Herm was missing. The crowd of faculty, staff, students, and alumni at Yoder Arena for Wednesday morning鈥檚 Lov黑料正能量 Pep Rally called out his name. They searched high and low. But he was nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, the roar of a motorcycle engine filled the gymnasium. Moments later, everyone鈥檚 favorite friendly blue lion glided onto the hardwood on a sleek new e-bike.

The e-bike, announced Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MA 鈥�20 (conflict transformation), Lov黑料正能量 organizer and pep rally emcee, was a new addition to the Sadie Hartzler Library, thanks to a generous donation from an 黑料正能量 alum, the diligent work of senior Joshua Stucky, and a partnership between library staff and the Shenandoah Bicycle Company.聽

Starting Monday, students can check out the bike from the library at any time and 鈥渆asily bike all over campus and Harrisonburg,鈥� she said.

Herm鈥檚 dramatic entrance was just one of many memorable moments that energized the crowd with the Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day spirit. Wednesday鈥檚 pep rally had it all: a current student exclaiming her love for 黑料正能量, a future student officially declaring 黑料正能量 as his school for next year, and performances by the previous night鈥檚 Lip-Sync Battle champions. 

鈥淚t’s sure to be the best Lip-Sync Battle this side of the Shenandoah,鈥� promised fellow pep rally organizer and emcee Tyler Goss, director for student engagement and leadership development.

Scroll down to the bottom of this article to watch a video recording of the pep rally.

Students snagged free Lov黑料正能量 shirts shot into the crowd by the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon.

Throughout the event, engineering lab tech Henry Bowser and engineering student Max Fritts fired shirts into the stands using the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon. The launcher, which debuted at last year鈥檚 pep rally, was funded by 2019 alumni Ben, an engineering graduate, and Kayla Zook.

Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day is an opportunity to pause and celebrate all the incredible things about 黑料正能量, which include 鈥渙ur amazing academic programs, our incredible athletic teams, our impactful clubs and orgs, and our supportive community as a whole,鈥� Litwiller said. 鈥淧art of how we can express that celebration is through generosity.鈥�

Funds from Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day benefit current and future students, faculty, and staff by making education more affordable and providing them with the facilities and resources they need to access an outstanding education. Since the first Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day in 2017, the university has raised more than $2 million on annual giving days. 

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, this year鈥檚 Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day was the best one yet, with over $402,000 raised, according to the .

The pep rally began with the premiere of the official Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day video. It celebrates the past nine giving days and sets sights on the future, featuring voiceovers from Litwiller and Marketing and Communications Project Manager Aric Berg, along with cameos from faculty, staff, students, athletes, and alumni. The video was produced by Macson McGuigan 鈥�17.

Watch the official hype video below!

Sophomore Ari Smart speaks about finding her fit at 黑料正能量 (left) and future student Brady Crisp (right) rings the cowbell.

Ari Smart, a sophomore majoring in art education, shared her experiences at 黑料正能量. The Stafford, Virginia, native, who serves as a Royal Ambassador and plays on the field hockey and lacrosse teams, spoke about finding her place in a community that made her feel seen, supported, and valued. 鈥淭his is a place that pushes me to grow,鈥� she said. 

Through classes that challenge her to think differently, clubs that let her explore new interests, and experiences that prepare her for the future, she has gained confidence, independence, and the ability to take initiative.

鈥淭his university has given me more than an education; it has given me a sense of belonging, a community that feels like family, and experiences I will carry with me for the rest of my life,鈥� she said.

鈥淚t has helped me grow into a stronger, more confident version of myself, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.鈥�

The pep rally crowd also welcomed a future Royal to the 黑料正能量 family. Brady Crisp, a senior from Fluvanna County High School who will join the men鈥檚 soccer team this fall, took part in the cherished tradition of ringing the cowbell to celebrate his commitment. 

Each time a prospective student who was in attendance on Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day paid their tuition deposit鈥攁s Crisp did鈥攅ither on the day or beforehand, the university unlocked an additional $1,000 in scholarship funds. The Future Royal Challenge, funded by two graduates from the Class of 1958, raised $19,000 in scholarships on Wednesday.

The women鈥檚 volleyball (left) and lacrosse teams (right) perform lip-sync routines at the Lov黑料正能量 Pep Rally on Wednesday.

The third annual Lov黑料正能量 Pep Rally showcased performances by the top three athletic teams from the previous night鈥檚 annual Lip-Sync Battle, hosted by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The women鈥檚 basketball and lacrosse teams competed for second place, with the basketball team prevailing after a crowd vote. The women鈥檚 volleyball team, this year鈥檚 champions, combined lip-syncing with a carefully choreographed routine to a medley of songs from High School Musical.

Senior Admissions Counselor Lexi Fotis-Brown MA 鈥�25 (organizational leadership) led this portion of the pep rally, hyping up the teams and the crowd. 鈥淎bsolutely electric,鈥� she told the teams. 鈥淛ust remember, you’re all winners in my heart.鈥�

Earlier in the event, emcees Litwiller and Goss exchanged some lighthearted banter. 

Goss said, 鈥淲ait, so you鈥檙e telling me we do all this to make the student experience at 黑料正能量 the best it can be? What are you going to tell me next? That the generosity of donors helps fund student scholarships, improve campus facilities, and even keeps the lights on?鈥�

鈥淚 mean, yeah, you said it,鈥� Litwiller replied.

Watch a recording of the pep rally below!

Before the clock struck midnight on Wednesday, April 2, Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day 2025 achieved its fairy tale ending. A generous outpouring of support from all members of the 黑料正能量 community鈥攁lumni, faculty, staff, current and prospective students, and friends鈥攔esulted in a record-breaking $365,313 raised by 360 unique donors during the ninth annual 24-hour extravaganza. That total surpasses the $350,000 goal set by Lov黑料正能量 organizers and tops the $340,512 raised last year (a 7% increase).

Donors gave early and often, unlocking all $152,000 in challenge match funds for The University Fund, student scholarships, athletics, facilities, and intercultural programs. Because 27 prospective students who registered to attend Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day paid their tuition deposits, donors matched their commitment by contributing $27,000 to student scholarships. That鈥檚 nearly double the $15,000 raised for that challenge last year!

The 2025 Lov黑料正能量 leaderboard competition was fierce and fun-spirited, with the winners named below:

Academic program

• First place ($1,000 prize): Education
• Second place ($500 prize): Music
• Third place ($250 prize): Business and leadership

Student club/organization

• First place ($1,000 prize): SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Council)
• Second place ($500 prize): Earthkeepers
• Third place ($250 prize): Pickleball

Athletic team

• First place ($1,000 prize): Men鈥檚 soccer
• Second place ($500 prize): Women鈥檚 volleyball
• Third place ($250 prize): Men鈥檚 volleyball

Nicole Litwiller, annual giving and donor communication specialist, said that a highlight for her was seeing the whole 黑料正能量 community come together to embrace their pride for 黑料正能量. 鈥淭here were some moments yesterday where we were coming down to the wire to meet a challenge goal, but without fail, our community came through and helped us unlock every single one,鈥� she said on Thursday. 鈥淭hanks to their support, Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day was a huge success, and we once again beat last year鈥檚 record. I鈥檓 so grateful for everyone who showed their support.鈥�

Seeing septuple?!

Four 黑料正能量 staff members and two students channeled their inner Royal-in-chief for the first-ever President Huxman Lookalike Contest, held on Monday at the Student Union to kick off Lov黑料正能量 week. The contest honored Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who has served as 黑料正能量鈥檚 ninth president since 2017 and is retiring this summer. Tyler Goss, director for student engagement and leadership development, hosted the competition, dispensing with his typical flair for the dramatic. 

The half-dozen contestants modeled their blue outfits and recited their favorite Huxmanisms. Determined by raucous cheers and selected by Huxman herself as judge, the winners of the contest, students Mana Acosta and Leah Beachy鈥攖he latter of whom wore a bald cap to portray Huxman鈥檚 husband鈥攔eceived an offer of a fancy dinner at the president鈥檚 residence along with three guests of their choice. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 spooky because I use all of those words,鈥� Huxman said, before announcing her pick. 鈥淵ou all used the correct enunciation and everything.鈥� Following the contest, Litwiller announced that the Lov黑料正能量 Early Challenge had been reached, which unlocked $10,000 toward The University Fund. for more photos from the event.

Getting hyped at Herm鈥檚 House

By the time the second annual Lov黑料正能量 pep rally began at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, donors had already contributed more than $54,000, or about 15%, of the day鈥檚 fundraising goal. The event, held at Yoder Arena, started with a screening of the official 2025 Lov黑料正能量 video (watch it on YouTube) featuring some of your favorite campus characters. Frequent emcee duo Braydon Hoover and Deanna Reed hyped up the crowd. 

Naomi Kratzer, an 黑料正能量 junior from Goshen, Indiana, majoring in music performance and history, shared her own 鈥淩oyal Tale鈥� leading her to 黑料正能量. For more Royal Tales of students and alumni, check out our series of stories here. As she decided on which college to attend, the Mennonite-raised Kratzer “began scouring鈥� the five Mennonite colleges in the U.S. It was 黑料正能量鈥檚 campus that kept catching her eye, she said, due to its beautiful setting in the Shenandoah Valley, its strong music education program and its vibrant student community. 鈥淢y story didn鈥檛 begin when I stepped onto campus, and neither did any of yours,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut 黑料正能量 is known to be a home for all of our vastly diverse, chaotic, and ever-complicating plots. 黑料正能量’s resilience is in the people.鈥�

In a dazzling display of musical mastery, Goss, dressed as the jester from the Lov黑料正能量 video, pulled a flute from his sleeve and performed the theme to Sesame Street. He was joined by Makinto, an internationally known musician and seminary student, who challenged him to a flute battle. Watch the pep rally . The flute duel begins at the 38-minute mark.

Royal Tales 

A Royal Tales panel discussion hosted by Litwiller with 黑料正能量 professors Dr. Gaurav Pathania, Dr. Benjamin Bergey 鈥�11, and Dr. Kate Clark 鈥�07 detailed their journeys to 黑料正能量, the challenges they鈥檝e overcome, what excites them about the future, and what they love most about 黑料正能量. 

Clark graduated from 黑料正能量鈥檚 nursing program, worked as a nurse for several years, and then returned to teach at 黑料正能量 in 2011. She gave a shout-out to the Graham Central Station ice cream flavor at the cafeteria鈥斺�淚鈥檝e never had it anywhere else,鈥� she said鈥攁nd added that her job at 黑料正能量 is the best one she鈥檚 ever had. 鈥淚 love that 黑料正能量 has a point of view,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a place that has a perspective. 鈥� I love working for a place that I feel stands for something, and it鈥檚 something that鈥檚 important and needed in the world.鈥�

Sanctuary of sound

Music Professor Ben Guerrero led tours of the new recording studio inside the Astral Hall on top of the 黑料正能量 hill. Built in 1955, the former lecture hall was once home to the astronomy society. Starting in the early ’70s, it housed the WEMC radio station run by 黑料正能量 students and staff. Today, it鈥檚 a state-of-the-art studio with two isolation rooms and a Dolby Atmos control room for mixing immersive or 3D audio. The space can be used to produce full records, music videos, and informational and instructional videos. The studio officially opens this fall.

A 鈥榳heelie鈥� good time

黑料正能量 students, staff, and anyone daring enough to brave a gauntlet of projectiles and obstacles took part in a race around the indoor track, modeled after the popular Mario Kart video game. Participants rode scooters, dodging yoga balls and dodgeballs, grabbing prize boxes, and weaving their way around aerobics step platforms and hurdles laid out on the track, to fight their way to the finish line. Meanwhile, on the Yoder Arena courts down below, the 黑料正能量 men鈥檚 volleyball team won a five-set thriller over Randolph College.

Challenges (all unlocked)

Lov黑料正能量 Early Challenge: We received more than 120 gifts (100 gifts were needed) before the start of Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day to unlock $10,000 for scholarships. 

Loyal Royal Challenge: 黑料正能量 alumni gave more than 270 gifts (250 gifts were needed) over the 24-hour span to unlock $20,000 for The University Fund.

Friends of 黑料正能量 Challenge: Non-alumni deepened their commitment to 黑料正能量 by contributing more than 180 gifts (175 gifts were needed) throughout the day and unlocking $15,000 for scholarships.

Future Royal Challenge: Because 27 prospective students who registered to attend Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day paid their tuition deposit, we unlocked $27,000 for scholarships.

Rise 鈥橬 Shine, Royals! Challenge: Early birds helped reach this challenge by giving more than 80 gifts (75 gifts were needed) between 6 and 9 a.m. to unlock $15,000 for The University Fund. 

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fund Our Facilities Challenge: Donors demonstrated giant-sized generosity by awarding at least 65 gifts (65 gifts were needed) between 10 a.m. and noon to unlock $15,000 for improvements to campus facilities.

What Magnificent Academics We Have! Challenge: To celebrate 黑料正能量鈥檚 stellar smarts, supporters donated at least 100 gifts (100 gifts were needed) between noon and 3 p.m. to unlock $15,000 for scholarships.

A Whole New World Challenge: 黑料正能量鈥檚 intercultural programs have impacted thousands of graduates, offering opportunities to engage in different cultures, build global relationships and experience a new perspective. Donors contributed 80 gifts (75 gifts were needed) between 5 and 7 p.m. to unlock $10,000 for intercultural programs. 

The Mighty Royals Challenge: Athletics supporters showed their love for 黑料正能量 sports by pitching in 60 gifts (50 gifts were needed) between 7:30 and 9 p.m. to unlock $10,000 for 黑料正能量 Athletics.

Before The Clock Struck Midnight Challenge: 黑料正能量鈥檚 night owls stayed up late to celebrate, giving at least 100 gifts (100 gifts were needed) between 9 p.m. and midnight to unlock $15,000 for The University Fund.

Thanks to everyone who donated, shared of their time to celebrate their love of all things 黑料正能量, and joined in the festivities on campus! Special thanks to the Lov黑料正能量 planning team: Arelys Martinez Fabian, Genesis Figueroa, Tyler Goss, Cassie Guerrero, Liz Heilbronner, Steven Johnson, Luke Litwiller, Nicole Litwiller, and Arushi Sachan; Advancement; Marketing & Communications; Student Government Association; Undergraduate Admissions & Royal Ambassadors; 黑料正能量 Facilities; Pioneer College Caterers; Athletics; Information Technology; and all other faculty, staff and students who provided support by creating decorations or volunteered their time to help with events.

For more photos from the day鈥檚 events, swipe through our gallery below:

This year鈥檚 Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day was an out-of-the-park grand slam, and we鈥檙e not just talking about the one hit by a Royals slugger at Wednesday鈥檚 baseball game.

The eighth annual giving day extravaganza, held on Wednesday, April 10, was bigger than previous years 鈥� featuring a number of new events that amped up the Lov黑料正能量 spirit 鈥� and raised more money than ever before. A total of $340,512 was raised throughout the 24-hour event, cruising past the $325,000 goal set by organizers and eclipsing the $300,915 raised last year (a 13% increase).  

鈥淚 am blown away by the support from this community,鈥� said Lov黑料正能量 organizer Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MA 鈥�20 (conflict transformation), annual giving and donor communication specialist. 鈥淣ot only did we raise over $340,000, which is in itself a massive accomplishment, but we also saw the 黑料正能量 community (from current students, to alumni, to faculty and staff) show up for this day to make each event special and full of joy.”

黑料正能量 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends shared what they loved most about 黑料正能量 online (using the #黑料正能量GivingDay and #StrongerTogether hashtags) and on campus. They showed up and showed out at Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day events held throughout the day. And, they gave like never before, unlocking all $125,000+ of challenge match funds for The University Fund, student scholarships, athletics, and Royal Women for 黑料正能量.

This year saw the return of the leaderboard competition. For every $10 donation they made, supporters could vote for an academic program, student club/organization and athletic team. The winners of those categories 鈥� Music (85 votes), The Weather Vane (37 votes), and Men鈥檚 Soccer (192 votes) 鈥� each won $1,000. View the second-place and third-place winners, which received $500 and $250, on the Lov黑料正能量 website at .

Here鈥檚 a recap of the events and unlocked challenges that made Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day 2024 a smashing success:

Events

Inspired by the 鈥�80s theme in our leading up to the event, folks at 黑料正能量 showed up to campus looking like they just left an aerobics workout class 鈥� think teased hair, neon blue eyeshadow and neon windbreakers, warm-up jackets, legwarmers and headbands 鈥� while rocking out to hits from the decade.

Those attending the morning鈥檚 pep rally got a sweet start to their day with doughnuts (each representing the cost of an 黑料正能量 education that donors cover). The 黑料正能量 pep band added electricity to the first-ever Lov黑料正能量 pep rally, while emcees Braydon Hoover 鈥�11, MA 鈥�21 (organizational leadership) and Harrisonburg, Virginia, Mayor Deanna Reed pumped up the crowd. 

An alumna, a current student and an admitted student each shared what they love about 黑料正能量. Nora Osei 鈥�15, an 黑料正能量 basketball and soccer player who now works as director of growth and partnerships for Nike Sports Camps, shared her tips for finding success. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to be a standout athlete or student at 黑料正能量 to find success,鈥� she told the crowd. 黑料正能量 senior psychology major and multi-sport athlete Kate Landis talked about the highlights of her last four years at 黑料正能量. Admitted student Megan Smith said she had visited 10 other colleges and did not consider 黑料正能量 as a possibility. But, after seeing the clean campus, enjoying the good food at the dining hall and learning about the strong nursing program, she said 黑料正能量 felt like home. 鈥淢y mom and I got back into our car and we looked at each other and said, 鈥楾his is the right place,鈥欌�� said Smith.

Then, for a memorable moment from the day as President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman donned safety glasses and a poncho in preparation for a pie to the face. Because we surpassed our goal set in the We鈥檝e Got Spirit Challenge, we unlocked $10,000 to The University Fund and got the honor of watching Herm pie the president. As it turns out, Herm has great aim! Watch a of the pep rally on the 黑料正能量 Facebook page. 

Following the pep rally, a team of faculty and staff faced off against students in 尝辞惫贰惭鲍鈥檚 first-ever game of dodgeball. The faculty/staff team left the court victorious after one game. Yoder Arena鈥檚 courts then opened up for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and the climbing wall.聽

Also new this year was the addition of Admitted Student Day to the Lov黑料正能量 Day and SGA Day festivities. More than 20 admitted students visited the campus for the day, taking tours, learning about programs at the University Fair and panel discussions and participating in the spirited Lov黑料正能量 events. It was, what President Huxman called, “a trifecta day.鈥� When Herm was asked about how the day was going, he gave an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

黑料正能量 475 people soaked in the spring sunshine and enjoyed food, fun and fellowship at the Lunch & Lawn Party held on Thomas Plaza. They played lawn games on the grass and competed in contests such as the egg toss.

As mentioned at the beginning of our recap, Wednesday鈥檚 baseball game featured a grand slam from utility player Alex Gulisano as the Royals defeated the Fighting Squirrels of Mary Baldwin in a 12-2 drubbing. Another highlight of the game was infielder Ethan Spraker鈥檚 inside-the-park home run. The game drew a large crowd, who enjoyed treats from the Ott Street Eats food truck courtesy of the SGA.

Hundreds of people from all ages and backgrounds celebrated the funds rolling in at a barbecue cookout held in the evening in front of the University Commons. Grillmaster Dennis Showalter 鈥�73, president of the Alumni Council, served up fresh burgers and hot dogs. The Rain Pickers, a trio of strings musicians and 黑料正能量 alumni, performed live music while hungry Royals chowed down. Pioneer College Caterers provided their services for lunch and dinner.

The Lov黑料正能量 energy continued well into the night, fueled by a karaoke sing-off contest judged by Professor Daniel Showalter, Security Officer Elizabeth Jones, Mayor Reed and Herm. Each of the winning clubs received $100! International Students Organization (ISO) won Most Engaging/Best All-Around, Asian-Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APISA) won Most 黑料正能量 Love, and Queer Student Alliance (QSA) and Latino Student Alliance (LSA) split the winnings from the Best Theme category. 

Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day came to a close with a biscuits and jam bar and live music from talented musicians in the Student Union. Litwiller said a highlight of her day came when time was nearing midnight in the Student Union with several students who stuck it out. 鈥淲hen we surpassed $340,000, cheers erupted, Tyler Goss started playing 鈥榃e Are the Champions鈥� over the speakers, and everyone sang along in celebration,鈥� Litwiller said. 鈥淚t was a beautiful moment to be a part of, and reminded me of why we do this work: To support these amazing students. I’m filled with gratitude today.鈥�

Challenges

Early Challenge: Before the day even started, the gifts came rolling in. We received at least 100 gifts before the start of Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day to unlock $10,000 to student scholarships. 120+ out of 100 gifts needed were given!

Loyal Royal Challenge: 黑料正能量 alumni gave more than 250 gifts over the 24-hour span to best the goal set for this challenge and unlock $15,000 to The University Fund. 252 out of 250 gifts needed were given!

Stronger Together Challenge: Non-alumni deepened their commitment to 黑料正能量 by making at least 175 gifts throughout the day and unlocking $15,000 to student scholarships. 202 out of 175 gifts needed were given!

Future Royal Challenge: Because 15 prospective students attending Lov黑料正能量 Giving Day paid their tuition deposit, we unlocked $15,000 to The University Fund.

Wake Me Up Before You Give-Give Challenge: Early birds helped reach this challenge by giving 75 gifts between 6 and 9 a.m. to unlock $10,000 to The University Fund. 88 out of 75 gifts needed were given!

We鈥檝e Got Spirit Challenge: The 黑料正能量 faithful showed their Royal pride during the pep rally by giving 50 gifts between 10 and 11 a.m. and unlocking $10,000 to The University Fund (as well as a chance to watch Herm pie the president). 54 out of 50 gifts needed were given!

Rally with Royal Women Challenge: Royal Women for 黑料正能量, a new networking and philanthropy initiative, raises direct financial aid for students who want to attend 黑料正能量. President Huxman matched every dollar donated up to $9,000 in this challenge between noon and 3 p.m. A total of $21,632.70 was raised during this challenge! 

The Roar Heard 鈥橰ound the World Challenge: Donors joined Herm in letting their love for 黑料正能量 be heard all around the world by awarding 75 gifts between 5 and 7 p.m. and unlocking $10,000 to The University Fund. 88 out of 75 gifts needed were given!

What鈥檚 Love Got to Do With It Challenge: Loving 黑料正能量 is not a secondhand emotion. Because we received 50 gifts between 7:30 and 9 p.m., we unlocked $10,000 to student scholarships. 52 out of 50 gifts needed were given!

Carrie Us to Midnight Challenge: Athletics supporters showed their love for 黑料正能量 sports and Athletics Director Carrie Bert by pitching in 100 donations between 9 p.m. and midnight to unlock $10,000 to the Athletics Annual Fund. 119 out of 100 gifts needed were given!

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared of their time to tell us how you Lov黑料正能量, and joined in the festivities on campus!

For more photos from the day’s events, swipe through our below: