A networking event bringing together business owners, local leaders, and government officials from across the Shenandoah Valley kicked off inauguration weekend by recognizing EMU’s community partnerships. The Community Partners Luncheon, held at The Loft at Liberty St. in Downtown Harrisonburg on Oct. 7, was presented by Kathy Moran Wealth Group and catered by Kirsten Moore ’93, owner of Magpie Diner.
“It is wonderful to look around this room and see people who care deeply about this university and our community,” said Deanna Reed, Harrisonburg mayor and EMU’s director of alumni engagement and community connections. “Each of you brings something valuable to our relationship with EMU, and we are grateful you are here.”
Kathy Moran, founder and owner of Kathy Moran Wealth Group, praised EMU for doing a “marvelous job” of supporting first-generation college students like herself. This fall, for the first time in the university’s history, more than half of incoming first-year students are first-generation college students.
“When Mayor Reed approached me about sponsoring this luncheon, I didn’t hesitate,” Moran said. “I love what EMU represents, I love its inclusive, belonging perspective. I love its programs and the quality of its education, and, in particular, I see Dr. Dycus as an incredible leader in our community, so I was on board right from the start.”
Gil Colman, owner of Colman Engineering in Harrisonburg, also attended the luncheon. In the early 1990s, he tutored students in EMU’s Spanish department while taking classes through the university’s Intensive English Program.
“EMU is a great local school,” he said. “There are so many programs at EMU that benefit our community.”
EMU President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus introduced the theme of her inauguration, “Together and Becoming,” and spoke about the importance of community partnerships in shaping generations of students and graduates. EMU students need an education, but they also need places to put it into practice, she said, thanking partners for employing students, investing in EMU, sharing their expertise, and believing in the university.
“When you say ‘yes’ to a student worker, an intern, a clinical placement, a student teacher, a job shadow, or simply make time for a conversation where you talk about your own leadership journey, you become a part of a student’s education,” she said. “Sometimes that conversation plays a huge part in their decision to stay here in the Valley.”
Nathan Leopard, vice president for advancement, said he joined EMU this summer because he felt called to “serve something different.”
“EMU doesn’t just prepare our students for successful careers, though we absolutely do that, too,” he said. “EMU helps cultivate the whole person: professional, spiritual, interpersonal, and much more.”
One example of that impact is AJ Jalal, founder and CEO of AJ’s Barbershop in Harrisonburg, who took business management classes at EMU before opening the barbershop with his wife, Grace ’18, in 2019.
“I think it’s great that EMU has a 70% retention rate of people staying in the Valley,” he said. “My wife and I both decided to stay here, and I think one of the main reasons was that EMU gave us the confidence and care we needed.”
“Everywhere you look, there’s someone who went to EMU who adds a lot of value to this community,” he said.
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