This is the first of four profiles about the recipients of EMU’s 2026 Alumni Awards. For more information about the annual awards and a full list of past winners, visit emu.edu/alumni/awards. ... read more about 2026 Alum of the Year Award: Eric Brubaker ’01
Academics
2026 Alum of the Year Award: Eric Brubaker ’01
For this EMU alumnus, it really is rocket science
Math grad Stephan Goertzen ’16 helps advance space exploration through work on NASA’s Artemis missions If you were one of the nearly 150 million viewers who watched NASA’s coverage of ... read more about For this EMU alumnus, it really is rocket science
Capital lessons: Inside the EMU Washington Semester
For many college students, the idea of moving to a new city, starting a demanding internship, and living independently for the first time is as equally thrilling as it is ... read more about Capital lessons: Inside the EMU Washington Semester
New faculty join EMU Natural Sciences
EMU’s Department of Natural Sciences welcomes two new faculty members for the 2026-27 academic year: Dr. Megan Moran, assistant professor of environmental scienceDr. Moran is a wildlife ecologist who completed ... read more about New faculty join EMU Natural Sciences
Sen. Kaine tours EMU campus
Celebrates $1.39M in federal Community-Directed Spending to upgrade and expand lab equipment used by STEM and nursing majors During a tour of the EMU campus last month, U.S. Sen. Tim ... read more about Sen. Kaine tours EMU campus
We run this city
Harrisonburg City Manager Ande Banks ’97 says EMU prepared him for a career of leadership and service Ande Banks ’97, city manager of Harrisonburg since 2022, says leading the place ... read more about We run this city
EMU’s Cassidy Walker ’25 of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance talks VA250 fireworks and community
VACA grad talks about her love for Downtown Harrisonburg, the lessons she brought from EMU, and the city’s ‘biggest fireworks show yet’ Levitt AMP Music Series kickoff concert and VA250 ... read more about EMU’s Cassidy Walker ’25 of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance talks VA250 fireworks and community
Alumnus joins App State as associate AD
Dr. Parker Leap ’15 has been hired as associate athletics director for sport psychology and mental wellness at Appalachian State University. A former Royals soccer forward, Leap earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from EMU. ... read more about Alumnus joins App State as associate AD from Appalachian State University Athletics
New art therapy minor launches at EMU this fall
A new art therapy minor for students majoring in studio art, psychology, and art education will be offered at EMU this fall. Combining coursework in Visual and Communication Arts (VACA) ... read more about New art therapy minor launches at EMU this fall
Twenty-five years after Sept. 11 attacks, STAR program still shines
Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR) emerged from the ashes of Sept. 11, when hundreds of millions of people were grieving over the deaths and destruction caused by the attacks. The evidence-based training program offered by EMU teaches people how to understand trauma, stop cycles of violence, and build healing resilience. Twenty-five years later, STAR is still changing lives. ... read more about Twenty-five years after Sept. 11 attacks, STAR program still shines from Susan Kim | Mennonite Disaster Service
Seminary to partner with local congregations
A new program launching at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in October will form collaborative, co-learning relationships with five local congregations each year. The program, A Seminary for Every Congregation, will bring ... read more about Seminary to partner with local congregations
Rev. Caine-Conley joins faculty
Pastor, organizer, and leader in movement chaplaincy has extensive experience supporting communities through crisis, healing, and transformation The recipient of EMU’s 2025 Outstanding Young Alum Award, the Rev. Brittany “Smash” ... read more about Rev. Caine-Conley joins faculty
New art therapy minor launches at EMU this fall
A new art therapy minor for students majoring in studio art, psychology, and art education will be offered at EMU this fall. Combining coursework in Visual and Communication Arts (VACA) ... read more about New art therapy minor launches at EMU this fall
Finding his footing
Athlete-turned-assistant coach Nate McGhee ’24, MBA ’26, whose collegiate volleyball dreams were once dashed, says EMU gave him a second chance to succeed When Nate McGhee ’24, MBA ’26, arrived ... read more about Finding his footing
Seminary hosts Thriving in Ministry conference
A range of faith leaders gathered at Eastern Mennonite Seminary from May 5-6 for a two-day conference focused on exploration and learning. The conference, “Thriving in Ministry: Family Systems Theory ... read more about Seminary hosts Thriving in Ministry conference
EMU’s 108th Commencement sends forth 304 graduates
Eastern Mennonite University awarded 313 degrees during its 108th annual Commencement on Sunday, May 3. The total included 171 undergraduate degrees, 129 graduate degrees, 10 seminary degrees, and three doctor ... read more about EMU’s 108th Commencement sends forth 304 graduates
Celebration of Blessings sends off CJP graduates with joy and love
In his welcome remarks at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding’s annual Celebration of Blessings, Kory Schaeffer MA ’24 had one final request, not of the 17 CJP graduates, but ... read more about Celebration of Blessings sends off CJP graduates with joy and love
DMin student’s adult education initiative builds a culture of nonviolence
The Rev. Angelo Mante, a graduate student in Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program, serves as co-founder and executive director of Alive Community Outreach. The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based organization cultivates a community of nonviolence through relationships and education and was recently featured on 89.1 WBOI, a National Public Radio member station. ... read more about DMin student’s adult education initiative builds a culture of nonviolence from Julia Meek | 89.1 WBOI
Seminary to partner with local congregations
A new program launching at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in October will form collaborative, co-learning relationships with five local congregations each year. The program, A Seminary for Every Congregation, will bring ... read more about Seminary to partner with local congregations
Rev. Caine-Conley joins faculty
Pastor, organizer, and leader in movement chaplaincy has extensive experience supporting communities through crisis, healing, and transformation The recipient of EMU’s 2025 Outstanding Young Alum Award, the Rev. Brittany “Smash” ... read more about Rev. Caine-Conley joins faculty
Seminary hosts Thriving in Ministry conference
A range of faith leaders gathered at Eastern Mennonite Seminary from May 5-6 for a two-day conference focused on exploration and learning. The conference, “Thriving in Ministry: Family Systems Theory ... read more about Seminary hosts Thriving in Ministry conference
DMin student’s adult education initiative builds a culture of nonviolence
The Rev. Angelo Mante, a graduate student in Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program, serves as co-founder and executive director of Alive Community Outreach. The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based organization cultivates a community of nonviolence through relationships and education and was recently featured on 89.1 WBOI, a National Public Radio member station. ... read more about DMin student’s adult education initiative builds a culture of nonviolence from Julia Meek | 89.1 WBOI
Campus community celebrates Easter at worship service
EMU celebrated Easter with a morning of worshipful music, biblical readings, and reflections on the holiday’s significance during a campus worship service at Martin Chapel on Wednesday. The service was ... read more about Campus community celebrates Easter at worship service
Four professors honored as endowed chairs
EMU is proud to announce that four of its esteemed faculty members have been appointed as endowed chairs, effective fall 2026. The appointments were confirmed by the EMU Board of ... read more about Four professors honored as endowed chairs
Professor David Evans shares message of ‘beloved community’ with Chicago-area church
Dr. David Evans, professor of history and intercultural studies and associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, delivered a guest sermon on radical solidarity on Sunday, Feb. 8, at First United Methodist Church of Evanston, Illinois. ... read more about Professor David Evans shares message of ‘beloved community’ with Chicago-area church from Joerg Metzner | Evanston RoundTable
In Memoriam: Wendy Miller MA ’91, professor emerita, established spiritual formation program at seminary
The Rev. Wendy J. Miller MA ’91 (church leadership) may have been short in stature and soft in voice, but her influence loomed large, say those close to her. “She had a ... read more about In Memoriam: Wendy Miller MA ’91, professor emerita, established spiritual formation program at seminary
Professor reflects on 100 years of Black History Month
As the newly appointed vice president of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham NAACP, Dr. David Evans, professor of history and intercultural studies and associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, presented on the significance of Black History Month during the chapter's meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3. ... read more about Professor reflects on 100 years of Black History Month from Ryan Hartnett | WHSV-TV3