Seniors earning the Cords of Distinction at Eastern Mennonite University included: (top row, from left) Brooke Lacock, Carissa Luginbill, Jolee Paden, Londen Wheeler, Philip Watson, Jr. (bottom row, from left) Bethany Chupp, Hannah Chappell-Dick, Tyler Eshleman, Anahely Cruz and Teresa Garcia-Bautista. (Photo by Andrew Strack)

Ten seniors honored with Cords of Distinction for their impact on campus and community

by admin

Ten graduating seniors were honored as Cords of Distinction recipients in a ceremony held Saturday afternoon, April 30, 2016 at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU).

Faculty, staff and fellow students nominated the recipients, who were cited 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.

They wore gold and blue cords during the graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 1.

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Philip Watson Jr. listens while Multicultural Student Services advisor Celeste Thomas talks about his impact on the EMU community.

Blue represents strength of conviction that one person can help to create a better institution or community.

Gold represents the love of spirit and yearning toward creating a better university environment or community.

2016 Cords of Distinction recipients

  • Hannah Chappell-Dick, major in biology and minor in kinesiology and exercise science and coaching from Bluffton, Ohio;
  • Bethany Chupp, major in psychology and minor in art from Canby, Oregon;
  • Anahely Cruz, major in liberal arts, elementary education licensure (PreK-6), special education licensure (K-12) and minor in psychology from New Market, Virginia;
  • Tyler Eshleman, major in peacebuilding and development and minor in sociology from Harrisonburg, Virginia;
  • Teresa Garcia-Bautista, major in history and Spanish language and Hispanic studies and minor in pre-law from Timberville, Virginia;
  • Brooke Lacock, major in psychology and minor in art from Paradise, Pennsylvania;
  • Carissa Luginbill, major in social work and minor in art and psychology from Bluffton, Ohio;
  • Jolee Paden, major in business administration and recreation leadership and sport promotion from Saint Joseph, Illinois;
  • Philip Watson, Jr., major psychology and minor in photography from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
  • Londen Wheeler, major in digital media, photography, and communication from Faber, Virginia.