The award honors the efforts of graduating students who have made outstanding contributions to the university, community or society.

The Blue cord represents strength of conviction that one person can help to create a better institution; also willingness and openness to share thoughts and ideas.

The Gold cord represents love of spirit and yearning towards creating a better university community in which all can take part; gold is also the color of achievement.

This years recipients of the Cords of Distinction are:

–Christine Baer, major in Peacebuilding & Development, Environmental Sustainability, from Elizabethtown, PA

–Aaron Erb, major in Peacebuilding & Development, from Harrisonburg, VA

–Laura Glick, major in Social Work, from Lancaster, PA

–Nicole Groff, major in Biology, from Lancaster, PA

–Ardi Hermawan, major in Nursing, from Parsurvan, Indonesia

–Rose Jantzi, major in Liberal Arts/Elementary Education, from Harrisonburg, VA

–Litza Laboriel, major in Social Work, from Trujillo, Honduras

–Krista Nyce, major in Psychology, from Harrisonburg, VA

–Melody Tobin, major in Liberal Arts/Elementary Education, from Harrisonburg, VA

–Brandon Waggy, major in Peacebuilding & Development, Biblical Studies, from South Bend, IN

The is an exciting opportunity of Mennonite Church USA for college-age young adults to explore pastoral ministry. The program offers the opportunity to experience first-hand what ministry is and to test your own gifts and sense of call. Participants work under the supervision of a pastor and are involved in many aspects of a minister’s life and work. For some students, an overseas assignment can be considered.

The Ministry Inquiry Program also offers pastors and congregations a specific way to be involved in helping students experience leadership in the church. Pastors serve as mentors and examples. Students learn by both observing and doing.