFERSON

EMU GRADUATES WORKING IN HCPS DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM: At Smithland Elementary School: Rhonda Blosser ’86, Kindergarten (English); Mariana Lorenzana, MA ’14 (education), first grade (Spanish); Terri Gehman ’94, second grade (Spanish); Deanna Moore ’99, ESL. At Keister Elementary School: Jenna MartinTrinka ‘07, first grade (Spanish); Rose Jantzi ‘14, second grade (Spanish); Peyton Erb ’11, third grade (Spanish) beginning in fall 2016; Andrea Dayton ’06, ESL; Mark Miller ‘04, assistant principal.

At Waterman Elementary School: Camila Pandolfi ‘12, Kindergarten (Spanish); Elliot Swartz ’06, first grade (English); Staci Hartman ’93, assistant principal.

At Skyline Middle School: Ester Machado ’13, fifth grade (Spanish).

In HCPS administration: Jeremy Weaver ’95, executive director of elementary education/ Title I.

BY THE NUMBERS

ROYAL FILES

EDUCATORS EMU alumni, graduate and undergraduate, who are working or have worked in PreK-12 education

3

HAWAII

92 employees of

Harrisonburg City Schools earned their undergraduate degree at EMU.

20 employees of

1 COSTA RICA

2 NICARAGUA

1 NIGERIA 1 EGYPT

3 KENYA

1 DENMARK

HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA

Harrisonburg City Schools have earned their MA in education through EMU.

112 administrators and 1 UK

5 JAPAN

1 ETHIOPIA 2 HONDURAS

3 CHINA

1 KOREA

1 GUATEMALA

faculty out of 880 employees in HCPS have earned degrees at EMU.

13 new teachers with degrees from EMU were hired by HCPS for the 2015-16 school year.

EDUCATION GRADUATES FROM 2014 AND 2015 WHO HAVE SOUGHT EMPLOYMENT IN THE EDUCATION FIELD HAVE A 93 PERCENT SUCCESS RATE IN FINDING EMPLOYMENT.

15 LICENSURE AREAS

286 FACULTY AND STAFF AFFILIATED WITH MENNONITE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION HAVE TAKEN GRADUATELEVEL ANABAPTIST LEARNING INSTITUTE COURSES THROUGH EMU’S MA IN EDUCATION PROGRAM.

Statistics generated by EMU Alumni Engagement; Harrisonburg City Public Schools; EMU Education Department; and Mennonite Education| CROSSROADS Agency. www.emu.edu | 17

"WE VALUE THE PREMIUM PLACED ON CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING, WHICH IS ENHANCED SIGNIFICANTLY BY THE REQUIRED CROSS CULTURAL EXPERIENCE."

VALUED EDUCATORS EMU graduates welcomed in local schools

VERMELL GRANT ’73 Assistant Superintendent / Waynesboro City Schools Teachers prepared through EMU demonstrate an understanding of the diverse needs of students and work assiduously to implement strategies that will meet their needs and enhance learning, while maintaining high expectations. EMU teachers enter classrooms prepared to engage in reflective practice, using not only their analysis of student performance and achievement, but also self-evaluation and critical thinking as tools to improve learning. As thoughtful practitioners, they continually grow professionally, increasing in effectiveness and efficacy, to make a difference in the lives of their students.

DAVID HINEGARDNER, ED.D. Director of Middle & Secondary Education / Shenandoah County Public Schools For many years, I have found teacher-graduates of EMU to be extremely well-prepared for classroom teaching.

When it comes to some of the key components of an effective educator – lesson planning, instructional delivery, classroom management and professionalism – EMU has maintained an excellent reputation. Even as our profession evolves, EMU seems to continue to put out outstanding teachers who are well-equipped to meet the demands of providing a 21st century education.

18 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

LINDA MAHLER Instructional Supervisor / Staunton City Schools We welcome student teachers and graduates from EMU, who come prepared to assume the many important roles of teachers. They are comfortable with planning to facilitate student learning, they understand that teachers must adapt instruction to meet students’ needs, and they have a strong sense of the importance of the job.

We appreciate that the EMU graduates have worked with many different seasoned teachers in their university courses. These varied experiences provide models and ideas to draw upon with diverse learners in their classrooms.

DOUG ALDERFER ’92, ED.D. Assistant Superintendent / Rockingham County Schools

PAUL JOHNSON, ED.D. Director of Human Resources & Administration / Page County Public Schools

EMU education program graduates are some of our most effective educators.

They are well-prepared, knowledgeable regarding instructional practice, and reflective in assessing the effectiveness of their lessons. Compassionate and caring, they come seeking to understand students from diverse economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

They are also always positive and optimistic about their students’ potential, and always evolving and willing to learn new things.

As I think about our teachers who were prepared by EMU, I often see teachers who are balanced, well-rounded professionals. They are usually self-disciplined and driven to succeed. One of the greatest attributes of EMU graduates are that they tend to be caring, compassionate and patient with their students.

PAT LITNER Assistant Superintendent for Instruction / Harrisonburg City Schools We are fortunate to have many EMU graduates on our staff. Their profile includes a common thread of commitment to service and great advocacy for students. We value the premium placed on cultural understanding, which is enhanced significantly by the required cross cultural experience. Bilingualism is extremely desirable and an asset many EMU graduates bring. We value the fact that EMU provides students with multiple opportunities to observe, learn and teach in classrooms early in their education and increases that time as commitment to the profession grows. Additionally, the annual review process gives us confidence that those students who make it to student teaching in their senior year have both the dispositions and skills to be successful in our classrooms.

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

FOUNDED IN 1988, THE MIDVALLEY CONSORTIUM FOR TEACHER EDUCATION IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT OF SEVEN SCHOOL DIVISIONS AND FOUR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY TO PROVIDE QUALITY FIELD EXPERIENCES BY PAIRING PRE-PROFESSIONAL STUDENT-TEACHERS WITH EXEMPLARY LEAD TEACHERS. INFORMATION FROM AUGUSTA COUNTY WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM DONNA FREY '87 BOWEN was one of the first math teachers in the country to use graphing calculators – and you’d think this was a pretty neat claim to modest fame – but when a Crossroads writer begins to pepper this 25-year teaching veteran with questions about which brand, Casio or Texas Instruments, came first, et cetera, et cetera, she gently but firmly provides guidance.

“Now I know that’s really interesting,” she says patiently, but with quiet insistence, “but the real story is what technology allows me to do now. I can do so much more in terms of engaging students. Even my classroom management has changed because of technology.”

Her interlocutor, who is hundreds of miles away, immediately senses, even over the phone, what it must be like as a student in Mrs. Bowen’s geometry class at Bullock Creek High School in Midland, Michigan. Even a not-sogood student might gain confidence from that firm realignment towards a different horizon.

You’re on the right track is the affirming message. Just go this direction with your brain instead.

Bowen, however, has to be convinced that her teaching trajectory is worth sharing: “There are many other teachers that do amazing things out there. I’m really not doing anything extraordinary.”

Consider this article, then, a snapshot of a teacher who does what every teacher should in the course of his or her professional career: be both a steadfast practitioner of tried-andtrue methodologies and a savvy integrator of new technologies.

That iconic pedagogical tool, The Chalkboard, has gone the way of the ditto machine and the overhead projector (whether you were taught with or taught yourself with those tools has become a generation-definer). In her classes, Bowen uses a computer whiteboard and several instructional software programs: eInstruction Workspace, the freeware app Geogebra, and TI SmartView, which projects a representation of a graphing calculator for

classroom viewing.

Not only does she have more options when presenting complex concepts, but using a small tablet called a Mobi Learner, Bowen can teach her lesson from any location in the classroom.

This means the class cut-up Johnny, who used to wait until Mrs. Bowen’s back was turned to the whiteboard to make a face or otherwise disrupt the class, no longer has the opportunity. He’s probably more engaged with what’s going on, and also keeping an eye on the alarmingly peripatetic Mrs. Bowen.

“My classroom management has completely changed,” Bowen says. “I am never at the front of the classroom. I can even hand the Mobi to a student to draw on or manipulate a model while everyone is watching. I can say, ‘Show me,’ and they can. The dynamics have changed.”

While Bowen is a fan of technology, she says, it “does not fundamentally change the methods I use for getting concepts across. I ask good leading questions. I listen to them. Good teaching starts with good questioning. In fact, the more I teach, the less I say.”

Another change, Bowen notes, is that she no longer has to convince her students – and that’s just about every student in the Bullock Creek school district, because Bowen has been, for most semesters, the only geometry teacher – that math skills are necessary to a successful post-high-school career. “A high school diploma is critical, and most kids these days get that. They’re not quite so hard to convince that this is a skill they need to learn for their own benefit.”

A couple of kids she didn’t need to convince of that were her own: Mattie, a senior at Bullock Creek, and Corey, who graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2013 and is now a doctoral candidate in aerospace engineering at University of Michigan.

Before moving to Michigan in 1995 with her husband Frank, Bowen also taught in Northern Virginia and in the Shenandoah Valley.

— LAUREN JEFFERSON

Donna Frey '87 Bowen checks homework the old-fashioned way, in her geometry class at Bullock Creek High School in Midland, Michigan. Then using a Mobi Learner, she works with students on a series of homework problems and introduces new concepts, keeping students engaged with constant interaction, both digital and human.

PHOTOS BY JON ST YER

www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 19

UNDAUNTED A Graduate�s Story About ‘How To Be Strong And Never Give Up� … OUR PRESENT SUFFERINGS ARE NOT WORTH COMPARING WITH THE GLORY THAT WILL BE REVEALED IN US. ROMANS 8:18 Eric Payne never set out to earn a master’s degree in education, which he received in May 2016 at Eastern Mennonite University. Among the many ways he identifies himself – father, husband, special education teacher, basketball coach – Eric Payne, holder of a graduate degree, hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

His mother, Rosetta Harris Payne, would have been proud, Payne says.

When he was born in May 1963, just three months before Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, she was a senior at the segregated Central Augusta High School in Augusta County Virginia.

Payne still has her notebook from English class.

“I read what she’s written and she was clearly, clearly so very smart,” he said.

“I’ve always compared myself to her. I’ve always struggled and I’ve never been an A student.”

His great-grandmother Mamie Jones Rhodes, too, would have been just as proud. She raised little Eric until she passed away before the start of his eighth-grade year.

As easy as studies came to his mother, it’s been a long, hard road for her son.

Any graduate student who takes classes one at a time, who balances family and work responsibilities, will say the journey to graduation is grueling. But for Payne, the obstacles in this years-long process are of Job-like proportion; his story reflects as much on his own character as it 20 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

does on the institution of EMU, what it currently is and what it strives to become.

TURNED AWAY Payne, a native of Waynesboro, Virginia, first set foot on the EMU campus almost 30 years ago. Initially, he came to play basketball and earn a bachelor’s degree, “and then I could say I had conquered the world.”

Payne didn’t conquer the world at EMU. In fact, he didn’t come close. He was one of a handful of black students on campus who quickly shared their feelings of isolation and alienation. They started a support group, the precursor to today’s Black Student Union.

There were no black professors to ease the transition into this very white world: Dr. Abraham Davis, director of the first Multicultural Student Center and an English professor, had left the previous year. Payne, who eventually met Davis, says a mentor such as Davis would have been invaluable.

“That’s what I needed. To understand, to survive … If we had a black professor on campus then, yeah, that would have made a difference. We could rap about it, talk about it, break it down … He would have said, 'Here’s what you need to do.’”

In a time when few academic support services were available, Payne failed his first semester. The Admissions Committee asked him to leave. He appealed and got a second chance. He worked hard. But it wasn’t enough. In April 1987, he received another letter, suggesting that he go elsewhere, perhaps “to Blue Ridge Community College, which can provide you with good learning assistance in a specialized

vocation [which] will provide you with a better opportunity to succeed.”

When Payne reads that sentence out loud, the word vocation sticks in his throat, laden with historic, negative connotations. “A vocation is what they used to tell black people to discourage them from going to college,” he says. “I was told to go get a trade.”

COMING BACK Payne did not appeal again to EMU. He went to Blue Ridge, then transferred to James Madison University (JMU).

His mother died in 1994. Payne took a leave of absence to grieve. He liked JMU, where he felt respected and supported by professors: “Even though I struggled, they never told me I should do something else.” He drove buses for the athletic department while earning a degree in health education. He kept attending a local Mennonite church, and

Eric Payne MA '16 (education) helps a student with a webquest project in a Fort Defiance High School biology class.

PHOTOS BY JON ST YER

got married.

For the next 15 years, he drove trucks, eventually owning his own short-haul trucking company. Then a divorce knocked him off his feet. Time on the road made it hard to see his two sons.

He started working out at the EMU fitness center, playing a little basketball for something to do in the gym. That’s how the coaching started, in 2003 with thenhead coach Richard McElwee, which led to his second career.

Head women’s basketball coach Kevin Griffin '93, MA '16 (education) has known Payne for 11 years. “I met him on the phone before I took the job at EMU, long before I got here,” Griffin says. On Griffin’s staff, Payne now works with the post players, keeps statistics during games, does some recruiting, and is often tapped for pre-game devotionals.

This last season, he drove the team bus when the usual driver became ill.

Griffin says Payne quickly builds rapport with players. “He gives this real positive vibe and energy to whatever group he is working with … he’s the first guy to hand you water, to pick you up.

He’ll tell you what you’re doing wrong in a kind, gentle way. He’s very good oneon-one with athletes.”

Like all of Griffin’s assistant coaches, Payne cares just as much about what happens outside the gym: grades, friendships, cars with dead batteries. And the skills he teaches on the court live large off the court.

Here’s junior post player Johnae Guest: When I think of Coach Payne, I think of toughness and perseverance. He taught us how to be strong and never give up, that when we have the ball in our hands, nobody should take it from us.

Her teammate, Jess Rheinheimer, says: He always asks “What did you do on your day off to make yourself better today?” This

motivated me to come in on my day off to make myself better because I wanted to make sure I had an answer when he asked me … He’s also a huge motivator for everyone with his signature catch phrase, “Get your mind right.”

In his first few years of coaching, Payne found he enjoyed the recruiting duties that took him into schools.

After obtaining a provisional license, he worked as a behavioral specialist and began chipping away at the coursework required for licensure.

Don Steiner, former chair of the graduate teacher education program, supported Payne through independent study classes when Payne’s work schedule didn’t allow for attendance in regular classes and as Payne worked through rigorous state licensure requirements (Virginia’s required test scores are some of the highest in the nation).

Payne was tenacious, dedicated and www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 21

grateful for the help, a model learner, Steiner recalls years later during an interview in which he learned that his former student is about to finish his master’s degree.

“Perseverance is the word I’d use to describe Eric,” Steiner said. “He was coachable and he listened and he worked hard and made incredible progress. He could have given up any number of times.”

was one of his current students. He sees a kid who struggles to keep up in the classroom, who tries hard but just can’t get the grades, who lacks the academic language and fluency that are prerequisites for college success, who has a learning disability and struggles with depression.

Payne sits inside his role of a teacher and he tells the kid the honest truth: “Son,” he says to his younger self, “I don’t know. Seeing what I see here, TEACHING TO MAKE AN IMPACT knowing what I know about you, you Now Eric Payne teaches special might need to think about something education at Fort Defiance High School. else other than college.”

“When I see my students struggling, I Even Eric Payne telling his younger self understand they are trying to do the best this doesn’t really sooth hurt feelings. Rathey can with their limitations,” he says. tionality is one thing. Rejection is another.

Sometimes he shares his own experiences.

One more thing sticks in his throat More rarely, he shares the letter he about being advised to leave EMU and received from EMU years ago. learn a trade: “If they really knew me, Payne says the effect of the letter that they would have known that I had tried shut the door to an undergraduate eduthat. In fact, I’d tried it twice,” Payne says. cation at EMU, urging him to pursue In high school, he had taken classes a specialized vocation, was “devastating.” in automechanics. After graduation, he Being told he didn’t belong caused him worked for four years at the Hershey to question, for a few years, who Chrisplant in Stuarts Draft. tians are and what they believe in.

He was 23 when he left his high-payPayne can now see his younger self as ing factory job. People who knew him clearly as if the basketball-obsessed youth thought he was crazy.

22 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Eric Payne visits with admissions counselor Nora Osei '15, a former basketball player, after the May 2016 commencement ceremony. Middle: With fellow assistant coach Ebony Dennis '10, MA '16 (education), Eric Payne welcomes the women's team to the floor during a home game.

He has coached at EMU since 2003.

Right: Eric Payne worked with senior Philip Watson Jr. (taking the photo) to host a November 2015 chapel service in honor of Dr. Abraham Davis, first director of EMU's Multicultural Student Center.

Payne remembers he was eating a bowl of Wheaties when he broke the news at the breakfast table to his uncle, with whom he’d lived after his great-grandmother died.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” said Minister T.E. Payne.

“Yes, sir,” Payne said.

“If you need anything, let me know,” his uncle said.

No family member had ever gone to college before. One friend told him he was too old to change his career. His only encouragement came from “an old white lady named Hazel who told me once, ‘Son, you have plenty of time to

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHEELER

work in a factory. Get out of here.’”

This is what he wished someone at EMU had realized: Twenty-three-yearold Eric Payne wanted more. He might not have known exactly what he wanted or how to get there or how to navigate a completely different culture of white, Mennonite academia. But he did know he wanted more.

As for the grades, his academic failures, Payne gets that: “I can see this situation like they were seeing it. I’m a teacher and I know when a student isn’t ready. I can see why they made the decisions they did … but still…”

That phrase “but still” is crucial to Payne’s being as a teacher and coach, to the man he’s become through these experiences. The “but still” is everything.

I may not have all the skills, but still you can teach me. I may not know what to do or how to act, but still I can learn. I may not be perfect now or ever, but still here I am. You may not know me, but still, you can listen and learn from me.

MANY BLESSINGS At one point in hours of conversation that led to this article, Payne is asked, “Why are you so loyal to this place?”

The answer comes quickly: “I guess I’m here because I think I can still make an impact with students, to help them.

And the church, too, I guess. I thought I could be a part of some change.”

Though EMU is much more diverse than in the late '80s – about 37 percent of students are now ethnic minorities or from other countries – Payne has advised

and mentored current EMU students who feel as isolated as he did years ago.

He shares what he knows, empathizes with them, interprets across cultures, offers strategies for success.

He also feels called, though his calling isn’t clear. Telling the story of his life unearths moments of complete consternation. His path has never been easy or simple: he awaits the next challenge with foreboding and resignation. “Sometimes, I ask ‘Why is this happening to me?’

Everything I try to do is hard, takes time, obstacles come up,” he admits. This strong, vibrant man sometimes despairs.

Despite these depths, though, Payne believes in blessings. It does not take long for the man, slumped in his chair, to lift his head.

He reminds himself: “The Lord saw all this before I even got there.”

He says: “The world keeps on trying to stop me but God has a bigger plan.

Some people hear parts of my story and they wonder why? How I keep going on.

It’s God. It’s not me. I tell that to people, ‘It’s not you, it has nothing to do with you, it’s a blessing.’ And I have to keep on saying that. Some of it is me, but this life is bigger than me. When I get down, when the next thing comes around that gets in my way, I think about how far I’ve come and how far God has brought me. There’s a reason. I don’t know what it is and that’s OK. This has to go forward. When it’s a God thing, it has to go forward.”

Then he laughs. “The journey begins.”

Each day, anew.

With grace, he continues to include EMU in that journey.

AND WE KNOW THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD WORKS FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM, WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. ROMANS 8:28 — LAUREN JEFFERSON

IN RESPONSE Fred Kniss, Provost I am grateful to Eric for his transparency and ongoing commitment to EMU. I know we can learn from his story and other stories like his. We welcome sharing from alumni who can help in our ongoing efforts to become a more welcoming and supportive community for people of all racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Part of this work includes acknowledgement and grieving of past painful experiences, misconceptions and lost opportunities. Our strategic plan includes specific hiring targets for creating a more diverse faculty and staff, and calls for additional resources to be allocated for faculty development to support the success of an increasingly diverse student body.

Currently, a special Diversity Task Force made up of faculty, staff and students is conducting research and producing recommendations for enhancing EMU as a welcoming and supportive community of learning for all.

www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 23

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

Jennifer Morris '91 , principal at Shelburne Middle School in Staunton, Virginia, is among a cohort of local educators being trained in restorative justice practices.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE Building Community PRINCIPAL JENNIFER MORRIS ’91 knew that restorative justice was catching on with the campus culture at Shelburne Middle School in Staunton, Virginia, when she heard the following story shortly after the first year of implementation: In summer school, a student and his group were presented with a problem to solve. After a few unproductive minutes, during which the discussion threatened to dissolve into disharmony, the student said, “Okay, let’s circle up and figure this out.”

The fact that a middle-schooler thought of the circle as a “go-to” tool 24 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

for resolving everyday conflict says the school is teaching much more than academics: Students are also learning “how to get along with others, how to monitor oneself and be self-disciplined,” says Morris.

Morris, who is enrolled in the master’s in education program at EMU, has led Shelburne in implementing and practicing restorative justice principles (known as RJE) since embarking on an update of the school’s discipline plan two years ago – she is one of many administrators and teachers across the country exploring new ways of helping students reflect on their behavior and holding them ac-

countable to each other and their school community.

A few hundred miles away, a similar ethos has been built on campuses of Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite School (LMS), including the New Danville Elementary School campus where Eloy Rodriguez ’03, EMU board member, is principal.

The concepts of restorative justice are not so new at LMS, with the process of cultural change beginning more than 15 years ago.

Notably, both public education and Mennonite education systems have made strong statements in favor of restorative justice programs, known as RJE in school contexts.

Public school educators noted the Department of Education's release of a RJE resource guide in 2014, partly in response to the disproportionately large number of minority and other marginalized students who under traditional punitive systems are suspended or expelled. These actions often lead to students of certain ages not returning to school, which raises the odds of potential unemployment or incarceration.

THIS ‘THIRD WAY’ KIND OF LIVING IN RELATIONSHIPS IS THE FOUNDATION OF A SCHOOL CULTURE THAT TRANSFORMS LIVES...

Eloy Rodriquez '03, EMU board member, is prinicipal at New Danville Elementary School in Pennsylvania. At his and other Lancaster Mennonite School campuses, restorative justice practices have been integrated into school culture for more than 15 years.

PHOTO BY JOAQUIN SOSA

Mennonite educators, who have made restorative practices among foundational principles for at least two decades, reaffirmed their commitment at the biennial Mennonite Educators Conference in February 2016. That's where LMS Superintendent J. Richard Thomas named, among other goals, “making restorative justice normative in Mennonite schools.”

Restorative justice is at the heart of Christ-centered education, says Rodriguez. Teach children “to be aware of how their actions may hurt others, to acknowledge the harm that’s been done and to develop a plan to make it right,” and those skills will help to create empathetic teenagers and young adults who are willing to practice reconciliation and forgiveness.

“This ‘third way’ kind of living in relationships is the foundation of a school culture that transforms lives, which enables students to become world changers through Christlike love, peacemaking and service,” Rodriguez said.

The momentum is gratifying to Professor Kathy Evans, who is lead faculty in EMU’s new MA in Restorative Justice in Education program (starting fall 2018).

She’s become a resource to national media, which not only shares successes but has begun to question the efficacy

of such programs in public schools, which are sometimes hastily constructed without buy-in from those affected most – teachers.

The implementation of an RJE program needs to be holistic, focused on transforming the school climate and culture, and also sustainable, she told The Atlantic. It isn’t a quick and easy process that can be implemented after a oneday training, she says. Building healthy relationships between all members of the learning community – students, teachers, administrators, caregivers – takes time.

At Shelburne, Morris is keeping sustainability at the forefront of the new model, which she’s building with the help of other Staunton educators who have sought additional training at EMU. She urges other educators to seek training as well, whether the new MA in RJE offered by EMU or through coursework or trainings such as the Restorative Justice in Education Academy June 2728 at EMU this summer.

RJE is “a different way of looking at the world, and it requires us to rethink practices that have been in effect for a long time,” Morris says. “This approach enables us to teach something that has a long-term impact on students’ lives.”

THE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN EDUCATION (RJE) ACADEMY JUNE 27-28 AT EASTERN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY HELPS EDUCATORS ANSWER KEY QUESTIONS ABOUT RJE. How will training and expertise in RJE benefit students, teachers, and the overall school culture?

How can RJE assist in addressing needs of disenfranchised and marginalized students, as well as poor attendance, low graduation rates, low achievement, discipline concerns, and school/community issues?

How does RJE fit with existing behavior and/or anti-bullying programs?

What are the descriptors or indicators of an RJE school that can guide our reflection?

How do we get started in implementing RJE in our school or school division?

Join EMU educators Kathy Evans, Judy Mullet '73 and Bob Garrity, as well as keynote speaker Jonathan Stith, national coordinator for the Alliance for Educational Justice, a network of intergenerational and youth-led organizations working to end the school-to-prison pipeline.

For more information, visit emu.edu/maed/restorative-justice/rje-academy-2016 or email EMU MA in education director Sarah Armstrong at sarah.armstrong@emu.edu.

— LAUREN JEFFERSON www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 25

1.

OF MANY TALENTS ARROWS, HURDLES AND MOUSETRAP CARS 1.

Paul Payne ’89 teaches high school with Hicksville Exempted Village Schools. The K-12 student body, numbering about 900, is housed in a triangle-shaped two-story building. Every student belongs to one of four "houses," a system that builds community and connects older and younger students. "Kids are 'sorted' in third grade, just like Harry Potter only with a Hicksville twist," says Payne, a member of the high school's leadership team.

2. Payne, who graduated from EMU with a degree in biology and chemistry education, teaches physics, chemistry and environmental science. He joined the Hicksville staff in 1995, when he moved with his wife, Pamela, a Hicksville native. He had taught previously at Locust Grove Mennonite School and Lancaster Mennonite High School, both in Pennsylvania.

3. One wing of the Hicksville school building is designed like a main street, with a cobbled floor that doubles as practice space during indoor track season. “We set up hurdles in here,” Payne says. To the left is the gym, weight room, locker rooms, auditorium and a cozy cafeteria. Payne was on the design team for the new school, which opened in 2010.

4. From October through March, Payne (with daughter Emma on the right) coaches the archery club in the gym. The team, which was founded in 2010, has two other coaches and about 60 members from fourth to 12th grade. Payne has also been the head indoor and outdoor track and field coach since 1998.

5. Payne jokes with a student during a quiz in his physics class.

He and his wife have three daughters: Kiersten, 20, a junior at Ohio Wesleyan University; Lauren, 19, a freshman at Capital University; and Emma, 15. She is a member of the archery team and also runs cross country and track, just as her dad did at EMU. 6. Physics students learn through several projects, including mousetrap cars (shown here), toothpick bridges and the egg drop.

The first project is The Great Boat Race at a local pool, in which pairs of sailor-students paddle laps in a cardboard boat of their own design. One rule: Entrants must “clean up all remains of their boat after race officials have declared it sunk.” A Titanic Award for most spectacular sinking is also awarded.

– LAUREN JEFFERSON

26 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

2.

PHOTOS BY JON ST YER

3.

5.

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www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 27

Rachel Diener ’74, with student Kassidy Arsenault, has worked for 23 years at the EMU Early Learning Center. Diener was an assistant teacher from 1993-1997, and a teacher from 1998-2004 before becoming the director. Based in a few blocks from EMU at Park View Mennonite Church, the center offers both learning for children ages 2-5, and practicum experiences for EMU education students in the early childhood and elementary education majors. Diener estimates that more than 500 education students have spent time at the laboratory school.

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

MILEPOSTS An Education Edition

Miriam Housman ‘53, Lititz, Pa., volunteers as a teacher of African culture to church and community groups. She began her career at Locust Grove School and then in Philadelphia at a Quaker school, where she was known as “Teacher Miriam.” With husband J. Harold Housman ‘49, she moved to Africa, where she taught and raised her family in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

When the family returned stateside, she taught again at the same two schools.

Among her colleagues were Principal Mirabel Kraybill ‘53 and David King ‘76, who was a physical education teacher and now is athletic director at EMU. Dwight Beachy '63, Mylo, N.D., teaches part-time in the Adult Learning Center at Turtle Mountain Community College, working with primarily Native American students on GED preparation. Dwight began his career at the Bible Academy at Nazareth, Ethiopia, where he taught for seven years after graduation. In 1972, his congregation in North Dakota started Salem Mennonite School where he was principal for 19 years, teaching most of that time. He also taught science in the local public schools before his retirement.

Miles E. Yoder ’79 was named principal of Lancaster Mennonite School’s Hershey campus in Pennsylvania. He continues as LMS assistant superintendent. Among other changes, Yoder is leading the addition of online Chinese courses. He’s also added a new Bible elective course, as well as increasing the number of weekly chapel services.

Elwood E. Yoder ‘81, Harrisonburg, Va., chairs the Bible department at Eastern Mennonite School, where he also teaches history. He has master’s degrees from Temple University and the University of Pittsburgh. A 33-year teaching veteran, Elwood has published several books, including histories of Weavers Mennonite Church, Zion Mennonite Church and Bishop Martin Burkholder, and two historical novels.

He is editor of the quarterly periodical, Shenandoah Mennonite Historian. He and wife Joy Risser ‘81 Yoder, a self-employed seamstress, have three adult children. For more information about his published works, visit http://www.elwoodyoder.net/ Carol Speigle ‘85 Landon, Crisfield, Md., was honored for 30 years as a first-grade

28 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

teacher at Holly Grove Christian School in Westover.

Douglas Lehman '85, Washington D.C., is senior education specialist for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). He is the country lead for Chad, Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea and Mali. GPE supports 61 developing countries to ensure that every child receives a quality basic education.

John Lichty ‘89, Goshen, Ind., teaches physical education at Parkside and Chamberlain elementary schools. John shared that the values he learned at EMU are still ever-present in his teaching: he especially noted the guidance of advisor Jay B. Landis; the help of Professor Don Clymer in the acquisition of Spanish, a language John uses in his teaching; and the influence of professors Orv Gingerich, Patti Helton, John Denlinger and Sandy Brownscombe in teaching health and wellness “with care and respect for all students and the skills they bring.” He and wife Emily have two sons, Jacob and Carlos. (See photo on page 33.)

Patricia (Patty) Baer ‘90, MA ‘16 (TESOL), Harrisonburg, Va., is a lead ESL teacher at Waterman Elementary School in Harrisonburg, where she’s taught for 16 years. She also

co-teaches an ESL methods course for Harrisonburg City Schools staff through James Madison University.

Denise Diener '92, Goshen, Ind., is a teacher to English learners at West Goshen Elementary School. Her husband, Gilberto Perez '94, is senior director of intercultural development and educational partnerships at Goshen College.

Arlin Roth '93 is an instructional technology specialist at Bellefonte Area School District in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. "The job that I hold did not exist when I attended EMU," he says.

Arlin is a Google For Education certified trainer and has been an instructor/facilitator for Eduspire graduate courses. Prior to Bellefonte, he worked in the same position with Spring Cove School District. He and wife Geri have two daughters, Anna and Rebecca.

Ryan Lehman ‘94, Sarasota, Fla., is now superintendent of Sarasota Christian School.

Previously he was director of special education at Blacklick Valley School District in Nanty Glo, Pa. He and his family served with Mennonite Central Committee in Israel/Palestine from 2007-2010.

Crystal Campbell ‘95, Harrisonburg, Va., teaches fifth grade in Harrisonburg City Schools. She has travelled to Haiti for mission work at an orphanage five times since 2011.

She is in the process of adopting two children from Haiti.

Carmen Miller ’96, Harrisonburg, Va., teaches in the EMU Early Learning Center and also works part-time in EMU’s Campus Ministries. Initially uncomfortable in the traditional classroom setting, Carmen was mentored by psychology professor Judy Mullet '73 to pursue alternatives. After graduation, she spent a year of voluntary service teaching environmental education at Amigo Centre, a camp and retreat center in Michigan. She stayed on as program coordinator for seven years, teaching marsh ecology, animal tracking and canoeing, among other subjects. “I’ve continued teaching in non-traditional ways: early childhood music, religious education on a bus outfitted as a classroom, homeschooling my own children and now at ELC,” Carmen says.

“I’m grateful for the gift of a caring professor, like Judy, who mentored me in the midst of my uncertainty.”

Jill Leaman Milton ‘05 lives in Lancaster, Pa., with her husband, Nate, a guidance counselor with Hempfield School District, and their three children, Rielle, 5, Isaac, 2.5, and Jensen, 5 months. Nate is in the MA in education program and Jill is earning a reading specialist certificate at EMU Lancaster. Jill taught at Lafayette Elementary School in Lancaster, then at Rosslyn Academy in Kenya from 2008-2011.

She then taught at New Danville Mennonite School until becoming a full-time mom. She subs and volunteers in the classroom.

Katrina J. Martin ‘07 Yoder, Harrisonburg, Va., has taught for nine years at Waterman Elementary School. She works regularly with EMU practicum students and student teachers “as an opportunity to pass on the education and mentoring I received at EMU.” Her husband, Paul (see below) joins the EMU education faculty in fall 2016.

Joy Shaiebly '07 Shelly, Manheim, Pa., who earned her certification in K-12 health and PE, works at Bright Horizons-Hildebrant Learning Center.

Paul J. Yoder ‘06, MA ‘11 (education), Harrisonburg, Va., earned his PhD in education from the University of Virginia in 2016. He

returns to teach in the EMU education department in fall 2016. Paul taught at Thomas Harrison Middle School, hosting two EMU student student teachers, before moving to full-time doctoral studies.

Raluca Snyder MA '08 (education), Lancaster, Pa., is supervisor of instructional programs and a Title I and III administrator with Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13.

She earned her EdD at Immaculata University.

Jared Byler '09, Thompsontown, Pa., is a third-grade teacher and principal at Belleville Mennonite School, where he works with several EMU alumni. "I am very fond of my years at EMU and truly believe I would not be the educator or administrator I am today without the guidance of several professors, which include Toni Flannigan, Judy Wilfong and Katrina Maynard," he wrote.

David Donaldson MA ‘10, a special education teacher with the City of York, is working on his dissertation in the educational leadership doctoral program at Immaculata University. “... Not only were those interactions with fellow classmates [at EMU Lancaster] fruitful, I also had the privilege of learning from outstanding instructors. The tenets of

At Lancaster Mennonite School, Lancaster campus: (from left) Elizabeth Landis, GC '06 (conflict transformation), principal; and teachers Janelle Thomas '95, Neil Reinford '88, and Todd Bowman, class of '94, SEM '15, who are involved in a new problem-based learning curriculum. Recent themes have included systems, collaboration, tipping points and manufacturing. (Photo by Joaquin Sosa)

constructivism, peacebuilding and restorative justice permeated and enriched my course of study.” At his graduation in June 2010, he was joined by his wife, two children, mother, sister and niece “on a picture-perfect day I hope never to forget.”

Alyssa Cable ‘14 Green, Harrisonburg, Va., is a kindergarten teacher at Stone Spring Elementary School.

Kierra Stutzman '14 Sauder, Mount Crawford, Va., teaches high school English at Blue Ridge Christian School in Bridgewater. She is married to Derek Sauder '14.

www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 29

'YOU ARE BELOVED OF GOD' WITH MY COLLEAGUE Lori Leaman, I teach a required Senior Seminar on the theme of dealing with suffering and loss. In this summative, reflective course, seniors review their faith development, their cross-cultural experience and their vocational calling. I’ve taught this course for nine years, but because I will be retiring after this academic year, this semester was particularly special for those gifts our students shared with us.

Henri Nouwen, prolific Catholic author of books on spirituality, frequently made the case for telling yourself: “You 30 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

are beloved of God.” Over his short life, Nouwen struggled mightily with believing that he indeed was beloved of God. It was because of sharing from his deepest and darkest self in total vulnerability that he connected with millions of people around the world.

During our final class meeting, we perform a Nouwen-inspired exercise.

The students face each other in inside/ outside circles, look at each other directly, and state to each other: “You are beloved of God.” They continue moving to several other students around the circle.

Then we open it up to anyone. It has a powerful, almost magical effect. There is laughter, hugs and tears.

I have become convinced that our American culture teaches us to be selfloathing. Messages come from everywhere that we are not good-looking enough, not talented enough, not intelligent enough, not wealthy enough, not spiritual enough. We always compare ourselves with those who excel in the areas where we feel lacking; we never look at those who have less in any given category. The result is that we think we can never measure up. The advertising industry is astute in capitalizing on this self-hate by providing us with products that will, according to their pitch, make us all the things that we are not.

The magic of the phrase “You are beloved of God,” as we share it in our class, comes about because it is given freely as a gift. The eyes are a window into the soul, and looking into each other’s eyes while stating this simple phrase goes directly to the soul. Saying these words connects us on a deep level. It helps us to realize that in God’s eyes, we don’t have

TEACHING AT EMU The “dangerous” intersection of personal and public life

Professors Lori Leaman '88 and Don Clymer SEM '08, senior seminar co-teachers, in animated conversation in Roselawn.

PHOTO BY JON ST YER

to measure up to any artificial cultural standard. He loves us as we are.

In a second exercise, we ask the students to reflect on what they learned in the course, and what they will take with them as they graduate. I was overwhelmed with the gift of love expressed in their reflections.

“I learned that I don’t have to fix someone’s pain, that being present with them in silence is enough.”

“I will never forget the phrase ‘hurt people hurt people.’ I am hurt and I now realize how I am hurting others.”

“I became aware of the poison of unforgiveness. I have had to forgive someone who wronged me.”

“I learned that there are many areas in my life that I need to let go. I cannot always be in control.”

“I learned that community and our ‘cloud of witnesses’ is very important in dealing with our pain.”

“I will always remember that I am beloved of God.” What touched me the most, however, were the statements made about their faith. Nearly a half-dozen students said

that they returned to a lost faith through the course. One said that she was afraid to talk about her faith thinking that she would be rejected, but she felt affirmed in her unusual spirituality through the course. Most said that their faith was strengthened, that they wanted to commit to deeper spiritual practices like prayer, Bible study, walks in nature and sitting in silence.

Over the nine years that I have taught this course, there have been many satisfying moments. There have also been ugly moments, perhaps to be expected in a required course. Yet today’s final exercise will forever be etched in my mind as one of the most positive outcomes I have experienced. Thank you, students, for this wonderful gift of love. “You are beloved of God!” — DON CLYMER Don Clymer SEM '08, a professor of language and literature, published a version of this essay in December 2015 on his blog “Klymer Klatsch,” (read more at donrclymer.blogspot. com). He retired at the end of the spring 2016 semester.

Don came to EMU in 2001 as cross-cultural director after teaching at Hesston College and working as director of communications for Virginia Mennonite Conference and Board of Missions. In 2006, he returned to the classroom.

WHY HAVE DON AND I continued to volunteer to co-teach what is known in higher education as the dreaded “required course”? The answer for me is simple: teaching at EMU is a fabulously dangerous intersection of my personal and public life. In other words, at EMU we don’t just teach about our mission in the world - we try to live it.

Parker Palmer, a Quaker and world-renowned writer in education and spirituality, describes the disheartening current state of affairs in many American colleges: “A self-protective split of personhood from practice is encouraged by an academic culture that distrusts personal truth ... objective facts are regarded as pure, while subjective feelings are suspect and sullied. Academic culture distrust and devalues inner reality” (1998, pp. 17-19).

Palmer, however, also counters this with a lifechanging alternative for teaching, one that Don and I and so many other professors at EMU embrace on a daily basis: "The courage to teach is the courage to keep one’s heart open in those very moments when the heart is asked to hold more than it is able so that teacher and students and subject can be woven into the fabric of community that learning, and living, require."

Our seniors at EMU have spent hours examining and engaging with the complex and often heartwrenching realities of our world. Yet that’s not enough. Most college students, if they were completely honest, would likely say that naming world problems and learning skills to solve problems just isn’t enough.

When we ignore the bigger questions that loom so large in this world, such as why a just God allows suffering, we may have so-called “solutions,” but we run the risk of losing faith, of losing hope, of losing ourselves. For example, if I teach courses in teacher education but I fail to address my own internal struggles in learning to navigate the issues of racial and socio-economic injustices in our public schools, I don’t reveal the fullness of the skill and personhood demanded by the profession of teaching. I have avoided the dangerous intersection; and my students would know that this should have been an intersection I was willing to cross with them in order for them to have a more successful journey into the profession.

I believe that at EMU, my colleagues and I continue to provide a counter-narrative for hope and healing in this world. Ironically, this likely stems from our willingness to be vulnerable, versus venerable, professors. Our teaching takes us down “dangerous,” but also powerful and sacred roads, in which we are willing to weave life’s biggest questions about God, love, pain, hope and justice in, among, and across our disciplinary expertise. Why? To ensure that we are not only helping these young people to become experts and knowers, but to prevent the tragic split of personhood from their future practice in this world.

The world needs their faith, hope and person, not just their “answers.” — LORI LEAMAN Palmer, P.J. (1998). The courage to teach: Exploring the inner landscape of a teacher’s life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 31

Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who will be the university's ninth president, addresses the campus community during a chapel service in April.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW STRACK

THE NINTH PRESIDENT OF EMU

DR. SUSAN SCHULTZ HUXMAN

From left: Kay Nussbaum '78, chair of the EMU Board of Trustees, and Evon Bergey '81, board member and chair of the Presidential Search Committee, with Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who will be EMU's new president, and Carlos Romero, executive director of Mennonite Education Agency.

32 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Susan Schultz Huxman, PhD, has been appointed as Eastern Mennonite University’s ninth president by unanimous vote from both the university’s Board of Trustees and the Board of Mennonite Education Agency.

Huxman is currently president of Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. She will officially assume office on Jan. 1, 2017.

Her selection follows a 10-month process conducted by a Presidential Search Committee of representatives from the EMU Board, faculty, staff, students and alumni, MEA Board and Mennonite Church USA. “We are delighted that Dr. Huxman has accepted this call,” said Evon L. Bergey, chair of the Presidential Search Committee and an EMU board member. “She was a top choice for many reasons. Her deeply rooted Anabaptist faith, commitment to Mennonite higher education, innovative spirit, administrative experience and scholarly abilities will be great gifts to our students and the campus community.”

“As an academic and passionate ambassador of Mennonite education, I see EMU as a real gift to the church and our world today as it prepares students 'to serve and lead in a global context,’” said Huxman. “I enjoyed the visits in both Virginia and Pennsylvania with many engaged constituencies. I sensed much confidence and excitement around EMU’s people and purpose. Jesse and I look forward to joining this faith-inspired community.”

Huxman has served for more than 25 years in higher education in a variety of academic and administrative roles. Prior to her appointment at Conrad Grebel, she was director of the Elliott School of Communication at Wichita (Kansas) State University.

She earned her MA and PhD in communication studies from the University of Kansas. Her involvements in Mennonite education include serving on the board of MEA from 2001 to 2007, and on the board of Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA. She graduated from Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas.

Huxman will succeed Loren E. Swartzendruber, DMin, who has served as university president since 2003. His term ends June 30, 2016. Lee Snyder, PhD – former academic dean and professor at EMU as well as former president of Bluffton (Ohio) University – will serve six months as interim president. — LAUREN JEFFERSON

MILEPOSTS FACULTY & STAFF David Brubaker, professor of organizational studies, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, will begin as director of the MBA program in the fall of 2016. David has taught at CJP since 2004 and in the MBA program since 2006. He takes over from Professor Jim Leaman '86, who has directed the MBA program for the past five years and continues as chair of the business department.

Steve Cessna, professor of biochemistry, has been named the Daniel B. Suter Endowed Professor of Biology. The appointment was previously held by Professor Roman Miller, who retired this spring.

Abraham Davis was honored in November 2015 with a chapel service for his work as director of the Cross-Cultural Center from 1980-85, the precursor to today’s Multicultural Student Services.

Cathy Smeltzer Erb '85, professor of education and chair of the undergraduate education department, has been named the Jesse T. Byler Endowed Chair, a position which was vacant since the retirement of former director Don Steiner.

David Glanzer '71, professor of counseling, received the Career Service Award from the Virginia Counselors Association in November 2015. David has taught for 20 years in the MA in Counseling program, which he co-founded. He retires this spring after 30 years at EMU. Nancy Heisey SEM '94, professor of Bible and religion, moves into a half-time position as associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary in fall 2016. She will also teach half-time at the undergraduate level. Former associate dean Lonnie Yoder will move back into a half-time teaching role (see page 12).

Justin Poole, professor of theater, was commissioned by Asbury United Methodist Church to adapt and perform “The Gospel Project: A Theatrical Journey through the Life of Jesus Christ” for their Sacred Arts Series.

Adjunct faculty members Holly Labbe and David Vogel, as well as student Ezrionna Prioleau assisted in the January performances.

Lisa Schirch, research professor, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, published a training manual, Handbook on Human Security: A Civil-Military-Police Curriculum, culminating a three-year project with support from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Lisa is now senior policy advisor at the Alliance for Peacebuilding.

Matt Ruth '06 was named director of admissions this fall. He was previously associate director of admissions.

Jennifer Ulrich, technical services librarian, Sadie Hartzler Library, has been elected to serve a three-year term on the American Theological Library Association’s (ATLA) Board of Directors.

Nate Yoder, professor of church history, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, will increase his hours as university archivist, as he aids historian Don Kraybill on the Centennial history and continues processing work on the Joseph Lapp and Loren Swartzendruber presidential archives. Nate will continue to supervise the MA in Religion theses and degree projects for the MA in Church Leadership.

Howard Zehr, professor emeritus of restorative justice, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, was awarded the Howard Zinn Lifetime Achievement Award in Peace and Justice Studies by the Peace and Justice Studies Association in October 2015.

John Lichty '89, Goshen, Indiana, grabs a jump rope for some Parkside Elementary School students practicing for Jump Rope for Heart celebrations. He teaches physical education to approximately 750 students at Parkside and Chamberlain elementary schools in Goshen, Indiana, where he lives with wife Emily and sons Jacob and Carlos. Also see page 28. (Courtesy of Michael Caterina, The Goshen News)

1970-1979 Carol Bowers '71, Rock Hill, S.C., retired from Family Practice Physicians after 25 years.

She and husband Dale attend Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she participates in weekly Bible study and hospital visitation as a partner of the Pastor Care Team. She also enjoys reading and being with her grandchildren.

Susan Brenneman '72, Lansdale, Pa., was honored by Christopher Dock Mennonite High School as Alumni of the Year in Outstanding Achievement. Susan is a researcher in health, economics and outcomes at Optum. She has authored and co-authored book chapters and journals. Susan earned a PhD in policy research, evaluation and measurement at the University of Pennsylvania. Brent Godshalk ‘79 was also honored (see below).

David E Bucher '74, Fairfax, Va., retired from the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board after 35 years of government service. He was an administrative trademark law judge for 17 years.

Conley McMullen '78, Harrisonburg, Va., is a professor of biology at James Madison University. He received the Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award in 2016. He also received the Provost Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship in 2014.

Brent Godshalk '79, Cary, N.C., was honored

by Christopher Dock Mennonite High School as Alumni of the Year in Outstanding Achievement. After receiving his PhD from North Carolina State University, he spent three years with Mennonite Central Committee working in cropping systems research in Bangladesh. He administered muliple plant science research programs with his work with BASF Plant Science and Syngenta. He is currently serving as a consultant for Plant Impact in Cary. Susan Brenneman '72, was also an honoree (see above).

1980-1989 Dottie Baumgarten '80, Glenside, Pa., has earned an award for community impact from the Business Center for Social Entrepreneurship. Dottie founded Sustainable Choices LLC in 2009 to provide environmental education and consultation. She was previously an elementary school science teacher.

Evon Bergey '81, Perkasie, Pa., has been named vice president of community initiatives at Landis Communities. Since 2000, Evon held a variety of leadership positions within Magellan Healthcare, including chief operations officer, interim, for Magellan Complete Care of Florida. Evon chaired the EMU Presidential Search Committee.

www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 33

Dan Mast '82, Willow Street, Pa., closed his private medical practice and is the medical director of the Wound Center at Lancaster General Hospital.

Ruth Hoover '94 Zimmerman MA ‘02 (counseling), Fairfax, Va., is senior program quality advisor for South Asia and the Pacific with World Vision US.

Michael W. Miller '82, Boonsboro, Md., is a part-time agent with Long and Foster Real Estate. He also owns and operates music schools in Boonsboro and Frederick, where he teaches piano, violin, brass, woodwind and percussion to learners of all ages. He and his wife, Elena, who is from Russia, celebrated their 10th anniversary this year. They have a six-year-old daughter, Elizabeth.

John Wilkinson '96, Waynesboro, Va., is Augusta County’s director of community development, supervising a staff of 15 involved in planning, zoning, engineering and building inspections. Previously he had been a zoning administrator for 16 years.

Phil Wenger '82, Lancaster, Pa., was named chief executive director of the Lancaster County Conservancy.

READ THE WEATHER VANE ONLINE! Want to stay updated on EMU News from the student perspective?

Check out the updated Weather Vane website. Londen Wheeler '16 and Malachi Bontrager '16, along with Nicole Smith (not pictured), collaborated on the new site. (Photo by Joaquin Sosa) Check it out at weathervaneemu.wix.com/theweathervane

Former staffers, send us your memories!

We have no fewer than nine former WV staffers working on campus, but we want to hear from others for a Centennial article on the Weather Vane. Contact Crossroads editor lauren.jefferson@emu or mail to 1200 Park Rd., Harrisonburg, VA. 22802.

Regina Fay Chacha '85, Martinsville, Va., is executive director at Teamwork Ministries after the death in April 2015 of her husband, John Nick Chacha ’84 (see Spring/Summer 2015 Crossroads). In 2007, the couple started Teamwork City of Hope, a children’s home, primary school and medical center in John’s home village of Ntagacha, Tanzania. A new goal is the construction of a school to be named the Dr. John Chacha Secondary School.

See www.teamworkcityofhope.com.

Natalie Davis Wood '85 Leonard, Roanoke, Va., graduated from Radford University in 2015 with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, with a concentration as a family nurse practitioner.

Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, she is a nurse practitioner at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare.

Deana Moren '86 Baker, Goshen, Ind., was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in April. At Bremen High School, she was their all-time leading scorer. As the leading scorer for three seasons at EMU, she totaled 1,080 points, setting season (85.7%) and career (83.7%) free throw percentage records.

She was the 1986 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Player of the Year and a two-time honorable mention All-American. Deana is a member of the EMU Athletic Hall of Honor.

She is assistant professor of biology with Thomas University.

Rodney Alderfer '87, Harrisonburg, Va., has been elected to the board of directors for Pioneer Network, a national nonprofit that advocates for person-directed care at long-term care facilities. Rodney is president of Bridgewater Retirement Community Nelson Witmer '87, Columbiana, Ohio, accompanied his father, Ralph Witmer, and son Alex Witmer '15 to Poland in November 2015. Ralph was a “seagoing cowboy” with Brethren Relief Services and had not returned to the country for 69 years. All nine of Ralph’s children attended Eastern Mennonite University, and seven grandchildren are also alumni. The family owns Witmers, Inc. and Das Dutch Village.

EMU LANCASTER Michael Baker, a 2012 graduate of the STEP program at EMU Lancaster, works for Eastern Mennonite (EMM) in Guinea-Bissau, with wife Karen and children (from left) Jada, 13; Isaiah, 7; Micah, 8; Josiah, 10; and Lydia, 12. With fellow EMM worker Dave Shirk, Michael recently oversaw the construction and opening of a new Catel clinic, with a prenatal care room, lab, pharmacy, wound care room, three beds for overnight observation, indoor bathrooms, and a shower. The clinic was started by Beryl Forrester and had been based out of various temporary locations, among them a disused cashew processing plant.

(Photo courtesy Micheal Baker)

34 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Todd Shenk '88, Seattle, Wash., was selected as a Presidio Institute Fellow. Todd is senior director of strategic engagement and initiatives at Casey Family Programs, which is dedicated to safely eliminating the need for foster care. From 2011-2014, Todd served as a special assistant in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, working on issues of housing, homelessness and child welfare.

1990-1999 Tim Schultz '90, Newfane, N.Y., serves in various ministries in Buffalo, which includes directing a coffee house at Newfane’s First Baptist Church.

2000-2010 Sandie J. Russell-Vickers ‘00, Lakeland, Fla., has retired but continues to volunteer counseling services to individuals dealing with life stresses.

Thaddeus May '02, Overland Park, Kan., presented a November Suter Science Seminar about his experiences as a pediatrician with childhood nutrition and the lethal disease, kwashiorkor. Thaddeus worked with Mennonite Central Committee at a therapeutic feeding center in rural Mozambique before attending EMU. He earned his medical degree at University of Kansas in 2007.

Kevin Steiner '02, Boston, Mass., is currently training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston in the Global Health Equity Residency.

After attending EMU, he spent one year at the National Cancer Institute before earning his MD and PhD at Case Western Reserve University. Kevin returned to campus in February to give a Suter Science Seminar on hepatitis C. Laura Rosenberger '03, New York, N.Y., is a surgical breast oncology fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She recently passed the surgical boards after a residency at University of Virginia. Laura presented a Suter Science Seminar in February about her residency experiences.

Denver Steiner '04, Orrville, Ohio, and his father Dallas were keynote speakers at the 2015 MEDA Convention, sharing how their company Venture Products aims to be a spiritual force and a leading manufacturer of compact tractors. The family-run company was also featured in the March/April 2016 edition of MEDA Marketplace.

Chris Fretz '05 and Lindsey Fyre '04 Fretz began a three-year term with Mennonite Central Committee and partner organizations in Chiapas, Mexico, in July 2015. Lindsey is working on ecumenical bridgebuilding and Chris is working on issues of indigenous migration. Their daughters are Ramona and Ruthie.

Lindsay Martin '05, Harrisonburg, Va., was elected to a three-year term on the Harrisonburg Friendly City Food Co-Op board. She is associate director of development for the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.

John Neiswander '05, Philadelphia, Pa., is a Spanish interpreter at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Ben Weaver '05, Green Lane, Pa., was a guest speaker at the 2016 Honors Weekend, which brings prospective Honor students to campus.

Ben is using his business administration degree to help run the family business, Alderfer Glass, headquartered in Telford and with three other locations in Pennsylvania.

Casey Armstrong '06, Rockingham, Va., recently visited EMU to talk to environmental sustainability majors about his position as director of community development. He also oversees the Environmental Services Department, which is involved in the provision of public facilities and services, diverse housing opportunities, and use of land resources.

Timothy Fitzgerald '06, Staunton, Va., became the Augusta County Administrator in January, hired from among a pool of more than 31 applicants from 12 different states, according to a local newspaper. He previously worked for the county as its director of community development.

Kim Slee '06, MSN '12, Orrstown, Pa., was promoted to chief operating officer at Fulton County Medical Center. She is enrolled in an MBA program in healthcare administration at Eastern University.

Jonathan Keener '07, Winona Lake, Ind., works at the Christian Performing Artists’ Fellowship, as he and his wife Claire prepare to be missionaries and music teachers in East Asia. After graduation from EMU, Jonathan studied in the Doctor of Musical Arts program at James Madison University, the only piano student ever admitted without first receiving a master’s degree. After graduating from JMU in 2011, he was an adjunct professor and maintained a studio of about 20 students.

Allison Glick '10, Pittsburgh, Pa., was a guest speaker at Honors Weekend with Ben Weaver '05. Allison, who has a degree in chemistry, recently concluded two years at Village Acre Farm in Mifflintown and is working as a STEM curriculum coordinator at Neighborhood Learning Alliance, as well as on the nursery staff at Tree Pittsburgh.

Kaleb Wyse '10 and Joel Kratzer '10, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, are partners on a home-andhearth blog called “The Gray Boxwood.” The duo produced a 60-second video that won chef Rachel Ray’s “Dreamjobbing” competition.

Kaleb co-hosted a November 2015 show with Rachel Ray.

2011Sam Berenstain '11, Harrisonburg, Va., was elected to a three-year term with the Harrisonburg Friendly City Food Co-op.

Allison Byler '11 Peachey, Belleville, Pa., and her husband Chase have taken over operation of the Peachey family dairy farm. When Allison is not helping on the farm, she works as a registered nurse on a PRN basis at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital.

Maria Zehr '11, Harrisonburg, Va., organized an Encore! concert fundraiser in February that also honored President Loren Swartzendruber.

The concert included students, faculty and alumni. Maria is a board member of Encore, the alumni group that supports the music department. She teaches at Cub Run Elementary School in McGaheysville.

Blair Wilner '13, earned his Master of Theological Studies at Duke University Divinity School in May 2015. In August 2015, Blair attended the Ludwig Wittgenstein Summer School and the 38th International Wittgenstein Symposium. Blair currently works in development and alumni relations at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and is applying to doctoral programs in theology.

Eric King '14, McMurdo Station, Antarctica, supports scientists on the southernmost continent with a 57-hour work week. He is a dining attendant, on the janitorial staff, a coffee house worker and shuttle driver.

Kara Lofton ‘14, Morgantown, W.Va., is the Appalachia Health News Coordinator at West Virginia Public Broadcasting, a member station of NPR. Prior to this, she was a freelance reporter for WMRA, an affiliate with NPR serving the Shenandoah Valley and Charlottesville in Virginia.

Katie Eckman '15, Quarryville, Pa., is an RN at York Well-Span Hospital on the med-telemetry floor (heart and breathing issues).

Michelle Zook '15 Spicher, Belleville, Pa., is in the Masters in Social Work program at Temple University.

Bryce Yoder '15, Harrisonburg, Va., concluded a fall assignment at Yosemite National Park in vegetation restoration with the Student Conservation Association. He manages the BruCrew business and volunteers with the Valley Conservation Council.

Marla zumFelde '15, Goshen, Ind., is in a one-year term of Mennonite Voluntary Service in Seattle, Washington, as community service representative with Rainier Health and Fitness.

CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND PEACEBUILDING Jonathan Rudy MA '01, Washington D.C., is senior advisor for human security at the Alliance for Peacebuilding, a position vacated by CJP Research Professor Lisa Schirch.

The alliance advocates for more than 100 member peacebuilding organizations. Rudy formerly was the Peacemaker-in-Residence for Elizabethtown College’s Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking as well as professor of peace and conflict studies.

Ali Gohar MA '02, Bradford, U.K, was one of 10 honorees to be awarded a Dewey Winburne Community Service Award at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive conference in Austin, Texas. The award, named after festival co-founder Dewey Winburne, recognizes service in education and technology. Gohar, a native of Afghanistan and the first recipient of the CJP Alumni Award, was recognized for his work promoting conflict resolution through jirgas – an ancient network of communityjustice councils and for his advocacy on behalf of Afghan refugees.

Jeremy Simons MA '02, Mindanao, Philippines, works in various peacebuilding activities, including facilitating discussions between tribal leaders and the Norwegian third party mediator for the peace process between the government and the Maoist-Communist insurgency. He has also conducted a restorative justice training and consultation in Manila and is working again with tribal communities facing the challenge of large-scale mining in their ancestral domain.

Gary Shapiro MA '06, Montpelier, Vt., is an interfaith minister and has started a wedding business at his farm with his wife Helen MillerShapiro. He also is a hospital chaplain, and leads Unitarian Universalist worship services, life transition rituals and celebrations. His website is www.reverendgaryshapiro.com.

Pushpi Weerakoon MA '10, Colombo, Sri Lanka, works at Transparency International, coordinating www.opengovpartnership.org on behalf of civil society organizations in collaboration with the Sri Lankan government.

Gwendolyn Myers GC '14, Washington D.C., has been appointed regional coordinator for West and Central Africa by the United Network of Young Peacebuilders. She is currently a fellow at the Center for Women, Faith and Leadership with the Institute for Global Engagement.

Gwen is founder and executive director of Messengers for Peace-Liberia.

Patrick Campbell '12, MA '14, Charlottesville, Va., will be working with the Red Cross Division Disaster Response Team, which deploys around the nation to support regional Red Cross efforts in managing disaster operations.

"WHAT SEMINARY NEVER TAUGHT ME" A panel of Eastern Mennonite Seminary alumni provided wit, wisdom and constructive criticism on the topic, "What Seminary Never Taught Me," with seminary students and faculty at a March 17 Lenten lunch. Left to right: Clayton Payne, SEM '14, Sherando UMC, Luis Martinez SEM '15 from Iglesia Discipular Anabautista, Jeff Carr, SEM '05 from Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, Dawn Monger SEM '10 from Lindale Mennonite Church and Peter Eberly, SEM '07 from Eastside Church. (Photo by Andrew Strack)

CJP ALUMNI AWARD Tammy Krause, a 1999 graduate of Eastern Mennonite University’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP), has been selected for the center’s Alumni Award for Outstanding Service.

Krause, a resident of Harrisonburg, Virginia, has worked on federal capital cases throughout the United States for the past 19 years. Her involvement in the legal profession began as a graduate student at CJP, when she joined Professor Howard Zehr at the invitation of capital defense attorneys to work with victims of the Oklahoma City bombings.

Since then, she has pioneered defense-victim outreach, known as DVO, in which an independent intermediary seeks to build professional relationships between the defense attorneys and the victim’s family in an effort to ensure that victim concerns are addressed. Her work with the Department of Justice has included several high-profile cases, including the trial of Zacharias Moussaoui.

A Soros Justice Fellowship in 1999 and an Ashoka Fellowship in 2001 helped her promote the model within the judicial system and build a network of trained liaisons.

“Tammy is among those graduates who have taken restorative justice into areas well beyond anything I had imagined,” said Zehr. “In creating and practicing this work, she drew heavily upon and integrated what she had learned about restorative justice and peacebuilding at CJP. In my estimation, she represents much of what we hope from our graduates. As a pioneer and leader in a new field of justice and peacebuilding, she is very deserving of this recognition.”

Krause said she is humbled by the honor from a place that remains a source of sustenance and strength. “CJP’s teaching of the reflective practitioner has given me a place to come to where people are asking those same questions: am I doing this right? There’s a bond created in that integrity, in that honesty of trying to figure that out. I’ll be forever grateful for that.” — LAUREN JEFFERSON

www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 35

RETIRING STAFF

RETIRING FACULTY

Retiring staff include (from left) Jan Gerber, information officer (23 years); Jack Rutt, special projects manager and former director of information technology (16 years); Linda Alley, administrative assistant for events, director of the Summer Institute for Spiritual Formation and of the Congregational Resource Center, Eastern Mennonite Seminary (27 years); Eldon Kurtz, director of the physical plant (28 years); and Betty Hertzler, postal supervisor (41 years).

(Photo by Jon Styer)

Retiring faculty include (from left) David Glanzer, who co-founded and taught in the counseling program (39 years of service); Spencer Cowles, professor of business and economics (27 years); Roman Miller, founder and director of the MA in Biomedicine program (31 years); Don Clymer, professor of language and literature and former director of cross cultural programs (17 years). Not shown: Ted Grimsrud, professor of Bible and religion (20 years), and Pamela Rutt, education graduate program director at EMU Lancaster (18 years). (Photo by Jon Styer)

Katrina M. Gehman MA ’15, Washington D.C., is an analyst at U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute where she completed her practicum.

Roseline Anyango Onunga GC '15, Kisumu, Kenya, is CEO of Local Capacities for Peace International.

EASTERN MENNONITE SEMINARY James L. Foster SEM '60, Knoxville, Tenn., independently published Holy Humanity: We Are All Made of God Stuff. He is working on two additional books.

Dennis McAdams SEM '84, Solomon Islands, is retired but remains active in social and community services and a variety of ministries. He lives with his wife, Effie, in her home village of Hopongo, Rendova in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands.

Steve Landis '77, SEM '86, Rockingham, Va., is chaplain of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community after serving as pastor of Franconia Mennonite Church, Telford, Pa. for 20 years.

Warren Tyson SEM '88, Brownstown, Pa., retired after 17 years as a conference minister in two area conferences and 16 years as a congregational pastor. He plans to stay “somewhat active,” to travel with his wife, and “step back from any church leadership role” in the future.

Becky Hess SEM '10, Lancaster, Pa., is the human resource director at Eastern Mennonite Missions, where she manages HR and care for EMM personnel, including crisis and trauma care.

LaDawn Knicely SEM '15 founded Hometown Realty Group, in Dayton, Va. Her firm donates all net profit to Hometown Rescue Mission and Ministry, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that ministers to the homeless, individuals with addictions and local formerly incarcerated residents. The ministry plans to build and operate a residence. LaDawn is a licensed pastor in the Church of the Brethren and a pastoral counselor.

BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS Manny '94 and Kristie Nunez, Alexandria, Va., Samuel Laureano, June 1, 2015.

Bradley '08, SEM '15, and Lindsey Roeschley '07 Kolb, Harrisonburg, Va., Mabel Elizabeth, Dec. 27, 2015.

Jason '99 and Janelle '01 Myers-Benner, Keezletown, Va., Terah Cybil Elizabeth Myers, Oct. 11, 2015.

Erika Detweiler '09 and Nicholas (Nick) Detweiler-Stoddard, '09, MDV ‘12, Freeman, S.D., Jace and Luke, Oct. 23, 2015.

Patrick '00, SEM ‘06 and Christine Lehman '00, SEM '06, Nafziger, Millersburg, Ohio, Kaitlyn Marie, Feb. 11, 2016.

Muigai Ndoka MA '10 (conflict transformation) and Valeria Ndoka, Harrisonburg, Va., Joel Edmund, April 16, 2015.

Michelle Zook '01 and Mike Kline, McVeytown, Pa., Scott Russel, April 10, 2015.

Matt '10 and Rachel Kauffman '10 Ropp, Harrisonburg, Va., Eli Ray, Aug. 9, 2015.

Christopher '01 and Allison Longenecker, Shaker Heights, Ohio, Madeline Grace Longenecker-Webel, June 27, 2013.

Grace Schrock-Hurst '10 and Yugo Prasetyo, Kota Bekasi, Indonesia, Simeon Luke, Dec. 11, 2015.

Mark Miller '02 and Hillary Jackson, Brooklyn N.Y., Ruby Quinn, Aug. 09, 2015.

Allison Byler '11 and Chase Peachey, Belleville, Pa., Reese Olivia, Feb. 8, 2015.

Wendell '02 and Lisa Hawkins '04 Shank, Harrisonburg, Va., Ruben Emmaus Hawkins Shank, Oct. 2, 2015.

Austin '13 and Sarah Schoenhals '12 Showalter, Harrisonburg, Va., Andre Linden Jay, Jan. 20, 2016-April 11, 2016.

Alex '02 and Shannon Lamb '03 Yoder, Rockingham, Va., Abby Kate, Aug. 6, 2015.

Brittany Robertson, GC '14 (conflict transformation), Powell, Wyo., Beverly Pearl, April 14, 2015.

Devon Yoder '02, Denver Colo., Zadie Marie, Jan. 3, 2013 and Frederick Gregory, May 23, 2015.

Charity Shenk '02 and Steven Zook, Akron, Pa., Kai Shenk Zook, Feb. 14, 2015.

Eloy '03 and Becky Lengacher '04 Rodriguez, Lancaster, Pa., Sarah Paige, April 30, 2015.

Nick '04 and Jessica Lusby '05 Buckwalter, Lititz, Pa., Abigail Susanna, March 14, 2015.

Muzna Al-Masri MA '05 and Ahma Barclay, Shouran Beirut, Lebanon, Yazan Barclay, April 6, 2015.

Holly Crosby '05 Durham, Churchville, Va., Avery Crosby, Sept. 17, 2014.

Matthew (recycling crew leader) and Rachel Freed, Harrisonburg, Va., Maple Eyre, Jan. 5, 2016.

Dave (admissions counselor) and Amy Wheeler Loughran, Keegan Wheeler Loughran, April 11, 2016.

Justin (assistant professor of theater) and Amanda Poole, Harrisonburg, Va., London Aaron, Dec. 11, 2015.

Adriana Rojas (assistant professor of Spanish) and Patrick Campbell '12, MA '14 (conflict transformation), Charlottesville, Va., Lucila Penelope, April 6, 2015.

MARRIAGES

Trevor '06 and Jenee High '06 Bare, Mount Joy, Pa., Evelyn Joy, Sept. 10, 2014.

Maria Rose Lehman, '12, to Melvin Lopez, July 6, 2014.

Holden '06 and Heidi Bowman '04 Byler, Penn Laird, Va., Kiara Grace, Dec. 6, 2015.

Megan Grove '11 to Christopher Berry, Aug. 15, 2015.

Dominick '07 and Kara Stoltzfus '07 Porter, Harrisonburg, Va., Adrian Garrett, July 27, 2015.

Vanessa Rice '07 to Ryan Bunting, Oct.12, 2015.

36 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

DEATHS Mahlon Nolt Rissler, Harrisonburg, Va., died Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, at age 79. Mahlon was founder of EMU’s computer program and director for 10 years. He then owned and operated Dutch Foods and worked for Lancaster Provident Bookstore as a controller. Most recently he operated a home delivery service with his wife and son. He was a Sunday School team leader of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. His wife, Gloria Grace Weaver Rissler, survives, as do a son and two daughters.

Henry S. Weber Jr. '38, Lititz, Pa., died May 3, 2014. Henry designed and built homes prior to founding Henry Weber Aircraft Distributors.

He was a businessman, philanthropist and pilot, only retiring at age 83. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Frances Mae. Pearl Hostetter Johnson '48, Newport News Va., died March 26, 2015, at age 93. She was a nurse. She loved the outdoors and spent many hours planting and harvesting vegetables and flowers. Her husband Wayne Johnson preceded her in death in 2001.

Howard Snider '48, North Newton, Kansas, died Aug. 2, 2015 at age 92. Howard was pastor at Sharon Mennonite Church in Rosthern Saskatoon and later at Holyrood Mennonite Church. Following his pastorate, he was a professor at Bethel College for almost 30 years.

Howard’s other interests included maintaining a ham radio station, camping, and writing four books on theology. He is survived by his wife Marie.

Marilyn N. Swartzentruber '51, Goshen, Ind., died on Nov. 22, 2015 at age 86. Marilyn was an administrative assistant for Mennonite Publishing House in Scottdale, Pa., for 37 years.

After retirement, she worked as a courier for Goshen Health System and volunteered at Benton Mennonite Church, Greencroft Goshen, and other community organizations.

Dorcas Leah Stoltzfus '56 Morrow, MD, Lititz, Pa., died Aug. 7, 2015, at age 83. One of the first women to complete EMU’s full pre-med program, Dorcas graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania

and then served two terms in Tanzania and Somalia with Eastern Mennonite Missions. She married Ted Morrow following her service and worked as a physician for the School District of Philadelphia, and finished her career as a psychiatrist at Norristown State Hospital. She is survived by a son and four stepchildren.

Paul L. Dagen '57, Lititz, Pa., died Dec. 25, 2015, at age 91. Paul managed the family farm and then in 1955, felt the call to ministry which included schooling at EMU and work with Mennonite Board of Missions at the Poarch Gospel Mission with the Creek Nation. He was ordained a bishop in the Mennonite Church in 1961 and served Alabama and Northwest Florida districts until retirement. He and his wife, Lois, relocated to Pennsylvania in 1987 and became involved in his home congregation of New Providence. He provided interim leadership at many churches. He enjoyed travel as well as work with Mennonite Econonomic Development Associates in Moldova and Belize. Paul and Lois celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March 2015.

Sarah W. Hedrick '57, of Sellersville, Pa., died on May 28, 2015 at age 86. She was a teacher with Franconia Mennonite School where she met her future husband, Ralph. Sarah supported and generously contributed to many organizations, including the Penn Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Mennonite church and schools. In retirement, she was a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. Her hobbies included sewing, drawing, painting, baking, reading, singing, and traveling with her family.

Naomi H. Kauffman '59, East Rockhill Township, Bucks County, Pa., died July 8, 2015 at age 77. Naomi taught at Seylar Elementary School.

After earning her Masters in Library Science degree, she was a librarian at Sellersville Elementary School. She served several terms as president of the Church and Synagogue Librarians Association. She was a member of Perkasie Mennonite Church.

James O. Lehman '59, Harrisonburg, Va., died Feb. 5, 2016 at age 83. Jim was the director of libraries at EMU for 29 years until retirement in 1998. He continued volunteering at the EMU Historical Library/Archives through retirement as well as at other local non-profits. He researched and wrote 10 Mennonite congregational history books as well as a community history (his first and favorite book), Sonnenberg, A Haven and a Heritage about his home town. He also contributed to many historical publications and served on numerous historical societies. Jim and his wife Dorothy, who survives, were long-time members at Lindale Mennnonite Church.

J. Harold Zook '59, Oley, Pa., died Aug., 6, 2015 at age 78. Harold, was an educator in the Souderton area for 36 years. He taught English and reading at Souderton Area Junior High School for 14 years, before spending his remaining 22 years in the district as an assistant principal at Indian Valley Middle School. He retired in 1996. Harold was the EMU Alumnus of the Year in 2002. He used his many gifts to influence young people, despite living with a rare neuromuscular disease. Harold published his autobiography, “The Eagle Soars,” in 2003.

Carol Ruth Miller '60 Garber, Scottdale, Pa., died on Dec. 18, 2015, at age 78. Carol worked as a teacher, librarian, pastor’s wife and copy editor. She loved to read, enjoyed writing and doing crossword puzzles along with following current events and politics. She is survived by her husband, Stanley David Garber, a son and a daughter.

Edith B. Detweiler '61, Ann Arbor, Mich., died July 8, 2014, at age 79. She was a retired registered nurse and a member of Shekinah Church in Ann Arbor.

Clifford Maust '61, Salisbury, Pa., died Jan. 12, 2014, at age 77.

Gerald Musselman '62, Bloomington, Ill., died Dec. 21, 2015, at age 75. He is survived by his wife Julie, daughter Shannon and son Ben. Martha Augsburger '68, Harrisonburg, Va., died on Feb. 18, 2016, at age 89. Martha was a pastor's wife and taught in elementary schools for over 30 years in Pensylvannia, Ohio, Indiana, and Virginia. She had a keen eye for color, design and architecture, an innate interest and gift for music and fine arts and wonderfully diverse culinary skills.

BOOKSHELF

Elizabethtown History (The Campus History Series, 2015) features historic photos of Elizabethtown University, compiled and edited by Jean-Paul Benowicz ’91, director of Student Transition Programs and assistant director of Academic Advising, and Peter J. DePuydt. Elizabethtown, in Pennsylvania, was founded in 1899 and is historically affiliated with the Church of the Brethren.

David J. Hooley '73. Findlay, Ohio, died Aug. 18, 2015, at age 64. David was an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Findlay. He also worked for Automated Chemistry Information Systems, Lancaster Sharing Program and Lancaster Laboratories, all of Lancaster, Pa., and Standard Oil of Ohio Research and Development. David collected computer memorabilia and enjoyed photography and travel. He is survived by wife Jane Myers Hooley.

Begin By Loving Again: My Safari from Farm Girl to Mission Doctor to Wife and Mother (Not Forgotten Publishing, 2015) is the memoir of the late Dr. Dorcas Stolzfus ’56 Morrow, one of the first women to complete the pre-med program at Eastern Mennonite College.

Barbara Beiler '74, Mohnton, Pa., died March 24, 2015, at age 69. Barbara was a nurse midwife. She served in missions in Belize for 2 1/2 years and then worked in southern Texas for 20 years. She also worked at Temple Unversity Hospital and took courses at EMU Lancaster towards her CPE. She was a member at Zion Mennonite Church, Birdsboro, and chaired the Peace and Justice Committee for Atlantic Coast Mennonite Conference. She was an avid birdwatcher and enjoyed being with her family.

Through the memories of three generations of Cheyenne people, Magpie’s Blanket (University of New Mexico Press, 2016) features a young Southern Cheyenne woman who survived the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864 only to witness a second attack on her people at the Washita Massacre in 1868. Kimberly Schmidt, professor of history and director of the Washington Community Scholars’ Center, is the author.

Linda Alice Trueblood '78, Martinsville, Va., died June 10, 2015, at age 61. Alice taught at Marc Workshop and later special education in Henry County. An ordained minister, she helped found Martinsville Christian Fellowship and participated in overseas mission trips.

Frederic (Rick) William Schmid '91, Lederach, Pa., died July 14, 2015, at age 46. A former Boy Scout, Rick enjoyed photography and making model rockets. He was a member of the First Continental Regiment of Foot, as well as Salford Mennonite Church. He is survived by his mother and daughter Joy Elizabeth Nelson.

Doreen Ruto Jemutai MA '06 (conflict transformation), Nairobi, Kenya, died Jan. 21, 2016. She was an integral supporter and partner of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and the Women’s Peacebuilding Leadership Program. In 2011, she founded Daima Initiatives for Peace and Development in Kenya, which engaged in a variety of peacebuilding initiatives, many of which involved and supported CJP programs. She is survived by sons Richard “Richy” Biko Kipkoech '11 and Ronald Kiptoo, both of Nairobi, Kenya.

Christian. Muslim. Friend. Twelve Paths to Real Relationship (Herald Press, 2014), by David Shenk ’59, won the 2016 Christianity Today Book Award for the “Missions/Global Church” category. The title is the fourth in a series titled “Christians Meeting Muslims,” and is based on 50 years of friendship with Muslims in Somalia, Kenya and the United States.

Interpretative traditions are scrutinized in Professor Andrea Saner’s “Too Much to Grasp”: Exodus 3:1315 and the Reality of God (Eisenbraus, 2015). Saner, assistant professor of the Old Testament, teaches undergraduate students and seminary graduate students.

We’ve been saving titles for this inaugural debut of Bookshelf. However, only recent publications will be considered for future issues of this ‘as-space-allows’ feature.

Correction: In the spring/summer 2015 Mileposts obituaries , the name of Dawn Buckwalter '75 was misspelled. We apologize for the error.

Degree Key CLASS OF - attended as part of the class of a given graduation year HS - high school degree from era when high school and college were one GC - graduate certificate MA - master of arts SEM - attended or graduated from the seminary

Mileposts is compiled by Jennifer North Bauman, who may be reached at baumanj@emu. edu or at 540-432-4294.

Editorial Policy Milepost entries are printed on the basis of submissions from alumni or on the basis of publicly available information. We do

not verify the accuracy of information that alumni provide, nor do we make judgment calls on the information that they wish to be published, beyond editing for clarity, conciseness and consistency of style. The information provided to us does not necessarily reflect the official policies of EMU or of its parent church, Mennonite Church USA.

www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 37

ALUMNI HONOREES PHOTO BY NOEL WICKE

Distinguished Service Award EMU ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD: DONNA

yogurt, and baked goods.

“People are not stepping out of life into treatment but practicing ways to sustain management of a vulnerability in a normative setting,” Donna says. “Everyone is giving as well as receiving.”

“When you’re working alongside someone who can hardly talk AND WAYNE DONNA ANDBURKHART WAYNE BURKHART and they’re now coming back into fellowship with life, that’s very satisfying,” says Wayne.

BY EMILY WADE WILL Both grew up in Mennonite communities, Wayne on a Michigan Wayne ’67 and Donna Beachy ’69 Burkhart were both just days farm, and Donna in Delaware. They met at EMC, both English out of graduate school when the couple spotted a Mennonite Weekly majors, and then worked for four years with Mennonite Central Review ad for a “gardens and grounds work leader.” Wayne’s advisor WAYNE ’67 AND BEACHY ’69 BUR- Committee in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. at Michigan State University toldDONNA him it looked like a “dead-end When the Burkharts came to Gould Farm, the oldest of their job.” Wayne still applied.

Thirty-two later,DAYS both he OUT and OF KHART WERE BOTHyears JUST Donna continue to find their work at Gould FarmTHE life-affirming.

GRADUATE SCHOOL WHEN COUPLE two sons, then 10, asked whether he would "get schizophrenia."

NestledSPOTTED in Massachusetts’ Berkshire hills, the 650-acre farm A MENNONITE WEEKLY REVIEW They told him the possibility was low; it affects 1 percent of the offered the couple jobs, but also a vibrantAND community and callings. population.

AD FOR A “GARDENS GROUNDS Gould Farm’s mission is to serve individuals “suffering in mind and “We saw Christopher off to his first year at Boston College with WORK LEADER.” WAYNE’S ADVISOR AT spirit,” according to its 1913 charter written by Will and Agnes a scholarship and indefatigable energy,” Donna wrote. He asked to MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY TOLD HIM Gould. More than a century later, the residential therapeutic comcome home months later, and the couple witnessed his “mounting IT LOOKED LIKE A “DEAD-END JOB.” munity remains on the cutting edge of psychiatric practice. disorganization, dysfunction and despair.”

Many of the 40 guests residing at the farmTHIRTY-TWO have passed through At age 22, Christopher took his life. “I went to the farm and WAYNE STILL APPLIED. an acute YEARS phase, oftenLATER, the onset,BOTH of severeHE depression, bipolar disorthrew some bales to the cows and life was different,” Wayne later AND DONNA CONwrote.

“He was driven to do it. It wasn’t a ‘good-bye cruel world’ der, schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia.

Stabilized with mediTINUE TO FIND THEIR WORK AT GOULD gesture. It was ‘I’ve got to get rid of the rattle in my head.’” cation, they are ready to learn to manage their psychiatric disorder, FARM AMAZINGLY LIFE-AFFIRMING. The couples’ compassion for people coping with mental illness but are also dealing with loss of self-worth and a firm sense of their grew deeper. Donna daily speaks with families coming to terms place in the world.

NESTLED IN MASSACHUSETTS’ SCENIC with a diagnosis: “I have incredible reserves of understanding for The Burkharts are amongHILLS, approximately staff membersFARM and BERKSHIRE THE50650-ACRE their families who form the community's core.

Donna is director of OFFERED THE COUPLE NOT ONLY JOBS— what the families are going through,” she says.

Wayne recalls an EMC Bible course on the book of Job with client services, while Wayne is agricultural director. Staff includes DONNA ALSO JOINED THE STAFF— BUT Professor G. Irvin Lehman that still guides his thinking: “The trained professionals and volunteers from around the world.

A VIBRANT COMMUNITY AND CALLINGS wondrous, deep miracle of life itself drowns out all our impatient Therapy occurs in life’s daily events, Donna says. Guests particiAS WELL. FARM’S MISSION IS TO questions. As humans, we don’t have the final truth.” pate on work teams thatGOULD care for animals, gardens, buildings and OPENfarm-to-table HEARTS AND DOORS TO —EMILY WADE WILL grounds. OFFER They also prepare meals and make cheese, 38 | CROSSROADS | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Homecoming and Family Weekend 2016 Alumnus of the Year

PHOTO BY JOAQUIN SOSA

HARVEY YODER Harvey Yoder ’64, SEM ’99, is guided by a steadfast vision of God’s future in which the “wolf lies down with the lamb, people study war no more, and prisoners are released.” His work – as a teacher, pastor, counselor, writer and community organizer in Harrisonburg, Virginia – has kindled communication and cooperation.

In March 2016, he received the Harriet Tubman Commemorative Leadership Award, awarded by the local Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. In April, he was recognized as Counselor of the Year by the Central Valley Counselors Association.

For 20 years after graduation, Yoder taught social studies and Bible at Eastern Mennonite High School and pastored at Zion Mennonite Church.

Since 1989, Yoder has been a full-time mental health counselor at Virginia Mennonite Conference-founded Family Life Resource Center (he continued as an unsalaried pastor of a house church congregation). His book, Lasting Marriage: The Owners’ Manual (Herald Press, 2007), distills some learnings, as does his radio program, “Centerpiece,” and his “Harvspot” blog at harvyoder.blogspot.com.

In recent leadership around the issue of mass incarceration, he has been lauded for his ability to bring together people of diverse

Outstanding Young Alum

opinions for constructive discussions. Yoder has also led a local chapter of Fellowship of Reconciliation, as well as guided Old Order Mennonites to create agricultural-forestal districts.

He and his wife, Alma Jean Wert ’63, have three adult children: Brent, Brad and Joanna Yoder ’98 Heatwole, and six grandchildren. Yoder, who grew up Amish, says he often questions the effectiveness of his influence in helping create God’s peaceable kingdom. “My grown daughter once gave me a candle of St. Jude, the saint of lost causes,” he says with a laugh. “But I can’t help dreaming of things as they truly should be, and as they in fact one day will be.” —EMILY WADE WILL

PHOTO BY JOAQUIN SOSA

GRACE PRASETYO Why would Grace Schrock-Hurst ’10 Prasetyo spend years of her life living in slums halfway around the world?

“I think my parents are mostly to blame,” Prasetyo says, laughing.

Prasetyo was born in Honduras, where her parents Luke ’82 and Carmen Schrock-Hurst ’81 worked with Mennonite Central Committee, and later spent three years as a teenager in the Philippines.

While the work involved caring and advocating for the poor, the family lived in an air-conditioned home in a middle-class neighborhood, which didn’t sit right with Prasetyo, then in high school. “I thought, ‘It seems like Jesus would be on the streets with these people instead of in air-conditioned comfort,’” she says.

After majoring in culture, religion and mission (now religious and intercultural studies) at EMU, Prasetyo followed that vision. She has spent the past five-plus years working for a Christian aid organization in Jakarta, a city of more than 10 million residents in Indonesia.

She and her Indonesian husband, Yugo, and their two young children live among the poor, many of them Muslim. They assist with basic health education, nutrition, and care; arrange midwives and other services for pregnant women; and provide education and programs for children.

“We really believe that we can meet Jesus there, and that’s where Jesus wants us,” Prasetyo says. “We still have a lot to learn, and hopefully we’re making a little bit of a positive difference there.”

It hasn’t always been easy. A devastating fire ripped through the community during her first year, forcing many of the people to relocate. Government evictions and demolition projects have at times added to the challenges. Rats and bugs are a daily part of life. And yet, Prasetyo says there are seldom times when she is not smiling.

“It’s hard to find pictures where we look like we’re suffering,” she says. “We are happy there.” —WALT WILTSCHEK www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 39

HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND Join us October 14-16, 2016 Come and experience all this year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend has to offer. Make new memories with classmates, students, and special guests.

Join us in celebrating EMU’s “people, places, and programs.” The homecoming registration desk and welcome center will be located in the main floor lobby of the Campus Center. Hours are Friday, 3-8 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Come to the registration desk for your homecoming packet, which will include tickets for your registered events and a full schedule of events. Tickets will be collected at events and meals.

Friday, October 14 Paul R. Yoder Sr. Golf Classic

Heritage Oaks Golf Course, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sponsored by the Royals Club and athletic department to benefit the EMU athletics program. Cost: $100. Lunch served at noon. To register, contact Dave King at 540-432-4646

Homecoming chapel assembly Lehman Auditorium, 10 a.m.

Guest speakers: 2016 Distinguished Service Award recipients Donna ‘69 and Wayne Burkhart ’67.

Welcome center and registration Campus Center Greeting Hall, 3-8 p.m.

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

Pay at the door.

Donor appreciation banquet (by invitation only) University Commons lower level, doors open at 5:10 p.m.

Hosted for members of EMU’s giving societies and Jubilee Friends.

A Cappella Voices Celebration Lehman Auditorium, 8 p.m.

Experience the rich sounds of alumni and student vocal groups: Shekinah, Good Company, Bellaccord and Emulate. Registration preferred.

Saturday, October 15 Welcome center and registration

Campus Center Greeting Hall, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Pick up your packet that includes tickets for your registered events and weekend information. Enjoy coffee and network with other alumni.

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Suter Science Center annual breakfast and program Suter Science Center, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9:30 a.m. program “Inflammation and heart disease in patients with HIV: possible solutions for a global epidemic.” Guest speaker is Chris Longenecker ’01, MD, assistant professor of medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Reservation for breakfast necessary. No charge to attend the program.

Nurses reception Campus Center, 3rd floor nursing department, 8:30 a.m.

Join the nursing department faculty and other alumni for fellowship. Light refreshments. Reservations necessary.

Haverim and seminary breakfast and program Discipleship Center, 9 a.m. breakfast and program “The Book of Revelation’s Revelation to EMU” by Ted Grimsrud, senior professor of peace theology. Reservations necessary.

Hall of Honor breakfast and awards University Commons, Yoder Arena, 9 a.m.

Jonalyn Denlinger ’06 (field hockey), and Megan Mlinarchik ‘ 06 (track and field) will be inducted into the Athletics Hall of Honor. Sponsored by the Royals Club and the athletics department. Reservations necessary.

Jesse T. Byler lecture series Seminary building, room 123, 9:15 a.m.

Gather for coffee and fellowship. Guest speakers Jesse Rodriguez '05 and Kendal Swartzentruber '07 are education coordinators for the VOE's Training and Technical Assistance Center at JMU. All are invited, reservations preferred.

Business networking with coffee and donuts Martin Chapel, 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to enjoy a panel discussion and network with business and organizational leaders, as well as faculty, students, and event sponsors. Sponsored by business programs at EMU, Park View Federal Credit Union and Mennonite Economic Development Associates. Reservations preferred. Free.

Childcare and children’s activities 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Childcare (ages 2-5) EMU’s Early Learning Center. Located within Park View Mennonite Church, 1600 College Avenue, visit www.emu.edu/ education/elc for more information. Children’s activities (ages 6-12) led by the EMU Student Education Association in campus center 226. Lunch included. Reservations necessary.

Celebrating People, Places, Programs Homecoming opening program

Athletic events

Lehman Auditorium, 11 a.m.

Reunite with class members in this familiar campus landmark. Enjoy music by an alumni group. Celebrate alumni award recipients, class photos and much more. Open to all.

GAMES: Field hockey – 1 p.m.

Women’s soccer – 4 p.m.

Men’s soccer – 7 p.m.

Class reunion for classes ending in 1 and 6

OTHER EVENTS: Women's basketball open team practice 12:30 p.m. and alumni game 2:30 p.m.

Men's Basketball Midnight Madness Blue/White Scrimmage - midnight

Classes meet at various locations and times. Watch for more information.

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

Pay at the door.

1989 France Cross-cultural Group Reunion 2 p.m.

Informal gathering at the homes of Carroll and Nancy Yoder and Joel and Judy Chen Yoder. Followed by a light meal and time for sharing and reminiscing. RSVP to Amy Springer Hartsell (springer@emu.edu)

Alumni art exhibits Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery, first floor, University Commons, 1 p.m.

Exhibit by Michael Spory ’11, assistant professor, visual and communication arts department.

EMUTenTalks Main Stage, 2 p.m.

EMUTenTalks inspire, generate ideas, and educate. Each 10-minute talk will be packed with compelling information followed by a Q&A session. Experience the premiere EMU presentation based on the popular TED Talks. Watch for the list of engaging speakers.

NEW! Fall festival

Front campus lawn or close by, 3-7 p.m.

All are invited. Fun for all ages! Bring blankets and lawn chairs, listen to live music, stay for dinner and enjoy the fall setting on campus. Try your hand at yard games, bounce on the inflatables, and mingle with alumni, family and friends. See the following options for planned activities. Parents, visit our reception tent on the front lawn from 4-5 p.m. for your special gift.

Campus canvas fun run – all are welcome!

Front Lawn, 3 p.m.

Check in at the fountain at 2:30 p.m., race begins at 3 p.m.

Cruise the 2-mile course with visitors, faculty, staff, parents, students and youth of all ages. Take in the music and positive vibes on the front lawn throughout the event. The best part: participants will finish the race covered in color. Registration necessary. See registration form to indicate t-shirt sizes.

Jubilee Alumni program and light dinner Seminary building, Martin Chapel, 3:30 p.m.

Gather with alumni who attended EMU 50 (or more) years ago for music, a program and induction of the class of 1966 into the Jubilee Alumni Association. Reservations necessary.

Writers Read Coffeehouse Common Grounds – 6:30 p.m.

Featuring poet Marci Rae Johnson, founder and director of the “Poetry Factory” reading series in St. Joseph, Michigan, and poetry editor for Word Farm Press. Her poems appear in The Louisville Review, Minnetonka Review, Strange Horizons, and 32 Poems, among others. Sponsored by the Language and Literature Department. By donation.

Sunday, October 16 Homecoming worship service

Lehman Auditorium, 10 a.m.

Worship with song and scripture. Alumnus of the Year Harvey Yoder ‘64, Distinguished Service Award recipients Donna ‘69 and Wayne ’67 Burkart, and Outstanding Young Alumna Grace Schrock-Hurst ’10 Prasetyo will be recognized.

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

Pay at the door.

Award recipient dinner (by invitation only) Seminary Building, Martin Chapel, noon

Monday, October 17 Alumni Association annual council meeting Campus Center, Lehman boardroom 301-302, 8 a.m.

Tailgate Designated parking lot, 3-7 p.m.

Want to bring your own food and grill? Reserve your special parking spot and invite your friends to join you in our specially designated tailgating area.

Registration necessary.

Local food trucks EMU Front Lawn, 4-7 p.m.

Sample the Shenandoah Valley with a tasty tour of local food trucks. Pay on location for individual items.

Pioneer Caterers Cookout Thomas Plaza, 5-6:30 p.m.

Want to eat with a student? Reserve a ticket to join students at this outside venue.

FALL FESTIVAL FOOD TRUCKS, LIVE MUSIC, FUN!

SATURDAY, OCT. 15, 3-7 P.M. www.emu.edu | CROSSROADS | 41

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID Harrisonburg, Virginia

1200 Park Road, 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 email alumni@emu.edu.

NEXT UP...

DIVERSE COMMUNITIES Our next issue, to publish in December 2016, will feature alumni working in the United States in interfaith and intercultural settings. Tell us about your efforts to bring together diverse communities who share common values and a desire to work together for the common good.

If you are involved in these areas, please provide a brief summary of your story via:

emu.edu/crossroads/update Or send information to the address listed in the Crossroads mailing box on this page.

To help us plan and organize this spring issue, please send information by Aug. 15, 2016.

Elias George '71 and his wife Nora Stoltzfus '72 have connections to both current and future Crossroads themes. Nora was an education major who went on to work in nursing. Elias taught for more than 30 years in public and private schools in Pennsylvania, including as an adjunct at EMU Lancaster. One son, Michael George '01, is also a history and social sciences teacher. Elias, a native of Jordan, is now retired, but he volunteers as a translator for Arabic-speaking residents in the Lancaster area, many of whom are recently arrived refugees. He is also an Arabiclanguage tutor and teacher.

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