Meet Your Tour Guide
Jessamine Domingo
Hometown: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Year: Junior
Major/minor: Double major in Nursing and Spanish and Hispanic Studies
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family. I enjoy reading especially dystopian novels and mostly fantasy. I enjoy baking and doing arts and crafts in my free time.
Why did you choose EMU?
I loved how every time I visited campus I felt very welcomed. The students on campus are very friendly and welcoming and it just felt like the right fit for me. I knew that I also wanted a school with small classes and where professors know your name and EMU was it. I was also drawn to the EMU’s nursing program and I like how many professors go by first name bases.
Favorite EMU memory ?
By far my favorite memory has been the late night study sessions, which was how I met many of my good friends now. It is nice to stay up late with other people and enjoy deep conversations. Another favorite memory has been the multiple nights some friends and I go up the hill and enjoy the sunset while enjoying some snacks.
Future intercultural?
I got to visit Spain summer of 2022 and it was a blast!
Favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley?
I enjoy visiting downtown to enjoy a variety of different foods and desserts. I also enjoy many of the beautiful sceneries we have close by and I especially enjoy the festivals that happen in town such as the international festival. I also love the changing of the season, especially fall.
Ben Alderfer
Hometown: Broadway, Virginia
Year: Junior
Major/Minor: Majors in Business Administration and Business Analytics, Minor in Accounting
Hobbies: Golfing, disc golfing, playing guitar, hiking, camping, skiing, playing with my dog, and hanging out with friends
Why did you choose EMU?
The number one reason I chose EMU was the strong sense of community and welcomeness that I felt on campus. I grew up around EMU so through my youth I was able to see the incredibly strong connections made through the school and obvious love many alumni have for the college. I also saw that many very positive and influential people in the Harrisonburg community graduated from the school and I was impressed by this. Lastly, I loved the humility shown by students, professors, and staff. Everyone respects their neighbors at the school and in the community, and I wanted to carry on this tradition.
Favorite EMU memories?
My favorite EMU memory was in my first couple of weeks at EMU. I went along with several other guys into the mountains to a lake and jumped off of a tower in the middle of the water. I can so vividly remember the intense fear I felt as I jumped from the tower, and then the satisfaction and adrenaline as I landed in the water. It was an awesome afternoon activity and cool way that I met some of my best college friends. Afterwards we came back to EMU, warmed up some bean burritos, and ate outside on Thomas Plaza. A simple end to a great day and one that I will remember for a long time.
Future intercultural?
I plan to go to South Africa in the Spring of 2023! There are 14 other awesome people in the group and we are being led by Andrew and Karen Suderman along with their children. I really look forward to learning more about South African culture and history, and also gaining new world perspectives outside of those in the United States.
Favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley?
I really enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding mountain ranges. I especially like a specific place called Switzer Lake. It is a great camping location with lots of cool hikes close by. I also really enjoy skiing at Massanutten Resort. It is a great winter activity my friends and I like to take part in!
Hannah Landis
Hometown: Sellersville, Pennsylvania
Year: Junior
Majors: Double Major –Writing Studies and Spanish Language and Hispanic Studies Minor: Honors, Theater
Hobbies: Hiking, reading, storytelling (in various forms), getting to know new people and places, playing the piano and engaging intentionally with whatever is around me.
Why did you choose EMU?
I chose EMU because I was drawn to the supportive environment and how caring the professors were; I came to college with an ambitious list of what I wanted to study and learn about and I felt like the professors and opportunities here at EMU would help me take full advantage of my time. I also marveled at the gorgeous scenery around me (and still do!) and I’m grateful to be surrounded by it every day.
Favorite EMU Memories?
Some of my favorite EMU memories have been the deep, meaningful conversations I’ve been able to have with both peers and professors here, stargazing, singing in harmony in the stairwells, going for walks with friends (whether hiking or around campus), visiting Spain with the 2022 Intercultural trip, and in general spending time with the wonderful friends I’ve made.
Favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley?
I have really enjoyed getting to explore the natural scenery in the area as well as all the different coffee shops and restaurants downtown! If I am not off looking for a good chai latte or exploring a shop or park with a friend, planned hikes and canoeing trips are some of my favorite activities in the area.
Maria Bettilyon
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Year: Junior
Major: Math Education
Minor: Spanish
Hobbies: Soccer, hiking/adventuring, spending time with friends and family, puzzles
Why did I choose EMU?
I chose EMU for a couple of reasons. The first one being when I came on campus for the first time I instantly felt at home, everyone was so welcoming and I could feel the sense of community and belonging. The class sizes and relationships with professors was also another factor in my decision. In addition, I love campus; the size, location, and accessibility were all exactly, what I was looking for in a school, small campus, close to a city but also close to hikes and backroads, and not a long drive to simply get groceries.
Favorite EMU memories?
There are so many to choose from even after a not-so-normal year as a first-year!! One of my favorite memories is the movie nights my friends and I would have, one night we pulled an all-nighter watching all the high school musical movies and then went to Mr. J’s Bagels and got breakfast and coffee to watch the sunrise on the hill. Another one of my favorite memories actually came from a visit I made to the school (which helped convince me this was the place for me), I was staying with one of the girls on the soccer team and the night I was here she decided to go dumpster diving with a couple of her friends. I had never heard of dumpster diving so this was a new experience for me but I had a blast and I forgot that I was with complete strangers the whole time. Not only did we go dumpster diving, but also the following morning they took me to Reddish Knob to see the sunrise and it was an amazing experience, the view was spectacular, and it remains one of my favorite places to go and watch the sunrise with friends.
Future intercultural?
I traveled to Guatemala in the spring of 2022! It was amazing and a wonderful learning experience in so many different ways!
Favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley?
Some of my favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley are all of the local hikes, watching the sunrise and sunset from different overlooks, visiting different coffee and food shops, and exploring downtown. My friends and I have gone on a couple different hikes the past year and we plan to continue to find more because there are so many options. There are so many local shops and places to eat and relax downtown, it is always a good time to go and take a break with friends or family.
What sport do you play? What is your favorite part of being a DIII athlete?
I am on the women’s soccer team at EMU. One of my favorite parts of being a DIII athlete is the opportunity to continue to improve in not only soccer but also in life skills like communication, time management and working with others to achieve a common goal. Not only that, but getting to know my teammates and have a group of girls that I can connect with on a deeper level is definitely an advantage as a DIII athlete.
Nathan Oostland
Hometown: Goshen, Indiana
Year: Junior
Major/minor: Marketing, Digital Communications, Rec Sports Management
Hobbies: Ultimate Frisbee, Tennis, Rock Climbing, Hiking, Biking, Sewing
Why did you choose EMU?
I came to EMU for the smaller class sizes and the Harrisonburg area. I feel comfortable engaging with professors and classmates because they are all familiar faces. The city of Harrisonburg has lots to offer for shops and activities. The outdoor scene in the area is also great.
Favorite EMU memories
Freshman year I really enjoyed watching the sunset on the hill and spent several late nights just hanging out there with friends. Another good memory is longboarding around campus and other neighborhoods with big hills. In the winter the campus hill is a great place for sledding.
If you haven’t gone, which intercultural are you looking at?
I’m currently enrolled in the South Africa intercultural for the spring of 2023. I’m excited to visit different cities there and learn about how apartheid continues to impact their lives today.
Favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley?
One of my favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley is hiking and camping. High Knob is a short hike with 360 degree views of Virginia and West Virginia where I’ve slept out a few times to watch beautiful sunsets and sunrises. I love getting coffee or going out to eat with friends downtown. I recommend Back Porch Coffee and Benny’s Pizza. A recent Saturday morning for me started with playing pickleball which was open to the community then heading over to the farmers marketing and getting a smoothie.
Hannah Giagnocavo
Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Year: Senior
Major: Biology and Pre-Professional Health Studies (Physical Therapy focus)
Minor: Psychology
Hobbies: Weightlifting, cooking, being active and outdoors, and spending time with friends.
Why did you choose EMU?
I choose EMU because of the small class sizes, personal relationships wth professors, and the STEM programs. EMU quickly made the impression of being a friendly and student-success oriented campus and I knew that this would be where I wanted to spend the next four years being a pre-med.
Favorite EMU memories?
My favorite EMU memories include taking Advanced Human anatomy and getting to work with the cadavers [one of the main reasons why I choose to come to EMU and it greatly aided in my retention of anatomy and physiology], trivia night at Common Grounds, which is our on-campus coffee shop, and getting the chance to host game night with my friends.
Future intercultural?
I am hoping to be able to travel to the middle east this upcoming summer. It's a bucket list item for me for sure!
Favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley?
Some of my favorite things to do in the Shenandoah valley include shopping at the Downtown Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market or at the Friendly City Food Co-op, window shopping at Angora Market in Downtown, Eating spring rolls at Beyond, and having a cup of coffee with friends at Black Sheep coffee shop.
Luke Wheeler
Hometown: Hudson, Michigan
Year: Senior
Major: Engineering
Minor: Spanish
Hobbies: Playing basketball and ultimate frisbee, as well board games and card games with my friends.
Why did you choose EMU?
I chose EMU because of several things but I really loved the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, several of my siblings have gone to EMU and loved it and the interculturels sounded awesome. I haven't gone on my intercultural yet, but I am really looking forward to it!
Favorite EMU memories?
I have several really good memories that I have been able to make with my friends here at EMU including going hiking at Fridley's Gap which is a nearby hike, driving out to Reddish Knob last fall one morning really early to watch the sunrise (it was freezing cold but well worth it), and playing in as many intramurals as possible with my friend group. We might have been pretty bad, but it was really fun anyways!
Favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley:
The hikes and views in the Shenandoah Valley are unbeatable! I grew up in the middle of corn fields, so I have really loved going on hikes and driving up to Reddish Knob with my friends. I also went kayaking down the North Fork of the Shenandoah River this summer and it was beautiful; I also got to catch a couple of fish! It is also really fun to go into downtown Harrisonburg and eat at one of the amazing restaurants or get some ice cream from Kline’s!
Zach Bauman
Hometown: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Year: Junior
Major: Environmental Science
Hobbies: Disc golf, hiking, fishing, canoeing, golf, soccer, pickleball
Why did you choose EMU?
EMU was close to home. The community at EMU is really close and gives space to question and grow in your faith. The professors are very helpful and willing to work with you and your interests, whether it is in hands-on research, extra learning material, or even play a casual round of disc golf. I was able to get a nice financial aid package from EMU as well.
Favorite EMU memories?
I thoroughly enjoyed hammocking on top of a mountain for a night in November. We got to see the sunset and sunrise and experience the bone-chilling cold that comes with being on top of a mountain in November.
Favorite thing to do in the Shenandoah Valley?
The amount of hikes that are within an hour's drive is super great. I also love the amount of disc golf tournaments that are up and down the Shenandoah Valley that I can participate in.
Future intercultural?
I am thinking about going on the New Zealand intercultural because of the environmental science focus and the cooler weather.
Mana Acosta
Hometown: Salem, Oregon
Year: Sophomore
Major: Engineering (computer emphasis)
Hobbies: Soccer, ultimate frisbee, longboarding, hiking, and finding unique places to swim!
Why did you choose EMU?
I had an amazing time on a weekend visit in high school as a prospective student. Everyone was so welcoming and I could see myself belonging. I instantly fell in love with the ultimate frisbee team and the commitment to sustainability. EMU offered me good financial aid and answers to my thousands of questions which made it affordable and easy to apply.
Favorite EMU memories?
My favorite EMU memories include hiking every Tuesday freshman year, hammocking on Skyline Drive, Reddish Knob, and High Knob, going on a Spring Break trip to El Salvador with other EMU students, and going to Bolivia to build a bridge.
Favorite thing to do in the Shenandoah Valley?
EVERYTHING! I love hiking, mountain biking, swimming, snowboarding, going on drives, camping, and stargazing. Anything to get me outside to the surreal Virginia mountains. It feels like home away from home.
Future intercultural?
I am planning to go to Guatemala in Spring of 2023.
Ella Brubaker
Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Year: Sophomore
Major: History and Political Science
Minor: Spanish
Hobbies: Reading, Hiking, Journaling, thrifting, enjoying nature, and spending time with my family and adorable dog.
Why did you choose EMU?
One of the main reasons I chose EMU was because of the intercultural programs. I lived
in Cusco, Peru for seven years, and because of that, I love learning about new cultures
and places. EMU was also the perfect distance away from home and offered the best
financial aid. Finally, everyone was very welcoming when I visited campus, and this
made me excited to be a part of the EMU community.
Favorite EMU memories?
My favorite EMU memories include watching sunsets on top of the hill, going on hikes with my friends, talking in the dining hall for way too long, and playing volleyball intramurals.
Favorite thing to do in the Shenandoah Valley?
One of my favorite things to do in the Shenandoah valley is to spend time outdoors. There are a lot of beautiful hiking trails nearby, such as High Knob. I also like to go downtown and try out different cafes and restaurants. Harrisonburg also has a few thrift stores, such as the Gift and Thrift near campus, which I like to explore.
Future intercultural?
I am hoping to go to Guatemala in Spring 2024!
Evan Kauffman
Hometown: Bellefontaine, Ohio
Year: Second-year
Major: Biology
Minor: Mathematics, Honors
Hobbies: Reading, Hiking, Amateur radio, and spending time with family and friends.
Why did you choose EMU?
When I visited, I felt a strong sense of community and belonging, and I also really appreciated EMU’s commitment to support and celebrate the cultural diversity of its student body. I’ve also had various family members who have attended, so that was a large influence for me.
Favorite EMU memories?
Some of my favorite EMU memories include sunset hikes in the nearby mountains, getting to know a large number of friends across campus, and packing frozen meals for students to take. One memory that really stands out was the time I convinced about 30 friends to sit on top of the EMU hill with me and watch a lunar eclipse at 4 in the morning. It was freezing cold and far too early in the morning, but we all had fun together.
Favorite thing to do in the Shenandoah Valley?
One of my favorite activities is spending time outside, whether it’s hiking in the mountains or enjoying the beautiful weather on campus. It’s especially pleasant during the fall, when all the trees turn vivid shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown, and the air is cool and crisp.
Future intercultural?
I’m hoping to travel to the Middle East this summer!
