Students Receive ‘Cords of Distinction’ Honor

by Jim Bishop
Cords of Distinction recipients Cords of Distinction recipients
Photo by Jim Bishop

They’re among Eastern Mennonite University’s most outstanding students, exemplifying the school’s highest ideals.

Ten EMU seniors, nominated by faculty, staff and fellow students, were named this year’s “Cords of Distinction” recipients in an awards ceremony at the close of chapel Friday, Apr. 22. They will wear the gold and blue cords as they graduate on May 1, 2005.

Blue represents the strength of conviction that one person can help to create a better institution or community. Gold represents the love of spirit and yearning towards creating a better university environment or community in which all may take part.

The students were cited for their “significant and verifiable impact” on the the university and on student life, for their contributions to developing the institution’s positive image, for substantial contributions to the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County area and beyond, for their high academic and social standing and their embodiment of EMU’s shared values of Christian discipleship, community, service and peacebuilding.

The “Cords of Distinction” recipients are (seated, l. to r.): Zonia P. Cofer, Philadelphia, Pa., liberal arts major with minor in psychology; Ogomegbunam (Ogo) C. Nwankwo, Enugu, Nigeria, biology with minor in psychology; Leah N. Meja, Nairobi, Kenya, international business with minor in computer information systems; Shannon Q. Terranova, Arnold, Md., liberal arts with minor in theater.

(Standing, l. to r.): Jason L. Good, Washington, D.C., environmental science and international agriculture with minor in Spanish; Peter M. Sensenig, Lancaster, Pa., culture, religion and mission with minors in philosophy and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language; Kevin D. Docherty, Broadway, Va., applied sociology and history; John M. Neiswander, Millersburg, Ohio, business administration with minors in accounting and Spanish; and Davi R. Soesilo, Malang, Indonesia, psychology, communication and theater .

Missing from photo: Jill P. Leaman, Lancaster, Pa., liberal arts and elementary education licensure with minor in Spanish.