This listing includes events for November and December 2023 at Eastern Mennonite University. To see the most current details, additional events and further information, please visit the events calendar at www.emu.edu/events.
EMU News often publishes event previews. Visit www.emu.edu/news to view the latest postings or to subscribe to the news digest to receive the Tuesday morning weekly update.
November 2023
Nov. 1 — Suter Science Seminar: Ángel A. García Jr. “Using Karst as a Central Theme to Establish Multidisciplinary Research Around the World.” Dr. Garcia is a geoscientist interested in using cave and karst science to study the intersection between society and karst terrain around the world. In this talk, he will be discussing current research related to cave and karst in Virginia and Puerto Rico and other parts of the world. 10:10 a.m., SSC 104.
Nov. 3-5 — This and That Theater Showcases. Student and community artists share one-act plays, monologues, song, poetry, spoken word and solo pieces. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., MainStage Theater.
Nov. 5 — Massanutten Brass Band. Join the Shenandoah Valley’s very own British-style brass band in concert as they present Old, New, Borrowed, Blue! This concert features pieces by Shostakovich, Gershwin, Graham, and more! 6 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.
Nov. 6 — STEM Teaching Gathering. “Lessons Learned from 24 Years in Education” from Brian Nussbaum. This session will highlight three significant transformations in thinking that have influenced Brian’s approach to teaching and share the importance of how learning from failure can be the most important rule as an educator. 10:10 a.m., SSC 109.
Nov. 8 — Convocation: Celebrating EMU’s Mennonite Identity. A panel of students, faculty and staff will discuss what it means to be a Mennonite university today. There will also be music performances and singing. 10:10 a.m., Lehman Auditorium.
Nov. 10 — EMU Music 2023 Gala. Together. This special concert celebrating connectedness and community across the globe will feature dance, poetry, world music, the world premiere of two new compositions, and the beloved “Ode to Joy” movement from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. There will be special performances by guest artists Paula Facci, Andreá Bellamore, Makinto as well as all EMU music program ensembles. 7 p.m., Lehman Auditorium. Suggested donation $10-$20.
Nov. 15 — University Colloquium: Cathy Rittenhouse. “Improving Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test Utilization on a College Campus.” For students to succeed in their educational endeavors, it is essential for colleges to work to meet health needs. Measures that raise awareness about sexually-transmitted infections and reduce barriers to testing are steps in this direction. 4 p.m., SSC 106.
Nov. 17-Dec. 15 — Dittenber/Schram Art Exhibition, featuring the art of Asheville, North Carolina, artists Suzanne Dittenber and Thomas Schram. Gallery opening 4 p.m. Nov. 17, MMG Gallery.
Nov. 18 — Music Faculty Artist Series Recital: Olivia Rominiyi, voice, and Jeremiah Padilla, piano. This recital features EMU faculty members Rominiyi (soprano) and Padilla (piano) performing music of Smith Moore, Clara Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Menotti, Rossini, Price, Lane and Puccini. 7 p.m., Martin Chapel.
Nov. 19 — Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir and Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony joint fall concert. 4 p.m., Lehman Auditorium. By donation.
Nov. 29 — Convocation: Insights and Stories from Howard Zehr, featuring an interview with Howard Zehr about his new book, Restorative Justice: Insights and Stories from My Journey. 10:10 a.m., Lehman Auditorium.
Nov. 30 — EMU Music Program Student Recital. This final student recital of the semester showcases solo performances by EMU music students. 12:10 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.
December 2023
Dec. 1 — Tis’ the Season: An EMU Christmas Concert. A special fun-filled Christmas event, this concert featuring performances by all EMU ensembles and several EMU faculty members will include music ranging from timeless Christmas jazz favorites to the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s Messiah. 7 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.
Dec. 2 — Senior Recital: Judith Hoffman, violin. Senior music education major Judith Hoffman presents her senior violin recital with EMU faculty pianist Jeremiah Padilla. 7 p.m., Martin Chapel.
Dec. 4 — Caroling Christmas: Narrating Nativity. This gathering immediately after the Lighting of the Green, in the warmth of the Student Union, features Christmas caroling and one of the biblical stories of Jesus’ birth. 5:30 p.m., University Commons Student Union.
Dec. 7 — Senior Recital: Indigo Gott, flute. Senior Interdisciplinary music major Indigo Gott will present their senior recital featuring special guest collaborators from across the EMU music program. 7 p.m., Martin Chapel.
Dec. 9-10 — Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir Christmas Concert with the Washington Symphonic Brass. Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 4 p.m. Lehman Auditorium. Tickets on sale online.
Dec. 10 — Conducting Class Recital: Recollections. EMU Music conducting class students present their end-of-the-semester recital, featuring an eclectic mix of their own chamber music arrangements. 7 p.m., Martin Chapel.
Dec. 14 — Convocation: Europe Intercultural. The Europe Intercultural group shares about their travels to Vienna, Austria, and areas that were once under the rule of the Hapsburg Empire. 10:10 a.m., Lehman Auditorium.
MMG Gallery = Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery
SSC = Suter Science Center
More information
Arts at EMU To learn more about music, theater, and visual and communication arts at EMU, visit www.emu.edu/arts.
Center for Interfaith Engagement The Center for Interfaith Engagement (CIE) at Eastern Mennonite University promotes collaboration among religious and nonreligious scholars and practitioners, provides education in our principles and practices, and creates a safe space for developing authentic relationships and mutual understanding both between and within communities. CIE partners with people and organizations for interfaith education and service to promote a more just and peaceful world.
Suter Science Seminars Each year, a variety of expert scientists visit EMU’s campus to share their insights. Refreshments provided.
University Chapel A community gathering place for worship and forum, chapel reflects an Anabaptist/Mennonite perspective alongside the gifts, traditions and cultures of the broader Christian faith. Faith, hope and love are nurtured in the way of Jesus. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to gather every other Wednesday at 10 a.m. for campus worship in Martin Chapel. A student-led song, prayer and worship service is held most Sunday evenings at 9 p.m. in Martin Chapel. Podcasts available.
Writers Reads and Spanish Language Film Series events sponsored by the language and literature department. Writers Read features authors who read from and comment on their work; refreshments are provided. Spanish language films will have English subtitles; introductions and student-led discussions are in English.