The Spring/Summer 2016 issue of Crossroads is now available online in a digital version (and in your mailbox if you are an alumnus with a current U.S. address on file). While all of our magazines are the result of many hours of work and much thoughtful collaboration, this one has perhaps exceeded past records.
Seeking a fresh look as Crossroads nears its third decade and EMU approaches its Centennial in 2017-18, a lengthy redesign process began in the fall of 2015, led by brand manager and graphic designer Jon Styer ’07 and editor-in-chief Lauren Jefferson, but with also much input from the campus community and from the 1,100 readers who responded to our reader survey.
We hope this new magazine, with refreshed colors and new graphic elements, reflects the diversity of the university’s programming and the people who comprise the entire community of Eastern Mennonite University, while still maintaining the high editorial standards and much-loved qualities of previous editions (and indeed, the predecessor to Crossroads, the Bulletin).
This issue celebrates retiring President Loren Swartzendruber, welcomes incoming president Susan Schultz Huxman, and features educator-alumni (the education theme was last visited in 2007).
We also recognize our alumni honorees
- Harvey Yoder ’64, SEM ’99, Alumnus of the Year;
- Donna Beachy ’69 and Wayne ’67 Burkhart, Distinguished Service Award;
- Grace Schrock-Hurst Praseyto ’10, Outstanding Young Alumnus.
Also inside:
- With 402 of 1334 EMU-prepared educators working in Virginia, our opening feature discusses this local influence , with the perspectives of Harold Lehman ’36, former professor at EMU and James Madison University, and Jenna Martin-Trinka ’07, dual language program teacher.
- Eric Payne MA ’16, a special education teacher at Fort Defiance High School in Virginia, shares his long and challenging journey to and from EMU. Eric is an assistant basketball coach at EMU.
- Donna Frey ’87 Bowen, a 25-year veteran of the classroom, uses technology to teach high school mathematics in Midland, Michigan.
- Explore restorative justice with principals Eloy Rodriguez ’03 and Jennifer Morris ’91.
- Professors Don Clymer SEM’08 and Lori Leaman ’88 reflect on soul-baring and soul-searching pedagogy.
For a quick snapshot of what’s going on with our faculty and staff and alumni, check out Mileposts. Submit your own update here.
This issue also includes a schedule of the Oct. 14-16, 2016 Homecoming events.
And lastly, read more about Sarah Beck Weirich ’11, who posed most graciously for what became the cover photo of this issue on a cold and blustery April morning in Covington, Virginia. On our education webpage, she tells about how her EMU education has prepared her for professional challenges and flexibility. Congratulations to Sarah and her husband Justin, a newly graduated doctor of osteopathy, as they move to new jobs in Indiana.
Please keep in touch!