EMU celebrates America’s 250th

EMU President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus wrapped up the second day of her term with fireworks.

Speaking to a crowd gathered in Downtown Harrisonburg on Thursday, July 2, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, President Dycus used the occasion to introduce herself as EMU’s 10th president and highlight the importance of community.

The celebration, held at the Turner Pavilion, kicked off both the Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series and the Fourth of July holiday weekend. EMU was a presenting sponsor for the event, which featured live music from Harrisonburg-based Dr. How & The Reasons to Live and Staunton-based headliner Scott Miller & The Commonwealth, along with food and drink vendors, giveaways, children’s activities, and a VA250 fireworks celebration. According to organizers, about 2,000 people attended Thursday’s event.

Braydon Hoover ’11, MAOL ’21, vice president of enrollment and marketing, represented undergraduate and graduate admissions at the EMU tent. He distributed information about EMU’s academic programs, brain-shaped stress balls, and hand fans, which proved especially popular in the sweltering heat.

When President Dycus took the stage, she likened the origin story of the United States to that of communities like Harrisonburg.

“It’s written by neighbors who show up for each other, who welcome new people, and who work together to make sure that the places that we create for one another are safe and that we allow each other to thrive,” President Dycus said. 

The 2026-27 academic year marks 110 years since EMU was founded in northern Harrisonburg. EMU’s tradition of educating students and preparing them to serve and lead in a global context has helped shape communities across the Shenandoah Valley.

“We’re proud to see our graduates here in the crowd this evening,” President Dycus said. “But we’re also grateful to see our graduates around town leading our local government, caring for our patients in the hospital, teaching in our schools, and making sure that we’re looking out for our neighbors.”

Six more free concerts in Downtown Harrisonburg will be held over the next two months. For more information on the series and its lineup, visit amphburg.com.