FACULTY & STAFF
Beryl Brubaker, class of ’64, has received the 2012 Alumna of the Year award from Belleville Mennonite School. The award is given to alumni who demonstrate the mission of “changing the world through Christlike service, peacemaking, and leadership.” Hired at EMU as a nursing instructor, she was instrumental in establishing EMU’s tradition of excellence in nursing in the 1970s and 1980s. She completed a doctorate in nursing at the University of Alabama in 1984 and chaired EMU’s nursing department for 10 years. In 1994, Beryl became EMU’s vice president for enrollment, where she led the school to achieve record enrollment. In 2000, she became the university’s first provost, a position she held until she officially retired in the summer of 2008. This included an eight-month period when she was interim university president until Loren Swartzendruber filled the position permanently in 2004. In 2009, she was asked to emerge from retirement to direct EMU’s library on a half-time basis. She continues in this role to this day while also doing volunteer work. Beryl is active in her church, Park View Mennonite, and has been named chair of the board of the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center, beginning in 2013. Previously she chaired the board of Mennonite Mutual Aid (now Everence).
Gary Moore , class of ’98, is the new men’s volleyball coach. He brings experience coaching both men’s and women’s volleyball at Rutgers University, Norfolk State University and Christopher Newport University, as well as widespread involvement on the club level with USA Volleyball. Gary also is lead coach and owner of Dominion Volleyball Club in Hampton Roads, Va. Moore played for Eastern Mennonite during the 1996 season before transferring to D-I George Mason University.
Lisa Schirch, research professor at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) at EMU, is the founding director of 3P Human Security – Partners for Peacebuilding Policy (previously 3D Security Iniative). 3P connects policymakers with global civil society networks, facilitates civil-military dialogue, and provides a confilict prevention and peacebuilding lens on current policy issues. As policy advisor for the Alliance for Peacebuilding, Lisa has been successful in engaging Washington in conversations about conflict prevention through 3P. She seeks to open channels of communication between U.S. policymakers and local civil society organizations working to build human security from the ground up. 3P is a collaboration between CJP at EMU, the Alliance for Peacebuilding, the Kroc Institue at Notre Dame University, and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, working to change the U.S. approach to peace.
Benjamin (Ben) Spotts is the new head baseball coach at EMU. Previously, he was the assistant baseball coach at Bridgewater College and filled other various roles, such as recruiting coordinator and director of the academic tracking program for 14 years. In addition to coaching, Ben has been a resident director, director of housing and judicial affairs, and National Collegiate Athletic Association compliance coordinator. Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help bolster and redefine EMU’s baseball program.
1950-59
J. David Eshleman ‘58, SEM ‘61, Dover, Ohio, has published his third book, titled Power Scriptures for Successful Living, 366 Timely Devotionals with Masthof Press. His previous two works include Living with Godly Passion, 366 daily readings for those with a passion to share Jesus (Masthof Press 2010) and Now Go Forward, Reaching out to Grow Your Congregation (Herald Press 2009).
Laura Kurtz ‘58, Lititz, Pa., is the secretary for the East Africa Missionary Group (EAMG). The group meets once a month for updates and prayer times and sends their minutes by email to over 100 addresses. Laura has the unique task of making the minutes concise in order to explain enough to the constituency, and yet keep them to one or two pages for easier filing. This is particularly challenging, as history has not flowed as written. She has had to sort through submissions of material and decipher particular individual pastors that are referred to by various names. Yet God provided passage for her to travel to Kenya and Tanzania in January 2012 to meet with representatives, students, teachers, and other church leaders that make up the EAMG. Now at age 82, she is planning a return trip.
Richard ‘59 and Elaine Hunter (SEM ‘62) Stoltzfus, Dayton, Va., have retired from their long-time service work in Harlan County, Ky., and resettled in Dayton, Va., where they continue to stay active by working as volunteers at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic. Richard obtained his Virginia medical license so he could continue to contribute all he could to the community.
1960-69
Richard Keeler ‘60, Couva, Trinidad, received the Award for Christian Excellence from the National Academy of Performing Arts in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, on March 11, 2012. The Trinidad & Tobago Council of Evangelical Churches, in collaboration with the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, Trinidad Chapter, commemorated Trinidad & Tobago’s 50th anniversary of independence by recognizing leaders in various Christian endeavors.
Raul Tadeo ‘62, Dalton, Ohio, and his wife, Vanita, have been bridging Wayne and Holmes counties to Mexico for years by meeting the spiritual and physical needs of the people who live in both. Fluent in Spanish, they have overcome the communication barrier by providing important literature, translating during doctor’s visits and making connections for employment. Together they provide food, shelter, transportation and listening ears. Their example has been instrumental in the establishment of the Open Arms Ministry, a non-profit organization focused not only on financial help, but also helping to find employment, provide English lessons, and solve other pertinent needs in a Christ-like fashion.
Stanley ‘63 and Marlene Nice ‘65 Kropf, Port Townsend, Wash., have returned to the Pacific Northwest upon retirement from their work in northern Indiana. Stanley retired from administration at Great Lakes Mennonite Central Committee and Marlene from teaching at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and from Mennonite Church USA. They now reside in Port Townsend, Wash., a historic Victorian seaport village on the Olympic Peninsula.
Carl L. Good ‘64, Lititz, Pa., has dedicated his life to serving the Mennonite Church, as well as to many individuals suffering from mental illness. He graduated from New York Theological Seminary in 1969 and from the University of Tennessee in 1974 with a PhD in psychology. In 1982, Carl became the executive director of what is now Mennonite Health Services (MHS), leading the organization to new levels of relationship with the Mennonite Church and other non-profit organizations. When his tenure with MHS ended, he began providing psychological services to the elderly community at Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, Pa., until his retirement in 2009. He now resides at Landis Homes with his loving wife, Lois Zimmerman Good, class of ‘65.
Joyce Bontrager ‘65 Lehman, Keene, N.H., retired from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where she worked as program officer of financial services for the poor. Her work looked at a range of formal financial services such as savings, insurance, payment systems and money transfers needed by poor individuals all over the world. Prior to the Gates Foundation, Joyce sold her private accounting practice to pursue a career of teaching in the business department of Goshen College. While there, she joined the staff of Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) as a microfinance consultant and was sent to Kabul, Afghanistan, to prepare a business plan to start a microcredit program. Currently, Joyce is doing some consulting work and hopes to write a book. As the keynote speaker at EMU’s 2012 “donor appreciation banquet,” Joyce credited EMU for offering her a bridge from her insular Amish background to caring about the well-being of people throughout the world and urged her audience to continue supporting the mission, vision and values embodied in EMU.
James (Jim) L. Rosenberger ‘68, State College, Pa., a professor of statistics at Penn State University, was elected to the position of Vice President of the American Statistical Association (ASA). The ASA is the world’s largest community of statisticians, supporting “excellence in the development, application, and dissemination of statistical science through meetings, publications, membership services, education accrediation, and advocacy.” Jim joins the ASA with an already sterling career, including editorship of periodicals such as Statistical Science and Computational Statistics and Data Analysis; fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science; and consulting statistician for the Strategic Highway Research Program, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, and for private companies. He has mentored over 40 master’s and doctoral degree graduate students and currently serves as director of outreach and online programs at Penn State.
1970-79
Rev. Ken Fellenbaum ‘71, Milford, Conn., was appointed to Head Pastor at Wildermere Beach Congregational Church.
Wayne Lawton ‘71, SEM ‘75, Elizabethtown, Pa., accompanied grandson Matt Nissley to “Islam and the Gospel in Dynamic Engagement,” a class taught by David Shenk.
Linda Alderfer, class of ‘71, Martin, Harleysville, Pa., early childhood consultant, participated in a meeting of Anabaptist-Mennonite educational leaders held in Switzerland from May 26-30, 2012. The purpose of the meeting was to establish the goals and agenda for an education summit to be held in conjunction with Mennonite World Conference Assembly, scheduled for July 2015 in Harrisburg, Pa. Linda is a council member of the Mennonite Early Childhood Network. She works with Tracy Hough, assistant professor of teacher education at EMU and MECN council member.
Bruce A. Yoder ‘72, Richmond, Va., is the vice president for philanthropy of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Greater Richmond. Bruce oversees the “strengthening communities fund” of the YMCA that raises more than $2.5 million to ensure the facility remains open to all.
Kenneth Miller ’75, Sarasota, Fla., was surprised to see his father, Clayton W. Miller, in a group photo of WWII Civilian Public Service workers at Norristown State Hospital published in the “mental health” issue of Crossroads last spring. Miller, a nursing major at EMC, himself is working in mental health as clinical manager of behavioral health at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Fla.
James H. Bergey ‘76, Chesapeake, Va., began making ice cream in 1978, two years after graduating from EMC, a tradition that continues today. His family’s business, Bergey’s Breadbasket, has striven to provide a quality product from cow to customer, which requires careful ingredient choice, emulsification, and constant vigilance over the entire freezing process. James sells six flavors at any given time.
Gloria Yoder ‘76 Diener, Harrisonburg, Va., delivered the commencement address entitled “Catch the Light” at the 94th annual graduation ceremony of Eastern Mennonite High School (EMHS) in Lehman Auditorium on June 3, 2012. Gloria taught English for 23 years – 20 at EMHS and three in Honduras. She is a member of the EMHS board of directors and a freelance writer.
Arland Esch, class of ‘77, Lebanon, Ohio, is continuing his career teaching medical residents in family medicine at Bethesda Family Medicine Program in Cincinatti. Additonally, he is involved in teaching medical students at the University of Cincinnati Medical School. Prior to moving to Lebanon, Arland practiced with several EMU grads including Randall Longenecker ‘75, Roger Kauffman ‘73, Dave Eubanks ‘75, Chuck Kratz ‘88, and John Wenger ‘85 in West Liberty, Ohio, for 17 years.
Anita Rheinheimer ‘78 Yoder, Goshen Ind., is in her third year of a three-year role with Career Development Professionals of Indiana (CDPI) as past president. CDPI is a group of over 180 career services offices throughout Indiana whose missions are similar – helping to prepare students for professional employment after college. Some of Anita’s responsibilites have included being the board liaison for conference chairs, leading board meetings and membership business meetings at conferences, and overseeing implementation of the board’s goals. Her specific accomplishments of the past year have included creating a board policy manual, writing job descriptions for board members, and the implementing of a website designed for small nonprofits. Anita hopes that when her term ends, CDPI will have “a clearer vision of their mission and potential to serve the state.”
Helen Stoltzfus, class of ‘78, Oakland, Calif., along with the other three co-artistic directors of The Jewish Theatre (TJT), announced that 2011-12 marks the company’s final season, closing a run of 34 years. Founded in 1978, TJT mined Jewish identity and experience in all its historical, folkloric, mystical, and contemporary dimensions, reinventing the Jewish storytelling tradition. They created shows as a community, an approach rare to the American theater, which uniquely brought a richness and complexity to their plays that was palpable for their audiences.
Sylvia Clymer ‘79 Helmuth, MA ‘03 (education), Harrisonburg, Va., was one of 24 teachers in the Rockingham County School system who received the Rockingham County Teacher of the Year Award. Sylvia is a reading specialist, working with primary grades K – 2 at Peak View Elementary School.
1980-89
Kevin King ’81, Lititz, Pa., is executive director of Mennonite Disaster Service, for which he began working in February 2004. King personally checked on the 20 MDS volunteers who were dispatched after Hurricane Sandy hit the town of Midland Beach on Staten Island, killing 25 and devasting a 10-mile-long strip. A Nov. 10 feature on King in the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal, described the disaster-related work King did after graduating from EMU with a degree in agricultural development. He helped Brazilians respond to drought by digging wells. He responded to Hurricane Gilbert while teaching in Jamaica. And he worked on relief projects from Mennononite Central Committee’s U.S. headquarters in Akron, Pa., a role which took him to North Korea, Bosnia and countries in Africa. King also holds an MBA from Eastern University.
Michael Miller ‘82, Boonsboro, Md., started a private music studio called “Miller’s Music Instruction” in both Fredericks and Boonsboro, Md. He provides a wide range of band and orchestral instruction, specializing in piano and guitar.
Doug Phillips ‘82, Keezletown, Va., associate district executive for Outdoor Ministries, Shenandoah District Church of the Brethren, has been employed at Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center since 1983. This summer will mark his 30th year there.
Kristie (Kris) Visserman ‘82 Douglas, Rome, Ga., was recently hired as one of four new faculty members at the School of Nursing of Shorter University. She is passionate about integrating faith into practice to help nursing students fulfill their God-given potential and develop into caring and competent nurse leaders. Kris brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, as she was chair of the MUSC Nurse Alliance, was awarded the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses, and is experienced in psychiatric, school, and camp nursing. In addition, Kris is currently completing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Gardner-Webb University.
Nathan Barge ‘84, MA ‘99 (conflict transformation), Harrisonburg, Va., works as a restorative justice consultant based in Harrisonburg, Va. He recently returned from three weeks of training with the Mennonite churches in Paraguay. He has edited a Spanish manual PREVIO for training restorative justice facilitators in victim-offender conferencing. Nathan is fluent in Spanish, having spent 14 years working in Latin America with Mennonite Central Committee. He also volunteers with the Fairfield Center in Harrisonburg with their restorative justice programs.
Leslie (Les) S. Horning ‘86, MDiv ‘98, Christiansburg, Va., became associate director of seminary development, admissions, and university church relations at EMU on August 15, 2012. Les previously served as pastor of the Christianburg Mennonite Church in Christiansburg, Va. He received a master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnical Institute in 1990 and did doctoral-level studies at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond. Les is also serving as a representative of EMU to constituent conference assemblies.
Barbara Burkhart ‘87 Freed, Lancaster, Pa., and her family of five have been working in Guatemala for the last four-and-a-half years. They just recently changed the agency with which they work to Friends of Children Everywhere and are currently running an orphanage of about 160 children at Casa Bernabe. Her husband Dennis, a nurse practitioner, runs the clinic, while Barb and her daughters teach a preschool for the younger children of the home.
Jewel Lehman ‘87, Goshen, Ind., was promoted to professor of physical education and granted tenure at Goshen College.
Todd Miller, class of ‘89, Richmond, Va., was recently asked to fill the executive pastor role at Vineyard Community Church of Richmond.
Jan Dean ‘89 Liskey, Harrisonburg, Va., recently began as director of financial services for Virginia Mennonite Missions. She previously worked in financial services both at EMU and Harman Construction.
1990-99
Valerie Merfa ‘90 Kumalo, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, along with her husband, Kglotsa Sonnyboy Kumalo, volunteer with Worldwide Evangelization for Christ International as house parents for the Gateway Boarding Home in South Africa. They both are in the midst of their first year at Kwa Zulu Natal Missionary Bible College.
Jeffrey (Jeff) Gingerich ‘90, Norristown, Pa., dean for academic affairs at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa., has been selected to participate in a national leadership development program sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges and the American Academic Leadership Institute. The year-long senior leadership academy is designed to prepare 26 prospective leaders to assume positions as chief officers in any division of higher education.
Kimberly (Kim) Golden-Myers ‘91, Harrisonburg, Va., was one of 24 teachers in the Rockingham County School system who received the Rockingham County Teacher of the Year Award. She teaches third grade at Ottobine Elemetary School.
Jeffrey (Jeff) Hoover ‘92, Leola, Pa., is associate vice president of academic affairs and registrar at Lancaster Bible College. He is currently enrolled at Capella University, pursuing a master’s degree in their enrollment management program. The program is affiliated with Noel-Levitz, an industry leader in enrollment management consulting.
John Spidaliere ‘92, Lancaster, Pa., is academic and communications specialist at Project GRAD USA, a nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of public education for economically disadvantaged children in 12 targeted school districts across the nation.
Matthew Gene Tschetter ‘92, Freeman, S.D., entered a three-year service term with MCC Nicaragua as the Connecting Persons coordinator.
Karen Harlow ‘93, Penn Laird, Va., has continued her education through Cleveland State University’s online patient advocacy program. She continues to use her nursing skills as an as-needed RN volunteer at Augusta Regional Free Clinic in Fishersville, Va. Her health has greatly improved, and she wishes to thank both the alumni constituency and the university for their support since 2008.
Jacqueline Wiens ‘93 Gauthier, Denver, Colo., along with her husband, Christopher, and co-worker, Lauren Kerstein, presented “Building Relationships, Marriage, and Family in the Context of Autism” at the US Autism & Asperger Association 2012 World Conference on September 6-9. The Gauthiers have two children diagnosed with autism and one them is also affected by Asperger’s Syndrome. They have developed a language to understand one another based on Asperger’s identity and sensory issues.
Kirby King ‘93, Souderton, Pa., was licensed in October 2011 as minister of adult formation at Souderton Mennonite Church. He currently is a Bible and social studies instructor at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School.
Gilberto Pérez Jr. ‘94, Goshen, Ind., has joined the faculty team at Goshen College as associate professor of social work.
Karen Parker ‘94 Komara, Harrisonburg, Va., was one of 24 teachers in the Rockingham County School system who received the Rockingham County Teacher of the Year Award. She teaches fifth grade at Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Additonally, Karen, an 18-year Rockingham County Schools veteran, was selected as one of two teachers to receive the Lucy F. Simms Educators of the Year award at a reception on June 7, 2012.
Joseph Day ‘95, Fife, Wash., was one of three selected to be Teacher of the Month for October by the Rotary Club of Renton. This marks his 13th year of teaching math at Nelsen Middle School in Renton, Wash.
Michael Shank ‘96, MA ‘05 (conflict transformation), Washington D.C., former vice president for the Institute for Economics and Peace, was featured in a news conference on the findings of the 2012 Global Peace Index and Positive Peace Index at the Center for Strategic and International Studies headquarters in Washington D.C. on June 12, 2012. He explained how these tools, which measure negative and positive peace, respectively, can be used to assess nation-state resilience and risk, as well as monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of foreign aid, development projects and U.S. interventions. Michael has since left the Institute for Economics and Peace in order to rejoin U.S. Congressman Michael Honda on Capitol Hill. Michael is Honda’s communications director and senior policy advisor.
Philip (Phil) Zapanta ‘96, Lorton, Va., was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and continues to be an assistant professor of surgery, associate otolaryngology residency program director, and co-director of the Medical Education Fellowship at the George Washington University School of Medicine. He is married to Anne Charbeneau ’97 (see her entry below).
Rebecca H. Kauffman ‘96, Goshen Ind., graduated on May 26, 2012 with a master of divinity degree from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. She began as co-pastor of Paoli Mennonite Fellowship this past summer.
Andrew Dyck, MA ‘96 (church leadership), Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, is writing a PhD dissertation about Mennonite Brethren (MB) spirituality and contemplative influences. For the past five years, he has worked part time in pastoral ministry, teaching, and as the executive secretary for the MB historical commission.
Anne Charbeneau ‘97 Zapanta, has sung back up for several musical artists, including Bruce Springsteen during the 2008 Presidential Inauguration. She also sang with Kid Rock and Garth Brooks at an event celebrating George H.W. Bush’s Points of Light Institute at which Presidents Carter, Clinton, and Bush were in attendance. She is married to Phil Zapanta ’96 (see his entry above).
Amanda Shipe ‘97, Washington, D.C., founder and CEO of Mind Your Body Oasis, a certified Pilates instructer, and a registered yoga teacher, announced the opening of her new business, Mind Your Body Oasis, in Crystal City, Va.
Landon Miller ‘97 and Jennifer Linder ‘98, Manheim, Pa., returned from a three-year MCC stint in Tanta, Egypt, in June. While there, Jen served as an English teacher and support person who trained Egyptian teachers at a school run by the Coptic Evangelical Church. Landon taught English to adults at the Orthodox church. Since their return, Jen has found employment as the director of Children’s Ministries at Blossom Hill Mennonite Church in Lancaster and Landon as a foster care caseworker for COBYS Family Services.
Elizabeth Beachy ‘99 Hansen, Marietta, Ga., a professional playwright and screenwriter, attended the opening weekend of Jordan’s Stormy Banks at EMU’s MainStage Theater. Her script, the story of Anabaptists in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War, was produced by CrossRoads Valley Brethren Mennonite Heritage Center and EMU on June 1-17, 2012.
2000-09
Reuben Miller ‘00, Charlottesville, Va., works in maintenance and groundskeeping at Walnut Creek Park in North Garden, Va. He plays the violin in the University of Virginia Klezmer Ensemble, performing European and American Yiddish music. Reuben also is the fiddler in Ragged Mountain String Band, which recently released their first album of old-time Appalachian music through ShakeALegRecords. His wife, Holly Scott ‘02, is finishing her PhD in history from American University.
David Stutzman ‘00, Bammental, Germany, along with his wife, Rebekka, and son, Immanuel, will be serving a three-year term in Germany with tranSend through a partnership with the Bammental Mennonite Church and the South German Mennonite Conference. They will provide part-time pastoral leadership at Bammental and work to promote mission, vision and young adult leadership in the conference.
Christopher Clymer Kurtz ‘00, Linville, Va., along with Maria Clymer Kurtz ‘00 and Craig Zook, have released a new album titled “Arms Uncrossed” by the Clymer Kurtz Band. The album traces vulnerability, love, regret, and the bittersweet best of times that make up the ever after.
Moses Ole Sakuda, MA ‘00 (education), MDiv ‘00, Ngong Hills, Kenya, was elected Member of Parliament for Kajiado North Constituency in Kenya on the National Alliance ticket in a by-election in September 2012. The seat fell vacant following the death of former Internal Security Minister George Saitoti, who had held the seat for 24 years.
Matthew Lowen ‘01, Tucson, Ariz., program coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee was the featured speaker at a dialogue hosted by David’s Hope, a Phoenix-based group dedicated to bringing humane treatement to Arizona’s inmate population. He shared highlights of a recently released report “Lifetime Lockdown,” which focused on issues of solitary confinement and mass incarceration.
Erica Petersheim ‘01 Lewis, Harrisonburg, Va., assistant professor of nursing at EMU, successfully defended her PhD dissertation on the topic of nurse experience of medical error. She evaluated patient safety culture in an academic medical center and surveyed 289 nurses from two hospitals, examining the relationships among nurse involvement in medical error, individual, and systems factors with the nurse outcomes of burnout, moral distress, and intention to leave the nursing profession.
Megan Kennel ‘02, San Francisco, Calif., began a career serving the homeless and underprivileged several years ago as an offshoot of the Mennonite Voluntary Service program in San Francisco. Through a series of life-changing and passion-forming events, including becoming a full-time case worker and receiving her master’s in nursing, she now works for the Sobering Center, a harm-reduction program that serves the homeless population and strives to provide care and put them on the track to sobriety and health. Her brother, Patrick (Pat) Kennel ‘06, says this about Megan: “Megan received the message that EMU trys to instill in its students of a sense of care and love for those in need, and [she has] poetically implemented it to her life in a way that would make her professors and alma mater very proud.”
Marcus Almarode ‘03, Harrisonburg, Va., joined Rockingham Memorial Hospital as director of emergency services. He is bringing 22 years of experience as a health care professional, the last 14 years as a registered nurse. Prior to accepting the position, Marcus was a nurse leader in the Adult and Children’s Emergency Trauma Center with the Greenville Health System in Greenville, S.C. Additionally, he has served as president-elect and president for the Foothills Chapter of the Emergency Nurses Association and is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.
Emily Hahn ‘03, Timberville, Va., was one of 24 teachers in the Rockingham County School system who received the Rockingham County Teacher of the Year Award. Emily teaches third grade at Fulks Run Elementary School.
Cindy Evick Moyers, MA ‘03 (education), Bridgewater, Va., was one of 24 teachers in the Rockingham County School system who received the Rockingham County Teacher of the Year Award. Cindy teaches second grade at John Wayland Elementary School.
Angela Swartzendruber ‘03 Hackman, Harleysville, Pa., has been promoted to director of integrated health services at the Penn Foundation. In this role, she is spending more time on special projects related to promoting integrated healthcare.
Susan Peacock, MA ‘04 (conflict transformation), Minneapolis, Minn., is the liasion for sponsors coordinating travel seminars in Bolivia, Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico with the Center for Global Education. Previously, she worked at The National Academies’ Committee on Human Rights, the Washington Office on Latin America, the National Security Archive at George Washington University, and the Guatemala Human Rights Commission.
Lauren Hartzler Arbogast ‘04, Harrisonburg, Va., was one of nine teachers in the Harrisonburg City Schools system to be named Educator of the Year. Lauren is an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher of preschoolers at Keister Elementary School.
Jay A. Wittmeyer, MA ‘04 (conflict transformation), Elgin, Ill., executive director for Global Mission and Service for the Church of the Brethren, has been appointed as the church’s representative to the Board of Directors of Heifer International. Jay represents the founding denomination of Heifer International, which began as the Church of the Brethren’s Heifer Project.
Ashok Gladston Xavier, MA ‘04 (conflict transformation), was appointed dean of the faculty of arts at Loyola College, Chennai, India. As dean, Ashok will be able to facilitate joint research along with promoting student and faculty exchange.
Andrea Opel ‘06, Elkhart, Ind., graduated on May 26, 2012, with a master of divinity degree from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Andrea is continuing her education at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., to complete a master of social work degree. About her experience, Andrea said, “I have appreciated being able to study both pastoral ministry and social work through the dual-degree program. [It] has allowed me to explore many questions about my sense of call and to integrate the two fields into one vocation.”
Stephen (Steve) Horst ‘06, Harrisonburg, Va., along with his wife, Bethany, and daughter, Anjali, will be serving a three-year term with tranSend in Thailand in conjuction with the Bangkok Refugee Center and the Life Enrichment Church.The vision is to establish a team that will minister in practical ways to the refugees at the center and form a missional community in which both refugees and young adults from the Life Enrichment Church might grow in discipleship.
Gregory (Greg) Lamb ‘06, Albuquerque, N.M., is currently in his second year of emergency medicine residency at the University of New Mexico. As an upper-level resident, he is responsible for taking care of patients who present a critical illness and/or severe trauma. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Va., but attributes the liberal arts education he received at EMU for helping him give humanistic care in the sometimes hectic and chaotic setting of the emergency department.
Joshua (Josh) Brubaker ‘06, Washington D.C., received a master’s degree in international economic development in 2012 from American University.
Joel Lehman ‘06, Lancaster, Pa., won an honorable mention award for the online special project, “Family strives to perfect its pick of apples,” which appeared in Lancaster Farming. Joel has worked for Lancaster Newspapers since 2007.
Kathy Hostetter ‘06 Bradley, Lexington, Va., joined Westminster Canterbury, a retirement community associated with the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, as director of human resources. Kathy went to Westminster from American Healthcare, a for-profit operator of nursing facilities in Virginia. She graduated with a BS in organizational management and development from EMU, has done graduate work in senior living leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University, is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management, and holds the designation of Professional in Human Resources.
Rebekah Good ‘07 Charles, Harrisonburg, Va., finished her master’s of science in nursing degree with a focus on public health nursing leadership from the University of Virginia in August 2012.
Jodi Beller ‘07, Bridgewater, Va., was one of 24 teachers in the Rockingham County Schools system who received the Rockingham County Teacher of the Year Award. Jodi teaches second and third grades at Cub Run Elementary School.
Rebecca Drooger ‘07, Seattle, Wash., graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine on May 20, 2012. She received the distinction of being a member of the national medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. Rebecca will begin her residency program in pediatrics at Seattle Children’s Hospital this summer.
Maria Hoover ‘07, Harrisonburg, Va., resigned from her position as office coordinator for CJP in order to pursue a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications at Georgetown University. She began the program in the fall of 2012.
Ethan Horst ‘07, West Salem, Ohio, is in his final year of veterinary school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and is completing his senior clinical year at Ohio State University. He anticipates graduating with a doctor of veterinary medicine degree in May 2013.
Nate Koser ‘07, Harrisonburg, Va., was chosen as the 2012 Rollo May scholarship winner by Saybrook University with his 25-page essay on the relationship between therapist and client. Koser stated that he wants to subvert the presumption that psychoanalysis belongs only to the white, upper-class community by making it available to those who are under-served by the health-care field.
Eric Trinka ‘07, Harrisonburg, Va., is one of 24 teachers in the Rockingham County Schools system who received the Rockingham County Teacher of the Year Award. He taught eighth grade world geography at Montevideo Middle School. This was Eric’s fifth year teaching. He has since moved from the classroom to pursue a master of religion degree at EMU’s seminary.
Rachel Schlegel ‘07, Hesston, Kan., is Hesston College’s new phonathon coordinator. She has also served as public information officer for the last two years and will continue in that role.
Thaddeus (Thad) Hicks, MA ‘08 (conflict transformation), Marysville, Ohio, a faculty member at Ohio Christian University (OCU), was instrumental in developing and launching a new law enforcement program oriented more toward a more restorative approach to criminal justice. He attributed his accomplishments to CJP and thanked professor Howard Zehr for introducing him to “this way of doing justice work!”
Kelly Smucker ‘09, Columbus, Ohio, is currently a research assistant at the James Comprehensive Cancer Center at Ohio State University. She studies chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), particularly a new therapy for CLL that has recently entered phase three of clinical trials. After graduation from EMU, she worked for two years as a research assistant in the department of microbiology at the University of Virginia and then moved to Ohio when husband, David Showalter ‘09, started a PhD program at Ohio State University. In her “spare” time, she is applying to medical school and hopes to start in the fall of 2013.
Jackson Maust ‘09, Columbus, Ohio, is in his final year of graduate school at Ohio State University’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Services and will earn his doctorate in physical therapy in May 2013. His wife, Katie Lehman ‘09 Maust, works in the Heart and Vascular Intermediate Unit at Grant Hospital as a registered nurse. Amidst their varied activities, both volunteer as EMTs for a small fire department in Columbus.
Jennie Preto Carr, MA ‘09 (education), Harrisonburg, Va., completed her PhD in curriculum and teaching in July 2012 from Northcentral University. She will be starting a new position as a professor at her undergrad alma mater, Bridgewater College. In addition, Jennie recently received first place in the James Madison University Economics Education Program elementary division.
Conrad Gross ‘09, Washington D.C., works for Standard Solar as the operations and maintenance coordinator for solar panel installations.
2010-
Jeffrey (Jeff) Swarzendruber ‘10, Kalona, Iowa, is now in his third year of physical therapy school and performing his clinical internships at an outpatient orthopedic PT clinic in Iowa City, Iowa.
Heidi Muller ‘10, Winston Salem, N.C., after a two-year stint as project and office coordinator in the marketing/communications department at EMU, began her first year at Wake Forest School of Law, a top-tier law school nestled in the Piedmont Triad.
Tamara Joan Gill, MDiv ‘10, Wayland, Iowa, was ordained on October 7, 2012, at Wayland Mennonite Church in Wayland, Iowa.
Vanessa Landis ‘10 Troyer, Quakertown, Pa., is a full-time student in Desales University’s master of physician assistant studies program and expects to graduate in August 2013.
Michael Spory ‘11, Harrisonburg, Va., was one of 16 students nationwide accepted into the Lilly Graduate Fellows Program through Christ College, an interdisciplinary honors college at Valparaiso University. He began a dual degree master of architecture and community and regional planning program at the College of Design at Iowa State University in the fall of 2012. As a Lilly Fellow, Michael will attend four conferences over the next three years to collaborate with other fellows, senior scholars, and luminaries who integrate research, teaching, vocation, and an interest in church-related higher education.
Mitchell Stutzman ‘11, Hesston, Kan., is the Kauffman Court resident director at Hesston College.
Kaitlin Hershberger Heatwole ‘11 and Nathan Hershberger ‘12, Harrisonburg, Va., tied for first place in the Anabaptist Research Paper Contest sponsored by the Sider Institue of Messiah College in Grantham, Pa. Unaware the two were married, the judges sent the couple a letter that read, “We decided to do something that we think has never been done before and may never be done again – award two first place prizes to two individuals for two very fine papers.”
Sarah Schoenhals ‘12, Archbold, Ohio, is serving and connecting with youth and young adults in the Life Enrichment Church and involved in the AIDS ministry in Det Udom, Thailand, with tranSend, organized by Virginia Mennonite Missions.
Brandon Habron, class of ‘12, Harrisonburg, Va., is a desk supervisor in the Rose Library at James Madison University. He helps to manage student workers and provide customer service to library patrons, providing technical, research, circulation and general library support.
MARRIAGES
Douglas (Doug) Graham, class of Sem ‘81, to Barbara Maguire Menk, May 5, 2012.
Cheryl Zook ‘91 to Randall Justice, May 5, 2012.
Melissa Green ‘94 to Seth Hinshaw, Forestville, Va., July 28, 2012.
Rebecca (Becky) Hooley ‘99 to Timothy Z. Martin, Terre Hill, Pa., Sept. 10, 2011.
Debora Good ‘02 to Russell Pyle ‘03, May 26, 2012.
Emily Mullet ‘03 to Andrew Parker, Sept. 22, 2012.
Laura Rosenberger ‘03 to David Mauro, May 19, 2012.
Conrad Gross ‘09 to Morgan Kraybill, Oct. 6, 2012.
Joel Landis ‘10 to Mikaela Handrich Bender ‘08, Aug. 11, 2012.
Amy Histand ‘10 to Giles Eanes ‘11, July 16, 2011.
BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS
Steve ‘91 and Laura Moyers ‘97 Campbell, Broadway, Va., Esther Lynn, March 25, 2012.
Kristen Hoober ‘94 and Mark Leichty, Ames, Iowa, Micah, November 23, 2011.
Steve Schumm ‘95 and Joni Sancken, Harrisonburg, Va., Magdalena (Maggie) Grace Sancken-Schumm, October 3, 2012.
Marcelo ‘95 and Melissa Allebach Mast, Lansdale, Pa., Mikayden Michael, July 5, 2011.
Kendall ‘96 and Lisa Ruth, Lititz, Pa., Logan David, July 7, 2011.
Ben Rutt ‘96 and Diane Yu, Long Island City, N.Y., Jason, August 4, 2011.
Hannah Miller ‘97 and Anson Miedel, Wooster, Ohio, Mary, January 27, 2011.
Shannon Kratz ‘97 and Jim Frederick, Telford, Pa., Rose Danica, August 22, 2011.
Reggie ‘97 and April King ‘97 Beck, Wauseon, Ohio, Jamison King, March 9, 2011.
Joanna Yoder ‘98 and Chad Heatwole, Pittsford, N.Y., twins David Samuel and Maria Irene, June 3, 2011.
Karla Alderfer ‘98 and Brian Tierney, Bridgewater, Va., Lilah Grace, May 8, 2012.
Megan Horst ‘98 and Paul McLaughlin, Portland, Ore., Kinley Reese, July 20, 2011.
Alan ‘98 and Etsuko Schroeder, Tokyo, Japan, Owen Abram, May 2, 2012.
Darrick ‘99 and Sheri Hummel, Berlin, Ohio, Emma, March 29, 2011.
Travis ‘99 and Gina Shew ‘01 Trotter, Harrisonburg, Va., Nola Jean, July 7, 2012.
Doug ‘99 and Kristina Blosser ‘98 Blyer, Harrisonburg, Va., Austin Carl, August 13, 2012.
Kendra Snyder ‘00 and Kyle Miller ‘00, Salem, Ore., Anya Ruth, January 2, 2012.
Mark ‘00 and Sarah Hawkins ‘02 Schoenhals, Det Udam, Thailand, Hannah Lynn, October 7, 2011.
Amy Sauder ‘00 and Ted Lehman, Alexandria, Va., EmmaClaire, March 25, 2012.
Zac ‘01 and Stephanie Reynolds ‘09 Nafziger, Weyers Cave, Va., Madelyn Joley, February 8, 2012.
Mark ‘01 and Wendy Wenger ‘01 Hochstedler, Waynesboro, Va., Cyrus Turner, February 20, 2011.
Emma Stutzman ‘01 and Matt Dawson, class of ‘01, Iowa City, Iowa, Felix Tobias, October 27, 2012.
Jason ‘01 and Wendy Houser ‘02 Gerlach, Harrisonburg, Va., Willa Avery, April 23, 2012.
Todd ‘01 and Julie Stoltzfus ‘00 Lehman, Hesston, Kan., Eliya Marie, May 30, 2012.
Heather Good ‘01 and Joel Nyce, Schwenksville, Pa., Mark Dalton, March 29, 2012.
Aaron ‘01 and Kristen Weatherlow ‘01 Buckwalter, Lancaster, Pa., Izak Nicholas Aaron, November 1, 2011.
Chip ‘01 and Martha Kratzer ‘02 Coleman, Apple Creek, Ohio, Jesse Robert, May 14, 2012.
Brad ‘02 and Kristen Hoffman, Denver, Colo., Adelyn Suzanne, April 2, 2011.
Erik ‘02 and Sarah Troyer ‘01 Kratz, Harrisonburg, Va., Avery Grace, October 4, 2012.
Daniel ‘02 and Lynley Culbertson ‘02 Lapp, Hershey, Pa., Brontë Victoria, April 22, 2012.
Nathan ‘02 and Kristen Savanick, Scottdale, Pa., Julia Ann, September 19, 2010.
Kristy King ‘02 and Adam Hamilton, Olympia, Wash., Kadyn Warren Hamilton-King, August 19, 2012.
Brian ‘02 and Kari Yoder ‘02 Miller, Coralville, Iowa, Sean James, July 26, 2011.
Jeremy ‘02 and Laura Schwartz, class of ‘02, Goshen, Ind., Josiah Tucker Damien, August 7, 2011.
Jonathan ‘02 and Christine Mellinger ‘02 Coddington, Bridgewater, Va., Emily, April 24, 2012.
Christopher ‘02 and Melissa Onyango-Robshaw, Minneapolis, Minn., August Patrick, May 12, 2012.
Sally Gardner ‘02 and Andrew Vogan, Dayton, Va., Rachel Anne, April 25, 2012.
Theodore (Welby) ‘03 and Lisa Bergey ‘03 Lehman, Harrisonburg, Va., Grant Dean, October 10, 2011.
Trinda Schlabach ‘05 and Troy Burkhalter, Broadway, Va., Eva Marie, March 19, 2012.
Jason ‘05 and Bryn Mullet ‘06 Good, Harrisonburg, Va., James Nelson, July 13, 2012.
Mike ‘05 and Stephanie Roth ‘05 Zucconi, Harrisonburg, Va., Lillian Rae, July 15, 2012.
Derrick ‘06 and Rebekah Good ‘07 Charles, Harrisonburg, Va., Silas Good, September 1, 2012.
Elizabeth (Beth) Risser ‘06 and Jason Barthlow, Greencastle, Pa., Lilian Amanda, April 24, 2012.
Jennifer (Jenny) Horst ‘07 and Craig Strasbaugh, Orrville, Ohio, Marita, May 19, 2012.
Timothy ‘07 and Cheryl Heatwole ‘07 Shenk, Camden, N.J., Matteo Justus, October 24, 2011.
Kendal ‘07 and Kelsey Wyse ‘07 Swartzentruber, Harrisonburg, Va., Karcyn, January 5, 2012.
Katie Moyer ‘07 and Wendell Gehman, Coopersburg, Pa., Luella Sharon, February 20, 2012.
Joy Zimmerman ‘07 and Tom Haller, Denver, Pa., David Roy, July 23, 2012.
Anna Katherine (Kate) Cockley ‘07 and Nate Clark, Harrisonburg, Va., Emelia Deitra, September 18, 2012.
Curtis ‘07 and Amanda Lanette Yoder ‘09, McVeytown, Pa., Dalton Alan, February 14, 2012.
Ethan ‘10 and Melissa Fletcher ‘08 Zook, Harrisonburg, Va., Elijah James, May 31, 2012.
Raad, MA ’11 (conflict transformation), and Lauren Amer, Harrisonburg, Va., Jenna Lee, May 9, 2012.
Matthew (recycling crew leader) and Rachel Freed, Harrisonburg, Va., Sonya Jpusa, July 10, 2012.
James (sports information director) and Sarah De Boer, Bridgewater, Va., twins Isaac James and Harper, June 7, 2012.
Wendy (instructor of nursing) and Jeff Carr, Bridgewater, Va., Nathaniel Campbell, Sept. 14, 2012.
ANNIVERSARIES
Harold ‘61 and Esther Kraybill ‘60, Lebanon, Pa., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 28, 2012.
Abner ‘62 and Virginia ‘62 (Glass) Schlabach, South Royalton, Vt., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 16 and August 4, 2012.
DEATHS
A. Grace Wenger, Lititz, Pa., a former member of the EMU Board of Trustees, died on September 5, 2012, at age 93. Known to many as a beloved “aunt,” friend, teacher, historian, and strong woman of faith, she was an active member of Groffdale Mennonite Church and authored several histories, including those of Landis Homes Retirement Community and Eastern Mennonite Missions. Furthering her love of service, Grace founded Tabor Community Services in 1968 to engage with the housing and financial problems faced by Lancaster County residents and, in the summer of 1981, taught at what is now the Northeastern University in Shenyang, China. She retired from Millersville University in 1979, a teacher of 39 years. Her vast educational experience includes a bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College, a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and additional graduate work at Temple University and the University of Delaware.
Grace Metzler ‘38 Stauffer, Lititz, Pa., a former Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) worker in Tanzania, died March 22, 2012, at age 97. In 1946, Grace responded to a call from EMM to serve and lead in Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania. While there, she founded the Hilltop School for missionary children and became affectionately known to all her students as “Aunt Grace.” Upon retirement, Grace worked in a varitey of roles, including wife, mother and bookshop manager. After the death of her husband, Elam Stauffer, in 1981, she remained the strong, supportive center and matriarch to her family. She moved to Landis Homes in 1983, where she lived until her death.
Richard L. Pellman ‘39, Lititz, Pa., died May 29, 2012, at age 90. Richard spent more than 50 years at Turkey Hill Dairy where he was sales manager. Among the first retail route drivers, beginning in 1950, he took on increasing leadership responsibiliites as the company grew. After retiring in 1994, Richard continued part time with the business, serving as liaison between the dairy and markets. He was an active member of Rossmere Mennonite Church in Lancaster, where he served as a beloved Sunday School teacher and churchwide leader. He served on the boards of Eastern Mennonite Missions and Choice Books.
Christian D. Kennel, class of ‘40, Lititz, Pa., died Aug. 1, 2012, at age 92. A contractor by trade, Christian owned C. D. Kennel Builder of Parkesburg, later known as LanChester Contruction, for 42 years. Additionally, he worked at Paul Risk Associates in Quarryville, Pa. Christian was an active member of the Parkesburg Mennonite Church, where he served both as a Sunday School teacher and the Sunday School superintendent.
Irene Gingerich ‘46 Moshier, Lowville, N.Y., died Aug. 4, 2012, at age 93. She married Norman Moshier in 1945, who owned and operated a dairy farm in New Bremen, N.Y., until his death in 1954. Afterward, Irene was employed with Lowville Academy, working both in the cafeteria and as a bus driver for 14 years. Irene worked at Kraft Foods in Lowville for 10 years before retiring in 1982. She was a member of Lowville Mennonite Church and participated in a number of activities, including the sewing circle, traveling, and gardening.
Dorcas Swartzentruber (class of ‘47) Miller, Greenwood, Del., died Aug. 7, 2012, at age 86. A gifted writer and homemaker, she was the editor of the Sisters’ Page of the Brotherhood Beacon and operated the Bible Book and Gift Nook out of her home for many years. Dorcas touched a multitude of lives and will forever be missed. She is survived by her nine children, 26 grandchildren, 22 great-grand children, and one great-great-grand child.
Richard O. Martin, class of ‘52, Harrisonburg, Va., died Jan. 16, 2012, at age 81. Living in West Liberty, Ohio, for many years, he was employed as district manager for DeKalb Seed Corn. Additonally, he served as head of the school board at West Liberty Salem School, Little League Baseball Commissioner, and head coach for the local men’s fast pitch team. In Harrisonburg, he was an active member of Park View Mennonite Church.
Sara M. Garber, class of ‘56, died at Lancaster General Hospital on April 22, 2011, at age 79. Sara worked for the former Farmers First Bank in Elizabethtown, Pa., retiring in 1991, after more than 25 years of service. She was a member of Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church, where she sang in the choir.
Daniel Miller Jr. ‘59, Boerne, Tex., passed away unexpectedly June 9, 2012, at age 77. A beloved husband, father, friend, and spiritual mentor, Daniel let no one lack for anything. He provided his famous barbeque for those in need of food, drink for those who were thirsty, and an understanding ear for those in need of counsel. He was a teacher by calling as well as profession – modeling how to live a life of compassion – teaching a cumulative 33 years. Dan was buried near his childhood home in Kalona, Iowa, at Upper Deer Creek Cemetery.
Beula M. Peele ‘65, Broadway, Va., died from Parkinson’s on Sept. 25, 2012, at age 73. She obtained a master of science degree in education from Old Dominion College in Norfolk, Va., and a master of social work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Throughout her lifetime, she spanned both fields, teaching children and adults alike, serving as a counselor in several mental health settings, and adopting both healthy infants and special needs children. During the later part of her life, Beula dedicated herself to Parkinson’s research at the University of Virginia as a subject for deep brain stimulation. She appreciated the value of research and wanted to help improve the quality of life for future Parkinson’s patients.
Sarah Alderfer Weaver, died Oct. 10, 2012, at age 78, after a short illness. She was a faithful member of Lindale Mennonite Church, where she had been WMSC secretary, Sunday School teacher, and Bible School teacher. For 25 years, Sarah worked as the receptionist in the information office at EMU and teamed with her husband, Samuel (Sam) Weaver ‘66, as the “grace side of their ministry” with Eastern Mennonite High School, Virginia Mennonite Conference, EMU, and Northern District Mennonite Churches. She was deeply committed to living her faith at home, in her community, and at church, a trait that radiated from her in everything she did.
Dorcas Steffen ‘67 Hanbury, Chesapeake, Va., died on Oct. 25, 2012, at age 68 after a long fight with cancer. She taught home economics and culinary arts at Great Bridge High School for many years, receiving the Teacher of the Year award in 2000. An avid quilter, Dorcas loved quilting for family and friends and actively particpated in the Mt. Pleasant Mennonite Church sewing circle and Tidewater Quilters’ Guild. In the years before her death, she prepared and delivered meals to cancer patients at Cancer Specialists each month.
Javier Mario Garcia ‘02, Albuquerque, N.M., died in an accident on Oct. 8, 2012, at age 32. He had been riding his bicycle just before 10 p.m., when he struck an inconspicuously-parked vehicle hard enough that he could not be saved by several people nearby. Javier was a registered nurse and spent the last four years working at the Heart Hospital ICU. He had recently accepted a position at the University of New Mexico Hospital Trauma Surgical Burn Unit. He was known as a compassionate man who loved cycling and made friends feel like family. Described by people who knew him best as facing the world with a fearless vision and a pure and utter joy of life, Javier inspired everyone with whom he came in contact. Family and friends scattered his ashes along the Coyote Trail in the East Mountains, where he often biked.
Correction:
In two references to Albert Keim ’63 in the summer 2012 issue of Crossroads, he was mis-identified as “dean of students” from 1977 to 1984. He was the “dean,” in charge of faculty and academics.
Degree Key
CLASS OF – attended as part of the class of a given graduation year.
HS – high school degree from era when high school and college were one
MA – master of arts
MDiv – master of divinity
SEM – attended the seminary
Mileposts is compiled by Braydon Hoover ’11, who may be reached at braydon.hoover@emu.edu or at 540-432-4294. send news directly to braydon or to alumni@emu.edu.
