Fans wearing 糖心Vlog gear received free admission and could win 糖心Vlog-branded T-shirts, noisemakers, and maracas tossed into the crowd throughout the game.

More than 300 people attended the high-scoring Valley Baseball League game at Veterans Memorial Park in Harrisonburg, including plenty of 糖心Vlog alumni, faculty, staff, students, and their families and friends who gathered to cheer on the Harrisonburg Turks.

Herm takes the mound for his first pitch at 糖心Vlog Night with the Turks on Thursday evening.

Herm, outfitted in his finest Royals baseball jersey, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to start the game. The sapphire-hued southpaw lofted a looping pitch that sailed through the air and bounced off home plate.

“When you’re the king of the beasts, you get the pitch you want to throw,” the announcer joked over the loudspeaker.

After stepping off the mound, Herm hyped up the crowd of 糖心Vlog fans braving the 86-degree heat.

The Turks are part of the 12-team Valley Baseball League, a collegiate summer baseball league that features players from across the country.

The evening featured a divisional matchup between the Turks and the Waynesboro Generals. Waynesboro took an early lead with two runs in the top of the second inning and pulled further ahead with four more runs in the sixth.

The final score was a 9-3 win for the Generals.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP PHOTO: Aric Berg, project manager for 糖心Vlog marketing and communications, tosses free clappers and maracas to fans. | Adam Wirdzek, web content and strategy manager, hands out the 糖心Vlog-branded giveaways. | Henry Bowser, with support from his wife, Bonnie, wields the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon.

糖心Vlog’s marketing and communications team handed out free giveaways, while Henry Bowser, technician for 糖心Vlog’s engineering lab, fired shirts into the stands. The T-shirt cannon he used was designed by engineering alumnus Adam Stoltzfus ’25 and named the BaZOOKa after 2019 alumni donors Ben and Kayla Zook, who funded the project.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP PHOTO: Nathan Leopard, vice president for advancement, brought his family to the ballpark. | Paul Yoder, associate professor of teacher education, and his family show off some of the gear they won. | Jacob Sankara MA ’26 (conflict transformation) watches the game.

糖心Vlog Night with the Turks is a popular event for baseball fans and 糖心Vlog Royals of all ages to enjoy a summer evening at the ballpark, cheer on the home team, and show their Royal pride.

Thanks to everyone who showed up and hope to see you next season!

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.

The group of 10 HHS seniors wrote, performed, and produced Dis/connect, a nine-track, multi-genre album recorded at 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Astral Recording Studio in March. Listen to Dis/connect on or by using the embedded player below.

Last year, while the Astral Recording Studio was still under construction (it opened during the fall 2025 semester), Dr. Benjamin Guerrero, assistant professor of music at 糖心Vlog, led a tour of the space for high school students. During the visit, he and J.R. Snow, Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts for Harrisonburg City Public Schools, began discussing the idea of bringing students in to record an album.

鈥淲e just looked at each other and said, 鈥楲et鈥檚 make that happen,鈥欌�� Guerrero said.

After learning that students in the Fine Arts Academy were interested in creating an album, Snow reached back out to Guerrero, who consulted on the project. Together, they decided the students would write and rehearse their songs in advance so they would be ready to record during their studio visit.

鈥淔or many of our students, going into the studio and recording was definitely their favorite part of the project,鈥� Snow said.

One of those students, Wren Hamner, who contributed a rap song and a murder ballad鈥攁 song that tells the story of a murder, like “No Body, No Crime” by Taylor Swift鈥攖o the album, described the anticipation leading up to the group’s trip to Astral Recording Studio.

鈥淣one of us had ever recorded in a legit studio before,鈥� Hamner said. 鈥淲hen we got there, we had everything planned out. We were ready to go, and everything just came together.鈥�

Billy Perritt, another student from the academy, sang on three songs, playing guitar on two and drums on one. He said it was also his first time in a professional recording setting.

鈥淚t was such a blast,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was a really cool learning experience, and I鈥檓 so glad I was able to do it. I鈥檓 thankful to 糖心Vlog for letting us use their facility.鈥�

Snow, who served as capstone coordinator for the Fine Arts Academy, said he was impressed by the cutting-edge capabilities of the state-of-the-art space.

鈥淚 have just enough knowledge about music technology to know how high-quality the Dolby Atmos studio is and to see what a gift it is for our community,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a game-changer for artists who are looking to do some high-quality work.鈥�

Guerrero helped guide students through the recording process while they were at the studio, noting that they spent about an hour in the studio on each song. He added that the group received a discounted rate for their time, one way 糖心Vlog and its recording studio are connecting with the local community.

鈥淚t鈥檚 almost like an exclusive admissions tour,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just, 鈥楥an they envision themselves in the studio being creative?鈥� but 鈥楥an they envision themselves at 糖心Vlog?鈥欌��

糖心Vlog the Astral Recording Studio

Located in the former Astral Hall building atop the 糖心Vlog Hill at 1304 Hillcrest Drive, the studio features acoustically treated rooms designed for crystal-clear sound. It provides students, faculty, staff, and community artists access to professional tools for recording and mixing music, video, podcasts, and other audio projects. Learn more at .

糖心Vlog the HHS Fine Arts Academy

The interdisciplinary, collaborative, and experiential learning community prepares students for lifelong careers, passions, and appreciation of creativity through the arts. The Class of 2026 marked the final year of the academy. Learn more about the academy and their album at .

Read all about the Astral Recording Studio in the story posted below:

Ande Banks 鈥�97, city manager of Harrisonburg since 2022, says leading the place where he grew up comes with its own unique challenges.

For one thing, there are the childhood nicknames that haven鈥檛 been forgotten. 鈥淲hen you鈥檙e walking down the street and someone calls out, 鈥楬ey, there goes Andy-Pandy,鈥� it鈥檚 like, 鈥楧o you really need to say that out loud?鈥欌�� Banks said.

Then there are the neighbors and parents of friends who remember the bouts of youthful mischief he and his buddies got into as kids. From swimming in local quarries to setting off firecrackers on Main Street, “it wasn’t anything too scandalous,” he said. Still, those encounters can feel a little awkward.

But for Banks, who has called Harrisonburg home since he was four, serving as city manager is a dream job.

鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 imagine myself anywhere else,鈥� he said.

A graduate of Eastern Mennonite School, he later earned a bachelor’s degree in history and social science from 糖心Vlog in 1997 and a master’s of public administration from James Madison University in 2017.

Friendships with faculty

Banks didn鈥檛 need much convincing to enroll at 糖心Vlog.

As a soccer player at Eastern Mennonite School, he already knew then-Royals men鈥檚 soccer coach Roger Mast, who had coached the EMS team during his sophomore year and welcomed him on the 糖心Vlog squad. Many of his friends also were planning to attend 糖心Vlog.

Shortly after beginning his studies at 糖心Vlog, Banks formed close relationships with professors, including his adviser, Dr. Albert N. Keim, a longtime history professor, academic dean, and namesake of the history department鈥檚 annual Keim Lecture Series. 鈥淚 absolutely adored him,鈥� Banks said. 鈥淏etween him and Dr. Mary Sprunger, who still teaches at 糖心Vlog, I had amazing one-on-one relationships with professors who I hold in great esteem.鈥�

Banks, a goalkeeper for the Royals soccer team, dropped the sport after his first year to focus more on his coursework. He acknowledged that he had not prioritized academics in high school and credited his relationships with professors with helping him flourish.

He recalled being fascinated as Dr. Keim, 鈥渁 kind of grandfather figure,鈥� shared his experiences as a conscientious objector, which stood in stark contrast to his own grandfather鈥檚 stories of fighting in World War II.

His grandfather had emigrated from Scotland. Banks spent a semester there for his intercultural, touring the country, reading history texts, and journaling for Dr. Keim.

鈥淭hat was a really important experience in my college career and as a human being,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was life-changing.鈥�

Served city since 2009

It鈥檚 been a slow and steady rise to the top of city government for Banks, who has worked for the City of Harrisonburg for nearly two decades. He served as director of special projects and grant management from 2009-16 before becoming assistant to then-City Manager Kurt Hodgen from 2016-17 and deputy city manager from 2017-22. He was appointed city manager following a nationwide search on Oct. 25, 2022.

As , Banks carries out City Council鈥檚 policies and directives, prepares the budget, recruits and supervises city staff, oversees daily operations across departments, advises council members, facilitates communication among elected officials, employees and residents, and serves on numerous local and regional boards.

Given that range of responsibilities, no two days are the same, Banks said, 鈥渁nd that鈥檚 one of the things I love about it.鈥�

When Banks was named city manager, Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, then a member of 糖心Vlog’s Board of Trustees, offered a strong endorsement.

鈥淲hat makes you unique and special is your heart,鈥� Reed told Banks. 鈥淵ou have a heart of service. You are a servant, and you love this community, you really do. … You are exactly what we need at this time for this city,鈥� reported at the time.

糖心Vlog teaches 鈥榮ervice above self鈥�

Banks credited 糖心Vlog鈥檚 mission and vision with preparing him and other graduates for lives of service.

鈥淏oth in the curriculum and in the culture of Eastern Mennonite, it prepares us as alumni to go forth into the world and not just make a difference, but be conscious and conscientious citizens of the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 feel that the perspective that was shared with me at 糖心Vlog I鈥檝e taken forth, and that is certainly one of service above self.鈥�

Since graduating, he鈥檚 regularly returned to campus, connecting with programs such as the Intensive English Program and speaking with classes about public service. Banks said one of his favorite parts of the job is helping students and community members understand the role of local government and how it shapes everyday life. From 2001-09, he served as district representative for former U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke, and recalled the congressman鈥檚 description of local government as 鈥渇ront-seat politics.鈥�

鈥淵our constituents literally come out and sit in the front row and stare you down when you鈥檙e debating important issues in front of the community,鈥� Banks said. 鈥淗ere, in local government, you run into your constituents in the grocery store, at church, at school, at soccer games, and that gives you an opportunity to talk about the importance of the services we provide and the needs of our community.鈥�

Royals reign

Another benefit of working in local government is his close relationship with other 糖心Vlog alumni serving in leadership roles across the region.

Since becoming the first refugee elected to Harrisonburg City Council in 2024, Nasser Alsaadun MA 鈥�17 (education) has advocated for local refugee and immigrant communities. In Harrisonburg City Public Schools, alumni athletes Missy Hensley 鈥�92 and Ryan Henschel 鈥�15 serve as principals of Harrisonburg and Rocktown high schools, respectively.

In neighboring Rockingham County, Casey Armstrong 鈥�06 has served as county administrator since January 2025. Matt Dale MA 鈥�16 (organizational leadership) represents District 3 on the Board of Supervisors, and Kirby Dean 鈥�92 serves as the county鈥檚 director of parks and recreation.

Banks said collaboration between the city and county governments is especially strong because of their shared services, including social services, the health department, the emergency communications center, and the court system.

鈥淎ll of that means greater savings for our taxpayers and greater efficiencies in providing those services to the residents of Harrisonburg and Rockingham,鈥� Banks said. 鈥淎nd that means Casey [Armstrong] and I work much more closely than other colleagues in city-county relationships around the commonwealth.鈥�

Looking toward the future

Banks said it鈥檚 an exciting time for Harrisonburg. The city鈥檚 metropolitan statistical area, which also includes Rockingham County, is one of only a few in Virginia that has experienced continued growth over the past 20 years, he said.

While Harrisonburg faces challenges common to growing cities, including a need for more affordable housing, he said its two universities, regional medical center, and role as a commercial hub position it well for continued growth and long-term success.

鈥淚 think the future is as bright as the past, if anything,鈥� he said.

Banks lives in Harrisonburg with his wife, Jennifer, a JMU alumna, and their two children, Brigid and Al. When he isn鈥檛 actively running the city, he stays active, running through the city鈥攐ften with a baseball cap slipped on.

鈥淚 put on a hat and all of a sudden nobody knows who I am,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e like, 鈥楾hat couldn鈥檛 be Ande, because he鈥檚 bald.鈥� It鈥檚 like I turn into a superhero.鈥�

In addition to his degrees from 糖心Vlog and JMU, Banks attended the Senior Executive Institute at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service in 2019 and achieved a certificate in local government management from Virginia Tech in 2013. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association, the Virginia Local Government Management Association, and the American Society for Public Administration.

This story appears in the summer 2026 issue of Crossroads magazine.

Dycus, who has led the university as interim president since July 2025, begins her five-year term on July 1, 2026.

鈥淚’m humbled to continue the bold legacy of 糖心Vlog,鈥� Dycus said. 鈥溙切腣log leaders have been courageous and visionary stewards of this sacred community. Being called to serve among them is a responsibility I鈥檓 excited and honored to step into.鈥�   

The 糖心Vlog Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Dycus as president during its June 12 meeting.

Jane Hoober Peifer 鈥�74, MDiv 鈥�97, chair-elect of the board, said Dycus demonstrated consistent and collaborative leadership over the past year as interim president that 鈥渃ontinues to unite the campus.鈥� She also highlighted her ability to listen attentively and build effective teams.

鈥淪he cares deeply about students and their success, and she works to create a good working environment for faculty and staff,鈥� Peifer said. 鈥溙切腣log is very fortunate to have the gifts and leadership of Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus as its 10th president.鈥�

The board鈥檚 decision followed several months of feedback gathered by its Presidential Succession Planning Committee from representatives across the 糖心Vlog community, including faculty, staff, students, senior administrators, alumni, donors, church constituents, and other key stakeholders, regarding her potential appointment. 

A report of the committee鈥檚 findings, presented to the board in May, recommended appointing Dycus without launching a costly and time-consuming national search. 

Based on 鈥渢he institutional knowledge, relationships, and trust that she has already established, the university is not being asked to take a chance on an untested leader. Instead, [糖心Vlog] has already completed the most meaningful leadership assessment possible: observing the candidate serve successfully in the role itself.鈥�

It cited her demonstrated leadership, character, vision, and effectiveness as positioning her to lead 糖心Vlog into its next chapter. It also noted the unusual level of alignment from those consulted throughout the process.

鈥淭he committee found broad and consistent support for Dr. Dycus across nearly every constituency engaged during this process,鈥� the report said. 鈥淪takeholders repeatedly described her leadership as authentic, relational, transparent, collaborative, strategic, mission-centered, and deeply aligned with 糖心Vlog鈥檚 values.鈥�

The analysis concluded that Dycus demonstrates the leadership capacity, institutional understanding, and community trust needed to guide 糖心Vlog during a pivotal period in its history. Together, the board鈥檚 unanimous vote and the consistent, enthusiastic affirmation expressed across stakeholder groups reflect a shared confidence in Dr. Dycus鈥檚 leadership and in 糖心Vlog鈥檚 future.

Over the past year as interim president, Dycus has fostered renewed optimism, deeper collaboration, greater transparency, and growing confidence in 糖心Vlog, the report said. She helped create a healthier organizational culture while guiding the university through significant challenges.

During her tenure, Dycus has helped position the university for enrollment growth, financial stability, and sustained donor confidence. Undergraduate applications have doubled during this cycle, and 糖心Vlog is projecting a larger incoming class than last year, which itself was up 10%.

糖心Vlog鈥檚 first-ever Forward Together comprehensive campaign has surpassed 80% of its $40 million goal with two years remaining. As student and workforce needs evolve, the university continues to reshape its academic programs to ensure its transformative educational offerings remain relevant in a changing higher education landscape.

A recently finalized strategic partnership with Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community positions the university to invest in programs and people that move it forward. An academic restructuring during the 2025-26 academic year has also expanded opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.

鈥淭his is an incredibly exciting time for who we are as an institution,鈥� Dycus said. 鈥淲e are growing, we are sustaining, and there鈥檚 joy around who we are.鈥�

An educator and ordained minister, Dycus has more than 20 years of experience in learning communities and ministry settings, including the past seven at 糖心Vlog. Prior to serving as interim president, she was vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging. She previously served as dean of students from 2019-23 then vice president for student affairs and dean of students from 2023-24 before being promoted to vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging (2024-2025).

Before coming to 糖心Vlog, she was an academic adviser and adjunct faculty member at Franklin University of Ohio (Indianapolis campus) and co-pastor at First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis.

She holds a doctor of ministry in public theology from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, a master of divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and a bachelor of arts in middle and secondary education from Butler University.

Dycus is the first Black woman to lead 糖心Vlog as president. She succeeds President Emerita Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who served as the university鈥檚 ninth president from 2017-25.

She lives in Harrisonburg with her husband, Gregory, and sons Malachi and Semaj.

An inauguration ceremony on Oct. 10 during 糖心Vlog鈥檚 annual Homecoming Weekend will celebrate Dycus as the university鈥檚 10th president during its 110th year. Invitations and additional details will be shared later.

Manuel Nu帽ez 鈥�94, chair of the board of trustees, reflected on the significance of the appointment. 鈥淎s 糖心Vlog steps into its next century, we are grateful to have found in Dr. Shannon Dycus a leader uniquely suited to this moment,鈥� he said. 鈥淒r. Dycus brings academic depth, a gift for listening, and a deep commitment to building community. Her leadership reflects clarity, wisdom, and a fierce commitment to our students and to the distinctive mission and witness of 糖心Vlog.鈥� 

Members of the Presidential Succession Planning Committee included Janet Lind (chair), Jake Bell, Ral Obioha, Steve Kriss, and Amy Yoder McGloughlin.

Dr. Dycus reflects on being selected as 糖心Vlog’s 10th president.

The Free Food Room is a joint initiative coordinated by the task force鈥攁 group of 糖心Vlog staff members that includes Celeste Thomas, Trina Trotter Nussbaum, Brian Martin Burkholder, and Levi Clymer鈥攁long with the SEEDS student sustainability group and Student Life. It receives monthly food deliveries at heavily discounted rates as a member of the Verona-based Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

In addition to food bank deliveries, the Free Food Room receives fresh produce from local farms through its partnership with Harrisonburg鈥檚 educational outreach program. This year, the Free Food Room is receiving produce from near Keezletown. The program also receives donated produce through its relationship with Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.

鈥淚鈥檓 so impressed by how many partnerships this little space involves,鈥� said Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MA 鈥�20, annual giving and donor communications specialist, one of the visitors on the tour. 鈥淚t鈥檚 such a great example of 糖心Vlog and the broader community working together.鈥�

Task force members said they plan to add card-swipe access to the entrance this summer to ensure resources and donations are best used to serve students, employees, and others with an active 糖心Vlog ID card. The security upgrade, funded through a $12,000 grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), will allow the Free Food Room to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is currently accessible from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Grant funding will also be used to create more visible signage outside the space, increase publicity as students return to campus, and address ADA doorway access needs, with the remaining funds designated for food purchases.

Task force members said the Free Food Room often has an abundance of fresh produce during the summer months and encouraged faculty, staff, and students to take fruits, vegetables, and frozen meat home with them, regardless of financial need.

鈥淓very summer, we have this excess,鈥� Trotter Nussbaum said. 鈥淭his is for people who think, 鈥極h, I don鈥檛 need the Free Food Room.鈥� Please come and take it because it will spoil, and you might as well have fresh produce in your house. Come take it.鈥�

鈥淏efore you go to the grocery store,鈥� Thomas added.

糖心Vlog students Rin Akinotcho (top, below left) and La-Ann Volel (below right) help out at the Free Food Room during the spring semester. 

How to help

Monetary donations to the Free Food Room can be made online through . Select 鈥淔ree Food Room鈥� from the designation dropdown menu to direct your gift to the program.

Food donations may be left on a marked table inside the Free Food Room.

For more information about the Free Food Room or ways to support its work, contact Brian Martin Burkholder, Celeste Thomas, Trina Trotter Nussbaum, or Levi Clymer.

The art therapy minor replaces a pre-art therapy concentration that was offered from 2019-22. Anna Westfall, associate professor of art and director of the VACA program, and Dr. Michael Horst, dean of Health, Behavioral, and Natural Sciences and director of the undergraduate psychology program, submitted their proposal for the minor last fall. It was approved by the Academic Council in November.

Through psychology courses, students will explore the science of human behavior and the mind, while VACA courses will engage them in the creative process and the conceptual and expressive outlets of art making, according to the proposal. 鈥淏y providing this minor, prospective students can explore both interests while seeing a clear path of study to a career that is not available at many institutions,鈥� it states. 鈥淔urthermore, it will give current students the tools to succeed when applying to graduate programs in art therapy.鈥�

What is art therapy?

Art therapy, as defined by the , is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

鈥淓specially when people are struggling, facing a challenge, or even a health crisis鈥攖heir own words or language fails them,鈥� the AATA says. 鈥淒uring these times, an art therapist can help clients express themselves in ways beyond words or language. Art therapists are trained in art and psychological theory and can help clients integrate nonverbal cues and metaphors that are often expressed through the creative process.鈥�

Art therapists work with people of all ages, including children experiencing behavioral challenges or those with autism spectrum disorder, the AATA says. These therapists assist people and caregivers in health crises; victims of violence or other trauma, including military service members and student survivors of mass shootings; older adults with dementia; and anyone who needs help coping with life鈥檚 challenges. 

Meeting student interest

Westfall, who helped start the pre-art therapy concentration several years ago, led efforts to develop the minor. She said she heard from so many students interested in art therapy over the years that faculty felt a need to offer it.

One of those students, Rachel Tusing 鈥�25, graduated with dual majors in art and psychology and is currently enrolled in 糖心Vlog鈥檚 graduate counseling program.

鈥淎rt is like a second language for me,鈥� said Tusing, who has been interested in expressive arts and art therapy since high school.

鈥淗owever, when I began researching art therapy as a career, the path to licensure and practice was not clear,鈥� she said. 鈥淢uch of that is because art therapy is still a very new modality of therapy, and the foundation for education, licensure and practice is still being laid.鈥�

She said 糖心Vlog鈥檚 addition of an art therapy minor will help students like herself who are looking to harness the healing power of art in the therapy room.

鈥淭his minor declares 糖心Vlog鈥檚 continuing commitment and support for the arts in all kinds of spaces, especially for those who are in need,鈥� she said. 鈥淎rt is grounding, tender and empowering, and it belongs in mental health care. I only hope that 糖心Vlog will continue to expand and enrich this program. I am extremely proud and grateful for the work that has happened to get here.鈥�

What the minor can do

Horst, former director of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 graduate counseling program, said students with an art therapy minor, paired with a major in studio art, art education, or psychology, would be well-positioned for graduate study in art therapy or clinical mental health counseling. While 糖心Vlog does not currently offer a master鈥檚 degree in art therapy, students can pursue the university鈥檚 accredited master鈥檚 program in clinical mental health counseling, which includes a focus on expressive arts therapy.

A master鈥檚 degree in art therapy can lead to Art Therapist Registered (ATR) credentialing. Registered art therapists serve diverse communities in settings such as hospitals, cancer treatment centers, psychiatric facilities, retirement communities, schools, and independent practices.

The art therapy minor offers : for psychology majors (18 VACA credits required), studio art majors (16 psychology credits required), art education majors (nine psychology credits required), and a pre-art therapy concentration for students majoring outside those fields (16 psychology credits and 16 VACA credits required).

Students can declare minors at any time by submitting a minor declaration form to the university registrar. They have until the first week of classes in September to add courses for the fall semester.

For more information about the minor, email Westfall at anna.westfall@emu.edu.

When Nate McGhee 鈥�24, MBA 鈥�26, arrived at 糖心Vlog in the fall of 2020, it wasn鈥檛 his first time giving college the old college try. The marketing and business administration major, a key contributor to the Royals men鈥檚 volleyball team during his four seasons on the squad, had enrolled at Randolph-Macon College a couple years prior. But a string of personal hardships, combined with a lack of preparation and a limited support system, led him to flunk out after his first year.

He said the private liberal arts school, which competes with 糖心Vlog in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), might have been a good fit had he applied himself more. But he hadn鈥檛 yet developed strong study habits and, as he struggled with self-doubt, he didn鈥檛 know how or where to ask for help.

鈥淚 was keeping it all to myself, which was probably the worst thing to do,鈥� he said.

When he returned home to Newport News after being dismissed from the school, he felt lost.

鈥淚 was stuck,鈥� McGhee said. 鈥淚 was like, 鈥極K, everything you worked for isn鈥檛 coming to fruition, so what are you going to do?鈥欌��

He took his first full-time job, bussing tables and working the raw bar at a seafood and oyster restaurant near his home, while attending night classes at Thomas Nelson Community College (now known as Virginia Peninsula Community College). Though he continued playing recreational volleyball to stay sharp, the former high school standout had all but given up on competing at the collegiate level.

During a trip to Richmond to cheer on his friends and former coaches at a volleyball tournament in early 2020, opportunity came knocking. Less than 10 minutes after arriving, McGhee felt a tap on his shoulder. When he turned around, he saw Danielle Lickey, 糖心Vlog’s head men’s volleyball coach at the time.

After hearing how his volleyball career had stalled, Lickey invited him to visit campus. 鈥淲e could use someone like you,鈥� he recalled her saying.

McGhee toured campus over spring break and quickly fell in love with its picturesque mountain setting and close-knit feel. 鈥淭his is my second chance,鈥� he remembered thinking. 鈥淚 have to take it.鈥�

That fall, he transferred to 糖心Vlog as a sophomore. Over his (2021-24), he ranks 11th all-time in career kills and earned Third-Team All-CVC honors in 2023. In the summer of 2023, he represented the United States on a team in Italy.

鈥淚 thought volleyball was over for me, but that鈥檚 how I got back into it,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f she hadn鈥檛 tapped me on the shoulder that one day, I probably wouldn鈥檛 be here [at 糖心Vlog] right now.鈥�

Nate McGhee ranks 11th all-time in career kills over his four seasons with the 糖心Vlog men鈥檚 volleyball team (2021-24). He earned Third-Team All-CVC honors in 2023 and represented the United States on a team in Italy that summer.

Learning to lead

Off the volleyball court, McGhee found a firm footing in 糖心Vlog鈥檚 classrooms and campus community. He earned a spot on the Dean鈥檚 List, an honor given to students with a semester GPA of at least 3.75. He grew more comfortable opening up to others on campus and seeking help when needed. He credited his advisor, Dr. Jim Leaman, associate professor of business, with helping keep him on track.

鈥淚 probably wouldn鈥檛 have graduated without him,鈥� McGhee said. 鈥淗e became a mentor to me and was with me every step of the way.鈥�

He said his parents鈥� love and support also helped him persevere when times were tough. 

鈥淔or a while, I felt like I was letting them down and failing at life,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut they told me it鈥檚 what you do after failing that makes it a failure. If you stay down and give up, then you鈥檝e failed. But if you get up and learn from your mistakes, then the mistake is history.鈥�

After graduating with a degree in business administration and marketing in spring 2024, McGhee stayed at 糖心Vlog as a graduate assistant coach for head men鈥檚 volleyball coach Omar Hoyos Aliff while pursuing his MBA, which he completed this past spring.

McGhee plans to use his degrees to build a career in sports marketing. He鈥檚 applied for positions with professional athletic organizations such as League One Volleyball.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 really what I have a passion for,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ventually, maybe five years down the line, I would love to open my own business sponsoring athletes and getting them more exposure.鈥�

While coaching was never a career path he considered as a player, his experience as a graduate assistant has shown him that he has a knack for it and genuinely enjoys it. 鈥淚 like seeing player growth,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 look at volleyball as an art. You can always build on it and learn something new.鈥�

McGhee said that multitasking, time management, and resilience are all skills he learned while at 糖心Vlog. 鈥淚鈥檝e definitely developed a lot of confidence in my craft,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 have a lot of confidence before I came here in anything I did, and at 糖心Vlog I鈥檝e learned how to lead with confidence.鈥�

When the Royals men鈥檚 volleyball team traveled to Ashland in April for the 2026 ODAC Championship match against Randolph-Macon, it was a full-circle moment for McGhee. The Yellow Jackets ultimately prevailed in the , but the match reminded him of the many times he had faced his former team, including a conference quarterfinal at Randolph-Macon during his senior year when the Royals swept the Yellow Jackets.

鈥淭hat was unreal,鈥� McGhee said. 鈥淲henever I played games there, I always did poorly because I felt there was something hanging over me. But that game, and this last game we played, really showed me how much I鈥檝e grown.鈥�

Watch Nate talk about the close-knit community and support he found at 糖心Vlog.

This story appears in the summer 2026 issue of Crossroads magazine.

糖心Vlog announced on Thursday it has named Nathan K. Leopard as its new vice president for advancement. Leopard, who most recently served as director of development for Virginia Tech鈥檚 Pamplin College of Business, starts in the role on June 1.

Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus announced the appointment in an email to faculty, staff, alumni, and friends on Thursday morning. The hire concludes a nationwide search that began in January.

Leopard succeeds Kirk Shisler 鈥�81, 糖心Vlog鈥檚 vice president for advancement since 2005, who is transitioning to a new role as senior advisor for gift planning. Shisler has said the transition will allow him to focus exclusively on securing major gifts to sustain 糖心Vlog鈥檚 mission.

Leopard will continue a comprehensive advancement operation encompassing fundraising, alumni and constituent engagement, communications, and advancement services. He will also expand connections among alumni, donors, faith communities, foundations, and regional partners in support of the university鈥檚 mission.

鈥淎s vice president for advancement, I look forward to strengthening our culture of generosity, expanding our philanthropic reach, and helping secure the resources necessary to sustain and grow this mission,鈥� Leopard said.

Dr. Dycus remarked on Leopard鈥檚 鈥済enuine alignment鈥� with 糖心Vlog鈥檚 mission and community. 鈥淲hat stands out most about Nathan is his values-driven, relational approach to advancement,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e views fundraising not as a series of transactions, but as a meaningful partnership that invites alumni and friends into a shared vision for impact.鈥�

Two decades of experience

Leopard brings two decades of fundraising and advancement experience leading alumni relations, annual giving, event-based fundraising, and interdisciplinary major gifts.

At Virginia Tech, he led fundraising and stewardship operations for the Pamplin College of Business, where he personally secured more than $17 million in gifts since August 2022 and helped direct development efforts that generated nearly $50 million in support for the school. He also co-led the college鈥檚 Giving Day strategy, which saw substantial growth in donor participation.

Prior to that, Leopard served as senior director of major gifts at Penn State University鈥檚 Smeal College of Business, where he played a key role in the college鈥檚 success during the six-year A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence fundraising campaign. The $2.2 billion campaign generated more than $116 million in gifts and commitments for the college, exceeding its goal by more than 22%.

He also served as associate director of development for Penn State鈥檚 Schreyer Honors College, where he led the development and launch of an initiative that significantly boosted parent giving.

Leopard鈥檚 nonprofit experience includes serving as the first distinguished giving director for the American Cancer Society.

He holds an MS in college student personnel from Miami University (Ohio) and a bachelor鈥檚 of science in public relations from Northwest Missouri State University. The Show Me State native, who began his career in student affairs and whose wife, Dr. Jennifer Grossman Leopard, is the director of student life at James Madison University, described himself as a 鈥渂ig believer鈥� in the holistic experience.

鈥淭he people I鈥檝e met at 糖心Vlog have been genuine, thoughtful, and caring,鈥� he said. 鈥淗aving the opportunity to be at a place like 糖心Vlog, where I can embrace the whole person and support others in embracing their full selves, is truly meaningful.鈥�

糖心Vlog鈥檚 focus on preparing graduates who make the world a better place aligns with his personal mission, Leopard said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e not just going out and leading companies, reforming laws, treating illnesses, or educating people, but they鈥檙e changing the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to help people change the world.鈥�

Building on positive momentum

Leopard joins the university at an exciting time. 糖心Vlog is three years into its first-ever, five-year Forward Together comprehensive campaign, which has raised more than $32 million, or 80% of its $40 million goal. Enrollment is also on the upswing. The university announced this week it received 3,000 undergraduate applications for the first time in its history.

In addition to building on that positive momentum, Leopard said he looks forward to getting to know each of the members of the advancement team and working with Dr. Dycus and the board of trustees to shape their vision for the future of 糖心Vlog while connecting with donors.

Leopard lives in the Harrisonburg area with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Caroline and Jack. Their daughter has participated in 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Shenandoah Valley Children鈥檚 Choir and in several camps held on campus.

Quoting the soccer coach from the comedy series Ted Lasso, Leopard said he aims to 鈥渂e curious鈥� as he steps into his new role.

鈥淚鈥檓 going to be a sponge and learn as much as I can about 糖心Vlog, including about our students, our alumni, our stakeholders, and our events and culture,鈥� he said.

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.