The Cords of Distinction award honors the efforts of graduating students who have made outstanding contributions to the university, community or society.

The Blue cord represents strength of conviction that one person can help to create a better institution; also willingness and openness to share thoughts and ideas.

The Gold cord represents love of spirit and yearning towards creating a better university community in which all can take part; gold is also the color of achievement.

This years recipients of the Cords of Distinction are:

–Benjamin Bailey, major in Peacebuilding & Development, and Biblical Studies, from Simsbury, Conn.

–Brendon Derstine, major in History and Social Science, Secondary Education Licensure, from Harleysville, Pa.

–Grace Engle, major in Social Work, from Wauseon, Ohio. (in absencia)

–Brandon Habron, major in Liberal Arts, from Fredricksburg, Va.

–Katie Jantzen, major in Environmental Sustainability, from Plymouth, Nebr.

–Clothilda Johnson, major in Nursing, from Banjul, The Gambia.

–Katie Landis, major in Photography, Digital Media, from Lancaster, Pa.

–Rebekah Maldonado-Nofzger, major in Nursing, from Pettisville, Oh.

–Michelle Ramirez, major in Social Work, from Harrisonburg, Va.

–Andy Richter, major in Business Administration, from Perkasie, Pa.