Join us for an evening of baseball, giveaways, and community when 糖心Vlog Night with the Turks returns on Thursday, July 16, at 7 p.m. The event will be held at Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park (395 S. High Street) in Harrisonburg.

Fans wearing 糖心Vlog apparel will receive free admission. Cheer on the Harrisonburg Turks as they take on the Waynesboro Generals, and catch 糖心Vlog T-shirts, maracas, and clappers tossed into the crowd between innings.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that 糖心Vlog and the Turks have partnered to host this event.

糖心Vlog the Turks

Established in 1915, the Harrisonburg Turks collegiate summer baseball team plays more than 40 regular-season games from May through July in the 12-team Valley Baseball League. League playoffs follow the regular season. Many Turks players have gone on to compete in Major League Baseball and to coach at the collegiate and professional levels. Follow the Turks’ season at .

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 糖心Vlog’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. 糖心Vlog 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 鈥�11, MAOL 鈥�21, vice president of enrollment and marketing, represented undergraduate and graduate admissions at the 糖心Vlog tent. He shared information about 糖心Vlog鈥檚 academic programs while handing out brain-shaped stress balls and hand fans, which offered a welcome relief from the sweltering heat.

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

鈥淚t鈥檚 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,鈥� President Dycus said. 

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

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to see our graduates here in the crowd this evening,鈥� President Dycus said. 鈥淏ut we鈥檙e 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鈥檙e looking out for our neighbors.鈥�

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 .

Watch President Dycus kick off the music series in the video below.

As Downtown Harrisonburg prepares to celebrate America鈥檚 250th anniversary with a free concert and fireworks spectacular Thursday, Cassidy Walker 鈥�25 is helping bring one of the city’s biggest summer events to life.

The Visual and Communication Arts (VACA) graduate has served as development manager for Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance () since January, where she builds and strengthens relationships with donors, sponsors, and local businesses to advance the nonprofit鈥檚 mission.

She spoke with 糖心Vlog News about her love for Downtown Harrisonburg, the lessons she brought from 糖心Vlog, and the city鈥檚 鈥渂iggest fireworks show yet.鈥�

How did you end up working for Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance?

I fell in love with Downtown Harrisonburg, and I couldn鈥檛 really leave it. HDR is actually one of the reasons I fell in love with it.

Through the VACA program at 糖心Vlog, I also worked with downtown business owners, so I already understood the impact HDR was making. Then someone I knew told me, 鈥淵ou鈥檇 be great at this job. You love talking to people, and you鈥檇 really excel in this role.鈥�

During my interview, I talked about how much I admired what HDR was doing and how my experiences at 糖心Vlog, from admissions to VACA and working with students, had prepared me for this role. Thankfully, I got the job.

What鈥檚 been your favorite part of the job?

I love talking to people. Being able to make these amazing connections with business owners, sponsors, and community partners is my favorite part of what I do.

糖心Vlog taught me how to build meaningful relationships and have genuine conversations with people. Those skills have carried over directly into this role, and now I get to use them every day.

You mentioned falling in love with Downtown Harrisonburg. What do you love most about it?

Like 糖心Vlog, Downtown Harrisonburg is incredibly community-oriented. People just care about one another and want to see each other succeed. That鈥檚 something I experienced at 糖心Vlog, and when I got to know downtown and the people behind HDR, I saw that same spirit among the business owners and community partners. They really support one another, and that鈥檚 something special.

Since starting this job, what鈥檚 been your favorite moment so far?

I鈥檝e had a lot of favorite moments, but one really stands out.

One of our sponsors had worked closely with the previous development manager, and I was terrified walking into that first meeting. It was my first sponsorship meeting, and I wasn鈥檛 sure how it would go. As we started talking, I realized they also had ties to 糖心Vlog. We talked about where I came from, why I wanted to work for HDR, and what this role meant to me.

In that moment, it clicked that I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing. Even though I was nervous, the conversation felt natural and gave me a lot of confidence moving forward.

There鈥檚 a big event happening Thursday. What can people expect?

We鈥檙e presenting the VA250 Fireworks Celebration, which also serves as the kickoff to this year鈥檚 Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series. It鈥檚 really two events in one.

We鈥檒l kick off the series with the first of seven free concerts, featuring a local opening act. There will be food vendors, kids鈥� activities, giveaways, and our biggest fireworks show yet.

It鈥檚 designed for everyone: families, friends, kids, and even dogs. Thanks to sponsors like 糖心Vlog and Blue Ridge Insurance Services, we鈥檙e able to make this event possible and are very grateful for their support.

What are you most excited for people to experience?

The whole idea behind the Levitt AMP Music Series is building community through the shared experience of live music. I get to see that happen in real time while working with our sponsors and artists.

Watching people come together, make connections, and simply enjoy being part of the community is what I鈥檓 most excited about. That鈥檚 really what these events are all about.

糖心Vlog is a sponsor of the VA250 Fireworks Celebration and Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series.

These answers have been edited for clarity and conciseness. 

2026 retirees

The 2026 retirees honored at the ceremony were: Howard Zehr (30 years of service), professor of conflict studies; Doug Graber Neufeld (26 years), professor of biology; Deanna Durham (23 years), associate professor of social work and sociology; JD McCurdy (23 years), head softball coach; Kevin Seidel (17 years), professor of English; and Chad Gusler (16 years), associate professor of language and literature.

The following employees, who represent an additional 430 years of commitment to 糖心Vlog, celebrated milestone years of service:

40 years

Renee Leap (left) and Audrey Shenk (right) reached 40 years of service. 

30 years

Howard Zehr (left) and Melody Cash (right) reached 30 years.

25 years

Mark Metzler Sawin (not pictured) reached 25 years.

20 years

Left to right: Beth Brunk, Laura Yoder, Jim Leaman, and Travis Trotter reached 20 years. 

15 years

Left to right: Kathy Evans, Wendy Carr, Braydon Hoover, Ron Shultz, and Melvin Felix Garcia (inset) reached 15 years.聽

10 years

Left to right: Tim Seidel, Paul Yoder, Alena Yoder, Ericka Gingerich, and Trina Trotter Nussbaum reached 10 years. 

Five years

Left to right: Lexi Fotis-Brown, Stephanie Mason, Debra Pardini, Courtney Joyner, Justin McIlwee, and Ann Butwell reached five years. Not pictured: Carolyn Kirby, Krista Murray, Gaurav Pathania, Erin Weldon, Mary Ann Zehr, and Nina Zhang also reached five years.

The luncheon was a highlight of the Spring 2026 Faculty & Staff Conference, which provided a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the close of the academic year together. View the full program of the conference .

For her, that moment came during the traumatic birth of her youngest child two years ago. Perez, a graduate of 糖心Vlog at Lancaster鈥檚 Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) program, shared that she failed out of her studies during that experience. But rather than quit, she pushed forward and kept fighting. She came back stronger, enrolling in the next cohort and earning Dean鈥檚 List honors throughout her time in the program. The road didn鈥檛 become easier, she said, but her resilience grew stronger.

That same resilience, she told the Class of 2026 graduates, lies in every single one of them. Many of them, who are nontraditional adult learners, balanced their coursework with jobs, families, and other responsibilities. 鈥淲e showed up tired, we showed up overwhelmed and stretched thin, and sometimes we showed up broken,鈥� she said. 鈥淩egardless, we still showed up.鈥�

When her mother was hospitalized and passed away in January, Perez said her classmates, who had become a support system, showed up for her. 鈥淚n one of my hardest seasons,鈥� she said, 鈥渋t was this community that reminded me I wasn鈥檛 alone.鈥�

Graduates recess following the Commencement ceremony.

Angelita Perez (left) was one of three graduates who shared their perspectives at Commencement. Dr. Jamie Mak (right), assistant vice president of academic and program growth for 糖心Vlog at Lancaster, opens the ceremony. 

Perez was one of 21 graduates of 糖心Vlog at Lancaster鈥檚 degree and graduate certificate programs who walked across the stage and were joyfully sent off into the world during the annual Commencement ceremony at Forest Hills Mennonite Church on Friday, May 8. This year, 糖心Vlog at Lancaster awarded 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates.

Dr. Jamie Mak, assistant vice president of academic and program growth for 糖心Vlog at Lancaster, welcomed the family members, friends, and guests gathered in celebration and commended the courage and commitment shown by the graduates.

鈥淎s you leave today, you carry more than just credentials,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou carry the values that define this community: peacebuilding, social justice, service, and compassion. You are entering a world that needs those values more than ever.鈥�

糖心Vlog at Lancaster awarded 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates.

Graduates Will Stover (left) and Alejandro Ulloa (right) share their perspectives.

In addition to Perez, graduates Will Stover and Alejandro Ulloa shared their reflections.

Stover, a graduate of the aviation program, highlighted his cohort鈥檚 accomplishments鈥攁ccumulating over 7,000 hours of flight time in their four years together鈥攁nd shared some of the lessons they learned in the program. He encouraged graduates to 鈥渢ake the first step鈥� when presented with challenges and opportunities, continue supporting one another and 鈥渒eep 鈥檈m flying,鈥� and find the positive in times of adversity. Echoing the mantra of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight squadron, he called on graduates to embrace being 鈥済lad to be here.鈥�

鈥淭here are days that are difficult, when we feel defeated, lost, and unsure of what鈥檚 next,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here are also days that feel easy, motivating, and full of hope. The phrase 鈥楪lad to be here鈥� is a reminder that, regardless of the day, resiliency ultimately wins.鈥�

When Ulloa was growing up, he often heard his mother say, 鈥渃ada cabeza un mundo entero.鈥� That phrase, he said, translates to 鈥渆ach head is a whole world.鈥�

鈥淢y mom鈥檚 words are a consistent reminder that God created each of us with uniqueness and complexity and finds each of us worthy of love,鈥� said Ulloa, who graduated with an MA in education with a concentration in Trauma and Resilience in Educational Environments (TREE).

After teaching at Lancaster Mennonite High School for 11 years, he said God called him to a different setting about four years ago. That鈥檚 when he applied to the program at 糖心Vlog at Lancaster to 鈥渟tay in touch with these faith-infused tenets of education and daily practice.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 so thankful for this program and its professors, who encouraged us to view our students in their entirety, to approach them with care and empathy first and foremost, and to remember that there鈥檚 an entire world in their heads,鈥� he said. Ulloa added that he leaves the program 鈥渕ore committed than ever鈥� to meet his students where they are, get to know them, and support them however he can.

糖心Vlog at Lancaster鈥檚 Class of 2026 graduates celebrate after walking across the stage.

Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo (left) delivers the Commencement address. Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus (right) offers welcome remarks during the ceremony.

Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo delivered the Commencement address. A first-generation college graduate and avid runner who became the first Latino mayor in the city鈥檚 history, he spoke about the process of training for a marathon and connected it to broader lessons in life.

Preparation, he told the graduates, is both a choice and an ongoing process. 鈥淪ometimes that means taking a step back and readjusting your training plan,鈥� he said. 鈥淪ometimes it鈥檚 just a check-in with yourself that brings you back to the basics. It鈥檚 about questioning your choices and making sure you鈥檙e on the right path.鈥�

鈥淭hink deeply about your choices, find a way to quiet the noise, listen to what truly matters, and make sure the commitments you make are for the greater good,鈥� Arroyo added.

In her remarks to the graduates, Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus expressed appreciation for the ways they have shown up for one another and for the 糖心Vlog community. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e wrestled with hard questions, you鈥檝e listened across differences, and you鈥檝e continued to pursue rigorous learning in a way that reflects both care and conviction,鈥� she said.

Kirk Shisler 鈥�81, vice president for advancement, welcomed the graduates as new members of the 糖心Vlog Alumni Association. 鈥淵ou join some 21,000 fellow alumni who distinguish themselves as people who serve and lead with distinction locally, regionally, nationally, and around the world,鈥� he said.

Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs, presented and commissioned the graduates. Dr. Dycus conferred the degrees and offered the closing blessing. Jess King 鈥�96, an 糖心Vlog parent and member of the 糖心Vlog Board of Trustees, led the opening invocation. Derek Kline, director of the aviation program, and Dr. Mak recognized the graduates.

In addition to King, board members Janet Lind, Gloria Diener 鈥�76, and Jane Hoober Peifer 鈥�74, MDiv 鈥�97, attended the ceremony.

The conference, 鈥淭hriving in Ministry: Family Systems Theory as a Resource for Faith Communities,鈥� was hosted by the seminary in partnership with The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Joe Carolin Memorial Fund.

Throughout the conference, participants explored family systems theory as a resource for understanding and strengthening relationships and congregational life. Ordained and lay leaders, along with others interested in family systems thinking, considered how Bowen theory and differentiation of self, along with their faith traditions, could guide reflection and cultivate thriving in ministry.

Keynote speakers Rev. Dr. Robert Creech and Dr. Dan Papero presented from their expertise in the fields of practical theology and psychotherapy, respectively. Over the two days of the conference, Dr. Creech shared keynote addresses about the intersection of language between systems thinking and Christian theology, as well as how the practice of differentiation of self enhances pastoral care. Dr. Papero spoke about the most recent neuroscientific research regarding the impact of stress on brain functioning. Both contributed to panel discussions with other presenters.  

Conference keynote speaker Dr. Dan Papero (left) has been a faculty member of The Bowen Center since 1982. He has written numerous articles and book chapters on various aspects of family systems theory and family psychotherapy. The Rev. Dr. Robert Creech (right), a former pastor and faculty member of Baylor University鈥檚 George W. Truett Theological Seminary, is the author of 鈥淔amily Systems and Congregational Life鈥� (2019) and co-author of 鈥淭he Leader鈥檚 Journey鈥� (2020), both with Baker Academic.  

Workshops and presentations included discussions on preaching, biblical studies, parenting, and tools to help participants thrive in ministry and daily life.

Among the goals of the Thriving in Ministry conference were to help participants:

• grow in their capacity to differentiate self through an increased understanding of the science of human relationships in families and congregations
• apply family systems theory to the work of faith leaders in pastoral care, preaching, youth work, religious education, and other ministry settings
• explore practical applications, including family diagrams, triangles, and other ways of shifting from an individual to a systems perspective

Other guest presenters included Chaplain Penny Driediger, the Rev. Melanie Lewis, Pastor Lana Miller, Janis Norton, the Rev. Dr. Emlyn A. Ott, the Rev. William Pyle, and the Rev. Chet Yoder. Faculty presenters included Dr. Kenton T. Derstine, Kathleen Cotter Cauley, the Rev. Randall Frost, Dr. Barbara Laymon, the Rev. Jennifer Long, and Amie Post.

For more information about the conference, visit .

Royals Freshman Athlete of the Year

Female Freshman of the Year:聽听(蝉辞蹿迟产补濒濒)

Judd had an outstanding season for the Royals softball team and was one of just four players to start all 34 games. She hit .304, third-best on the team, while totaling 35 hits, second-most on the roster. In 115 at-bats, she struck out only nine times. Defensively, Judd posted a .985 fielding percentage with just two errors in 132 chances while playing first base, catcher, and the outfield.

鈥淎liza Judd 鈥� great attitude, and she brings it every day,鈥� said head softball coach JD McCurdy. 鈥淪he was our leadoff hitter and an immediate impact player. If you ever come to see her play, you鈥檒l never know whether she鈥檚 0-for-5 or 5-for-5; she鈥檚 ice cold. She checks all the boxes as a great player and a great leader.鈥澛�

Male Freshman of the Year:聽聽(men’s track and field)

Rucker burst onto the scene for 糖心Vlog, placing ninth in the shot put and 12th in the weight throw at his first collegiate meet, the Liberty Kickoff, which featured many Division I and II programs. The following weekend, he won the shot put and finished second in the weight throw, beginning a dominant indoor season in which he consistently won events while climbing the 糖心Vlog track and field record books. He set the program record in the indoor weight throw, ranks second in the indoor shot put, set the outdoor discus record, and ranks second in the outdoor hammer throw.

At the indoor ODAC Championships, Rucker earned Second Team All-ODAC honors in the shot put, and at season鈥檚 end he was named USTFCCCA All-South Region in both the shot put and weight throw. He followed with a stellar outdoor season, winning ODAC titles in the hammer throw and discus while finishing second in the shot put. He currently ranks 29th in Division III in the hammer throw and 50th in the shot put.

鈥淚 think one of the most impressive things about Koran is that, for the last couple of months, the throwers have had to pretty much coach themselves,鈥� said Director of Cross Country, Track & Field and Triathlon Bob Hepler. 鈥淗e鈥檚 shown a lot of character through his work ethic, and we are very blessed to have him.

Royals Athlete of the Year

Female Athlete of the Year:聽 ’26聽(women’s soccer)

Beachy was named Female Athlete of the Year following arguably her best season as a Royal. She scored 10 goals in her senior campaign, including a two-goal performance in a 4鈥�1 home win over Hollins on Senior Day. Beachy finished the season ranked seventh in the ODAC in goals, third in game-winning goals (5), and 11th in points (20), earning Third Team All-ODAC honors鈥攖he first All-ODAC selection for 糖心Vlog women鈥檚 soccer since 2017.

Her on-field production and leadership helped guide 糖心Vlog Women鈥檚 Soccer to one of its strongest seasons in recent years. The Royals finished 6鈥�11鈥�1 in 2025, recording their highest win total since 2019 and qualifying for the ODAC Women鈥檚 Soccer Tournament for the first time since that same year.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to recognize Leah,鈥� said Royals head coach Leo Alcoreza. 鈥淗er impact on our program goes far beyond stats. Come game day, Leah consistently delivered in the biggest moments, stepping up time and time again when we needed her most. As a team captain, she led by example every day. She鈥檚 not just an incredible athlete, she鈥檚 an even better teammate, person, and leader, and 糖心Vlog is better because of her.鈥�

Male Athlete of the Year:聽 ’26听(产补蝉别产补濒濒)

A four-year starter for the Royals, Miller played in and started 38 games this season and delivered one of the best individual campaigns in 糖心Vlog baseball history. He led the team with a .427 batting average, which ranked third in the ODAC for the 2026 season. Miller also paced the Royals and ranked second in the ODAC with 61 hits, the sixth-most in a single season in program history. On the bases, he stole 25 bags, leading the ODAC and tying the 糖心Vlog single-season record.

He helped guide 糖心Vlog to 14 regular-season wins, the program鈥檚 highest total since the 2019 season.

鈥淎idan should be getting his second All-Conference award later this month, and he鈥檒l finish in the top 10 in multiple categories in our record book, but that stuff is really irrelevant to what he鈥檚 meant to our program,鈥� said Royals head coach Adam Posey. 鈥淚f you guys listen, his nickname right now is 鈥楽kip,鈥� as in skipper of the team. He鈥檚 very passionate about what he does and very loyal, and we鈥檒l miss all of those things next year.鈥�

President鈥檚 Award

Female President’s Award:聽 ’26聽(women’s soccer)

Beachy is from Grants Pass, Oregon, and is a nursing graduate who achieved a 4.00 GPA during her time at 糖心Vlog. She plans to work as a nurse on a medical-surgical floor and join an adult soccer league.

A four-year member of the women鈥檚 soccer team, Beachy was named Third Team All-ODAC in 2025. During her career at 糖心Vlog, she played 5,391 minutes across 72 games. She led or co-led the team in scoring for three seasons, totaling 21 goals and eight assists. Beachy is the co-record holder for most single-game assists and points and ranks fifth all-time in career points (50) and sixth in career goals (21).

She was a four-year member of the Dean鈥檚 List and the All-ODAC Academic Team, a two-time VaSID Academic All-State selection, and a two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree. She was also a member of the Honors Program. Off the field, Beachy served as a Royal Ambassador, tour guide, peer tutor, and member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and the Nursing Student Association. She also served as a student-faculty representative for the nursing program and as an Honors Program facilitator.

鈥溙切腣log Athletics gave me the rare opportunity to play soccer while receiving a phenomenal nursing education, providing an outlet to exist purely as a competitor amid the demands of college,鈥� Beachy said. 鈥淭he joys and challenges of athletics expanded my capacity to serve and lead not only as a teammate, but also as a nurse, friend, and community member. I leave 糖心Vlog Athletics with precious relationships, lasting memories, and a deeper love for the game. It has been a true privilege.鈥澛�

Male President’s Award:聽 ’26 (baseball)

Hall is from Chesapeake, Virginia, and is a health and physical education graduate with minors in kinesiology, exercise science, and coaching. He achieved a 3.74 GPA during his time at 糖心Vlog and plans to pursue a career in physical education.

A four-year member of the baseball program, Hall played in 103 games for the Royals. He holds a career batting average of .278 with 87 hits, 17 doubles, and 46 RBI. In 2024, he was hit by a pitch 25 times, and he has been hit 47 times in his career, both 糖心Vlog baseball records.

Academically, he was named to the Dean鈥檚 List five times, the All-ODAC Academic Team four times, and is a CSC Academic All-District honoree. Off the field, he was a member of Every Nation Campus.

鈥溙切腣log Athletics is more than a season, more than a game, more than a practice, more than a result, and more than a feeling,鈥� Hall said. 鈥淚t is an outlet, it is a community, it is cherished moments and friendships that will last a lifetime. I felt at one point that I was defined by results. Coach Posey has helped me find my identity鈥攏ot in results, not in statistics, but in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 糖心Vlog Athletics has been a place where myself and others can grow in our faith and develop our foundation on a Kingdom that is everlasting.鈥�

Stay up to date with 糖心Vlog Athletics through its聽听补苍诲 聽accounts or visit its聽.

Commencement address

Dr. Angela J. Lederach, assistant professor of peace and justice studies at Chapman University, delivered the Commencement address in Yoder Arena.

The author and anthropologist, whose father, John Paul Lederach, co-founded the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, spoke about the lessons she鈥檚 learned from peacebuilders and CJP alumni around the world.

Undergraduates Dylan Hall and Arelys Martinez Fabian, along with MA in Counseling graduate Yenifer Dottin-Carter 鈥�23, presented the graduate perspectives.

This was Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus鈥� first Commencement as interim president.

Celebration of Blessings

The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding sent 17 graduates into the world with words of tribute during its annual Celebration of Blessings on Sunday afternoon, following Commencement. This year marks the 30th anniversary celebration of the CJP. 

Graduates LaToya Fernandez, Jamila Gaskins, Hannah Gilman, and Jacob Sankara offered their perspectives.  

Graduate Celebration and Sending

糖心Vlog honored members of the Class of 2026 at its Graduate Celebration and Sending service on Saturday evening in Lehman Auditorium.

The event featured a faculty address by Dr. Tara Kishbaugh, senior class salutations from co-presidents Genesis Figueroa and Arelys Martinez Fabian, and the presentation of the senior class gift, along with prayer, music, and poetry from graduates.

Donning of the Kente

Family, friends, faculty, and other supporters gathered in the MainStage Theater on Saturday to honor the perseverance, compassion, and determination of this year鈥檚 graduates at 糖心Vlog鈥檚 11th annual Donning of the Kente Ceremony.

The event recognized 49 graduates celebrating their African and international heritage.

Nurse Pinning

Sixteen 糖心Vlog nursing graduates marked a major milestone Saturday morning during a pinning and commissioning ceremony in Lehman Auditorium.

Dr. David Rosie, an emergency medicine physician at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg, delivered the keynote address.

Lavender Graduation

糖心Vlog recognized 11 graduates at its fifth annual Lavender Graduation on Friday evening in the Old Common Grounds space. The ceremony honors LGBTQ+ graduates and alumni while celebrating their unique experiences, achievements, and contributions to the university.

Sarah Peak and Jamila Gaskins delivered the keynote addresses.

糖心Vlog at Lancaster will award 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates at its Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania. Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo will deliver the address.

Stay tuned for a recap of the Lancaster ceremony.

Organized by the Student Government Association, College Conservatives, and Young Democrats, the series was funded by an Inclusive Excellence Grant from 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as a Pluralism Project Grant. 糖心Vlog 50 students attended each session, held at the University Commons Student Union on the evenings of March 12, March 19, and March 26.

Senior biology major Maria Longenecker, who helped organize the series as SGA co-president, said she hopes it can serve as an example for others to follow. At a time of heightened political division, she said, it鈥檚 more important than ever to bring people together.

鈥溙切腣log encourages us to work toward peace and justice and resolve conflict, and this feels so woven into our values,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think we created something we saw was missing, and we see that missing in the world more broadly. It鈥檚 so tempting to disengage, but I hope this can serve as an example for how to lean in and continue to care for one another.鈥�

鈥楾he elephant on campus鈥�

鈥淒isagree Together鈥� formed in response to tensions that student leaders felt on campus last fall. After a campus vigil for Charlie Kirk sparked arguments in the Royal Radar group chat, Longenecker said it became clear that students needed a space to discuss political issues.

鈥淭hat demonstrated to us how much energy and conflict is under the surface here at 糖心Vlog that we often don鈥檛 address,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t feels like the elephant on campus.鈥�

SGA leaders heard from students across the political spectrum who said they felt ostracized and misunderstood because of their beliefs, with no clear place for them on campus. Longenecker and fellow co-president Leah Frankenfield believed it was important to pull in many perspectives to dream up a way forward. They met with the College Conservatives and Young Democrats to develop a space where students of all political persuasions could feel comfortable.

Dibora Mekonnen, co-president of Young Democrats, said the series created a meaningful space for students to engage in difficult and sometimes uncomfortable conversations in a respectful way. 鈥淚 believe it has positively affected students by helping them become more open-minded and more willing to engage with perspectives different from their own,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n shaping the campus, the series has contributed to a culture of dialogue, understanding, and community-building by showing that disagreement does not have to lead to division, but can instead become an opportunity for learning and growth.鈥�

Jacob Dwyer, president of College Conservatives, said he also felt the event was a success and was encouraged by the turnout. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important that we engaged in meaningful dialogue,鈥� he said. 鈥淕oing into it, I knew we might not agree on everything, but because we were able to have open conversations, we gained a better understanding of why we each think about certain issues the way we do.鈥�

Longenecker said she was surprised by how willing people were to be honest with one another. 鈥淚 thought it would be harder to get people to have conversations about the things they disagreed on,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut once people got in a room, sat down, and started asking questions, it was beautiful to see that engagement happen.鈥�

The Why and the How

The series unfolded over three sessions, each focusing on a different aspect of disagreement.

The first session centered on the question, 鈥淲hy do we disagree?鈥� Students mapped their identities to better understand how their experiences shape their beliefs and examined how those views are formed. Kory Schaeffer, director of programs for the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, facilitated the discussion and offered guidance on creating a respectful environment for disagreement.

The second session was titled 鈥淗ow do we disagree?鈥� and featured a panel discussion on politics and Christianity. 鈥淲e thought that was important to discuss because 糖心Vlog is an Anabaptist institution, and it鈥檚 such a central part of our values,鈥� Longenecker said.

The third session, 鈥淧ractice disagreeing,鈥� invited students to sit in small groups and ask one another questions about political topics or anything else they were curious to explore. 鈥淚t was beautiful to look around and see people, who I鈥檝e never seen talk to each other before, sit down and have these deep conversations about their beliefs,鈥� Longenecker said.

She said she believes new relationships have formed as a result of the 鈥淒isagree Together鈥� series, especially during the third session. 鈥淚 hope people walked away feeling like someone new sees them as a person first and is also interested in hearing their beliefs,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 hope it鈥檚 started conversations that will continue.鈥�

As members of the SGA executive board prepare to hand off leadership to their successors, she said they鈥檝e developed a plan outlining how future boards can respond and create similar spaces for students to engage in difficult conversations if another contentious event arises on campus. 鈥淚 see this as a beginning, not the end,鈥� she said.

糖心Vlog welcomed hundreds of student-athletes, coaches, and spectators from schools across the Old Dominion Athletic Conference on Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, for the 2026 ODAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

As part of the university鈥檚 two-year agreement to host the annual event, this marked the second consecutive year the championships have been held at 糖心Vlog. Last year was the first time 糖心Vlog had hosted them since 2005.

The two-day event provided an exciting opportunity for 糖心Vlog to showcase its campus and state-of-the-art track and field complex, which opened in October 2024. The facility is one of only a few in the ODAC that meets NCAA certification standards and can be configured to allow athletes to run, jump, and throw with the tailwind.

More than 120 volunteers assisted with events in rain, wind, sun, and changing temperatures. 糖心Vlog faculty and staff from across departments, along with students, alumni, community members, and the athletics department, all contributed to making the meet a success.

Filipo Toelau competes in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2026 ODAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Ahsan Abul-Qasim (left) placed third in the men’s long jump, while Josh Joseph (right) earned All-ODAC honors.

Two 糖心Vlog student-athletes won medals at the championships.

Koran Rucker, 糖心Vlog Athletics Male Freshman of the Year, was named ODAC champion in the men鈥檚 discus throw and hammer throw and placed second in the shot put. He became the first men鈥檚 track and field athlete to win multiple events in the same ODAC outdoor championship meet since Michael Allen ’13 claimed both the long jump and triple jump in 2011.

Ahsan Abul-Qasim placed third in both the men鈥檚 200-meter dash and the men鈥檚 long jump.

They were two of five Royals to earn All-ODAC honors in at least one event, along with Nick Arnold, Josh Joseph, and Da鈥橲hawn Winters.

Three women student-athletes contributed point-scoring performances at the championships: Elili Asefa in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Lauren Kauffman in the 10,000 meters, and Faith Schultz in the high jump.

Read recaps of the championships from 糖心Vlog Athletics below:

Friday

• Koran Rucker wins hammer throw to lead Royal men on Day 1 of ODAC Championships ()
• Three athletes score points for women鈥檚 track and field on Day 1 of ODAC Championships ()

Saturday

• Men鈥檚 track and field finishes fifth at ODAC Outdoor Championships ()

As one of the university鈥檚 most valued, cherished, and meaningful awards given each year, the Cords of Distinction honor recognizes those who have positively influenced on-campus communities, actively pursued 糖心Vlog values, engaged in and valued social and community involvement, and reflected academic excellence and social accountability. Recipients of the award are nominated by faculty, staff, administrators, and students and are chosen by the Cords of Distinction selection committee.

鈥淭hese students participate in high levels of engagement outside of classes and recognize the importance of the social and civic aspects of engaging in the local community,鈥� said Celeste Thomas, director of Multicultural Student Services, CoachLink coach, and co-chair of the Cords of Distinction committee. 鈥淭hey embody 鈥楾o whom much is given, much is required.鈥� They have chosen to make the community better than when they entered it, and we thank you all for that.鈥�

The 10 recipients were presented with blue and gold cords to wear at Commencement, which will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026.

They are:

• Sophia Armato
• Irais Barrera Pinzon
• Leah Beachy
• Leah Frankenfield
• Genesis Figueroa
• Arelys Martinez Fabian
• Dibora Mekonnen
• Sarah Prroj
• Roumany Sefin
• Emily Suarez Nunez

Click each recipient鈥檚 name above to jump to their section.

Sophia Armato

A Spanish language & Hispanic studies and education (PreK-12) licensure major from Manheim, Pennsylvania, she was honored by Sydney Metz, head field hockey coach.

Armato embodies what it means to be a Royal, choosing excellence in the classroom, dedicating hours of service to others, and living out her faith by loving like Jesus, her coach said. She has also raised the standard of integrity within 糖心Vlog鈥檚 athletic community, Metz said, recalling a conversation they shared about the culture they hoped to build for the field hockey program.

鈥淥ur program was in a fragile place, and even one wrong move could set us back further,鈥� Metz said. 鈥淏ut in that conversation, we also talked about what it means to do the right thing, even when it鈥檚 difficult. 鈥� You showed a willingness to lean into this challenge, to start a standard, and to grow in every area of your college experience.鈥�

Metz said that Armato has made the most of her 糖心Vlog experience. 鈥淵ou could find 鈥楽oph鈥� coming to practice after a long day of student teaching, then leaving practice to help others understand a Spanish conversation,鈥� she said. 鈥淪he would end her evening working at home on projects for her small business, continuing her homework, only to wake up early to serve coffee at Common Grounds. And through it all, she was living out her faith daily.鈥�

Irais Barrera Pinzon

A political science and Spanish language & Hispanic studies major from Richmond, Virginia, she was honored by Celeste Thomas, director of Multicultural Student Services.

The first time Thomas met Pinzon, she knew immediately the student would change the tapestry of 糖心Vlog.

Pinzon, with her infectious smile, high energy, and 鈥渦rgency to get down to business,鈥� motivates those around her to 鈥済et on board and, not just say something, but do something,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淵ou exude kindness toward everyone and have a genuine concern for the well-being of others. You are always seeking ways to make the world a better place, and when you set out to do something, you do not stop until you reach the goal.鈥�

That was especially evident in the menstrual hygiene project she led, securing a $1,200 grant and installing 10 dispensers across campus, Thomas said. Pinzon also served on the board of the Latinx Student Alliance (LSA), fed the unhoused, and participated in the International Food Festival, the Latino student banquet, and Hispanic Heritage Month events.

鈥淏eing a first-generation immigrant college student with your own challenges, you were able to look beyond your own needs and assist others who may be less fortunate,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淵ou shared that your goal was to inspire other first-generation Latino students to keep dreaming by showing them that no goal is too big.鈥�

Leah Beachy

A nursing major from Salem, Oregon, she was honored by Dr. Kate Clark, associate professor of nursing.

Beachy represents the very best of what it means to be both a nurse and a servant leader. She demonstrates keen intellect, discipline, perseverance, and a deep sense of purpose. 鈥淏ut what makes Leah truly exceptional goes beyond academics,鈥� Clark said.

During her four years on the women鈥檚 soccer team, Beachy exemplified courageous leadership, advocating for change, gathering teammate feedback, engaging administrators, and pursuing solutions grounded in accountability, Clark said. As senior captain, she helped rebuild trust and integrity within the program, contributing to one of its strongest seasons both competitively and culturally.

Through 糖心Vlog鈥檚 nursing program, Beachy learned to unite clinical excellence with justice-oriented patient care, seeing health care not just as treatment, but as a pursuit of dignity, equity, and compassion. Shaped by her intercultural experiences in Guatemala and Mexico, she helped facilitate a trauma-informed support group at Our Community Place for individuals recently rehoused after homelessness.

鈥淎nd yet, even with all these accomplishments, Leah is most known for her warmth, her authenticity, and her limitless joy,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淲hether serving as a tour guide, an ambassador for 糖心Vlog, or simply showing up for others, she builds community wherever she goes and has a lot of fun doing it.鈥�

Leah Frankenfield

A psychology major from Moraga, California, she was honored by Annalise Livingston, project coordinator for Royal RISE.

Frankenfield has been involved in just about every part of campus, always making an effort to connect with and support others, Livingston said.

鈥淵ou are one of the most compassionate, driven, and engaged people I know, and your persistent dedication to caring for and including those around you is wildly inspiring,鈥� she said. 鈥淵our determination to ensure that everyone feels they belong and have a safe space to be themselves, drawn from your own experience and vulnerability, shines through in your many involvements across campus.鈥�

Through her leadership across various clubs and organizations, including Asian-Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APISA), University Women鈥檚 Empowerment Network (UWEN), Student Government Association, and Royal RISE, the senior psychology major鈥攚ho will join 糖心Vlog鈥檚 graduate counseling program this fall鈥攑lanned programs and events to create welcoming environments and encourage connection. 

Frankenfield also served as a TA and peer tutor, ensuring students felt seen and supported. She鈥檚 provided students with a warm, friendly presence through her work at Common Grounds, the dining hall, the advancement and admissions offices, the library, and beyond. 鈥淵ou embody authenticity and humility,鈥� Livingston said, 鈥渕anaging your hectic schedule in a semi-baffling way that leaves everyone around you wondering how on earth you do it all.鈥�

Genesis Figueroa

A political science and Spanish language & Hispanic studies major from Millersburg, Ohio, she was honored by Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus.

From her first day on campus, Figueroa has shown up consistently and with care, Dycus said.

As a conversation partner with the Spanish community and through her leadership roles鈥攆irst as a senator, then secretary, and eventually co-president鈥擣igueroa has shaped 糖心Vlog in ways both visible and deeply felt, building connection and belonging across campus. Those roles require navigating complexity, listening deeply, and representing others with integrity, Dycus said, and Figueroa has carried them with a steady, grounded presence.

鈥淲hat stands out most is not just what you鈥檝e done, but how you鈥檝e done it,鈥� she said. 鈥淎gain and again, people describe you as someone who listens deeply, brings warmth, and helps others feel seen. That kind of leadership shapes culture. That鈥檚 what you鈥檝e done for 糖心Vlog.鈥�

Figueroa carried that spirit into the Latinx Student Alliance, as president of Young Democrats, and as a senior class officer, helping others learn together.

鈥淥ne nominator said it best: 鈥楪enesis rises to any occasion, leading with initiative, creativity, awareness, and a deep commitment to collective learning and action,鈥欌�� Dycus said. 鈥淎longside it all, you remain committed to your academic work, bringing discipline, focus, and purpose as a political science and Spanish major, as well as engagement with immigrant communities in Harrisonburg.鈥�

Arelys Martinez Fabian

A Spanish language & Hispanic studies and education (PreK-12) licensure major from Winchester, Virginia, she was honored by M. Esther Showalter, instructor of Spanish language and Hispanic studies.

In a fast-paced world, Martinez Fabian knows when to pause and be fully present with others, actively listening and walking alongside those in need, Showalter said.

During Martinez Fabian鈥檚 first year at 糖心Vlog, Showalter鈥檚 childhood best friend unexpectedly passed away. In the midst of that loss, the student came to her office to offer support. She brought a small houseplant to honor her friend, and over the years, it has grown from a foot tall to four feet high. 鈥淚t is by far my healthiest plant,鈥� Showalter said. 鈥淢any people comment on how great it looks, and I tell them the story of my friend and how you, Arelys, have comforted me in my time of need, as you have for so many others.鈥�

Along with Figueroa, Martinez Fabian served as co-president of the Student Government Association, becoming the first Latinx women in that role. She led with heart and humanity, Showalter said, strengthening communication between students and administrators and ensuring student voices shaped key campus decisions. Her leadership also increased involvement from underrepresented students, contributing to a more inclusive and engaged campus culture.

鈥淎relys has lived the 糖心Vlog experience to its fullest,鈥� Showalter said. 鈥淪he is an inspiring leader, a curious learner, and an empathetic friend.鈥�

Dibora Mekonnen

A political science and social work major from Silver Spring, Maryland, she was honored by Deanna Durham, associate professor of social work and sociology.

Whether leading the social work student organization, the Young Democrats, or the University Women鈥檚 Empowerment Network (UWEN), or serving as a Community Advisor, hall director, dialogue facilitator, student chaplain, or development office assistant, Mekonnen has consistently worked toward a vision of 糖心Vlog at its best. She has also been involved with the Campus Activities Council, Student Government Association, and the 糖心Vlog Washington Semester. 鈥淥ver the past four years,鈥� Durham said, 鈥渋s there anything you did not say 鈥榶es鈥� to?鈥�

Mekonnen鈥檚 leadership and deep commitment to building a more inclusive and welcoming university have touched every corner, building, and space on campus, Durham said. This past semester, that impact extended into the local community through her senior social work practicum, where she worked with Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed. 鈥淵ou are a multitasker extraordinaire,鈥� Durham told Mekonnen. 鈥淵our ability not only to generate ideas but also to bring others along with you is impressive. You have embodied the belief that we are always better together.鈥�

As hall director of Elmwood, Mekonnen fostered a community grounded in inclusion, social awareness, and belonging, Durham said. 鈥淵ou have pushed for change on campus and have never remained silent when there was potential for harm to another student.鈥�

Sarah Prroj

A business administration major from Shkoder, Albania, she was honored by Tyler Goss, director of student engagement and leadership development. 

Goss remembers his first interaction with Prroj. The International Student Organization (ISO) was preparing for its popular International Food Festival. Dozens of cooks would soon gather on Thomas Plaza, and he and other volunteers were setting up decorations, including more than 50 flagpoles. Each flag came with its own challenge, Goss said, noting the political significance of their placement. 

鈥淚n the midst of all that chaos and decision-making, there was Sarah, a first-year student, stepping up, directing, delegating, and leading with confidence and ease,鈥� Goss said. 鈥淭hat moment was just the beginning.鈥�

The Albanian international student dedicated her four years at 糖心Vlog to the ISO, but her impact extends beyond that community. She served as a Community Advisor and Royal Ambassador and led the Good Business Gathering Club. At Common Grounds, she began as a barista and became its financial manager. She also served as student government treasurer. Away from campus, she volunteered at Young Life camp and shared her story at the Perspectives of World Missions Conference.

鈥淔rom ISO president to community volunteer to SGA treasurer, and all the hours of Common Grounds鈥� financial tasks in between, Sarah leads every space with dependability, vision, and a deep desire to help each community flourish,鈥� Goss said.

Roumany Sefin

A business administration and medical lab science major from Port Said, Egypt, he was honored by Dr. Jim Leaman, associate professor of business.

It鈥檚 the rare undergraduate student who publishes original research and presents it at a prestigious academic conference, Leaman said, yet Sefin did so halfway through his undergraduate career. 鈥淭hen, he leveraged that innovation to launch an entrepreneurial venture to serve the needs of others,鈥� the professor said.

Sefin combines world-class science with a true heart for service. As a dedicated researcher and founder of ROUMATICS, he鈥檚 already made a mark in the medical field, Leaman said. 鈥淗is cancer research at 糖心Vlog and Harvard was chosen for an American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting, a huge honor for any scientist.鈥�

One of his nominators wrote: 鈥淚n my many years as an instructor and mentor, I have seldom seen a student with more commitment to academic and moral excellence.鈥�

Sefin supports his peers on campus by tutoring across three academic disciplines and guiding international students as they navigate English and adjust to life in the United States. He is also an active volunteer at a local nonprofit and serves as a deacon at his church.

鈥淲hether he鈥檚 leading Bible study or teaching DNA workshops locally, Roumany leads with kindness and excellence,鈥� Leaman said. 鈥淗e truly represents the best of this community.鈥�

Emily Suarez Nunez

A nursing major from McGaheysville, Virginia, she was honored by Allen Clay Jr., associate dean for campus life. 

From student chaplain to hall director, Suarez Nunez鈥檚 time at 糖心Vlog has reflected her deep commitment to the well-being of the campus community, Clay said.

As hall director, she led first-year students with poise and compassion. She approached difficult conversations with empathy and clear boundaries, and worked through conflict in ways that built both accountability and belonging.

鈥淗er supervisors speak of her as a trusted leader who embodies 糖心Vlog鈥檚 values of academic excellence, peace, justice, and social responsibility,鈥� Clay said. 

Suarez Nunez鈥檚 impact reaches well beyond residence life through her involvement in the Student Government Association, student chaplains, and Y-Serve. She has spent countless hours in service, led spring break trips to Atlanta and Puerto Rico, and helped coordinate volunteer opportunities that connect 糖心Vlog students with communities in need.

Her coworkers describe her as someone who can brighten a room, even while balancing the rigorous demands of a nursing degree. 鈥淗er patients will encounter not just medical expertise but a caregiver who knows how to listen, honor difficult moments, and help people feel seen,鈥� Clay said. 鈥淭hat is a gift that Emily will carry forward in the next steps of her life.鈥�

In his closing remarks at the ceremony, Jonathan Swartz, dean of students and co-chair of the Cords of Distinction committee, noted the many things the recipients will carry with them after graduating from 糖心Vlog: their cords, degrees, relationships, and memories.

鈥淵ou also carry responsibility, because the world you are entering does not need more impressive resumes nearly as much as it needs people who are willing to live with clarity, compassion, and courage,鈥� Swartz said. 鈥淸It needs] people who will ask not just what can I achieve, but what can I repair; not just where can I succeed, but where am I needed? If these cords mean anything beyond today, it鈥檚 this: you鈥檝e already begun to answer those questions with your lives, and we trust you will keep answering them.鈥�

The 2026 Cords of Distinction committee members: Jonathan Swartz, Celeste Thomas, Kate Clark, Deanna Durham, Justin McIlwee, Dawn Neil, and Aundrea Smiley. Special thanks to Jennifer North Bauman for her help and to Thaddeus Jackson 鈥�25, who performed music for the event.

Watch a video recording of the ceremony below!

Commencement is fast approaching, bringing a full weekend of events and ceremonies honoring this year鈥檚 graduating class. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help guide you through the weekend.

When is Commencement and where will it be held?

糖心Vlog鈥檚 108th annual Commencement ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Yoder Arena. View the map below.

How long will it last?

The ceremony lasts about two hours.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

A live video feed of the Commencement ceremony will be available on .

Where should I park?

Please see the campus map for parking information. The south portion of the University Commons parking lot will be reserved for handicapped and mobility-restricted parking. Guests may notify a parking attendant if assistance is needed in getting from the parking area to the commencement seating.

Where should I sit?

Seating is first come, first served and opens at 11 a.m. on Sunday. A remote viewing location will be available in University Commons Room 177.

How many students will be graduating?

糖心Vlog will award 313 degrees at Commencement. The total includes 171 undergraduate degrees, 129 graduate degrees, 10 Eastern Mennonite Seminary degrees, and three doctoral degrees, as of April 23.

Who will deliver the commencement address?

Dr. Angela J. Lederach, an anthropologist and assistant professor of peace and justice studies at Chapman University, will deliver the address. Learn more about her below.

Who else is speaking?

Graduating seniors Dylan Hall and Arelys Martinez Fabian, and Yenifer Dottin-Carter from the MA in Counseling program, will offer graduates鈥� perspectives.

Who are the class officers?

The 2026 undergraduate class officers are:

• Co-presidents: Genesis Figueroa and Arelys Martinez Fabian
• Business manager: Ethan Neufeld
• Secretary: Maria Longenecker

Is the event free? Is there a limit to how many guests can attend?

Commencement is free to attend, with no ticket required and no limit on the number of guests.

What other events can I attend?

Ten graduating seniors will be honored as 2026 Cords of Distinction recipients in a special ceremony on Friday, April 24, at 10:10 a.m. in Martin Chapel. 糖心Vlog will host its fifth annual Lavender Graduation on Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in University Commons Room 177 (Old Common Grounds) to honor LGBTQ+ graduates and alumni. 糖心Vlog鈥檚 11th annual Donning of the Kente ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 3 p.m. in the MainStage Theater to recognize graduating students of color and international students. On Sunday, May 3, after Commencement, the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding will host a graduation celebration at 4 p.m. in Martin Chapel. All events are listed online here.

When is Graduate Celebration and Sending?

Graduate Celebration and Sending will take place on Saturday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium. Dr. Tara L. S. Kishbaugh, dean of faculty and student success, is the featured speaker for this year鈥檚 event, which is for all graduating students. The event will include performances of music and poetry from students, as well as the presentation of the class gift.

Will the dining halls be open?

Here鈥檚 the dining hall schedule for commencement weekend:

Saturday

• Continental breakfast: 8:15-9 a.m. 
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 
• Dinner: 5-6 p.m. 

Sunday

• Continental breakfast: 8:15-9 a.m. 
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 

What are some other places to eat and things to do in Harrisonburg?

Check out  to celebrating graduation weekend in Harrisonburg from the city鈥檚 tourism office, packed with recommendations for dining, graduation gifts, and things to do while you鈥檙e in town.

When will the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, campus hold its graduation?

糖心Vlog at Lancaster will hold its commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania. Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo will deliver the address. 糖心Vlog at Lancaster will award 21 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 13 graduate certificates at the ceremony.

Where can I find more information?

Visit or email questions to commencement@emu.edu.

A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Lederach has engaged in more than a decade of participatory research with grassroots peacebuilders in Colombia as they work to transform violent conflict, deepen possibilities for environmental justice, and cultivate a more just and livable world.

Her research focuses on community-based responses to the interlocking dynamics of political and environmental violence.

She is the author of the award-winning Feel the Grass Grow: Ecologies of Slow Peace in Colombia (Stanford University Press, 2023). Alongside her father, John Paul Lederach, she also co-authored When Blood and Bones Cry Out: Journeys Through the Soundscape of Healing and Reconciliation (Oxford University Press, 2010).

With a dual PhD in cultural anthropology and peace studies from the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Lederach has accompanied peacebuilding, environmental, and restorative justice initiatives in Sierra Leone, the Philippines, Colombia, Bolivia, and the United States.

鈥淚 feel incredibly honored and, quite frankly, humbled to be chosen to speak at 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Commencement,鈥� Dr. Lederach said. 鈥淭he faculty, students, and alumni at 糖心Vlog have deeply shaped my understanding of justice and peace and inspired me to imagine and work toward more peaceful and dignified futures for collective life on this planet. They form a vital part of the transnational community that has taught me what solidarity means in practice and inspires my everyday work of building peace amid ongoing violence.鈥�

鈥淏y combining interdisciplinary scholarship with ethical inquiry, 糖心Vlog has helped nurture a distinctive community that spans the globe,鈥� she added. 鈥淚 am indebted to this community for my own formation, learning, and sense of grounded hope, and I am honored to be part of this significant milestone for the graduating class.鈥�

Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus said Dr. Lederach brings a rare depth of scholarship that bridges lived experience and critical inquiry. Her work explores how 鈥渟low peace鈥� emerges through grassroots communities that reshape and sustain peace over time, while also carrying forward and reimagining a generational legacy in restorative justice and conflict transformation.

鈥淚n her work, she reminds us that peace is not only studied but practiced, offering our graduates a compelling vision of leadership that is thoughtful, courageous, and rooted in the daily work of building a more just and hopeful world,鈥� Dr. Dycus said.

糖心Vlog 糖心Vlog

Rooted in the values of academic excellence, peace and justice, and an active faith shaped by Anabaptist-Mennonite beliefs and practices, 糖心Vlog offers undergraduate, graduate, and seminary degrees that prepare students to serve and lead in a global context. A leader among faith-based universities, 糖心Vlog was founded in 1917 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, has a site in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and offers programs in person and online.

To livestream Dr. Lederach鈥檚 Commencement address, visit 糖心Vlog鈥檚 .

More than a series of classes, SPI is a place to learn in community. Participants live on campus, share meals, attend lectures, and build connections that last long after the program ends.

This year’s sessions will be held May 18-26, May 28-June 5, and June 8-12.

The application deadline for U.S. participants is May 8. Learn more and apply at .