For Ryan Eshleman-Robles 鈥�13, choosing 黑料正能量 was an easy decision. A Harrisonburg native and third-generation Royal, he followed his father, Rodney Eshleman 鈥�88, and grandfather, D. Rohrer Eshleman 鈥�45, to 黑料正能量 after playing soccer at Eastern Mennonite School.

鈥淚 knew where I was and why,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 loved it. It was an easy choice for me.鈥�

A biology and philosophy & theology double major with an English minor, Eshleman-Robles anchored the Royals鈥� defense for four seasons, appearing in 77 matches as a center back. Though defenders rarely receive the spotlight, he embraced the role, saying he gave up 鈥渋ndividual glory to get some wins.鈥�

His play earned him two First Team All-ODAC selections, two VaSID All-State First Team honors, and a spot on the 2011 ODAC All-Tournament Team. In 2012, he was named the ODAC/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

His career culminated with the 2012-13 黑料正能量 President鈥檚 Award, recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, faith, leadership, campus involvement, and community service.

Having recently completed a PhD at Texas Tech University, Eshleman-Robles, who lives in Rockingham County with his wife, Valeria, and their two children, is returning to where his journey began. This fall, he will teach English at Eastern Mennonite School while serving as head varsity boys soccer coach.

Eshleman-Robles will be honored at a ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, during Homecoming 2026. For a full schedule of Homecoming events and activities, visit . 

The recipient of 黑料正能量鈥檚 2025 Outstanding Young Alum Award, the Rev. Brittany 鈥淪mash鈥� Caine-Conley MDiv 鈥�14, will teach trauma and resilience studies at Eastern Mennonite Seminary this fall.

She will also teach at 黑料正能量鈥檚 Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and work with the Seminary Extended grant in collaboration with Union Presbyterian Seminary and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Caine-Conley grew up in Harrisonburg and described returning to teach at 黑料正能量 as 鈥渁 dream.鈥�

鈥満诹险芰� attends to the fact that students are whole people, and it鈥檚 a gift for me to be part of an institution that understands that and strives toward educating the whole person,鈥� she said. 鈥溾�here seems to be a concerted effort to prepare students to engage with what is really a complex and challenging society in ways that are both nuanced and hopeful.鈥�

The pastor, organizer, and leader in movement chaplaincy has extensive experience supporting communities through crisis, healing, and transformation. She was instrumental in founding and leading Congregate Charlottesville, which helped faith communities respond to collective trauma in the aftermath of white supremacist violence in 2017. In recognition of her work, she was honored by the National Council of Churches as a co-recipient of the President鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Faithful Leadership.

She said her experiences in a class on racial healing and whiteness, taught by Dr. David Evans, while she was a seminary student, were especially formative.

鈥淭hat was where I began, for the first time in my life, to examine white supremacy culture and the limitations of certain types of allyship,鈥� Caine-Conley said. 鈥淚t was that foundation that allowed me to move into organizing toward a different orientation, one of embodying anti-racist solidarity.鈥�

The Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, dean of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, said Caine-Conley brings a dynamic combination of academic scholarship, pastoral leadership, trauma-informed community care, and social justice engagement.

鈥淎s an alumna of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Rev. Caine-Conley remains deeply connected to our mission of peacebuilding and transformative education,鈥� Bixler said.

Caine-Conley is currently completing her PhD in religious studies from the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology, where her research explores the intersections of theology, identity, power, social transformation, and human experience. She served as adjunct faculty at Iliff, teaching courses on identity, power, vocation, and community engagement. Prior to doctoral studies, she gained valuable pastoral experience through church planting, worship ministry, and ministering with university students.

鈥淲e look forward to the pastoral wisdom, experience in faith community organizing, and compassionate leadership she will bring to our students and campus this fall,鈥� Bixler said.

Learn more about Eastern Mennonite Seminary at emu.edu/seminary.

During a tour of the 黑料正能量 campus last month, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, got a firsthand look of the university鈥檚 state-of-the-art nursing and engineering labs, took in the picturesque view of Massanutten Mountain from the Campus Center balcony, and explored the academic spaces and classrooms of the Suter Science Center.

But it was the 黑料正能量 cadaver lab, used by undergraduate pre-medicine and nursing students in anatomy and physiology classes, that really got his attention.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the first one I鈥檝e seen that鈥檚 not at a medical school,鈥� Kaine said.

For good reason. 黑料正能量 is one of only a handful of undergraduate programs in the United States that offers full cadaver dissection. The lab provides a 鈥渓eg up鈥� for students entering medical school, said Braydon Hoover 鈥�11, MAOL 鈥�21, vice president of enrollment and marketing. He added that roughly 1% of medical school students enter with experience in cadaver dissection, and 黑料正能量鈥檚 medical school acceptance rate is 85%, more than double the national average.

鈥淥ur graduates are heads and tails above their colleagues in medical school because they鈥檝e already experienced this type of in-depth experiential learning,鈥� Hoover told Kaine as he led the tour.

A workforce win

Kaine visited 黑料正能量 on July 7 to meet with students, faculty, staff, leaders, and other community members, and celebrate the $1.39 million in federal Community-Directed Spending (CDS) to upgrade and expand the laboratory equipment used by STEM and nursing majors at 黑料正能量. The investment will enhance undergraduate education, expand research opportunities, and better prepare the STEM and healthcare workforce.

鈥淭his is an investment in our students and an investment in the future of Virginia,鈥� said President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus. 鈥淲e鈥檒l measure our success not only by the equipment that is purchased but by the lives that are transformed, the discoveries that are made, and the communities that are strengthened.鈥�

Kaine said the CDS process allows Congress to direct funds in the budget to 鈥渧ery specific local projects.鈥� It offers a fair and transparent way, he said, for smaller institutions and rural communities to receive federal funding.

鈥淲e鈥檝e noticed over time that the Appropriations Committee has valued innovative workforce training programs and that鈥檚 what 黑料正能量 put on the table in this proposal,鈥� he said, adding that it received bipartisan support. 鈥淚 want to thank everyone at 黑料正能量 who had a hand in drafting the proposal. 鈥� This is a good group of folks to celebrate a real significant legislative win for 黑料正能量 and for the region when it comes to the workforce.鈥�

Undergrad research 鈥榠mpressive鈥�

While walking across the Front Lawn, Kaine talked with rising sophomore biology major Davis Bert, who told the senator about his research project this summer studying bacteria in the gut biome.

鈥淚f we just change our habits in eating and how our guts are reacting, then maybe we can get to the point where we can reverse those disorders that are occurring,鈥� said Bert, who plans to pursue a PhD in public health with a specialization in epidemiology.

At a press conference later in the day, Kaine spoke about his conversation with Bert and described the opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in research as “impressive.”

鈥楢 global reach鈥�

As he entered the University Commons and saw the colorful array of flags displayed in the Hall of Nations, Kaine reminisced about the first time he had set foot on campus.

It had been in the 1980s, long before he entered politics, during a time of 鈥渁ll kinds of turmoil in Central America,鈥� said Kaine, who had served as a missionary in Honduras. He had attended a meeting of state leaders seeking to build stronger ties with Central American nations.

鈥淚 came up here for a conference, and I had this feeling from the beginning that 黑料正能量, though a small school in Harrisonburg, was really trying to have a global reach,鈥� he told Hoover.

Offering access

Following his tour, Kaine participated in a roundtable discussion with President Dycus, Provost Dr. Tynisha Willingham, the presidents of Bridgewater College and Blue Ridge Community College, and other 黑料正能量 leaders, higher education partners, faculty, and community members. The discussion focused on college affordability, STEM education, workforce development, and the impact of federal investments in higher education.

Seventy percent of 黑料正能量鈥檚 undergraduate students are from Virginia, and two-thirds remain in the commonwealth after graduation. 黑料正能量 offers an accessible and affordable college education, and that鈥檚 reflected in the students it serves.

This fall鈥檚 incoming class is 15% larger than last year鈥檚, which was itself 10% larger than the previous year鈥檚. Of the class entering 黑料正能量 this fall, 80% are from Virginia, 58% identify as first-generation college students, 51% identify as students of color, and 60% are interested in STEM. The incoming class has an average GPA above 3.55.

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine flips through a copy of The Green Book during a tour of the Ida M. Francis Tourist Home, which is Harrisonburg鈥檚 only remaining property listed in the guide.

LEFT: U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine speaks during a press conference at 黑料正能量 on July 7. RIGHT: Kaine meets with Harrisonburg resident William Reed, the father of Mayor Deanna Reed and owner of the Green Book house.

Getting the word out

Public colleges might seem more likely to serve as access institutions. But it’s actually small, private schools that lead the way in providing access to a college education, Kaine said, pointing to 黑料正能量鈥檚 high percentage of first-generation students, Pell-eligible students, students of color, and international students.

鈥淧rivate higher ed doesn鈥檛 necessarily mean more expensive; it鈥檚 often more accessible,鈥� he told a gathering of media and community members. 鈥溾�hese are institutions that can provide great value for families, and we need to put the word out there so families understand that.鈥�

Looking ahead, Kaine said he hopes to return to campus and continue learning about the ways 黑料正能量 is expanding opportunities for students.

鈥淚 look forward to coming back and interacting with you again,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just a real pleasure to be able to do this together with a great institution.鈥�

This was Kaine鈥檚 first visit to 黑料正能量 since 2007, when he was governor, and one of several stops he made in Harrisonburg that day. He started off the morning touring the historic Ida M. Francis Tourist Home, which is Harrisonburg鈥檚 only remaining property listed in the Green Book. He also visited the United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley.

Success does not happen by accident, said Christ Zola, a recent graduate of 黑料正能量鈥檚 Intensive English Program (IEP).

鈥淏ehind every achievement, there are often sacrifices that people never see,鈥� he told a crowd of families, friends, students, and supporters gathered at Martin Chapel for IEP鈥檚 graduation ceremony on Wednesday. 鈥淭here were times when I cried and asked myself, 鈥榃as all this really necessary?鈥� There were other times when I struggled to keep my eyes open in class because I hadn鈥檛 slept the night before.鈥�

鈥淏ut today, I stand before you as proof that perseverance works,鈥� he continued. 鈥淜eep believing, keep working, and keep moving forward. Never give up, because your breakthrough may be closer than you think.鈥�

Zola was one of 15 graduates from the IEP鈥檚 spring and summer 2026 semesters recognized at the ceremony last week.

The IEP helps English language learners from all around the world find their voice and build a better life for themselves. In a typical semester, the program has 60 to 80 students representing 15 to 20 different countries.

Graduates of 黑料正能量鈥檚 Intensive English Program share their perspectives at last week鈥檚 ceremony.

The graduates received certificates of completion and stoles bearing the flags of their home country. Many shared perspectives from their time in the program, expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement they received from family members, friends, classmates, and teachers, and reflected on how the skills they acquired will serve them throughout their lives.

Sahar Malkzai, a spring IEP graduate, described the happiness she felt having completed the program. 鈥淭his is my first achievement that I got in the United States,鈥� she said.

鈥淵ou didn鈥檛 just teach us English,鈥� she told her teachers. 鈥淵ou gave us confidence and motivation. Your education has truly changed our lives, and I will always be grateful for everything you have done for us.鈥�

Ezatullah Yousofzai, a summer IEP graduate, thanked his teachers for their support, patience, and guidance, and for believing in him and his classmates throughout their journey. 鈥淎s we graduate today, let us remember that every lesson, every challenge, and every teacher has helped shape who we are,鈥� he said.

Another summer graduate of the program, Mohammad Anway, said he can now understand English well, speak it fluently, and read and write it with confidence. 鈥淲e are sure this great achievement will have a positive impact on our future careers,鈥� he said.

IEP Office Coordinator Kris Long drapes a stole over a graduate鈥檚 shoulders.

LEFT: Jeremy Samsoe, director of the IEP, presents a certificate of completion to a graduate. RIGHT: Graduates pose for a photo following the ceremony.

Jeremy Samsoe, director of the IEP, remarked that this was the most graduates the program had ever honored at a single ceremony. 鈥淲e鈥檝e never had a stage quite so full before,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his is wonderful.鈥�

As he projected images of Ellis Island and his great-grandfather, Nicholas Samsoe, who immigrated to the United States from Germany by boat, he spoke about how similar Nicholas’ life was to those of many students in the IEP.

鈥淗e came to this country and had to start over a lot of his life,鈥� Samsoe said. 鈥淗e spoke a language other than English, he spoke German, and his life as a child was very, very different from the life of his own children.鈥�

鈥淚 want to remind you that what you do and who you are as an individual will be remembered by your children, by your grandchildren, and by your nieces and nephews,鈥� he told the graduates. 鈥淎nd your life will influence and shape the lives of even your great-grandchildren or great-nieces and nephews who may never meet you.鈥�

Fifteen graduates of 黑料正能量鈥檚 Intensive English Program were recognized at Wednesday鈥檚 ceremony.

LEFT: Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs, offers her remarks to the graduates. RIGHT: A celebratory potluck meal was held after the graduation ceremony.

Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs, encouraged the graduates to continue learning, asking questions, and building bridges wherever they go. 鈥淭his is not the end,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his is the start of something new, something great, and something beautiful.鈥�

黑料正能量 has three core values: academic excellence, peace and justice, and active faith. 鈥淎nd each of you represents those three core values in distinct and unique ways,鈥� Willingham said. 鈥淚t is because of your desire not just to learn a new language, not just to create more opportunities for your families, but also to make a difference in your life and in your community that you are a demonstration of who we are at 黑料正能量 at our core.鈥�

For more information about 黑料正能量鈥檚 Intensive English Program, visit emu.edu/iep.

Fans wearing 黑料正能量 gear received free admission and could win 黑料正能量-branded T-shirts, noisemakers, and maracas tossed into the crowd throughout the game.

More than 300 people attended the high-scoring Valley Baseball League game at Veterans Memorial Park in Harrisonburg, including plenty of 黑料正能量 alumni, faculty, staff, students, and their families and friends who gathered to cheer on the Harrisonburg Turks.

Herm takes the mound for his first pitch at 黑料正能量 Night with the Turks on Thursday evening.

Herm, outfitted in his finest Royals baseball jersey, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to start the game. The sapphire-hued southpaw lofted a looping pitch that sailed through the air and bounced off home plate.

“When you’re the king of the beasts, you get the pitch you want to throw,” the announcer joked over the loudspeaker.

After stepping off the mound, Herm hyped up the crowd of 黑料正能量 fans braving the 86-degree heat.

The Turks are part of the 12-team Valley Baseball League, a collegiate summer baseball league that features players from across the country.

The evening featured a divisional matchup between the Turks and the Waynesboro Generals. Waynesboro took an early lead with two runs in the top of the second inning and pulled further ahead with four more runs in the sixth.

The final score was a 9-3 win for the Generals.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP PHOTO: Aric Berg, project manager for 黑料正能量 marketing and communications, tosses free clappers and maracas to fans. | Adam Wirdzek, web content and strategy manager, hands out the 黑料正能量-branded giveaways. | Henry Bowser, with support from his wife, Bonnie, wields the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon.

黑料正能量’s marketing and communications team handed out free giveaways, while Henry Bowser, technician for 黑料正能量’s engineering lab, fired shirts into the stands. The T-shirt cannon he used was designed by engineering alumnus Adam Stoltzfus ’25 and named the BaZOOKa after 2019 alumni donors Ben and Kayla Zook, who funded the project.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP PHOTO: Nathan Leopard, vice president for advancement, brought his family to the ballpark. | Paul Yoder, associate professor of teacher education, and his family show off some of the gear they won. | Jacob Sankara MA ’26 (conflict transformation) watches the game.

黑料正能量 Night with the Turks is a popular event for baseball fans and 黑料正能量 Royals of all ages to enjoy a summer evening at the ballpark, cheer on the home team, and show their Royal pride.

Thanks to everyone who showed up and hope to see you next season!

Join us for an evening of baseball, giveaways, and community when 黑料正能量 Night with the Turks returns on Thursday, July 16, at 7 p.m. The event will be held at Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park (395 S. High Street) in Harrisonburg.

Fans wearing 黑料正能量 apparel will receive free admission. Cheer on the Harrisonburg Turks as they take on the Waynesboro Generals, and catch 黑料正能量 T-shirts, maracas, and clappers tossed into the crowd between innings.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that 黑料正能量 and the Turks have partnered to host this event.

黑料正能量 the Turks

Established in 1915, the Harrisonburg Turks collegiate summer baseball team plays more than 40 regular-season games from May through July in the 12-team Valley Baseball League. League playoffs follow the regular season. Many Turks players have gone on to compete in Major League Baseball and to coach at the collegiate and professional levels. Follow the Turks’ season at .

Speaking to a crowd gathered in Downtown Harrisonburg on Thursday, July 2, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, President Dycus used the occasion to introduce herself as 黑料正能量’s 10th president and highlight the importance of community.

The celebration, held at the Turner Pavilion, kicked off both the Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series and the Fourth of July holiday weekend. 黑料正能量 was a presenting sponsor for the event, which featured live music from Harrisonburg-based Dr. How & The Reasons to Live and Staunton-based headliner Scott Miller & The Commonwealth, along with food and drink vendors, giveaways, children’s activities, and a VA250 fireworks celebration. According to organizers, about 2,000 people attended Thursday’s event.

Braydon Hoover 鈥�11, MAOL 鈥�21, vice president of enrollment and marketing, represented undergraduate and graduate admissions at the 黑料正能量 tent. He shared information about 黑料正能量鈥檚 academic programs while handing out brain-shaped stress balls and hand fans, which offered a welcome relief from the sweltering heat.

When President Dycus took the stage, she likened the origin story of the United States to that of communities like Harrisonburg.

鈥淚t鈥檚 written by neighbors who show up for each other, who welcome new people, and who work together to make sure that the places that we create for one another are safe and that we allow each other to thrive,鈥� President Dycus said. 

The 2026-27 academic year marks 110 years since 黑料正能量 was founded in northern Harrisonburg. 黑料正能量’s tradition of educating students and preparing them to serve and lead in a global context has helped shape communities across the Shenandoah Valley.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to see our graduates here in the crowd this evening,鈥� President Dycus said. 鈥淏ut we鈥檙e also grateful to see our graduates around town leading our local government, caring for our patients in the hospital, teaching in our schools, and making sure that we鈥檙e looking out for our neighbors.鈥�

Six more free concerts in Downtown Harrisonburg will be held over the next two months. For more information on the series and its lineup, visit .

Watch President Dycus kick off the music series in the video below.

The group of 10 HHS seniors wrote, performed, and produced Dis/connect, a nine-track, multi-genre album recorded at 黑料正能量鈥檚 Astral Recording Studio in March. Listen to Dis/connect on or by using the embedded player below.

Last year, while the Astral Recording Studio was still under construction (it opened during the fall 2025 semester), Dr. Benjamin Guerrero, assistant professor of music at 黑料正能量, led a tour of the space for high school students. During the visit, he and J.R. Snow, Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts for Harrisonburg City Public Schools, began discussing the idea of bringing students in to record an album.

鈥淲e just looked at each other and said, 鈥楲et鈥檚 make that happen,鈥欌�� Guerrero said.

After learning that students in the Fine Arts Academy were interested in creating an album, Snow reached back out to Guerrero, who consulted on the project. Together, they decided the students would write and rehearse their songs in advance so they would be ready to record during their studio visit.

鈥淔or many of our students, going into the studio and recording was definitely their favorite part of the project,鈥� Snow said.

One of those students, Wren Hamner, who contributed a rap song and a murder ballad鈥攁 song that tells the story of a murder, like “No Body, No Crime” by Taylor Swift鈥攖o the album, described the anticipation leading up to the group’s trip to Astral Recording Studio.

鈥淣one of us had ever recorded in a legit studio before,鈥� Hamner said. 鈥淲hen we got there, we had everything planned out. We were ready to go, and everything just came together.鈥�

Billy Perritt, another student from the academy, sang on three songs, playing guitar on two and drums on one. He said it was also his first time in a professional recording setting.

鈥淚t was such a blast,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was a really cool learning experience, and I鈥檓 so glad I was able to do it. I鈥檓 thankful to 黑料正能量 for letting us use their facility.鈥�

Snow, who served as capstone coordinator for the Fine Arts Academy, said he was impressed by the cutting-edge capabilities of the state-of-the-art space.

鈥淚 have just enough knowledge about music technology to know how high-quality the Dolby Atmos studio is and to see what a gift it is for our community,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a game-changer for artists who are looking to do some high-quality work.鈥�

Guerrero helped guide students through the recording process while they were at the studio, noting that they spent about an hour in the studio on each song. He added that the group received a discounted rate for their time, one way 黑料正能量 and its recording studio are connecting with the local community.

鈥淚t鈥檚 almost like an exclusive admissions tour,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just, 鈥楥an they envision themselves in the studio being creative?鈥� but 鈥楥an they envision themselves at 黑料正能量?鈥欌��

黑料正能量 the Astral Recording Studio

Located in the former Astral Hall building atop the 黑料正能量 Hill at 1304 Hillcrest Drive, the studio features acoustically treated rooms designed for crystal-clear sound. It provides students, faculty, staff, and community artists access to professional tools for recording and mixing music, video, podcasts, and other audio projects. Learn more at .

黑料正能量 the HHS Fine Arts Academy

The interdisciplinary, collaborative, and experiential learning community prepares students for lifelong careers, passions, and appreciation of creativity through the arts. The Class of 2026 marked the final year of the academy. Learn more about the academy and their album at .

Read all about the Astral Recording Studio in the story posted below:

Ande Banks 鈥�97, city manager of Harrisonburg since 2022, says leading the place where he grew up comes with its own unique challenges.

For one thing, there are the childhood nicknames that haven鈥檛 been forgotten. 鈥淲hen you鈥檙e walking down the street and someone calls out, 鈥楬ey, there goes Andy-Pandy,鈥� it鈥檚 like, 鈥楧o you really need to say that out loud?鈥欌�� Banks said.

Then there are the neighbors and parents of friends who remember the bouts of youthful mischief he and his buddies got into as kids. From swimming in local quarries to setting off firecrackers on Main Street, “it wasn’t anything too scandalous,” he said. Still, those encounters can feel a little awkward.

But for Banks, who has called Harrisonburg home since he was four, serving as city manager is a dream job.

鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 imagine myself anywhere else,鈥� he said.

A graduate of Eastern Mennonite School, he later earned a bachelor’s degree in history and social science from 黑料正能量 in 1997 and a master’s of public administration from James Madison University in 2017.

Friendships with faculty

Banks didn鈥檛 need much convincing to enroll at 黑料正能量.

As a soccer player at Eastern Mennonite School, he already knew then-Royals men鈥檚 soccer coach Roger Mast, who had coached the EMS team during his sophomore year and welcomed him on the 黑料正能量 squad. Many of his friends also were planning to attend 黑料正能量.

Shortly after beginning his studies at 黑料正能量, Banks formed close relationships with professors, including his adviser, Dr. Albert N. Keim, a longtime history professor, academic dean, and namesake of the history department鈥檚 annual Keim Lecture Series. 鈥淚 absolutely adored him,鈥� Banks said. 鈥淏etween him and Dr. Mary Sprunger, who still teaches at 黑料正能量, I had amazing one-on-one relationships with professors who I hold in great esteem.鈥�

Banks, a goalkeeper for the Royals soccer team, dropped the sport after his first year to focus more on his coursework. He acknowledged that he had not prioritized academics in high school and credited his relationships with professors with helping him flourish.

He recalled being fascinated as Dr. Keim, 鈥渁 kind of grandfather figure,鈥� shared his experiences as a conscientious objector, which stood in stark contrast to his own grandfather鈥檚 stories of fighting in World War II.

His grandfather had emigrated from Scotland. Banks spent a semester there for his intercultural, touring the country, reading history texts, and journaling for Dr. Keim.

鈥淭hat was a really important experience in my college career and as a human being,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was life-changing.鈥�

Served city since 2009

It鈥檚 been a slow and steady rise to the top of city government for Banks, who has worked for the City of Harrisonburg for nearly two decades. He served as director of special projects and grant management from 2009-16 before becoming assistant to then-City Manager Kurt Hodgen from 2016-17 and deputy city manager from 2017-22. He was appointed city manager following a nationwide search on Oct. 25, 2022.

As , Banks carries out City Council鈥檚 policies and directives, prepares the budget, recruits and supervises city staff, oversees daily operations across departments, advises council members, facilitates communication among elected officials, employees and residents, and serves on numerous local and regional boards.

Given that range of responsibilities, no two days are the same, Banks said, 鈥渁nd that鈥檚 one of the things I love about it.鈥�

When Banks was named city manager, Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, then a member of 黑料正能量’s Board of Trustees, offered a strong endorsement.

鈥淲hat makes you unique and special is your heart,鈥� Reed told Banks. 鈥淵ou have a heart of service. You are a servant, and you love this community, you really do. … You are exactly what we need at this time for this city,鈥� reported at the time.

黑料正能量 teaches 鈥榮ervice above self鈥�

Banks credited 黑料正能量鈥檚 mission and vision with preparing him and other graduates for lives of service.

鈥淏oth in the curriculum and in the culture of Eastern Mennonite, it prepares us as alumni to go forth into the world and not just make a difference, but be conscious and conscientious citizens of the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 feel that the perspective that was shared with me at 黑料正能量 I鈥檝e taken forth, and that is certainly one of service above self.鈥�

Since graduating, he鈥檚 regularly returned to campus, connecting with programs such as the Intensive English Program and speaking with classes about public service. Banks said one of his favorite parts of the job is helping students and community members understand the role of local government and how it shapes everyday life. From 2001-09, he served as district representative for former U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke, and recalled the congressman鈥檚 description of local government as 鈥渇ront-seat politics.鈥�

鈥淵our constituents literally come out and sit in the front row and stare you down when you鈥檙e debating important issues in front of the community,鈥� Banks said. 鈥淗ere, in local government, you run into your constituents in the grocery store, at church, at school, at soccer games, and that gives you an opportunity to talk about the importance of the services we provide and the needs of our community.鈥�

Royals reign

Another benefit of working in local government is his close relationship with other 黑料正能量 alumni serving in leadership roles across the region.

Since becoming the first refugee elected to Harrisonburg City Council in 2024, Nasser Alsaadun MA 鈥�17 (education) has advocated for local refugee and immigrant communities. In Harrisonburg City Public Schools, alumni athletes Missy Hensley 鈥�92 and Ryan Henschel 鈥�15 serve as principals of Harrisonburg and Rocktown high schools, respectively.

In neighboring Rockingham County, Casey Armstrong 鈥�06 has served as county administrator since January 2025. Matt Dale MA 鈥�16 (organizational leadership) represents District 3 on the Board of Supervisors, and Kirby Dean 鈥�92 serves as the county鈥檚 director of parks and recreation.

Banks said collaboration between the city and county governments is especially strong because of their shared services, including social services, the health department, the emergency communications center, and the court system.

鈥淎ll of that means greater savings for our taxpayers and greater efficiencies in providing those services to the residents of Harrisonburg and Rockingham,鈥� Banks said. 鈥淎nd that means Casey [Armstrong] and I work much more closely than other colleagues in city-county relationships around the commonwealth.鈥�

Looking toward the future

Banks said it鈥檚 an exciting time for Harrisonburg. The city鈥檚 metropolitan statistical area, which also includes Rockingham County, is one of only a few in Virginia that has experienced continued growth over the past 20 years, he said.

While Harrisonburg faces challenges common to growing cities, including a need for more affordable housing, he said its two universities, regional medical center, and role as a commercial hub position it well for continued growth and long-term success.

鈥淚 think the future is as bright as the past, if anything,鈥� he said.

Banks lives in Harrisonburg with his wife, Jennifer, a JMU alumna, and their two children, Brigid and Al. When he isn鈥檛 actively running the city, he stays active, running through the city鈥攐ften with a baseball cap slipped on.

鈥淚 put on a hat and all of a sudden nobody knows who I am,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e like, 鈥楾hat couldn鈥檛 be Ande, because he鈥檚 bald.鈥� It鈥檚 like I turn into a superhero.鈥�

In addition to his degrees from 黑料正能量 and JMU, Banks attended the Senior Executive Institute at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service in 2019 and achieved a certificate in local government management from Virginia Tech in 2013. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association, the Virginia Local Government Management Association, and the American Society for Public Administration.

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

Dycus, who has led the university as interim president since July 2025, begins her five-year term on July 1, 2026.

鈥淚’m humbled to continue the bold legacy of 黑料正能量,鈥� Dycus said. 鈥満诹险芰� leaders have been courageous and visionary stewards of this sacred community. Being called to serve among them is a responsibility I鈥檓 excited and honored to step into.鈥�   

The 黑料正能量 Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Dycus as president during its June 12 meeting.

Jane Hoober Peifer 鈥�74, MDiv 鈥�97, chair-elect of the board, said Dycus demonstrated consistent and collaborative leadership over the past year as interim president that 鈥渃ontinues to unite the campus.鈥� She also highlighted her ability to listen attentively and build effective teams.

鈥淪he cares deeply about students and their success, and she works to create a good working environment for faculty and staff,鈥� Peifer said. 鈥満诹险芰� is very fortunate to have the gifts and leadership of Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus as its 10th president.鈥�

The board鈥檚 decision followed several months of feedback gathered by its Presidential Succession Planning Committee from representatives across the 黑料正能量 community, including faculty, staff, students, senior administrators, alumni, donors, church constituents, and other key stakeholders, regarding her potential appointment. 

A report of the committee鈥檚 findings, presented to the board in May, recommended appointing Dycus without launching a costly and time-consuming national search. 

Based on 鈥渢he institutional knowledge, relationships, and trust that she has already established, the university is not being asked to take a chance on an untested leader. Instead, [黑料正能量] has already completed the most meaningful leadership assessment possible: observing the candidate serve successfully in the role itself.鈥�

It cited her demonstrated leadership, character, vision, and effectiveness as positioning her to lead 黑料正能量 into its next chapter. It also noted the unusual level of alignment from those consulted throughout the process.

鈥淭he committee found broad and consistent support for Dr. Dycus across nearly every constituency engaged during this process,鈥� the report said. 鈥淪takeholders repeatedly described her leadership as authentic, relational, transparent, collaborative, strategic, mission-centered, and deeply aligned with 黑料正能量鈥檚 values.鈥�

The analysis concluded that Dycus demonstrates the leadership capacity, institutional understanding, and community trust needed to guide 黑料正能量 during a pivotal period in its history. Together, the board鈥檚 unanimous vote and the consistent, enthusiastic affirmation expressed across stakeholder groups reflect a shared confidence in Dr. Dycus鈥檚 leadership and in 黑料正能量鈥檚 future.

Over the past year as interim president, Dycus has fostered renewed optimism, deeper collaboration, greater transparency, and growing confidence in 黑料正能量, the report said. She helped create a healthier organizational culture while guiding the university through significant challenges.

During her tenure, Dycus has helped position the university for enrollment growth, financial stability, and sustained donor confidence. Undergraduate applications have doubled during this cycle, and 黑料正能量 is projecting a larger incoming class than last year, which itself was up 10%.

黑料正能量鈥檚 first-ever Forward Together comprehensive campaign has surpassed 80% of its $40 million goal with two years remaining. As student and workforce needs evolve, the university continues to reshape its academic programs to ensure its transformative educational offerings remain relevant in a changing higher education landscape.

A recently finalized strategic partnership with Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community positions the university to invest in programs and people that move it forward. An academic restructuring during the 2025-26 academic year has also expanded opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.

鈥淭his is an incredibly exciting time for who we are as an institution,鈥� Dycus said. 鈥淲e are growing, we are sustaining, and there鈥檚 joy around who we are.鈥�

An educator and ordained minister, Dycus has more than 20 years of experience in learning communities and ministry settings, including the past seven at 黑料正能量. Prior to serving as interim president, she was vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging. She previously served as dean of students from 2019-23 then vice president for student affairs and dean of students from 2023-24 before being promoted to vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging (2024-2025).

Before coming to 黑料正能量, she was an academic adviser and adjunct faculty member at Franklin University of Ohio (Indianapolis campus) and co-pastor at First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis.

She holds a doctor of ministry in public theology from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, a master of divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and a bachelor of arts in middle and secondary education from Butler University.

Dycus is the first Black woman to lead 黑料正能量 as president. She succeeds President Emerita Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who served as the university鈥檚 ninth president from 2017-25.

She lives in Harrisonburg with her husband, Gregory, and sons Malachi and Semaj.

An inauguration ceremony on Oct. 10 during 黑料正能量鈥檚 annual Homecoming Weekend will celebrate Dycus as the university鈥檚 10th president during its 110th year. Invitations and additional details will be shared later.

Manuel Nu帽ez 鈥�94, chair of the board of trustees, reflected on the significance of the appointment. 鈥淎s 黑料正能量 steps into its next century, we are grateful to have found in Dr. Shannon Dycus a leader uniquely suited to this moment,鈥� he said. 鈥淒r. Dycus brings academic depth, a gift for listening, and a deep commitment to building community. Her leadership reflects clarity, wisdom, and a fierce commitment to our students and to the distinctive mission and witness of 黑料正能量.鈥� 

Members of the Presidential Succession Planning Committee included Janet Lind (chair), Jake Bell, Ral Obioha, Steve Kriss, and Amy Yoder McGloughlin.

Dr. Dycus reflects on being selected as 黑料正能量’s 10th president.

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.

The art therapy minor replaces a pre-art therapy concentration that was offered from 2019-22. Anna Westfall, associate professor of art and director of the VACA program, and Dr. Michael Horst, dean of Health, Behavioral, and Natural Sciences and director of the undergraduate psychology program, submitted their proposal for the minor last fall. It was approved by the Academic Council in November.

Through psychology courses, students will explore the science of human behavior and the mind, while VACA courses will engage them in the creative process and the conceptual and expressive outlets of art making, according to the proposal. 鈥淏y providing this minor, prospective students can explore both interests while seeing a clear path of study to a career that is not available at many institutions,鈥� it states. 鈥淔urthermore, it will give current students the tools to succeed when applying to graduate programs in art therapy.鈥�

What is art therapy?

Art therapy, as defined by the , is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

鈥淓specially when people are struggling, facing a challenge, or even a health crisis鈥攖heir own words or language fails them,鈥� the AATA says. 鈥淒uring these times, an art therapist can help clients express themselves in ways beyond words or language. Art therapists are trained in art and psychological theory and can help clients integrate nonverbal cues and metaphors that are often expressed through the creative process.鈥�

Art therapists work with people of all ages, including children experiencing behavioral challenges or those with autism spectrum disorder, the AATA says. These therapists assist people and caregivers in health crises; victims of violence or other trauma, including military service members and student survivors of mass shootings; older adults with dementia; and anyone who needs help coping with life鈥檚 challenges. 

Meeting student interest

Westfall, who helped start the pre-art therapy concentration several years ago, led efforts to develop the minor. She said she heard from so many students interested in art therapy over the years that faculty felt a need to offer it.

One of those students, Rachel Tusing 鈥�25, graduated with dual majors in art and psychology and is currently enrolled in 黑料正能量鈥檚 graduate counseling program.

鈥淎rt is like a second language for me,鈥� said Tusing, who has been interested in expressive arts and art therapy since high school.

鈥淗owever, when I began researching art therapy as a career, the path to licensure and practice was not clear,鈥� she said. 鈥淢uch of that is because art therapy is still a very new modality of therapy, and the foundation for education, licensure and practice is still being laid.鈥�

She said 黑料正能量鈥檚 addition of an art therapy minor will help students like herself who are looking to harness the healing power of art in the therapy room.

鈥淭his minor declares 黑料正能量鈥檚 continuing commitment and support for the arts in all kinds of spaces, especially for those who are in need,鈥� she said. 鈥淎rt is grounding, tender and empowering, and it belongs in mental health care. I only hope that 黑料正能量 will continue to expand and enrich this program. I am extremely proud and grateful for the work that has happened to get here.鈥�

What the minor can do

Horst, former director of 黑料正能量鈥檚 graduate counseling program, said students with an art therapy minor, paired with a major in studio art, art education, or psychology, would be well-positioned for graduate study in art therapy or clinical mental health counseling. While 黑料正能量 does not currently offer a master鈥檚 degree in art therapy, students can pursue the university鈥檚 accredited master鈥檚 program in clinical mental health counseling, which includes a focus on expressive arts therapy.

A master鈥檚 degree in art therapy can lead to Art Therapist Registered (ATR) credentialing. Registered art therapists serve diverse communities in settings such as hospitals, cancer treatment centers, psychiatric facilities, retirement communities, schools, and independent practices.

The art therapy minor offers : for psychology majors (18 VACA credits required), studio art majors (16 psychology credits required), art education majors (nine psychology credits required), and a pre-art therapy concentration for students majoring outside those fields (16 psychology credits and 16 VACA credits required).

Students can declare minors at any time by submitting a minor declaration form to the university registrar. They have until the first week of classes in September to add courses for the fall semester.

For more information about the minor, email Westfall at anna.westfall@emu.edu.