Transfer Student Profiles
Rhonda Obaugh
Hometown: McDowell Va
College/University you transferred from: Blue Ridge Community College
Major: Social Work
Why EMU?
I chose to transfer to EMU for many reasons, including the social work program, location, and the intercultural component of EMU. The Social Work program offers intimate class sizes, interesting learning experiences and opportunities to collaborate with different departments. Harrisonburg is a great college town that has a lot to offer students. Also, EMU has unique intercultural opportunities for all of their students. These include semester long study abroad trips, summer trips and other more local opportunities, allowing students to find the perfect fit.
What was transferring like for you?
At first, transferring to EMU was challenging socially. Thankfully the community here at EMU really made me feel welcomed as a transfer student. I was able to easily connect with campus events, classmates, and professors.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
Because transferring can be a challenge, I would encourage a student starting their college transfer search to spend time discovering what is important to them in a college. Then, they will have an idea on what colleges might be a perfect fit.
Alcinda Brubaker
Hometown: Keezletown, Virginia|
College/University you transferred from: James Madison University
Major: Digital Media and Communication, Marketing
Why EMU?
1) I come from a Mennonite background and campus is right outside my hometown so it just felt right . 2) The Visual and Communications Arts department has a great reputation and I was also interested in the new Marketing major/minor. 3) The student to professor ratio is also perfect for my learning style.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
Transferring is a big transition and another chance to pursue a degree so make sure to thoroughly consider the location, major program, and student involvement opportunities so that you thrive the second time. Higher education allows you to learn, grow, and follow your passion confidently from the classroom to the career field so think of graduation day and which institution’s diploma you’ll be proud to be holding that will be your key to success in the real world.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at EMU?
Being the social media content creator for my Student Life Marketing internship and spending time with friends and attending events in Common Grounds.
Alema Tewelde
Hometown: I’m originally from Adigrat,Tigray, Ethiopia but have lived in Harrisonburg for 4
years
College/University you transferred from: Blue Ridge Community College
Major: Computer Science
Why EMU?
I chose EMU because I wanted to study Computer Science. Finding a community that supports my goals was really important to me. Since I’ve been here, I have really enjoyed the Professors and their guidance in the classroom.
What was transferring like for you?
I met Katie at BRCC and she helped me prepare for the transfer process. She reviewed my transcripts and made recommendations on courses to complete at BRCC. She helped me every step of the way which was excellent. I definitely recommend transferring to EMU, the faculty and staff care about your future and goals.
Micah Wenger
Hometown: Hutchinson, Kansas
College/University you transferred from: Bethel College (North Newton, Kansas)
Major: Music and peacebuilding
Why EMU?
I felt unfulfilled at Bethel, socially. I had expected to meet other young Mennonites with similar interests and felt as though there weren’t a lot of those people at Bethel. At EMU, there’s more of those people. I worked for two summers at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, where there’s a pretty big Mennonite contingent from EMU, so I met a lot of people from EMU there, thought about transferring, and decided EMU might be the place for me.
What was transferring like for you?
People I knew from camp were quick to include me in social things, so I felt included and secure since day one, which is abnormal, I think, for a lot of transfers.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
Similar to being a freshman in college, just being willing to go out and do things and chat with people makes a big difference. People here tend to be pretty friendly. I found they’re usually happy to chat.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at EMU?
A lot of music: I take piano lessons, I’m in the orchestra, and in the choir. I’m also part of the group that’s working to put on a theater show next semester.
Hezekiah Brown
Hometown: Stafford, Virginia
College/University you transferred from: Lesley University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Major: Business administration
Why EMU?
I chose to transfer to EMU because my old coach was let go, and this school had a really solid and sound campus environment. My parents actually mentioned the nice little coffee shop in the Commons (Common Grounds Coffeehouse!) as they were visiting for a JMU football game. I also chose this school because of the facilities it has to offer. My last school didn’t even have its own gymnasium, which makes a world of a difference.
What was transferring like for you?
Transferring was an easy transition because everyone here is so welcoming.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
My advice to other transfer students would be to put yourself out there and socialize as much as possible in your first few weeks to find out who your people might be. And to look for a school that has strong and helpful resources like EMU. I actually got registered to come here the week before school started, and I have people from the admissions team like Lexi, Liz, and a few others to thank for all their help in such a short amount of time.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at EMU?
Before my basketball season started up, I enjoyed activities like pickleball, gospel choir, the outdoors club, and also biking around town with some friends, along with being a part of Student Government Association (SGA) and working at Royals’ Den. They have so much to offer at this school!
Benjamin Elliott
Hometown: Broadway, Virginia
College/University you transferred from: Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave, Virginia)
Major: Political science & peacebuilding and development, with sociology minor
Why EMU?
My father has been a PA announcer for basketball and volleyball at EMU since 2009, and this school has been a part of my life since then. I love EMU’s commitment to radical justice and change.
What was transferring like for you?
It’s been easy. Shout-out to Liz (Heilbronner) and the wonderful admissions team. Dayton and the staff at BRCC helped as well.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
Find what you’re passionate about and what program best fits that interest. The more passionate you are about the subject, the better your experience will be.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at EMU?
Peace Fellowship and Mennonite Action, and writing opinion pieces for The Weather Vane. I’ve met a ton of great people in these groups who all share the same commitment to justice as I do.
Jose Lopez Vasquez
Hometown: Harrisonburg, Virginia
College/University you transferred from: Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave, Virginia)
Major: Computer science
Why EMU?
The primary reason I chose to transfer to EMU was because it felt like home. When I was searching for I would go to finish my degree, EMU welcomed me and showed me there was a genuine spirit of connection and support. Even though it’s close to home and I was awarded a STEM scholarship, the ultimate deciding factor was that EMU made me feel like I belonged here.
What was transferring like for you?
Transferring to EMU was a smooth and welcoming experience. From the beginning, they guided me through each step and made sure I had everything I needed. Not once did I feel at a loss during the process.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
My advice to other transfer students is to look for a school where you truly feel a connection. Choose a place that makes you feel comfortable and supported, but also challenges you to grow and push yourself.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at EMU?
I’m a tutor for other students majoring in computer science. I’m also part of the NSF-STEM Scholarship Program, which has given me opportunities to connect with other students in STEM fields. I’m an active member of Latinx Student Alliance (LSA) and enjoy taking part in their events.
