‘Cords of Distinction’ recipients: (seated, l. to r.) Lars A. Akerson, Benjamin W. Beitzel, Matthew R. Garber, Lisa N. King; (standing, l. to r.) Ho-Hyun Lee, Jered C. Lyons, Ral E. Nwankwo, Emi K. Oda, Joanne E. Smucker, and Matthew D. Swartley. Photo by Jim Bishop
Ten EMU seniors were honored as this year’s “Cords of Distinction” recipients in an awards ceremony held at the close of university chapel Monday, Apr. 21.
The students, nominated by faculty, staff and fellow students, were cited for exemplifying the school’s highest ideals. They will wear gold and blue cords as they graduate on Apr. 27, 2008.
Blue represents the strength of conviction that one person can help to create a better institution or community. Gold represents the love of spirit and yearning towards creating a better university environment or community in which all may take part.
The students were selected for their “significant and verifiable impact” on the university and on student life, for their contributions to developing the institution’s positive image, for substantial contributions to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County area and beyond, for their high academic and social standing and their embodiment of EMU’s shared values of Christian discipleship, community, service and peacebuilding.
“Cords of Distinction” Recipients
- Lars A. Akerson, Harrisonburg, major in mathematics and liberal arts with minor in Spanish
- Benjamin W. Beitzel, Springs, Pa., major in nursing with minor in business administration
- Matthew R. Garber, Elizabethtown, Pa., major in nursing with minor in Bible and religion
- Lisa N. King, Harrisonburg, major in nursing
- Ho-Hyun Lee, Republic of Korea, major in biochemistry with minor in business administration
- Jered C. Lyons, Frederick, Md., major in communication
- Ral E. Nwankwo, Silver Spring, Md., major in history and psychology
- Emi K. Oda, Sapporo, Japan, major in justice, peace and conflict studies with minor in psychology
- Joanne E. Smucker, Lancaster, Pa., major in biology with minors in business administration and chemistry
- Matthew D. Swartley, Harrisonburg, major in business administration and computer information systems and minor in accounting.