Ten EMU seniors were honored as this year’s "Cords of Distinction" recipients in an awards ceremony held following university chapel on Monday, Apr. 20.
‘Cords of Distinction’ recipients (standing, l. to r.): Laura Cattell, Webster Contreras, Jackson Maust, David Showalter, Rachael Clemmer. (Seated, l. to r.): Natalie Bonilla, Rebeca Barge, Sarah Kalichman, Michelle Kennel and Katie Lehman.
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. 26, 2009.
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.
The recipients are:
- Rebeca S. Barge, Harrisonburg, major in social work and Spanish;
- Natalie Bonilla, Reading, Pa., major in nursing;
- Laura C. Cattell, Honey Brook, Pa., major in environmental science and justice, peace and conflict studies;
- Rachael L. Clemmer, Harleysville, Pa., major in nursing;
- Webster A. Contreras, Harrisonburg, major in nursing;
- Sarah E. Kalichman, Richmond, Va., major in mathematics and liberal arts;
- Michelle M. Kennel, Jonesboro, Ga., major in psychology and history;
- Katie Lehman, Archbold, Ohio, major in biology;
- Jackson T. Maust, Bay Port, Mich., major in biology
- David N. Showalter, Harrisonburg, major in biochemistry