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.

As one of the university鈥檚 most valued, cherished, and meaningful awards given each year, the Cords of Distinction honor recognizes those who have positively influenced on-campus communities, actively pursued 黑料正能量 values, engaged in and valued social and community involvement, and reflected academic excellence and social accountability. Recipients of the award are nominated by faculty, staff, administrators, and students and are chosen by the Cords of Distinction selection committee.

鈥淭hese students participate in high levels of engagement outside of classes and recognize the importance of the social and civic aspects of engaging in the local community,鈥� said Celeste Thomas, director of Multicultural Student Services, CoachLink coach, and co-chair of the Cords of Distinction committee. 鈥淭hey embody 鈥楾o whom much is given, much is required.鈥� They have chosen to make the community better than when they entered it, and we thank you all for that.鈥�

The 10 recipients were presented with blue and gold cords to wear at Commencement, which will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026.

They are:

• Sophia Armato
• Irais Barrera Pinzon
• Leah Beachy
• Leah Frankenfield
• Genesis Figueroa
• Arelys Martinez Fabian
• Dibora Mekonnen
• Sarah Prroj
• Roumany Sefin
• Emily Suarez Nunez

Click each recipient鈥檚 name above to jump to their section.

Sophia Armato

A Spanish language & Hispanic studies and education (PreK-12) licensure major from Manheim, Pennsylvania, she was honored by Sydney Metz, head field hockey coach.

Armato embodies what it means to be a Royal, choosing excellence in the classroom, dedicating hours of service to others, and living out her faith by loving like Jesus, her coach said. She has also raised the standard of integrity within 黑料正能量鈥檚 athletic community, Metz said, recalling a conversation they shared about the culture they hoped to build for the field hockey program.

鈥淥ur program was in a fragile place, and even one wrong move could set us back further,鈥� Metz said. 鈥淏ut in that conversation, we also talked about what it means to do the right thing, even when it鈥檚 difficult. 鈥� You showed a willingness to lean into this challenge, to start a standard, and to grow in every area of your college experience.鈥�

Metz said that Armato has made the most of her 黑料正能量 experience. 鈥淵ou could find 鈥楽oph鈥� coming to practice after a long day of student teaching, then leaving practice to help others understand a Spanish conversation,鈥� she said. 鈥淪he would end her evening working at home on projects for her small business, continuing her homework, only to wake up early to serve coffee at Common Grounds. And through it all, she was living out her faith daily.鈥�

Irais Barrera Pinzon

A political science and Spanish language & Hispanic studies major from Richmond, Virginia, she was honored by Celeste Thomas, director of Multicultural Student Services.

The first time Thomas met Pinzon, she knew immediately the student would change the tapestry of 黑料正能量.

Pinzon, with her infectious smile, high energy, and 鈥渦rgency to get down to business,鈥� motivates those around her to 鈥済et on board and, not just say something, but do something,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淵ou exude kindness toward everyone and have a genuine concern for the well-being of others. You are always seeking ways to make the world a better place, and when you set out to do something, you do not stop until you reach the goal.鈥�

That was especially evident in the menstrual hygiene project she led, securing a $1,200 grant and installing 10 dispensers across campus, Thomas said. Pinzon also served on the board of the Latinx Student Alliance (LSA), fed the unhoused, and participated in the International Food Festival, the Latino student banquet, and Hispanic Heritage Month events.

鈥淏eing a first-generation immigrant college student with your own challenges, you were able to look beyond your own needs and assist others who may be less fortunate,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淵ou shared that your goal was to inspire other first-generation Latino students to keep dreaming by showing them that no goal is too big.鈥�

Leah Beachy

A nursing major from Salem, Oregon, she was honored by Dr. Kate Clark, associate professor of nursing.

Beachy represents the very best of what it means to be both a nurse and a servant leader. She demonstrates keen intellect, discipline, perseverance, and a deep sense of purpose. 鈥淏ut what makes Leah truly exceptional goes beyond academics,鈥� Clark said.

During her four years on the women鈥檚 soccer team, Beachy exemplified courageous leadership, advocating for change, gathering teammate feedback, engaging administrators, and pursuing solutions grounded in accountability, Clark said. As senior captain, she helped rebuild trust and integrity within the program, contributing to one of its strongest seasons both competitively and culturally.

Through 黑料正能量鈥檚 nursing program, Beachy learned to unite clinical excellence with justice-oriented patient care, seeing health care not just as treatment, but as a pursuit of dignity, equity, and compassion. Shaped by her intercultural experiences in Guatemala and Mexico, she helped facilitate a trauma-informed support group at Our Community Place for individuals recently rehoused after homelessness.

鈥淎nd yet, even with all these accomplishments, Leah is most known for her warmth, her authenticity, and her limitless joy,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淲hether serving as a tour guide, an ambassador for 黑料正能量, or simply showing up for others, she builds community wherever she goes and has a lot of fun doing it.鈥�

Leah Frankenfield

A psychology major from Moraga, California, she was honored by Annalise Livingston, project coordinator for Royal RISE.

Frankenfield has been involved in just about every part of campus, always making an effort to connect with and support others, Livingston said.

鈥淵ou are one of the most compassionate, driven, and engaged people I know, and your persistent dedication to caring for and including those around you is wildly inspiring,鈥� she said. 鈥淵our determination to ensure that everyone feels they belong and have a safe space to be themselves, drawn from your own experience and vulnerability, shines through in your many involvements across campus.鈥�

Through her leadership across various clubs and organizations, including Asian-Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APISA), University Women鈥檚 Empowerment Network (UWEN), Student Government Association, and Royal RISE, the senior psychology major鈥攚ho will join 黑料正能量鈥檚 graduate counseling program this fall鈥攑lanned programs and events to create welcoming environments and encourage connection. 

Frankenfield also served as a TA and peer tutor, ensuring students felt seen and supported. She鈥檚 provided students with a warm, friendly presence through her work at Common Grounds, the dining hall, the advancement and admissions offices, the library, and beyond. 鈥淵ou embody authenticity and humility,鈥� Livingston said, 鈥渕anaging your hectic schedule in a semi-baffling way that leaves everyone around you wondering how on earth you do it all.鈥�

Genesis Figueroa

A political science and Spanish language & Hispanic studies major from Millersburg, Ohio, she was honored by Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus.

From her first day on campus, Figueroa has shown up consistently and with care, Dycus said.

As a conversation partner with the Spanish community and through her leadership roles鈥攆irst as a senator, then secretary, and eventually co-president鈥擣igueroa has shaped 黑料正能量 in ways both visible and deeply felt, building connection and belonging across campus. Those roles require navigating complexity, listening deeply, and representing others with integrity, Dycus said, and Figueroa has carried them with a steady, grounded presence.

鈥淲hat stands out most is not just what you鈥檝e done, but how you鈥檝e done it,鈥� she said. 鈥淎gain and again, people describe you as someone who listens deeply, brings warmth, and helps others feel seen. That kind of leadership shapes culture. That鈥檚 what you鈥檝e done for 黑料正能量.鈥�

Figueroa carried that spirit into the Latinx Student Alliance, as president of Young Democrats, and as a senior class officer, helping others learn together.

鈥淥ne nominator said it best: 鈥楪enesis rises to any occasion, leading with initiative, creativity, awareness, and a deep commitment to collective learning and action,鈥欌�� Dycus said. 鈥淎longside it all, you remain committed to your academic work, bringing discipline, focus, and purpose as a political science and Spanish major, as well as engagement with immigrant communities in Harrisonburg.鈥�

Arelys Martinez Fabian

A Spanish language & Hispanic studies and education (PreK-12) licensure major from Winchester, Virginia, she was honored by M. Esther Showalter, instructor of Spanish language and Hispanic studies.

In a fast-paced world, Martinez Fabian knows when to pause and be fully present with others, actively listening and walking alongside those in need, Showalter said.

During Martinez Fabian鈥檚 first year at 黑料正能量, Showalter鈥檚 childhood best friend unexpectedly passed away. In the midst of that loss, the student came to her office to offer support. She brought a small houseplant to honor her friend, and over the years, it has grown from a foot tall to four feet high. 鈥淚t is by far my healthiest plant,鈥� Showalter said. 鈥淢any people comment on how great it looks, and I tell them the story of my friend and how you, Arelys, have comforted me in my time of need, as you have for so many others.鈥�

Along with Figueroa, Martinez Fabian served as co-president of the Student Government Association, becoming the first Latinx women in that role. She led with heart and humanity, Showalter said, strengthening communication between students and administrators and ensuring student voices shaped key campus decisions. Her leadership also increased involvement from underrepresented students, contributing to a more inclusive and engaged campus culture.

鈥淎relys has lived the 黑料正能量 experience to its fullest,鈥� Showalter said. 鈥淪he is an inspiring leader, a curious learner, and an empathetic friend.鈥�

Dibora Mekonnen

A political science and social work major from Silver Spring, Maryland, she was honored by Deanna Durham, associate professor of social work and sociology.

Whether leading the social work student organization, the Young Democrats, or the University Women鈥檚 Empowerment Network (UWEN), or serving as a Community Advisor, hall director, dialogue facilitator, student chaplain, or development office assistant, Mekonnen has consistently worked toward a vision of 黑料正能量 at its best. She has also been involved with the Campus Activities Council, Student Government Association, and the 黑料正能量 Washington Semester. 鈥淥ver the past four years,鈥� Durham said, 鈥渋s there anything you did not say 鈥榶es鈥� to?鈥�

Mekonnen鈥檚 leadership and deep commitment to building a more inclusive and welcoming university have touched every corner, building, and space on campus, Durham said. This past semester, that impact extended into the local community through her senior social work practicum, where she worked with Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed. 鈥淵ou are a multitasker extraordinaire,鈥� Durham told Mekonnen. 鈥淵our ability not only to generate ideas but also to bring others along with you is impressive. You have embodied the belief that we are always better together.鈥�

As hall director of Elmwood, Mekonnen fostered a community grounded in inclusion, social awareness, and belonging, Durham said. 鈥淵ou have pushed for change on campus and have never remained silent when there was potential for harm to another student.鈥�

Sarah Prroj

A business administration major from Shkoder, Albania, she was honored by Tyler Goss, director of student engagement and leadership development. 

Goss remembers his first interaction with Prroj. The International Student Organization (ISO) was preparing for its popular International Food Festival. Dozens of cooks would soon gather on Thomas Plaza, and he and other volunteers were setting up decorations, including more than 50 flagpoles. Each flag came with its own challenge, Goss said, noting the political significance of their placement. 

鈥淚n the midst of all that chaos and decision-making, there was Sarah, a first-year student, stepping up, directing, delegating, and leading with confidence and ease,鈥� Goss said. 鈥淭hat moment was just the beginning.鈥�

The Albanian international student dedicated her four years at 黑料正能量 to the ISO, but her impact extends beyond that community. She served as a Community Advisor and Royal Ambassador and led the Good Business Gathering Club. At Common Grounds, she began as a barista and became its financial manager. She also served as student government treasurer. Away from campus, she volunteered at Young Life camp and shared her story at the Perspectives of World Missions Conference.

鈥淔rom ISO president to community volunteer to SGA treasurer, and all the hours of Common Grounds鈥� financial tasks in between, Sarah leads every space with dependability, vision, and a deep desire to help each community flourish,鈥� Goss said.

Roumany Sefin

A business administration and medical lab science major from Port Said, Egypt, he was honored by Dr. Jim Leaman, associate professor of business.

It鈥檚 the rare undergraduate student who publishes original research and presents it at a prestigious academic conference, Leaman said, yet Sefin did so halfway through his undergraduate career. 鈥淭hen, he leveraged that innovation to launch an entrepreneurial venture to serve the needs of others,鈥� the professor said.

Sefin combines world-class science with a true heart for service. As a dedicated researcher and founder of ROUMATICS, he鈥檚 already made a mark in the medical field, Leaman said. 鈥淗is cancer research at 黑料正能量 and Harvard was chosen for an American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting, a huge honor for any scientist.鈥�

One of his nominators wrote: 鈥淚n my many years as an instructor and mentor, I have seldom seen a student with more commitment to academic and moral excellence.鈥�

Sefin supports his peers on campus by tutoring across three academic disciplines and guiding international students as they navigate English and adjust to life in the United States. He is also an active volunteer at a local nonprofit and serves as a deacon at his church.

鈥淲hether he鈥檚 leading Bible study or teaching DNA workshops locally, Roumany leads with kindness and excellence,鈥� Leaman said. 鈥淗e truly represents the best of this community.鈥�

Emily Suarez Nunez

A nursing major from McGaheysville, Virginia, she was honored by Allen Clay Jr., associate dean for campus life. 

From student chaplain to hall director, Suarez Nunez鈥檚 time at 黑料正能量 has reflected her deep commitment to the well-being of the campus community, Clay said.

As hall director, she led first-year students with poise and compassion. She approached difficult conversations with empathy and clear boundaries, and worked through conflict in ways that built both accountability and belonging.

鈥淗er supervisors speak of her as a trusted leader who embodies 黑料正能量鈥檚 values of academic excellence, peace, justice, and social responsibility,鈥� Clay said. 

Suarez Nunez鈥檚 impact reaches well beyond residence life through her involvement in the Student Government Association, student chaplains, and Y-Serve. She has spent countless hours in service, led spring break trips to Atlanta and Puerto Rico, and helped coordinate volunteer opportunities that connect 黑料正能量 students with communities in need.

Her coworkers describe her as someone who can brighten a room, even while balancing the rigorous demands of a nursing degree. 鈥淗er patients will encounter not just medical expertise but a caregiver who knows how to listen, honor difficult moments, and help people feel seen,鈥� Clay said. 鈥淭hat is a gift that Emily will carry forward in the next steps of her life.鈥�

In his closing remarks at the ceremony, Jonathan Swartz, dean of students and co-chair of the Cords of Distinction committee, noted the many things the recipients will carry with them after graduating from 黑料正能量: their cords, degrees, relationships, and memories.

鈥淵ou also carry responsibility, because the world you are entering does not need more impressive resumes nearly as much as it needs people who are willing to live with clarity, compassion, and courage,鈥� Swartz said. 鈥淸It needs] people who will ask not just what can I achieve, but what can I repair; not just where can I succeed, but where am I needed? If these cords mean anything beyond today, it鈥檚 this: you鈥檝e already begun to answer those questions with your lives, and we trust you will keep answering them.鈥�

The 2026 Cords of Distinction committee members: Jonathan Swartz, Celeste Thomas, Kate Clark, Deanna Durham, Justin McIlwee, Dawn Neil, and Aundrea Smiley. Special thanks to Jennifer North Bauman for her help and to Thaddeus Jackson 鈥�25, who performed music for the event.

Watch a video recording of the ceremony below!

Take a look around campus and you鈥檇 be hard-pressed to find someone involved in leading as many clubs and organizations as Leah Frankenfield.

In addition to leadership roles as a Royal Ambassador and with 黑料正能量鈥檚 Royals RISE program, the senior psychology major has either led or helped start a number of athletic and advocacy clubs on campus: Badminton Club, Bike Club, Pickleball Club, Asian-Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APISA), and University Women’s Empowerment Network (UWEN). This year, she is representing her peers as Student Government Association co-president.

The Northern California native grew up hearing about the magic of 黑料正能量 from her father, James Frankenfield 鈥�81, who shared stories of sledding down the 黑料正能量 Hill on trays from the caf. 鈥淗e mostly talked about the impact 黑料正能量 had on his career,鈥� said Leah Frankenfield. 鈥淗e attributes a lot of his success in life to his chemistry degree from here.鈥�

So when the time came for her to pick a college, 黑料正能量 was at the top of her list. The university鈥檚 tight-knit campus and her family connections鈥攈er cousins Greta Schrag 鈥�24 and Libbie Derstine 鈥�25 are recent graduates鈥攁dded to the charm. She was also intrigued by the Mennonite culture her father grew up in. Plus, it didn鈥檛 hurt that the surrounding city of Harrisonburg, with its plentiful shops and restaurants, had so much to experience. 

鈥満诹险芰� offers a great balance between being in a rich cultural environment near a large university and having a small campus that provides personalized attention and opportunities to build deep relationships with professors,鈥� said Leah Frankenfield. 

She said many of her professors allow students to take mental health days. 鈥淭hey want you to develop holistically as a person first,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey want you to prioritize your health, show up in the best way you can, and communicate with them. I鈥檝e really appreciated that flexibility.鈥�

Another benefit of attending 黑料正能量 is the wealth of scholarships and financial aid available to students. Leah Frankenfield is the recipient of a merit scholarship and the Pioneer College Caterers Scholarship, and is among the 100% of undergraduate students at 黑料正能量 who receive financial aid.

These days, the college senior is busy applying to grad school, with an eye toward counseling or school psychology. Whichever path she takes, she feels a twinge of bittersweetness. 

鈥淚 have these mixed feelings,鈥� she said. 鈥淪ometimes I think, I can鈥檛 wait for the next step. At the same time, 黑料正能量 has challenged me to grow and explore my identity and explore how I make a new environment feel comfortable. I like the way I鈥檝e made 黑料正能量 my home and, at the end of the day, it鈥檚 going to be sad to leave.鈥�

Your support helps students like Leah pursue a quality college education without financial barriers. Join us for the 10th annual Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day and contribute to the scholarships that empower future 黑料正能量 students. On April 1, let’s show that our generosity knows no bounds…for the record!

Campus felt warmer than usual on Monday morning, and it wasn鈥檛 just because of the sunshine. The music was bumping, the bubble machine was set to max, and positive vibes were in full swing. Faculty and staff members lined the pathway in front of Lehman Auditorium, holding signs and cheering as students arrived for Opening Convocation.

The annual ceremony serves as the traditional kickoff to the school year. Judging by the excitement on Monday morning, this year is sure to be bursting with energy and enthusiasm.

Keep scrolling for snapshots of the music, engaging speakers, and words of wisdom from Opening Convocation 2025!

Students received a hero鈥檚 welcome as they made their way into Lehman Auditorium for the ceremony. There were plenty of hugs and high-fives to go around!

As faculty and staff processed into Lehman as per tradition, they were treated to rhythmic djembe drumming led by Makinto, an Eastern Mennonite Seminary student and globetrotting musician. The talented multi-instrumentalist and worship leader energized the audience, leading everyone in a lively call-and-response of 鈥渨alk in peace,鈥� 鈥渢ogether we can,鈥� 鈥渁nd unity,鈥� and 鈥淓-M-U.鈥�

Members of the 黑料正能量 Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Benjamin Bergey, lifted their voices together in a flawless rendition of the hymn, 鈥淭he Unclouded Day.鈥� Earlier this summer, the choir performed at venues across Europe and represented North America at the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism celebration in Z眉rich. 

Those attending Opening Convocation got a special treat as Dr. David Berry, director of the music program at 黑料正能量, debuted a new, rockin鈥� song written just for the occasion. Berry lit up the piano and delivered some fiery rap verses, while adjunct music instructors Jonah Barnett (guitar) jammed out on electric guitar and Tabatha Parrott (contemporary voice) wowed with her powerhouse vocals. 

Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs at 黑料正能量, provided words of welcome and introduced the university theme for the year ahead. 鈥淔or those of you who are first-year students, you鈥檙e stepping into a world of endless possibilities, new friendships, and academic challenges. But you don鈥檛 have to do it alone because we do this thing at 黑料正能量 together,鈥� she said. 鈥溾�� 鈥楾ogether鈥� is a word you鈥檙e going to hear, see, and, I hope, feel in your mind. We will learn together, we will serve together, we will compete together, and, this year, we will sustain together.鈥�

Seniors Maria Longenecker and Leah Frankenfield, who are serving as Student Government Association co-presidents this year, introduced themselves and encouraged students to express their concerns. 鈥淭ogether, we鈥檙e committed to making sure each student feels that their voice matters and is heard on campus,鈥� said Longenecker. 鈥淲e strive to support all students, including our multicultural, athletic, international, commuter, first-gen, and everyone in between.鈥�

Claire Hurst, a third-year environmental science and public health major who spent the summer as a climate advocacy intern through the 黑料正能量 Washington Semester, shared her experiences and spoke on the importance of environmental sustainability. At its core, she said, environmental sustainability is about using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

鈥淔or me, a passion for the natural world has grown from countless summer nights camping under tall pine trees and Sunday afternoon hikes filled with laughter among friends and family. It feels natural to want to protect and give back to the places that have provided me such joy and fulfillment,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s we begin this fall semester, I encourage you all to think about how you connect and engage with our everyday spaces. 鈥� Anything that allows you to appreciate the environment will translate into wanting to protect it.鈥�

The Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus used the Opening Convocation, her first as 黑料正能量鈥檚 interim president, to talk about trees. She invited the members of the 黑料正能量 learning community to imagine themselves as trees and their lives together as a forest. She spoke about the interconnected root systems deep underground that anchor trees and absorb water and nutrients, the methods trees use to communicate stress and share resources, and the many ways they work in unison to sustain the forest as a whole鈥攏ot just themselves.

鈥淔orests don鈥檛 thrive because each tree is the tallest or the strongest; they flourish because they are connected.鈥� she said. 鈥満诹险芰�, we are a living forest, rooted in shared values and branching toward new possibilities. Every one of us鈥攕tudents, faculty, staff鈥攂rings something essential to this ecosystem.鈥�

Thank you to everyone who helped make Opening Convocation a spirited success, and we are excited to 鈥淪ustain Together鈥� this year!