The first event – which combines community members and worship in collaborative artistic creation – will be on Palm Sunday, April 14, at 7 p.m. on Thomas Plaza.

The second event on Wednesday, April 17, highlights the traditional alfombra created during Holy Week by EMU’s Latino Student Alliance. This is the fourth year LSA has created the artwork and hosted the service, which takes place in EMU’s campus center from 10:10-11 a.m.

The two events will create unique but complementary worship spaces for Holy Week, said Campus Pastor Brian Martin Burkholder. “We want to gather the campus and broader community to explore the spiritual significance of creating and using alfombras both in their cultural contexts and in our shared experience. On Palm Sunday, we will worship together, build simple alfombras with readily available natural items, and hear about the alfombra created by the Latino Student Alliance, which will be completed for the service on Wednesday.”

What’s an alfombra?

Communities in Mexico and Central America decorate their streets to commemorate Jesus’s welcome into Jerusalem the week before his crucifixion.�� Traditionally, community members gather in a processional to walk over the alfombras on their way to church.

For the past three years, LSA has created one of these expansive and colorful works of art on the EMU campus. The process begins months before, with the selection of a theme and the symbolic elements. Materials, including coffee grounds, rice, sawdust and flour, are gathered and prepared. Teams of students spend many hours patiently contributing to the finished work.

LSA’s alfombra provides a beautiful centerpiece for a mid-week Holy Week service during which worshippers walk together around the art, stopping to listen to scripture readings, participate in a litany, and sing hymns together in English and Spanish. After so many hours of labor, the alfombra remains intact for viewing and reflection.

Bring materials to the Palm Sunday service

LSA’s tradition of creating the alfombra inspired the idea to create what Burkholder is calling an “interactive alfombra made of found materials from the natural world” on Palm Sunday.

Participants are welcome to bring their own materials to contribute, such as wood chips, sand, gravel, branches, or flowers. A design will be present, but there will also be open space.

Creation will be “festival-style,” family friendly and fun. The artistic creation will be “free-flowing and interactive, alongside the music provided by our student worship team, Celebration,” said Burkholder. “We invite everyone to come and participate and share in this collaborative creation.”

Weather permitting, Thomas Plaza at the center of campus will be the site. If rain or wind is likely, the event will move inside.

See photos of the grand opening for the new student lounge “The Royal Treatment,”�� styled as a barbershop and salon.

The celebration theme was “A Time to Break Silence,” words from the title of an anti-Vietnam War and pro-social justice speech delivered by King April 4, 1967, at Riverside Church in New York City.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” said Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, quoting King while welcoming the crowd to Lehman Auditorium. “His words rang true back then and they ring truer today. Simply being silent is no longer an option, not today, especially in the climate we’re in. We must speak out.”

Reed called EMU “our bridgebuilders, our moral compass, our peacebuilders of the Valley,” and urged the campus community to uphold their continued commitment to those descriptors: “When you feel in your soul that something is not right, I give you the open invitation to stand up and say something.”

The program also included reflections from President Susan Schultz Huxman, a scripture reading by Jakiran Richardson, co-president of Black Student Union, and Ariel Barbosa, co-president of Latino Student Alliance; spoken word by Ezrionna Prioleau; selections performed by a gospel choir of EMU students and Northeast Neighborhood residents; and the introduction of the speaker by Brittany Caine-Conley.

Caine-Conley, a graduate of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, is a United Church of Christ (UCC) pastor and organizer of Congregate Charlottesville. In that capacity, in the days preceding the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, she invited to train and join with those confronting white supremacists.

The convocation address, titled “”This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Civil Rights Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.,” was brought by Sekou, an activist, theologian, author, documentary filmmaker and musician from St. Louis, Missouri.

Sekou joined with student and pianist Earnest Kiah to sing “Bury Me,” by Rev. , a Charlottesville UCC minister and songwriter.

Here are excerpts from his address:

Another challenge that faces us, particularly those of us who are slightly older, is not to lie to you, but to tell the truth about the times that were before so that we might honestly engage the times to come. One of the lies that we tell you is that everybody over 50 marched with Martin Luther King, and this is not simply true. … Though he is loved, he was not loved when he was alive. In fact, he was hated.

There’s a certain kind of ubiquity of a Martin Luther King. We have a national monument. All over America today people shall gather in places … but it seems the case that liberals and conservatives alike tend to appropriate his legacy and language to adorn their own political wardrobes and buttress their ideological construction. Corporations such as Apple have used his words and images to sell their wares, and pundits of all persuasions have invoked his name to browbeat a younger generation of [activists] and their tactics. Such is the case for the Movement for Black Lives, commonly known as the Black Lives Matter movement.

Often denigrated in public discourse, Black Lives Matter is the largest movement for racial justice in the United States since the civil rights movement. … Martin Luther King and Black Lives Matter as a broader��movement were both held in general disdain by the popular opinion. And that popular opinion renders to us something to us in a way in which we can come to understand not only the past but the present, because if we hold up the civil rights movement as a movement that had extreme popularity over and against how young people’s activism is viewed today, we create the possibility of them never achieving the kind of success that they believe is necessary, because we have lied to them….

I suspect the reason why Martin Luther King was so hated during his own life and why Black Lives Matter as a movement is so hated during its particular moment has more to do with their commonality than their difference. … We must come to understand the ways in which our country has always found itself in opposition to a level of progress that called into question what it meant to be American. …

Martin Luther King comes from a tradition of a mighty people, and that these mighty people had an understanding of the world that was theologically rich and dense, because they understood that … the beginning of black religion in the context of the American empire begins not with the lack of presuppositions about who God is and what the nature of the church is. It begins with one fundamental assumption that black people are human, and that is a revolutionary notion in America. It begins with the humanity of black people, and … begins with an understanding that black people look at the��darkness and they tell the truth about the darkness but they never let the darkness have the last word.

And so they say interesting things, like “Jesus is a bright and morning star.” That’s theological sophistication because it looks at the darkness. You can’t see the morning star without the darkness. And they look at the darkness and they acknowledge it, and they say, “He’s a bright and a morning star.” They say, “He’s the lily of the valley, water in dry places.” These are theological richness that acknowledges the darkness. It acknowledges the pain and agony and despair, and never lets it have the last word. It comes from a semi-literate people who had dense theological understanding of the world, so they said things like “Jesus is a doctor in a sick room, a lawyer in a courtroom. … He is a keeper and a friend to the friendless and a mother to the motherless.” These were people who were stolen away from their mothers and their fathers and they understood that Jesus could be a comfort to them even in these contexts.

These are the people who produced Martin Luther King. Mighty people. …

We have a moral and ethical obligation to stand against all forms of racism, all forms of anti-Semitism, all forms of discrimination, and that we have the right and moral and ethical responsibility to say that the life of a baby in Ferguson is just as important as the life of a baby in Palestine, just as important as the life of a baby in Yemen, just as important as the life of a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender baby….

We are called seriously as Christians to take without question … that whenever people are catching hell, we are morally and ethically obligated to show up. And on the question of gay, lesbian and bisexual and transgender people, particularly for older Christians: You don’t have to get it, because comprehension is not the prerequisite for compassion.

Whenever people are catching hell, we see in [King’s] life that we must show up, so whether that be in solidarity with Palestinians in 1967, whether it be with sanitation workers in 1968, whether it be with striking union workers in a pen factory in North Carolina, he showed up wherever people were catching hell.

Now let’s be clear, we do not want to romanticize him. He had contradictions. His sexism was evident. … He was human just like you. And so your contradictions do not disqualify you from struggle, and in fact they mandate that you struggle even harder. … We are all fallen. … Paul talks about the notion of those of us who are being saved, that salvation is not a destination, it’s something we’re on our way to. We are being saved. We are becoming. …

We all have contradictions and those contradictions do not invalidate our commitment to struggle.

Christopher Clymer Kurtz contributed to this article.

Soon, though, he’ll perform his craft in a proper barber’s chair with a proper mirror in EMU’s newest student space. Modeled after a barbershop and salon and dubbed “The Royal Treatment,” the space will be managed by the Black Student Union (BSU).

“This is much more than a barbershop. This is a sanctuary,” said senior Jourdyn Friend, BSU vice president, during a special evening preview of the room. “Your hairdresser is more like a counselor, there to talk about your problems, because you’re there so long you might as well. This space is progress towards recognizing not just the majority but also the minority. This is a symbol of our voice being heard.”

The grand opening of “The Royal Treatment” – which includes two barber’s chairs, a hairwashing station, television and two comfortable couches, all enlivened by a bright wall mural celebrating African and African-American culture – was Monday, Jan. 21, at 11:45 a.m. during the university’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was followed by a barbershop talk with local barber Tyrone Sprague. During past MLK Days, a visit to Sprague’s downtown barbershop for some history, legend and lore was a much-loved EMU tradition.

“We’re so pleased that Mr. Tyrone Sprague will be coming to help us celebrate the opening of our very own barbershop and salon,” Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural services and senior advisor to the president for diversity and inclusion, said prior to the event. “Just like his barbershop has been for years, I know this place is going to be full of joking and laughter and wisdom, a place where people can literally and figuratively let their hair down, where they can come and have a good time and be relaxed and comfortable.”

A major ‘milestone’

For the sneak preview hangout last week, though, it was Loving who did the barbering honors in front of a group of student-representatives from BSU and Latino Student Alliance invited by Thomas and lead residence director Scott Eyre. Both Thomas and Eyre sit on EMU’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI), a 17-strong group that advises, consults and educates the EMU community.

BSU members called “The Royal Treatment” a major milestone in the university’s history. Senior Jessica Washington, the club’s secretary, said she never imagined “something like this” when she arrived on campus four years ago. “This is a real blessing.”

BSU co-president Jakiran Richardson, a sophomore, views the new space as the university’s way of showing empathy and understanding for students of color who must adapt to a predominantly white campus culture. “We understand what you’re going through,” he translated. “Here’s something to show our appreciation for you being here and that we are about who you are.”

Erick Camodeca, associate cross country and track and field coach, took advantage of the preview to relax in the barber’s chair while getting a “temp fade” from Loving. ��Also a member of CODI, Camodeca might be new to the campus – he arrived last summer – but his experience at four other universities has given him a critical eye.

The new space, he said, “sends out a message that this university does care, that we are making a commitment to diversity and to our students.”

The barbershop is “all about community, which is one of EMU’s core values,” Camodeca added. “What a better place to have a barbershop where people can come in of all diversities and backgrounds and share an experience and learn something.”

A measure of support for the room was the wild success of its crowdfunding campaign. More than $2,600 was raised by donors to purchase sinks, chairs and other amenities and decorations.

‘A meeting place’

Historically, the African American barbershop and salon was, and still is, a meeting place, “a place where mothers take daughters, where fathers take sons, a family place, a place of confidentiality and gossip, with people coming in and out, selling this and that,” Thomas said.

“Not to mention food,” added Friend to general laughter. “You can get your dinner there.”

The barbershop was also a place where “planning happened through the Jim Crow era and the civil rights movement,” Thomas said.

“It’s still definitely a place where dreams are fostered,” said former BSU co-president DeVantae Dews. Dews found Sprague’s barbershop downtown when he first arrived from Lynchburg as a first-year student. Over the years, time spent with Sprague reflecting on the civil rights and Black Lives Matter movements, along with a host of other topics, were important to his own outlook and activism.

“Those conversations gave me hope and vision for what I believe the next movement is to come,” Dews said, “and so I can only imagine how much wisdom will be poured down through our generations here in this place, and what this space can do – for reflecting on the growth that’s happened here at EMU and the planning we can do to make more change to help make this campus a better place for everyone.”

‘All hair types’ welcome

Eyre, the residence director, appreciates the new space as an opportunity to learn about and appreciate cultures different from one’s own. The barbershop and salon is rooted in his own learning experience, which began when female students using hair straighteners in the dorms repeatedly set off fire alarms.

“The reaction of some white and white Mennonite students who didn’t understand what was going on helped me admit that I didn’t know either,” Eyre said. “With a lot of grace, Celeste answered questions and shared about African American hair and hairstyling and the processes involved, and I realized that EMU could do better in providing and creating spaces in support of our students.”

The barbershop and salon will be a familiar cultural space to many African American students, he said, but white students “will have to figure out how they fit in,” a fair experience considering that African American and minority students make that effort constantly at EMU, he said.

The cozy room in University Commons is located in a former office donated by the Student Government Association. Students at the sneak preview event said they were confident the space would quickly become a campus hangout. ��

The ambiance brought back memories for Ariel Barbosa, co-president of Latino Student Alliance, of going to the barbershop with her dad, who has both African and indigenous Brazilian heritage. That same feeling of “being at home there” in the barbershop of her childhood is one she hopes will be shared here. “I’m excited that students are at the center of this project,” she said. “I just envision this as a space that will be one of true diversity, where people of all hair types will find a place.”

For Dews, who had worked on the initial plans for the space several years ago, sitting in the new lounge gives him “great hope,” he said. “And if I am hopeful sitting here, think of how a freshman would feel … I believe this is the small fruit of the harvest of what God wants to do on this campus when looking at diversity, reconciling between racial and social economies and all the other social constructions that try and divide us. This is just the beginning of what can happen on this campus.”

“Do you know what an EMU graduate should do and be when you are no longer on campus? Think of these things, of the people who invested in you because they believed in you. … Be a very good ambassador,” he urged.

Though many of students present perhaps thought beyond impending finals to consider their future plans, the ceremony was the first time to put on their caps and gowns and the first inkling of the celebration to come. During the May 6 Commencement ceremony, each of the 33 will wear a special stole, some made of kente cloth but others of satin fabric symbolizing heritage, roots within one or various communities, or citizenship.

The formal presentation of these stoles was the reason for coming together with family, friends and EMU community members Wednesday evening. The ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of graduating students of color as well as the history of black students’ and students of color achievements at the university, according to Multicultural Student Services Director Celeste Thomas, who started the first event three years ago.

See this event and more in EMU’s Centennial timeline chronicling diversity on campus.��

“We gather here to honor these students, some of whom are the first of their family to graduate from college, and to wish them well on their way forward,” she said in her welcome. “For those of you who our graduates have selected to place the kente cloth over their shoulders, it is a great honor.”

Micah Shristi, co-director of international student services and advisor to the International Student Organization, and M. Esther Showalter, advisor to the Latino Student Alliance, also co-hosted the event.

Read 2017 and 2016 coverage of the event.��

Donning of the Kente participants

Eyman Alasbali is graduating with an MA in education. Her father Ghorm Alasbali and mother Abdiah Alshebri presented the stole. She plans to take additional classes for a second concentration and then return to help her community.

Genesis Arzu ��is earning a degree in digital media and��plans to work in a production studio as an audio engineer after graduation. Celeste Thomas presented her stole.

Natasha Bridge is earning a degree in kinesiology and exercise science. Carolyn Stauffer, professor of sociology, presented her with the stole. Natasha plans to move home and work and further her education within the next two years.

Jazmine Carter is earning a degree in business administration, and plans to attend graduate school in the spring. Andrew Miller, instructor of business, awarded her stole.

Kevin A. Clark is earning a degree in Spanish with a minor in digital communications. Ann Hershberger, professor of nursing, presented his stole.

Phoebe Coffie is earning a degree in biology. After graduation, she plans to take the MCAT and continue shadowing and volunteering, working towards medical school entrance. Micah Shristi presented her stole.

Kimberly Daley is graduating with a degree in nursing. Marcia Pusey, instructor of nursing, presented her stole. Her goal is to be debt-free within three years.

Drew Diaz is earning a degree in biology and hopes to go to medical school His mother Pam Diaz awarded the stole.

Fabiana Espinal has earned a degree in liberal arts with a concentration in psychology. Amanda Styer and Alex Bowdey presented the stole. She plans to continue to be involved in the community following an internship related to Title IX and restorative justice. She’ll begin graduate school in fall 2019.

Denait Gebretsadik is graduating with a degree in history and a minor in Spanish. She was gifted her stole by Asmait Asgedom, and it was presented by Mark Sawin, professor of history.

Jerome Jones will graduate with a degree in psychology and plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Melody Pannell, professor of sociology, presented his stole.

Maleke Jones is graduating with a degree in psychology and a minor in pre-law. He will work for a local police department. Melody Pannell presented his stole.

Emmanuel Kampanga earned a degree in biology. He plans to take the MCAT and apply for medical schools in Europe. Micah Shristi presented his stole.

Keyri Lopez-Godoy is graduating with a degree in liberal arts and a PK-6 elementary education endorsement. She will teach in Harrisonburg City Schools. Mentor Louise Gallagher presented the stole.

Luisa Angel Mallard is earning a degree in communication. She hopes to eventually earn a master’s degree in restorative justice. Micah Shristi presented her stole.

Lania McKoy will graduate with a nursing degree and a psychology minor. Lamarr Wharwood presented her with the stole. She plans to celebrate this accomplishment, study for the nursing boards and then be the best nurse she can be.

Mandy Miller is earning a degree in social work. She wants to work for two years and then return for a master’s degree. Celeste Thomas awarded her stole.

Kennedy Okerere is earning a degree in business administration. He will return to his home state of Maryland to begin a new job.��Celeste Thomas awarded his stole.

Louisa Quaynor will graduate with a degree in nursing. She plans to work in a Richmond area hospital after graduation. Marcia Pusey, instructor of nursing, awarded her stole.

Alejandra Tejada Rivera is earning a degree in nursing. She plans to work at Sentara RMH in the orthopedic unit. David Diaz presented her stole.

Da’Jahnea Robinson is earning a degree in psychology. Charisse Robinson presented her with the stole. Da’Jahnea will continue her studies in the MA in Counseling program at EMU.

Chang Tan will graduate with an MA in biomedicine. He will work as a research coordinator while preparing medical school applications. Fellow graduate student��Thi Do Lovo presented his stole.

Delight Tigoe has earned a degree in accounting. Her stole was presented by Lana Miller, undergraduate campus pastor, and Andrew Miller, instructor of business.

Myneshia Walker is graduating with a degree in sociology and a minor in coaching. She plans to return to her hometown and begin working. Sandy Brownscombe, professor of physical education, presented her stole.

Adila Wahdat graduates with a degree in digital media. She will work in marketing for a jewelry company. Friend Asmait Asgedom gifted her stole and was also the presenter.

Aminata Wallet-Mohamed will graduate with a degree in sociology. Friend Asmait Asgedom gifted her stole and was also the presenter.

Alexa Weeks is earning a degree in liberal arts with licensure in elementary education. Lana Miller, undergraduate campus pastor, presented her stole. Alexa hopes to find a teaching job in the Harrisonburg area after graduation.

Brittany Williams is earning a degree in recreation, leadership and sport studies. She plans to stay in Harrisonburg and work. Celeste Thomas presented her stole.

Isaiah Harris-Winn is earning a degree in business administration. Carolyn Stauffer, professor of sociology, presented his stole. He hopes to continue his basketball career overseas.

Elizabeth Witmer is earning a degree in social work with minors in sociology and Spanish. Ann Hershberger, professor of nursing, presented her stole. She will complete her social work practicum this summer in Guatemala and then continue working as office coordinator in the Intensive English Program.

Ryan Yates is earning an MA in interdisciplinary studies and a graduate certificate in transformative leadership. He plans to move to Los Angeles, California, and “create opportunities that will live on well beyond my years.” Deanna Durham, professor of social work, and Celeste Thomas presented him with his stole.

Brianna Zook is earning a degree in kinesiology and exercise science with minors in business and coaching. Kevin Griffin, head women’s basketball coach, presented her with the stole. She plans to attend graduate school.

]]> /now/news/2018/latino-student-alliance-creates-third-annual-alfombra-for-easter/ Wed, 28 Mar 2018 18:17:48 +0000 /now/news/?p=37532

Every year on Palm Sunday, communities in Central America recreate the Biblical passage in which Jesus is welcomed into Jerusalem a week before his crucifixion, with his followers laying down palm leaves in front of him as he rode in on a donkey.

Except instead of palm leaves, they make a colorful��alfombra, the Spanish word for carpet, or��alfombra��de Aserrín (“sawdust carpet”), during Holy Week.

See the 2016 and alfombras.

“Before Easter Sunday, people go out into the streets and make these carpets made out of sawdust and other materials, and they lay them out on the street. They’re not fastened or glued down; they’re just kind of laid on top to make whatever design they want on them,” said Mario Hernandez, 21, a junior and member of ��ݮ����’s Latino Student Alliance. “It’s usually just nature scenes, or like the crucifixion or the resurrection. Other times, it’s just designs with geometric shapes.”

A procession then makes its way through the town to the church, Hernandez explained, with the crowds walking over the carpet.

“In my opinion, it serves two purposes,” he said. “One is: It makes it nicer for the people in the procession; it makes an ambiance. There’s also the idea of taking on some of the burden on the way to the cross.”

EMU’s LSA has created their own��alfombra��“rug” made primarily out of rice, along with flour, coffee grounds and sawdust, depicting Biblical symbols like a large white dove, a cross, a lamb, a waterfall, a heart and hands and a green vine that weaves throughout the length of the��alfombra.

LSA members have been working on the��alfombra��all semester. “When we started, we had a conversation the second week when we started class … about our faith journey, and then we had to visualize what Jesus means to me during Holy Week,” said Maria Esther Showalter, LSA’s faculty advisor.

Each student made a drawing, and Joshua Curtis, 21, a junior art major, combined all the drawings together to make one big��alfombra. They then decided on what themes they wanted to convey.

“A lot of people in the club wanted the natural theme,” he said.

The students color-coded the drawings and then started the dyeing process of the rice using food coloring. They dyed 180 pounds of rice for the��alfombra. Coffee grounds and sawdust were donated to the project.

This is the third year LSA has made an��alfombra��for Easter. Senior Anna Messer learned about the��alfombra��tradition when she did a cross-cultural trip in Guatemala and Cuba. The 22-year-old said the��alfombra��has served as a tool to educate the EMU community on Latino traditions while celebrating faith.

“What I really appreciate is how we have organized this, that it’s a collective. It’s inspiring all of us to tap into our artistic imaginations and how we see Easter and how we reflect in it,” Messer said. “Each part of the��alfombra��is very important because it represents each one of us and our understandings of Easter, so there’s very symbolic meaning behind every piece, from the white dove to the waterfall and the lamb, the cross, all of these things.”

[Editor’s note: The��alfombra was the centerpiece of a March 28 chapel service.] Speakers will present the��alfombra��during the service and discuss the different aspects of the piece and reflect on its meaning. Unlike the usual tradition, the carpet will not be walked on. The students have identified four main themes in the piece that represent Easter: a season of abiding, a season of renewal, a season of hospitality and a season of redemption.

The green vine that courses through the��alfombra��is meant to symbolize that, if one abides in Jesus, “he’s going to bear much fruit to us,” Messer said. The heart represents “a season of renewal” and “how our hearts are breaking just as Christ’s heart had broke for us and the sin of the world and how he continues to restore and renew in us,” she said.

The clasped hands depict “a season of hospitality,” according to sophomore Anastasia Dronov, 20, who drew the piece. “I thought about how in the family of Christ, everybody is co-suffering through life, but also it’s so hopeful and joyful because you don’t have to do it alone,” Dronov said. “Bad times come, good times come, but no matter what, everybody’s helping each other out. Just how Christ was hospitable to us, he laid down his life for us. In the same way, we reach out to others and help pull them up and they’ll help pull us up.”

The lamb and cross represent “a season of redemption,” in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, as does Zury Lemus’ drawing.”There are two hands with the heart inside and the hands with different colors of brown and white, representing the ethnicity of all of us and the heart — the love we have for each other — and the love of God also. And the drops of blood represents the crucifixion of Christ, that he gave his blood for us,” said Lemus, an exchange student.

The rice will be donated to a local day care center once the��alfombra��is taken down after the chapel service on March 28.

This article was published in the March 24, 2018, Daily News-Record.

“We wanted to hear from outside the community how this abuse is manifested and focus on how we can better support those who have experienced it,” said senior Katrina Poplett, who led the program planning for the second year with senior Jonatan Moser.

In an opening event focused on intersectionality, representatives from five campus groups — , , the , and — were invited to share “stories and statistics about how sexual assault affected that particular group,” said Poplett. “It was powerful and personal and we closed with a candlelight vigil as a witnessing.”

Take Back the Night events are held around the United States and around the world. The first march was held in 1975, commemorating the death of a woman who was murdered while walking home alone at night in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

EMU has a long tradition of hosting the annual program, according to Professor , faculty advisor to the planning committee.

TBTN hosted several events around campus, including a Wednesday chapel that involved the sharing of stories and poetry.

About 20 participants in the men’s only discussion Wednesday evening “took the conversation to some really interesting and insightful places,” said Ben Rush, who co-hosted “How Language Legitimizes: A Second Look At What We Don’t Think of Twice” with Joseph Mumaw and Professor . “Our goals were to take the conversation away from the overt, symptomatic examples of sexual violence and point it towards a conversation about the way subtle things embedded in language and societal assumptions contribute to the problem.” [Read Ben’s blog post about leading this event.]

A Thursday coffee house offered space for expressive arts and sharing, followed by a session with the playback theater group. Sarah Regan and Ana Hunter-Nickels, representatives of the Social Work is People (SWIP) club, were the hosts.

Friday’s chapel, planned by the EMU , featured Sabrina Dorman, executive director of the local anti-sex trafficking organization New Creation, Inc. This was followed by a walk-through reflective exhibit in the Campus Center.

Eastern Mennonite Seminary also hosted a Tuesday chapel service to engage with themes of #metoo and #Ibelieve you.

This year’s TBTN events were in the second year of a three-year thematic exploration of sexual violence at the micro-, meso- and macro levels, Poplett and Moser said.

“Last year was on a micro-level, focused on what was going on here on campus, opening a space for conversations we didn’t see happening,” Poplett said. “This year, we’re focusing on the meso-level, with organizations and community, and next year will be more of a macro level.”

The leaders situated TBTN events within recent national events, including U.S. Department of Education decisions related to Title IX.

At all events, counseling center staff were present and other resources were available if students or community members were in need of support.

Many of the students involved in Take Back the Night come to their volunteer work by learning more about systemic issues in their coursework and through clubs such as SWIP or . Moser, a double major in and , says a combination of factors raised his awareness as a first-year student.

“I had just learned about sexual violence and sexism and how often it happened and I was really horrified by that,” Moser said. “Getting involved in Take Back the Night has been a way to give back.”

Poplett, a major who is also in the accelerated MA in restorative justice program, began attending TBTN events her first year on campus and became a leader as a sophomore.

“I think a lot of my passion lies in giving voice to people whose stories aren’t normally told,” she said.

The Nov. 8 “Story Exhibition” was a way to raise awareness on campus about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and highlighted a current EMU student and an EMU alumnus, four students in the Harrisonburg community, and five others from around the nation.

The exhibit was hosted by EMU’s DACA Dialogue Planning Committee, which formed after the termination of the DACA program earlier this fall. Earlier in the semester, the committee held an informational gathering, hosted a chapel service, and partnered with the Latino Student Alliance for its banquet.

Future events include a town hall meeting on campus and a DACA community march to U.S. Representative Bob Goodlatte’s office in Harrisonburg, she added.

“The committee envisions these events to foster an ongoing dialogue among administration, faculty, staff and students with the hope that our campus community can respond to these concerns with support and empathy,” said Anna Messer, a student in the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and a Peace Fellowship and Latino Student Alliance representative.

One of many ‘lifelong journeys’

One of the EMU students featured in the exhibit was Keyri Lopez-Godoy, set to graduate this spring with a degree in elementary education. She was brought to the U.S. from El Salvador at age 8, and graduated from high school with so many college credits that she is earning her bachelor’s degree in three years.

“I am in the eyes of society one of the 800,000 [DACAmented students in the U.S.],” the statement below her picture read, “and in the eyes of God I am the daughter He loves.”

Listen to a podcast of senior education major Keyri Lopez-Godoy talking about her experiences.

The first in her family to graduate from college, Lopez-Godoy credits many teachers, school staff and professors with encouraging her to succeed academically. When she looked at the exhibit, her own words and picture stationed alongside the ten others, she “didn’t just see papers and chairs,” she said: “I saw lifelong journeys.”

‘Shedding light’

In September President Trump announced the end of DACA, which President Barack Obama created in 2012. The program allowed some 800,000 people brought to the United States as children but without documentation to reside, work and study legally here under renewable two-year permits. Congress has yet to provide any avenue for DACAmented people to continue in the country, leaving many anxious about their options once their current permits expire.

Following Trump’s action, concerned students, faculty and staff at EMU formed the DACA committee, which presented the exhibit “to shed light on the injustices and barriers affecting DACAmented students and community members, and on the hope and beauty that their stories carry,” said Messer.

In a statement to the campus community in early September, EMU President Susan Schultz Huxman said she was “saddened and troubled” by the termination of DACA, and said that the EMU community was “committed to walk with our DACA students. They are beloved members of the EMU family.”

Read more about and about .

Latino Heritage Month is from mid-September to mid-October, and includes several important days: September 15 is Independence Day for five Central American countries, while September 16 is Mexico’s independence day and September 18 is Chile’s.

From his experiences living, working and traveling across Mexico and Latin America, Clymer focused on three similarities of Hispanic cultures: personal space and intimacy, the spirit of community and hospitality, tying each to the theme, which he alternately translated as, “Where two fit, three fit.”

Among those experiences, which Clymer later matched to scripture, was the generosity of neighbors sharing grief after the death of a youth in the community, being offered the only mattress in a home while the hosts slept on reed mats, and a woman who always prepared more food than necessary in anticipation of unforeseen guests.

“A lot of that was so familiar,” said LSA co-president Ariel��Barbosa��afterwards. “Visiting my dad’s side of family in Brazil this past summer, I felt their sacrifice and hospitality deeply. There was always enough, even when it seemed like there shouldn’t have been.”

Members welcomed the audience afterwards to a gathering in the Campus Center for coffee and pan (sweet bread).

The month-long celebration includes Saturday’s in Harrisonburg at Hillandale Park. Held annually for the past 19 years, the free day of fun draws thousands of visitors to celebrate the area’s rich cultural diversity through art, dance, music and food.

Members say they are also concerned and offering support to fellow students and community members who may be uneasy with the current government actions related to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). LSA provides a safe and encouraging place for everyone, said Barbosa, adding that the club is open to all students. [Read EMU president Susan Schultz Huxman’s statement on the rescission of DACA.]

Currently, though, there is special care, consideration and prayers being said for those LSA members and campus community members affected by DACA, she said.

“We have a responsibility as a student club to walk alongside students who are being affected by the decision to end DACA,” said co-president Anna Messer. “As Latino Student Alliance, we want to encourage these students who are finding their footing and building a foundation for their future. We want people to be supported and empowered to thrive as students, athletes, artists and community members. We ask the same of our campus community, to continue to serve as a safe and welcoming home and refuge. ”

Latino Heritage Month closes with the popular and well-attended LSA Banquet, a formal-dress event on Friday, Oct. 6, which has traditionally included food from different cultures, speakers and live music, followed by dancing with a DJ. By necessity, attendance is capped at 200.

LSA meets weekly at 3:30 on Friday afternoons for conversation, planning, comraderie and “always food,” the members say.

The leadership team includes co-presidents Ariel Barbosa, Mario Hernández, Alejandra Rivera and Anna Messer; secretary Valeria Hernández; treasurer Drew Diaz; and Gillian Zehr, who handles marketing.

Faculty, staff and fellow students nominated the recipients, who were cited for their “significant and verifiable impact” on the university and on student life; for their contributions to developing the institution’s positive image; for substantial contributions to the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County area and beyond; for their high academic and social standing; and their embodiment of EMU’s shared values of Christian discipleship, community, service and peacebuilding.

Diego Barahona

Diego earned his degree in biochemistry and environmental sustainability, with minors in biology and chemistry. He is from Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Dr. Matthew Siderhurst, associate professor of chemistry, presented the cords.

I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Diego in his first year at EMU as I was on sabbatical. When I returned, I was looking for new research students and both Tara Kishbaugh and Doug Graber Neufeld told me I needed to talk to Diego. He turned out to be a great fit and it has been a joy to get to know him over the last two years. Together we’ve traveled to Hawaii twice and Guam once on research trips. We’ve hiked through jungle swamps (outfitted with radio trackers), across active lava flows, and over miles of hot dry dunes to reach a secluded green sand beach. He’s spent countless hours working in a fume hood synthesizing small organic molecules, more hours counting flies, and writing research papers. Through all this, I don’t think I’ve ever heard Diego complain about anything.��

Because of his hard work and scientific abilities Diego is a co-author on two peer-reviewed scientific paper and has presented several poster and oral talks about his research both on and off campus.

Diego has been an excellent student here at EMU. He is a thoughtful person who has demonstrated a keen interest in learning and new experiences. While excelling as a biochemistry major, he has also found time to earn minors in chemistry, environmental sustainability and honors.

Diego’s interests stretch beyond the classroom and have led him to serve with “gentle presence” as a Ministry Assistant for campus ministries, been an active member of Latino Student Alliance, worked with the Sustainable Food Initiative, and was a tutor for the Academic Success Center. Writing in support of his receiving this honor, Diego was described as the “most courteous person I know.”�� Others said, “His grace, kindness, and compassion for people is admirable,” “always puts others before himself,” and “always friendly and supportive.”�� I echo these comments.

I know I speak for many other EMU faculty and staff when I say that you exemplify many of the characteristics we love in our best students and I am very happy to present you with the Cords of Distinction.

Azariah Cox

Azariah Cox earned his degree in photography, with a minor in digital communications. He is from Forest, Virginia.

Brian Simpson, head track and field coach, presented the cords.

If I were told that I could use only one word to describe Azariah Cox, I would use the word tenacious. Azariah, affectionately called A.C. by those who know him, embodies tenacity. I could list his accolades and accomplishments, but that would only serve to describe A.C. the student. I think that a brief story would give you better insight to the type of man he is.

I took over the duties of head coach for EMU track and field this past August and�� heard about A.C. prior to transitioning from Wilson, N.C. I am friends with Jason Lewkowicz who coached A.C. during his tenure as the previous head coach and he told me a story about A.C. that gave me insight into the type of young man that I would be dealing with.

When Jason called to congratulate me on getting the job here, he talked to me about the athletes. The first person that he mentioned was A.C. His exact words were “You’re gonna have to watch out for A.C.” I asked Jason if A.C. was a problem child. His response was “No No! Not at all, Coach! He’s just the opposite! He’s one of the greatest kids that you’ll ever meet. He just won’t quit. Even if the kid is hurting, he simply refuses to quit.”

So Jason proceeds to tell me a story about A.C. He had injured himself during a track meet — not a particularly debilitating injury but the type of injury that needed some rest which meant that A.C. needed to skip his race in the 110m high hurdles. Jason told A.C. not to run and to watch the race with him so that they could analyze the race together. A few minutes before the race, Jason begins asking if anyone had seen A.C. After several no’s, Jason finally runs into someone who knew where A.C. was: in lane 5 preparing to run the 110m high hurdle final. After throwing his hands up in frustration, Jason accepted the inevitable and sat down to watch the race. A.C. went on to finish fourth in the race.

As Jason is walking towards A.C. to give him a few choice words about ignoring his order to not run the race, he notices that A.C. has this huge smile on his face. Confused, Jason asks A.C. why he was smiling despite finishing fourth and not medaling. A.C. responded “Coach, I didn’t win, but I helped my teammates. I just put three points towards our team score.” Jason told me that he stood there speechless as A.C. walked off as happy as a kid in a candy store.

A.C. was happy not because of what he had accomplished for himself. He was happy because of what he had accomplished for others. He refused to quit not for any sort of vainglorious achievement. He refused to quit to make those around him better and this truly makes him a distinct and distinguished person.

Azariah, you have impressed me with your academic accomplishments. Graduating from EMU was no easy task. Your athletic accomplishments speak for themselves. What has most impressed about you, sir, is your selfless and tireless pursuit to make those around you better. Never lose the grit and determination that has gotten you to where you are. I love you like a son and will always count it an honor to have been your coach.

Hannah Daley

Hannah earned a degree in chemistry with a concentration in environmental sustainability and a minor in mathematics and physics. She is from Lothian, Maryland.

Dr. Laurie Yoder and Dr. Tara Kishbaugh, professors of chemistry, presented the cords.

Imagine a word cloud: lime green and orange text, an edgy font. In large letters, read EMU and Hannah. In only slightly smaller text notice campus, community, hockey, guide; and then served, worked, helped, positive, leader, people, impact, and team. Can you see the picture of Hannah emerging? These are the words that her peers and professors have offered in attempts to capture the many ways that Hannah has shaped the EMU community.

As a scientist, she is a creative problem-solver who invites others to appreciate the value of science. Hannah’s sought many opportunities to practice science: from an internship with NOAA and NASA, to summer experiences testing for caffeine’s effect on athletic performance or doing geoscience in Michigan, to her many years of studying water quality and stream restoration in Bergton. Hannah has brought her curiosity, a strong work ethic, and optimism to bear on these projects. She has trained others in her protocols and describes her work in an accessible manner, which encourages others to join her in her scientific endeavours. Hannah works in a way that demonstrates keen awareness of the interplay between science and the community. Who else would think to demonstrate the principles of quantum mechanics using sports equipment?

Hannah is warm, welcoming, and encouraging— she builds community wherever she goes.���� Hannah’s passion for community plays out in athletics, as she positively impacted the varsity hockey team both on and off the field;admissions, as she enthusiastically led scheduled and impromptu tours for prospective students; student life, through her work in residence life, campus ministries and intramural athletics; and academics, as she served as a peer tutor and learning assistant in chemistry classes.

Hannah’s deep faith is the foundation of her desire to serve her community at EMU and beyond. Through her humility and love for others, she has emerged as a Christ-like servant leader.

So, Hannah, this campus will miss a particular lime green skateboard zipping down the sidewalk. And as you have blessed us repeatedly with your signature line, now we return the same to you: “God Bless.”

Quinn Kathrineberg

Quinn earned a degree in English with secondary licensure (6-12). She is from Salina, Kansas.

Amy Springer Hartsell, assistant undergraduate dean, and Student Government administrative representative, and Dr. Deirdre Longacre Smeltzer, undergraduate dean, presented the award.

Amy Springer Hartsell: Quinn offered an opinion piece to the EMU community in the Weather Vane two months after her arrival on campus. Her article was titled, “Transfer Reflection: Identity Crisis Toward Discovery.” As soon as I finished reading, I was composing an email to Quinn and wrote this: “I just finished reading the article you wrote for this week’s Weather Vane and want to commend you for it. Twenty-six years ago, I transferred to EMU from Hesston and I experienced a similar transfer process as you described in your article.” I had never met Quinn but hoped I would. Here was a new transfer student who put clear, honest, wise and eloquent words to my own transfer experience – 26 years ago! Quinn ended that piece by writing, “Thanks, EMU, for welcoming me into the community since opening weekend. I’m looking forward to seeing how I will be impacted here, and also how I can impact EMU.” Well, Quinn, you’ve made a big impact on EMU.

Dr. Deirdre Longacre Smeltzer: As a leader, you have exemplified key attributes of effective leadership: you’ve communicated in a clear and positive way; created space for a variety of perspectives; and maintained a non-anxious presence as you navigated difficult decisions. Your commitment to advocating for students and to bringing about positive change in your community is clear – through the leadership roles you’ve held on the Student Government Association, the Student Women’s Association, and the Student Education Association, through your hard work as a writing tutor, and through your musical and service outreach to the broader community. All of these activities have been carried out quietly, with cheerfulness, determination, and a commitment to excellence, but without seeking the spotlight for yourself. You have modeled integrity and grace. And through the many ways you’ve made EMU a better place, your true north has shone through: that is, to serve as a voice for those on the margins. We are so glad you chose to continue your journey at EMU.

Oksana Kittrell

Oksana earned a degree in psychology and a minor in youth ministry. She is from Big Island, Virginia.

Celeste Thomas, multicultural student services co-director, presented the award.

It is my distinct honor to present this award to Oksana Kittrell, a young woman, who has truly earned it. Oksana has exceeded the criteria for this award in her service and spiritual endeavors. Oksana is not only academically gifted (graduating in three years), but is creative, athletic, musically inclined, a smart leader, possesses a genuine concern for the well-being of others and has one of the most electric smiles that you will ever see.

Not only has her well-served talents benefitted ��ݮ����, but she has also committed her time and gifts to the greater Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. ��Oksana is a kind, intelligent, honest and genteel young woman.

Oksana is mature beyond her years and possesses a level of responsibility and dependability not rivaled by many. She never settles for mediocrity and has high standards for those with whom she works. She has served as a mentor for a young girl in Harrisonburg, a teaching assistant for developmental psychology, a volunteer for Multicultural and International Student Services, director of the gospel choir, a LEAD lunch coordinator, an intern for University Accord, a leadership team member for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, MLK committee co-chair, and a member of Diversity and Inclusion Committee. In addition, she was the secretary, activities coordinator, and co-president of the Black Student Union. Furthermore, Oksana was instrumental this year in planning and implementing the Town Hall on Race, Civil Rights Tour and the President’s Ball.

Oksana, Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” You have touched the lives of many through all of your hard work, service and dedication. Many persons’ lives changed for the better due to your presence and unselfish dedication, exemplified to the greatest extent during your cross-cultural experience in Egypt where you served the least of your international neighbors. You have the heart of a servant and the fortitude of an extraordinary leader.

Oksana, you live a life that is demonstrative of Luke 12:48, “to whom much is given, much will be required”. You are wonderfully created by God and in the words of your favorite poet Maya Angelou:

Now you understand/Just why my head’s not bowed. / I don’t shout or jump about/ Or have to talk real loud. / When you see me passing, / It ought to make you proud. / I say, / It’s in the click of my heels, / The bend of my hair, / the palm of my hand,/ The need for my care. / ’Cause I’m a woman/ Phenomenally. / Phenomenal woman, / That’s me.

Oksana, you may not know exactly where God will call you in your vocation, but what is known is that your future is bright and you can do and be anything your heart desires, smiling while you do it. I wish you the many blessings God will provide for you as you matriculate into the dual MA of Divinity/MA of Counseling Program in the fall.

Madison List

Madison earned a degree in religious and intercultural studies. She is from Arlington, Virginia.

Lana Miller, undergraduate campus pastor, presented the award.

Brave, consistent, full of heart, spirit of compassion, resilient, clear devotion to God, present, insightful, wise, inspirational, committed, joyful and faithful – just a few words that come to mind when describing Maddie. Her contagious smile and sparkle in her eyes have encouraged more than one person to persevere, even when the way seemed difficult. I know this encouragement from firsthand experience as Maddie’s life witnessed to me throughout the first four months of my very difficult pregnancy. And this speaks to her character, as she impacts people in profound ways as she lives her life seeking to follow Jesus.

As a first-year student, Maddie joined campus ministries as a Ministry Assistant. (This is not the norm, as most first year students wouldn’t be invited to serve in this kind of leadership role before completing their first semester of college.) She started learning how to care for other people as a MA in orientation, even before she knew what it meant to be a first year student. As an MA, she led weekly Bible studies and devotions, while also praying for, encouraging and supporting those on her hall in their faith formation.

In addition to this role, in her first year, she was part of a student-led group that organized a campus-wide vigil during the Listening Process entitled “Come Unite,” bringing students with opposing views regarding the hiring policy together to worship God. In latter years, Maddie has provided leadership as a Community Advisor and Pastoral Assistant where she has helped plan worship services and retreats, shared her personal story in chapel, wrote devotionals, mentored, supported and encouraged younger students. Not only has she mentored students at EMU, but through Intervarsity at James Madison University, has mentored a student who provides leadership to their discipleship team.

Not only has Maddie been involved with learning outside of the classroom, she is deeply invested and contributes greatly to life within the classroom. Nancy Heisey professor in the Bible and Religion Department writes, “Maddie is one of the best student presenters I’ve ever had; she prepares, speaks with authority and clarity, and knows how to round-out a presentation to hold people’s attention.”

While Maddie’s accomplishments are impressive, they are even more impressive in light of the fact that she has done this all of this while suffering from the symptoms of Lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. She isn’t defined by her illness, but rather, she has let the chronic pain she feels be a teacher, helping her to be a more open, vulnerable and sympathetic to others. She has learned to ask for what she needs, recognize her own limitations and also view her limitations as a blessing, in that it has strengthened her reliance on God. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but her perseverance is a witness.

Maddie, the EMU community honors you today with the Cords of Distinction and we encourage you to continue service in the church and community as an expression of God’s love and faithfulness. We’ve been blessed to journey with you and thank you for your leadership and presence as a student at EMU. May God bless you as you continue to strive to be a blessing to others.�� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

Mariah Martin

Mariah earned a degree in nursing. She is from Greencastle, Virginia.

Lisa King, instructor of nursing, presented the award.

As a nurse, it is important to understand that you cannot always fix people or solve their problems. This can be a discouraging thought when entering a field in which your work is to assist others to healing and wholeness. In a reflection that she wrote for MCUSA about her time in Haiti, Mariah Martin said this: Sometimes love is knowing that your action won’t solve the problem, but not letting that stop you from doing what you can.

Mariah has embodied this definition of love throughout her time here at EMU. Her awareness of the ongoing work needed to make this world a more just and loving place to exist has not discouraged her but rather motivated her. Mariah has provided leadership for the Coalition on Sexual Violence Prevention and traveled to Haiti working with Midwives to safely welcome new life into this world. She has volunteered her time with the Blue Ridge Legal Services as an interpreter, served as a youth sponsor at Community Mennonite Church and was the coordinator for flash seminars held last Spring. ��When she could have been discouraged by an injury in her last of four seasons of field hockey, Mariah took it as an opportunity to learn new leadership skills. As a teammate and friend put it, “Mariah is positive, caring, and intentional in every situation life confronts her with.”

I could go on to list all of the work Mariah has done around the community and here on campus, but I think it’s most important to hear from Mariah herself about what is behind the wonderful work she does:

“College is a time of self-discovery and exploration. In this journey to find an identity it can be easy to let the world dwindle down to just one’s self in a single moment. Opening up my world to serving others broadens my view and assures that I do not lose perspective. I am a small piece of a vast and beautiful puzzle. By living in the best ways that I can, I add to the tapestry of humanity.”

Macson McGuigan

Macson earned degrees in digital media and environmental sustainability with a concentration on environmental/social sustainability and a minor in photography. He is from Berryville, Virginia.

Dr. Jerry Holsopple, professor of visual and communication arts, presented the award.

In Lithuania, I suggested to the students that their motto should be “embrace the mystery.” Macson came to personify that from discovering lost family connections, to dipping his feet in the Baltic Sea to get the perfect time-lapse, from exploring the old towns to doing handstands in the forest and even mimicking the ballet moves in Tallinn.

Macson does more than embrace the mystery, he demonstrates joie de vivre in most aspects of his life. He fully engages in his creative work with a sample reel featuring Daughter of the Stars, an advocacy video about protecting the Shenandoah Mountain for the Virginia Wilderness Committee; the inauguration gala videos; O2O Keeping Florida Wildlife Connected: The Ocala to Osceola Corridor produced by a select group of students receiving scholarships to the North American Nature Photography summit in Florida; slider tutorials for VACA; documentaries for Common Grounds; and numerous other student films as camera operator, producer or animator.

Night after night during rehearsal and performance of Distant Witness, he manuvered around the stage under a camera as part of the team integrating live video into the award-winning production. He volunteered time or images at the Nature’s Best Awards gala in Washington, DC; EMU marketing; Wild Virginia; LCC International University and Campus Activities Council.

Beyond these and other accomplishments, he fully embraces life, people and the natural world. His exuberance is contagious. He likes to sing Rain Down, savor a good kebabia, wade a stream, photograph an owl, or have deep conversations over a cup of tea.

Macson welcomes the big challenges, tries out new gear and techniques, remains sensitive to the subject, works the late nights and completes the production with minutes to spare. His commitment to social change and enthusiasm with meeting unique and amazing people remains constant. Macson ran two half-marathons with me. Like any good running companion he pulls you along toward the finish line, and like everything else he does, he will finish strong. Macson, embrace the mystery that is around you and is yet to come.

Mario Valladares

Mario Valladares earned degrees in business administration, economics and accounting. He is from Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

M. Esther Showalter, multicultural student advisor, presented the award.

It is my distinct honor to present this award to Mario Valladares, a young man who exudes joy and brings life to his surroundings. Mario is a charismatic leader who uses his gifts to connect people and take pleasure in life regardless of the circumstances.

Mario is a vibrant student and proof that you can make time to be a good student and be fully involved in college life. I don’t know how he managed, but he always had a big smile with so much energy and ready to go the extra mile. As a leader for the Latino Student Alliance he was fully committed, helped with the growth of the group and was resourceful in the LSA major events. He often called or texted to say “What do you need? Is there anything else I can do to help?” A good example of that was the banquet. He contacted many musicians so we ended up with more groups than we anticipated and the banquet was beautiful thanks to his many connections. Mario, it is going to be very hard to replace you, especially for our first activity of the year. Who is going to say during the mixer “Shall we dance?” Mario, your cheerful personality will be greatly missed.

Mario, you are one of kind and we have been blessed to have you in our midst these last four years. Faculty, staff, your peers and I are grateful for your lively presence and involvement with student government association, united student organization, being part of the luncheons with the international student organization, and giving your time and insights to the cross-cultural committee and business department committee. Thank you for representing EMU at the International Student Leadership Conference. I am especially thankful that you set aside time to go on Wednesday afternoons to Skyline Middle School to spend time with the teenagers and be part of their lives.

Mario, you have impacted our lives and brought humor and delight into our busy schedules. We have been blessed by your warmth and sweet presence. I have no doubt that you will succeed and enjoy the next chapter of your journey.

Elisabeth Wilder������������

Elisabeth earned a degree in social work and a minor in pre-law. She is from Hesston, Kansas.

Dr. Carol Grace Hurst, professor of social work, presented the award.

���󲹰�����𲹰���’s Sonnet 29 begins with a depressed person bemoaning the torment and struggle of life caught “in an outcast state” and fearing that God is deaf to this suffering until a particular person is remembered. Then, the outcast finds hope–“Like to the lark at break of day arising, From sullen earth, Singing hymns at heaven’s gate.” Elisabeth May Wilder came to EMU after two years at Hesston where she was awarded Hesston’s Lark of the Year. She describes herself as an idealist, believing that “amidst the suffering, chaos, and violence of this world there can be hope, change, and peace.”

Elisabeth packed her EMU years full of thinking deeply, making relationship connections, and becoming a leader in the community. When she lived in Parkwood Apartments during her first year, she could frequently be observed interacting with other residents as they came and went from her spot in the hammock on her porch. Elisabeth made an immediate, substantial and significant contribution as a Student Government Association senator and was elected SGA co-president for 2016-17. Elisabeth walked with others with a leadership vision of working within systems, clubs, and organizations to make them better and more collaborative, facilitating between people and spaces, becoming a bridge-builder between groups and administration.

As an appreciative leader, she recognized others’ contributions so keenly, she would regularly pen thank you notes. She is vocal in her support for LGBTQ people in the church, and blogs for The Mennonite. Elisabeth was on the Social Work is People leadership team, and part��of��the planning team for Take Back the Night. She was a co-leader��of Student Womens’ Association, a member of the Undergraduate Honors Council, and first coordinator of an EMU theme house.

Elisabeth also brought her considerable writing, analytic, relational talents and humor and inquiring mind to seeking justice. She is the winner of the Intercollegiate 2016 Francis J. Ryan Undergraduate American Studies Paper Award for a paper titled Caitlyn Jenner, Phyllis Schlafly, and Other Transgender Rights Crusaders. And runner-up in the 2016 C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest with a speech entry titled Make Change, Not Hashtags. She built effective cross-cultural alliances in summer internships in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and Bogotá Columbia. She contributed to a book entitled The Little Book of Restorative Justice: For Kids, and completed her social work practicum furthering immigration justice work with Washington Office on Latin America.

If you find yourself depressed, doubting, downcast, or cynical that your efforts matter, please remember Elisabeth May Wilder. Elisabeth, we want to thank you for walking with us here, thank you for your idealism and your practical engaging make it happen charisma. Thank you for being the Lark at break of day reminding us to sing together and make the world a better place.

��

The song is fitting for the moment: Rick Castañeda, who co-founded the club with four others in 1996, has just finished sharing about the club’s origins and early activity. One of the first things he told the gathered group was that festivity, with refreshments, has always been integral to the organization.

‘Each meeting was a celebration of relationship’

Intentionally, from the very beginning, every meeting was a celebration of relationship with each other. That was the goal. We had business to take care of, we had things to talk about, and Latinos are dynamic, wonderful, beautiful, smart people. And we can strategize, and we can meet, and can create these wonderful, amazing plans, where it’s not just about the party – but it’s also about the party. —Rick Castañeda

Castañeda first envisioned a student organization for Latinos during a Washington Study Service Year in 1995-96. During that year, he learned that his Latino roommate had suffered intense bullying while on campus. The harassment was so relentless that the once-straight-A student was now dealing with depression and on the verge of academic failure.

Castañeda became determined to improve Latinos’ experiences at EMU. Having graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School, he was more comfortable in the Anabaptist culture than some Latinos at EMU. At the same time, though, he recognized that the culture could be exclusive: “I kind of picture it as this beautiful, arm-in-arm group, these Mennonites. Arm-in-arm in a circle together, singing this four-part harmony. And it draws people to it … It’s very supportive, very loving, very caring – if you can figure out how to get into that circle.”

While in Lancaster over the summer, Castañeda took his idea of a support group to close friends and family.

“I quickly realized it wasn’t my idea, it wasn’t my vision,” he says. “It was automatically this amazing symbiosis, this shared vision, and I had never had that experience before, and have never had it since.”

His sister, Moniqua Castañeda Acosta, her husband Dionicio (Nick) Acosta, and their friends Dave and Liliana Vega, all EMU students, began planning a club to support and celebrate Latino students on campus.

The “Lancaster five,” as Castañeda calls them, were soon joined by Costa Rican graduate student Willroy Grant, who became their first adviser in the fall of 1996. They wrote three purposes into the constitution: to provide encouragement, strength, support, celebration and pride for Latino students; to give a voice to Latino students and educate non-Latinos about Hispanic culture; and nurture the spiritual lives of each member.

And, of course, every meeting needed coffee, maybe a little pastelito, music and dancing— for Latinos, and for all.

‘We want educate you … to learn about you.’

Latino Student Alliance wanted to say,�� “We’re Latinos, we’re not apologizing for it, but we also want to learn about you. We want to educate you about who we are, but we also want to learn about you. … Because that real honesty, working together despite differences, of loving each other despite differences, only comes from genuine, mutual love and respect, which only comes from actually building relationships with each other. —Rick Castañeda

Castañeda says that his friendship with a Caucasian roommate from Ohio helped form this philosophy. To this end, LSA held dances, hosted chapels, joined in Celebration hymn sings, and welcomed all into their meetings.

Art was a key strategy of both collaboration and education. Grant created a photography exhibit: black and white portraits of Latino students accompanied with responses to the question, “What does it mean to you to be Latino at EMU?”

A Nicaraguan artist, co-sponsored by the art department and Student Government Association, designed a mural which covered the retaining wall behind the southwest corner of the Campus Center. Art students and LSA members joined together in the effort.

“That was a huge source of pride for us,” Castañeda says. Among other themes, the mural linked Latinos on campus with the larger community; a poultry plant symbolized Latinos’ economic contributions, but also recent immigration raids, during which U.S. citizens were also detained.

“Some EMU students were detained … Latino U.S. citizens who studied here but were also working [there],” says Castañeda. (Several years later, after the paint began to flake, the wall was eventually scraped down and repainted.)

Castañeda brought his own border consciousness to the group’s activities: as a boy in Eagle Pass, Texas, his grandfather remembers watching U.S. agents mark what would become the official border. Before this, the Castañeda family had considered themselves Mexican citizens, but their home was a few hundred feet on the U.S. side. Castañeda feels that the privilege of U.S. citizenship, which fell on his family by happenstance, holds him accountable to advocate for undocumented immigrants.

“I always felt – and many of us in the group felt – to whom much is given, much is expected.”

‘A labor of love’

Through the years, LSA has been this labor of love for us; it’s been like a child of ours. All the founders feel that way … when we all left, we all had to kind of let go, like letting a child go off to school for the first time. Watching you do your work from afar has brought me a lot of joy, brought me a little bit of sadness, but it’s always been filled with emotion. I appreciate the leaders of this organization for doing the work to keep people coming. —Rick Castañeda

After graduation, Castañeda worked as a home-school liaison in Harrisonburg City Schools for 13 years and is now with Rosetta Stone. Advisor M. Esther Showalter invited him to visit.

Castañeda asked to hear about current activities. The club is busy, hosting freshman mixers, socials, a formal banquet, vigils and chapels in addition to regular LSA meetings. This semester, two to four members each week mentor local middle school students in the On the Road Collaborative after school program.

After the visit, club president Mario Vallardes said he enjoyed “knowing the reason why LSA was founded, and how we have to keep that story alive. Part of our mission is to help every Hispanic student and every minority feel welcome in EMU’s community. We want to be able to help everyone feel welcome, no matter where they are from or who they are.”

Mario Hernandez, the club’s vice president, adds, “At first the meetings were made possible due to the cultural similarities of Hispanic students that acted as a middle ground, but now we have members who don’t exactly ‘share’ this middle ground but nevertheless decide to join LSA. They seamlessly join us and become friends … and additionally they make the group’s middle ground richer for anyone else who might decide to come meet with us, too.”

Two decades after the first LSA meeting, twenty-some students with Central and South American citizenship, heritage or interests gasp, nod and laugh while Castañeda shares the history of their club. Two cousins from Honduras, a Mennonite Central Committee volunteer from Guatemala City, a white student from New Market who traces ancestors back to Cuba – they are all part of the fabric of a Latino Student Alliance 20 years in the making.

Upcoming events: On April 2, LSA will host the Celebration worship service, and on April 12, a Semana Santa, or “Holy Week” chapel. For Holy Week, they will continue the Central American tradition of creating an alfombra��, or colorful art “carpet” out of rice and sawdust.

“This month helps people to learn more about the places where we come from and shares the celebration of several cultures with the EMU community,” says Hernandez.

He says the “celebration of cultures” isn’t just happening on the EMU campus, but around the world. “Coincidentally, most of our countries have their independence days during this month.”

Valladares adds: “Latinos are not made up of one race, but rather embrace all of them! The Latino flavor is something you won’t find in any other culture in the world.”

Banquet, chapel and International Festival

The highlight of the month is the Oct. 7 Formal Banquet in the Campus Center. The fourth annual event is one of the most popular and well-attended during the academic year with food provided by local Hispanic restaurants and a dance afterward. Admission is free with an EMU student ID and $5 for faculty and staff.

“We want people to taste new cultures and add new flavors to their palate,” Hernandez said.

The Oct. 12 chapel will feature speaker , president of Virginia Mennonite Missions. From 2005-08, he served in Colombia with Mennonite Mission Network and VMMissions. Coffee and bread will be served afterwards in the Campus Center.

LSA also sponsored a shuttle from EMU to the at Hillandale Park, Sept. 24, from 12-6 p.m. This free annual event, drawing crowds of more than 8,000 people, showcases the diversity of residents who call the Harrisonburg area home, from Iraqis to Eritreans to the Congolese community and many more cultures. EMU alumnus , a native of Colombia, is executive director of the festival.

Club meets on Fridays

LSA, advised by M. Esther Showalter, meets weekly for planning and socializing. Both Hernandez, a sophomore, and Valladares, a senior, have been involved since coming to campus.

Hernandez says he enjoys speaking Spanish in informal settings. LSA also provides the opportunity to “learn more about the small differences between our cultures and our accents/lexicon with the other students from different Spanish-speaking countries,” he said. “Most people don’t realize how different cultures and language can be.”

Valladares says the club is “a little bit of home at EMU, a group that understands where you are coming from and your culture, and an opportunity to share that with everyone else, as well.”

Most club activities happen in the fall. LSA traditionally welcomes first-year students at orientation with a salsa dance, and then continues with various heritage month activities. Last spring, LSA celebrated Easter Week with a chapel service and the creation of a that garnered local media attention.

The four sections of the alfombra, made of rice, flour and other materials and created by EMU’s Latino Student Alliance (LSA), represented 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.

A devotion of time

Members of the LSA, assisted by Professor , started creating the artwork on Monday. They would eventually invest approximately 40 hours in the creation. Their painstaking work drew the attention of the and WHSV (to view coverage, click .)

“T������ alfombras are made to welcome Jesus in remembrance of His entrance in Jerusalem during Palm Sunday,” said LSA leader Rebecca Cardwell, welcoming the community to the service. “Instead of palms, the communities prepare these colorful rugs to welcome Him as their King.”

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

Additionally, the group has hosted a variety of activities to strengthen ties with local Latino students, many of whom commute to campus, in addition to raising awareness among the broader EMU community. Their annual banquet, held in September, is a sign of their success: With attendance growing each year to 180 people in 2015, they catered their last event.

Excitement generates ideas

Initial plans were to remove the alfombra before Easter break, but , director of multicultural student services, says interest from local church groups coming to campus to view the alfombra has changed plans and the artwork will be remain through March 31. [The university is closed for Easter break March 25-28 and will reopen March 29.]

Because of the excitement generated by this project, Lepley suggested that a wider Holy Week event and bilingual worship service could be a possibility for next year, with community groups and congregations invited to design and create their own alfombra.

The EMU campus community has many connections to Central and South America in addition to students, faculty and staff native to those countries, including the club’s advisor, , a native of Bolivia. Noted in the crowd were many faculty and staff who have lived and worked in Central and South America. Additionally, a is spending the semester in Guatemala and Cuba, with Elaine Zook Barge and her husband, former MCC workers in El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala for 15 years.

For more information about visiting campus, call (540) 432-4000.

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Their friendship actually began with LSA, which makes for four long years of learning and growing together, most commonly communicating “in Spanglish,” they say. Though each has held formal leadership positions in the club, in reality “there is no hierarchy,” says one.

• Meet Ana Cruz, of New Market, Virginia, who plans a career in elementary school . She’s calm and cool under pressure, and always willing to represent the group at meetings. When tensions rise, she is always the one to break the ice.
• Fernanda “Fer” Hernandez, a senior major, is from Honduras. “Fer is the most organized and detail-oriented of us all,” says one of her friends. “We would throw ideas out and the next meeting she’d have a plan.”
• Paola Diaz, from McGaheysville, Virginia, is a major, double minoring in psychology and coaching. A consummate networker who is well-known in the local community, she’s “all about the connections.”
• And there’s Rebecca Cardwell, from Maryland, who is a and TESOL major, who has been “welcomed with open arms” into the Latino community, she says. Her strength is a contagious enthusiasm that provides momentum. “We always say that her heart is definitely Hispanic,” says club advisor Maria Esther Showalter, a native of Bolivia.

The four friends have been “fabulous leaders,” says , director of . “They have grown in confidence, learned to stand up when the situation warrants, to manage conflict effectively and persevered when things did not work out … they show this leadership not just on campus, but in their churches and communities, too.”

Latinos ‘more than just immigrants’

When the foursome joined LSA, the club had only a few members and was coming off a stretch in which activities of the club revolved around political activism in favor of immigration reform. With the support and encouragement of Susannah Lepley, the four women decided to emphasize Latino culture in all its breadth and diversity. Since 2014, , who teaches in the , has continued to support and “empower us as student-leaders to make choices,” said Rebecca.

Latino culture, they decided, would be a meeting point for EMU’s Latino students, most of whom were local commuters, and the broader EMU community.

“While the DREAM Act and immigration reform are important, we didn’t want to be defined by that. We are more than just immigrants,” says Fernanda. “We wanted to show what our culture is like … food and culture and bright colors … We really wanted to change the focus.”

Banquet grows annually

Latino Heritage Month, which falls in September, provided a natural focus for the club’s events, which includes a chapel service, always followed by café con pan dulce (coffee with sweet bread); a welcome luncheon; movie screenings; and other activities, the most successful of which has been an annual banquet.

Staging the banquet was the first major event for the then-sophomore leaders, who underestimated the crowd and the amount of work involved. Fernanda says the four chefs “did all the cooking for 100 people at my house.” Then they rushed it all to EMU, arriving with the smells of plantains and chicken clinging to their clothes.

“In the recent years we have catered the Pollo a la Braza, plátanos fritos, pupusas, flan, tres leches, and other side dishes from local Hispanic restaurants,” says Maria Esther Showalter, “but many students also volunteer to cook. We always think we will have enough food but we always have more students than we expect.”

With music, storytelling and post-dinner salsa dancing, the event has grown every year, with a crowd of about 180 attending the 2015 event.

This year, LSA partnered with two departments to host Chilean-American writer . They also helped during the Noche Bohemia, which showcases the creativity and language skills of Spanish language learners in a fun, supportive environment.

Volunteering has also been a part of the club’s efforts: they’ve set up a Christmas program with Skyline Literacy and worked with a multicultural family literacy program in Washington D.C.

Club now more present to first-years, Latino community

One result of the club’s successful banquet was an invitation from to take over the mixer for first-years on the final night of orientation. Instead of square dancing, LSA teaches salsa dancing. Rebecca says one student who saw her on campus recognized her and said he met all his friends that night.

“LSA is part of what first-year students see and participate in when they arrive on campus that first week,” Rebecca said. “First-years see a diverse community here. Then we carry that awareness through into Latino Heritage Month. It’s been really important and helpful to have that presence from the start of the school year.”

“We’ve come a long way from when we started, when the Latino community really wasn’t represented on our campus in a strong, visible way,” says Fernanda. “Connecting with our Latino students, who are often commuters who are working and many are first-generation college students, has also been very meaningful to us. We want to nurture Latinos coming here, because even if you grow up in the States, you might not feel comfortable here on campus.”

Paola says by being present and sharing their stories, some of which involve overcoming prejudice, there is growing potential for LSA members to nurture and support first-generation college students.

Among a host of other possible activities to get involved with, LSA has been their main interest over the years, the women say, because they have made an important difference in the campus community.

“We have chosen to invest time in LSA because we want to grow together, and we want to share our love for our culture and build cultural competency on the campus,” Ana says. “We’ve been able to do that, but also support our other groups, like International Student Organization and Black Student Union, so that we all have representation.”

They’re leaving EMU with many accomplishments to celebrate besides the foundation they’ve laid for LSA. Two of the four seniors have one more semester on campus, which means they will all be present for the celebrations, as damas de honor, at Paola’s fall 2016 wedding.

LSA meets Tuesdays at noon for informal conversation in the dining hall, and also from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Fridays in the Multicultural Student Services office.

The Latino Student Alliance marked the start of their annual Latino Heritage Month on Monday, Sept. 15.

The ideal guiding this year’s heritage month is “Marcando Nuestra Huella,” or “Leaving Our Footprint.”

Sophomore Fernanda Hernandez and Junior Paola Diaz, who have been with LSA for two years, explain that the alliance attempts to have a new theme every year.

“So last year,” Hernandez says, “…was, ‘One Land, Many Nations.’”

Diaz adds that the group wanted “to hit the point of diversity and appreciating our differences and difference of cultures, and not just focus on Latinos, but also try to include everybody.”

Moving forward, LSA aims to strengthen the goal of Latino Heritage Month.

Hernandez said, “This year, ‘Leaving our Footprint’ is more of our impact, and the challenges that we face, or any minority faces.”
One such way LSA hopes to make an impact is by hosting a forum chapel tomorrow in Lehman auditorium.

Senior Ana Cruz, who is also in her second year with LSA, explains, “We have an opening chapel; that’s pretty much the thing that’s always been there.”

While chapel has been integral to Latino Heritage Month in the past, serving as either an opening or an ending to a celebration of heritage and culture, she adds that this week’s chapel will be different from previous years. The chapel forum will explore LSA’s theme and focus on reflections from current graduate student Boris Ozuna.

Cruz explains, “We’ve always had in mind to kind of do something different for chapel. Something Latino-ish, not something that’s just standard.” This notion is evident in the rest of LSA’s planning.

On Oct. 3, the annual formal banquet will be held at 6 p.m. While the location has yet to be determined, LSA notes that this event has quickly grown in popularity since its introduction last year.

Diaz said, “I’m looking forward to the banquet; that’s kind of one of the big things people have started to look forward to. We started it last year. It was just a way for everybody to get dressed up and come out and support a cause.”

As a result of this success, as well as students’ requests for a salsa night, LSA will host a small dance following the banquet. Hernandez notes that this will provide students with a chance to continue to socialize and celebrate Latino culture once the banquet is over.

Following this event, Latino Heritage Month is currently slated to culminate in a showing of “Instructions Not Included,” which follows the struggles a man and his daughter face when the girl’s biological mother returns to their lives. The film is scheduled to show in Common Grounds on Oct. 15 at 8 p.m.

While the group has discussed adding more events – they are supporting and may sponsor rides for Harrisonburg’s International Festival on Sept. 27 – the current roster exemplifies the growth LSA has experienced.

Hernandez, Diaz, and Cruz state that the alliance has quickly expanded since their initial involvement.

Cruz explains, “It was us three, and then [Mario Valladares and Natasha Hartzler] got pulled in.” In that time, they have also experienced increased response, and this support has come in surprising ways.

“Oddly enough,” Hernandez states, “we get more response from non-Latinos than Latinos during our events.”

She credits this dichotomy to the fact that many Latino students commute to campus, making it difficult for them to fully participate in on-campus activities.

Despite this, Diaz and Cruz stated that LSA’s main goal has remained constant: to foster the inclusion of Latino students.

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¡Bienvenido a capilla! The Latino Student Association presented chapel on Oct. 7. Students clapped along with praise and worship songs in Spanish, including “Bueno Es” and “Te adoro a ti.” As everyone settled in, Camila Pandolfi spoke about the importance of knowing your goals. Pastor Byron Pellecer and Marvin Lorenzana then took the podium and began a unique sermon Pellecer planted and preaches at Iglesia Discipular Anabaptista based out of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. Lorenzana, whom Pellecer calls his “brother from another mother,” is the director of Multicultural Services at EMU.

Trading rapid-fire phrases and sideways glances that sent giggles across the audience, they wove a thought-provoking story about a hypothetical windfall of “Can you imagine for a minute, that in your bank account, it will appear overnight the amount of $6,400” he said, setting up the imaginary scenario.

“But the catch is that you have to spend every single penny to the last cent. You cannot save it; you have to use it, whichever way you do it… because at the end of the day at midnight, it will be voided.”

Together they went through the options: paying college bills, buying a car, giving to the poor. “$6,400 is a lot of money. I cannot even think that in Spanish,” Pellecer quipped.

“We have that amount in our hands,” he revealed. “One single day has 6,400 seconds.” He challenged students as well as educators to think about how they use these precious seconds, and what they are adding up to in the end. “What would you do with that knowledge? Would you put it into practice, or hang it on a wall?”

They continued to speak in fluctuating Spanish/English about how education is a means of transforming oneself, and using it to be of service to people in the world. “In my own opinion, education is a way of opening our hearts,” Pellecer said.

“Use it wisely. Use it to better your life, and the lives of the people that will always be next to you. Free others. Teach them the goodness of God, teach them the foundation of God, teach them the beauty of life. Because all these elements, you guys are getting right here.”