Faculty & Staff
The following briefs represent a sampling of academic and professional engagement.
Gerald Brunk ’59, professor emeritus of history, presented “My Road to Decision” in a February seminary chapel service. The Menno Simons impersonation, which he presented for the 97th time, brings to life the writings of Simons, focusing on the 11 years before his conversion to Anabaptism.
Kate Clark, instructor, nursing, earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from University of Virginia in spring 2018. Dr. Ann Hershberger ‘76 was among her mentors while working on her dissertation, “Healthcare Navigation and Patient Activation for Recently Resettled Refugees.”
Kathy Evans, professor of education, was a keynote speaker at University of Wyoming’s Shepard Symposium on Social Justice in April. She joined University of Wyoming education professor Angela Jaime as well as Judy and Dennis Shepard, the parents of Matthew Shepard, who was murdered during the 1998 fall semester. This was the 20th anniversary of Shepard’s death; the annual symposium honors him.
Doug Graber Neufeld, director of the Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions and professor of biology, presented a workshop on the Anabaptist approach to sustainability at the State of Appalachia conference this spring in West Virginia. The gathering of religious leaders focused on regional sustainability and justice issues.
Barry Hart SEM ’78, professor of trauma, identity and conflict studies and a Fulbright Specialist, has helped to develop a new master’s degree program with Catholic Relief Services and three religious faculties in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He recently taught courses to Muslim, Catholic and Orthodox students studying different theologies, religious traditions, and understandings of peace.
Jerry Holsopple ’80, professor of visual and communications arts, was the featured international lecturer at the Conference of Creative Industries in Serbia. One of his seven appearances was on live television.
Michael Horst ’12, instructor, counseling, completed his doctorate at James Madison University. His dissertation is “Envisioning a Future for Professional Counseling: A Qualitative Study of Counselor Educator Perspectives on Professional Distinction.”
Steven David Johnson, professor of visual and communications arts, displayed photographs and videos of amphibians and macroinvertebrates in seasonal ponds in Virginia in a Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery exhibit titled “Vernal Pools” in February.
Patience Kamau ’02, MA ’17 (conflict transformation), assistant to the executive director, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Harrisonburg, Va., spent four days in February at the inaugural gathering of Krista Tippett’s On Being Studios, a civil conversations platform.
Melody Pannell ’97, professor of social work; M. Esther Showalter, advisor to the Latino Student Alliance and instructor in the Intensive English Program; and Celeste Thomas, director of Multicultural Student Services, represented EMU at the annual Mennonite Church USA Hope for the Future conference for leaders of color in February in Austin,Texas.
Justin Poole, professor of theater, directed the invited production of The 39 Steps at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in January. The cast of EMU actors received a Certificate of Merit for Ensemble Acting.
Andrew Suderman, lecturer, Bible and religion, completed his doctorate from University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. His dissertation “In Search of Prophetic Theology: South African Political Theology in Conversation with Anabaptism” focuses on the intersection of liberation theology and Anabaptism.
Johonna Turner, professor of restorative justice and peacebuilding, gave a keynote address at the April 7 Restorative Justice Summit at the University of Maryland. The summit was targeted to students and community members engaged in the prison abolition movement and included currently and formerly incarcerated individuals among the panelists and workshop sessions.
Don Tyson, professor and director of MS in Nursing program, gave a keynote on resilience to more than 200 health and human services professionals at the Mennonite Health Assembly, March 8-10, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Anna Westfall, professor of art, explored the influences of different cultures on identity in a March exhibit titled “Linking Meandering Paths” at James Madison University.
1950-59
Bertha Beachy ’58, Goshen, Ind., walks for 45 minutes daily, plays bingo and Scrabble, and spends time in prayer.
S. Duane Kauffman ’58, Perkasie, Pa., a retired social studies teacher, serves on the Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania Board of Trustees.
Dorcas Rolon ’58, Hatfield, Pa., is a retired registered nurse. She entered voluntary service in Puerto Rico in 1959, where she married and lived until 1978. She then moved to Ephrata, Pa., and resided there until 2013.
Herbert Schultz ’58, New Hamburg, Ontario, a retired pastor and conference minister, volunteers at Ten Thousand Villages, the Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Centre, and at the Northview retirement community.
Urie Sharp ’58, Bolivar, Ohio, was a teacher and principal at Hartville Christian School for over 25 years, a music professor and choir director at Sharon Mennonite Bible Institute for 19 years, and a charter board member for Mennonite Air Mission in Guatemala from 1972-2018.
Ann Yoder, class of ’58, Bender, Rockingham, Va., retired from her position as executive director of the Valley Program for Aging Services, where she worked for 24 years. Ann’s husband, Professor Emeritus Titus Bender ’57, passed away in December 2017.
1960-69
Ralph Alderfer ’63, Souderton, Pa., is the conductor of the Franconia Lancaster Choral Singers and a board member of the Lansdale Community Concerts.
Edwin Bontrager ’63, Harrisonburg, Va., a retired pastor and missions administrator, has authored or co-authored several books and the recent Revitalize Now! resources for pastors. Ed and his wife Edie ’66 have coordinated and led about 45 overseas tours.
Lydia Herr ’63 Mahabirsingh, Sarasota, Fla., lives at Sunnyside Village, where she sings in the choir, gardens, serves on the resident council, and does “odds and ends to make SSV a great place to be.”
Oren Horst ’63, Pinson, Ala., has volunteered with several organizations since his retirement in 2002, including Western Mennonite School, Spruce Lake Camp, We Care Program Prison Ministry in Atmore, and Mennonite Disaster Service in Birmingham.
LaVon Kolb ’63, Sellersville, Pa., a retired business teacher, lives at Rock Hill Retirement Community.
Paul S. Lehman ’63, Boswell, Pa., is a retired plant pathologist and nematologist married to Mary Ellen Ruth ’62 Lehman. He has worked with Mennonite Central Committee in China and Newfoundland, and other international development organizations in Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras and Zimbabwe.
Glenn Myers ’63, Philadelphia, Miss., now retired from Philadelphia Public Schools, was active in the development of Pine Lake Fellowship Camp in Meridian, and served as a pastor from 1968-2003.
Lois Newcomer ’63, York, Pa., is a companion caregiver with Visiting Angels, hospital volunteer, sewing circle leader and church historian.
Nelson Roth ’63, Belleville, Pa., is a campus pastor at Valley View Retirement Community and volunteers at the Crossroads Pregnancy Center.
Lee ’63 and Laverne Zehr ’63 Yoder, Harrisonburg, Va., spent the 2016-17 year at Narmer American College (preK-12), New Cairo City, Egypt, on a special assignment from the school’s managing director to lead a school-wide self-study. The report led to a successful bid for school accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Philadelphia, Pa.
Blair Seitz ’67, West Reading, Pa., celebrated 50 years of photojournalism with an exhibit at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts titled “One Camera, Seven Lives.” Blair is the photographer for 22 books and numerous magazine articles.
Jane Backofen ’68, Willow Grove, Pa., is a COBRA administrator at Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC.
Lynn Brubaker ’68, Kimberton, Pa., retired as mathematics department head for the School District of Philadelphia in 2008. He is now the board treasurer for Camphill Village Kimberton Hills and in leadership at Frazer Mennonite Church.
Helen Buckwalter ’68, Homer, Ark., was a missionary with Alaska Village Missions from 1979-1997 and with Northern Harvest Ministries since 1997.
Bob Conley ’68, Spencerville, Md., is a part-time pulmonary function technician and serves on the board for Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services, which helps homeless and low-income people in crisis. He is a deacon and trustee at First Baptist Church of Laurel.
Joseph Gascho ’68, Hummelstown, Pa., a cardiologist, was awarded the Leonard Tow Award in May as outstanding faculty member at Penn State College of Medicine. The award from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation recognizes “both clinical excellence and outstanding compassion in the delivery of care” as well as “respect for patients, their families and healthcare colleagues.” Gascho is known for integrating his poetry and photography into his teaching and care practices.
Jesse Gehman, class of ’68, Ephrata, Pa., is a representative for Fair Trade Artisan Group at Ten Thousand Villages. He is married to Joanne Yoder ’72 Gehman.
James Harbold ’68, Joppa, Md., is retired and volunteers three days a week at the Trinity Lutheran School.
Don Hertzler ’68, Ephrata, Pa., is a volunteer at Landis Homes and a volunteer tax aide for AARP Foundation in Lancaster. He is married to Ruth Harnish ‘70 Shenk Hertzler.
Karen Hoover ’68, Goshen, Ind., is retired from elementary education in Utica (Mich.) Community Schools.
Noah S. Kolb ’68, Lansdale, Pa., is a retired minister and former conference minister for Franconia Conference, and has held leadership positions at Keystone Bible Institute, Dock Mennonite Academy, the MCC Material Resource Center and elsewhere.
Beverly Myers ’68 Ehst, Harleysville, Pa., is a part-time preschool teacher at Salford Mennonite Child Care. She is married to retired pastor John Ehst ‘68.
Rhoda Nolt ’68, Lititz, Pa., is a retired nurse who volunteers with MCC, Conestoga Valley Christian Community Center and her church, Mellinger Mennonite.
Roy Steiner ’68, Dalton, Ohio, is a senior design engineer at Venture Products, Inc.
Marilyn Zook ’68, Waynesboro, Pa., is a retired registered nurse living at Quincy Village Retirement Center.
1970-79
Evelyn Brunk ’70 Bear, Kingston, Idaho, is a part-time teacher and bookkeeper for Silver Valley Doors LLC, a family-owned company since 1975.
Dennis Kuhns ’71, Harrisonburg, Va., a retired pastor, now answers questions about Mennonites and related Anabaptist groups for the Third Way website. The top question of 2017, according to the Mennonite World Review, is “Do Mennonites drive cars?” Dennis provides answers in keeping with the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective.
Dave Amstutz ’72, Toledo, Ohio, retired from CSX Transportation, where he was a rail transportation and regional traffic controller. He volunteers with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and the Toledo Museum of Art, and as a chaplain for Transport for Christ International, a ministry for truck drivers. Dave sings with the Toledo Choral Society and is a “40-year-plus birdwatcher, thanks to D. Ralph Hostetter.”
Miriam Eberly ’72, Lancaster, Pa., who served as a nurse for many years in Belize with Eastern Mennonite Missions, founded the Belize Evangelical Mennonite Church Scholarship Fund, which helps provide tuition funds for deserving students.
Ken Kandel ’73, Sugarcreek, Ohio, is a van driver for Society for Equal Access, which assists individuals with achieving greater independence.
Jeanette Krabill ’73, Elkhart, Ind., and her husband James ’73 served in international ministry in Europe and Africa from 1976-96. James then worked in missions administration and is currently a senior mission advocate for Mennonite Mission Network. Jeanette retired from elementary school teaching in 2016, and is now developing an Etsy business, AYOKAdesign.
Janis Rutt, class of ’73, Landes MA ’04 (education), Akron, Pa., is a retired library media specialist. She is appreciative of EMU’s graduate education program for providing “a foundation for my second career as a family and child specialist and ESL teacher.” Jan is married to Richard L. Landes ’71.
Roger D. Taylor, class of ’73, Belize City, Belize, is the owner and developer of Imex companies, supplier of agricultural products and building materials. In addition to two months traveling, he spends two months each year in Kidron, Ohio.
Eric Bishop ’78, Souderton, Pa., completed 37 years of teaching (mostly) English at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. Though health issues ended his full-time career, he still teaches Sunday School at Souderton Mennonite Church, engages in contract writing services, works with students in remediation, serves as a senior researcher for the blog Soul Teachers (www.thesoulteachers.com), and volunteers for Living Branches retirement community. His wife, Linda Hostetler ’81 Bishop, is an elementary school librarian.
Joe ’78, SEM ’93 and Gloria Beidler ’00 Bontrager, Milford, Del., served as theological education coordinators and missionaries in East Africa from 1978-82, 1985-91 and 2012-16 with Eastern Mennonite Missions.
Karl Brubaker ’78, Hesston, Kan., is a business manager at Hesston College and on the Bethesda Retirement Community Board of Directors.
Rhoda Byler ’78 Yoder, Jackson, Miss., is a principal in the Jackson Public School system. She holds master’s degrees in English from Mississippi College and education administration from Jackson State University.
Pam Collins ’78, MSN ’13, Mount Crawford, Va., was honored by the Virginia chapter of March of Dimes as 2017 Nurse of the Year in the category of case management. She is an integrative care manager at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg.
Melvin Meyer Esh ’78, Philadelphia, Pa., is a building code official for the City of Philadelphia and an activist who enjoys long-distance biking and showing hospitality. He is married to Linda Meyer Esh ’77.
Marcia Fike ’78 Troyer, Roanoke, Va., is a registered nurse at the Salem Veterans Association Medical Center. She is married to Lowell Troyer, class of ’79.
Donna Hahn ’78, Staunton, Va., was honored by the Virginia chapter of March of Dimes in the category of nursing administration. She is the vice president of acute care services and chief nurse executive at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg.
Rosemary Kindy ’78 Landis, Rockingham, Va., is a private duty manager at First Choice Home Health and Hospice.
Lewi Lehman ’78 Blosser, Newport News, Va., is a parent educator with Child Development Resources. She is married to Clayton Blosser, class of ’84.
Teresa Long ’78, Holland, Pa., is the executive director of Twining Village Retirement Community.
David E. Martin ’78, Akron, Pa., is the associate director of graduate teacher education at EMU Lancaster. He is married to Rachel Martin ’83.
Linford Martin ’78, Middlebury, Ind., is the owner of Martin Promotionals, an on-call chaplain at Goshen Health, and the director of the Lifelong Learning Institute of Elkhart County. He is married to Elaine Martin ’79.
Conley McMullen ’78, Keezletown, Va., professor of biology at James Madison University, presented a Suter Science Seminar about the reproduction and conservation of Boechera serotina, the endangered shale barren rock cress.
Phyllis Miller ’78, Arlington, Va., is the dean of academic affairs at Chamberlain University.
Richard Moyer ’78, Green Lane, Pa., is an accountant and on the Healthy Niños Honduras board of directors.
Ed Robbins ’78, East Berlin, Pa., is pastor of West Shore Fellowship, a planning commission member, and a board member of the East Berlin Community Singers. He volunteers with the Provide-A-Lunch program and at Cross Keys Village Retirement Community.
Joanna Schrock ’78 Swartley, Harrisonburg, Va., is a human resources assistant at James Madison University. She is married to Duane Swartley ’77.
Willie Schwartzentruber ’78 Stoltzfus, Bellefontaine, Ohio, is a registered nurse and chief clinical officer at Community Health and Wellness Partners of Logan County. She is married to Winfred Stoltzfus ’78, a physician at Mary Rutan Hospital. They have taken a number of medical mission trips to Haiti and Brazil.
Craig Shoemaker ’78, Harrisonburg, Va., works in technology support with Harrisonburg City Schools. He is married to Bonnie Barnhart ’75 Shoemaker.
Donna Steinman ’78 Callahan, Martinsville, Va., is a retired registered nurse and co-owner of Roy’s Remodeling. Active in her church, she has done mission work in Haiti and Hong Kong.
Doug ’78 and Miriam Risser ’78 Zehr, Orrville, Ohio, co-pastor at Oak Grove Mennonite Church. Miriam earned an MA in spiritual formation from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in 2018.
Marjorie Rush ’79 Hovde, Mulberry, Ind., is associate professor of technical communication and chair of the Technology Leadership and Communication graduate programs at Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
1980-89
Alan Averill ’83, Newport News, Va., is a sales associate for Columbia Sportswear.
Myron Blosser ’83, MA ’98 (education), Harrisonburg, Va., founded the Shenandoah Valley Biotechnology Symposium, which this year celebrated its 25th anniversary by returning to EMU, its first site. More than 430 area high school students participated.
Kirk Hanger ’83, Alexandria, Va., was EMU’s visiting pastor during spring semester. He is founding pastor of New Hope Fellowship in Alexandria, Va. Marilyn Cassel ’83 Hanger, his wife, teaches at Claremont Immersion School in Arlington. The couple served as church planters in Mexico City for 11 years. An ordained minister in Franconia Mennonite Conference, Kirk continues as a mentor to leaders and churches in RIMI Network of Churches, a network that was started in Mexico and now includes churches in several other countries. He is a graduate of Palmer Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pa., and the Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.
Titus ’83 and Deb Yoder ’83 Dutcher, Sugarcreek, Ohio, serve at Central Christian School as a volunteer physician (Titus) and an English as a second language teacher (Deb). Deb also serves with Connexus, a conflict transformation and restorative practices organization, and Titus is a board member for New Leaf Center Clinic for Special Children.
Denise “Dee Dee” Good ’83, Souderton, Pa., volunteers at the Mennonite Central Committee Care and Share Thrift Shop and at a safe house for trafficked women. She is also on the visitation and care team at Finland Mennonite Church.
Jay Graber ’83, San Antonio, Tex., retired as vice president of business development from Apex Software LLC, and is now on the board of directors of Destiny Media Technologies Inc. He is married to Grace Graber ‘82.
Theresa Gross ’83 Hay, Front Royal, Va., is a special education assistant with Warren County Public Schools.
Rose Hackman ’83, Lansdale, Pa., is an administrative assistant with Living Branches and with Towamencin Mennonite Church.
LaVonda Hoover ’83, Anaheim, Calif., earned a master’s degree in applied clinical and preclinical research from Ohio State University in 2017.
Lee ’83 and Peg Shenk ’84 Martin, Rockingham, Va., are serving with Mennonite Central Committee in Elkhorn, W.Va., as the location coordinators of Sharing with Appalachian People (SWAP).
Matthew McMullen ’83, Uniontown, Ohio, earned a PhD in preK-12 educational administration from Kent University in 2016. He is a member of Bethany Mennonite Church.
Natalie Seibert ’83 Mayer, Fairbanks, Alaska, is a family physician in private practice.
Dave Shenk ’83, New Holland, Pa., is president and CEO of Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook, Pa.
Beverly Smeltzer ’83, North Chesterfield, Va., is a registered nurse at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center.
Roger Steffy ’83, Marietta, Pa., is vice president for programs at Tabor Community Services. He is married to Carol Herr SEM ’96 Steffy.
Paul Swartz ’83, Botkins, Ohio, is president of Swartz Contracting and Emergency Services in Lima. His wife Carol ’83 leads the marriage ministry at their church. They are both involved in their son’s ministry Dream On: Global.
Sharon Trauger ’83 Ambrose, Winter Park, Fla., works as a hospice nurse for Vitas Healthcare.
Sherwin Tusing ’83, Broadway, Va., retired from Rockingham County Public Schools in June 2017 after 33 years of teaching physical education. He attends Grace Mennonite Fellowship in Lacey Spring.
Susan Watkins ’83 Miller, Penn Laird, Va., is a hospice nurse at Augusta Health and a volunteer at AVA Care of Harrisonburg, a medical nonprofit serving women facing unintended pregnancy.
Wendelin “Wendy” Wenger ’83 McPherson, Pflugerville, Texas, is a project director with ResearchPoint Global, a WuXi AppTec Company.
Rachel Witmer ’83 Martin, Akron, Pa., is an intervention specialist in the Ephrata Area School District. She is married to David Martin ’78.
Thomas Foreman ’85, Toronto, Ontario, is a hospital ethicist and executive director of a group of palliative care doctors and assisted-dying proponents trying to establish a home dedicated to medical aid in dying (MAID), which is legal in Canada. The project is called MAIDHouse. The group is seeking charitable status and hopes to open the home before the end of 2018.
Brenda Hartman-Souder ’85, Syracuse, N.Y., is a self-employed psychotherapist. Husband Mark ’83 also owns his own business as an interiors painting contractor. They returned to the United States in 2012 after more than five years as representatives for Mennonite Central Committee in Nigeria.
Jerry Hertzler ’88, Harrisonburg, Va., is a biology teacher and track coach at Harrisonburg High School. He is married to Lisa Mumaw ’88 Hertzler, a registered nurse at Rockingham Eye Physicians.
Charles “Chuck” Kratz ’88, Bellefontaine, Ohio, is a family physician at Community Health and Wellness Partners of Logan County and the medical director for hospice services with Universal Home Health and Hospice.
Kevin Lehman ’88, Red Deer County, Alberta, is an insurance agent and co-owner of Kooman Agencies, Ltd. He is married to Geannette Kooman ’89 Lehman.
Deb Martin ’88 Lyon, Shiloh, Ohio, is a drug and alcohol counselor with Firelands Behavioral Health.
Phil Martin ’88, Alden, N.Y., has pastored Alden Mennonite Church since 2001.
Debra “Deb” Skalsky ’88, Henrico, Va., is a missionary nurse and ESL teacher with Youth With A Mission.
Shari Yoder ’88 Mast, Rockingham, Va., is a physical therapist with Wampler Rehab. She is married to Dale Mast ‘88, a program assistant for Choice Books
1990-99
Jeff Gingerich ’90, Reading, Pa., begins as the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at University of Scranton in July. He is currently the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Cabrini University.
Kim Blosser ’91, MA ’98 (education), Stanley, Va., became president of Lord Fairfax Community College in February 2018. She was formerly vice president of academic and student affairs, and began her career in education as a teacher.
Kirby Dean ’92, Harrisonburg, Va., ended his 15th and final season as EMU head men’s basketball coach with a run in the ODAC playoffs. In March, he became director of parks and recreation for Rockingham County.
John Spidaliere ’92, Lancaster, Pa., has joined two partners in founding LancLiving Real Estate & Property Management.
Rosalyn Alleman ’93, Greenbelt, Md., is a consultant at T. White Parker, Inc.
Dwayne Hess ’93, Baltimore, Md., is the director of Clay Pots… A Place to Grow, a non-profit organization and center that fosters spiritual and personal growth.
Sherri Kurtz ’93 Peters, Alexandria, Va., is the manager of budget and special projects at the National Democratic Institute.
Edie Lantz ’93 Leppert, Tucson, Ariz., is a program director for basic literacy at Literacy Connects. She holds an MA in language, reading and culture from the University of Arizona.
Shannon Martens ’93 Sneary Alabanza, Harrisonburg, Va., is a mediator and director of training at the FairField Center.
Jolene Myers ’93, Harrisonburg, Va., is a stress test nurse at Sentara RMH Medical Center.
Arlin Roth ’93, Martinsburg, Pa., is an instructional technology specialist with Bellefonte Area School District and a Google for Education certified trainer. He is earning a master of educational technology degree from Wilson College, where he is also an adjunct instructor.
Dickson Sommers ’93, MA ’95 (counseling), Harrisonburg, Va., is the crisis stabilization unit supervisor at Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board.
Lucinda Rae Zehr ’93 White, Stillwater, Minn., is a self-employed reading specialist.
Shandra Yoder ’93 Stoner, Millersville, Pa., coaches soccer and is a substitute teacher. She also is the director of The Loft at Millersville, a clothing and food pantry.
Dave Bechler ’96, Harrisonburg, Va., announced in March that he would step down as head coach of the Eastern Mennonite High School Flames varsity boys’ basketball team. He will continue duties as athletic director, a position he has held since 1999. The Flames were 268-283 during his tenure.
Suzanne Ehst ’97, Constantine, Mich., completed her PhD in English education at Western Michigan University. Suzanne is an associate professor of education at Goshen College.
Brian Snader ’97, Nairobi, Kenya, is a conservation agriculture program advisor with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). He is married to Krista Moyer ’98 Snader, a water and hygiene advisor also with MCC. In the U.S., they attend Groffdale Mennonite Church in Leola, Pa.
Melissa Atkins ’98, Mount Jackson, Va., is a physician assistant at Valley Health.
Steve Baer ’98, Beaverton, Ore., a teacher with the Beaverton School District’s Community Transition Program, was recognized with the Excellent Teaching Award by the Oregon Association of Vocational Support Needs Personnel.
Jeff Barbour ’98, Winchester, Va., is the city’s treasurer.
Moniqua Castaneda ’98 Acosta, Lititz, Pa., has worked since June 2016 at Landis Homes, where she is now director of volunteer services. She and her husband Dionicio Acosta ’97 have three children and attend Blossom Hill Mennonite Church in Lancaster.
Melissa Hochstetler ’98, Minneapolis, Minn., is the community-supported agriculture coordinator for the Three Rivers Park District.
Kathleen Howdyshell ’98 Pitsenbarger, Mount Solon, Va., is a registered nurse at Sentara RMH Medical Center.
Brent Leaman ’98, Bakersfield, Calif., is a Spanish teacher in the Kern High School district.
Jeremy Ours ’98, Kalona, Iowa, is director of advancement for Iowa Mennonite School. He is married to Sheila Ours ’97.
Gary Sommers ’98, North Canton, Ohio, is a chief financial officer with HRM Enterprises. He is married to Charla J. Steiner ’98 Sommers, who is a full-time mom.
Melissa Spory ’98 Beidler, Denver, Pa., is director of enrollment at Hinkletown Mennonite School. She is married to Lyle Beidler ’98.
Holly Herr ’98 Stravers, Gallup, N.M., is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Healthcare Services. Since 1998, she has also lived in Texas, North Carolina, Honduras, South Sudan, Guinea and Chad.
Andrea R. Warfel ’98, Houston, Del., is a state trooper.
Alyssa Livengood ’98 Waite, Lititz, Pa., is the director of nursing at Lancaster General Hospital.
Kim Stauffer ’99, Austerlitz, N.Y., is a professional actor performing in New York City and regional theaters across the country. She teaches acting at the University at Albany.
Michael Zook ’99, Harrisonburg, Va., owns Great Outdoors Landscaping. He is married to Marcia Esch ’99 Zook.
2000-09
Karl “Andi” Hennig ’00, Canelones, Uruguay, is a technical specialist with IN Switch Solutions.
Bethany Miller ’00 Slack, Bedford, Mass., is the public health and wellness research associate at Emmanuel Gospel Center, a Boston-based urban ministry.
Craig Nebel ’00, Lancaster, Pa., wife Kristen, and their two sons welcomed four brothers ages 6 to 14 from the Ukraine through a hosting program for four weeks over Christmas 2017. The Nebels are now working on adopting the brothers, who have been in an orphanage for almost two years. The process will cost more than $50,000, and their home will need renovations. Several fundraisers are planned in hopes that the boys can join the Nebels in fall 2018. For more information, join the “Nebel Family Adoption Journey” Facebook group.
Zach Derstine ’01, Telford, Pa., hosted an April Business Networking Breakfast at his company, Derstine’s Foodservices, Inc., in Lancaster. Approximately 30 alumni and guests attended the event, which was co-hosted by EMU Alumni Relations.
Natasha Hackman ’01 Alderfer, Telford, Pa., was promoted to partner with the accounting firm Seitz, Leatherman and Kolb LLC. She has been with the firm since 2001.
Brian Plum ’01, Luray, Va., is chairman elect of the Virginia Association of Community Banks’ board of directors. Since 2014, he has been the president and CEO of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc.
Megan Kennel ’02, Oakland, California, is a registered nurse with the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Caleb Ediger ’03, Harper, Kan., is an assistant professor of nursing at Newman University. He is also a doctoral candidate at the University of Kansas.
Melissa Horst ’03 Kinman, Broadway, Va., is a developmental disabilities support coordinator at the Harrisonburg Rockingham Community Services Board.
Welby Lehman ’03, Harrisonburg, Va., become a licensed architect in January 2017 and is a senior project manager at Blue Ridge Architects. He is married to Lisa Bergey ’03 Lehman.
Holly Miller ’03 Hewes, Midlothian, Va., is a recruiter for SunTrust Bank. She and husband Jonathan ’03 attend Woodlake United Methodist Church.
Laurie Lee ’03 Miller, Wellman, Iowa, is the Early Out Program coordinator at the Wellman YMCA and a stay-at-home mother. She is married to Chuck Miller ’04.
Eloy Rodriguez ’03, New Providence, Pa., earned a master’s degree in school leadership from Millersville University in 2017. He is the principal of the Lancaster Mennonite School New Danville campus.
Drew Roynon ’03, Sykesville, Md., is a revenue examiner with the state of Maryland. He is married to Melinda Bontz ‘03 Roynon.
Kristine Sensenig ’03 Miller, Goshen, Ind., is a self-employed yoga teacher and certified massage therapist with Giving Tree Massage. She is also building The Experimental Yoga Method business and school. She and her husband Erich emphasize permaculture and sustainable agriculture on their small farm.
Phoebe Ann Sharp ’03, Pittsburgh, Pa., is a counselor with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System. She is the Allegheny Mennonite Conference representative to the Constituency Leadership Council and serves on the conference’s Leadership Council. She also advocates for public transportation and environmental care through multiple organizations.
Angela Swartzendruber ’03 Hackman, Harleysville, Pa., is a behavioral health specialist for Tandigm Health, and serves on the board of directors for the Living Branches continuing care retirement community.
Steve Halteman ’05, Broadway, Va., a teacher at John C. Myers Elementary School, was recognized with an Inspire Award for Rockingham County Public Schools.
Casey Armstrong ’06, Harrisonburg, Va., is assistant county administrator for Rockingham County. He was previously the county’s director of community development.
Holly Smith ’06 Borkert, Christiansburg, Va., is a certified nurse midwife at the New River Valley Carilion Clinic OB/GYN.
Jeff Boodie ’07, Los Angeles, Calif., is co-founder of tech startup JobSnap, which connects restaurant and retail employers with 30-second resume videos posted by potential employees. He has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to support the use of the service by youth who are receiving services from local nonprofits.
Julia Gingrich ’07, Goshen, Ind., was ordained to the ministry at Eighth Street Mennonite Church, where she has been on the pastoral team since 2015. She received an MDiv from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Joelle Hackney ’07, ’10 MA (conflict transformation), Alderson, W.Va., is a medical student and Rural Health Initiative scholar at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Laura Bomberger ’08, Millersville, Pa., is operations manager at North Group Consultants.
Adam Brown ’08, Mickleton, N.J., is training and education manager at the Student Conservation Association.
Jacob Derstine ’08, East Greenville, Pa., earned his doctorate in physical therapy from Temple University in 2013 and practices at Good Shepherd Rehab Network.
Lachelle Hackman ’08, Lancaster, Pa., is a residence hall director at Lancaster Mennonite School.
Barbara Jenkins ’08, Shenandoah, Va., is a self-sufficiency specialist for the Greene County Department of Social Services.
Matt ’08 and Debbie Keiser ’08 Swartley, Penn Laird, Va., have two children. Debbie coaches cross country and track at East Rockingham High School. Matt is the systems manager at InterChange Group, Inc.
Aubrey Bauman ’08 Kreider, MBA ’18, Lancaster, Pa., is the vice president of marketing shared services with AMERIgreen Energy. She earned her MBA with a concentration in sustainability from Goshen College in 2018.
Elise Litwiller ’08 Voth, Davenport, Iowa, is a physical therapist at Genesis Health System.
Jolene Kratz ’08 Wiseman, Verona, Va., teaches fifth grade at Cub Run Elementary in Penn Laird.
2010-
Lindsey Coyner MA ’11 (education), Greenville, Va., was named Teacher of the Year at Stump Elementary School in Augusta County.
Rebekah Maldonado-Nofziger ’12, Seattle, Wash., earned a SCOPE Fellowship and spent part of the spring in Ethiopia. She is in the Doctor of Nursing Practice – Community Health Nurse program at the University of Washington.
Steven ’13 and Olivia Nussbaum ’13 Burkholder, Rockingham, Va., are math teachers with Shenandoah County schools (Steven) and with Rockingham County schools (Olivia).
Allison Eanes ’13, Harrisonburg, Va., an English teacher at Thomas Harrison Middle School in Harrisonburg, was honored by a former student who was runner-up in the Robert B. and Gladys Hopkins Strickler Honored Teacher Essay Contest. “Not only did I learn lots about English,” the student wrote, “but I learned about how to treat others.”
Kim Floyd ’13 Longacre, Harrisonburg, Va., is a second-grade teacher in Harrisonburg. She is married to Owen Longacre ’13.
Ruth Maust ’13, Eugene, Ore., was awarded a three-year National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to continue doctoral research in chemistry at the Jasti Lab, University of Oregon.
Michelle Miller ’13 Bocock, Harrisonburg, Va., earned her school counseling degree from James Madison University in 2015 and works in Rockingham County Schools.
Suzanne Opel ’13, Meridian, Miss., is the program director of Pine Lake Fellowship Camp and board president of Community of Hope, Inc.
Courtney Ryan ’13 Florentine, Chambersburg, Pa., is a technical editor at Tapestry Technologies.
Jennifer Shenk ’13, Charlottesville, Va., is a recently licensed clinical counselor employed at Thriveworks Counseling. She is married to Jordan Hollinger ’15.
Rebekah “Bekah” Smoot-Enns ’13, Kitchener, Ontario, is pursuing a master of arts degree in sociology at the University of Waterloo, which she will complete in summer 2018.
James Souder ’13, New Haven, Conn., a graduate student at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, was awarded the Ice River Springs Master’s Scholarship for Sustainability. His research project involves embedding recycling information on or in products so that automatic sorting machines can divert more recyclables from landfills.
Kate Steury ’14 Leaman, New Paris, Ind., has opened the state’s first Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn franchise. She won the “most promising entrepreneur” prize in EMU’s 2013 business-plan competition for students.
Blake Rogers ’14, Hinton, Va., is in the physician’s assistant (PA) training program at James Madison University, and was named the American Academy of PA’s 2018 PA Student of the Year.
Jordan Hollinger ’15, Charlottesville, Va., is earning a master’s degree in public policy at University of Virginia. He is married to Jennifer Shenk ’13.
Josh Lomas ‘15, Kutztown, Pa., is earning an MEd in student affairs and higher education at Kutztown University, where he works with students who have gone through the foster care system.
Rebecca Longenecker ’15, Indianapolis, Ind., is the eCommerce Expert and Marketing Project Specialist at Viral Launch and produces its podcast “Follow The Data.” She is also a published poet.
Eliza Williamson MA ’15 (education), Waynesboro, Va., is the Teacher of the Year at Kate Collins Middle School, where she has taught for 14 years.
Hanna Heishman ’16, Washington D.C., works for Habitat for Humanity International.
Alex Miller ’16, Sarasota, Fla., has been promoted to customer experience team manager at JMX Brands, an online retailer of Amish-made furniture and other products. He has worked in several roles at JMX Brands since 2009.
Austin Mumaw ’16, Harrisonburg, Va., a second-grade teacher at Spotswood Elementary School, was honored by a student who won the Robert B. and Gladys Hopkins Strickler Honored Teacher Essay Contest. The essay and accompanying artwork highlighted Austin’s kindness, gave thanks for extra recess time, and noted his quality of “being awesome.”
Courtney Unruh ’16, Hesston, Kan., is in her second year as a sixth-grade teacher at Hutchinson STEM Magnet School in Allen. She was a winner of the Kansas Horizon Award for top new teachers, given by Kansas Commissioner of Education.
Naomi Scoville ’17, Kosovo, is a middle school English teacher at Prishtina High School. She has also taught in Lezhe, Albania, and at Massanutten Technical Center, Harrisonburg.
Lorren Oesch ’18, Hesston, Kan., was named the women’s resident director at Hesston College in April. She is a 2016 graduate of Hesston.
Center for Justice & Peacebuilding
Nadia Bazzy MA ’08, Canton, Mich., is the director of the office of multi-ethnic student affairs at the University of Michigan. She previously was the interim director of the university’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center.
Jennifer K. Lynne MA ’09, Austin, Texas, is the founder and CEO of TheContactProject, a global social enterprise providing platforms for human capacity development. She earned a PhD from the University of New England in 2016.
Kara Beckman MA ’10, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., is a senior evaluator in an adolescent health research center. Since 2008, she has conducted evaluation and implementation studies of school and community-based restorative practices programs and initiatives.
Robbie Abdelhoq MA ’12, Van Buren Township, Mich., serves as the program manager in the Office of Student Conflict Resolution at the University of Michigan. He is a doctoral candidate in educational philosophy at the University of Toledo.
Akiko Ishihara MA ’14, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, is an associate professor at Kumamoto University.
Dina Rubey Bracaglia MA ’15, Selkirk, N.Y., heads LaSalle School’s Alternative to Detention program.
Karen Dawson MA ’17, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, is a conflict consultant and church worker with Ripe for Harvest and her local church LePhare. For 2.5 years, Karen co-facilitated Mennonite Central Committee’s first SEED young adult volunteer program in the region.
Seminary
Andrew Dyck SEM ’96, Winnipeg, Manitoba, earned a PhD in theology from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands (in collaboration with the International Baptist Theological Study Centre). His dissertation was titled “Praying Like the Catholics? Enriching Canadian Mennonite Brethren Spirituality through Lectio Divina, Spiritual Direction, and the Taizé Community.” He is currently assistant professor of Christian spirituality and pastoral ministry for MB Seminary at Canadian Mennonite University.
Shaunna Payne Gold SEM ‘05, Bowie, Md., is the associate director for assessment and student development in the office of multi-ethnic student education at the University of Maryland College Park. She has a Doctor of Education degree from the George Washington University in higher education administration.
Terry Zehr SEM ‘12, Lowville, N.Y., is a conference minister with Lowville Mennonite Church. “Seminary was a ‘dream come true’ experience for me,” he wrote. “I took courses online, did an independent study, took a class at Lancaster, participated in the Preaching Institute, and finally had a semester in Harrisonburg. Without this web of formats and locations, a degree would not have been possible. I can’t begin to articulate how thankful I am for my seminary experience.”
Marriages
Melvin L. Lehman ’71 to Susan Miller, Nov. 4, 2017.
Melissa Hochstetler ’98 to Travis Lusk, April 22, 2017.
Travis Smith ’05 to Danielle Allocco, Annandale, N.J., Sept. 30, 2017.
Sabrina Strong ’05 to Eugene Gallagher, May 14, 2016.
Lyubov Slashcheva ’11 to Scott Roser, Iowa City, Iowa, Nov. 18, 2017.
Jennifer Shenk ’13 to Jordan Hollinger ’15, May 20, 2017.
Births & Adoptions
Kimberly, director of career services, and Matt Phillips, Cole Matthew, Nov. 25, 2017.
Chuck ’88 and Trish Hostetler ’88 Kratz, Bellefontaine, Ohio, Parker Isaac, March 3, 2016, adopted March 30, 2018.
Radell ’01 and Sarah Schrock, Harrisonburg, Va., Adalynn Elizabeth, Jan. 27, 2018.
Dustin ’01 and Kristin Shoemaker ’06 Blyer, Harrisonburg, Va., Grant David, Jan. 13, 2018.
Matthew ’05 and Jenny Gnagey, Ogden, Utah, Naomi Marine and Phoebe Louise, June 12, 2017.
Adam ’06 and Anita Hoover ’11 Chupp, Greencastle, Pa., Levi Samuel, April 24, 2018.
Jason ’06 and Alexis Sauder ’06 Rutt, Harrisonburg, Va., Quinn Hensley, June 30, 2017.
Adam ’06 and Christy Hurst ’06 Savanick, Rockingham, Va., Jay Robert, April 22, 2018.
Danny Yoder ’06 and Tara Kreider ’05, MA ’11 (counseling), Brooklyn, N.Y., Eliot Kreider Yoder, June 17, 2017.
Lisa Berry ’07 and Joshua Diamond, Harrisonburg, Va., Ezekiel June Diamond, Oct. 14, 2017.
Julia Gingrich ’07 and Josh Weaver, Goshen, Ind., Eliza Weaver, Oct. 10, 2017.
Elizabeth “Liza” Heavener ’07 and Gabe Elsner, Philadelphia, Pa., Isabelle Clara Heavener Elsner, Oct. 6, 2017.
Aubrey Bauman ’08 and Tyler Kreider, Lancaster, Pa., Colby John, Feb. 11, 2018.
Adam ’08 and Brittany Brown, Mickleton, N.J., Annaliese Juella, April 12, 2017.
Jacob ’08 and Amanda Derstine, East Greenville, Pa., Elias, Oct. 30, 2017.
Brian ’08 and Shelly Horst ’08 Hackman, Lancaster, Pa., Lucia Charo, Jan. 29, 2018.
Joleen Kratz ’08 and Jeff Wiseman, Verona, Va., Logan Floyd, July 13, 2016.
Miranda White ’08 and Corey Terry, Monterey, Va., Kelsey Marie, June 2, 2017.
Tyler ’08 and Amanda Yoder, Lancaster, Pa., Wyatt Kenneth, Dec. 9, 2017.
Seth ’09, SEM ’17 and Theresa Peachey ’09 Crissman, Harrisonburg, Va., Maria, Jan. 11, 2018.
Ben ’09 and Kim Gross ’09 Moyer, Sellersville, Pa., Lydia Grace, Nov. 9, 2017.
Joel ’10 and Mikaela Bender ’08 Landis, Pasadena, Calif., Addison Parker, July 17, 2017.
Mark ’10 and Kathryn Hamilton ’09 Fenton, Harrisonburg, Va., Benjamin David, March 1, 2018.
Jason ’10 and Jennifer Christner ’09 Godshall, Sarasota, Fla., Lucas Kyle and James David, Feb. 3, 2018.
Michael ’10 and Rachael King ’10 Harnish, Singers Glen, Va., August Michael, March 9, 2018.
Zachary ’10 and Alicia Hertzler ’09 Hurst, Lancaster, Pa., Elliott Diana, July 17, 2017.
Stephanie DeHart ’12 and Ronald Robinson, Roanoke, Va., Rex Robinson, May 26, 2017.
Sarah Leland ’12 and Ryan Gerber, Dayton, Va., Aanya, June 17, 2016, and Myra, July 23, 2017.
Grace Yoder ’13 and Bryson Huxman, Enora Adeline, Jan. 19, 2018.
Ghassan Mohsin MA ’14 (biomedicine), Lackawanna, N.Y., Noura, March 11, 2017.
Hannah MA ’16 (counseling) and Dan Hall, Harrisonburg, Va., Lilyana Miller, Jan. 9, 2018.
Deaths
Mildred Kauffman ’35 Pellman, Harrisonburg, Va., died Nov. 11, 2017, at 99. She worked with her husband, Hubert ’38, with church communities throughout her life.
Elsie Irene Showalter ’36, Harrisonburg, Va., died May 25, 2017, at 99. She was a homemaker and volunteer with Virginia Mennonite Missions Board and Gift & Thrift, among other organizations.
Dwight W. Hartman ’39, Harrisonburg, Va., died Dec. 17, 2017, at 94. He served in Civilian Public Service camps in Pennsylvania and Colorado. He later founded Hartman Motor Sales and a Kenworth Truck dealer, now Truck Enterprises Inc., and Hartman’s Inc., a motor freight carrier.
Eula Showalter ’40, Harrisonburg, Va., died Feb. 2, 2018, at 95. She was a nurse at Green Valley Clinic, Parkview Medical Center and Sunnyside Presbyterian Home.
Sara Jane Weaver ’42 Wenger, Lancaster, Pa, died March 23, 2018, at 95. She and her husband, Chester ‘34, were married 73 years and received EMU’s Centennial Award during Homecoming 2017. Beginning in 1949, they served in Ethiopia as missionary teachers for 17 years through Eastern Mennonite Missions. She later was a reading teacher and ran a retail business in Lancaster County farmers’ markets.
Anna Mae Groff ’46 Landis, Lititz, Pa., died Feb. 19, 2018, at 97. She did office nursing and was a staff nurse at Lancaster General Hospital for 20 years.
Grace Gross ’46 Hockman, Harrisonburg, Va., died Jan. 11, 2018, at 92. She and her husband, Norman ‘51, served nearly 30 years in Honduras as missionaries. A nurse, Grace designed and directed the building of a small clinic there.
Norman Kraus ’46, Harrisonburg, Va., died April 6, 2018, at 94. He taught at Goshen College for 30 years, authored a number of books, was an ordained minister, and served in Japan under Mennonite Board of Missions.
Dorothy Hackman ’46 Martin, Lititz, Pa., died Jan. 29, 2017, at 92.
Mary Hertzler ’49, Scottdale, Pa., died Nov. 18, 2017, at 92. Mary was editor for the Allegheny Mennonite Conference News from 1983-91, and a clerk at the MCC thrift shop World’s Attic.
Isabelle King ’49 Yoder, Seaford, Va., died Jan. 6, 2018, at 100.
Ruth Byler ’50 Yoder, Goshen, Ind., died Jan. 18. 2017, at 97. She was a registered nurse and a member of College Mennonite Church, Gideons Auxiliary International and the National Christian Embassy, Jerusalem.
Hazel Horst EMS ’51 Bell, Caledonia, Ohio, died March 30, 2018, at 85. She took care of children in her home.
Ralph Malin ’51, Malvern, Pa., died June 20, 2017, at 90.
Irene Benner ’52 Alderfer, Souderton, Pa., died Oct. 5, 2017, at 94. She taught fifth grade and volunteered at Care & Share Thrift Shoppes of Souderton. She was a member of Perkiomenville Mennonite Church and also assisted her husband, Bishop Isaiah Alderfer, in serving several small mission churches in Pennsylvania and New York.
Betty Martin ’52 Kniss, Harrisonburg, Va., died April 3, 2018, at 89. She served with her husband, Mark, class of ’52, in Bihar, India, from 1959-73 in medical work under the Mennonite Mission Board. She also taught in the church, led women’s Bible studies and helped resettle refugees in the 1980s.
Ruth B. Kaufmann ’54, Goshen, Ind., died Nov. 7, 2017, at 89. Ruth was a member of College Mennonite Church and a former member of Willow Springs Mennonite Church, Tiskilwa, Ill., where she worked as a secretary. She also worked for the Illinois Mennonite Conference, Mennonite Board of Missions and the Mennonite Hour radio program.
Lucinda “Cindy” Martin ’54 Bolger, Elmira, Ontario, died Dec. 6, 2017, at 96.
Stanwyn G. Shetler ’55, Leesburg, Va., died Dec. 4, 2017, at 84. He earned his PhD in botany and worked at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History as a curator and later as deputy director of the museum.
Keith Esch ’56, Richmond, Ind., died Dec. 27, 2017, at 83. He was a conscientious objector, doing alternative service in Michigan. He later earned a master’s degree from Earlham School of Religion. He was a school teacher in Michigan and Pennsylvania and pastored churches in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania.
Titus W. Bender ’57, Rockingham, Va., died Dec. 8, 2017, at 85. Titus and his wife Ann ‘58 spent 11 years in voluntary service in Meridian, Miss. He later taught in the EMU sociology and social work department from 1976-97. He was one of the founders of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Harrisonburg and of Gemeinschaft Home, a halfway house for nonviolent offenders.
Emerson Martin ’57, Albany, Ore., died May 20, 2017, at 83. He worked at Lemon’s Millwork for 26 years and was a member of Fairview Mennonite Church. He is survived by his wife, Thelma, class of ‘60.
James Payne ’58, Richmond, Va., died Dec. 21, 2017, at 86. He was an administrator at the Emperor’s School for Blind Boys in Ethiopia, head teacher at an elementary school in Roaring Springs, Pa., pastor of Martinsburg Mennonite Church, and taught for 20 years at Shippensburg State University. He and his wife, Marian, were also founding donors of EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.
Marian Yoder Payne, Richmond, Va., a founding donor of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, died Aug. 6, 2017. She and her husband James ’58 offered strategic gifts during the past 23 years. Marian took courses at EMU and completed her education degree at Penn State University.
Dr. John R. Wenger, Jr. ’58, Charlottesville, Va., died Nov. 11, 2016, at 85. He practiced medicine in Bedford, Va., from 1964-2001.
Paul M. Longacre ’61, Harrisonburg, Va., died Feb. 19, 2018, at 80. He served in various positions with Mennonite Central Committee, with much of his work focused on food and hunger education, which complemented the work of first wife Doris Janzen Longacre (1940-79), who authored the More-with-Less Cookbook and Living More with Less. He was married to Nancy Heisey SEM ’94, associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary. Paul also worked in prison ministry, and served as pastor and elder and on various Mennonite boards.
Mary Moyer ’61, Harleysville, Pa., died Nov. 10, 2017, at 81. She taught and later worked as a receptionist for Landis’ Markets. She was a member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church.
Harold Reed ’61, Lititz, Pa., died Dec. 17, 2017, at 83. He served in pastoral ministry in Chester, Pa., and in Somalia with Eastern Mennonite Missions. He also served Charlotte Street and East Chestnut Street Mennonite churches in Lancaster, Pa. and as bishop for the Lancaster district of Lancaster Mennonite Conference.
Anna “Anne” Moyer ’62, Lansdale, Pa., died Sept. 4, 2017, at 79. Anne taught kindergarten and was a nurse’s aide, among other jobs. She was a member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church.
John D. Stahl ’62, SEM ’07, Harrisonburg, Va., died Dec. 26, 2017, at 78. He spent most of his career at EMU as an instructor, director of institutional research and director of business affairs. He later provided trainings in computer management information systems in higher education settings and was also a pastor of Immanuel Mennonite Church. John was a founding member of Park View Mennonite Church.
William “Bill” Leatherman ’63, Doylestown, Pa., died April 21, 2017, at 77. He was a mechanic for Bill Frankenfield Buick for many years and was a member of Doylestown Mennonite Church.
Suzanne Frey Yoder ’64, Black Mountain, N.C., died Dec. 5, 2017, at 75. She lived and worked in Africa and France. Among her many interests were creating greeting cards and working with conflict resolution and peace and justice issues.
Ronald Alder ’65, Bentonville, Ark., died Dec. 2, 2017, at 74.
Don Beyeler ’65, Goshen, Ind., died Dec. 24, 2017, at 74. He served in alternative service in the Dominican Republic, doing agri-development and amateur veterinary work. After this, he spent four months riding a motorcycle alone from Panama to southern California. He then did agricultural extension work in Oregon, started a dairy nutrition and crop science business called Bey-Agri Services, and developed and marketed dairy and beef ration balancing software called Nutritional Software Systems.
Elaine Erb ’67 Alderfer, Louisa, Va., died Dec. 6, 2017, at 74. She and her husband, Harold, were dairy farmers. She also was a teacher, a florist and a baker for the Louisa Farmer’s Market.
Warren L. Grasse ’68, Telford, Pa., died Oct. 3, 2017, at 77. He served with the PAX Program in Germany, Morocco, Liberia and Indonesia. With his wife, he was the country director for Mennonite Central Committee in Nigeria. Following this, he was a healthcare administrator in several retirement communities.
Thord Kenneth Einarsen ’69, Williamsburg, Va., died April 22, 2018. A graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, he was a pastor of churches in Buchanan, Va., and Norge, Va.
Phoebe Erb ’69 Gallagher, Chestnut Hill, Mass., died Oct. 19, 2017, at 70.
Judith Eberly ’70 Miller, Dalton, Ohio, died Dec. 17, 2017, at 73. She was a member of Salem Mennonite Church and enjoyed encouraging others, quilting, gardening, visiting with friends and hosting guests in her home.
Marcia Beachy ’71 Kauffman, Middlefield, Ohio, died Feb. 11, 2018, at 68. She taught school for 30 years in Honduras, Alberta, Florida and Virginia. Her last role was head of the elementary department at Ridgeview Christian School, Stuarts Draft, Va.
Marcia Yoder ’73 Miller, Millersburg, Ohio, died Jan. 15, 2018, at 66. She taught at East Holmes Schools even when doctors discouraged it because of living with cystic fibrosis.
Richard “Dick” Lantz ’74, Harrisonburg, Va., died March 2, 2018, at 76. In his early years, he served in Honduras with Mennonite Voluntary Service. He was involved in various business ventures, including 29 years at Shenandoah Manufacturing, where he retired in 2000 as the vice president of marketing.
Clair Hollinger SEM ’80, Lititz, Pa., died Nov. 8, 2017, at 88. He served in 1W service in Philadelphia for two years and then as a cabinet maker. Later, he pastored churches in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He also served as a missionary in Trinidad, industrial art teacher at Lancaster Mennonite High School, radio pastor for Moments of Glad Tidings, and evangelist.
Henry “Hank” Moyer ’83, Waynesboro, Va., died Feb. 1, 2018, at 56. He was employed by Habitat for Humanity Restore as a processor.
Bernadine “Bernie” Roth ’87 Stauffer, Stephens City, Va., died April 25, 2018, at 52. She was employed as a secretary at her church, Life Church, and was also a bookkeeper and administrative assistant for Buffalo Wild Wings.
Joseph “Joe” Day ’94, New Holland, Pa., died Dec. 31, 2017, at 46 in South Korea. He taught in Virginia, Washington and South Korea and was named Renton [Wash.] School District Teacher of the Year in 2016.
Samuel “Sam” Flook ’97, Harrisonburg, Va., died Sept. 18, 2017, at 63. Sam worked at Merck & Co. before retiring in 2013. He was a member of Mill Creek Church of the Brethren.
Sarah Uibel MA ’02 (education) Brubaker, Lancaster, Pa., died Jan. 27, 2018, at 62. She served the Manheim Central School District as a music teacher and choral director for more than 25 years and was named Teacher of the Year in 2007. She was honored for lifetime service in 2016 by the Lancaster-Lebanon Music Educators’ Association.
Todd Earhart ’04, Waynesboro, Va., died Dec. 29, 2017, at 40. A real estate manager, he owned a commercial appraisal business. He was a member of Mint Spring UMC.
Patricia Hawse Hendricks ’06, SEM ’11, McGaheysville, Va., died Feb. 28, 2018, at 64. She was most recently the Christian formation coordinator at Immanuel Mennonite Church. Other roles included chaplaincy, teaching preschool, volunteering in Bosnia and Russia, and working with community services and hospice in Harrisonburg.
Kumar Anuraj Jha MA ’07 (conflict transformation), Goshen, Ind., died Nov. 30, 2017, at 40, in a car accident. Kumar was a child protection specialist with the United Nations Children’s Fund, working in Sudan at the time. He was married to Jill Landis ’99, MA ’10 (conflict transformation) Jha.
Degree Key
CLASS OF – attended as part of the class of a given graduation year
GC – graduate certificate
MA – master of arts
SEM – attended or graduated from the seminary
Mileposts is compiled by Marci Myers, who may be reached at myersmk@emu.edu or at 540-432-4589.
Editorial Policy
Milepost entries are printed on the basis of submissions from alumni or on the basis of publicly available information. We do not verify the accuracy of information that alumni provide, nor do we make judgment calls on the information that they wish to be published, beyond editing for clarity, conciseness and consistency of style. The information provided to us does not necessarily reflect the official policies of EMU or of its parent church, Mennonite Church USA.
