Eastern Mennonite University: A Century of Countercultural Education was released by Penn State Press in time for EMU’s Centennial Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 13-15, 2017.
In this unique educational history, Donald B. Kraybill ‘67 traces the sociocultural transformation of EMU from a fledgling separatist school founded by white, rural, Germanic Mennonites into a world-engaged institution populated by many faith traditions, cultures and nationalities.
Kraybill was commissioned in 2011 to write the fresh history, a project he began in 2012 and completed after six years, working full time throughout 2015 and 2016.
The esteemed historian brought a unique perspective to the assignment, noted Provost Fred Kniss. “Don is an EMU graduate, sociologist, theological and cultural interpreter, and prolific writer of widely read scholarly books.”
When he was invited to write the history in 2011, Kraybill said that “at this stage of my life, this project captures my interest because it offers a unique opportunity to investigate a case study of the transformation of Mennonite/Anabaptist identity in the twentieth century.”
Read a September 2017 interview with Kraybill about the project’s scope, surprises and rewards.
The book provides a readable history of the university with glimpses at the inner workings of the Mennonite Church denomination at that time, including disagreements about purpose, location and leadership.
“Comprehensive and well told by a leading scholar of Anabaptist and Pietist studies, this social history of Eastern Mennonite University reveals how the school has mediated modernity while remaining consistently Mennonite,” writes Penn State Press. “A must-have for anyone affiliated with EMU, it will appeal especially to sociologists and historians of Anabaptist and Pietist studies and higher education.”
Purchase the book
The hardcover book is available through EMU at the special price of $19.99 plus tax, shipping and handling. To order, complete this form.
The book is also available from Penn State Press and at Amazon at a cost of $40; Amazon also offers a Kindle version at $18.99.
Questions
If you have questions about the book purchase, contact Eastern Mennonite University at centennialbook@emu.edu or 540-432-4101.