Arts and Lectures Calendar for Fall 2024

This listing includes events for the fall semester at Eastern Mennonite University. To see 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 latest postings or to subscribe to the news digest to receive the Tuesday morning weekly update.

August

Classes for students begin on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Aug. 28 — Opening Convocation and Worship. Join President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman as we kick off another EMU year with the theme of “Running the Good Race.” 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.  

September

Sept. 4 — Convocation: Unlocking the Brain. Dr. John Almarode is a professor and bestselling author with a passion for helping others learn and study more effectively. This convocation unlocks the learning brain and decodes the research about how learning works into practices that enhance and accelerate our own learning journey. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.  

Sept. 6 — Suter Science Seminar: Morgan Heim. “Wild Heart: Bringing Empathy and Grace to Environmental Storytelling.” Heim is a wildlife photojournalist and filmmaker focusing on coexistence and how human-influenced environmental change impacts wildlife. She holds degrees in zoology and environmental journalism, which she draws upon in her search to find the beauty, humor and perseverance in wildlife stories. 10:15-11:15 a.m., Suter Science Center 106.

Sept. 6 — The Visual And Communication Arts (VACA) department hosts the first gallery opening of the year featuring widely acclaimed wildlife photographer Morgan Heim. 4-5 p.m., Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery. On display through Oct. 4.

Sept. 6-8 — Join the EMU Chamber Singers for a sing-through of the entire Voices Together hymnal. The three-day event is a fundraiser for the choir, which will tour the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland in May 2025, wrapping up their tour at the 500-year Celebration of Anabaptism, where they have been selected as the performing choir from North America. 7-11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 6; 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7; noon until finished, Sunday, Sept. 8; Martin Chapel. 

Sept. 16 — Student Research Symposium. Biology and chemistry students have been busy this summer! Several students will share about their scholarly summer experiences, including presentations of their research. 4:15-6 p.m., Suter Science Center 106.

Sept. 17 — Sabbatical Spotlight: Paul J. Yoder. “Going to Thailand and the Library!” Paul will share highlights of a two-week Virginia Mennonite Missions experience in Thailand. He will also report on the scholarly writing that occupied the bulk of the semester. 12:10-1 p.m., Northlawn West Dining Room.

Sept. 18 — Convocation: Finding Common Ground in Common Grounds. A presidential election is on the horizon and times feel tense and divisive. Whether you are Republican, or Democrat, or something else entirely, gather for a facilitated process where we can each share and listen across the political divide. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Common Grounds Coffeehouse.

Sept. 23 — Verses & Vibes with Jessica Care Moore. A powerful evening of poetry with authors and recording artists Jessica Care Moore and Brad Walrond. 7 p.m., Student Union.

Sept. 26 — Royals Go Downtown. Rep your Royal pride while enjoying samples from Downtown Harrisonburg restaurants and participating in a parade. 5-8 p.m., Downtown Harrisonburg.

Sept. 27 — Wind & Jazz Ensemble Concert. 7-9 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.

October

Fall Break for students is between Wednesday, Oct. 16, and Sunday, Oct. 20. Classes resume on Oct. 21.

Oct. 2 — Convocation: Nonviolence Matters. Sarah Nahar, a nonviolent action trainer and interspiritual theologian, will talk about why nonviolence matters, especially in relation to EMU’s anabaptism roots, as she also explores the theory behind the practice. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.  

Oct. 11 — Art Gallery Opening, featuring alumni artists Rebecca Souder Gish ’09, Rhoda Miller ’03, and Jon Styer ’07. 4-5 p.m., Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery.

Oct. 11-13 — Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024. Visit emu.edu/homecoming for a full listing of events. 

Oct. 11-27 — EMU Theatre’s production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” A small cast of EMU students and community members play multiple roles in this epic rock musical version of Rick Riordan’s beloved young-adult novels about an under-achieving kid who discovers that he’s a demigod. 7 p.m., Oct. 11-12, Oct. 25-26; 2 p.m., Oct. 13, Oct. 26-27. All shows in Studio Theater.

Oct. 13 — The EMU Chamber Singers performs for Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024. 9:30 a.m., Park View Mennonite Church.

Oct. 14 — Convocation: Indigenous Peoples’ Day. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium.

Oct. 15 — Third annual Queer History Month keynote, featuring Annabeth Roeschley, executive director for Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests. 7:30 p.m., Common Grounds.

Oct. 29 — Sabbatical Spotlight: Mark Sawin. “Other Voices, Other Rooms: Teaching America in Lithuania and Croatia.” EMU History Professor Dr. Mark Metzler Sawin will present the lessons learned during a year of teaching about and being a representative of the U.S. in Lithuania and Croatia. It will focus on difference in ideas and understandings about race, ethnicity, belonging, power, and agency in these racially homogeneous but ethnically fraught areas, through stories of his interactions with many remarkable students and colleagues. 12:10-1 p.m., Northlawn West Dining Room.

Oct. 30 — Convocation: Dia de los Muertos Celebration. Learn about and celebrate this Mexican holiday as we also remember family and friends who have passed. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.  

November

Thanksgiving Break is between Wednesday, Nov. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 1.

Nov. 1 — Suter Science Seminar: Kathryn Jacobsen. “Health Transitions Epidemiology and the Hepatitis A Paradox.” Jacobsen, professor in the Department of Health Studies at the University of Richmond, leads a talk explaining some of the methods that are used to study health transitions and will discuss the reasons why safe drinking water does not always lead immediately to reduced outbreaks of waterborne infectious diseases and improved community health. 10:15-11:15 a.m., Suter Science Center 106.

Nov. 7 — Augsburger Lecture Series: Felipe Hinojosa. Hinojosa is the John and Nancy Jackson Endowed Chair in Latin America and professor of history at Baylor University. His research focuses on the Latinx civil rights movement and religious politics in 20th century America. 7 p.m., Martin Chapel.

Nov. 8 — EMU Music Gala Concert: Arise. The Eastern Mennonite University Gala Concert has become one of the most exciting and unique annual concert events in the Valley. This year’s gala, themed Arise, celebrates the beauty of resilience in overcoming hardship and the joy and peace found in community. The concert will feature electrifying tap dance from guest artist Izaiah Montaque Harris, exciting jazz, beautiful singing, and the grand finale from one of the most powerful and moving musical masterworks of all time, Gustav Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony for chorus and orchestra. 7-9 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.

Nov. 13 — Convocation: Subtract. Hear from Leidy Klotz, author of Subtract, as he arms us with the science of less and empowers us to revolutionize our day-to-day lives and shift how we move through the world. 10:15-11:05 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.  

Nov. 15 — Opening reception and live concert, featuring EMU music alum Joseph Harder and an exhibition of his photography. 4-5 p.m., Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery. Exhibition runs through Dec. 13. 

Nov. 17 — Fall Concert (Intermezzo & Concert Choirs with Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony). 4 p.m., Lehman Auditorium. By donation.

Nov. 19 — Sabbatical Spotlight: Doug Graber Neufeld. “Exploring Our World with Geographic Information Systems: Water, Climate, and Salamanders.” Graber Neufeld is professor of biology at EMU and helps to direct the environmental science major. His research focuses on the environmental impacts of toxins and pollution on humans and the planet. 12:10-1 p.m., Northlawn West Dining Room.

Nov. 20 — EMU Joint Choir Concert. Join us for a fun concert, featuring three choirs of EMU: the University Choir, Chamber Singers, and Gospel Choir. Set in the more informal Student Union, grab a snack or drink at Common Grounds while you enjoy the choral offerings EMU has in store! 8 p.m., Student Union.

December

Residence halls close for winter break at noon on Saturday, Dec. 14, and reopen on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. 

Dec. 2 — Sixth annual Lighting of the Green. Join the EMU community as Christmas carols are sung, delicious treats are enjoyed, and the lights adorning the Christmas tree at Thomas Plaza are switched on. 4:45 p.m., Front Lawn.

Dec. 6 — Let it Snow! – An EMU Christmas Concert. Join us for EMU Music’s second-ever Christmas concert: Let it Snow! Featuring EMU’s music ensembles and faculty, this special concert presents fun and beautiful holiday classics with a few surprises and special twists along the way. This is sure to be an enjoyable event for all ages. 7-9 p.m., Lehman Auditorium.

Dec. 10 — Convocation: Student Recognition Ceremony. Celebrate our amazing students and all the incredible ways they are leading with compassion and care. 10:10-10:50 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. This event will be livestreamed on Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.  

Dec. 14-15 — Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir Christmas Concerts (all performing choirs). 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14; 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, Lehman Auditorium. Facebook livestream on Sunday, December 15, at 4 p.m.

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 10:15 a.m. for campus worship in Martin Chapel. A student-led song, prayer and worship service is held most Sunday evenings from 8-9 p.m. in University Commons Room 177 (Old Common Grounds). 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.