“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Psalm 107:1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
New biography of retired Messiah educator
In October, the Brethren in Christ Historical Society published a biography of E. Morris Sider, titled “Storyteller: The Life and Ministry of E. Morris Sider.” Sider was a long-time faculty member in history and English literature at Messiah (1963-2000) and remains one of the leading historians of the Brethren in Christ Church, Messiah’s founding denomination. The biography was written by Devin Manzullo-Thomas, associate professor of American religious history and university archivist. Devin was a featured speaker at two book release events held by the Historical Society: one at the Grantham Brethren in Christ Church in Pennsylvania (Sider’s home congregation for more than 60 years) and one at the Port Colborne Brethren in Christ Church in Ontario, Canada (Sider was born and raised in southern Ontario).
MARC-ACSM 2025
On Nov. 7 and 8, the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science sent three students to the MARC-ACSM conference held in Harrisburg. Under the mentorship of Dr. H. Scott Kieffer, along with Dr. Michael Shin (biology) and Dr. Jenn Thomson (biopsychology), students Grace Sagna and Liliana Greer presented their research during a poster session. Special congratulations to Grace Sagna for bringing home the undergraduate poster award, first place. The conference also included a keynote lecture from Dr. Eric Rawson on his years of research regarding creatine, as a past-president of the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine).
AROUND CAMPUS
Call for Nominations for 2026 – Wittlinger Prize and Boyer Legacy Award
Call for Nominations for 2026 The Class of 1964 Carlton Wittlinger Prize – and – The Boyer Legacy Award All educators at Messiah University are invited to nominate candidates for the Class of 1964 Wittlinger Prize and the Boyer Legacy Award. These two awards are presented annually by the Sider Institute for Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan Studies and the Ernest L. Boyer Center, respectively, to recognize student leaders who embody particular ideals. The Wittlinger Award honors students who demonstrate Dr. Carlton O. Wittlinger’s (Class of 1935) qualities of persistence and unselfish dedication. Similarly, the Boyer Legacy Award honors students who demonstrate Dr. Ernest L. Boyer’s (Class of 1948) ardent emphasis that leadership is grounded in service. Eligible candidates must be juniors with the highest academic promise, including a minimum 3.5 GPA, strong character, integrity and a commitment to service. There is no restriction as to the mayor of the recipient. Nominations should include the students’ name and a brief statement (no more than two hundred words) explaining why the student merits the honor. Students may be nominated for either or both awards. Both awards carry a cash prize, which is now $2,000 each. Each recipient will be honored at upcoming events in Spring and Fall 2026. Please submit nominations and direct questions to Jon Stuckey (jstuckey@messiah.edu) no later than Dec. 1.
Spread some holiday cheer — Join our toy and supply drive!
The Accounting Club is teaming up with Operation Christmas Child to collect toys and supplies for kids in need around the world this holiday season! We have set up two donation boxes — one outside Lottie and one outside Frey 131. You can drop off small toys, school supplies, hygiene items or other fun little gifts that would brighten a child’s day between now and Nov. 15. You can also contact the Accounting Club (accountingclub@messiah.edu) if you have questions or want us to come pick up your donations! Every donation, big or small, makes a difference! Thanks for helping us spread some love this season! To learn more about the project search: Operation Christmas Child – Samaritan’s Purse.
Clue
Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn
Written by Sandy Rustin
Additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture
Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE
Original music by Michael Holland
Directed by Daniel Inouye
Nov. 13-15, 21-22 at 8 p.m.
Nov. 16, 23 at 3 p.m.
*Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. school series performance
Miller Theater, Climenhaga Building
Clue is recommended for ages twelve and up, with parental discretion advised, especially for younger children who may be sensitive to the murder mystery theme and loud special effects.
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth – the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
Estimated run time: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tickets: $10—Adults; $7—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 ten or more.
Clue is presented by special arrangement with The Araca Group, Work Light Productions, and Michael Barra/Lively McCabe Entertainment
The Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Blue Christmas”
Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to present “Blue Christmas” on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. Tickets are free but required due to limited seating. Join us as Messiah University dance students acknowledge the struggles and challenges of this broken and fallen world with a lament-driven dance experience. Reflect, process, and prepare for this season of Advent with us through the media of text, music and dance.
Blue Christmas
Directed by Gregg Hurley
Nov. 20 at 7 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.
Campus Christmas Gathering
All employees and students are warmly invited to welcome the holiday season with a Campus Christmas Gathering on Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m. Join us near the Murray Library steps for Christmas music, Advent devotional from Dr. Rebecca Harris, Christmas cookies and hot drinks. Chapel credit will be offered.
Operations division’s focus on unreasonable hospitality
This summer, the Division of Operations leadership team embraced the concept of Unreasonable Hospitality a philosophy that challenges each team member to use their creativity and resources to go above and beyond for those we serve. In the spirit of this theme, PREP professionals and interns recently completed a six-week adaptive fitness class designed for individuals who use wheelchairs for mobility. The class welcomed returning participants as well as three new clients. Each person brought a unique set of needs, and our staff applied their expertise and plenty of creativity to design exercises that were both safe and appropriately challenging. Beyond the workouts themselves, we had the privilege of getting to know each client’s story. Those conversations offered fresh insights, new perspectives and a deeper appreciation for the resilience and determination of the people we serve.
Sensory-friendly Santa returns to Winding Hill
Messiah’s occupational therapy students are busy preparing to host a sensory-friendly Santa night when local families can interact with Santa and enjoy festive activities in a judgement-free atmosphere. If you would like to support this joy-filled event, we are hoping to borrow artificial Christmas trees (4-6 feet tall) for the week of December.
Please contact Leanne Rutt at lrutt@messiah.edu if you are willing to lend out yours.
We are also seeking grocery store gift cards (Wegmans, Giant, Weis, etc.) to purchase cookies and icing and a meal to sustain Santa and his elves. Follow the OT program on social media for more. Merry Christmas to you!
Contribute to graduate student finals week snack bags
Messiah’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies is once again making finals week snack bags for our in-person grad students to help our graduate students perform to the best of their ability during the week of final exams. Our goal is to fill 198 bags with study-break friendly items for our on-campus graduate students. We will also provide a note of prayer and encouragement to each recipient. Donations are being collected at Winding Hill and on main campus through Monday, Dec. 1. If you are able to contribute, please visit our sign-up link for details at https://www.timetosignup.com/sgpsstudentservices/sheet/1351252/.
Reach out to Lyndsay Grimm (lgrimm@messiah.edu) with any questions. Thank you in advance!
Practicing Peacemaking in Early America
Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in Boyer 336
Dr. Andrew Hermeling’s lecture will focus on the history of Native American peoples, diplomacy, and efforts at peacemaking in 18th century America. He is a 2006 graduate of Messiah University and recently earned his Ph.D. in History from Lehigh University. Dr. Hermeling has taught at the Stone Independent School, the Nativity School of Harrisburg, and Messiah University. Sponsored by the Honors Program.
Christian Faith and Academic Vocation presentation
On Wednesday, Nov. 19, Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Jesse Kleingardner will present ‘Science and Miracles’ in fulfillment of the Christian Faith and Academic Vocation requirement at the full professor level. All in the campus community are invited to join the School of Science, Engineering and Health in Alexander Auditorium (Frey 110) at 4 p.m. to hear from Jesse.
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
The Office of the Provost has an opening for a full-time associate provost. 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/30515.
The Office of Residence Life has an opening for a full-time interim residence life educator. Job related questions may be directed to Doug Wood at dwood@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30557.
The Admissions Office 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/30325.
Graduate Studies: Nursing has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Brenda Elliott at belliott@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30383.
The Engle Center has an opening for a part-time dietitian. Job related questions may be directed to Carrie Ent at cent@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30396.
The Engle Center has an opening for a full-time counselor. Job related questions may be directed to Aubrey Kleinfeld at AKleinfe@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30035.
The Engle Center has an opening for a full-time interim counselor. Job related questions may be directed to Aubrey Kleinfeld at AKleinfe@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30472.
Dining Services has an opening for a part-time PM cook. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29703.
Dining Services has an opening for a full-time culinary assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30236.
The Office of Development has an opening for a full-time senior regional advancement representative. Job related questions may be directed John Zeigler at jzeigler@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29719.
Campus and building services has an opening for a full-time, first shift campus and building services worker, Residence Hall, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 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/30307.
Grounds Services has an opening for a full-time groundskeeper/crew leader. Job related questions may be directed to Artie Palese at palese@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29998.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a full-time 1st shift safety officer. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29967.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a full-time 2nd-shift safety officer. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30549.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a full-time event and traffic management coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30455.
For sale
Dining room set for sale. Dining room hutch, table and six chairs for $200. Please contact skeefer@messiah.edu if you are interested.
Aldi quarter holders. These are so nice to keep handy for the quarter that you never can seem to find when you stop in at Aldi. Nice and handy to keep on your keychain or just in your car. These make great Christmas stocking stuffers. $6 each or 2/$10 – quarter included. Email me for photos: sportko@messiah.edu
Christmas time earrings! These are so cute. A great last minute Christmas gift for someone special or just for yourself. $6 each or 2/$10. Email me for pictures: sportko@messiah.edu
FREE
Small refrigerator. Available free: small cubical Haier refrigerator, about 18 inches on each side. Perfect for an office or dorm room. Must be picked up at my home near campus. Contact Ted Davis (tdavis@messiah.edu)
OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS
CWS-Harrisburg’s International Friendsgiving
Whether you missed the Agapé Center’s International Friendsgiving event, or you want to share the incredible meal and experience with friends and family, we invite you to support Church World Services-Harrisburg through purchasing a “Culturally Diverse Feast To-Go!” Messiah has been such an important part of Church World Service’s extended community of partners, helping refugee and immigrant families build stability and belonging here in the greater-Harrisburg area. International Friendsgiving is one of the main ways to support CWS-Harrisburg! Friendsgiving features meals prepared by refugee and immigrant chefs from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Venezuela, Somalia, and Syria- recipes that reflect the cultures our clients bring to Harrisburg. Community members can buy a meal for themselves or purchase one to donate directly to a newly arrived refugee family. Every order helps provide food, support, and connection. We would really appreciate your help in getting the word out- please share it with your team, clients, or network, and consider ordering meals for your office or family. You can find all the details and order online here: www.cwsharrisburg.org/friendsgiving
