EMU’s financial aid notification packet has a new look, and people are starting to notice.

The packet of information, mailed to every admitted undergraduate student with a FAFSA on file at EMU, simplifies the often complicated financial aid process by outlining the total aid offered and the costs students will be expected to cover. It includes information on grants, scholarships, and loans, as well as direct and indirect costs of an education at EMU.

Once a drab bundle of letters and forms, the financial aid notification packet has been delightfully redesigned through a collaboration between EMU’s marketing and communications department and Farmville, Virginia-based marketing agency .

The new-and-improved “FAN packet” features the design of a sunrise over the familiar Massanutten Mountain ridgeline and bright, attention-grabbing colors. It also uses friendly, approachable typefaces with bold, easy-to-read text. Each packet comes with a set of EMU-branded stickers, perfect for laptops, phone cases, water bottles, and notebooks.

It’s anything but ordinary, reflecting EMU’s unique and diverse campus, its commitment to providing a transformative and accessible education, and the care it puts into supporting students and families through the financial aid process.

“This project was all about transparency, organization, and user-focused design: helping students and families navigate an important decision with confidence,” reads a Facebook post from Letterpress Communications.

EMU’s marketing and communications department teamed up with Farmville-based Letterpress Communications to design its reimagined financial aid notification packet.

Best of Show

Representatives from the marketing agency attended the Southwest Virginia American Advertising Awards in Abingdon, Virginia, on Feb. 28. There, EMU’s FAN packet won a Gold ADDY, a top honor in the advertising industry, as well as the Best of Show award, recognizing it as the best overall piece in the competition.

It will now compete at the district level against Gold ADDY winners from Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. If the FAN packet wins gold at the district level (winners are announced in April), it will advance to the national competition in June.

“This is truly terrific news,” said Braydon Hoover ’11, MAOL ’21, vice president of enrollment and marketing. “For the nearly 1,000 students and families who have already received the FAN packet, this award demonstrates just how special the financial aid process is here at EMU.”

“We are committed to doing everything we can to make the financial aid process as simple and understandable as possible,” said Troy Martin, director of financial aid for EMU. “The next step, if you’ve received a FAN packet and haven’t done so already, is to review it with your family and your admissions counselor.”

For more information about your financial aid notification, visit .

Lynch remembers receiving his own handwritten card during the holidays back when he was a high school senior in King William, Virginia, a dot on the map about 30 miles east of Richmond. And he remembers feeling appreciative that a student at EMU, recent biology and mathematics grad Marciella Shallomita ’25, wrote to him.

“I was a student chaplain last semester and I got to meet her, and it was nice to say to her, ‘You’re one of the reasons I came here,’” shared Lynch, adding that another big draw pulling him to EMU was receiving the four-year, full-tuition Yoder/Webb Scholarship. “I thought it was nice that someone had taken the time to write me something and tell me how much they enjoyed EMU.”

As a way of paying it forward, Lynch stopped by the main lobby of University Commons in between classes on Friday to participate in the 15th annual note-writing event sponsored by the admissions office. He, along with more than 90 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of EMU, hand-wrote hundreds of cards (over 700 cards and counting, as tallied on Monday morning) that will be mailed to admitted students all across the country.

Lynch said he wrote to students who, like him, were interested in studying political science and digital media. “The majority of my cards were about how good the professors are in the VACA (Visual And Communication Arts) department and how I’ve never once regretted choosing digital media as my major,” he said. “I wanted to reach out to incoming students and tell them, ‘Hey, if you need any help or if you ever want to talk about your major or about any classes, come find me.’ I think I’m the only River on campus, so it shouldn’t be hard.”

The annual note-writing event provides an opportunity for members of the campus community to form connections with admitted students and tell them about what makes EMU special. Students have said that receiving these cards makes an enormous impact on their college choice. 

Fortunata Chipeta, a junior public health major, didn’t realize this impact until a current first-year student she wrote a card to last year told her it helped convince him to attend EMU. “This event is like me giving them a nudge toward the EMU experience,” she said. “We want them to experience the welcoming and fun adventure here.”

Another student participating in the event, Ava Walker, a sophomore psychology major from Richmond, wrote cards to prospective psychology students. “I’ve been telling them about how the school makes me feel welcome and has given me so much since I’ve been here,” said Walker, who is a Royal Ambassador, tour guide, and member of the lacrosse team. 

Luke Litwiller, director of undergraduate admissions, said the goal of the event is to ensure every admitted student receives a handwritten, personalized card from a member of the EMU community and “experiences a little bit of the relational care that we offer here.”

“This is also a community-building event and gets people all across campus involved in enrollment efforts,” he said.

Friday’s blanket of snow caused a slight hitch in plans, pushing the start of the event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., but the dedicated volunteers pressed on, powering through wrist cramps as they wrote.

“Given how many admitted students we had this year, we needed a pretty solid push,” said organizer Liz Heilbronner, assistant director of transfer admissions and event planner. “Even if someone only wrote one note card, it still made a big difference.”

EMU is proud to announce the results of its annual fall census, which was conducted on Sept. 8 following the 10th day of classes. The census numbers reflect undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree and non-credit enrollment on the Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, campuses for the Fall 2025 semester.

Among the main takeaways from the census data:

• A 10% increase in the size of the incoming undergraduate class, which includes first-year, transfer, readmitted, and aviation students, from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025 (from 218 to 239 students). 
• An 11% increase in the number of new first-year undergraduate students since last fall (from 160 to 178 students).
• A historically high percentage (48%) of first-year undergraduate students identify as first-generation college students (up from 35% last year).
• Another record high, nearly half (49%) of the incoming class is made up of student-athletes (up from 46%).

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our dedicated enrollment teams, and the unwavering support from faculty, staff, and the entire EMU community, we are seeing an increase in our incoming undergraduate enrollment numbers for the first time since the pandemic in 2020,” said Braydon Hoover ’11, MA ’21, vice president for enrollment and marketing at EMU. “Amid the headwinds that continue to buffet higher education today, we celebrate that more students are choosing EMU to help them fulfill their educational and professional goals, beginning their journeys as unifying leaders with us.”

Among the incoming Class of 2029:

• 43% identify as students of color (among the most diverse in EMU history);
• 73% hail from Virginia, with more than 20% from Harrisonburg and Rockingham County;
• 15 states, Puerto Rico, and four countries are represented; and 
• the average GPA is 3.49 (unchanged from last year), with nearly one-fourth of students entering EMU with at least 10 college credits.

The top three majors of the incoming class, starting from the most popular, are nursing, biology, and business administration. 

While a total 730 students make up the undergraduate student body, 358 graduate students are enrolled at EMU, including 126 new grad students joining the university this semester. Graduate programs that saw the largest gains since last year are Biomedicine (up 45% to 16 new students), Seminary (up 41% to 17 new students, boosted by its new Doctor of Ministry program), and Graduate Teacher Education (up 4% to 43 new students). Students in EMU’s graduate programs represent 20 states and five countries.

Thirty-five educators are renewing their licensure this year (compared to 22 last year) through EMU’s Graduate Teacher Education program. 

EMU’s four-year and six-year graduation rates are 55% and 60%, respectively. Fall 2025 marks the seventh consecutive year that the university’s retention rate, which is generally used as a gauge of student satisfaction, has measured 74% or higher.

“Now more than ever before, the world needs EMU graduates—leaders specially trained to serve as bridge builders and peacemakers,” said Provost Dr. Tynisha Willingham. “It’s gratifying to see our students continue to answer that call and equip the skills needed to make positive change in our world.”

Before the clock struck midnight on Wednesday, April 2, LovEMU Giving Day 2025 achieved its fairy tale ending. A generous outpouring of support from all members of the EMU community—alumni, faculty, staff, current and prospective students, and friends—resulted in a record-breaking $365,313 raised by 360 unique donors during the ninth annual 24-hour extravaganza. That total surpasses the $350,000 goal set by LovEMU organizers and tops the $340,512 raised last year (a 7% increase).

Donors gave early and often, unlocking all $152,000 in challenge match funds for The University Fund, student scholarships, athletics, facilities, and intercultural programs. Because 27 prospective students who registered to attend LovEMU Giving Day paid their tuition deposits, donors matched their commitment by contributing $27,000 to student scholarships. That’s nearly double the $15,000 raised for that challenge last year!

The 2025 LovEMU leaderboard competition was fierce and fun-spirited, with the winners named below:

Academic program

• First place ($1,000 prize): Education
• Second place ($500 prize): Music
• Third place ($250 prize): Business and leadership

Student club/organization

• First place ($1,000 prize): SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Council)
• Second place ($500 prize): Earthkeepers
• Third place ($250 prize): Pickleball

Athletic team

• First place ($1,000 prize): Men’s soccer
• Second place ($500 prize): Women’s volleyball
• Third place ($250 prize): Men’s volleyball

Nicole Litwiller, annual giving and donor communication specialist, said that a highlight for her was seeing the whole EMU community come together to embrace their pride for EMU. “There were some moments yesterday where we were coming down to the wire to meet a challenge goal, but without fail, our community came through and helped us unlock every single one,” she said on Thursday. “Thanks to their support, LovEMU Giving Day was a huge success, and we once again beat last year’s record. I’m so grateful for everyone who showed their support.”

Seeing septuple?!

Four EMU staff members and two students channeled their inner Royal-in-chief for the first-ever President Huxman Lookalike Contest, held on Monday at the Student Union to kick off LovEMU week. The contest honored Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who has served as EMU’s ninth president since 2017 and is retiring this summer. Tyler Goss, director for student engagement and leadership development, hosted the competition, dispensing with his typical flair for the dramatic. 

The half-dozen contestants modeled their blue outfits and recited their favorite Huxmanisms. Determined by raucous cheers and selected by Huxman herself as judge, the winners of the contest, students Mana Acosta and Leah Beachy—the latter of whom wore a bald cap to portray Huxman’s husband—received an offer of a fancy dinner at the president’s residence along with three guests of their choice. 

“It’s spooky because I use all of those words,” Huxman said, before announcing her pick. “You all used the correct enunciation and everything.” Following the contest, Litwiller announced that the LovEMU Early Challenge had been reached, which unlocked $10,000 toward The University Fund. for more photos from the event.

Getting hyped at Herm’s House

By the time the second annual LovEMU pep rally began at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, donors had already contributed more than $54,000, or about 15%, of the day’s fundraising goal. The event, held at Yoder Arena, started with a screening of the official 2025 LovEMU video (watch it on YouTube) featuring some of your favorite campus characters. Frequent emcee duo Braydon Hoover and Deanna Reed hyped up the crowd. 

Naomi Kratzer, an EMU junior from Goshen, Indiana, majoring in music performance and history, shared her own “Royal Tale” leading her to EMU. For more Royal Tales of students and alumni, check out our series of stories here. As she decided on which college to attend, the Mennonite-raised Kratzer “began scouring” the five Mennonite colleges in the U.S. It was EMU’s campus that kept catching her eye, she said, due to its beautiful setting in the Shenandoah Valley, its strong music education program and its vibrant student community. “My story didn’t begin when I stepped onto campus, and neither did any of yours,” she said. “But EMU is known to be a home for all of our vastly diverse, chaotic, and ever-complicating plots. EMU’s resilience is in the people.”

In a dazzling display of musical mastery, Goss, dressed as the jester from the LovEMU video, pulled a flute from his sleeve and performed the theme to Sesame Street. He was joined by Makinto, an internationally known musician and seminary student, who challenged him to a flute battle. Watch the pep rally . The flute duel begins at the 38-minute mark.

Royal Tales 

A Royal Tales panel discussion hosted by Litwiller with EMU professors Dr. Gaurav Pathania, Dr. Benjamin Bergey ’11, and Dr. Kate Clark ’07 detailed their journeys to EMU, the challenges they’ve overcome, what excites them about the future, and what they love most about EMU. 

Clark graduated from EMU’s nursing program, worked as a nurse for several years, and then returned to teach at EMU in 2011. She gave a shout-out to the Graham Central Station ice cream flavor at the cafeteria—“I’ve never had it anywhere else,” she said—and added that her job at EMU is the best one she’s ever had. “I love that EMU has a point of view,” she said. “It’s a place that has a perspective. … I love working for a place that I feel stands for something, and it’s something that’s important and needed in the world.”

Sanctuary of sound

Music Professor Ben Guerrero led tours of the new recording studio inside the Astral Hall on top of the EMU hill. Built in 1955, the former lecture hall was once home to the astronomy society. Starting in the early ’70s, it housed the WEMC radio station run by EMU students and staff. Today, it’s a state-of-the-art studio with two isolation rooms and a Dolby Atmos control room for mixing immersive or 3D audio. The space can be used to produce full records, music videos, and informational and instructional videos. The studio officially opens this fall.

A ‘wheelie’ good time

EMU students, staff, and anyone daring enough to brave a gauntlet of projectiles and obstacles took part in a race around the indoor track, modeled after the popular Mario Kart video game. Participants rode scooters, dodging yoga balls and dodgeballs, grabbing prize boxes, and weaving their way around aerobics step platforms and hurdles laid out on the track, to fight their way to the finish line. Meanwhile, on the Yoder Arena courts down below, the EMU men’s volleyball team won a five-set thriller over Randolph College.

Challenges (all unlocked)

LovEMU Early Challenge: We received more than 120 gifts (100 gifts were needed) before the start of LovEMU Giving Day to unlock $10,000 for scholarships. 

Loyal Royal Challenge: EMU alumni gave more than 270 gifts (250 gifts were needed) over the 24-hour span to unlock $20,000 for The University Fund.

Friends of EMU Challenge: Non-alumni deepened their commitment to EMU by contributing more than 180 gifts (175 gifts were needed) throughout the day and unlocking $15,000 for scholarships.

Future Royal Challenge: Because 27 prospective students who registered to attend LovEMU Giving Day paid their tuition deposit, we unlocked $27,000 for scholarships.

Rise ’N Shine, Royals! Challenge: Early birds helped reach this challenge by giving more than 80 gifts (75 gifts were needed) between 6 and 9 a.m. to unlock $15,000 for The University Fund. 

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fund Our Facilities Challenge: Donors demonstrated giant-sized generosity by awarding at least 65 gifts (65 gifts were needed) between 10 a.m. and noon to unlock $15,000 for improvements to campus facilities.

What Magnificent Academics We Have! Challenge: To celebrate EMU’s stellar smarts, supporters donated at least 100 gifts (100 gifts were needed) between noon and 3 p.m. to unlock $15,000 for scholarships.

A Whole New World Challenge: EMU’s intercultural programs have impacted thousands of graduates, offering opportunities to engage in different cultures, build global relationships and experience a new perspective. Donors contributed 80 gifts (75 gifts were needed) between 5 and 7 p.m. to unlock $10,000 for intercultural programs. 

The Mighty Royals Challenge: Athletics supporters showed their love for EMU sports by pitching in 60 gifts (50 gifts were needed) between 7:30 and 9 p.m. to unlock $10,000 for EMU Athletics.

Before The Clock Struck Midnight Challenge: EMU’s night owls stayed up late to celebrate, giving at least 100 gifts (100 gifts were needed) between 9 p.m. and midnight to unlock $15,000 for The University Fund.

Thanks to everyone who donated, shared of their time to celebrate their love of all things EMU, and joined in the festivities on campus! Special thanks to the LovEMU planning team: Arelys Martinez Fabian, Genesis Figueroa, Tyler Goss, Cassie Guerrero, Liz Heilbronner, Steven Johnson, Luke Litwiller, Nicole Litwiller, and Arushi Sachan; Advancement; Marketing & Communications; Student Government Association; Undergraduate Admissions & Royal Ambassadors; EMU Facilities; Pioneer College Caterers; Athletics; Information Technology; and all other faculty, staff and students who provided support by creating decorations or volunteered their time to help with events.

For more photos from the day’s events, swipe through our gallery below:

This year’s LovEMU Giving Day was an out-of-the-park grand slam, and we’re not just talking about the one hit by a Royals slugger at Wednesday’s baseball game.

The eighth annual giving day extravaganza, held on Wednesday, April 10, was bigger than previous years — featuring a number of new events that amped up the LovEMU spirit — and raised more money than ever before. A total of $340,512 was raised throughout the 24-hour event, cruising past the $325,000 goal set by organizers and eclipsing the $300,915 raised last year (a 13% increase).  

“I am blown away by the support from this community,” said LovEMU organizer Nicole Litwiller ’19, MA ’20 (conflict transformation), annual giving and donor communication specialist. “Not only did we raise over $340,000, which is in itself a massive accomplishment, but we also saw the EMU community (from current students, to alumni, to faculty and staff) show up for this day to make each event special and full of joy.”

EMU students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends shared what they loved most about EMU online (using the #EMUGivingDay and #StrongerTogether hashtags) and on campus. They showed up and showed out at LovEMU Giving Day events held throughout the day. And, they gave like never before, unlocking all $125,000+ of challenge match funds for The University Fund, student scholarships, athletics, and Royal Women for EMU.

This year saw the return of the leaderboard competition. For every $10 donation they made, supporters could vote for an academic program, student club/organization and athletic team. The winners of those categories — Music (85 votes), The Weather Vane (37 votes), and Men’s Soccer (192 votes) — each won $1,000. View the second-place and third-place winners, which received $500 and $250, on the LovEMU website at .

Here’s a recap of the events and unlocked challenges that made LovEMU Giving Day 2024 a smashing success:

Events

Inspired by the ’80s theme in our leading up to the event, folks at EMU showed up to campus looking like they just left an aerobics workout class — think teased hair, neon blue eyeshadow and neon windbreakers, warm-up jackets, legwarmers and headbands — while rocking out to hits from the decade.

Those attending the morning’s pep rally got a sweet start to their day with doughnuts (each representing the cost of an EMU education that donors cover). The EMU pep band added electricity to the first-ever LovEMU pep rally, while emcees Braydon Hoover ‘11, MA ‘21 (organizational leadership) and Harrisonburg, Virginia, Mayor Deanna Reed pumped up the crowd. 

An alumna, a current student and an admitted student each shared what they love about EMU. Nora Osei ’15, an EMU basketball and soccer player who now works as director of growth and partnerships for Nike Sports Camps, shared her tips for finding success. “You don’t have to be a standout athlete or student at EMU to find success,” she told the crowd. EMU senior psychology major and multi-sport athlete Kate Landis talked about the highlights of her last four years at EMU. Admitted student Megan Smith said she had visited 10 other colleges and did not consider EMU as a possibility. But, after seeing the clean campus, enjoying the good food at the dining hall and learning about the strong nursing program, she said EMU felt like home. “My mom and I got back into our car and we looked at each other and said, ‘This is the right place,’” said Smith.

Then, for a memorable moment from the day as President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman donned safety glasses and a poncho in preparation for a pie to the face. Because we surpassed our goal set in the We’ve Got Spirit Challenge, we unlocked $10,000 to The University Fund and got the honor of watching Herm pie the president. As it turns out, Herm has great aim! Watch a of the pep rally on the EMU Facebook page. 

Following the pep rally, a team of faculty and staff faced off against students in ���DZ����ѱ�’s first-ever game of dodgeball. The faculty/staff team left the court victorious after one game. Yoder Arena’s courts then opened up for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and the climbing wall. 

Also new this year was the addition of Admitted Student Day to the LovEMU Day and SGA Day festivities. More than 20 admitted students visited the campus for the day, taking tours, learning about programs at the University Fair and panel discussions and participating in the spirited LovEMU events. It was, what President Huxman called, “a trifecta day.” When Herm was asked about how the day was going, he gave an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

About 475 people soaked in the spring sunshine and enjoyed food, fun and fellowship at the Lunch & Lawn Party held on Thomas Plaza. They played lawn games on the grass and competed in contests such as the egg toss.

As mentioned at the beginning of our recap, Wednesday’s baseball game featured a grand slam from utility player Alex Gulisano as the Royals defeated the Fighting Squirrels of Mary Baldwin in a 12-2 drubbing. Another highlight of the game was infielder Ethan Spraker’s inside-the-park home run. The game drew a large crowd, who enjoyed treats from the Ott Street Eats food truck courtesy of the SGA.

Hundreds of people from all ages and backgrounds celebrated the funds rolling in at a barbecue cookout held in the evening in front of the University Commons. Grillmaster Dennis Showalter ’73, president of the Alumni Council, served up fresh burgers and hot dogs. The Rain Pickers, a trio of strings musicians and EMU alumni, performed live music while hungry Royals chowed down. Pioneer College Caterers provided their services for lunch and dinner.

The LovEMU energy continued well into the night, fueled by a karaoke sing-off contest judged by Professor Daniel Showalter, Security Officer Elizabeth Jones, Mayor Reed and Herm. Each of the winning clubs received $100! International Students Organization (ISO) won Most Engaging/Best All-Around, Asian-Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APISA) won Most EMU Love, and Queer Student Alliance (QSA) and Latino Student Alliance (LSA) split the winnings from the Best Theme category. 

LovEMU Giving Day came to a close with a biscuits and jam bar and live music from talented musicians in the Student Union. Litwiller said a highlight of her day came when time was nearing midnight in the Student Union with several students who stuck it out. “When we surpassed $340,000, cheers erupted, Tyler Goss started playing ‘We Are the Champions’ over the speakers, and everyone sang along in celebration,” Litwiller said. “It was a beautiful moment to be a part of, and reminded me of why we do this work: To support these amazing students. I’m filled with gratitude today.”

Challenges

Early Challenge: Before the day even started, the gifts came rolling in. We received at least 100 gifts before the start of LovEMU Giving Day to unlock $10,000 to student scholarships. 120+ out of 100 gifts needed were given!

Loyal Royal Challenge: EMU alumni gave more than 250 gifts over the 24-hour span to best the goal set for this challenge and unlock $15,000 to The University Fund. 252 out of 250 gifts needed were given!

Stronger Together Challenge: Non-alumni deepened their commitment to EMU by making at least 175 gifts throughout the day and unlocking $15,000 to student scholarships. 202 out of 175 gifts needed were given!

Future Royal Challenge: Because 15 prospective students attending LovEMU Giving Day paid their tuition deposit, we unlocked $15,000 to The University Fund.

Wake Me Up Before You Give-Give Challenge: Early birds helped reach this challenge by giving 75 gifts between 6 and 9 a.m. to unlock $10,000 to The University Fund. 88 out of 75 gifts needed were given!

We’ve Got Spirit Challenge: The EMU faithful showed their Royal pride during the pep rally by giving 50 gifts between 10 and 11 a.m. and unlocking $10,000 to The University Fund (as well as a chance to watch Herm pie the president). 54 out of 50 gifts needed were given!

Rally with Royal Women Challenge: Royal Women for EMU, a new networking and philanthropy initiative, raises direct financial aid for students who want to attend EMU. President Huxman matched every dollar donated up to $9,000 in this challenge between noon and 3 p.m. A total of $21,632.70 was raised during this challenge! 

The Roar Heard ’Round the World Challenge: Donors joined Herm in letting their love for EMU be heard all around the world by awarding 75 gifts between 5 and 7 p.m. and unlocking $10,000 to The University Fund. 88 out of 75 gifts needed were given!

What’s Love Got to Do With It Challenge: Loving EMU is not a secondhand emotion. Because we received 50 gifts between 7:30 and 9 p.m., we unlocked $10,000 to student scholarships. 52 out of 50 gifts needed were given!

Carrie Us to Midnight Challenge: Athletics supporters showed their love for EMU sports and Athletics Director Carrie Bert by pitching in 100 donations between 9 p.m. and midnight to unlock $10,000 to the Athletics Annual Fund. 119 out of 100 gifts needed were given!

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared of their time to tell us how you LovEMU, and joined in the festivities on campus!

For more photos from the day’s events, swipe through our below:

��ݮ���� invites students to visit the campus in person or virtually during the state’s annual Virginia Private College Week from July 26-31. 

The university is among 23 schools participating in the event, sponsored annually by the (CICV).

Any students who visit EMU can apply for free.

EMU will offer daily campus tours and information sessions about admissions, financial aid and academic programs. 

In-person tours and info sessions will be offered the following days and times:

• Daily, from Monday, July 26 to Friday, July 30, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• On Tuesday, July 27, at 7 p.m.
• On Saturday, July 31, at 9 a.m. 

Virtual tours and info sessions are scheduled for one day only: Tuesday, July 26, at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“Virginia Private College Week is a great opportunity that provides prospective students and their families the chance to easily visit multiple schools over a few days and get a head start on the college search process,” said Matt Ruth, director of undergraduate admissions. “We’re very excited to welcome students and their families for these special sessions.”

“Visiting campuses in person is one of the most important steps in the college search process,” said Robert Lambeth, president of the CICV.

CICV was founded in 1971 to promote the interests of nonprofit, independent higher education in Virginia. The council was also instrumental in starting the state’s Tuition Assistance Grant program.

“I encourage parents to explore which college will be the best fit for their son or daughter, and I want to reassure them that a quality education at a Virginia private college is affordable and within reach,” said Lambeth.

More information

To register for Virginia Private College Week at EMU, go to or contact the Admissions Office at 540-432-4118 or admiss@emu.edu.

Click here for more information on including a list of participating colleges, or contact the at 540-586-0606.

Read more…

High school students who visit four Virginia private colleges Aug. 1-6 will receive application fee waivers redeemable at any three participating private colleges.

EMU is among 24 schools participating in the ninth annual Virginia Private College Week, Aug. 1-6, sponsored by the (CICV).

High school students who visit four Virginia private colleges during that week will receive application fee waivers redeemable at any three private colleges in CICV. With application fees ranging from $15 to $50, students could save as much as $100.

Last year, CICV colleges reported almost 2,000 visits during Virginia Private College Week, with students and families visiting from 33 states and the District of Columbia.

“Families will be impressed with the diversity, quality and affordability of our colleges,” said Robert Lambeth, president of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV). “Students at private colleges benefit from a supportive campus environment where classes are small, professors are accessible, and students are encouraged to become involved in extra-curricular activities.”

A private college education is more affordable than many families think, Lambeth stated. Last year, private colleges gave students more than $200 million in scholarships and grants. In addition, all full-time students from Virginia attending a Virginia private college are eligible to receive a $2,500 state grant