Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
NEXT Steps program hired an assistant director, Jennifer Burns. Jen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast communications from Mansfield University in 1996. While at Mansfield, she played field hockey and earned credits towards a secondary education certification in language arts. Later, Jen returned to school at Temple University where she earned a Master of Education degree in educational leadership in 2013. Jen taught middle and high school English locally for 25 years before making a career change to join Messiah’s NEXT Steps program.
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Professor of Marketing Keith Quesenberry was selected to present “Social Media Simulation Teaches Skills Integral for Professional Practice while Grading Approach Matters for Students” at the PR Division of AEJMC’s Virtual Conference on Feb. 14. His topic was selected for the GIFT (Great Ideas for Teaching) session.
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Carly Rippeon has been promoted to assistant director of enrollment, graduate and professional studies. In addition to her recruitment responsibilities, she will be taking on responsibilities related to travel, training and events/hospitality.
In addition, I am pleased to announce that Julia Varela has been hired as our newest graduate enrollment counselor (replacing Maranda Monroe). Julia is a 2020 graduate of Messiah University and comes to us with previous admissions experience having recruited and enrolled over 1,000 students annually for CompTIA, an IT certification organization. She also worked closely with CompTIA’s student information system and CRM, so she will be trained to assume some counselor related responsibilities with Slate and will lead our executive summary efforts. Julia will also be an assistant director of enrollment, graduate and professional studies.
We are also excited to announce that Janielle Warner will be joining the admissions data services team in Enrollment Technology Communication. Janielle comes to us from the Dallastown Area School District where she served in the role of a reading specialist for 25 years. She brings with her skills of student record keeping, data entry and data analysis. She will be a part-time employee (replacing Chris Courtney) and her first day was Feb. 18.
Please join us in welcoming our newest team members and congratulating Carly!
Given several changes in our division in the last month, please refer to our newest org chart as needed.
Warmly,
John Chopka
VP for EM
BID FAREWELL
Retirement celebration for Dr. Melinda Burchard
Dr. Burchard’s retirement celebration is scheduled for March 28 from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Jordan Atrium and Oaks Museum.
We warmly invite you to gather with us in honoring Dr. Burchard and the remarkable impact she has created at Messiah University. Her dedication to her students and her unwavering commitment to academic excellence have left an indelible mark on our community. Dr. Burchard’s creative approaches and compassionate mentorship have not only shaped countless lives but also enriched the educational journey for everyone at Messiah. Join us for an afternoon of fun, joy and shared memories as we pay tribute to a truly extraordinary educator and leader.
AROUND CAMPUS
Department of Theatre and Dance presents Humanities Symposium dance concert: “Responding Physically to Living Digitally”
“Responding Physically to Living Digitally”
2025 Humanities Symposium Dance Concert
Directed by Gregg Hurley
One of the physical repercussions of living digitally is the gradual disengagement of the body from everyday life. As theatre artist Tadashi Suzuki states, “In fact, our era is witnessing an exodus of human communication from the physical and biological to the virtual and electronic.” The Messiah University Dance Ensemble, GiViM, will perform dances that explore these ideas and more.
Friday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m.
Poorman Black Box Theater, Climenhaga Building
Free ticketed event: Tickets are required due to limited seating. Reserving tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets can be reserved online at messiah.edu/tickets, by phone at 717-691-6036, or at the door as available.
Dr. Howard P. Kenig Scholarship for the Study of the Philosophy of Religion and Science
Students studying the connections between science and philosophy or science and religion are encouraged to apply for a $500 grant to support their work through the Howard P. Kenig Scholarship for the Study of the Philosophy of Religion and Science. Dr. Kenig was a friend of Messiah University for nearly 20 years. He felt a deep connection with Messiah’s commitment to develop the faith of students with our emphasis on core religious values. He was a strong supporter of the Central Pennsylvania Forum for Religion and Science. Dr. Kenig was trained as an electrical engineer and earned a graduate degree in philosophy. His family has established this $500 scholarship in his honor.
Eligibility and application process
1. To qualify, a student must have a primary or secondary major in biology, chemistry, history, philosophy, physics or religion and propose new or ongoing research involving aspects of the intersection of science with philosophy, religion or history.
2. Student applications are due on March 15 and must include the following:
a. Student’s academic area(s) of study (majors, minors),
b. Academic transcript
c. Description of the proposed research project
d. Paragraph of support from a sponsoring Messiah University faculty member.
e. All applications must be submitted to the School of Arts, Culture and Society’s administrative assistant to the dean, Sally Keefer, at skeefer@messiah.edu
3. Preference will be given for proposals that focus on the philosophy of science and/or the history of science.
4. Support can be given for summer or semester research endeavors, conference travel or other research-related costs, including stipends for the student and/or a faculty advisor.
5. If funds are available after covering the above expenses, support could be used for summer housing for the student recipient.
6. Scholarship award is $500.
7. Scholarship recipients will be chosen by April 3 and announced shortly thereafter.
Antiquing enthusiasts
Do you or someone you know in the Messiah community enjoy antiquing? Do you find joy in searching for treasured items at antique malls, flea markets, yard sales and online? Do you know some of the best places in the region to shop? Would you enjoy connecting with others from time to time who share this passion? A few of us are looking to convene such a group. Contact Todd Allen at tallen@messiah.edu for more details.
“Books” needed for The Living Library: Many Stories, One Community
Do you have a story to share?
We encourage you to consider participating as a “book” in the Living Library at the Murray Library. As a living book, you would be sharing your story with others (small group – less than 10 people) in the Messiah University community in a moderated 25-minute session on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 9.
The Living Library: Many Stories, One Community is designed as a place where the stories of others are on loan to readers, the Living Library seeks to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. The Living Library is a place where real people are on loan to readers.
Please complete this application to be a book no later than Friday, March 7.
https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_37v5VgYD9SA3g5D
Questions may be directed to Todd Allen, vice president for diversity affairs, at tallen@messiah.edu or Liz Kielley, discovery and metadata librarian, at ekielley@messiah.edu.
Young Writers’ and Young Filmmakers’ summer academic camps
This summer, the Young Writers’ and Young Filmmakers’ will hold their academic camps with commuter and resident options.
The Young Filmmakers’ Workshop provides college-level film-making skills for students in rising grades 10-12. Students will leave with an understanding of how to be a writer, director, actor, cinematographer and editor. This camp is being held on June 22 – 27. To learn more about this camp, visit the website at http://www.messiah.edu/filmmakersworkshop
The Young Writers’ Workshop provides college-level writing skills development for students in rising grades 9 – 12. The workshop offers intensive courses in creative writing taught by published faculty and writers, poetry readings and a variety of activities.
This camp will be held on June 22– 27. To learn more about our Young Writers’ Workshop, visit the website at http://www.messiah.edu/writersworkshop.
A 25% discount off the tuition for either workshop is offered to the dependents of Messiah employees. Use the code MessiahChild when registering to receive the discount.
Alumni Awards 2025 – your input is needed!
The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations is seeking nominations for the following awards:
Distinguished Alumnus/a Achievement Award
Recognizes a lifetime of vocational achievement in a manner that embodies the mission of the University.
Young Alumnus/a Achievement Award
Recognizes an alumnus/a who has attended Messiah University within the past 15 years for significant contribution to church, vocation, community, and/or Messiah University.
Alumni Christian Service Award
Recognizes outstanding lifelong service or long-term effort in fulfilling the mandates of the Christian gospel to both serve and sacrifice for the needs of humanity.
Alumni Appreciation Award
Recognizes an individual(s) who has/have contributed to the university in an extraordinary manner (long-term professional service; significant volunteer service and/or financial contribution). Note: in this category, the nominee is not required to be an alumnus of Messiah.
Please submit all nominations by March 7 using this online form: https://www.messiah.edu/info/20273/alumni_relations/1726/alumni_awards
Contact Abby Book with any questions at abook@messiah.edu
Thank you for your help in nominating individuals for these prestigious annual awards!
Panel on the influence of Jordan Peterson
All are invited to attend the student/alumni panel hosted by the honors program on the question: “How should we assess the influence of Jordan Peterson?” on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Boyer 336. Peterson’s social and cultural influence continues to divide opinion. Some critique him for strengthening patriarchy, while others view him positively for providing needed counsel especially to young men today. Join us for this free, open-ended conversation on a disputed question.
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
The Office of Development has an opening for a full-time regional advancement representative. Job related questions may be directed to John Zeigler at jzeigler@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28806.
Athletics has an opening for a part-time assistant track and field coach. Job related questions may be directed to Dale Fogelsanger at dfogelsa@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28820.
Graduate Studies: Registrar has an opening for a full-time assistant registrar School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Job related questions may be directed to Kathee Clark at kclark@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28646
The Office of the Provost has an opening for a full-time administrative assistant to the Office of the Provost and Faculty Development. Job related questions may be directed to Ruth Nutt at rnutt@messiah.edu or Cynthia Wells at cwells@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28656
Dining Services has an opening for a full-time cook II AM. Job related questions may be related to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28446.
Grounds Services has an opening for a full-time groundskeeper/crew leader. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Graybill at mgraybill@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28255.
The Department of Safety has an opening for 2nd shift safety officer/dispatcher. Job related questions may be directed to Daniel (Brad) Neuenschwander at dneuenschwander@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28594.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a full-time administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Brad Neuenschwander at dneuenschwander@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28607.
Department of Communication has an opening for an assistant professor of public relations. Job related questions can be directed to David Dixon at ddixon@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28514
The Department of Education has an opening for a full-time faculty in education. Job related questions may be directed to Ashley Thomas at amthomas@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/27681
The Department of Mathematics has an opening for a full-time term-tenure track mathematics faculty position. Job related questions may be directed to Amanda Lohss alohss@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28067.
The Department of Computing, Mathematics and Physics has an opening for a part-time adjunct instructor in computer science. Job related questions may be directed to Amanda Lohss at alohss@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28440.
For sale
Sourdough bread for sale. Fresh made Sourdough bread! $10 for a loaf. Made with four simple ingredients: flour, water, salt, and olive oil. Loaves are roughly 9 inches in diameter and 6 inches high. Feel free to email me with any inquiries at cklong@messiah.edu
Missing
Easels missing. Conference Services is missing 3 easels. If you have seen them around campus or may have borrowed them and have not returned them yet, please let us know and we can come and retrieve them. Please reach out to jbrandt@messiah.edu. Thanks so much.
OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS
Trinity Dillsburg Lutheran Church (formerly Christ Lutheran Church Fileys) will hold regular Sunday worship services beginning March 2, at 10 a.m. All are welcome at Trinity Dillsburg at 15 S. Fileys Road. Contact baumen@messiah.edu.