Meet the 2010 ‘Cords of Distinction’ Recipients

2010 Cords of Distinction recipients at EMU

Front row (L to R): Jennifer Hochstetler, Katherine Nussbaum, Dorine Ndayizigiye, Sarah Roth, Claudette Monroy. Back row (L to R): Jonathan Spicher, Daniel Miller, Jay Michael Harnish, Anastacio Basil Marin, Niclette Kibibi

Ten graduating seniors were honored as this year’s “Cords of Distinction” recipients in an awards ceremony held Saturday, May 1, as part of commencement weekend activities.

The students, nominated by faculty, staff and fellow students, were cited for exemplifying the school’s highest ideals. They wore gold and blue cords as they graduated Sunday afternoon, May 2.

Meaning of the cords

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.

Students embody EMU’s values

The students were selected for their “significant and verifiable impact” on 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.

2010 Cords recipients

  • Jay Michael Harnish, bachelor of arts degree in biblical studies with minnor in youth ministries, Lancaster, Pa.
  • Jennifer K. (Jenny) Hochstetler, BA degree in justice, peace and conflict studies with minor in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), Iowa City, Iowa;
  • Niclette I. Kibibi, BA in biochemistry and psychology, Lancaster, Pa.
  • A. Basil Marin, bachelor of science degree in business administration with minor in church music, Harrisonburg, Va.
  • Daniel N. Miller, BA in liberal arts with minor in history, Corning, N.Y.
  • Claudette V. Monroy, BA in economics and justice, peace and conflict studies, Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico
  • Dorine K. Ndayizigiye, BS in psychology, Bujumbura, Burundi
  • Katherine A. (Kate) Nussbaum, BA in peacebuilding and development with minors in Bible and religion, psychology, history and social science, Mahtomedi, Minn.
  • Sarah B. Roth, BA in history with minors in pre-law, political studies, Bible and religion and justice, peace and conflict studies, Harrisonburg, Va.
  • Jonathan M. Spicher, BA in biology, Mountville, Pa.