The Rev. Dr. Almeda Wright, associate professor of religious education at Yale Divinity School and author of Teaching to Live: Black Religion, Activist-Educators, and Radical Social Change (Oxford University Press, 2024), will present at EMU’s annual Augsburger Lecture Series on Monday, Oct. 27, in the MainStage Theater (University Commons 170). The lecture starts at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a reception.

Her lecture will explore the lives and pedagogical genius of 20th century African American educators. 

“We will wrestle with the ways that teachers are often underacknowledged as exemplars of faith and social change,” states a description of her lecture. “We will focus on the lives of Anna Julia Cooper and Septima Clark, who, like many other 20th century African American women teachers, embodied an unwavering faith in God, in their cause, in their students, and in themselves that pushed them to continue working for justice despite efforts to thwart them.”

Wright’s research focuses on African American religion, adolescent spiritual development, and the intersections of religion and public life. Prior to her arrival at Yale, she served for four years as assistant professor of religion and youth ministry at Pfeiffer University and, before that, was an adjunct faculty member and teaching assistant at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. 

She is also the author of The Spiritual Lives of Young African Americans (Oxford, 2017) and the co-editor of Children, Youth, and Spirituality in a Troubling World.��

Wright is an ordained minister of the American Baptist Churches and has been on the ministerial staff of several churches, including Union Baptist Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Victory for the World United Church of Christ in Stone Mountain, Georgia. 

She holds a PhD from Emory University, an MDiv from Harvard Divinity School, an MA in teaching from Simmons College, and a bachelor of science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The Augsburger Lecture Series was founded in 1984 by Myron S. and Esther Augsburger to address “topics in the area of Christian evangelism and mission for the stimulation and development of a vision for evangelism and missions for the EMU community.”

For more information, visit .

EMU News often publishes event previews. Visit  to view latest postings or to subscribe to the news digest to receive the Tuesday morning weekly update.

August

Classes for students begin on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Aug. 28 — Opening Convocation and Worship. Join President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman as we kick off another EMU year with the theme of “Running the Good Race.” 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on  page.  

September

Sept. 4 — Convocation: Unlocking the Brain. is a professor and bestselling author with a passion for helping others learn and study more effectively. This convocation unlocks the learning brain and decodes the research about how learning works into practices that enhance and accelerate our own learning journey. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on  page.  

Sept. 6 — Suter Science Seminar: Morgan Heim. “Wild Heart: Bringing Empathy and Grace to Environmental Storytelling.” Heim is a wildlife photojournalist and filmmaker focusing on coexistence and how human-influenced environmental change impacts wildlife. She holds degrees in zoology and environmental journalism, which she draws upon in her search to find the beauty, humor and perseverance in wildlife stories. 10:15-11:15 a.m., Suter Science Center 106.

Sept. 6 — The Visual And Communication Arts (VACA) department hosts the first gallery opening of the year featuring widely acclaimed wildlife photographer Morgan Heim. 4-5 p.m., Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery. On display through Oct. 4.

Sept. 6-8 — Join the EMU Chamber Singers for a sing-through of the entire Voices Together hymnal. The three-day is a fundraiser for the choir, which will tour the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland in May 2025, wrapping up their tour at the 500-year Celebration of Anabaptism, where they have been selected as the performing choir from North America. 7-11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 6; 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7; noon until finished, Sunday, Sept. 8; Martin Chapel. 

Sept. 16 — Student Research Symposium. Biology and chemistry students have been busy this summer! Several students will share about their scholarly summer experiences, including presentations of their research. 4:15-6 p.m., Suter Science Center 106.

Sept. 17 — Sabbatical Spotlight: Paul J. Yoder. “Going to Thailand and the Library!” Paul will share highlights of a two-week Virginia Mennonite Missions experience in Thailand. He will also report on the scholarly writing that occupied the bulk of the semester. 12:10-1 p.m., Northlawn West Dining Room.

Sept. 18 — Convocation: Finding Common Ground in Common Grounds. A presidential election is on the horizon and times feel tense and divisive. Whether you are Republican, or Democrat, or something else entirely, gather for a facilitated process where we can each share and listen across the political divide. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Common Grounds Coffeehouse.

Sept. 23 — Verses & Vibes with Jessica Care Moore. A powerful evening of poetry with authors and recording artists Jessica Care Moore and Brad Walrond. 7 p.m., Student Union.

Sept. 26 — Royals Go Downtown. Rep your Royal pride while enjoying samples from Downtown Harrisonburg restaurants and participating in a parade. 5-8 p.m., Downtown Harrisonburg.

Sept. 27 — Wind & Jazz Ensemble Concert. 7-9 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.

October

Fall Break for students is between Wednesday, Oct. 16, and Sunday, Oct. 20. Classes resume on Oct. 21.

Oct. 2 — Convocation: Nonviolence Matters. Sarah Nahar, a nonviolent action trainer and interspiritual theologian, will talk about why nonviolence matters, especially in relation to EMU’s anabaptism roots, as she also explores the theory behind the practice. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on  page.  

Oct. 11 — Art Gallery Opening, featuring alumni artists Rebecca Souder Gish ’09, Rhoda Miller ’03, and Jon Styer ’07. 4-5 p.m., Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery.

Oct. 11-13 — Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024. Visit for a full listing of events. 

Oct. 11-27 — EMU Theatre’s production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” A small cast of EMU students and community members play multiple roles in this epic rock musical version of Rick Riordan’s beloved young-adult novels about an under-achieving kid who discovers that he’s a demigod. 7 p.m., Oct. 11-12, Oct. 25-26; 2 p.m., Oct. 13, Oct. 26-27. All shows in Studio Theater.

Oct. 13 — The EMU Chamber Singers performs for Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024. 9:30 a.m., Park View Mennonite Church.

Oct. 14 — Convocation: Indigenous Peoples’ Day. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium.

Oct. 15 — Third annual Queer History Month keynote, featuring Annabeth Roeschley, executive director for Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests. 7:30 p.m., Common Grounds.

Oct. 29 — Sabbatical Spotlight: Mark Sawin. “Other Voices, Other Rooms: Teaching America in Lithuania and Croatia.” EMU History Professor Dr. Mark Metzler Sawin will present the lessons learned during a year of teaching about and being a representative of the U.S. in Lithuania and Croatia. It will focus on difference in ideas and understandings about race, ethnicity, belonging, power, and agency in these racially homogeneous but ethnically fraught areas, through stories of his interactions with many remarkable students and colleagues. 12:10-1 p.m., Northlawn West Dining Room.

Oct. 30 — Convocation: Dia de los Muertos Celebration. Learn about and celebrate this Mexican holiday as we also remember family and friends who have passed. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on  page.  

November

Thanksgiving Break is between Wednesday, Nov. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 1.

Nov. 1 — Suter Science Seminar: Kathryn Jacobsen. “Health Transitions Epidemiology and the Hepatitis A Paradox.” Jacobsen, professor in the Department of Health Studies at the University of Richmond, leads a talk explaining some of the methods that are used to study health transitions and will discuss the reasons why safe drinking water does not always lead immediately to reduced outbreaks of waterborne infectious diseases and improved community health. 10:15-11:15 a.m., Suter Science Center 106.

Nov. 7 —&�Բ�����;Augsburger Lecture Series: Felipe Hinojosa. Hinojosa is the John and Nancy Jackson Endowed Chair in Latin America and professor of history at Baylor University. His research focuses on the Latinx civil rights movement and religious politics in 20th century America. 7 p.m., Martin Chapel.

Nov. 8 — EMU Music Gala Concert: Arise. The ��ݮ���� Gala Concert has become one of the most exciting and unique annual concert events in the Valley. This year’s gala, themed Arise, celebrates the beauty of resilience in overcoming hardship and the joy and peace found in community. The concert will feature electrifying tap dance from guest artist Izaiah Montaque Harris, exciting jazz, beautiful singing, and the grand finale from one of the most powerful and moving musical masterworks of all time, Gustav Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony for chorus and orchestra. 7-9 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.

Nov. 13 — Convocation: Subtract. Hear from Leidy Klotz, author of Subtract, as he arms us with the science of less and empowers us to revolutionize our day-to-day lives and shift how we move through the world. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on  page.  

Nov. 15 — Opening reception and live concert, featuring EMU music alum Joseph Harder and an exhibition of his photography. 4-5 p.m., Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery. Exhibition runs through Dec. 13. 

Nov. 17 — Fall Concert (Intermezzo & Concert Choirs with Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony). 4 p.m., Lehman Auditorium. By donation.

Nov. 19 — Sabbatical Spotlight: Doug Graber Neufeld. “Exploring Our World with Geographic Information Systems: Water, Climate, and Salamanders.” Graber Neufeld is professor of biology at EMU and helps to direct the environmental science major. His research focuses on the environmental impacts of toxins and pollution on humans and the planet. 12:10-1 p.m., Northlawn West Dining Room.

Nov. 20 — EMU Joint Choir Concert. Join us for a fun concert, featuring three choirs of EMU: the University Choir, Chamber Singers, and Gospel Choir. Set in the more informal Student Union, grab a snack or drink at Common Grounds while you enjoy the choral offerings EMU has in store! 8 p.m., Student Union.

December

Residence halls close for winter break at noon on Saturday, Dec. 14, and reopen on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. 

Dec. 2 — Sixth annual Lighting of the Green. Join the EMU community as Christmas carols are sung, delicious treats are enjoyed, and the lights adorning the Christmas tree at Thomas Plaza are switched on. 4:45 p.m., Front Lawn.

Dec. 6 — Let it Snow! – An EMU Christmas Concert. Join us for EMU Music’s second-ever Christmas concert: Let it Snow! Featuring EMU’s music ensembles and faculty, this special concert presents fun and beautiful holiday classics with a few surprises and special twists along the way. This is sure to be an enjoyable event for all ages. 7-9 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.

Dec. 10 — Convocation: Student Recognition Ceremony. Celebrate our amazing students and all the incredible ways they are leading with compassion and care. 10:10-10:50 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on  page.  

Dec. 14-15 — Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir Christmas Concerts (all performing choirs). 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14; 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, Lehman Auditorium. 

More information

Arts at EMU To learn more about music, theater, and visual and communication arts at EMU, visit www.emu.edu/arts.

Center for Interfaith Engagement The Center for Interfaith Engagement (CIE) at ��ݮ���� promotes collaboration among religious and nonreligious scholars and practitioners, provides education in our principles and practices, and creates a safe space for developing authentic relationships and mutual understanding both between and within communities. CIE partners with people and organizations for interfaith education and service to promote a more just and peaceful world.

 Each year, a variety of expert scientists visit EMU’s campus to share their insights. Refreshments provided.

University Chapel A community gathering place for worship and forum, chapel reflects an Anabaptist/Mennonite perspective alongside the gifts, traditions and cultures of the broader Christian faith. Faith, hope and love are nurtured in the way of Jesus. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to gather every other Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. for campus worship in Martin Chapel. A student-led song, prayer and worship service is held most Sunday evenings from 8-9 p.m. in University Commons Room 177 (Old Common Grounds). Podcasts available.

Writers Reads and Spanish Language Film Series events sponsored by the language and literature department. Writers Read features authors who read from and comment on their work; refreshments are provided. Spanish language films will have English subtitles; introductions and student-led discussions are in English.

EMU News often publishes event previews. Visit  to view the latest postings or to subscribe to the news digest to receive the Tuesday morning weekly update.

November 2023

Nov. 1 — Suter Science Seminar: Ángel A. García Jr. “Using Karst as a Central Theme to Establish Multidisciplinary Research Around the World.” Dr. Garcia is a geoscientist interested in using cave and karst science to study the intersection between society and karst terrain around the world. In this talk, he will be discussing current research related to cave and karst in Virginia and Puerto Rico and other parts of the world. 10:10 a.m., SSC 104.

Nov. 3-5 — This and That Theater Showcases. Student and community artists share one-act plays, monologues, song, poetry, spoken word and solo pieces. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., MainStage Theater.

Nov. 5 — Massanutten Brass Band. Join the Shenandoah Valley’s very own British-style brass band in concert as they present Old, New, Borrowed, Blue! This concert features pieces by Shostakovich, Gershwin, Graham, and more! 6 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.

Nov. 6 — STEM Teaching Gathering. “Lessons Learned from 24 Years in Education” from Brian Nussbaum. This session will highlight three significant transformations in thinking that have influenced Brian’s approach to teaching and share the importance of how learning from failure can be the most important rule as an educator. 10:10 a.m., SSC 109.

Nov. 8 — Convocation: Celebrating EMU’s Mennonite Identity. A panel of students, faculty and staff will discuss what it means to be a Mennonite university today. There will also be music performances and singing. 10:10 a.m., Lehman Auditorium.

Nov. 10 —&�Բ�����;EMU Music 2023 Gala. Together. This special concert celebrating connectedness and community across the globe will feature dance, poetry, world music, the world premiere of two new compositions, and the beloved “Ode to Joy” movement from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. There will be special performances by guest artists Paula Facci, Andreá Bellamore, Makinto as well as all EMU music program ensembles. 7 p.m., Lehman Auditorium. Suggested donation $10-$20.

Nov. 15 — University Colloquium: Cathy Rittenhouse. “Improving Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test Utilization on a College Campus.” For students to succeed in their educational endeavors, it is essential for colleges to work to meet health needs. Measures that raise awareness about sexually-transmitted infections and reduce barriers to testing are steps in this direction. 4 p.m., SSC 106.

Nov. 17-Dec. 15 — Dittenber/Schram Art Exhibition, featuring the art of Asheville, North Carolina, artists Suzanne Dittenber and Thomas Schram. Gallery opening 4 p.m. Nov. 17, MMG Gallery.

Nov. 18 — Music Faculty Artist Series Recital: Olivia Rominiyi, voice, and Jeremiah Padilla, piano. This recital features EMU faculty members Rominiyi (soprano) and Padilla (piano) performing music of Smith Moore, Clara Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Menotti, Rossini, Price, Lane and Puccini. 7 p.m., Martin Chapel.

Nov. 19 — Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir and Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony joint fall concert. 4 p.m., Lehman Auditorium. By donation.

Nov. 29 — Convocation: Insights and Stories from Howard Zehr, featuring an interview with Howard Zehr about his new book, . 10:10 a.m., Lehman Auditorium.

Nov. 30 — EMU Music Program Student Recital. This final student recital of the semester showcases solo performances by EMU music students. 12:10 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.

December 2023

Dec. 1 — Tis’ the Season: An EMU Christmas Concert. A special fun-filled Christmas event, this concert featuring performances by all EMU ensembles and several EMU faculty members will include music ranging from timeless Christmas jazz favorites to the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s Messiah. 7 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.

Dec. 2 — Senior Recital: Judith Hoffman, violin. Senior music education major Judith Hoffman presents her senior violin recital with EMU faculty pianist Jeremiah Padilla. 7 p.m., Martin Chapel.

Dec. 4 — Caroling Christmas: Narrating Nativity. This gathering immediately after the Lighting of the Green, in the warmth of the Student Union, features Christmas caroling and one of the biblical stories of Jesus’ birth. 5:30 p.m., University Commons Student Union.

Dec. 7 — Senior Recital: Indigo Gott, flute. Senior Interdisciplinary music major Indigo Gott will present their senior recital featuring special guest collaborators from across the EMU music program. 7 p.m., Martin Chapel. 

Dec. 9-10 — Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir Christmas Concert with the Washington Symphonic Brass. Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 4 p.m. Lehman Auditorium. Tickets

Dec. 10 — Conducting Class Recital: Recollections. EMU Music conducting class students present their end-of-the-semester recital, featuring an eclectic mix of their own chamber music arrangements. 7 p.m., Martin Chapel.

Dec. 14 — Convocation: Europe Intercultural. The Europe Intercultural group shares about their travels to Vienna, Austria, and areas that were once under the rule of the Hapsburg Empire. 10:10 a.m., Lehman Auditorium.

MMG Gallery = Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery

SSC = Suter Science Center

More information

Arts at EMU To learn more about music, theater, and visual and communication arts at EMU, visit www.emu.edu/arts.

Center for Interfaith Engagement The Center for Interfaith Engagement (CIE) at ��ݮ���� promotes collaboration among religious and nonreligious scholars and practitioners, provides education in our principles and practices, and creates a safe space for developing authentic relationships and mutual understanding both between and within communities. CIE partners with people and organizations for interfaith education and service to promote a more just and peaceful world.

 Each year, a variety of expert scientists visit EMU’s campus to share their insights. Refreshments provided.

University Chapel A community gathering place for worship and forum, chapel reflects an Anabaptist/Mennonite perspective alongside the gifts, traditions and cultures of the broader Christian faith. Faith, hope and love are nurtured in the way of Jesus. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to gather every other Wednesday at 10 a.m. for campus worship in Martin Chapel. A student-led song, prayer and worship service is held most Sunday evenings at 9 p.m. in Martin Chapel. Podcasts available.

Writers Reads and Spanish Language Film Series events sponsored by the language and literature department. Writers Read features authors who read from and comment on their work; refreshments are provided. Spanish language films will have English subtitles; introductions and student-led discussions are in English.