Whether they’re transferring from a large state school, a small private institution, or a community college, EMU’s transfer students are a vital part of the student body and contribute to the vibrancy of our campus.
Hear why some of them chose EMU as their new home!
Jose Lopez Vasquez
Hometown: Harrisonburg, Virginia
College/University you transferred from: Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave, Virginia)
Major: Computer science
Why EMU?
The primary reason I chose to transfer to EMU was because it felt like home. When I was searching for where I would go to finish my degree, EMU welcomed me and showed me there was a genuine spirit of connection and support. Even though it’s close to home and I was awarded a STEM scholarship, the ultimate deciding factor was that EMU made me feel like I belonged here.
What was transferring like for you?
Transferring to EMU was a smooth and welcoming experience. From the beginning, they guided me through each step and made sure I had everything I needed. Not once did I feel at a loss during the process.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
My advice to other transfer students is to look for a school where you truly feel a connection. Choose a place that makes you feel comfortable and supported, but also challenges you to grow and push yourself.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at EMU?
I’m a tutor for other students majoring in computer science. I’m also part of the NSF-STEM Scholarship Program, which has given me opportunities to connect with other students in STEM fields. I’m an active member of Latinx Student Alliance (LSA) and enjoy taking part in their events.
Benjamin Elliott
Hometown: Broadway, Virginia
College/University you transferred from: Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave, Virginia)
Majors: Political science and peacebuilding & development, with sociology minor
Why EMU?
My father has been a PA announcer for basketball and volleyball at EMU since 2009, and this school has been a part of my life since then. I love EMU’s commitment to radical justice and change.
What was transferring like for you?
It’s been easy. Shout-out to Liz (Heilbronner) and the wonderful admissions team. Dayton and the staff at BRCC helped as well.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
Find what you’re passionate about and what program best fits that interest. The more passionate you are about the subject, the better your experience will be.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at EMU?
Peace Fellowship, Mennonite Action, and writing opinion pieces for The Weather Vane. I’ve met a ton of great people in these groups who all share the same commitment to justice that I do.
Hezekiah Brown
Hometown: Stafford, Virginia
College/University you transferred from: Lesley University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Major: Business administration
Why EMU?
I chose to transfer to EMU because my old coach was let go, and this school had a really solid and sound campus environment. My parents actually mentioned the nice little coffee shop in the Commons (Common Grounds Coffeehouse!) as they were visiting for a JMU football game. I also chose this school because of the facilities it has to offer. My last school didn’t even have its own gymnasium, which makes a world of difference.
What was transferring like for you?
Transferring was an easy transition because everyone here is so welcoming.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
My advice to other transfer students would be to put yourself out there and socialize as much as possible in your first few weeks to find out who your people might be. And to look for a school that has strong and helpful resources like EMU. I actually got registered to come here the week before school started, and I have people from the admissions team like Lexi, Liz, and a few others to thank for all their help in such a short amount of time.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at EMU?
Before my basketball season started, I enjoyed pickleball, gospel choir, the outdoors club, and biking around town with friends, along with being a part of Student Government Association (SGA) and working at Royals’ Den. They have so much to offer at this school!
Micah Wenger
Hometown: Hutchinson, Kansas
College/University you transferred from: Bethel College (North Newton, Kansas)
Major: Music and peacebuilding
Why EMU?
I felt unfulfilled at Bethel, socially. I had expected to meet other young Mennonites with similar interests and felt as though there weren’t a lot of those people at Bethel. At EMU, there’s more of those people. I worked for two summers at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, where there’s a pretty big Mennonite contingent from EMU, so I met a lot of people from EMU there, thought about transferring, and decided EMU might be the place for me.
What was transferring like for you?
People I knew from camp were quick to include me in social things, so I felt included and secure since day one, which is abnormal, I think, for a lot of transfers.
Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
Similar to being a freshman in college, just being willing to go out and do things and chat with people makes a big difference. People here tend to be pretty friendly. I found they’re usually happy to chat.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at EMU?
A lot of music: I take piano lessons, I’m in the orchestra, and on the choir. I’m also part of the group that’s working to put on a theater show next semester.
Interested in EMU? Start the conversation by requesting more info, scheduling a campus visit, talking with a professor or coach, or meeting your admissions counselor. Learn more about transferring to EMU at emu.edu/admissions/transfer.
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