Ten graduating EMU seniors were honored as Cords of Distinction recipients in a ceremony on Tuesday, April 29, at Martin Chapel.
The honor is one of the university’s most valued, cherished, and meaningful awards given all year. It recognizes graduating seniors who have made outstanding contributions to the university, community, and society over the course of their college careers. Recipients of the award were presented with blue and gold cords to wear at Commencement.
Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services and chair of the Cords of Distinction committee, said the award, established in 2000, recognizes and honors students’ experiences beyond academics. “We have many students who come to EMU with gifts that aren’t necessarily recognized in the classroom, so their contributions can sometimes go unnoticed,” she said. “These students participate in high levels of engagement outside of classes and recognize the importance of social and civil aspects of engaging in the local community.”
EMU President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, in her remarks, extolled the graduates’ ability to bravely stay the course and model selfless achievement, even through a pandemic, political upheaval, and personal struggles. “Each in their own way, they have helped make the world a better place: more humane, more peaceful, more inclusive, and more attentive to serving marginalized communities,” she said.
Watch a recording of the ceremony here.
Ruth Abera
A biochemistry major with minors in restorative justice, criminology, and honors core from Damascus, Maryland, she was honored by Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs at EMU.
From the moment Abera arrived on campus, she stepped into leadership roles that reflect her deep commitment to advocacy and service. She was vice president of the Student Government Association and a leader on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee, where she worked to bring about lasting change, including more inclusive restroom signage and free menstrual products on campus. She also served as a student chaplain and Y-Serve leader who helped organize the meal-packing event earlier this semester.
“What drives Ruth is her own personal journey, immigrating to the U.S. after middle school and overcoming the challenges of cultural transition,” Willingham said. “It is that experience that has shaped her passion to ensure every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.”
Mariana Acosta
An engineering major and honors minor from Salem, Oregon, she was honored by Dr. Daniel King, associate professor of engineering.
Acosta’s cup overflows with meaningful involvement to connect and uplift people. She led meal-packing efforts with Sustainable Food Initiative, volunteered with Mennonite Action, and captained the intramural Ultimate Frisbee team. She was involved in the engineering club and Engineers in Action, where she worked with students, engineers, and communities to design and build footbridges in Bolivia and Eswatini. “I’m not sure there’s a more fitting metaphor than that Mana is quite literally a bridge builder,” King said.
Acosta is also a three-time winner of the annual Kryptos cryptanalysis competition. “It’s quite fitting that a defending national champion codebreaker has not only deciphered how to do college well, she has the keys for how to do life well,” King said.
Noussaiba Garti
A digital media & communications major and psychology minor from Fez, Morocco, and Orlando, Florida, she was honored by Deanna Durham, associate professor of social work & sociology, and Dr. Jerry Holsopple, professor of visual & communication arts.
Garti brings a curiosity to projects that span the campus and community, engaging fully, and inspiring excellence through thoughtful attention to color, form, style, and communication. She’s always observing the world, not to accept it as it is, but to imagine what it could be. Even while navigating her own struggles, she leans in with courage and care.
“Your journey hasn’t been easy,” Durham said. “You left after your first year, unsure if you’d return. But return you did, and how grateful we are for that. Your capacity to look up and follow even the slightest sliver of light has brought us to this moment where we celebrate you.”
“Your presence has been a gift, challenging us with your creativity, questioning us with your critical thinking, nudging us to reflect on our values, and yes, inspiring us to update our fashion sense,” Holsopple said.
Adesola Johnson
A biology major with minors in chemistry and honors from Dallas, she was honored by Dr. Mark Sawin, professor of history and director of the honors program.
At just 20 years old, Johnson is a young superstar with a passion for scholarly research. At EMU, she quickly established herself as a respected leader, serving on the Honors Council and on SGA. She was EMU’s first DEI Inclusive Excellence Student Leader. She gained positions on two prestigious federally funded research grants, and is known for presenting at conferences with style and flair as “Research Barbie.”
Outside of campus, Johnson, who is originally from Lagos, Nigeria, volunteered for Church World Service, where she helped immigrant groups adjust to their new home. “Simply put, Adesola is the kind of person the world needs, and the kind that EMU is proud to help launch into the world,” Sawin said.
Erika Lopez
A liberal arts and elementary education (PreK-6) licensure, special education endorsement, major from Goshen, Indiana, she was honored by Dr. Ron Shultz, associate professor of elementary education.
Lopez is not one to sit on the sidelines. When there’s a need, she’s quick to help out, especially when advocating for those in underserved or underrepresented communities. She served as president of the Student Education Association, as a representative with the Committee on Teacher Education, and helped secure a grant that added more than 100 diverse children’s books to the EMU Education Department. She spoke out against book banning in local schools, was editor of The Weather Vane, and participated in various student organizations and clubs.
“Her future elementary students will be incredibly fortunate to have a teacher who invests deeply in relationships, demonstrates genuine care, and seeks to provide equal opportunity for each one to succeed,” Shultz said.
Cristal Narciso
A social work major from Val Verde, California, she was honored by Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services.
A top-notch lacrosse goalie during her four years at EMU, Narciso is fiery and fills every room she enters with fierceness. She helped revive the Latinx Student Alliance, served as its co-president for four years, and led an initiative to print and distribute hundreds of red “Know Your Rights” cards to support and empower local immigrants. She has also assisted with preparing meals for women and children experiencing homelessness through the Bridge of Hope nonprofit.
“Cristal works to influence her peers and to help transform the EMU community into a place where everyone is valued, heard, accepted, and cared for,” Thomas said. “She is not afraid to have those difficult conversations, and fights for what she believes is the right thing for all.”
Garrett Nyce
An economics and business analytics major and a data analytics minor from Souderton, Pennsylvania, he was honored by Adam Posey, head baseball coach.
It’s no small wonder Nyce is the first baseball player in more than a decade to receive the Cords of Distinction award. The first baseman has worked constantly to improve himself on the field, excelled within the classroom at a level “we have never seen in our program,” said Posey, and lived fully into the campus community and his Mennonite faith. Nyce was a Royal Ambassador, tutor, and more, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
“It takes an incredibly rare talent to be able to balance the rigors of being a student-athlete while managing to maintain the academic workload and campus involvement that Garrett’s had in his career here at EMU,” Posey said. “He’s been a sparkling example of what a student-athlete can and should be.”
Marciella Shallomita
A biology and mathematics major and a bible, religion, and theology minor from Serpong, Indonesia, and Philadelphia, she was honored by Tyler Goss, director for student engagement and leadership development.
“For those who know Marciella,” said Goss, “you know three things to be true: She is capable of anything, her faith is her foundation, and you should never challenge her to a badminton match.”
Shallomita made a lasting impact on campus, volunteering more than 360 hours for Campus Activities Council, serving as co-president of CAC, and as founder and president of the Badminton Club. She was a student chaplain, and served on leadership for Every Nation Campus and Celebration, where she contributed her musical talents. She also led the Asian-Pacific Islander Student Alliance and the Math Club. “Marciella is a brilliant student, a servant leader, and someone whose faith infuses every corner of her life,” Goss said.
Allysen Welty Peachey
A biology and environmental science major from Champaign, Illinois, she was honored by Dr. Jim Yoder, professor of biology.
Welty Peachey worked tirelessly as a leader, motivator, and ambassador, promoting EMU’s shared values and integrating her care and concern for God’s people and creation into her service. She is known as a person of action, working to motivate and energize her peers to become more involved on campus and in the community. She was president of Earth Keepers, where she organized advocacy projects, initiated a composting program with SFI, and facilitated engagement with other student groups. She also shared valuable student perspectives with the Creation Care Council and Board of Trustees.
“She’s inspired me with her energy, engagement, faith, and firm belief that change can happen, and no doubt has made me a better teacher and mentor,” Yoder said.
Fiker Yigzaw
A global studies major with minors in peacebuilding and environmental justice from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she was honored by Micah Shristi, director of international student services.
Throughout her past four years at EMU, Yigzaw has extended a warm welcome to new students and to newly arrived immigrants, offering a smile and laugh that have helped many feel accepted and appreciated. Armed with an ability to balance humor with hard work, she facilitated countless International Students Organization planning meetings and served as a model in speaking up for her fellow students.
Shristi recounted a moment when Yigzaw called on staff members to improve communication and affordability of summer housing for students. “To quote John Lewis, ‘You are the light. Never let anyone—any person or any force—dampen, dim, or diminish your light,’” Shristi said. “Thank you for sharing your bright light and serving as a force for good in our community.”
The 2025 Cords of Distinction selection committee included Celeste Thomas, Brian Martin Burkholder, Trina Trotter Nussbaum, Deanna Durham, Braydon Hoover, Justin McIlwee, and Aundrea Smiley.
View the photo album from the event.
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