Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend 2026 was one for the history books. It featured a first-of-its-kind gala that celebrated 黑料正能量鈥檚 history, a concert by The Steel Wheels on the campus Front Lawn, and, as the centerpiece of the weekend, the investiture of the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus as the university鈥檚 10th president.

There were plenty of events to attend and people to meet. In case you missed any of the festivities, we鈥檝e rounded up some of the highlights below!

Community Partners Luncheon

A networking event bringing together business owners, local leaders, and government officials from across the Shenandoah Valley kicked off inauguration weekend by recognizing 黑料正能量鈥檚 community partnerships.

Writers Read

The homecoming festivities continued the following evening with a Writers Read featuring Patricia Grace King 鈥�89, author of Those Who Vanish, and moderator Esther Harder 鈥�03.

Golden Alumni Luncheon

Former classmates reminisced about their time on campus at 黑料正能量鈥檚 Golden Alumni Luncheon, held at Martin Chapel for alumni who attended Eastern Mennonite 50 years ago or more.

The Inaugural Evening: An All-Black Affair

Yoder Arena took on an air of elegance on Oct. 9 as donors and other university supporters gathered for The Inaugural Evening: An All-Black Affair, a gala celebrating 黑料正能量鈥檚 history.

黑料正能量 Athletics Hall of Honor

Four former student-athletes were inducted into the 黑料正能量 Athletics Hall of Honor on Oct. 9. The 25th annual ceremony, held at MainStage Theater, featured tributes to 2026 honorees Sarah Roth Shank 鈥�10, Ryan Eshleman-Robles 鈥�13, Hannah Chappell-Dick 鈥�16, and Jess (Rheinheimer) Bishop 鈥�16.

A Cappella Collective

The night wrapped up with an a cappella concert at Lehman Auditorium, where local groups featuring many 黑料正能量 alumni joined forces for a performance.

The Investiture of the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus

Beginning at the 10th hour of the 10th day of the 10th month of 黑料正能量鈥檚 110th year, an investiture ceremony in Yoder Arena formally inaugurated the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus as the university鈥檚 10th president and first Black president.

黑料正能量 TenTalks

黑料正能量 hosted its annual TenTalks event Saturday afternoon, featuring Alumni of the Year Eric Brubaker 鈥�01 and Trent Wagler 鈥�02 of The Steel Wheels, Distinguished Service Award recipient Cynthia Lapp 鈥�86, and Outstanding Young Alum Award recipient Kirk Livers 鈥�11. Each had 10 minutes to impact, influence, and inspire the crowd.

Royal City Celebration

The sound of Americana and folk rock music filled the 黑料正能量 Front Lawn on Saturday afternoon as The Steel Wheels performed at the third annual Royal City Celebration. It marked the first time the alumni-fronted band had performed on campus since the 2017 Centennial Homecoming celebration. The band, which has performed for more than 20 years, will make its on Sunday.

As he listened to the music, John Shenk 鈥�71 remarked on the lineup of events during Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend.

鈥淵esterday, with the three events I was at, I thought, 鈥楬ow could they improve from that today?鈥欌�� said Shenk, who also attended the Golden Alumni Luncheon, the All-Black Affair, and the a cappella concert. 鈥淲ell, they totally outdid it!鈥�

Beginning at the 10th hour of the 10th day of the 10th month of 黑料正能量鈥檚 110th year, an investiture ceremony in Yoder Arena on Saturday formally inaugurated the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus as the university鈥檚 10th president and first Black president.

Among those gathered were members of the 黑料正能量 Board of Trustees, three presidents emeriti, university and community leaders, members of Dr. Dycus鈥� sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Inc., and delegates representing 30 institutions of learning and faith.

The Rev. Jane Hoober Peifer 鈥�74, MDiv 鈥�97, chair of the 黑料正能量 Board of Trustees, reflected on the journey that brought Dr. Dycus to the presidency.

鈥淗ow grateful we are to God for bringing Dr. Dycus to 黑料正能量 seven years ago,鈥� she said. 鈥淧reparing her and us, even though none of us knew it at the time. Preparing all of us for this milestone dedication and celebration in the life of our beloved school. 鈥� This is a momentous day.鈥�

The Rev. Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, delivered the invocation. Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, who in 2016 became the first Black woman elected to City Council and to serve as mayor, reflected on the history being made on Saturday.

鈥淭hink of the young Black girls who will see you, Shannon, and say, 鈥楽he looks like me,鈥� or 鈥業 can do that, too,鈥欌�� Reed said. 鈥淭hey will see your leadership, your faith, and your courage and imagine new possibilities for their own lives. Shannon, you have earned this moment.鈥�

Dr. Dycus, who joined 黑料正能量 as dean of students in 2019, held several leadership positions in student affairs before becoming interim president in July 2025. She began her five-year term as the university鈥檚 10th president on July 1, 2026.

The Rev. Dr. Charisse Gillet, president of Lexington Theological Seminary, offered her greetings to the 黑料正能量 community. 鈥淭oday, we honor a leader formed at the vital intersection of church and academy, a minister and an educator whose vocation has been shaped by faith, learning, and service,鈥� she said. 鈥溾�rom these communities she has learned not only how to belong, but how to create belonging for others. 鈥� You have a leader who joins theological hope with clear-eyed pragmatism.鈥�

Delivering the campus greetings were Student Government Association Co-Presidents Esme King Martin and Davis Bert, Staff Senate Co-President Nicole Litwiller ’19, MA ’20, and Faculty Senate Co-Presidents Dr. Heike Peckruhn MA ’04 and Dr. Paul Yoder ’06, MA ’11. Board member Dr. Stephen Kriss ’94 gave the charge to the president and Dr. Rebecca Stoltzfus, president of Goshen College, gave the charge to the 黑料正能量 community.

Dr. Dycus also is the first woman of color to lead any Anabaptist-founded college or university in the United States, Stoltzfus said.

鈥淚 speak on behalf of all five of the presidents of your Mennonite Church USA higher education colleagues,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e feel deeply blessed to work with President Dycus as our new colleague. When she speaks, we listen.鈥�

Dr. David Berry, associate professor of music, performed a musical selection. The Rev. Charles Webb offered a prayer of dedication and blessing.

In her presidential address, 鈥淭ogether and Becoming: Moving in Formation,鈥� Dr. Dycus recounted her first experiences of the Shenandoah Valley. Nearly a decade ago, while on sabbatical from pastoring at First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis, she enrolled at a spiritual direction program at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in the summer of 2017. She had never driven through mountains and remembered feeling both awe and fear.

As she gripped the steering wheel and navigated the winding mountain roads along U.S. 33, wondering whether to turn back, she spotted a flock of birds flying overhead. They flew in formation, heading in the same direction she was, as if guiding her forward.

鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 have known that the road toward a spiritual direction program would eventually lead me here, to this university, to this community, and now the privilege of serving as its 10th president,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 certainly didn鈥檛 imagine standing here today, but when I think about 黑料正能量 now, I still feel something of what I felt during that first drive into Harrisonburg: awe and gratitude.鈥�

Reflecting on the stories and people that have shaped 黑料正能量, its strengths and challenges, and the students who discover their gifts and callings here, Dr. Dycus called on the community to consider what faithfulness will require of them.

鈥淪ometimes the road turns in ways you can鈥檛 see,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here will be turns ahead for us. When those moments come and when we find ourselves gripping the wheel, wishing we could see farther ahead, look again at the mountains and the birds. The mountains remind us that we are rooted in a story that is carried across generations, and that flock reminds us that we can adjust the formation without losing the destination.鈥�

Watch a recording of the ceremony below!

黑料正能量 has been selected to join the inaugural Prejudice to Pluralism Cohort, a national initiative led by Interfaith America to advance pluralism and address rising levels of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry. 

This cohort experience equips senior higher education leaders with knowledge, resources, and support to cultivate campus environments grounded in respect for diverse identities, engagement across deep differences, and cooperation around shared concerns, according to a .听

In addition to 黑料正能量, the cohort comprises:

• George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
• Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania
• Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
• Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Maryland, College Park
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York

黑料正能量 will receive support through a community of practice, advising from Interfaith America, and grants of $20,000 to implement campus-based projects designed to reduce prejudice and strengthen pluralism, with an emphasis on restorative practice and design, the release states.

According to Chief Brown, the tribe can trace its history back to the year 900. A on tribal land in southeastern Virginia between 1965-69 uncovered the skeletal remains of 132 ancestors dating back to 1580. The remains were taken to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and placed in shoeboxes, he said.

鈥淗ow would you like for somebody to come into your cemetery and dig up your ancestors dating back two, three centuries ago and take the bones away and put them someplace else?鈥� he asked. 

Chief Brown said the tribe is working with the Smithsonian to recover the remains so they can be properly buried on its 263 acres of tribal land in Southampton County. That land is part of the 41,000 acres of reservation land originally granted to the tribe by the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1705, he said.

The convocation also offered students an opportunity to learn about the tribe’s language and cultural traditions. Chief Brown taught students how to speak several words in the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian language, which belongs to the Iroquoian family of languages.

Some examples include:

• Fox: 鈥渟kee-you鈥�
• Turkey: 鈥渒uh-noom鈥�
• Snake: 鈥渁nn-tah-tum鈥�

The name Cheroenhaka means 鈥淧eople at the Fork of the Stream,鈥� a reference to where the Nottoway and Blackwater rivers converge to form the Chowan River.

Today, the tribe鈥檚 land includes , a replica Iroquoian palisade village and cultural site constructed based on descriptions by William Byrd II, who visited the tribe in 1728. The site is open to visitors from May through November.听

Chief Brown also described how the tribe continues to honor centuries-old traditions, including an to Virginia’s governor.

Beginning with the Spotswood Treaty of 1713, the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian tribe has offered a treaty tribute to the governor of Virginia each year on April 23. The tradition of gifting three peace arrows wrapped in a beaver pelt continues today, with former governors Ralph Northam and Glenn Youngkin receiving tributes during their terms and Gov. Abigail Spanberger receiving one this spring. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e the only tribe in the state of Virginia that actually currently does a treaty tribute to the governor of Virginia,鈥� Chief Brown said. 

In addition to Chief Brown, Vice Chief Ellis 鈥淪oaring Eagle鈥� Wright, adopted tribal member Teresa 鈥淢oon Star鈥� Preston, and Joyce 鈥淔alling Rain鈥� Miley represented the tribe at the convocation. 

Monday鈥檚 convocation was sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and 黑料正能量 Engage. Dawn Neil, coordinator for the Office of DEI, said the purpose of the event was to celebrate Indigenous Peoples鈥� Day and 鈥渂ring some education and awareness about our history in Virginia.鈥�

For more information about the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) tribe, visit .

Watch a recording of the convocation below!

The full-tuition scholarship is 黑料正能量鈥檚 highest academic award. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, community and extracurricular involvement, creativity, clarity of thought, and leadership potential.

The Yoder Scholars program was founded by Carol and Paul R. Yoder Jr., both graduates of 1963, with a significant leadership gift to endow the scholarship. Read more about their long legacy of philanthropy here.

The Webb Scholars program honors Ada Webb, one of the first African American students to attend the university, and Margaret 鈥淧eggy鈥� Webb, the first African American graduate in 1954.

Read about the 2026 Yoder/Webb Scholars below:

Mage Shank

Major: Biology
Hometown: Mount Solon, Virginia

For first-year student Mage Shank, enrolling at 黑料正能量 was an easy decision.

The Mount Solon, Virginia, native applied to 黑料正能量 and learned they had been accepted with a generous academic scholarship.

鈥淚 thought to myself, 鈥業鈥檓 not going to get a better deal anywhere else,鈥欌�� Shank said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 local and it鈥檚 my top choice anyway, so of course I鈥檓 going to 黑料正能量.鈥�

Shank graduated with honors from Fort Defiance High School, where they acted in the musicals each year, received an award of excellence in anatomy, and earned a spot in the all-state choir.

They had spent some time exploring the 黑料正能量 campus while their mom, Kimberly Shank MA 鈥�24 (counseling), MDiv 鈥�25, pursued her graduate studies. They said the university鈥檚 state-of-the-art STEM labs, along with its natural beauty and nurturing feel, led them to enroll.

鈥淢y mom has talked about how she thinks the 黑料正能量 community would be the best fit for me, and I totally agree,鈥� Shank said.

The wealth of scholarships available at 黑料正能量 was also a major draw. In addition to the full-tuition Yoder/Webb Scholarship, Shank received the National Science Foundation S-STEM Scholarship.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want the stress of student loans or the cost of college to fall on me or my parents,鈥� said Shank, who has five siblings. 鈥淚f I can graduate mostly debt-free, I鈥檒l be very happy.鈥�

Shank enjoys photography, drawing, and reading in their free time and looks forward to joining the theater and choir programs at 黑料正能量. They plan to pursue a degree in biology.

鈥淢y main interests are in anatomy and microbiology,鈥� Shank said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I really enjoy, but honestly, as long as I鈥檓 working in a lab somewhere, I鈥檒l be happy.鈥�

Wynter Wilson

Major: Education
Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

When first-year student Wynter Wilson was choosing a college, three factors mattered most.

Of course, the school needed to offer their major, education. But it also needed to have a vibrant campus just far enough from their Lancaster, Pennsylvania, home to give them a sense of independence. And it needed to offer a culture where Wilson, who identifies as nonbinary, felt actively welcomed.

鈥淚 really enjoy faith-oriented spaces, but it can be difficult to find ones that intersect with queer-welcoming spaces,鈥� Wilson said. 鈥淚 felt that I would be welcomed and understood at 黑料正能量, and that was a really important factor in feeling safe and excited to come here.鈥�

Wilson grew up attending a small Mennonite church. Their parents, Beverly Shirk Wilson 鈥�97 and Keith Wilson, class of 鈥�98, attended 黑料正能量, so the school was already on their radar. After learning about the 黑料正能量 Visit Grant, which provides students up to $4,000 over four years, and touring the 鈥渂eautiful鈥� campus, Wilson was sold.

鈥淚 thought, 鈥楾his is it. Why look anywhere else?鈥欌�� Wilson said. 鈥淚 saw how special the community was, and that visit really cemented it for me.鈥�

After committing to 黑料正能量 this spring, the J.P. McCaskey High School grad learned they had received the full-tuition Yoder/Webb Scholarship.

鈥淚t鈥檚 just kind of surreal,鈥� Wilson said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 such a great education program at 黑料正能量, and being able to pursue what I want without having to worry about the financials is such a blessing.鈥�

Wilson plans to become an elementary school teacher and looks forward to joining the choir at 黑料正能量.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to figure out who I want to be, try new things, and meet new people,鈥� they said. 鈥淚鈥檓 just really excited about it all.鈥�

Students walking into Lehman Auditorium for the event were greeted by rows of faculty and staff members, who cheered and held signs welcoming them to campus. Bubbles filled the air outside the brick performing arts venue, while Kool & the Gang鈥檚 鈥淐elebration鈥� played on a loop.

As students filtered into the auditorium, they were welcomed by the drumming of adjunct faculty member Makinto GC 鈥�26, along with his wife, Mukarabe, and members of the 黑料正能量 Chamber Singers. They led the crowd in chants of 鈥淭ogether, we are power, 黑料正能量!鈥�

Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president for academic affairs, welcomed returning students, faculty, and staff, as well as those joining the campus community for the first time. 鈥淵ou are stepping into a world of endless possibilities, new friendships, and academic challenges,鈥� she said. 

Willingham introduced 鈥減ower and equity鈥� as the university theme for the 2026-27 academic year and encouraged students to exercise, share, challenge, and transform the power they have. 

鈥淓very day, through our choices and our relationships, we have the opportunity to use power that is entrusted to us to make 黑料正能量 a place where more people, where students like you, can belong, learn, flourish, and contribute to the world,鈥� she said.

Christina Harrison, director of intercultural programs; Dr. Gaurav Pathania, assistant professor of sociology and peacebuilding; and Brian Martin Burkholder, university chaplain, offered a blessing for 黑料正能量鈥檚 intercultural learning programs this semester. One of those programs, a trip to India led by Pathania and Dr. Mary Sprunger, professor of history, departed campus on Tuesday. 

Harrison recognized the 13 new international students at 黑料正能量 this semester, who join 37 returning international students representing 24 countries. 鈥淭hey will be learning interculturally every day, while also giving us the opportunity to learn about their cultures as we welcome them into the 黑料正能量 community,鈥� she said. 

Davis Bert, a sophomore biology major serving as Student Government Association co-president this year, welcomed students and introduced the SGA Executive Team, which includes Co-President Esm茅 King Martin, Vice President Yuji Wenger, Marketing Coordinator Jose Lopez Vasquez, and treasurer Bennett de Tenley. He encouraged students to find new ways to get involved and support one another.

鈥淭here is no better time than now to get out there,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a new semester for all of us.鈥�

As someone who鈥檚 preached and spoken to hundreds of crowds on countless stages, President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus recounted the first time she stood on such a stage. She was a six-year-old girl in ballet class, and her teacher would often encourage her to 鈥渞aise those beautiful brown arms and let us see your beauty.鈥�

鈥淭hose words inspired me,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey empowered me. And I stand here today because those words still ring true in my heart and in my head.鈥�

鈥淚 hope you know that this is a year that will encourage all that is within you,鈥� she added, 鈥渁nd that there will be voices around you who will remind you to raise your beautiful arms and to show your beauty.鈥�

This marked Dycus鈥� first Opening Convocation as 黑料正能量鈥檚 10th president. She began her term on July 1.

Esm茅 King Martin, Troy Martin, and Maria Esther Showalter shared stories of how they have experienced power throughout their lives, while members of the 黑料正能量 Jam Collective (pianist Dr. David Berry, vocalist Tabatha Parrott, drummer Dr. Benjamin Guerrero, and guitarist Adam Wirdzek) played musical interludes. 

King Martin, a senior environmental science and Spanish major and SGA co-president, spoke about how she had worked on a soft pretzel truck every summer since she was 14. Through that job, she learned to connect with customers over 鈥渟omething as simple as a soft pretzel.鈥�

鈥淭hese skills of connection are a form of power,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey will benefit me in future jobs and in future communities that I live in.鈥�

She challenged students to expand their social webs by connecting with at least 10 new people this year. 鈥淲hat would it look like if the connection you made with a student in a different major, religious group, racial or ethnic group, or political group at 黑料正能量 comes up again in 20 years when you need a lawyer, banker, doctor, or a couch to sleep on?鈥�

Martin, director of financial aid, reflected on his father, Carl, a lifelong farm laborer and construction worker in rural New York who had 鈥渄ecades of dirt and sawdust鈥� under his fingernails and thick calluses and scars on his palms. His father had an eighth-grade education and was mostly illiterate, while his mother worked as a hairdresser at a nursing home. Both parents worked hard and sacrificed so much to send him to college. That opportunity, he said, opened a new world to him and exposed him to new people and different cultures.

鈥淲hile Carl Martin didn鈥檛 hold much of what we stereotypically think of as power in his life, he exercised a power through faith, service, and care for his family that created a lasting legacy,鈥� Troy Martin said. 

Showalter, director of 黑料正能量鈥檚 language and literature program, shared how she accepted a call to serve as advisor of the fledgling Latinx Student Alliance during the spring of 2014 and watched it blossom into a 鈥渧ibrant student club full of energy and life.鈥�

During club meetings, members dreamed up all sorts of activities to celebrate Hispanic culture, including the LSA banquet that has become a highlight of the semester and the tradition of creating an Easter alfombra. 

Showalter also highlighted how past LSA members had gone on to serve as SGA co-presidents. 鈥淚 am grateful to every LSA member for the impact you have had on my life and the 黑料正能量 community,鈥� she said.

President Dycus called on students, faculty, and staff to tell stories this year and listen for them, to be curious about which stories are missing, and to have the courage to ask whose experience still needs to be heard.

鈥淧ower is right here,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t starts in summer jobs on pretzel trucks, in the legacy of courageous and arthritic hands, and in sharing important parts of our identity and cultures as our LSA group does. It lives in our ability to shape what happens around us.鈥�

鈥淲here power allows us to influence a room, open a door, make a decision, or speak a word, we are invited to explore each of these in our intellectual exercises this year.鈥�

The Free Food Room is a joint initiative coordinated by the task force鈥攁 group of 黑料正能量 staff members that includes Celeste Thomas, Trina Trotter Nussbaum, Brian Martin Burkholder, and Levi Clymer鈥攁long with the SEEDS student sustainability group and Student Life. It receives monthly food deliveries at heavily discounted rates as a member of the Verona-based Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

In addition to food bank deliveries, the Free Food Room receives fresh produce from local farms through its partnership with Harrisonburg鈥檚 educational outreach program. This year, the Free Food Room is receiving produce from near Keezletown. The program also receives donated produce through its relationship with Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.

鈥淚鈥檓 so impressed by how many partnerships this little space involves,鈥� said Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MA 鈥�20, annual giving and donor communications specialist, one of the visitors on the tour. 鈥淚t鈥檚 such a great example of 黑料正能量 and the broader community working together.鈥�

Task force members said they plan to add card-swipe access to the entrance this summer to ensure resources and donations are best used to serve students, employees, and others with an active 黑料正能量 ID card. The security upgrade, funded through a $12,000 grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), will allow the Free Food Room to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is currently accessible from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Grant funding will also be used to create more visible signage outside the space, increase publicity as students return to campus, and address ADA doorway access needs, with the remaining funds designated for food purchases.

Task force members said the Free Food Room often has an abundance of fresh produce during the summer months and encouraged faculty, staff, and students to take fruits, vegetables, and frozen meat home with them, regardless of financial need.

鈥淓very summer, we have this excess,鈥� Trotter Nussbaum said. 鈥淭his is for people who think, 鈥極h, I don鈥檛 need the Free Food Room.鈥� Please come and take it because it will spoil, and you might as well have fresh produce in your house. Come take it.鈥�

鈥淏efore you go to the grocery store,鈥� Thomas added.

黑料正能量 students Rin Akinotcho (top, below left) and La-Ann Volel (below right) help out at the Free Food Room during the spring semester. 

How to help

Monetary donations to the Free Food Room can be made online through . Select 鈥淔ree Food Room鈥� from the designation dropdown menu to direct your gift to the program.

Food donations may be left on a marked table inside the Free Food Room.

For more information about the Free Food Room or ways to support its work, contact Brian Martin Burkholder, Celeste Thomas, Trina Trotter Nussbaum, or Levi Clymer.

When Nate McGhee 鈥�24, MBA 鈥�26, arrived at 黑料正能量 in the fall of 2020, it wasn鈥檛 his first time giving college the old college try. The marketing and business administration major, a key contributor to the Royals men鈥檚 volleyball team during his four seasons on the squad, had enrolled at Randolph-Macon College a couple years prior. But a string of personal hardships, combined with a lack of preparation and a limited support system, led him to flunk out after his first year.

He said the private liberal arts school, which competes with 黑料正能量 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), might have been a good fit had he applied himself more. But he hadn鈥檛 yet developed strong study habits and, as he struggled with self-doubt, he didn鈥檛 know how or where to ask for help.

鈥淚 was keeping it all to myself, which was probably the worst thing to do,鈥� he said.

When he returned home to Newport News after being dismissed from the school, he felt lost.

鈥淚 was stuck,鈥� McGhee said. 鈥淚 was like, 鈥極K, everything you worked for isn鈥檛 coming to fruition, so what are you going to do?鈥欌��

He took his first full-time job, bussing tables and working the raw bar at a seafood and oyster restaurant near his home, while attending night classes at Thomas Nelson Community College (now known as Virginia Peninsula Community College). Though he continued playing recreational volleyball to stay sharp, the former high school standout had all but given up on competing at the collegiate level.

During a trip to Richmond to cheer on his friends and former coaches at a volleyball tournament in early 2020, opportunity came knocking. Less than 10 minutes after arriving, McGhee felt a tap on his shoulder. When he turned around, he saw Danielle Lickey, 黑料正能量’s head men’s volleyball coach at the time.

After hearing how his volleyball career had stalled, Lickey invited him to visit campus. 鈥淲e could use someone like you,鈥� he recalled her saying.

McGhee toured campus over spring break and quickly fell in love with its picturesque mountain setting and close-knit feel. 鈥淭his is my second chance,鈥� he remembered thinking. 鈥淚 have to take it.鈥�

That fall, he transferred to 黑料正能量 as a sophomore. Over his (2021-24), he ranks 11th all-time in career kills and earned Third-Team All-CVC honors in 2023. In the summer of 2023, he represented the United States on a team in Italy.

鈥淚 thought volleyball was over for me, but that鈥檚 how I got back into it,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f she hadn鈥檛 tapped me on the shoulder that one day, I probably wouldn鈥檛 be here [at 黑料正能量] right now.鈥�

Nate McGhee ranks 11th all-time in career kills over his four seasons with the 黑料正能量 men鈥檚 volleyball team (2021-24). He earned Third-Team All-CVC honors in 2023 and represented the United States on a team in Italy that summer.

Learning to lead

Off the volleyball court, McGhee found a firm footing in 黑料正能量鈥檚 classrooms and campus community. He earned a spot on the Dean鈥檚 List, an honor given to students with a semester GPA of at least 3.75. He grew more comfortable opening up to others on campus and seeking help when needed. He credited his advisor, Dr. Jim Leaman, associate professor of business, with helping keep him on track.

鈥淚 probably wouldn鈥檛 have graduated without him,鈥� McGhee said. 鈥淗e became a mentor to me and was with me every step of the way.鈥�

He said his parents鈥� love and support also helped him persevere when times were tough. 

鈥淔or a while, I felt like I was letting them down and failing at life,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut they told me it鈥檚 what you do after failing that makes it a failure. If you stay down and give up, then you鈥檝e failed. But if you get up and learn from your mistakes, then the mistake is history.鈥�

After graduating with a degree in business administration and marketing in spring 2024, McGhee stayed at 黑料正能量 as a graduate assistant coach for head men鈥檚 volleyball coach Omar Hoyos Aliff while pursuing his MBA, which he completed this past spring.

McGhee plans to use his degrees to build a career in sports marketing. He鈥檚 applied for positions with professional athletic organizations such as League One Volleyball.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 really what I have a passion for,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ventually, maybe five years down the line, I would love to open my own business sponsoring athletes and getting them more exposure.鈥�

While coaching was never a career path he considered as a player, his experience as a graduate assistant has shown him that he has a knack for it and genuinely enjoys it. 鈥淚 like seeing player growth,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 look at volleyball as an art. You can always build on it and learn something new.鈥�

McGhee said that multitasking, time management, and resilience are all skills he learned while at 黑料正能量. 鈥淚鈥檝e definitely developed a lot of confidence in my craft,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 have a lot of confidence before I came here in anything I did, and at 黑料正能量 I鈥檝e learned how to lead with confidence.鈥�

When the Royals men鈥檚 volleyball team traveled to Ashland in April for the 2026 ODAC Championship match against Randolph-Macon, it was a full-circle moment for McGhee. The Yellow Jackets ultimately prevailed in the , but the match reminded him of the many times he had faced his former team, including a conference quarterfinal at Randolph-Macon during his senior year when the Royals swept the Yellow Jackets.

鈥淭hat was unreal,鈥� McGhee said. 鈥淲henever I played games there, I always did poorly because I felt there was something hanging over me. But that game, and this last game we played, really showed me how much I鈥檝e grown.鈥�

Watch Nate talk about the close-knit community and support he found at 黑料正能量.

This story appears in the summer 2026 issue of Crossroads magazine.

For her, that moment came during the traumatic birth of her youngest child two years ago. Perez, a graduate of 黑料正能量 at Lancaster鈥檚 Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) program, shared that she failed out of her studies during that experience. But rather than quit, she pushed forward and kept fighting. She came back stronger, enrolling in the next cohort and earning Dean鈥檚 List honors throughout her time in the program. The road didn鈥檛 become easier, she said, but her resilience grew stronger.

That same resilience, she told the Class of 2026 graduates, lies in every single one of them. Many of them, who are nontraditional adult learners, balanced their coursework with jobs, families, and other responsibilities. 鈥淲e showed up tired, we showed up overwhelmed and stretched thin, and sometimes we showed up broken,鈥� she said. 鈥淩egardless, we still showed up.鈥�

When her mother was hospitalized and passed away in January, Perez said her classmates, who had become a support system, showed up for her. 鈥淚n one of my hardest seasons,鈥� she said, 鈥渋t was this community that reminded me I wasn鈥檛 alone.鈥�

Graduates recess following the Commencement ceremony.

Angelita Perez (left) was one of three graduates who shared their perspectives at Commencement. Dr. Jamie Mak (right), assistant vice president of academic and program growth for 黑料正能量 at Lancaster, opens the ceremony. 

Perez was one of 21 graduates of 黑料正能量 at Lancaster鈥檚 degree and graduate certificate programs who walked across the stage and were joyfully sent off into the world during the annual Commencement ceremony at Forest Hills Mennonite Church on Friday, May 8. This year, 黑料正能量 at Lancaster awarded 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates.

Dr. Jamie Mak, assistant vice president of academic and program growth for 黑料正能量 at Lancaster, welcomed the family members, friends, and guests gathered in celebration and commended the courage and commitment shown by the graduates.

鈥淎s you leave today, you carry more than just credentials,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou carry the values that define this community: peacebuilding, social justice, service, and compassion. You are entering a world that needs those values more than ever.鈥�

黑料正能量 at Lancaster awarded 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates.

Graduates Will Stover (left) and Alejandro Ulloa (right) share their perspectives.

In addition to Perez, graduates Will Stover and Alejandro Ulloa shared their reflections.

Stover, a graduate of the aviation program, highlighted his cohort鈥檚 accomplishments鈥攁ccumulating over 7,000 hours of flight time in their four years together鈥攁nd shared some of the lessons they learned in the program. He encouraged graduates to 鈥渢ake the first step鈥� when presented with challenges and opportunities, continue supporting one another and 鈥渒eep 鈥檈m flying,鈥� and find the positive in times of adversity. Echoing the mantra of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight squadron, he called on graduates to embrace being 鈥済lad to be here.鈥�

鈥淭here are days that are difficult, when we feel defeated, lost, and unsure of what鈥檚 next,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here are also days that feel easy, motivating, and full of hope. The phrase 鈥楪lad to be here鈥� is a reminder that, regardless of the day, resiliency ultimately wins.鈥�

When Ulloa was growing up, he often heard his mother say, 鈥渃ada cabeza un mundo entero.鈥� That phrase, he said, translates to 鈥渆ach head is a whole world.鈥�

鈥淢y mom鈥檚 words are a consistent reminder that God created each of us with uniqueness and complexity and finds each of us worthy of love,鈥� said Ulloa, who graduated with an MA in education with a concentration in Trauma and Resilience in Educational Environments (TREE).

After teaching at Lancaster Mennonite High School for 11 years, he said God called him to a different setting about four years ago. That鈥檚 when he applied to the program at 黑料正能量 at Lancaster to 鈥渟tay in touch with these faith-infused tenets of education and daily practice.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 so thankful for this program and its professors, who encouraged us to view our students in their entirety, to approach them with care and empathy first and foremost, and to remember that there鈥檚 an entire world in their heads,鈥� he said. Ulloa added that he leaves the program 鈥渕ore committed than ever鈥� to meet his students where they are, get to know them, and support them however he can.

黑料正能量 at Lancaster鈥檚 Class of 2026 graduates celebrate after walking across the stage.

Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo (left) delivers the Commencement address. Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus (right) offers welcome remarks during the ceremony.

Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo delivered the Commencement address. A first-generation college graduate and avid runner who became the first Latino mayor in the city鈥檚 history, he spoke about the process of training for a marathon and connected it to broader lessons in life.

Preparation, he told the graduates, is both a choice and an ongoing process. 鈥淪ometimes that means taking a step back and readjusting your training plan,鈥� he said. 鈥淪ometimes it鈥檚 just a check-in with yourself that brings you back to the basics. It鈥檚 about questioning your choices and making sure you鈥檙e on the right path.鈥�

鈥淭hink deeply about your choices, find a way to quiet the noise, listen to what truly matters, and make sure the commitments you make are for the greater good,鈥� Arroyo added.

In her remarks to the graduates, Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus expressed appreciation for the ways they have shown up for one another and for the 黑料正能量 community. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e wrestled with hard questions, you鈥檝e listened across differences, and you鈥檝e continued to pursue rigorous learning in a way that reflects both care and conviction,鈥� she said.

Kirk Shisler 鈥�81, vice president for advancement, welcomed the graduates as new members of the 黑料正能量 Alumni Association. 鈥淵ou join some 21,000 fellow alumni who distinguish themselves as people who serve and lead with distinction locally, regionally, nationally, and around the world,鈥� he said.

Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs, presented and commissioned the graduates. Dr. Dycus conferred the degrees and offered the closing blessing. Jess King 鈥�96, an 黑料正能量 parent and member of the 黑料正能量 Board of Trustees, led the opening invocation. Derek Kline, director of the aviation program, and Dr. Mak recognized the graduates.

In addition to King, board members Janet Lind, Gloria Diener 鈥�76, and Jane Hoober Peifer 鈥�74, MDiv 鈥�97, attended the ceremony.

Royals Freshman Athlete of the Year

Female Freshman of the Year:聽听(蝉辞蹿迟产补濒濒)

Judd had an outstanding season for the Royals softball team and was one of just four players to start all 34 games. She hit .304, third-best on the team, while totaling 35 hits, second-most on the roster. In 115 at-bats, she struck out only nine times. Defensively, Judd posted a .985 fielding percentage with just two errors in 132 chances while playing first base, catcher, and the outfield.

鈥淎liza Judd 鈥� great attitude, and she brings it every day,鈥� said head softball coach JD McCurdy. 鈥淪he was our leadoff hitter and an immediate impact player. If you ever come to see her play, you鈥檒l never know whether she鈥檚 0-for-5 or 5-for-5; she鈥檚 ice cold. She checks all the boxes as a great player and a great leader.鈥澛�

Male Freshman of the Year:聽聽(men’s track and field)

Rucker burst onto the scene for 黑料正能量, placing ninth in the shot put and 12th in the weight throw at his first collegiate meet, the Liberty Kickoff, which featured many Division I and II programs. The following weekend, he won the shot put and finished second in the weight throw, beginning a dominant indoor season in which he consistently won events while climbing the 黑料正能量 track and field record books. He set the program record in the indoor weight throw, ranks second in the indoor shot put, set the outdoor discus record, and ranks second in the outdoor hammer throw.

At the indoor ODAC Championships, Rucker earned Second Team All-ODAC honors in the shot put, and at season鈥檚 end he was named USTFCCCA All-South Region in both the shot put and weight throw. He followed with a stellar outdoor season, winning ODAC titles in the hammer throw and discus while finishing second in the shot put. He currently ranks 29th in Division III in the hammer throw and 50th in the shot put.

鈥淚 think one of the most impressive things about Koran is that, for the last couple of months, the throwers have had to pretty much coach themselves,鈥� said Director of Cross Country, Track & Field and Triathlon Bob Hepler. 鈥淗e鈥檚 shown a lot of character through his work ethic, and we are very blessed to have him.

Royals Athlete of the Year

Female Athlete of the Year:聽 ’26聽(women’s soccer)

Beachy was named Female Athlete of the Year following arguably her best season as a Royal. She scored 10 goals in her senior campaign, including a two-goal performance in a 4鈥�1 home win over Hollins on Senior Day. Beachy finished the season ranked seventh in the ODAC in goals, third in game-winning goals (5), and 11th in points (20), earning Third Team All-ODAC honors鈥攖he first All-ODAC selection for 黑料正能量 women鈥檚 soccer since 2017.

Her on-field production and leadership helped guide 黑料正能量 Women鈥檚 Soccer to one of its strongest seasons in recent years. The Royals finished 6鈥�11鈥�1 in 2025, recording their highest win total since 2019 and qualifying for the ODAC Women鈥檚 Soccer Tournament for the first time since that same year.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to recognize Leah,鈥� said Royals head coach Leo Alcoreza. 鈥淗er impact on our program goes far beyond stats. Come game day, Leah consistently delivered in the biggest moments, stepping up time and time again when we needed her most. As a team captain, she led by example every day. She鈥檚 not just an incredible athlete, she鈥檚 an even better teammate, person, and leader, and 黑料正能量 is better because of her.鈥�

Male Athlete of the Year:聽 ’26听(产补蝉别产补濒濒)

A four-year starter for the Royals, Miller played in and started 38 games this season and delivered one of the best individual campaigns in 黑料正能量 baseball history. He led the team with a .427 batting average, which ranked third in the ODAC for the 2026 season. Miller also paced the Royals and ranked second in the ODAC with 61 hits, the sixth-most in a single season in program history. On the bases, he stole 25 bags, leading the ODAC and tying the 黑料正能量 single-season record.

He helped guide 黑料正能量 to 14 regular-season wins, the program鈥檚 highest total since the 2019 season.

鈥淎idan should be getting his second All-Conference award later this month, and he鈥檒l finish in the top 10 in multiple categories in our record book, but that stuff is really irrelevant to what he鈥檚 meant to our program,鈥� said Royals head coach Adam Posey. 鈥淚f you guys listen, his nickname right now is 鈥楽kip,鈥� as in skipper of the team. He鈥檚 very passionate about what he does and very loyal, and we鈥檒l miss all of those things next year.鈥�

President鈥檚 Award

Female President’s Award:聽 ’26聽(women’s soccer)

Beachy is from Grants Pass, Oregon, and is a nursing graduate who achieved a 4.00 GPA during her time at 黑料正能量. She plans to work as a nurse on a medical-surgical floor and join an adult soccer league.

A four-year member of the women鈥檚 soccer team, Beachy was named Third Team All-ODAC in 2025. During her career at 黑料正能量, she played 5,391 minutes across 72 games. She led or co-led the team in scoring for three seasons, totaling 21 goals and eight assists. Beachy is the co-record holder for most single-game assists and points and ranks fifth all-time in career points (50) and sixth in career goals (21).

She was a four-year member of the Dean鈥檚 List and the All-ODAC Academic Team, a two-time VaSID Academic All-State selection, and a two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree. She was also a member of the Honors Program. Off the field, Beachy served as a Royal Ambassador, tour guide, peer tutor, and member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and the Nursing Student Association. She also served as a student-faculty representative for the nursing program and as an Honors Program facilitator.

鈥満诹险芰� Athletics gave me the rare opportunity to play soccer while receiving a phenomenal nursing education, providing an outlet to exist purely as a competitor amid the demands of college,鈥� Beachy said. 鈥淭he joys and challenges of athletics expanded my capacity to serve and lead not only as a teammate, but also as a nurse, friend, and community member. I leave 黑料正能量 Athletics with precious relationships, lasting memories, and a deeper love for the game. It has been a true privilege.鈥澛�

Male President’s Award:聽 ’26 (baseball)

Hall is from Chesapeake, Virginia, and is a health and physical education graduate with minors in kinesiology, exercise science, and coaching. He achieved a 3.74 GPA during his time at 黑料正能量 and plans to pursue a career in physical education.

A four-year member of the baseball program, Hall played in 103 games for the Royals. He holds a career batting average of .278 with 87 hits, 17 doubles, and 46 RBI. In 2024, he was hit by a pitch 25 times, and he has been hit 47 times in his career, both 黑料正能量 baseball records.

Academically, he was named to the Dean鈥檚 List five times, the All-ODAC Academic Team four times, and is a CSC Academic All-District honoree. Off the field, he was a member of Every Nation Campus.

鈥満诹险芰� Athletics is more than a season, more than a game, more than a practice, more than a result, and more than a feeling,鈥� Hall said. 鈥淚t is an outlet, it is a community, it is cherished moments and friendships that will last a lifetime. I felt at one point that I was defined by results. Coach Posey has helped me find my identity鈥攏ot in results, not in statistics, but in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 黑料正能量 Athletics has been a place where myself and others can grow in our faith and develop our foundation on a Kingdom that is everlasting.鈥�

Stay up to date with 黑料正能量 Athletics through its聽听补苍诲 聽accounts or visit its聽.

Commencement address

Dr. Angela J. Lederach, assistant professor of peace and justice studies at Chapman University, delivered the Commencement address in Yoder Arena.

The author and anthropologist, whose father, John Paul Lederach, co-founded the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, spoke about the lessons she鈥檚 learned from peacebuilders and CJP alumni around the world.

Undergraduates Dylan Hall and Arelys Martinez Fabian, along with MA in Counseling graduate Yenifer Dottin-Carter 鈥�23, presented the graduate perspectives.

This was Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus鈥� first Commencement as interim president.

Celebration of Blessings

The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding sent 17 graduates into the world with words of tribute during its annual Celebration of Blessings on Sunday afternoon, following Commencement. This year marks the 30th anniversary celebration of the CJP. 

Graduates LaToya Fernandez, Jamila Gaskins, Hannah Gilman, and Jacob Sankara offered their perspectives.  

Graduate Celebration and Sending

黑料正能量 honored members of the Class of 2026 at its Graduate Celebration and Sending service on Saturday evening in Lehman Auditorium.

The event featured a faculty address by Dr. Tara Kishbaugh, senior class salutations from co-presidents Genesis Figueroa and Arelys Martinez Fabian, and the presentation of the senior class gift, along with prayer, music, and poetry from graduates.

Donning of the Kente

Family, friends, faculty, and other supporters gathered in the MainStage Theater on Saturday to honor the perseverance, compassion, and determination of this year鈥檚 graduates at 黑料正能量鈥檚 11th annual Donning of the Kente Ceremony.

The event recognized 49 graduates celebrating their African and international heritage.

Nurse Pinning

Sixteen 黑料正能量 nursing graduates marked a major milestone Saturday morning during a pinning and commissioning ceremony in Lehman Auditorium.

Dr. David Rosie, an emergency medicine physician at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg, delivered the keynote address.

Lavender Graduation

黑料正能量 recognized 11 graduates at its fifth annual Lavender Graduation on Friday evening in the Old Common Grounds space. The ceremony honors LGBTQ+ graduates and alumni while celebrating their unique experiences, achievements, and contributions to the university.

Sarah Peak and Jamila Gaskins delivered the keynote addresses.

黑料正能量 at Lancaster will award 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates at its Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania. Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo will deliver the address.

Stay tuned for a recap of the Lancaster ceremony.

鈥淲hen you see them pouring themselves into the work of justice and peace, and you see them giving and giving, remind them to pause, please,鈥� Schaeffer, director of programs at CJP, said. 鈥淩emind them to rest. Remind them to seek out something joyful because this work needs them, but it needs them whole.鈥�

The ceremony honored graduates of CJP鈥檚 master鈥檚 degree and graduate certificate programs and was held Sunday afternoon in Martin Chapel following 黑料正能量鈥檚 108th annual Commencement.

This year marks the 30th anniversary celebration of the CJP, which was co-founded and led by John Paul Lederach. His daughter, Dr. Angela Lederach, delivered the Commencement address earlier Sunday.

Graduates from 黑料正能量’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding are embraced and recognized by CJP faculty and staff during the annual Celebration of Blessings in Martin Chapel on Sunday.

In the heartfelt ceremony, CJP faculty and staff members Dr. Gloria Rhodes, Amy Knorr, Dr. Paula Ditzel Facci, and Dr. Joe Cole provided words of tribute for each graduate. The following CJP graduates were recognized:

Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation

Diego Crespo Guido of Mexico City, Mexico

Jamila Gaskins of Los Angeles

Hannah Gilman of Salt Lake City

Chelsea Griffin of Flagstaff, Arizona

Leslie Meja of Nairobi, Kenya

Jacob Sankara of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

CatiAdele Slater of Upperville, Virginia

Tamera Vaughan-Drozd of Vienna, Virginia

Graduate Certificate in Conflict Transformation

Spike Coleman of Charleston, South Carolina

Devin Withrow of Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Master of Arts in Restorative Justice

Maria Arias of Viedma, Argentina

LaToya Fernandez of West Hartford, Connecticut

Sof铆a Garcia Pini of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice

R茅ka Bord谩s-Simon of Ny铆regyh谩za, Hungary

Mallery McShine of Fredericksburg, Virginia

Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership

Josiah Ludwick of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Tyler Stanley of Harrisonburg, Virginia

Dr. Gloria Rhodes 鈥�88 (left) and Kory Schaeffer MA 鈥�24 (right), co-directors of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, offer their welcome remarks.

As the graduates go out to create a more just and peaceful world, they also weave a web of connections and build an extended community of learning, Professor Dr. Gloria Rhodes 鈥�88, academic director of CJP, said in her remarks.

鈥淲e鈥檙e a small community, and 黑料正能量 is a very small university,鈥� Rhodes said. 鈥淏ut together, we are enormous.鈥�

She said there are more than 23,000 黑料正能量 graduates around the world, including more than 800 who have earned degrees from CJP鈥檚 master鈥檚 programs.

As a CJP alumnus, Schaeffer said he shared the graduates鈥� joy and quiet solidarity, as well as their sense of how much they had cared, questioned, and transformed throughout their time at CJP.

鈥淭his work was never just the books you read or the papers you wrote,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was also the gray hairs, the tears, the tightness in your body, and the moments you questioned everything. It was the weight, literal or metaphorical, that comes with doing work that is both deeply personal and profoundly collective.鈥�

LaToya Fernandez, an MA in restorative justice graduate, shares the journey that led her to CJP.

Conflict transformation graduates Hannah Gilman (left) and Jamila Gaskins (right) reflect on their experiences in the program.

Graduates LaToya Fernandez, Jamila Gaskins, Hannah Gilman, and Jacob Sankara shared their perspectives.  

Fernandez recalled visiting Ghana a couple of years ago and experiencing something there that changed her life. 鈥淚 grieved there, I left my burdens there, I cried for my ancestors,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 learned things about myself that I didn鈥檛 know.鈥�

She left Africa with a mission to bring that sense of healing to her communities and to the United States. She had applied to another school鈥檚 restorative justice program, which offered her a full scholarship, when a friend encouraged her to learn more about CJP. 鈥淵ou want to go to a place that鈥檚 going to value you and all your decolonizing institution ways,鈥� Fernandez recalled her friend telling her. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 exactly what happened. I came to 黑料正能量 and I fell in love.鈥�

Gaskins, who spoke at 黑料正能量鈥檚 Lavender Graduation two days prior, asked the crowd when they last breathed. 鈥淣ot a shallow breath, the kind most of us live on, tight chest, shoulders up near our ears, but a full breath. One that goes all the way down, opens up the belly, and reminds you that you are here, present, alive.鈥�

鈥淪o many of us are chest breathers, and I say this with love and a little humor, because chest breathing is a perfectly functional way to stay alive, but it cuts us off,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t blocks access to the richness of our emotional experience, the very experience this work demands we stay connected to. We cannot feel our way into someone else鈥檚 suffering if we are numb to our own.鈥�

Gilman said their past two years in the program have involved real sacrifice, balancing work, family, stressful logistics, and a dream. There have been many hard moments and even some tears, but also triumphs, laughter, and joy. There were moments of fear, and they showed up anyway.

鈥淲hat a unique experience it has been to do this in a place like CJP,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ith faculty and staff who knew us, challenged us, believed in us, and who, bless them, gave us extensions. I鈥檓 so grateful to share this era of growth with you, this particular season of becoming, of stretching, of learning what we are made of and made for.鈥�

Mukarabe Inandava-Makinto (right), a CJP student, her husband, Makinto GC 鈥�26 (left), and their son, Jo毛l Friebe-Makinto, perform the musical prelude

CJP students Virginia Maina and Kensly Cassy offer student blessings (left). Amy Knorr (right), CJP’s peacebuilding practice director, provides the graduate sending. 鈥淭his is actually my favorite day of the entire year, even more than Christmas,” Knorr said. “And it鈥檚 not because summer break begins tomorrow, but because we are sending forth so many graduates who will go on to change and transform the world.鈥�

Sankara shared that he felt two emotions when he received his acceptance to the CJP program: excitement and intimidation. 鈥淪ome of my colleagues at [Mennonite Central Committee], when I was working there, had gone through the program, and they spoke about it with a kind of reverence,鈥� he said.

Along with those emotions came real anxiety. How would Sankara, an international student from Burkina Faso, find the money to fund his studies? He said his family鈥檚 visa situation was also uncertain. 鈥淚 had to make a decision to trust God and move forward, even without having all the answers, and slowly things began to unfold,鈥� he said.

He received a helpful scholarship from CJP and support from friends and family. Eventually, his family was able to come to the United States and was there to celebrate with him on Sunday. Sankara described CJP as more than a program, calling it a community.

鈥淲hen I say community, I don鈥檛 mean a group of people who simply agree with each other,鈥� Sankara said. 鈥淚 mean a space where we celebrate, laugh together, and step on each other鈥檚 feet, not once but repeatedly. But the difference is that we acknowledge it, address it, and grow through it.鈥�

黑料正能量 honored members of the Class of 2026 at its Graduate Celebration and Sending service on Saturday evening in Lehman Auditorium. The event featured a faculty address by Dr. Tara Kishbaugh, senior class salutations from co-presidents Genesis Figueroa and Arelys Martinez Fabian, and the presentation of the senior class gift, along with prayer, music, and poetry from graduates.

Graduates were joined by family, friends, supporters, and 黑料正能量 faculty, staff, and administrators to celebrate their accomplishments and the unique gifts they bring to their communities and the world.

Formerly known as Baccalaureate, the annual ceremony offers graduates an opportunity to 鈥渓ook back with pride and look forward with courage,鈥� Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said in her welcome. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a space to breathe deeply, reflect on all that has brought you to this moment, and prepare your heart and spirit for what lies ahead.鈥�

Graduates were joined by family, friends, supporters, and 黑料正能量 faculty, staff, and administrators.

Senior class co-presidents Arelys Martinez Fabian and Genesis Figueroa deliver the senior class salutations (left). Dr. Tynisha Willingham welcomes the audience in Lehman Auditorium on Saturday evening (right).

In a shared address highlighting their close partnership, Figueroa and Martinez Fabian reflected on their experiences at 黑料正能量 and encouraged graduates to carry what they鈥檝e learned into every space they enter.

From late-night study sessions at Common Grounds Coffeehouse to 鈥渢hose dreadful group assignments,鈥� campus became not just a place to take classes, but where they discovered who they are, the senior class co-presidents said.

鈥満诹险芰� has a way of pushing us, not just academically but personally,鈥� they said. 鈥淚t asks us to think critically, engage with people who are different from us, and consider how we want to show up in the world.鈥�

鈥満诹险芰� doesn鈥檛 just prepare us for what鈥檚 next. It challenges us to think about why we do what we do,鈥� they continued. 鈥淭o consider how we can contribute to something bigger than ourselves, whether in our careers, our communities, or the everyday choices we make.鈥�

Ethan Neufeld, senior class business manager, and Maria Longenecker, senior class secretary, presented the class gift to Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus. Each year, the senior class selects a meaningful gift that reflects their shared experience and leaves a lasting legacy. This year, the Class of 2026 chose to fund improvements to the 黑料正能量 Game Room in the University Commons, expanding options for students, faculty, and staff.

Eli Stoll performs the opening song, 鈥淭he Lord Lift You Up鈥� (Voices Together 832).

Dr. Tara Kishbaugh (left) delivers the faculty address. Ethan Neufeld, senior class business manager, presents Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus with the senior class gift (right).

In her address titled 鈥淕o bravely鈥ut please call,鈥� Kishbaugh, dean of faculty and student success, urged graduates to keep a firm belief in themselves and hold onto their optimism. The longtime professor drew from her chemistry curriculum, likening the graduates鈥� situation to molecules in a transition state.

鈥淭his transition state is a normal part of transformation,鈥� she said. 鈥淏utterflies don鈥檛 force it. The struggle is part of the becoming.鈥�

She also reminded graduates that they didn鈥檛 arrive at Commencement weekend alone. 鈥淟ook at the love that has brought you here,鈥� she said. 鈥溾�ou belong to each other, and you belong to us. You鈥檝e left a mark on 黑料正能量, and hopefully you will see the imprint of 黑料正能量 in your future selves as little ripples.鈥�

Graduate Celebration and Sending featured gathering music from Naomi Kratzer; an opening blessing from Sarah Prroj; an opening song from Eli Stoll; a performance of Stephen Paulus鈥� 鈥淭he Road Home鈥� by senior Chamber Singers members Erin Batten, Lauren Kauffman, Naomi Kratzer, Hollyn Miller, Jacob Nissley, Eli Stoll, Joshua Stucky, and Sean Swartley; poetry readings from Miranda Beidler and Emily Suarez Nunez; a sending blessing from Brian Martin Burkholder; sending music from Makinto; and reflections from senior class advisors Mark Metzler Sawin and Jonathan Swartz, who also handed out 黑料正能量 pins.

Graduates received pins representing the wisdom they鈥檝e shared and the investment and commitment they鈥檝e made during their time as students. They were encouraged to wear the pins at Commencement and beyond, honoring how 黑料正能量 has supported them in their learning and growth.

Mark Metzler Sawin and Jonathan Swartz, senior class advisors, offer their reflections.

Miranda Beidler (left) shares original poetry, while Sarah Prroj (right) gives an opening blessing.

During their four years at 黑料正能量, much has changed, Metzler Sawin told the graduates. Presidents, both nationally and at 黑料正能量, have changed, as has the power and scope of artificial intelligence. 鈥淏ut most importantly, yourselves,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e grown in many ways during these same four years.鈥�

Much has also stayed the same: 鈥淭he significance of human connection, the value of genuine relationships, and the core values that made you the unique and significant person you were when you arrived here and still are today,鈥� he added.

In her opening blessing, Prroj reflected on the moments that have challenged her and the relationships that have shaped her into who she is today. 黑料正能量 didn鈥檛 just educate her, she said, but also formed her, teaching her how to lead, listen, care, and become part of something bigger than herself. Sharing the words of pastor Rick Warren, she said that when people take their final breath, no one asks for their trophies, achievements, or diplomas.

鈥淭hey asked for the people they love,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ecause in the end, it鈥檚 not what we accomplish that matters most. It鈥檚 who we share our lives with. And that鈥檚 what makes 黑料正能量 so special. It鈥檚 not just a place of learning, but a place of community where we鈥檙e known, supported, and shaped by one another.鈥�

Watch a video recording of the ceremony below!

Hosted by Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services and CoachLink coach, and Micah Shristi, director of international student services, the ceremony featured a musical drum performance led by Makinto and his son, Jo毛l Friebe-Makinto.

Since 2016, the ceremony has celebrated graduates who honor their African and international roots. Each receives a handwoven stole of kente cloth, a symbol of prestige in many African societies, or a satin sash featuring the flags of countries they feel connected to.

Sashes at Saturday鈥檚 ceremony bore the flags of Albania, Argentina, Barbados, Burkina Faso, the Cherokee Nation, China, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Iceland, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Oromia, Palestine, Peru, Puerto Rico, Senegal, South Sudan, and Uruguay.

Class of 2026 graduates take part in Saturday鈥檚 Donning of the Kente Ceremony in 黑料正能量鈥檚 MainStage Theater.

Jo毛l Friebe-Makinto (left) honors his father, Makinto. Celeste Thomas (right) welcomes attendees to the ceremony.

The ceremony celebrates achievement, encourages recipients to continue striving for excellence, and provides an intimate end-of-year experience. Each recipient selected a family member, friend, mentor, administrator, or faculty or staff member to place the stole or sash around their neck and offer remarks, sharing joyful and heartfelt stories and words of praise about each graduate.

Graduates wore the stoles and sashes at Commencement to honor their collective heritage and reflect on shared struggles and successes.

鈥淥ur hope is that they feel the support of their village,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淎dditionally, we hope the ceremony signals the college鈥檚 desire to meet the needs of all its students.鈥�

Micah Shristi honors a graduate during the ceremony.

Since 2016, the ceremony has celebrated graduates who honor their African and international roots.

Participants

The following graduates were recognized:

Makinto, a general theological certificate major from Harrisonburg, was donned by Mukarabe Makinto Inandava and Jo毛l Friebe-Makinto.听

鈥淵ou鈥檙e a clear example of how, no matter your age or where you are in life, you can accomplish anything,鈥� Friebe-Makinto told his father. 鈥淵ou are a continuous inspiration for me and someone I can always look to for guidance.鈥�

Esdras Burgos, accounting and business administration major from Charlottesville, Virginia, was donned by M. Esther Showalter.

Arelys Martinez Fabian, a Spanish language & Hispanic studies and education (PreK鈥�12) licensure from Winchester, Virginia, was donned by M. Esther Showalter.

Zazkia De la Vega, a marketing and business administration major from Cusco, Peru, was donned by M. Esther Showalter. 

Ankita Adhikari, a computer science major from Pokhara, Nepal, was donned by Micah Shristi.

Donovan Arnason, a digital media, photography, and design major from Stafford, Virginia, was donned by Phyllis Braxton Arnason.

Elili Asefa, a nursing major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was donned by Baati Ayana.

Irais Barrera Pinzon, a political science, Spanish language and Hispanic studies major from Richmond, Virginia, was donned by Wendell Shank.

Mimi Bayongwa, a social work major from Riverdale, Maryland, was donned by Dia Mekonnen and Perpetue Kaimba. 

Lemi Amanuel Bekele, a biochemistry major from Kansas City, Missouri, was donned by Micah Shristi.

Shristi recalled receiving an email from Bekele, who was waiting for his admissions decision in 2019. 鈥淗e sent me the following email, and I quote: 鈥楶lease answer me. To wait for your answer I am in the forest in a tree to get data and it鈥檚 too dark and cold,鈥欌�� Shristi read aloud. 鈥淭hat same determination carried Lemi through his years at 黑料正能量.鈥�

Jean Betancourt, a business administration major from Meridian, Mississippi, was donned by Angel Betancourt.

Nia Boyd, an art and writing studies major from Richmond, Virginia, was donned by Lenice Sudds.

Kylik Daquan Bradshaw, a liberal arts major from Crewe, Virginia, was donned by De’Andra Oliver, Te’Ahra Oliver, Theron Oliver, and Kayanna Bradshaw.

鈥淭hrough every season, you have shown resilience, courage, and determination beyond your years,鈥� Bradshaw鈥檚 mother said. 鈥淏ut your greatest gift has always been your heart, your love, your loyalty, and your strength. Even when you were challenged with difficulties, you never let it break you.鈥�

Chase Comer, a political science and history major from Timberville, Virginia, was donned by Amy Miller.

Ruach Dhieu Ruach Deng, a computer science major from Bor, South Sudan, was donned by Micah Shristi.

Odesa Elezi, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, was donned by Luis Elezi.

Jasmin Escamilla Ruiz, a digital media, photography, and design major from Bluemont, Virginia, was donned by Irma Ruiz Ramirez. 

LaToya Fernandez, an MA in restorative justice major from West Hartford, Connecticut, was donned by Lyric Bryant.

Genesis Figueroa, a political science, Spanish language and Hispanic studies major from Millersburg, Ohio, was donned by Mia Figueroa.

Leah Frankenfield, a psychology major from Moraga, California, was donned by Rachel Tusing.

Sofia Garcia Pini, an MA in restorative justice major from Buenos Aires, Argentina, was donned by Joe Cole.

Jamila Gaskins, an MA in conflict transformation major from Los Angeles, was donned by David Evans.

Emily Guin, a nursing major from Lovettsville, Virginia, was donned by Juan Guin.

Jacqueline Jackson, a nursing major from Staunton, Virginia, was donned by Jacqueline Badger-Jackson.

Jayda Lenae Jones, a social work major from Goodview, Virginia, was donned by Kim Jones.

Yohanna Kebede, a computer science major from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was donned by Haweni Tolosa.

Emae Klompenhouwer, a social work major from Newport News, Virginia, was donned by Remco Klompenhouwer.

Ramata Lam, a biomedicine major from Baltimore, was donned by Kaitlyn Upshaw.

Mallery Salemah McShine, an MA in restorative justice major from Fredericksburg, Virginia, was donned by LaToya Fernandez.

Dia Mekonnen, a social work and political science major from Silver Spring, Maryland, was donned by Deanna Reed.

Abraham Mekonnen, a computer science major from Harrisonburg, was donned by Noel Abeje. 

Last summer, Mekonnen interned at Morgan Stanley in New York City. This summer, he is headed to Northern California, where he will work for Palo Alto Networks. 鈥淗ow many people can say they鈥檙e hopping from Wall Street to Silicon Valley at 23 years old?鈥� his close friend Abeje said. 鈥淗ere鈥檚 the thing about Abraham: when the rest of us go to a mall, we typically just shop. Abraham asks the storekeepers how much they made that week and whether they鈥檇 recommend entering the industry. He鈥檚 constantly studying the world, ambitious, resilient, and relentlessly curious.鈥�

Fadi William Michael, a marketing major from Bethlehem, State of Palestine, was donned by Jim Leaman.

Diego Morales Torres, a computer science major from Ponce, Puerto Rico, was donned by Team Oosthuizen.

Zipola Nayituriki, a social work major from Harrisonburg, was donned by Mary Ann Zehr.

Tasia Ocaranza, an MA in education major from Staunton, Virginia, was donned by Kathy Evans.

Taylor Helenna Parker, a digital media, photography, and design major from Charlottesville, Virginia, was donned by Mikaela Brooks Fauver.

Royale M. Parker, a business administration and psychology major from San Bernardino County, California, was donned by Ruby Parker and Roy Parker.

Jennifer Perera, an MS in biomedicine major from Miami, was donned by Jose Perera.

Robyn Charda茅 Pratt, an MA in education major from Newport News, Virginia, was donned by Sandra Pratt.

Sarah Prroj, a business administration major from Shkoder, Albania, was donned by Micah Shristi.

Sharon Salinas Morales, a restorative justice in education major from Harrisonburg, was donned by Andrew Claassen.

Jacob Sankara, an MA in conflict transformation major from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, was donned by Gloria Rhodes.

Roumany Sefin, a business administration and medical lab science major from Port Said, Egypt, was donned by Jim Leaman.

Zoe Seifu, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, was donned by Nati Seifu.

Anisa Yousef Sharhabeel, a business administration major from Rockingham, Virginia, was donned by Rita Tutu.

Shayleigh Michelle Sims, a biology and secondary education (6-12) licensure major from Palmyra, Virginia, was donned by Kathy Evans.

Emily Suarez Nunez, a nursing major from McGaheysville, Virginia, was donned by Silvana Nunez.

Guadalupe Tenorio Ramirez, an accounting and business administration major from Hopewell, Virginia, was donned by Lindy Backues.

Cheylan Ury, a psychology major from Staunton, Virginia, was donned by Shaion Ury.

Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus poses with Class of 2026 graduate Emily Suarez Nunez following the ceremony (left). Alumni returned to campus on Saturday to honor friends at the ceremony (right).

鈥淲e鈥檝e laughed together, we鈥檝e cried together,鈥� Shristi said in his closing remarks. 鈥淲hat a beautiful space.鈥�

The Donning of the Kente Ceremony is sponsored by Multicultural Student Services, International Student Services, and the Black Student Alliance.

Watch a video recording of the ceremony below!

Organized by the Student Government Association, College Conservatives, and Young Democrats, the series was funded by an Inclusive Excellence Grant from 黑料正能量鈥檚 Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as a Pluralism Project Grant. 黑料正能量 50 students attended each session, held at the University Commons Student Union on the evenings of March 12, March 19, and March 26.

Senior biology major Maria Longenecker, who helped organize the series as SGA co-president, said she hopes it can serve as an example for others to follow. At a time of heightened political division, she said, it鈥檚 more important than ever to bring people together.

鈥満诹险芰� encourages us to work toward peace and justice and resolve conflict, and this feels so woven into our values,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think we created something we saw was missing, and we see that missing in the world more broadly. It鈥檚 so tempting to disengage, but I hope this can serve as an example for how to lean in and continue to care for one another.鈥�

鈥楾he elephant on campus鈥�

鈥淒isagree Together鈥� formed in response to tensions that student leaders felt on campus last fall. After a campus vigil for Charlie Kirk sparked arguments in the Royal Radar group chat, Longenecker said it became clear that students needed a space to discuss political issues.

鈥淭hat demonstrated to us how much energy and conflict is under the surface here at 黑料正能量 that we often don鈥檛 address,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t feels like the elephant on campus.鈥�

SGA leaders heard from students across the political spectrum who said they felt ostracized and misunderstood because of their beliefs, with no clear place for them on campus. Longenecker and fellow co-president Leah Frankenfield believed it was important to pull in many perspectives to dream up a way forward. They met with the College Conservatives and Young Democrats to develop a space where students of all political persuasions could feel comfortable.

Dibora Mekonnen, co-president of Young Democrats, said the series created a meaningful space for students to engage in difficult and sometimes uncomfortable conversations in a respectful way. 鈥淚 believe it has positively affected students by helping them become more open-minded and more willing to engage with perspectives different from their own,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n shaping the campus, the series has contributed to a culture of dialogue, understanding, and community-building by showing that disagreement does not have to lead to division, but can instead become an opportunity for learning and growth.鈥�

Jacob Dwyer, president of College Conservatives, said he also felt the event was a success and was encouraged by the turnout. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important that we engaged in meaningful dialogue,鈥� he said. 鈥淕oing into it, I knew we might not agree on everything, but because we were able to have open conversations, we gained a better understanding of why we each think about certain issues the way we do.鈥�

Longenecker said she was surprised by how willing people were to be honest with one another. 鈥淚 thought it would be harder to get people to have conversations about the things they disagreed on,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut once people got in a room, sat down, and started asking questions, it was beautiful to see that engagement happen.鈥�

The Why and the How

The series unfolded over three sessions, each focusing on a different aspect of disagreement.

The first session centered on the question, 鈥淲hy do we disagree?鈥� Students mapped their identities to better understand how their experiences shape their beliefs and examined how those views are formed. Kory Schaeffer, director of programs for the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, facilitated the discussion and offered guidance on creating a respectful environment for disagreement.

The second session was titled 鈥淗ow do we disagree?鈥� and featured a panel discussion on politics and Christianity. 鈥淲e thought that was important to discuss because 黑料正能量 is an Anabaptist institution, and it鈥檚 such a central part of our values,鈥� Longenecker said.

The third session, 鈥淧ractice disagreeing,鈥� invited students to sit in small groups and ask one another questions about political topics or anything else they were curious to explore. 鈥淚t was beautiful to look around and see people, who I鈥檝e never seen talk to each other before, sit down and have these deep conversations about their beliefs,鈥� Longenecker said.

She said she believes new relationships have formed as a result of the 鈥淒isagree Together鈥� series, especially during the third session. 鈥淚 hope people walked away feeling like someone new sees them as a person first and is also interested in hearing their beliefs,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 hope it鈥檚 started conversations that will continue.鈥�

As members of the SGA executive board prepare to hand off leadership to their successors, she said they鈥檝e developed a plan outlining how future boards can respond and create similar spaces for students to engage in difficult conversations if another contentious event arises on campus. 鈥淚 see this as a beginning, not the end,鈥� she said.