Faculty & Staff
Sarah Armstrong, assistant professor of education, Nellysford, VA, has been named director of MA in Education at EMU. Previously Armstrong was at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where she worked with school superintendents and education administrators to provide professional development programs and graduate courses for practicing teachers.
Priscilla Simmons, professor of nursing Lancaster, Manheim, PA, is the author of two chapters in Respirator Care: Principals and Practice – Chapter 1, “History and Physical Examination,” and Chapter 39, “Postoperative Respiratory Care,” which is co-authored with her husband, Mark.
Margaret Upton, clinical nurse practitioner, Harrisonburg, VA, is retiring from her role as director of health services and clinical nurse practitioner after nine years of providing quality services to EMU students and the broader university.
Donald Depoy, bluegrass instruments instructor, McGaheysville, VA, along with his wife, Martha Hills, performed for the Staunton Public Library’s Little Lunch Music Series as the acclaimed duo Me & Martha. The two have a passion for American rural roots music and working in the traditional acoustic format. They draw on material from folk, hillbilly, bluegrass, traditional country, rural swing, and mountain music.
Dawn Lambert, RN to BS instructor and School Nurse certification program coordinator at Lancaster, Morgantown, PA, sucessfully defended her PhD dissertation, “Faculty as Servant Teachers: An Exploration of Servant Leadership Applied to Nursing Education” at Capella University on January 14.
1950-1959
David Eshleman ‘59, SEM ‘61, Dover, OH, and his wife, Helen, present a daily five-minute shortwave radio program, “Making Disciples” in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America through World Harvest Radio. David also continues to be a church consultant; he has served in 70+ churches.
1960-1969
Donald (Don) Kraybill ‘67, Elizabethtown, PA, internationally recognized as the foremost expert on Amish culture, is retiring after over 40 years at Elizabethtown College, most recently as a distinguished college professor and senior fellow at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. Don is perhaps best known for acting as unofficial cultural interpreter and go-between for publicity-averse Amish in events such as the Nickel Mines tragedy and the Bergholz, Ohio, beard-cuttings. A prolific author who expects to continue writing, Don’s next project is the centennial history of EMU to be published in 2017.
Noah Kolb ‘68, Telford, PA, retired from pastoral, conference, and church leadership after 45 years. Most recently he was pastor of ministerial leadership and leadership minister for Franconia Conference. He began his life of ministry in 1968 as a student pastor at Doylestown (PA) Mennonite Church. In retirement he enjoys gardening, walking, traveling, and volunteering in the community.
1970-1979
Steven Ringenberg ‘74, Archbold, OH, retired after 40 years of employment in the field of long-term care, including 29 as CEO at Fairlawn Retirement Community in Archbold. He and his wife, Karen Swartz ‘74 Ringenberg, now volunteer in different locations and enjoy traveling across the U.S.
James (Jim) Buller ‘75, Goshen, IN, interim head of school, was honored at a holiday tourney pregame ceremony for his 35 years of coaching the Bruins basketball team at Bethany Christian. His tenure as coach is the longest in Elkhart County boys high school basketball history. The basketball gym has been renamed Buller Court in his honor.
Daniel Leichty ‘76, Normal, IL, professor of social work at Illinois State University, was recently invited to serve as a founding board member for the Victim Offender Restoration Program (VORP) of McLean County. He also serves on the Ethics Commission of the McLean County Board of Supervisors.
Daniel Grimes ‘78, Goshen, IN, is director of enrollment and financial aid at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). Daniel brings to this position proven leadership gifts, a passion for theological education with an Anabaptist edge, and a compelling personal story. Previously, he was clincial manager of Fresenius Medical in Mishawaka, IN.
Trula Gingrich ‘79, Lititz, PA, is now a group home supervisor at Friendship Community. Founded in 1972, through the efforts of concerned parents and a local church group, Friendship Community was the first in Lancaster County to open a group home for adults with disabilities.
Brenda Hollinger ‘79 Grimes, Goshen, IN, is employed as a kindergarten teacher at Chamberlain Elementary, a part of Goshen Community School Corporation.
1980-1989
Dwight Gingerich ‘81, Kalona, IA, became the 11th coach in Iowa history to surpass 600 wins earlier this year. In his 33 seasons as a high school coach – all at Iowa Mennonite School – Dwight has won 608 games. He doesn’t remember every victory, but he does remember every player.
Kevin Carey ‘82, Lansdowne, VA, is now director of accounting at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
Douglas (Doug) Nyce ‘85, Harrisonburg, VA, is now resident services manager for Park Village at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Previously, he was director of alumni and parent relations at EMU.
David (Dave) Witmer, SEM ‘87, Lancaster, PA, has released a new book, Retirement Radicals: A Design Handbook for the Boomer Generation to be Post-Career World-Changers. It serves as a practical guide for the Baby Boomer generation to reflect on their life assets, and based on that reflection, design a significant non-traditional, post-career retirement.
Patricia (Patty) King ‘89, Chicago, IL, was featured in Ploughshares Literary Journal for her Small Country. “Set at a legalistic Mennonite Bible Camp, camper Penny wrestles with the perilous waters of womanhood against the backdrop of her family’s recent dangerous departure from Guatemala,” wrote one online reviewer. It is available as via Kindle or audio form.
1990-1999
Daryl Snider ‘91, MA ‘12 (conflict transformation), Lancaster, PA, and Frances Miller, Grad. Cert. ‘11 (conflict transformation), Quarryville, PA, singers and songwriters for SopaSol, are currently working on their “Wozo: Songs for Resilience” project, which explores – through songs and stories – the dynamics of grief and loss, trauma healing and resilience, restorative justice and the legacy of colonialism.
Douglas (Doug) Friesen ‘91, Ephrata, PA, started the Emotional Health Center of Lancaster with his friend Ron Vogt, PhD in April of 2014. They provide psychological services to children, families, couples, and individuals and have specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Doug is also concluding 10 years as part-time associate pastor at Blossom Hill Mennonite Church in Lancaster, PA.
Gaye Spivey ‘91, Zebulon, NC, graduated from Strayer University in October 2014 in Norfolk, VA, with a master’s in Health Services Administration and now works for GlaxoSmithKline as director of accounts in Durham, NC.
Chad Hostetler ‘93, Philippi, WV, is director of counseling service at Alderson Broaddus College in Philippi, WV.
Bradley (Brad) Croushorn ‘93, Durham, NC, has recently had his new choral publication “Psalm 118: Alleluia, This Is the Day!,” released by MorningStar Music Publishers.
Minnette Burkholder ‘95, Philippi, WV, is the owner of WellMet Consulting, where she is a consultant specializing in human resources.
Michael Shank, class of ‘95, MA ‘05 (conflict transformation), New York, NY, is the director of media strategy at ClimateNexus. Michael notes that climate change is at the nexus of almost every issue imaginable — from the environment to the economy, from human security to public health. He brings to his new job an extensive background in media and policy work, most recently in Washington D.C. He loves the challenge of messaging complex concepts, especially when the survival of the planet and its people are at stake.
Gloria Keener ‘97, Chambersburg, PA, is now the executive director of Franklin County Legal Services. The free services offered by Franklin County Legal Services include: representation for low-income persons facing issues pertaining to family, landlord/tenant, immigration, and other areas of civil law; legal advice; pro bono referrals; civil legal services to the incarcerated; and citizenship exam preparation classes.
Christine Glick ‘97 Fairfield, Staunton, VA, is now front office manager for Eastern Mennonite School. Christine comes with a variety of experiences and skills, having been an adjunct voice instructor at Bridgewater College, an assistant director and volunteer coordinator with Habitat for Humanity, a contract administrator for a development company in Chicago, and a freelance editor for MennoMedia.
Kirk King ‘97, Huntington Station, NY, is now executive director of group sales with the Brooklyn Nets. Previously, he was group sales director for the New York Mets.
Christina (Tina) Hartman ‘99 Campbell, Lancaster, PA, is now director of development for ASSETS Lancaster, an organization that provides microenterprise support to hundreds of entrepreneurs in pursuing their goals.
Monte Layman ‘99, Surfside Beach, SC, retired after nearly 14 years at Blue Ridge Bank, including the past 11 as president and chief executive officer. During Monte’s tenure the bank grew significantly and expanded into two new markets.
2000-2009
Christopher Clymer Kurtz ‘00, Linville, VA, and his alternative pop/rock quartet, Clymer Kurtz Band, including Maria Clymer Kurtz ‘00, Ry Wilson ‘00, and Craig Zook ‘01, has released a third album called Rain, available at www.clymerkurtz.com. In it, lonely wanderlust on I-81, getaway cravings, and grace are rolled into the satisfaction of daily life.
Krista-Anne (Krista) Rigalo, MA ‘00 (conflict transformation), Washington D.C., has been named program director of Let Girls Learn, a collaboration of First Lady Michelle Obama and the Peace Corps to expand access to education for adolescent girls around the world by empowering local leaders to put lasting solutions in place. Krista has held a number of positions in Peace Corps, most recently as the chief of programming and training.
Brian Plum ‘01, Luray, VA, has been named president and CEO of Blue Ridge Bank. Brian joined the bank in August 2006 and assumed the position of chief financial officer in 2007, a role in which he served until February 2014 when he became chief administrative officer.
Deborah Good ‘02, Albuquerque, NM, is now a data and research manager for Mission: Graduate, a cradle-to-career education partnership and collective impact initiative.
Ross Kauffman ‘03, Grad. Cert. ‘04, Bluffton, OH, outlined the history of Ebola, its biology and impact since the outbreak in Guinea in a speech given at a Bluffton University Forum titled “Ebola and Fear: A Public Health Perspective.”
Amanda Jantzi-Robinson ‘03, MA ‘12 (conflict transformation), Strasburg, PA, is working in the guidance office at Lancaster Mennonite Middle and High School. She is pursuing a teaching certificate, which will allow her to teach peacebuilding and social studies classes at the school.
Jennifer (Jen) Gutshall ‘03 Rodriguez, Dayton, VA, taught art in the Dominican Republic, 2003-2014. Since moving back to Virginia, she is teaching art and tutoring with the English as a Second Language department at Harrisonburg High School.
Caleb Ediger ‘03, Harper, KS, graduated from Grand Canyon University in June 2013 with a master’s of science in nursing with an emphasis in leadership in health care systems. He now teaches at Wichita State University School of Nursing.
Laura Rosenberger ‘03, Charlottesville, VA, chief resident in surgery at the University of Virginia, gave a grand rounds presentation titled, “Mennonites in Medicine: From Missionary to Dean of Harvard,” in which she highlighted pacifism, a core belief of Anabaptism, and how this belief has shaped Mennonite contributions to the medical field.
Tamara Mihalic-Tynan, MA ‘04 (conflict transformation), Toolamba, Australia has successfully defended her PhD thesis “Initiating peace: Local peace-builders experiences in Croatia” at the University of Melbourne. The thesis examined factors that influence local people’s initial participation in peacebuilding in a country at war; she relied primarily on the literature on women/feminist writers and social movements.
Philip Campbell, MA ‘05 (conflict transformation), Richmond, VA, was recently licensed as a marriage and family therapist. He hopes to apply systems-based theories and other approaches to work with individuals, families, couples, and groups in their homes, schools, outpatient settings and community.
Jonalyn Denlinger ‘06, Baltimore, MD, is program director of the Baltimore Community Foundation. She helps nonprofits with projects that tend to focus on education – particularly school readiness – and neighborhood improvements ranging from tree planting to block parties.
Odelya Gertel Kraybill, MA ‘06 (conflict transformation), Boston, MA, is currently pursuing her PhD in expressive therapies at Lesley University in Boston, MA. She received her master’s in expressive therapies and mental health counseling from the same university in 2010.
Jennifer (Jenny) Christine Jag Jivan, MA ’06 (conflict transformation), has been the full-time acting director of the Christian Study Centre in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, since 2013 (after starting part time in 2012). Established in 1967, the center works extensively to promote interfaith harmony, peacebuilding, human rights, women’s rights, and minority rights. It carries out research in these areas and works with all churches. It works at all levels of society from grassroots communities to top-level policy makers. The city of Rawalpindi is known as the twin city of Islamabad.
Nadia Bazzy, MA ‘08 (conflict transformation), Canton, MI, is a sexual assault program manger in the office of student conflict resolution at the University of Michigan.
Laura Bomberger ‘08, Lancaster, PA, is operations manager at North Group Consultants, a leadership consulting firm that concentrates on developing leadership and management teams and their effectiveness.
Thaddeus (Thad) Hicks, MA ‘08 (conflict transformation), Ridgeland, MS, is serving as the director of the emergency disaster services for the Alabama-Louisianna-Mississippi division of the Salvation Army. Thad is an emergency management practitioner with over 17 years of experience in the U.S. and abroad. He has a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary.
Jennie Carr, MA ‘09 (education), Harrisonburg, VA, assistant professor of elementary education at Bridgewater College, has been named the recipient of the 2014-15 Scholar Award from the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education. The award recognizes Carr for her research on the application of technology in the classroom, including how educators can use technology as an aid to building caring relationships.
Emily Derstine ‘09 Friesen, Philadelphia, PA, a student at Drexel University School of Law, has begun a pro bono program internship with Blank Rome, LLP. She assists with organizing and participating in legal clinics, writing newsletter articles about pro bono cases, and providing support for various types of pro bono matters.
Nicholas Detwiler-Stoddard ‘09, MDiv ‘12, Freeman, SD, was ordained by Central Plains Mennonite Conference on Nov. 9, 2014, with Salem Mennonite Church (“South Church” of Freeman, SD).
Kristina Landis ‘09 Yoder, Penn Laird, VA, along with her husband, Greg, are now providing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) memberships from their small-scale farm, Mountain Grove Farm. CSA is a system of food production where the farmer is directly connected to the consumer and the consumer shares in the risks and benefits of food production. Kristina and Greg are excited about this new soulful venture both because of the community building and the experiences they hope to afford their children one day.
2010-
Jennifer (Jenn) Dorsch, MA ‘10 (conflict transformation), Frederick, MD, is the director of the rebuild program at Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Hannah Good ‘10 Ford, North Chesterfield, VA, is a mental health case manager at Supportive Intervention Services. She meets clients with mental health needs and works with them to improve their activities of daily living, independent living skills, mental stability, and overall quality of life.
Bethany Wichman-Buescher, MA ’10 (conflict transformation), Chapel Hill, NC, is programs director of the Orange County Rape Crisis Center, helping people to find resources and support. Though it can be stressful at times, she does enjoy the direct service aspect of her work, and in the evening also enjoys coming home and unwinding with her family.
Dan Wichman-Buescher, MA ‘10 (conflict transformation), Chapel Hill, NC, is getting certified in web development and design and is teaching himself computer programming. Previously he worked with school systems in the Washington D.C. area on restorative practices in building community and dealing with disciplinary issues.
Steven (Steve) Carpenter, SEM ‘11, Harrisonburg, VA, director of development and church relations for MennoMedia, has completed a book, Mennonites and Media – Mentioned in It, Maligned by It, and Makers of It (Wipf and Stock, 2014). The book details how Mennonites have been portrayed in the media and, conversely, how they have interacted with media for identity and outreach.
Andrew Derstine ‘11, Souderton, PA, was one of three EMU graduates to be named to Mennonite Economic Development Associates’ (MEDA) 20 under 35 list for his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to make a difference in the world. Andrew is an operations supervisor in the institutional and private client department at SEI Investments, serves on the board of directors of Living Hope Farm as their treasurer, and is a youth advisor at his home church of Plains Mennonite.
Boris Ozuna ‘11, Harrisonburg, VA, was named director for the Harrisonburg International Festival, sponsored by the FairField Center. The Festival takes place annually on the last Saturday in September. Boris looks forward to serving the community in his work with all the gifted and generous volunteers who make the festival happen.
J. Wilson Roth ‘11, Strasburg, PA, is marketing manager for Paradise Energy Solutions, a solar energy group with work in seven states, headquartered in Gap, PA.
Mitchell Stutzman ‘11, Hesston, KS, is the church relations and charitable services representative at Everence. Mitchell helps congregations and not-for-profit organizations with their stewardship education and charitable planning needs, and helps individuals create charitable giving plans in line with their faith and values.
Benjamin (Ben) Bergery ‘11, Harrisonburg, VA, conducted a full orchestra on Jan. 25 playing Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring for his master’s lecture/recital at James Madison University’s Forbes Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall.
Barbara (Barbie) Fischer, MA ‘12 (conflict transformation), Philadelphia, PA, is the executive director of Restorative Encounters, a non-profit association of restorative justice professionals and organizations offering resources and training in restorative practices. It specializes in equipping and assisting people to work through conflict within churches, the criminal justice system, families, and/or school systems.
Scott Hackman, SEM ‘13, Souderton, PA, was one of three EMU graduates to be named to Mennonite Economic Development Associates’ (MEDA) 20 under 35 list for his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to make a difference in the world. Scott is a family business advisor and strategist with Delaware Valley Family Business Center, serving leaders of multi-generational business families through emotional and strategic planning processes and integrating his Anabaptist faith and experience as an entrepreneur.
Christine Baer ‘14, Lancaster, PA, is the congregational resource developer at Church World Service. She generates, coordinates, and maintains congregational and community support for refugees, asylum receivers, and entrants resettling through the Immigration and Refugee Program of Lancaster. In February 2014, she was interviewed by Comcast Newsmakers on the need for volunteers to help newly arrived refugees in Central Pennsylvania.
Laura Bowman ‘14, Kathmandu, Nepal, has been working in Nepal with Mennonite Central Committee as activities coordinator at a transitional home for women with mental health issues. Since the recent earthquake, Laura has been helping women and children cope by encouraging children to draw pictures and tell stories of their experiences and by providing as much comfort as she can.
Melissa Johnson, MA ‘14 (conflict transformation), Moorpark, CA, has taken a long-term position with AWARE (Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies) in Juneau, Alaska, as their violence prevention manager.
Charles Kwuelum, MA ‘14 (conflict transformation), Washington D.C., is the legislative associate for international affairs with Mennonite Central Committee. Charles will focus on U.S. public policies on Africa, Food Security and Global HIV/AIDS. This role allows him to combine his pastoral interests, passion for advocacy, and skills in peacebuilding.
Cynthia Nassif, MA ‘14 (conflict transformation), Beirut, Lebanon, is working for the international NGO Mercy Corps, monitoring, evaluating, and capacity building for partners in emergency and ongoing crises.
Marilyn Raatz, MA ‘14 (conflict transformation), North Chatham, MA, has been endorsed to serve as an American Baptist International Ministries (IM) regional missionary in Africa. She is working with IM partners throughout Africa to train, consult with, and mentor young leaders in ministries of peace, justice, and conflict transformation.
Lydell Steiner, MA ‘14 (conflict transformation), Dalton, OH, is in a new role as Tilmor development coordinator at Venture Products. The Tilmor is a small agricultural tractor built for small farms in the U.S. and beyond. He continues to develop healthy conflict management resources for the Wayne/Holmes county area. He was also was one of three EMU graduates to be named to Mennonite Economic Development Associates’ (MEDA) 20 under 35 list for his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to make a difference in the world. Lydell is part time associate pastor at Kidron Mennonite Church, chairs the local chapter of Foods Resource Bank, and is exploring the feasibility of opening a conflict resolution center in the Holmes/Wayne County area.
Fabrice Guerrier, MA ‘15 (conflict transformation), Coral Springs, FL, has been selected as one of the 2015 Diplomacy and Diversity Fellows by Humanity in Action. Fabrice joined 23 other outstanding American and European emerging leaders in May for an intensive program about international relations and global diversity.
Marriages
Nathan Musselman ‘00 to Lindsay Martin ‘05, Dec. 28, 2014.
Braydon Hoover ‘11 to Heidi Muller ’10, May 30, 2015.
J. Wilson Roth ‘11 to Brianna Shenk, Oct. 11, 2014.
Konrad Swartz ‘13 to Jill Swartzendruber ‘12, June 28, 2014.
Births & Adoptions
James (Jim) ‘79 and Juliana Marquez Shenk, San Diego, CA, Noah, Dec. 29, 2014.
Jeremy ‘92 and Julie Kauffman ‘03 Frey, Tucson, AZ, Eli James, Jan. 13, 2015.
Steve Weaver ‘93 and Magdalen Hess, Manheim, PA, Teya Clair Magdalen, Feb. 16, 2015.
Kirk ‘97 and Susan King, Huntington Station, NY, Ellie Etta, Jan. 31, 2013.
David ‘98 and Rachel Roth ‘98 Sawatzky, Harrisonburg, VA, Jethro, Dec. 24, 2014.
Alan ‘98 and Etsuko Schroeder, Stratford, Ontario, Lukas Alexander, May 20, 2014.
Andrew ‘98, and Lana Miller, MDiv ‘07, Harrisonburg, VA, Malise Rochelle, Dec. 31, 2014.
Jeffrey Eshleman ‘99 and Soila Matute, Lancaster, PA, Samuel, Oct. 24, 2014
Katrina Hochstetler ‘00 and Kenneth Owens, Washington D.C., David Eli, Aug. 17, 2014.
Jeanette Good ‘00 and Ray Lam, Elkton, VA, Eli Hosea, Sept. 19, 2014.
Sara Ulrich ‘01 and Stephen Weston, Surbiton, United Kingdom, Jacob Paul, Oct. 17, 2015.
Charity Shenk ‘02 and Steven Zook, Akron, PA, Kai Shenk Zook, Feb. 14, 2015.
Laura Rosenberger ‘03 and David Mauro, Charlottesville, VA, Ziva, July 29, 2014.
Gregory (Greg) ‘03 and April Gonzol ‘04 Sachs, Harrisonburg, VA, Micah Luther, April 26, 2015
David ‘04 and Anna Dintaman ‘05 Landis, Jerusalem, Israel, Silas Aram, Jan. 2, 2015.
Crystal Newman ‘05 and Joseph Taylor, class of ‘04, Grottoes, VA, Levi Joseph, Mar. 26, 2013.
Michael (Mike) ‘05 and Stephanie Roth ‘05 Zucconi, Harrisonburg, VA, Natalie Dawn, Feb. 21, 2015.
Bryce ‘06 and Maureen Gingerich ‘06 Bergey, Sellersville, PA, Nora Gingerich, Oct. 16, 2014.
Alyssa Gerig ‘06 and Wayne Scheler, Albany, OR, Saige Joy, Dec. 1, 2014.
Brian ‘06 and Andrea Skyrm ‘05 King, Goshen, IN, Finley Sophia, Feb. 2, 2015
Joy Zimmerman ‘07 and Thomas Haller, Denver, PA, Daniel Thomas, June 20, 2014.
Lena Risser ‘09 and Adam Weaver, Greencastle, PA, Ty, Oct. 14, 2014.
Tony ‘10 and Yvonne Stauffer ‘11 Fajardo, Harrisonburg, VA, Hannah Jolene, Nov. 29, 2014.
Jeffrey (Jeff) ‘10 and Lindsay Yoder ‘09 Swarzendruber, North Liberty, IA, Jace Dean, Jan. 22, 2014.
Patrick ‘12, MA ‘14 (conflict transformation), and Adriana Rojas Campbell, Silver Spring, MD, Lucila Penelope, April 6, 2015.
Jebiwot Sumbeiywo, MA ‘04 (conflict transformation), Nairobi, Kenya, Wema Cheptoo Tum, Sept. 19, 2014.
Paranjoy, MA ‘07 (conflict transformation), and Manashi Bordoloi, Assam, India, Rudrangshu, Dec. 17, 2014.
Aaron, MA ‘08 (conflict transformation), and Susanna Lyons, Vancouver, Canada, Mathai Sage, Feb. 17, 2015.
David Buescher, MA ‘10 (conflict transformation), and Bethany Wichman, MA ‘10 (conflict transformation), Chapel Hill, NC, Toula May, Feb. 5, 2014.
Julia, assistant professor of biology in MA in Biomedicine program, and Darrell Halterman, Ruckersville, VA, Noelle Mae, Nov. 25, 2014.
Kara, campus visit coordinator, and Daniel Zimmerman, Harrisonburg, VA, Abel James, April 13, 2015.
Deaths
S. Allen Shirk ‘50, SEM ‘78, Lititz, PA, died Oct. 11, 2014, at age 92. He was a missionary for the Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities for 12 years in India and two years in Hong Kong for Eastern Mennonite Missions. He then served as pastor at Emmanuel Church in Hong Kong for 20 years. After retirement, Allen continued to be supportive of and active at Mellinger Mennonite Church.
Lester Weber ‘52, Lititz, PA, died April 19, 2015, at age 89. He taught school in rural Virginia, administered the Mennonite Children’s Home (Adriel School) in Ohio, worked as personnel director at Weaver Poultry and then headed the book department of Provident Bookstore, both in PA. He became a sales representative for various religious book publishers, including Thomas Nelson and Word, until his retirement. He was a founding and active member of Akron Mennonite Church before becoming one of the founding members of Pilgrim’s Mennonite in Akron, PA, serving in various leadership capacitites in both.
Arthur (Art) Kennel ‘53, Rochester, MN, died Dec. 12, 2014, at age 85. A physician by trade, Art worked in a number of medical fields, including general medicine, internal medicine, and cardiology. In 1960 he co-founded the Stuart Clinic with his brother-in-law. He was chair of the cardiology department at the 1,500-bed Mama Yemo Hospital in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the hospital is now named Kinshasa General) and then a Mayo Clinic Consultant, assistant professor at Mayo Medical School, and chair of the Division of Community Medicine. He was a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, American College of Chest Physicians, Sigma Xi National Research Society, and President of the Mennonite Medical Association and Rotary Club of Rochester. Arthur retired from the Mayo Clinic in 1995.
Audrey Brunk Shank ‘55, Harrisonburg, VA, died Jan. 18, 2015, at age 82. Audrey taught both English composition and music, while directing the Women’s Chorus at Eastern Mennonite College, from 1955 to 1964. In 1964, she resigned from EMC to do full-time mission work in Jamaica. In January of 1970, along with a faithful group of co-workers, she began a ministry in book evangelism with Choice Books in the Caribbean. That ministry involved distributing Bibles and Christian Literature in public stores and airport terminals, throughout the region. Next, Audrey founded Lighthouse Literature and continued her work in book evangelism.
Delmar Yoder ‘61, Morgantown, WV, died Jan. 30, 2015, at age 84 while hiking in Bali, Indonesia. An early volunteer experience at Calling Lake in Alberta, Canada, set a pattern for his life. Delmar and his wife went to Timor, Indonesia, where they managed a program of village-level agricultural education and community development. The program introduced a high-yield corn seed in such a way that the typical early season food shortage was almost entirely eliminated – a remarkable success. Until his retirement, Delmar worked as an Extension Community and Economic Development Specialist at Iowa State University and West Virginia University. During those years he created Owl Creek Farm, where he performed mixed farming, rescued and restored old log buildings, and was well known for his strawberries.
Brian Moore ‘63, Williamsport, MD, died Jan. 26, 2015, at age 72. He was the minister at St. James Brethren Church in St. James, MD, for 29 years until retiring in 2012. Prior to St. James, he served churches in South Bend, IN, Derby, KS, and Pittsburgh, PA. He also was moderator of the Brethren Church on two occasions; he served on many board and committees at the district and national Level. Brian enjoyed writing and authored five published books.
Kembo Migire ‘66, Tanzania, died Jan. 9, 2015, at age 80
Nelson H. Lehman ‘66, Marticville, PA, died Mar. 15, 2015, at age 76. He worked as a salesman for the Central Petroleum Company for over 40 years, pastored Fairview Chapel, Holly Grove Mennonite Church, South Christian Street Mennonite Church, and Walkersville Mennonite church, and served as a volunteer in various roles, such as leading Bible studies for prisoners and spending nights working with the homeless at emergency shelters. Nelson loved his God, nature, gardening, and hunting.
Lester Smith ‘70, Harrisonburg, VA, died Jan. 15, 2015, at age 67. He taught at Broadway High School and then worked at Massanutten Vocational Technical Center. He retired in June 2014 as the Director of Career Pathways Consortium at Blue Ridge Community College.
James (Jim) Glanzer ‘75, Penn Laird, VA, died Dec. 29, 2015, at age 65. Early in his career he taught in the EMU nursing department and for many years was a counselor at the Family Life Resource Center of Harrisonburg. In his professional work he is especially remembered for his teaching and counseling in the area of grief and loss, and for his long-term work with complex trauma. Jim was an excellent woodworker who enjoyed making treasures for his children and grandchildren. Fishing, golfing, and photography were among his many interests.
Dawn Burkwalter ‘75, Goshen, IN, died Feb. 8, 2015, at age 62. Dawn did secretarial work and later medical transcription, working for Mennonite Mutual Aid, Goshen College, Maple City Healthcare Center, IU South Bend and MD-IT. Throughout her life, Dawn was a person of conscience, integrity and compassion. She touched the lives of many with her giving, caring spirit.
John Chacha ‘84, Martinsville, VA, died April 16, 2015, at age 60 as a result of an automobile accident.
Kevin Doherty ‘10, Winchester, VA, died Jan. 2, 2015, at age 59 as the result of a bicycle accident. He lived his early years on Spa Creek in Annapolis where he developed his love for the water. He moved with the family to Latin America, spent time in Georgia and California, and served in the US Army. He was a hard worker, a creative and respected leader, managing purchasing, shipping and warehouse operations over the course of his career. In mid-life he chose to complete his bachelor’s degree through EMU’s Adult Degree Completion Program. He worked to live, but life came first; he lived it fully and with passion.
