Intercom

April 24

April 24th, 2025 by INTERCOM

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

Ephesians 5:8

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Dr. Brenda Elliott, director of the graduate program in nursing, was invited to present at a special session of the national Nursing Education Research Conference (NERC) in Washington, D.C., on “Building a successful team in nursing education research.” Her co-author on this project was Dr. Katie A. Chargualaf, University of South Carolina.

Brenda also engaged in two additional podium presentations during the conference. “A qualitative analysis of faculty experiences teaching RN-BS students” was co-authored with colleagues from The College of St. Scholastica. Minnesota; The University of Texas at Tyler; and Minnesota State University Moorhead. “Preparing nursing faculty to teach military veteran’s care” was co-authored with colleagues from The University of South Carolina and Widener University.

Brenda’s connections with nursing faculty at other institutions and presence at national conferences such as NERC evidences the reputation of our graduate nursing program. It is gratifying to acknowledge and honor her accomplishments in this arena.

Kristen Slabaugh, assistant dean of nursing

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Faculty members Seth Burkert, Anne Reeve, Angela Hare and Roseann Sachs recently attended and accompanied six students as they presented their research at the National American Chemical Society meeting, in San Diego, March 22-27. Izzy Stults, Shelby Wendling, Maggie Hosler, Abigail Barnes, Alex Hutchinson and Olivia Call presented their work, mentored on campus by Roseann Sachs, Janet Matanguihan, Seth Burkert, Anne Reeve, Jesse Kleingardner and Rick Schaeffer.

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Emerson Powery, dean of the School of Arts, Culture and Society and Jason Renn, associate professor of politics, attended the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Pittsburgh on April 7 – 9. They accompanied three students, Ethan Reiser “The Literary Analysis of Video Games as Texts: Psychoanalysis and Postcolonialism in Disco Elysium,” Heidi Swartley “Got God? When Spirituality Meets Behaviorism” and Bella Farrington “When Trauma Lasts: How the Histories We Carry Shape Us” who presented their undergraduate research projects. NCUR is unique because it offers students from all disciplines and institutions of higher education the chance to showcase their work on a national stage. This was a fantastic opportunity for our Messiah students to present their work and network with 3,600 students and faculty.

BID FAREWELL

John and Debbie Chopka – Farewell Celebration!

We are so excited to celebrate John and Debbie Chopka for their many years of service to Messiah University! We look forward to wishing them well on their new adventure in Florida to be closer to family as John becomes vice president of enrollment management and marketing at Ringling College of Art and Design. To celebrate the Chopkas and all they have done to serve the Messiah community, please join us for their farewell party on Thursday, May 8 from 2-4 p.m. in PAWC 310 with remarks at 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

AROUND CAMPUS

Messiah University Department of Theatre and Dance presents: The Spring Senior Series

Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present the second part of “The Spring Senior Series”, an evening of performance created and presented by department seniors featuring Tzeniah Frazier.

The Spring Senior Series
April 24- 25 at 8 p.m.
Poorman Black Box Theater, Climenhaga Building

“The Ultimate Worship Experience: Phases of Life”
Created by Tzeniah Frazier

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at messiah.edu/tickets, by phone at 717-691-6036, or at the door as available.

Messiah University Department of Theatre and Dance presents: “Culmination ’25” Spring Dance Concert

Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present the spring dance concert “Culmination ’25” on May 2 and 3! Celebrate spring and the dance accomplishments of Messiah University’s theatre and dance department in an offering of favorite dance pieces from the year, new faculty work, student adjudicated creations and senior capstone projects all in one fun and glorious dance concert!

Culmination ’25
Spring dance concert
Directed by Gregg Hurley

May 2 at 8 p.m.
May 3 at 2 p.m.
Miller Theater, Climenhaga Building

Estimated run time: 2 hours, including one 15-minute intermission

Tickets: $10—Adults; $7—MU Students (w/ID), MU Employees (w/ID), Youth (under 18) and Seniors (60+) Tickets can be purchased online at messiah.edu/tickets, by phone at 717-691-6036, or at the door as available. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Haydn’s “Creation”

April 25, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

Pre-concert Lecture at 7 p.m.
Q&A Talkback following the concert

Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series

Haydn’s “Creation” is a stunning choral orchestral masterwork that portrays the seven days of creation in colorful, dramatic and unique ways. The text of this oratorio includes passages from “Genesis” and paraphrases of the “Psalms” and John Milton’s “Paradise Lost.” The Messiah University Symphony Orchestra and the Messiah University Choirs (Choral Arts, Concert Choir, Men’s and Women’s Ensembles) will combine with student and faculty soloists to present this masterpiece in English, with its familiar story and exciting choruses.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $5 for Messiah University students (with ID) and youth (18 and under). To purchase, please contact the Messiah University Box Office at 717-691-6036 option #1 or online at messiah.edu/tickets.

Visit arts.messiah.edu for more information.

SPLICE Film Festival!

Please join the Communication Department as we celebrate our student filmmakers at the 2025 SPLICE Film Festival!
Sunday, April 27, 2 – 4 p.m., at Parmer Cinema, Boyer Hall.
Reception to follow in Howe Atrium.

2025 Library student research grant awardee

Please join us in congratulating Olivia Reardon, the 2025 Friends of Murray Library student research grant awardee! Olivia will graduate in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in literature, education and dance.

Her research project is entitled “The Great Books and Me: Ethical Formation in the Classroom.” With Olivia’s goal of becoming a high school literature teacher at a classical, Christian school, her project pertains to the kinds of literature teachers curate for their students to read and the way these teachers guide their students through the texts. Olivia’s research will involve looking at records of historical curriculum for literature classrooms over time. She plans to visit The University of Virginia Archives, housed within the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, which holds a wealth of records related to education, including student records, faculty papers and university publications, accessible for research and historical study.

Her project also seeks to bring many voices into the conversation surrounding literature and reading. Two significant voices contributing to her project are those of Dr. Mark Edmundson and Dr. Angel Adams Parham, both of whom are professors at the University of Virginia. Since these scholars have expertise in fields directly impacting her project, Olivia plans to converse in person with them about their ideas and interview them for her research.

Olivia’s research will culminate with a presentation at the annual Friends dinner in the fall of 2025.

Dr. Christine Perrin and Dr. Kerry Hasler Brooks are her faculty advisors.

Creek access

Due to construction work at the Starry parking lot, access to parking and to the Yellow Breeches at Messiah University will be limited. Beginning May 10, with the undergraduate commencement ceremony, the parking lot across the covered bridge will be closed. It is expected that it will reopen by August 20.

For the public, this limits parking availability, and the covered bridge will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians. Access to the creek will be limited to the Cumberland County side only, with no nearby parking.

We ask all visitors that wish to access the Yellow Breeches to consider other plans. Thank you in advance for respecting Messiah University property.

Cybersecurity competition team recently competed in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition

On March 21–22, the Messiah University cybersecurity competition team competed in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) regional event, hosted at the University of Maryland. This event brought together ten top teams from across the region who advanced from the virtual qualifiers earlier this year.

As in the qualifier, the competition followed an “inherit and defend” format, simulating a real-world business environment under active cyberattack. This time, however, the challenge increased significantly: in addition to on-premises systems, teams were also responsible for maintaining and defending cloud infrastructure. This added layer highlighted the critical importance of edge and cloud security—skills that are increasingly vital in the cybersecurity field.

Messiah’s team, composed of eight students, held their own against much larger Division I universities. While official rankings were released only for the top three teams, Messiah placed in the middle of the standings—an impressive feat considering the scale and experience of their competition. The team demonstrated continued growth in system administration, cloud operations, communication, and business process management. They left the competition with valuable insights and a renewed motivation to sharpen their technical skills for future challenges. The results of this competition are a testament to Messiah’s growing cybersecurity program and the leadership of coach Dr. David Bibighaus. The team is already looking ahead to next year’s competition season with excitement and determination.

School of Science, Engineering and Health symposium

The 22nd Annual Symposium of the School of Science, Engineering and Health will be held on Friday, May 2 in Frey, Jordan and Kline academic buildings. The work of more than 269 co-authors (students from within the school, off campus collaborators and Messiah University faculty mentors) will be represented in 86 presentations. Oral and poster presentations will be given in multiple venues throughout the afternoon. A detailed schedule and program is available on the Symposium website at: https://www.messiah.edu/sehsymposium

Celebrate the work, creativity and innovation reflected in the rich and diverse variety of oral and poster presentations. Many presentations will describe basic or applied research projects and represent the culmination of months (or years) of effort by graduating seniors. Several presentations will highlight how talents and resources are being used to address needs in the developing world. Plan to join us to celebrate the accomplishments of the students!

Isabella Farrington, senior, politics and international relations major presentation

Please join us for senior politics and international relations major Isabella Farrington’s honors thesis presentation, “When Trauma Lasts: How The Histories We Carry Shape Us.”

Monday, April 28, at 3 p.m. in Hostetter Chapel – Room 113
and
Wednesday April 30, at 2:30 p.m. in Boyer – Room 131

School of Arts, Culture and Society symposium – April 28

You are cordially invited to attend the School of Arts, Culture and Society undergraduate research symposium on Monday, April 28. Students will be presenting the results of their research projects in both poster format and oral presentations throughout the day. Stop by anytime!

Poster presentations begin at 9 a.m. and continue through 7 p.m. in Hostetter Chapel. Oral presentations will be held in Hostetter Room 113.

The schedule and information about all of the presenters and presentations can be found on the symposium website: https://sites.google.com/messiah.edu/sacs2025/home

We look forward to having you join us in celebrating all the great work our students have been doing this year!

Questions can be directed to Dr. Jennifer Thomson at jthomson@messiah.edu

Technology Support – Please see below for helpful tips and updates! Contact us by emailing techsupport@messiah.edu regarding any of this information or if you have any questions in general.

Shared data with students – When students graduate, you may lose files/information shared with you by the student. Please work with the owner of the information to ensure you have access to the data after graduation.
Over the summer months, the tech support team may be updating work study and adjunct desktop computers to new hardware and new software. Please remind adjunct and student employees to make sure they do not keep data stored on the hard drive of the computers, and please leave all computers turned on and equipment plugged in.

Tech Support purchases extended warranties for our Lenovo computers. This is to extend their life and usability for as long as possible as we often repurpose these computers throughout campus after they may have been used by individual employees. If there are any issues with the computer assigned to you, it is important to report it immediately so we can have it repaired without incurring a cost.

Senior class gift fundraiser at Baker’s Diner

Mark your calendars for April 28 and head to Baker’s Diner in Dillsburg for a delicious way to support Messiah University’s Class of 2025. See attached.

CLASSIFIEDS

Job opportunities

The Office of the Provost has an opening for a full-time executive assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Christine Gardner at cgardner@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29315.

The Financial Aid Office has an opening for a part-time financial aid office assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Mike Strite at mstrite@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29291.

Admissions have an opening for a part-time admissions hospitality assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Kristin Thomas at kthomas@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29297.

Admissions has an opening for a temporary admissions traveling recruiter. Job related questions may be directed to Shayna Mark at smark@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29304.

The Department of Intellectual Disabilities Certificate has an opening for a full-time NEXT Steps resident life educator. Job related questions may be directed to Amber Brisbane at abrisbane@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29081.

Graduate Enrollment and Student Services has an opening for a full-time enrollment communication coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Diane Titter at dtitter@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29102.

Residence Life has an opening for a full-time residence life educator. Job related questions may be directed to Annastasia Bonczyk at abonczyk@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28943.

Development – Annual Giving has an opening for a full-time administrative assistant for Giving Programs. Job related questions may be directed to Tovah Wilson at twilson@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29311.

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.

Residence Life has an opening for a temporary summer residence director. Job related questions may be directed to Annastasia Bonczyk at abonczyk@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28958.

Facility Maintenance has an opening for a full-time general maintenance mechanic (zone). Job related questions may be directed to Amy Stephan at astephan@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29089.

Dining Services has an opening for a full-time cook II PM. Job related questions may be related to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28988.

Dining Services has an opening for a full-time culinary assistant. Job related questions may be related to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29328.

Campus and Building Services has an opening for a full-time Campus and Building services worker, Residence Hall. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29048.

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.

Grounds Services has an opening for a part-time seasonal groundskeeper. 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/29281.

The Department of Safety has an opening for a 1st shift safety officer. 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/28975.

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.

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 Computing, Mathematics and Physics has an opening for a part-time adjunct physics instructor. Job related questions may be directed to Niklas Hellgren at nhellgren@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29013

For sale

Ice pop holders, great for kids. Kids love these ice pop holders, $6 each or 2 for $10, name included. Contact Stacy: sportko@messiah.edu

Wanted

Baskets. I am looking for small to medium baskets. If you have baskets, you know longer need, please let me know at rfeather@messiah.edu.

Ink jet printer. Looking for a color ink jet printer, preferably not an HP. Please contact Stacy: sportko@messiah.edu

OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS

Menkis Works Pottery Spring Open Studio and Pottery Sale

Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Menkis Works Pottery
2401 Arcona Road, Mechanicsburg PA

Menkis Works Pottery is a small-batch family business run by a husband-and-wife team and Brian and Naomi Menkis. We make hand-crafted, beautiful and functional pots for daily use such as: mugs, bowls, vases, teapots, pitchers and much, much more! Every year we open our studio for a Spring Open Studio and Sale. In addition to having hundreds of pots available, there will be wheel throwing demonstrations, kids clay activities, refreshments and guest artisans. This year we will be joined again by Sholley’s Craft Shop! Stop by to find a new favorite mug or pick out a special vase for Mom with Mother’s Day just around the corner! Find out more at www.menkisworks.com

Now hiring music instructors

The Cadence Music and Arts Program offers private lessons for students aged 6 through adulthood. Cadence is looking for experienced music educators to join their team. Instructors are needed for the Dillsburg, Hershey, and Linglestown locations from 4-8pm. Send your resume to service@cmaprograms.com.

For more information, visit cmaprograms.com or contact Dan, dcampbell@messiah.edu.

Susquehanna Chorale Invites Auditions for its Educational Outreach Program

The Susquehanna Chorale Educational Outreach Program is holding auditions for young singers to participate in the 2025-2026 season. Established in 1989 under the direction of Linda Tedford, the founder, artistic director, and conductor of the esteemed Susquehanna Chorale, this program, offered in the Fall, is a unique and unparalleled educational experience for students throughout central Pennsylvania. The program culminates in a Youth Choral Festival held the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Students in grades 8 through first year of college are invited to apply to the following choir options:
Susquehanna Children’s Chorale (4th – 8th grade)
Susquehanna Youth Chorale (9th grade – first year of college)
Susquehanna Alta Voce Chorale (higher/upper voices 9th grade- first year of college)

Auditions are scheduled for late May and early June. Complete application instructions are available on the Susquehanna Chorale website: www.susquehannachorale.org/eop-audition-resources

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April 17

April 17th, 2025 by INTERCOM

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”

1 Peter 3:18

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Keith Quesenberry, marketing professor, was selected to present an AI workshop at the Society of Business, Industry and Economics (SOBIE) national academic conference. The session “Open AI Moved My Cheese: AI Integration Processes and Frameworks for Educators in Any Discipline” is being given at the conference today in Florida.

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Drs. Joanna Behm and Jim Foster, professors of occupational therapy, taught a short course entitled “Tech-Savvy Therapy: How OT’s Can Use AI to Transform Daily Living” at the American Occupational Therapy Association Inspire annual conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3.

Drs. Kim Duetsch and Joanna Behm, professors of occupational therapy, taught a short course entitled “Addressing Student Wellness Through an Embedded Peer Support Wellness Initiative” at the AOTA Inspire conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3. They also presented a poster entitled “Using Indirect Serving Learning to Address Social Determinants of Health Among Women Survivors of Human Trafficking.”

Associate professor of occupational therapy Dr. Leanne Rutt, along with students Madeline Simonds, Vita Roitman and Corryn Baker, presented a poster entitled “How prepared are novice occupational therapy practitioners for school-based practice?” at the AOTA Inspire conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3. Dr. Rutt, along with alumni Hannah Brezinski, Arianna Ramsaran, Jane Seitz and Nathan Smith, also presented a poster entitled “Provider and Caregiver Perspectives on the Family-Guided Routines-Based Intervention Approach in Early Intervention” on April 4. Along with alumni MaKenna Bailey, Abigail Chez, Katelyn Correll, Emily Nunn and Ashley Schott, Dr. Rutt also presented a poster entitled “Sensory Rooms in Schools” on April 5.

Assistant professor of occupational therapy Dr. Kim Duetsch, along with students Paige Bond, Hailey Conrad and Brianna Foster, presented a poster entitled “Preventing Burnout: Whose Job is it Anyway? Exploring the Relationships Between Individual and Organizational Supports on Professional Quality of Life” at the AOTA Inspire conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3.

Assistant professor of occupational therapy Dr. Jim Foster, along with students Amy Lindner, Alli Mills, Bethany Paulding and Leyla Vazquez, presented a poster entitled, “Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Occupational Therapy: A Survey of Current and Future Anticipated Applications” at the AOTA Inspire conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3. Dr. Foster, along with alumni Arianna Blose, Hannah Davis, Megan Miller and Eveny Miller, also presented a poster entitled, “The Impact of Peer Support on Social Participation for Burn Survivors” on April 4. Along with students Jordan Donelson, Alexa Elicker, Megan Leong, Shelby Sullivan and Leyla Vazquez, Dr. Foster presented a poster entitled, “The Use of Virtual Reality and Psychosocial Strategies to Address Self-Perceived Anxiety in College Students.”

Associate professor of occupational therapy Dr. Carrie Gorman, along with alum Paige Inch, presented a poster entitled, “OT Students’ and Graduates’ Perspectives on Traditional & Nontraditional Level I Fieldwork Experiences” at the AOTA Inspire conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3. Dr. Gorman, along with alumni Hannah Mumau and Grace Peters and occupational therapist Mikaela Raimondo, presented a poster entitled, “OT as a Consultative Service for a Community-Based Nonprofit Organization: Using Your Skills to Serve Others.”

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The Registrar’s Office is pleased to announce the following staffing transitions and additions.

Sarah Darr has been hired as the new assistant registrar for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (replacing Nancy Markley). Sarah joined Messiah as the graduate enrollment and communications specialist on the SGPS enrollment management team in 2021. In her new role, Sarah is responsible for degree certification, student records management and website maintenance.

Hilary Hoover has been promoted to senior associate registrar: curriculum management and degree certification. In her new role, Hilary will continue to give leadership and support to academic areas in curricular change management, and the undergraduate credential application and certification process.

Anne Narber has been promoted to associate registrar for undergraduate studies (replacing Beth Moshier). Anne joined the Registrar’s Office as the undergraduate academic services coordinator in January 2024. Since that time, she has developed into an effective member of our team by instituting efficiencies and applying care and attention to her responsibilities. In her new role, Anne will give leadership and support to undergraduate current and new/transfer student registration and schedule production, classroom assignments and system curriculum updates.

In addition, I am pleased to announce that Jennifer L. Good is joining the Registrar’s Office as the new academic compliance and services manager. Jennifer joined Messiah in 2023 and served as administrative assistant to the dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Health, and the state authorization, licensure and compliance manager. Jennifer will be responsible for university-wide state authorization, state licensure, financial value transparency and gainful employment compliance as well as National Student Clearinghouse enrollment reporting, processing transcript requests and providing administrative support to the Registrar’s Office.

Please join us in congratulating Anne and Hilary and welcome Sarah and Jennifer as the newest members of Team Registrar.

It is with sadness that we announce Beth Moshier will be leaving Messiah on April 16 to pursue an exciting new chapter of life in Colorado. Beth first came to Messiah as a psychology major in the early 2000s. She returned as a resident director in 2017. In January 2022, Beth stepped into her current role of associate registrar for undergraduate studies. Throughout her career at Messiah, Beth has loved serving students and employees with a sense of humor and grace. We will miss her!

Please join us in wishing Beth the absolute best in her next adventure.

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Oksana Moroz, an assistant professor of English, participated in the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) in Baltimore on April 10-12. She was a discussant on a panel, “Language, Teaching, and Learning in Time of War: Voices of Ukraine.” Next, she participated in a focus group from McGraw Hill Publishing and co-presented on “Relevant Implications of Hybrid Contract Grading as a B-side Approach in First-Year Composition Courses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Finally, she co-facilitated a workshop on “You Are Entirely More than the Job Market”: Crafting Prefigurative Counterstories on the Job Market.”

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Kristen Slabaugh, assistant dean of nursing

BID FAREWELL

Nance McCown Retirement Celebration

Please mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate our beloved Nance on Wednesday, April 23, 4 – 6 p.m., Howe Atrium.

While many think of Dr. Nance McCown ’85 as professor of public relations, her contributions to the Messiah community stretch back over 40 years, including her time as a student. She began working at Messiah 39 years ago in the admissions mailroom, before launching her public relations career in the Office of Marketing and Communication. During the years she served as residence director in Smith, editor of the Bridge, and an adjunct instructor.

Nance eventually completed her Ph.D. in public relations to become a full-time faculty member, and she designed the courses and curriculum of the PR program here. She served as co-chair of the Communication Department for several years along the way. She created the COMMunity portmanteaux that has come to identify the department.

Her contributions to the Messiah community go far beyond a list of tasks completed, though. Her colleagues describe her as some who sees others and values them as people, a shepherd who cares for others around her, both students and employees. Her famous bucket of candy for class is a familiar sign of a much deeper commitment to her students.

Nance committed most of her life to Messiah, and we are a better community for it.

AROUND CAMPUS

Homecoming 2025 events – Planning to host?

Hello from the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations,

Are you thinking about hosting an event during Homecoming 2025 (Oct. 3 and 4)? If you have plans or an idea for an event, please contact us by Thursday, May 1.

With over 60+ events taking place last year during Homecoming Weekend, it is important that all events be approved by and planned through the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations by the deadline mentioned above. Please reach out to Emily Lint by email (elint@messiah.edu) or phone (ext. 5252) to inquire about adding your event to the Homecoming schedule.

The full Homecoming Weekend schedule will be made available online in early July at messiah.edu/homecoming.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know. We look forward to sharing this time of celebration with you and our al

Exploring Careers in Healthcare Day Camp

The School of Science, Engineering, and Health is pleased to offer Exploring Careers once again in Healthcare summer day camp, June 9-11, for students entering 10th – 12th grades this fall. Our camp is designed for students to explore some of the most dynamic healthcare professions, including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, applied health science, nutrition and dietetics, and lab sciences, from a faith-based perspective. Patient case studies will provide context for engaging, hands-on activities, demonstrations and panel discussions in state-of-the-art facilities on our main campus and at Winding Hill, led by Messiah’s expert faculty, students, and professional practitioners. If you or someone you know is interested, we invite you to learn more and register at https://www.messiah.edu/healthcareerscamp before May 19.

A 10% discount is available to children of Messiah employees.
Scholarships are also available. Email healthcareerscamp@messiah.edufor discount codes and with any questions.

Psychology Camp 2025

We are excited to invite high school students (entering 10th – 12th grade in fall 2025) to attend Psychology Camp this year, June 22-27! Psychology Camp provides a fun opportunity for students to explore psychology and the question, “Why do humans do what they do?” This year, we are offering both an overnight residential option and a day-camp commuter option. This enriching summer camp environment will help students gain knowledge and explore various branches of psychology including clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology and biopsychology.

If you know someone who would be interested in attending, we invite you to learn more and register at: www.messiah.edu/PsychCamp before June 1.

Also, there is a special offer for dependents of Messiah University Employees!
Contact PsychologyCamp@messiah.edu for more information.

Oakes Museum summer camps

The Oakes Museum of Natural History has several exciting summer camp opportunities this year for students entering grades 3 through 12.

Field Biology Camp from June 9-13, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. This field-based class will introduce students to field biology using live traps, telemetry, and other investigative equipment to study a variety of animal communities. This camp is only open to students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2025.

Vertebrate Anatomy Camp is offered July 15-18, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and teaches dissecting techniques while giving students an overview of vertebrate anatomy. Dissections will include a variety of vertebrates including a frog, shark and fetal pig. This camp is only open to students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2025.

Ecology Camp is offered July 7-11, 9 a.m. – noon*
Campers will learn about the interactions between different life forms and their environments with hands-on observations and experiments in the museum and the living laboratory of campus. This camp is open to students entering grades 6, 7 and 8 in Fall 2025.

Explore It Camp is offered June 16-20, 9 a.m. – noon*
Each day we will investigate a different topic, ranging from fossils to the sun to following a raindrop on its path across campus. Join us as we Explore It! This camp is open to students entering grades 3, 4 and 5 in Fall 2025.

Animals Camp is offered June 23-27 and July 21-25, 9:00 am – noon*
Using the museum and the surrounding natural world, each day campers will learn about a different animal group (invertebrates, fish, reptiles/amphibians, birds and mammals). This camp is open to students entering grades 3, 4 and 5 in Fall 2025.

*Before camp care is available on these weeks from 8 – 9 a.m. for an additional fee.
For more information, pricing, and to register, please visit: https://www.messiah.edu/info/22784/the_oakes_museum/4254/summer_camps

Interlibrary Loan physical lending temporarily suspended

Murray Library users will be unable to request physical Interlibrary Loan materials (books, DVDs, CDs) between April 17 and May 12, so that the library can migrate to a new Interlibrary Loan (ILL) software.

How will this impact the Messiah University community?

There will be no impact on requests for digital materials (journal articles and book chapters).
Between April 17 and May 12, no new requests for physical materials may be placed.
All physical materials requested prior to the pause on April 17 and/or received during the pause (as a result of requests placed before April 17) will be due at the end of the semester (for students) or no later than July 15 (for faculty).
When ILL resumes on May 12, requests for physical and digital materials will use the new system and due dates will return to the standard loan period for each user type.
Instructions on how to use the new system will be shared prior to the new system’s launch.

Questions? Additional details are available on the library’s website. Please contact Janet Vogel, director of the Murray Library, if you have additional questions.

Haydn’s “Creation”

April 25, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

Pre-concert Lecture at 7 p.m.
Q&A Talkback following the concert

Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series

Visit arts.messiah.edu for more information.

SPLICE Film Festival!!

CLASSIFIEDS

Job opportunities

Development – Annual Giving has an opening for a full-time administrative assistant for Giving Programs. Job related questions may be directed to Tovah Wilson at twilson@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29311.

Office of the Provost has an opening for a full-time executive assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Christine Gardner at cgardner@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29315.

The Financial Aid Office has an opening for a part-time financial aid office assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Mike Strite at mstrite@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29291.

Admissions has an opening for a part-time admissions hospitality assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Kristin Thomas at kthomas@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29297.

Admissions has an opening for a temporary admissions traveling recruiter. Job related questions may be directed to Shayna Mark at smark@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29304.

The Department of Intellectual Disabilities Certificate has an opening for a full-time NEXT Steps resident life educator. Job related questions may be directed to Amber Brisbane at abrisbane@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29081.

Graduate Enrollment and Student Services has an opening for a full-time enrollment communication coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Diane Titter at dtitter@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29102.

Conference Services – Sound and Lighting has an opening for a full-time sound and lighting technician. Job related questions may be directed to Spencer Rennels at srennels@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29086.

Residence Life has an opening for a full-time residence life educator. Job related questions may be directed to Annastasia Bonczyk at abonczyk@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28943.

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.

Residence Life has an opening for a temporary summer residence director. Job related questions may be directed to Annastasia Bonczyk at abonczyk@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28958.

Facility Maintenance has an opening for a full-time general maintenance mechanic (zone). Job related questions may be directed to Amy Stephan at astephan@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29089.

Dining Services has an opening for a full-time cook II PM. Job related questions may be related to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28988.

Dining Services has an opening for a full-time culinary assistant. Job related questions may be related to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29328.

Campus and Building Services has an opening for a full-time campus and building services worker, Residence Hall. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29048.

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.

Grounds Services has an opening for a part-time seasonal groundskeeper. 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/29281.

The Department of Safety has an opening for a 1st shift safety officer. 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/28975.

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.

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 Computing, Mathematics and Physics has an opening for a part-time adjunct physics instructor. Job related questions may be directed to Niklas Hellgren at nhellgren@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29013

Free

Free for pickup. Graco highchair, approximately 9 years old. The straps need a deep cleaning, otherwise in good condition with a very clean tray. Must be picked up at my home near campus. Contact Ted Davis: tdavis@messiah.edu.

Wanted

Baskets. I am looking for small to medium baskets. If you have baskets, you know longer need, please let me know at rfeather@messiah.edu.

OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS

Menkis Works Pottery Spring Open Studio and Pottery Sale

Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Menkis Works Pottery
2401 Arcona Road, Mechanicsburg PA

Menkis Works Pottery is a small-batch family business run by husband-and-wife team and Brian and Naomi Menkis. We make hand-crafted, beautiful and functional pots for daily use such as: mugs, bowls, vases, teapots, pitchers and much, much more! Every year we open our studio for a Spring Open Studio and Sale. In addition to having hundreds of pots available, there will be wheel throwing demonstrations, kids clay activities, refreshments and guest artisans. This year we will be joined again by Sholley’s Craft Shop! Stop by to find a new favorite mug or pick out a special vase for Mom with Mother’s Day just around the corner! Find out more at www.menkisworks.com

Now hiring music instructors

Cadence Music and Arts Program offers private lessons for students age 6 through adulthood. Cadence is looking for experienced music educators to join their team. Instructors are needed for the Dillsburg, Hershey, and Linglestown locations from 4-8pm. Send your resume to service@cmaprograms.com.

For more information, visit cmaprograms.com or contact Dan, dcampbell@messiah.edu.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on April 17

April 10

April 10th, 2025 by INTERCOM

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
1 John 3:16

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

_____

Oksana Moroz, assistant professor of English and director of writing, published an article titled

This article employs the critical incident technique (Tripp) in investigating digital identity construction through autoethnographic writing (Hanauer). The findings show that the pandemic dramatically influenced Oksana’s identities as a mama PhD candidate and TA in physical and digital spaces. Self-reflections on digital identity negotiation during the pandemic helped to understand students’ needs in terms of empathetic approaches to teaching, engaging students in personal types of writing, and providing spaces for students’ creativity and agency.

_____

The Registrar’s Office is pleased to announce the following staffing transitions and additions.

In addition, I am pleased to announce that Jennifer L. Good is joining the Registrar’s Office as the new academic compliance and services manager. Jennifer joined Messiah in 2023 and has served as administrative assistant to the Dean, SEH, and the state authorization, licensure, and compliance manager. Jennifer will be responsible for university-wide state authorization, state licensure, and financial value transparency and gainful employment compliance as well as National Student Clearinghouse enrollment reporting, processing transcript requests, and providing administrative support to the Registrar’s Office.

Please join us in congratulating Anne and Hilary and welcoming Sarah and Jennifer as the newest members of Team Registrar.

Please join us in wishing Beth the very best in her next adventure.

_____

Please join me in congratulating Stephanie Patterson as she transitions to a new position as executive assistant to the president and CEO of Pennsylvania Advocates and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR). Stephanie has served in a variety of administrative support roles at Messiah, most recently as administrative assistant to the dean of general education, common learning, and academic support and the director of assessment. Stephanie’s competence and kindness have positively impacted our campus community in countless ways, and we will miss her. Stephanie, we send you forth with our prayers and blessings, confident that God will lead you and guide you.

Kate Oswald Wilkins, dean of general education, common learning and academic support

_____

Dwayne Safer, associate professor of finance, recently served as a guest lecturer at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania on March 29 and April 5 working with MBA students on Excel financial modeling techniques and functions

_____

On Wednesday, April 2, the Association of College and University Printers (ACUP+) honored the winners of its ACUP+ Awards competition in a ceremony in Costa Mesa, California. In the Production Awards portion of the ceremony, Messiah Press brought home a Gold Award in the Digital Multi Piece category. The winning entry, designed by Matt Logan for the Office of Development, was the 2024 Messiah Christmas Invitation Package. Congratulations to Matt and the Messiah Press team.

_____

On April 2, 37 senior nursing students and one graduate nursing student presented evidence-based practice projects at the annual WellSpan Health Collaborative EBP and Nursing Research Conference in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Students submitted abstracts that went through a blind peer review process and were all selected as poster presentations. One student group was also selected by Messiah Nursing faculty to deliver a podium presentation. Project titles, students and mentors are listed below. Congratulations to all our student presenters!

Skin-to Skin Effect on Mother Satisfaction Post-Cesarean Section (podium presentation)
Nursing Students: Aamirah Byrd, Macy Gerbes, Alanna Keister, Ravyn Kell, Gaelle Medidor, Jami Nicols and Emma Shenk
Faculty Mentor: Nancy J. Frank, PhD, RN, CNE

The Impact of Post-Critical Incident Stress Debriefing on Pediatric Healthcare Providers
Nursing Students: Alyssa Eberly, Grace Hershey, Julia Leo, Julia Martin, Olivia Mellinger, Ali Wagner and Lexi Weaver
Graduate Student Mentor (MSN Nurse Educator track): Kaci Wood, BSN, RN

Help! Trauma-Informed Care and De-escalation Training for Emergency Department Nurses (Also won the best poster award)
Nursing Students: Chloe Barlett, Sofia Chebeleu, Monique Garbanzos, Emma Graybill, Elizabeth Miele, Isabella Ouellette, Isa Rodriguez and Evelina Stolyarov
Faculty Nurse: Rebekkah Stanko, DNP, RN

The Use of Mobile Applications to Manage PTSD Symptoms in Veterans
Nursing Students: Kelly Anderson, Rebecca Buffington, Christine Corbitt, Samantha Cottrill, Grace Garvey, Regan Gillisse, Katrina Hocker and Abby Stoner
Faculty Mentor: Brenda Elliott, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF

Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools on Trauma-Related Child and Adolescent Well-being
Nursing Students: Allison Beers, Kiersten Burch, Kayla Russell, Kailey Saunders, Maria Sudlow, Ben Tlumach and Leona Yang
Faculty Nurse: Wanda Thuma-McDermond, PhD, RN

Utilizing Structured Format for Nursing Handoff Reporting to Promote Patient Safety
Graduate Nursing Student: MSN – Nurse Educator track: Stephanie Gigous, BSN, RN

BID FAREWELL

Nance McCown Retirement Celebration

Please mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate our beloved Nance on Wednesday, April 23, 4 – 6 p.m., Howe Atrium.

While many think of Dr. Nance McCown ’85 as professor of public relations, her contributions to the Messiah community stretch back over 40 years, including her time as student. She began working at Messiah 39 years ago in the admissions mailroom, before launching her public relations career in the Office of Marketing and Communication. During the years she served as residence director in Smith, editor of the Bridge, and an adjunct instructor.

Nance committed most of her life to Messiah, and we are a better community for it.

AROUND CAMPUS

Murray Library receives $20,000 grant

Murray Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries, of which four are academic libraries, to participate in round three of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities. The competitive award comes with a $20,000 grant that will help the library improve its quiet study and testing spaces through the addition of individual study pods. These modular pods include a desk, sound dampening features, ventilation, and dimmable lighting. There has been a 47% increase in demand for individualized testing slots via the Office of Academic Accessibility (OAA) between the 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 academic years. While these pods will be available to all, we will specifically work with students with disabilities to determine the best placement and use of these pods as required by the grant. Studies have shown that students with disabilities and neurodiverse students benefit significantly from quiet, distraction-free spaces. Offering these pods will contribute to our students’ success and help Murray Library better serve our community. The grant will include community conversations prior to the purchase of the pods. If you work with students with disabilities or students who identify as neurodiverse and would be willing to share information with them, please contact Janet Vogel (jvogel@messiah.edu). Note that students do not have to have a documented disability to participate, although we will be partnering with OAA to support our students!

Oakes Museum summer camps

The Oakes Museum of Natural History has several exciting summer camp opportunities this year for students entering grades 3 through 12.

*Before camp care is available on these weeks from 8 – 9 a.m. for an additional fee.
For more information, pricing, and to register, please visit:
https://www.messiah.edu/info/22784/the_oakes_museum/4254/summer_camps

Interlibrary Loan Physical Lending temporarily suspended

How will this impact the Messiah University community?

There will be no impact on requests for digital materials (journal articles and book chapters).
Between April 17 and May 12, no new requests for physical materials may be placed.
All physical materials requested prior to the pause on April 17 and/or received during the pause (as a result of requests placed before April 17) will be due at the end of the semester (for students) or no later than July 15 (for faculty).
When ILL resumes on May 12, requests for physical and digital materials will use the new system and due dates will return to the standard loan period for each user type.
Instructions on how to use the new system will be shared prior to the new system’s launch.

Questions? Additional details are available on the library’s website. Please contact Janet Vogel, director of the Murray Library, if you have additional questions.

Employee Worship – Tuesday, April 15

We welcome everyone to join for an employee worship service on Tuesday, April 15, 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. in Hostetter Chapel. Music will include an employee choir anthem and congregational hymns. Stephen Gallaher, employee community pastor, will deliver the message for the day.

Student Excel competition

Congratulations to the Department of Business students who competed this past weekend and placed 1st in the Microsoft Excel Regional College challenge. The Messiah Excel team (Luke Peyton, Drew Weaver, Dylan Yoder and Marcos Garcia) traveled to UMass (Amherst, Massachusetts) where they competed against over 150 students (grad and undergrad) from a number of New England colleges and won the competition. The team has qualified and will compete in the Microsoft Excel College Championship which will take place in Las Vegas in December.

Technology Support

Please see below for helpful tips and updates! Contact us by emailing techsupport@messiah.edu regarding any of this information or if you have any questions in general.

After a student graduates and their status is changed to “graduated,” the student will no longer have access to their files stored through their Messiah accounts (unless they are transitioning to a Messiah graduate program). If the graduating students would like to keep their email account, they will need to complete the Alumnus Email Request Form prior to Oct. 1. This only gives the student access to email. It does NOT provide access to their files that are outside of email.
• Shared data from students: When students graduate and their access is changed, you may lose files/information shared with you by the student. Please work with the owner of the information to ensure you have access to the data after graduation.
• As the end of the semester is approaching and we’re cleaning out, please remember the Office of Information Security provides shredding. Please bring all paper for shredding directly to our location in the basement of Old Main (High Center side) OM009 to be shredded. Someone will be available for drop-off from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. during the week. You are also welcome to handle your own shredding if you prefer, but please ask for assistance if the shredder is full. Special arrangements (e.g., shredding pick-up) can be made by calling Allen Snook, director of information security, at ext. 6790.

“Fill a Bag” food drive

The Social Concerns Committee of SGA is requesting the help of the entire Messiah community. They are delighted to announce the successful soft launch of Messiah’s very own food pantry. The location is in Hostetter Chapel Basement, room H016.
Background – This project is happening because the Social Concerns Committee of SGA received numerous student concerns regarding accessibility to healthy, allergy friendly, and affordable food and ingredients. They are collaborating with internal departments, reaching out to external partners, and in the process of grant application to expand hours as well as capacity in future semesters. The pantry is open to any and all students.

Can you help with stocking up the food pantry? You are invited to participate in this “Fill a Bag” food drive to engage with the community and help students out!

Instructions for the food drive:
(1) Starting today, you can find clear bins with the attached poster in a few locations across campus. In the bins, you can find reusable bags as well as printed out shopping lists.
(2) You can decide what to donate according to the shopping list (curated based on what was taken the most by students/collected requests). Other items are welcome too!
(3) Drop the items off in the bins by 4/17 (Thursday before Easter break)
(4) The Social Concerns Committee will come pick it up for the pantry’s next opening!

Locations include:
(1) Boyer Center (Boyer first floor office)
(2) Sustainability Office (ECC)
(3) Oakes Museum (by the door)

Thank you for all your support!

CLASSIFIEDS

Job opportunities

Campus and Building Services has an opening for a full-time Campus and Building services worker, residence hall. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29048.

Grounds Services has an opening for a part-time groundskeeper. 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/29118
Grounds Services has an opening for a part-time seasonal groundskeeper. 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/29281.

For sale

Pop-up camper for sale. 2006 Jayco 806 Baja pop-up camper. Well-loved but in fair condition. Sleeps 4-5. Small enough to tow behind a Subaru Outback. 3 beds, dining table, stove, sink, fridge, heater, propane and electric hookups, awning. Will throw in camping gear and extras. Email for pics. $3500 or best offer. mroth@messiah.edu

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on April 10

April 3

April 3rd, 2025 by INTERCOM

“We love because he first loved us.”

1 John 4:19

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Oksana Moroz, assistant professor of English and director of writing, published an article titled “You Will Have a COVID Baby?!”: A Mama PhD Candidate’s Critical Incidents” in the herstoric 25th-anniversary issue of the Journal of the Motherhood Initiative.

AROUND CAMPUS

Summer students hiring reminder

As a reminder, hiring proposals for summer student employees are due by April 4. If your department plans to have any student employees this summer, please submit a summer hiring proposal via the jobs.messiah.edu system for each student that will be working.

Additional information about summer student employment can be found here.
If you have any questions about hiring student employees for the summer, contact Belinda Conrad, student employment coordinator, ext. 2900 or studentemployment@messiah.edu.

Cyber Camp is back!

Messiah University’s Cyber Camp is back this summer, taking place June 9-12! This day camp for high school students entering 9th – 12th grade is a fun way to dive into the world of cybersecurity. We will cover topics such as cryptography, online behavior and privacy, ethical hacking, social engineering, threat intelligence and using AI to defend the digital domain. This year, students will take part in even more hands-on cyber labs, simulations and interactive gaming scenarios. Plus, they will receive instruction directly from our cybersecurity faculty and local industry experts, all while getting to experience an introduction to what college life is all about. Space is limited, so register soon! Find all the details here: https://www.messiah.edu/cybercamp.
Scholarships and discounts:
• Messiah employees receive a 10% discount when signing their dependents up. Contact cybercamp@messiah.edu for the discount code.
• Scholarships are available. Contact cybercamp@messiah.edu for more info.

Join us at “The Living Library: Many Stories, One Community”

Please join the Office of Diversity Affairs and the Murray Library as they co-host the “Living Library: Many Stories, One Community” on Wednesday, April 9 between noon – 4 p.m.

This event is held in the library and you, as a “reader” have the opportunity to hear stories from colleagues and students as they are the “books.” Each book is on loan for 30 minutes.

Come hear these personal narratives and reserve the “books” of your choice online at: https://libguides.messiah.edu/livinglibrary

Check out this year’s two “featured” books:

President Kim Phipps: “Not What I Was Planning” and guest, Scott Frey, poet and educator: “Heavy Metal Nursing” Read more about Scott at www.scottfrey.org

If you are new to the concept of the Living Library, and have any questions, please contact Liz Kielley, discovery and metadata librarian, at ekielley@messiah.edu.

Connecting Communities Convening

Register now and join us on Thursday April 24 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Hostetter Chapel to connect with a diverse cross sector of community partners from the Greater Capital Region who will be on campus for the Connecting Communities Convening. You are invited to learn about important neighboring initiatives underway in our region as well as to participate in discussions throughout the day with community leaders about housing and neighboring practices, policies, paradigms and philanthropy. For a program itinerary and/or to register as a member of the
Messiah community, visit https://www.messiahconnection.com/.
The Convening is a program of the School of Arts, Culture and Society. Contact Chad Frey at cfrey@messiah.edu if you have any questions.

Sahoko Sato Timpone, mezzo-soprano

April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts,
High Foundation Recital Hall

Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series

Japanese American mezzo-soprano Sahoko Sato Timpone made her Carnegie Hall debut with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and has performed in many operas and concert performances throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. She is currently on the voice faculty at Florida State University and the Lunigiana International Music Festival in Italy.

In this voice recital, Sahoko Sato Timpone celebrates musical diversity, featuring works by Gustav Mahler and Manuel de Falla, as well as works by Japanese and Belgian composers. Performed in various languages, this program offers a rich and compelling journey through a wide array of musical traditions. Sahoko Sato Timpone will be accompanied by Dr. Richard Roberson, piano.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults; $5 for Messiah University students (with ID) and youth (18 and under). To purchase, please contact the Messiah University Box Office at 717-691-6036 option #1 or online at messiah.edu/tickets.

Visit arts.messiah.edu for more information.

Dr. Kevin H. Gary speaks on “Boredom and the Good Life.”

On Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Kevin H. Gary of Hillsdale College will speak on “Boredom and the Good Life” in Frey 110. Dr. Gary is an associate professor of education at Hillsdale College. Before coming to Hillsdale, he taught at Valparaiso University and Goshen College and was a high school theology teacher before that. What constitutes a good life is the central question that animates his scholarship and teaching. He is the author of Why Boredom Matters: Education, Leisure, and the Quest for a Meaningful Life (Cambridge University Press, 2022), among other publications. Dr. Gary is passionate about liberal education as foundational for the preparation of good teachers, wise parents, and thoughtful citizens, as it aims to cultivate prudence, compassion, and a Renaissance spirit. This lecture is co-sponsored by the Ernest L. Boyer Center and the Honors Program.

Messiah University Department of Theatre and Dance presents: “Anything Goes.”

Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance invites you to set sail on a musical adventure of romance, chaos, and laughter with our spring musical production of “Anything Goes”, opening on April 3! Tickets are on sale now and are buy-one-get-one free for opening night!

“Anything Goes”
Music and lyrics by Cole Porter
Original book by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton
and Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
New book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman

Directed by Daniel Inouye
Music direction by Eric Dundore
Choreography by Gregg Hurley

April 3-5, 11-12 at 8 p.m.
April 6, 13 at 3 p.m.
*April 10 at 10 a.m. school series performance recommended for jr. high and high school audiences
Miller Theater, Climenhaga Building

Recommended for general audiences. This production contains mild adult language and innuendos, as well as the use of gunshot sound effects.

“When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love – proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, a comical disguise, and some good old-fashioned blackmail. This hilarious musical romp across the Atlantic, features Cole Porter’s joyful score, including “I Get A Kick Out of You”, “You’re the Top” and the show-stopping “Anything Goes.” – Publisher’s description.

Estimated run time: 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one 15- minute intermission.

Tickets: $15—Adults; $12—MU students (w/ID), MU employees (w/ID), Youth (under 18) and Seniors (60+)

*Tickets are Buy-One-Get-One Free for Opening Night! * Tickets can be purchased online at messiah.edu/tickets, by phone at 717-691-6036, or at the door as available. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

ANYTHING GOES is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

Tailgating for Jobs – April 9

The Career and Professional Development Center will be hosting their annual Tailgating for Jobs career fair on April 9 from 4 – 6 p.m. in the visitor’s parking lot! Over 50 employers will be present to network with students and alums looking for jobs. There will be free hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as two food trucks (Nour Coffee and Lancaster Cupcake) with food available to purchase. This event is open to all students, alums, Messiah community members and their families! You do not want to miss this great event!

What’s new at the library?

See our newsletter here.

Contents include:

Library Student Research Grant
Events: Living Library, Poetry Reading, Pages in Peace
National Library Week
Giving Day Thank You!
Messiah University Handbell Choir: Liz Kielley, Emmy Varner and Esther Hess
Friends of Murray Library Highlight: Abigail Andrews ’08
Engle Memorial Collection
Artist’s Book Augmented Reality Exhibition
Recap of Events: Mini Golf, Sow and Grow, Lunch and Learn

Student Excel competition

Congratulations to the Department of Business students who competed and placed 3rd in the Weekend Microsoft Excel College challenge. Given their top 3 ranking (https://mecc.college/rankings/), the Messiah Excel team qualified to compete in the Microsoft Excel College Championship to be held in Las Vegas in December. In this past weekend’s competition, Messiah finished ahead of teams from a number of notable globally ranked institutions such as Princeton University, University of Texas, University of Tennessee, University of Waterloo (Canada) and the University of Kent (UK) among others.

Murray Library receives $20,000 grant

Spring Cleaning clearance event

Shop the Campus Store’s BIGGEST CLEARANCE SALE YET in-store or online. Stretch your budget and score some great deals while supplies last. See MessiahUGear.com for store hours.

Spring Budget Forum – April 8

An employee FY26 budget forum will be presented on Tuesday, April 8 in Hostetter Chapel at 3:30 p.m. All employees are encouraged to attend. The presentation will be led by Gary Nowicki, vice president for Finance and Planning, who will share the University’s FY26 budget parameters.

CLASSIFIEDS

Job opportunities

Conference Services – sound and lighting has an opening for a full-time sound and lighting technician. Job related questions may be directed to Spencer Rennels at srennels@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29086.

Campus and Building Services has an opening for a part-time 3rd shift worker. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28949.

Lottie Dining Hall is hiring children aged 14-17 for Summer 2025! Flexible scheduling, free meal with shift, and a great atmosphere! Please contact Todd Christopher at tchristopher@messiah.edu for details!

For sale

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on April 3

March 27

March 27th, 2025 by INTERCOM

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Proverbs 28:13

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am pleased to share with you that Dr. Cynthia Wells has been promoted to dean for faculty development, effective March 1. In this expanded educational leadership role, Cynthia will continue to advance holistic educator development initiatives while also taking on additional responsibilities supporting external funding efforts. She will serve as a member of the provost’s cabinet.

Since joining the Messiah community in 1998, Cynthia has provided creative and collaborative leadership across both curricular and co-curricular areas. I am grateful for her commitment to fostering a thriving community of educators as we collectively pursue Messiah University’s Christ-centered mission.

Please join me in congratulating Cynthia!

Christy J. Gardner, Ph.D.
Provost

BID FAREWELL

Join us for a farewell reception celebrating Dr. Rob Pepper on May 16! Light refreshments, cake and punch will be served from 2 – 4 p.m. in the Phipps Admissions and Welcome Center Board of Trustees room 310. Formal remarks from Messiah Men’s Lacrosse Coach Dan Carson and President Kim Phipps will be given at 3:15 p.m. Feel free to come and go as your schedule allows.

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It is with sincere regret that we announce Lori Zimmerman will be leaving Messiah at the end of March to pursue an exciting new opportunity with Katapult Engineering in Dillsburg.

Lori first came to Messiah as a student back in the … well… back in the day! She returned in Oct. 2007 to support Ray Norman, dean of what was then the School of Math, Engineering and Business. She next worked with Dean Angela Hare at the renamed School of Science, Engineering and Health. After finishing her bachelor’s degree from Messiah in May 2017, she became the Collaboratory program manager. She then earned her MBA from Messiah in 2020 and started in her current position as executive coordinator and project manager for University Advancement and University Partnerships in January 2022 – supporting first Barry Goodling and Rob Pepper and now Rob and Jon Stuckey. A great many folks have benefited from Lori’s skills and expertise!

Throughout her entire career at Messiah, Lori has exemplified a strong work ethic, a gracious spirit, and a genuine sense of fun. She will be missed. We will gather to celebrate Lori on Thursday, March 27 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Messiah Trustees Board Room in the Phipps AWC (310). Please join us in wishing Lori the absolute best in her next chapter!

Rob Pepper
Jon Stuckey

AROUND CAMPUS

Bed sheets for Macha Mission Hospital bandages

Have any gently used sheets you do not need? Donate them to the Department of Biological Sciences to help us make bandages for the Macha Mission Hospital during Service Day! Sheets must be at least 50% cotton and clean but can be any color (even flannel). Faculty/staff may email biologyclub@messiah.edu to request a BioClub member to pick-up sheets from your office! Alternatively, sheets may be placed in the bin outside J257 in the second-floor lounge of Jordan/Kline. For more info or questions, email biologyclub@messiah.edu.

Cantus “Wanting Memories”

March 28, 7:30 p.m.
Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts, Parmer Hall

Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series

The “engaging” (The New Yorker) all male vocal ensemble Cantus is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming and riveting performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. The Washington Post has hailed the Cantus sound as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power” and refers to the “spontaneous grace” of its music making. The Philadelphia Inquirer called the group nothing short of “exquisite.”

Through the Wanting Memories program, Cantus examines the fundamental connection between music and memory in all our lives. In addition to the program’s namesake, Ysaÿe M. Barnwell’s “Wanting Memories,” the program also includes timeless tunes like “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” that traverse the realms of nostalgia and family, loss and love, grief, laughter, fear and hope.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults; $5 for Messiah University students (with ID) and youth (18 and under). To purchase, please contact the Messiah University Box Office at 717-691-6036 option #1 or online at messiah.edu/tickets.

Visit arts.messiah.edu for more information.

Sahoko Sato Timpone, mezzo-soprano

April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts,
High Foundation Recital Hall

Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series

Japanese-American mezzo-soprano Sahoko Sato Timpone made her Carnegie Hall debut with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and has performed in many operas and concert performances throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. She is currently on the voice faculty at Florida State University and the Lunigiana International Music Festival in Italy.

Visit arts.messiah.edu for more information.

Service Day 2025 – Sign up to serve!

The Agapé Center’s Department for Service Learning and Community Engagement is excited to share more than 30 projects that will be taking place on campus and within the surrounding community for Service Day 2025. Our project leaders are working behind the scenes to provide diverse and impactful experiences. You simply need to sign up and show up!

All service opportunities are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check out our website (https://www.messiah.edu/info/23663/service_day) to learn more and sign up for a project. We can’t wait to serve with you on April 10!

Special documentary screening: The Underground Railroad and Abolitionists Throughout South Central Pennsylvania Thursday, March 27 | 4 – 6 p.m. | Boyer 136 (Parmer Cinema)

We are pleased to invite you to a screening of Mr. Bryan Wade’s new documentary, The Underground Railroad and Abolitionists Throughout South Central Pennsylvania. This compelling film uncovers the hidden stories of courage and resistance that shaped our region’s vital role in the fight against slavery.

Event details:
• Documentary screening (75 minutes)
• Q&A session with filmmaker Bryan Wade
• Light refreshments will be provided

About the documentary:
This significant documentary explores the grassroots civil rights movement that flourished in our own backyard, featuring the contributions of Quakers, Black and white conductors, and other brave activists who risked everything for freedom and justice. The film has been featured at the Pennsylvania State Archives and educational institutions throughout the region.

About the filmmaker:
Bryan Wade is an educator, teacher and documentarian who has taught in the York school district. His work highlights the historical contributions of marginalized communities to Pennsylvania history.

No registration required. All are welcome!

For more information, please contact dpettegrew@messiah.edu

Signups to “read” at The Living Library are live!

The Living Library: Many Stories, One Community – Signups are live!

Please join the Office of Diversity Affairs and the Murray Library as they co-host the “Living Library: Many Stories, One Community” on Wednesday, April 9 between noon – 4 p.m.

This event is held in the library and you, as a “reader” have the opportunity to hear stories from colleagues and students as they are the “books.” Each book is on loan for 30 minutes.

Come hear these personal narratives and reserve the “books” of your choice online at: https://libguides.messiah.edu/livinglibrary

Check out this year’s two “featured” books:

President Kim Phipps: “Not What I Was Planning” and guest, Scott Frey, poet and educator: “Heavy Metal Nursing” Read more about Scott at www.scottfrey.org

If you are new to the concept of the Living Library, and have any questions, please contact Liz Kielley, discovery and metadata librarian, at ekielley@messiah.edu.

Giving Day is coming!

Messiah University Giving Day is Tuesday, April 1!

Did you know that when 50 employees give a gift, a generous donor will give $15,000 to the Messiah Fund? 100% of students receive a tuition supplement from the Messiah Fund, and that is made possible through the support of employees, parents and alumni like you! Visit www.messiahgives.com to make a gift early or on Giving Day.

Thank you for the ways you make a difference in student lives and in the success of Messiah daily!

Facility Services paint giveaway

Facility Services is giving away used latex and oil paint in 1-gallon cans and 5-gallon buckets. The paint cans/buckets will be located at the Lenhert Building, outside the facility services carpenter shop. The free paint may be picked up between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., now until Friday, April 11 or while supplies last. No returns accepted. Questions? Call Scott Zeigler at ext. 7372.

Mini Golf in the Stacks at Murray Library

Join us for an evening of mini golf in the library stacks! Teams of up to 5 players can play between 5:15-7:45 p.m. on Friday evening. Clubs, offices and groups across campus will be designing some creative holes to play. Choose from 2 unique courses! MU staff and families’ welcome. Pick your tee time and sign up for you or your group here: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d4fSjSIUgJEgCDc

Dr. Kevin H. Gary speaks on “Boredom and the Good Life”

On Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Kevin H. Gary of Hillsdale College will speak on “Boredom and the Good Life” in Frey 110. Dr. Gary is associate professor of education at Hillsdale College. Before coming to Hillsdale, he taught at Valparaiso University and Goshen College and was a high school theology teacher before that. What constitutes a good life is the central question that animates his scholarship and teaching. He is the author of Why Boredom Matters: Education, Leisure, and the Quest for a Meaningful Life (Cambridge University Press, 2022), among other publications. Dr. Gary is passionate about liberal education as foundational for the preparation of good teachers, wise parents, and thoughtful citizens, as it aims to cultivate prudence, compassion, and a Renaissance spirit. This lecture is co-sponsored by the Ernest L. Boyer Center and the Honors Program.

Messiah University Department of Theatre and Dance presents: “Anything Goes”

Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and& Dance invites you to set sail on a musical adventure of romance, chaos, and laughter with our spring musical production of “Anything Goes”, opening on April 3! Tickets are on sale now and are buy-one-get-one free for opening night!

“Anything Goes”
Music and lyrics by Cole Porter
Original book by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton
and Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
New book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman

Directed by Daniel Inouye
Music direction by Eric Dundore
Choreography by Gregg Hurley

April 3-5, 11-12 at 8 p.m.
April 6, 13 at 3 p.m.
*April 10 at 10 a.m. school series performance recommended for jr. high and high school audiences
Miller Theater, Climenhaga Building

Recommended for general audiences. This production contains mild adult language and innuendos, as well as the use of gunshot sound effects.

Estimated run time: 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one 15- minute intermission

Tickets: $15—Adults; $12—MU students (w/ID), MU employees (w/ID), Youth (under 18) and Seniors (60+)

*Tickets are Buy-One-Get-One Free for Opening Night!* Tickets can be purchased online at messiah.edu/tickets, by phone at 717-691-6036, or at the door as available. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

ANYTHING GOES is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

Tailgating for Jobs – April 9

Civil discourse immigration panel

The Student Government Association and Multicultural Council would like to invite everyone to attend a panel discussion, “Seeking Home: A Conversation on Immigration, Through Faith and Community.” The panel will dive into the complexities of immigration in the United States – why people leave, how they are received, and what it means to belong. Through this conversation we hope to foster understanding, challenge assumptions, and reflect on how faith calls us to engage with those seeking refuge, opportunity and community.

Featured panelists:

Rebekah Teuscher (Church World Service) – frontline perspectives on refugee resettlement
Lita Godoy (MISP DSO, immigration attorney) – navigating legal realities
Dr. Sarah Myers (history) – unpacking immigration’s historical context
Dr. George Pickens (theology) – exploring Christian & interfaith views on immigration
Dr. Ling Dinse (social work) – the human impact of immigration policies

Event details:

Date: Tomorrow, Friday, March 28
Time: 4 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Hostetter Chapel
Food: A diverse spread of dumplings, dips and international snacks because food, like immigration, tells a story of movement and connection.

CLASSIFIEDS

Job opportunities

The Office of University Advancement has an opening for a full-time administrative assistant to the Vice President for Advancement. Job related questions may be directed to Jon Stuckey at JStuckey@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28877.

OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS

Third Annual Spring Market Craft and Vendor Show

Immanuel Church (800 S. Market St. in Mechanicsburg) will host its third annual Spring Market on Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features more than 40 vendors, including many beautiful, handcrafted items and representatives from some of your favorite product lines. Breakfast and lunch will be served by the youth group, who are raising funds for a summer trip.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on March 27

March 20

March 20th, 2025 by INTERCOM

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

Philippians 4:11-12

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Messiah Press is proud to announce that on Thursday, March 13, Bill Althoff earned his mail design professional certification from the United States Postal Service. This designation, achieved after completing 10 specialized training modules and passing a rigorous 100-question exam, deepens Bill’s expertise in USPS mail design regulations. His advanced knowledge ensures that Messiah’s mailings are not only compliant but also cost-effective, efficient and professionally designed to maximize delivery success.

With this certification, Messiah Press continues to enhance its mailing capabilities, optimizing services for the campus community and strengthening our commitment to excellence in print and mail operations.

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Ted Prescott, professor emeritus of art, will speak on “Christ’s Descent from the Cross: An Image for Christian Meditation” on Thursday, March 20 at 4:30 p.m. in Boyer 235. The story of the taking down of Christ’s body from the cross is told in all four gospels, and has inspired many artists, including van der Weyden, Rubens and Rembrandt. Professor Prescott will speak about his experience viewing some of these paintings and about his own sculpture, Descent from the Cross, which will soon be on display at the Museum of the Bible.

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Over spring break, Associate Professor of Finance Dwayne Safer served as a guest lecturer at the University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario). The working sessions at the Ivey Business School covered recent developments in the financial markets and valuation modeling techniques using Excel.

_______

Please join me in congratulating Cynthia!

Christy J. Gardner, Ph.D.
Provost

______

Kendall Hunt recently published a book by Professor of Marketing David Hagenbuch titled “Mindful Marketing: Business Ethics that Stick.” In it he contends that although not everyone has “marketing” as a job title, everyone engages in marketing-related actions, whether selling themselves to potential employers, persuading coworkers to adopt their proposals, or asking family members to embrace their ideas. In addition, the further many individuals advance in their careers (e.g., manager, president, CEO), the more marketing they do. People also continually interact with marketing as consumers through the products they purchase and the commercial messages that surround them. For these reasons, everyone benefits from more Mindful Marketing.

David created the Mindful Marketing paradigm (www.MindfulMarketing.org), including its unique 2 x 2 decision matrix, to encourage ethical marketing more than a decade ago. He’s since written over 300 articles about current ethical issues in the field. The book represents a culmination of that work and his 25 years teaching business ethics courses at Messiah. For those interested, the print version of the book is available on Amazon and print and e-versions are available from Kendall Hunt (ISBN 979-838515749-5).

BID FAREWELL

It is with sincere regret that we announce Lori Zimmerman will be leaving Messiah at the end of March to pursue an exciting new opportunity with Katapult Engineering in Dillsburg.

Rob Pepper
Jon Stuckey

AROUND CAMPUS

Theatre and Dance Camp registration is now open!

Summer 2025 camp registration open!

Registration is now open for our Messiah University Theatre and Dance Intensives and elementary and middle school Theatre Camps!

The Theatre Intensive and the Dance Intensive for high schoolers are being offered June 22-27 with both a resident and commuter option. The elementary and middle school Theatre Camps are being offered June 16-20 with the elementary camp in the mornings and the middle school camp in the afternoons. Friday premieres a combined performance for family and friends followed by a cookie reception.

Register by April 1 for an early registration discount. After April 1, Messiah employees get a 10% discount by using “messiahemployee”.

For more information about any of these camps, contact:
Daniel Inouye
Professor of Theatre
dinouye@messiah.edu

2025 Library Student Research Grant

The 2025 Library Student Research Grant application deadline is Friday, April 4. This competitive grant, sponsored by Friends of Murray Library, provides funds for Messiah students who will be seniors in the 2025-2026 academic year to work on their senior honors projects or senior capstone projects.

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience a taste of graduate school or professional-level research using both Murray Library’s print and digital collections as well as other relevant research materials for their chosen topic located at other institutions or organizations.

Proposals are selected for funding by an interdisciplinary panel of judges chaired by Chad Frey, chair of Friends of Murray Library. The grantee will be awarded $1,000 in the spring for the 2025-2026 academic year. Grant recipients will present an overview of their project and research process at the Friends Annual Dinner in the fall of 2025 or alternative venue as appropriate. Award recipients will be announced Tuesday, April 22.

Applications are being received online. See the Friends website for more information.

Central Pennsylvania Forum for Science and Faith presents spring lecture

Please join us on Tuesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in Frey Hall, Alexander Auditorium (F110), as the Central Pa Forum for Religion and Science welcomes Edward B. “Ted” Davis, professor emeritus of the history of science at Messiah University, to deliver a talk entitled “Historical Roots of the American Evangelical Encounter with Natural History.” (Originally presented at Henry Center conference, “Adam, the Fall, and the Goodness of God” at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.)

Abstract: American evangelicals began seriously to engage natural history in the early nineteenth century, when Benjamin Silliman became the first professor of natural history at Yale. He and his pupil, Amherst geologist Edward Hitchcock, embraced “deep time” in geology and defended its consistency with Genesis. Hitchcock went further, exploring in depth the implications of this popular new science for theodicy and natural theology. Regardless of whether subsequent authors knowingly accepted or rejected their conclusions, these two Antebellum natural historians have influenced evangelicals down to our own time. This paper presents some of their most important attitudes and ideas, with an eye on the modern evangelical conversation about origins.

Summer student hiring reminder

Messiah University Department of Theatre and Dance presents: The Spring Senior Series

Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present the first part of “The Spring Senior Series”, an evening of performance created and presented by department seniors. The weekend of March 21-22 features an original performance created by seniors Megan Eich and Ella Shane, and a one act play directed by Meredith Hensel in Poorman Black Box Theater, Climenhaga Building.

The Spring Senior Series
March 21-22 at 8 p.m.
Poorman Black Box Theater, Climenhaga Building

“Perpetual Motion”
Created by Megan Eich and Ella Shane
This production will explore the topic of grief. Viewer discretion is advised

“Time Flies”
by David Ives
Directed by Meredith L. Hensel

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at messiah.edu/tickets, by phone at 717-691-6036, or at the door as available.

Exploring Careers in Healthcare Day Camp

The School of Science, Engineering, and Health is pleased to offer Exploring Careers once again in Healthcare summer day camp, June 9-11, for students entering 10^th – 12th grade this fall. Our camp is designed for students to explore some of the most dynamic healthcare professions, including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, applied health science, nutrition and dietetics, and lab sciences, from a faith-based perspective. Patient case studies will provide context for engaging, hands-on activities, demonstrations and panel discussions in state-of-the-art facilities on our main campus and at Winding Hill, led by Messiah’s expert faculty, students, and professional practitioners. If you or someone you know is interested, we invite you to learn more and register at https://www.messiah.edu/healthcareerscamp before May 19.

A 10% discount is available to children of Messiah employees.
Scholarships are also available. Email healthcareerscamp@messiah.edu for discount codes and with any questions.

Cyber Camp is back!

Messiah University’s Cyber Camp is back this summer, taking place June 9-12! This day camp for high school students entering 9th – 12th grade is a fun way to dive into the world of cybersecurity. We will cover topics such as cryptography, online behavior and privacy, ethical hacking, social engineering, threat intelligence and using AI to defend the digital domain. This year, students will take part in even more hands-on cyber labs, simulations and interactive gaming scenarios. Plus, they will receive instruction directly from our cybersecurity faculty and local industry experts, all while getting to experience an introduction to what college life is all about. Space is limited, so register soon! Find all the details here: https://www.messiah.edu/cybercamp.
Scholarships and Discounts:
• Messiah employees receive a 10% discount when signing their dependents up. Contact cybercamp@messiah.edu for the discount code.
• Scholarships are available. Contact cybercamp@messiah.edu for more info.

Connecting Communities Convening

Psychology Camp 2025

If you know someone who would be interested in attending, we invite you to learn more and register at: www.messiah.edu/PsychCamp before June 1.

Also, there is a special offer for dependents of Messiah University Employees!
Contact PsychologyCamp@messiah.edu for more information.

Bed sheets for Macha Mission Hospital bandages

What’s new at Murray Library?

Contents include:

Giving Day with Murray Library
Library Student Research Grant
Library Team in Action
New Library Service
Events: Living Library, Pages in Peace, Mini Golf
Student Highlight: Caitlin Renner and Elizabeth Yoho
Students explore Engle Memorial Collection
Seed Library Newsletter

See our linked newsletter.

Cantus “Wanting Memories”

March 28, 7:30 p.m.
Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts, Parmer Hall

Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series

Visit arts.messiah.edu for more information.

Sow and grow today at Murray Library

Stop by Murray Library from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. today, March 20, to plant your own flower and learn more about our Seed Library! Scoop your own soil into a small flowerpot, add water and take home to watch your flower grow!

Service Day 2025 – Sign up to serve!

The Agapé Center’s Department for Service Learning and Community Engagement is excited to share more than 30 projects that will be taking place on campus and within the surrounding community for Service Day 2025. Our project leaders are working behind the scenes to provide diverse and impactful experiences. You simply need to sign up and show up!

Sailing Home with Odysseus: Alumni Come Home to Discuss the Odyssey.

On March 26, four Messiah alums –Vic Sensenig ’02, Rachel Hungerford ’22 , Micah Borger ’22, and Micaiah (Saldaña) Keitel ‘24 — will return to their alma mater to talk about how they thought about Homer’s Odyssey (this year’s book-of-the-year in the honors program) during their college years and since then. March 26, 7:30 p.m., Frey 110. This event is free and open to the public.

Special documentary screening: The Underground Railroad and Abolitionists Throughout South Central Pennsylvania Thursday, March 27 | 4 – 6 p.m. | Boyer 136 (Parmer Cinema)

Event details:
• Documentary screening (75 minutes)
• Q&A session with filmmaker Bryan Wade
• Light refreshments will be provided

No registration required. All are welcome!

For more information, please contact dpettegrew@messiah.edu

Signups to “read” at The Living Library are live!

The Living Library: Many Stories, One Community – Signups are live!

Please join the Office of Diversity Affairs and the Murray Library as they co-host the “Living Library: Many Stories, One Community” on Wednesday, April 9 between noon – 4 p.m.

This event is held in the library and you, as a “reader” have the opportunity to hear stories from colleagues and students as they are the “books.” Each book is on loan for 30 minutes.

Come hear these personal narratives and reserve the “books” of your choice online at: https://libguides.messiah.edu/livinglibrary

Check out this year’s two “featured” books:

President Kim Phipps: “Not What I Was Planning” and guest, Scott Frey, poet and educator: “Heavy Metal Nursing” Read more about Scott at www.scottfrey.org

If you are new to the concept of the Living Library, and have any questions, please contact Liz Kielley, discovery and metadata librarian, at ekielley@messiah.edu.

Lunch and learn at Murray Library

Join us in the Athenaeum for Murray Library’s annual Lunch and Learn event on Wednesday, March 26, from noon – 1 p.m.! Bring your own lunch and hear from Wesley Paris in the Office of Sustainability about his new project on campus, tapping maple trees for syrup!

Giving Day is coming!

Messiah University Giving Day is Tuesday, April 1!

Thank you for the ways you make a difference in student lives and in the success of Messiah daily!

CLASSIFIEDS

Job opportunities

Residence Life has an opening for a full-time educator. Job related questions may be directed to Annastasia Bonczyk at abonczyk@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28943.

The Office of University Advancement has an opening for a full-time executive assistant to the vice president for advancement. Job related questions may be directed to Jon Stuckey at JStuckey@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28877.

Facility Maintenance has an opening for a full-time general maintenance mechanic (preventative) 2nd shift. Job related questions may be directed to Amy Stephan at astephan@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28946.

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.

With thanks

A Word of Thanks. Thank you to each one of you who reached out to me during my husband’s health journey. Your words of comfort, food, hugs, cards, and prayers for me and my family have helped us navigate this difficult season of our lives. Small acts of kindness generated the strength needed to face the daily challenges. You are so appreciated! ~ Heather Wisner

Wanted

Young Writers’ Workshop program assistants needed. Are you an English major who wants to help guide high school writers? Would you be interested in a fun summer position? Why not become a program assistant for the Young Writers’ Workshop? YWW runs from June 22-27. It is a program that helps teen writers connect with other ‘writerly’ teens and have a college experience. You would act as their support system, tutor and general manager of fun. You can find out more about YWW here: https://www.messiah.edu/homepage/965/young_writers_workshop. You can apply for the position here: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28423

If you have any questions, please contact Abby Baia at abaia@messiah.edu.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on March 20

March 13

March 13th, 2025 by INTERCOM

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Professor of Marketing Keith Quesenberry is presenting a special topic session on AI at the National Annual Conference of the American Association of Advertising in Pittsburgh on March 7. “Taming The AI Storm With Strategies For Advertising Educators. AI Teaching Frameworks, Integrations, Assignments, Topics And Approaches” was competitively selected for special topic sessions. Along with presenting he is the moderator for the session with professors from the University of Colorado Boulder, Shippensburg University and Texas State University.

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The Office of Faculty Development, with the leadership of Leah Clarke, in her capacity as director of teaching and learning, supported a strong representation of educators at 2025 Lancaster Learns, a one-day conference held on Friday, Feb. 28. Additionally, several Messiah University educators contributed as break-out session presenters during the event. Sarah K. Myers, collection development and analysis librarian, Beth Transue, informational literacy librarian, and Liz Kielley, discovery and metadata librarian, collaborated on “From Cognitive Overload to Practical Engagement in First-Year Seminar”; Timothy Shea, language, literature and writing, presented “You Matter! You Belong! Using Mindfulness Strategies to Build Warm Classroom Communities”; Molly Myers, psychology, criminal justice and sociology, presented “Lights, Camera, Diagnosis: Teaching Psychopathology Through Film”; Oksana Moroz, assistant professor of English, presented “Gen Z Students’ Identities in the Age of AI”; Nicholas Weaver, assistant professor in mathematics and statistics, presented “Specifications Grading: Alternate Grading to Promote Student Growth”; Donielle Bailey Horst, theatre and dance, presented “Unlocking the Unknown Via a Methodology of Play”; Ling Dinse, associate professor of social work, presented “When Students Cheat”; Sheila Rodriguez, associate professor of Spanish, presented “Get on Your Feet: Movement as a Means to Learning”; Joanna Behm and Jim Foster, assistant professors of occupational therapy, collaborated on “Preparing Students for AI-Driven Occupations: Effective Strategies for Classroom AI Integration”; Karen Harrington, residence life educator, presented “Strategies to Engage the Chronically Online”; Valerie Lemmon, professor of psychology; assistant dean, School of Arts, Culture and Society, presented “Providing Feedback with Kindness”; Karen Burket, assistant professor of physical therapy, and Michelle George, associate professor of social work, collaborated on “Intersection and Scaffolding of Interprofessional Education throughout Two Curricula”; Cindi Kerns and Rocky Allinger, instructional designers, presented “Build Your Digital Project Toolbox!” and Dottie Weigel, associate professor of higher education; director, graduate program in higher education, presented “Learning that Lasts: Enhancing Student Learning Through Critical Reflection.”

Additional attendees included faculty members Liz Eveler, assistant professor of education, Rachael Jasitt, collection strategies librarian, Cynthia Lehman, senior lecturer in mathematics, Gladys Robalino, professor of Spanish, Jennifer Thomson, professor of biopsychology, and Janet Vogel, director of the Murray Library.

Please join me in thanking these colleagues for their commitment to excellence in teaching.

Cynthia A. Wells
Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Director of The Ernest L. Boyer Center
Professor of Higher Education

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Dr. Damian Savarino, bass (professor of music), recently appeared as feature soloist with the West Shore Symphony Orchestra. Savarino performed a concert and opera arias by W.A. Mozart and Giuseppe Verdi. The orchestra also performed works by Ethel Smyth, Claude Debussy, and Robert Schumann.

_____

BID FAREWELL

It is with sincere regret that we announce Lori Zimmerman will be leaving Messiah at the end of March to pursue an exciting new opportunity with Katapult Engineering in Dillsburg.

Throughout her entire career at Messiah, Lori has exemplified a strong work ethic, a gracious spirit, and a genuine sense of fun. She will be missed. We will gather to celebrate Lori on Thursday, March 27 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Messiah Trustees Board Room in the Phipps AWC (#310). Please join us in wishing Lori the very best in her next chapter!

Rob Pepper
Jon Stuckey

AROUND CAMPUS

2025 PEACE Chapels hosted by the Program in Peace and Conflict Studies

Join us on Tuesday, March 18 for the 2025 PEACE Chapels, hosted by the Program in Peace and Conflict Studies.

We offer two distinct chapel opportunities that feature Rev. Dr. Sivin Kit as he discusses “Hope in a Chaotic and Wounded World.”

Tuesday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. in Brubaker Auditorium
“A Fierce, Urgent, and Wonderful Hope”

Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. in Hostetter Chapel
“For the Healing of the World”

Rev. Dr. Sivin Kit is a Malaysian church planter, pastor and professor who currently serves as the Director of the Department for Theology, Mission, and Justice with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Central Pennsylvania Forum for Science and Faith presents spring lecture

Please join us on Tuesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in Frey Hall, Alexander Auditorium (F110), as the Central Pa Forum for Religion and Science welcomes Edward B. “Ted” Davis, Professor Emeritus of the History of Science at Messiah University, to deliver a talk entitled “Historical Roots of the American Evangelical Encounter with Natural History.” (Originally presented at Henry Center conference, “Adam, the Fall, and the Goodness of God” at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.)

Abstract: American evangelicals began seriously to engage natural history in the early nineteenth century, when Benjamin Silliman became the first professor of natural history at Yale. He and his pupil, Amherst geologist Edward Hitchcock, embraced “deep time” in geology and defended its consistency with Genesis. Hitchcock went further, exploring in depth the implications of this popular new science for theodicy and natural theology. Regardless of whether subsequent authors knowingly accepted or rejected their conclusions, these two Antebellum natural historians have substantially influenced evangelicals down to our own time. This paper presents some of their most important attitudes and ideas, with an eye on the modern evangelical conversation about origins.

CLASSIFIEDS

Job opportunities

The Office of University Advancement has an opening for a full-time executive assistant to the vice president for advancement. Job related questions may be directed to Jon Stuckey at JStuckey@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28877.

Residence Life has an opening for a temporary summer residence director. Job related questions may be directed to Annastasia Bonczyk at abonczyk@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28958.

Facility Maintenance has an opening for a full-time general maintenance mechanic (preventative) 2nd shift. Job related questions may be directed to Amy Stephan at astephan@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28946.

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.

Campus and Building Services has an opening for a part-time 3rd shift worker. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28949.

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

With thanks

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on March 13

March 6, 2025

March 6th, 2025 by INTERCOM

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the Lord!”

Psalm 27:13-14

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Professor of Marketing Keith Quesenberry is presenting a special topic session on AI at the National Annual Conference of the American Association of Advertising in Pittsburgh on March 7. “Taming The AI Storm With Strategies For Advertising Educators. AI Teaching Frameworks, Integrations, Assignments, Topics And Approaches.” was competitively selected for special topic sessions. Along with presenting he is the moderator for the session with professors from the University of Colorado Boulder, Shippensburg University and Texas State University.

_____

Please join me in thanking these colleagues for their commitment to excellence in teaching.

Cynthia A. Wells
Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Director of The Ernest L. Boyer Center
Professor of Higher Education

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

Theatre and Dance Camp registration is now open!

Summer 2025 camp registration open!

Registration is now open for our Messiah University Theatre and Dance Intensives and elementary and middle school Theatre Camps!

The Theatre Intensive and the Dance Intensive for high schoolers are being offered June 22 – 27 with both a resident and commuter option. The elementary and middle school Theatre Camps are being offered June 16 – 20 with the elementary camp in the mornings and the middle school camp in the afternoons. Friday premieres a combined performance for family and friends followed by a cookie reception.

Register by April 1 for an early registration discount. After April 1, Messiah employees get a 10% discount by using “messiahemployee”.

For more information about any of these camps, contact:
Daniel Inouye
Professor of Theatre
dinouye@messiah.edu
717-796-5045

Create a hole for mini golf

Mini Golf is coming to Murray Library on Friday, March 28. Campus offices, departments, clubs and teams are invited to design and set up a mini golf hole that showcases what you do in a fun and memorable way!
Event Details:
• Sign up for a hole by Friday, March 7
• Submit a sketch or design for a hole by Friday, March 21
• Set up on March 28: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
• Mini golf, March 28: 5:15 – 8:15 p.m. (You are invited to play. Students, staff and families’ welcome!)
• Clean up: Friday, March 28 at 9 p.m. or Saturday, March 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Why participate? This event is a creative way for groups to share their message and promote themselves. Designing a hole is low-key and easy to do.
Sign up to participate! Contact Librarian Sarah Myers at smyers@messiah.edu. We hope you will join us for this creative and fun event.

NEXT Steps scholarship PIE Day for PI DAY

Want to celebrate PI Day in a fun way?

Want to help raise a scholarship for students in our NEXT Steps Program?

A donor started a NEXT Steps fund, and we are close for that to become an endowed scholarship. Now through PI Day (March 14) each donation increments of $5 counts as ONE VOTE for the participating faculty and staff. The winning faculty or staff member gets a pie in their face on International Down Syndrome Day (March 21). For full details of who wants that pie in the face, and to donate, see here: https://crowdshark.webapps.messiah.edu/nextsteps/donate/427

Messiah’s CPH launches Harrisburg historical app

Messiah University’s Center for Public Humanities is pleased to announce the launch of Harrisburg Historical, a free website and mobile app that showcases engaging stories of Pennsylvania’s capital region.

This two-year project marks a collaborative effort between students, faculty, and community partners. Over twenty Messiah University students from a number of majors researched, wrote, and created multimedia content under the leadership of student editors and project leads.

The platform features place-based historical storytelling through interactive maps, historical essays, multimedia content, and tours. The centerpiece tour, “The Chester Way: Harrisburg’s Centuries Long Quest for Civil Rights,” marked a collaboration of Messiah’s Center for Public Humanities and the Digital Harrisburg Initiative with the Commonwealth Monument Project and the Dauphin County Library System.

The project was generously funded by the Council of Independent Colleges Humanities Research for the Public Good Grant, the Center for Public Humanities, and the School of the Arts, Culture, and Society.

Check out the downloadable app for Apple and Android devices.

2025 Library Student Research Grant

Applications are being received online. See the Friends website for more information.

2025 PEACE Chapels hosted by the Program in Peace and Conflict Studies

Join us on Tuesday, March 18, for the 2025 PEACE Chapels, hosted by the Program in Peace and Conflict Studies.

We offer two distinct chapel opportunities that feature Rev. Dr. Sivin Kit as he discusses “Hope in a Chaotic and Wounded World.”

Tuesday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. in Brubaker Auditorium
“A Fierce, Urgent, and Wonderful Hope”

Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. in Hostetter Chapel
“For the Healing of the World”

CLASSIFIEDS

Job opportunities

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.

Wanted

If you have any questions, please contact Abby Baia at abaia@messiah.edu.

Used Gator (or similar vehicle). I am looking to purchase a used Gator (or similar vehicle). Ideally, it will have a bed and be able to handle a small snowplow. Please email me if you have one or know of one for sale. Lori: lsarago@messiah.edu Thank you!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on March 6, 2025

Feb. 27

February 27th, 2025 by INTERCOM

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Psalm 23:5

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Professor Kristen Reitz. She was a 2000 HDFS graduate and valued adjunct for the department for 13 years, teaching us until spring of 2024 when she received her cancer diagnosis. Professor Reitz received the 2023 Adjunct Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence from Messiah University for her long-term commitment and devotion to the HDFS department and our students.

_____

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.

_____

Todd Goranson, DMA, RN, professor of music, completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Capella University in February. He will continue to use his knowledge and new credentials in his teaching and outreach as an advocate for musicians’ mental and musculoskeletal health as well as in clinical practice.

Goranson also performed as solo alto saxophonist with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, under conductor Stuart Malina, for concerts featuring Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Suite from West Side Story on Feb. 15 and 16 at The Forum Auditorium.

AROUND CAMPUS

Read The Chronicle of Higher Education

The Chronicle of Higher Education at no cost to you! Murray Library has a site license for The Chronicle that allows you to access articles on their website and most newsletters. While on a campus network, your access is automatic. If you create an account on The Chronicle website when on campus, you can simply login with that account information any time you are off campus and prompted to login to read further. If preferred, you can also visit https://libguides.messiah.edu/chronicle while off campus and login with your Messiah username and password when prompted with your CAS login. No Chronicle account is needed with this method, but you will then need to search for the article you wish to read. If you have questions about Chronicle access, please email library@messiah.edu

2025 employee award nominations

Do you work with someone who has gone above and beyond expectations this past year? Nominate them for recognition at this Spring’s Employee Recognition Picnic on Monday, May 12! Please see the attached form or use the links below to submit nominations from now until March 3.

Team Falcon Award: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8jgrKgY3IarQLyK
The Team Falcon Award is given to recognize a group or team that collaborated successfully on a significant project or initiative that advanced departmental or university-wide goals.

Road to Reconciliation Award: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bgvCwRxubTIadsG
The Road to Reconciliation Award is given to employees who have demonstrated a leadership role related to reconciliation beyond the expectations of their positions.

Pride in Performance Award: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6GbTFOONrbL2nT8
The Pride in Performance Award is given to administrative and staff employees who have demonstrated remarkable competence in their role along with a consistent commitment to excellence and to working successfully with others to achieve the goals of the university.

President’s Award: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4TxegJcW8DRhIEK
The President’s Award is given to administrative and staff employees who have demonstrated significant commitment, ingenuity, innovation and hard work in addressing a concern or challenge facing the university. This award is tied to a specific achievement or exceptional action.

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!

Messiah University Department of Theatre and Dance presents: “Shoeless Joe”

Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is excited to invite you to join us for our spring musical theatre cabaret “Shoeless Joe” on March 1-2 in Poorman Black Box Theater! “Shoeless Joe” is a new cabaret every time, uniquely built for each new cast! This spring’s “Shoeless Joe” is titled This Joint is Jumpin’! Be on the lookout for the “Shoeless Joe” tradition- the crazy socks giveaway during the show.

Shoeless Joe – This Joint is Jumpin’
A New Cabaret every time! Uniquely built for each new cast.
Directed by Susan Hurley

Featuring:
Garty Bowersox
Abby Crispin
Josiah Evans
Kenya Gegner
Tyler Lynch
Ashleigh Pinkstaff
Alden Walker
Bob Feil

March 1 at 8 p.m.
March 2 at 3 p.m.
Poorman Black Box Theater, Climenhaga Building

Estimated run time: 1 hour

Tickets: $5
Tickets can be purchased online at messiah.edu/tickets, by phone at 717-691-6036, or at the door as available. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Create a hole for mini golf

Mini Golf is coming to Murray Library on Friday, March 28. Campus offices, departments, clubs and teams are invited to design and set up a mini golf hole that showcases what you do in a fun and memorable way!
Event Details:
• Sign up for a hole by Friday, March 7
• Submit a sketch or design for a hole by Friday, March 21
• Set up on March 28: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
• Mini golf, March 28: 5:15 – 8:15 p.m. (You are invited to play. Students, staff and families welcome!)
• Clean up: Friday, March 28 at 9 p.m. or Saturday, March 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Why Participate? This event is a creative way for groups to share their message and promote themselves. Designing a hole is low-key and easy to do.
Sign up to participate! Contact Librarian Sarah Myers at smyers@messiah.edu. We hope you will join us for this creative and fun event.

NEXT Steps scholarship PIE Day for PI DAY

Want to celebrate PI Day in a fun way?
Want to help raise a scholarship for students in our NEXT Steps Program?
A donor started a NEXT Steps fund, and we are really close for that to become an endowed scholarship. Now through PI Day (3/14) each donation increments of $5 counts as ONE VOTE for the participating faculty and staff. The winning faculty or staff member gets a pie in their face on International Down Syndrome Day (3/21). For full details of who wants that pie in the face, and to donate, see here: https://crowdshark.webapps.messiah.edu/nextsteps/donate/427

Thanks from the PIE competitors:
Melinda Burchard, Todd Allen, Amber Brisbane, Doug Curry, Brooke Good, Bonnie Jenkins, Curtis Kurtz, Sean Matthews, Sarah Myers (librarian), Amy Slody, Nicholas Weaver and Tovah Wilson

Music department concert acknowledges two talented students!

The Finals Concert of the Keith Lance Kuhlman Performance Award was held on Sunday, Feb. 23 in the High Foundation Recital Hall. Two students were honored for their performances: Andrew Morgan (student of Dr. William Stowman) was named honorary mention and Daniel Micsion (student of Dr. Damian Savarino) was named winner. The winner receives a prize of $600. A total of nine students performed in the concert and were adjudicated by three outside judges (Dr. Jennifer Sacher Wiley, Jonathan Walker-VanKuren, and Dr. Amanda Heim). All the students gave outstanding performances! Congratulations to everyone who participated!

Homecoming 2025 events – Planning to host?

Hello from the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations,

Are you thinking about hosting an event during Homecoming 2025 (Oct. 3 and 4)? If you have plans or an idea for an event, please contact us by Thursday, May 1.

The full Homecoming Weekend schedule will be made available online early July at www.messiah.edu/homecoming.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We look forward to sharing this time of celebration with you and our alumni community!

Messiah’s CPH launches Harrisburg historical app

Check out the downloadable app for Apple and Android devices.

Technology Support – Please see below for helpful tips and updates!

Do you have any Messiah barcoded computer equipment sitting around that is no longer being used? If so, please let us know and we will come pick it up!
Tech Support currently does not encourage the use of “New” Outlook on Windows PCs. There are some features that have not been worked out by Microsoft, such as access to shared mailboxes, in the new version. Please continue to use Classic Outlook. Running into issues with Outlook and unsure which version you are running? Here is a helpful post from Microsoft to find out: What version of Outlook do I have?
There is a limit to the number of emails that can be sent at one time. If you have a large mailing list (over 200), TechSupport should be notified to make sure your account does not get blocked by Microsoft as sending spam.

Contact us by emailing techsupport@messiah.edu regarding any of this information or if you have any questions in general.

CLASSIFIEDS

Job opportunities

The Office of University Advancement has an opening for a full-time executive assistant to the Vice President for Advancement. Job related questions may be directed to Jon Stuckey at JStuckey@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28877.

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.

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.

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

Bose sound bar. Nice Bose Sound bar for the TV. It has Bluetooth and uses a digital optical cable. Comes with universal remote. It can lay on the shelf or be mounted. $50 Contract Ted: tgingrich@messiah

Wanted

Summer housing is needed. Two male students are looking for local summer housing as they complete an internship with a Christian firm. The rent of $400 per month/per student will be provided by the company. Contact Angela Hare, AHare@messiah.edu.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Feb. 27

February 20

February 20th, 2025 by INTERCOM

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

_____

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.

_____

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on February 20