Feb. 26
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Welcome
I am pleased to share that Kristen Wilson has joined the Development team as a regional advancement representative. Kristen is a very experienced professional having previously worked in both academic and non-profit settings with a primary focus on philanthropic development. Her diverse advancement related program experience and communication skills will greatly assist Messiah University with critical funding initiatives. Kristen received her Bachelor of Arts from Penn State University and a master’s in arts for teaching from Rhode Island College. Kristen lives in Mechanicsburg and is a proud Messiah former parent. We are thrilled Kristen has chosen to work at Messiah! Her new office is on the second floor of the Old Main building. If you happen to see Kristen on campus, be sure to say hello and welcome her! John Zeigler, executive director for Development
BID FAREWELL
Mark Wirtz retirement celebration
Mark Wirtz will retire in March, and we invite the campus community to join us in celebrating his 19 years of outstanding service as director of Dining Services. Throughout his tenure, Mark has made a lasting impact through his dedication to our students, his commitment to quality dining, and his leadership of a team that built a dining program second to none in higher education. He has consistently approached every challenge as an opportunity to strengthen and enhance the program. His contributions will continue to benefit our campus for years to come. Please join us at Martin Commons on March 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. to share your well wishes. Brief remarks will begin at 2:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be served. We wish Mark all the best as he begins this next chapter.
AROUND CAMPUS
Homecoming informational meeting
Thinking of hosting an open house or reunion for Homecoming 2026?
The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations is hosting an informational meeting for any departments, offices, programs or affinity groups that may be interested in hosting an open house, reunion gathering, or special event during Homecoming 2026, which will take place on October 2 – 3. Join us for a brief Homecoming 2026 open house and reunion informational meeting to learn about timelines, available support, next steps and to explore how your area can participate.
We invite you to join us on one of the following dates: Monday, March 16, 10:30-11 a.m. or Tuesday, March 17, 3-3:30 p.m. in the Eisenhower Campus Center board room. Please visit https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eLMDmZjsrXy140e to sign up.
2026 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 Thursday, May 14! Please use the links below to submit nominations from now until March 4.
Team Falcon Award: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7OFhrbzZSVSU8B0
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_0xIMS4YdnGhZqkK
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_0VzjoDOBrJ9HXIG
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_d6j3l1iuYfjTOpE
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.
Learn about health care in retirement
Are you or a loved one planning for health care in retirement? Join Everence Financial for a workshop on this topic on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. in Parmer Cinema (Boyer 137). Learn about transitioning from employer-based healthcare to Medicare, Medicare basics, coverage options and enrollment timing. Register at www.everence.com/messiah. Everence is Messiah University’s health care in retirement partner.
Division of Operations, Embracing Unreasonable Hospitality
During the shutdown of the United States Government in November 2025, SNAP benefits were halted and delayed for many Americans which seriously impacting their health and wellbeing. Heather Wisner and the Lottie Nelson culinary team of Dining Services created a program which offered complimentary Meals for Home to several Messiah University employees and their families to provide quality meals to those who were directly impacted.
Messiah University Community Cookbook — now available!
The MU Community Cookbook project is complete, and we’re excited to share it with you! Gather Around the Table: A Messiah University Community Cookbook features 105 recipes from 65 MU contributors. From around the globe and across generations, these dishes reflect a rich tapestry of our relationships with food, family and culture.
How to Get Your Copy
- Download the PDF for free
- Purchase a print copy: $10 (tax included), cash or check, available at the Murray Library circulation desk
Many thanks to everyone who contributed recipes. This project came to life because of you. Contact Sarah at smyers@messiah.edu with any questions.
NEW Garner health reimbursement benefit
We’re excited to introduce a NEW program, through Garner Health – a FREE benefit for those enrolled in the HBT’s EPO or High-deductible medical plans. This program connects members with “Garner Top Providers” – the top doctors in your network. Garner selects doctors based on real patient outcomes, ensuring they have a proven track record of accurate diagnoses and helping patients achieve better health. When you see a Garner Top Provider, you can get reimbursed for your out-of-pocket medical costs. You get the highest quality healthcare, and you save money. Garner will help cover up to $1,000 for individuals or up to $2,000 for families. Please note that expenses eligible for reimbursement begin on March 1. We encourage you to create an account and begin creating your Care Team at the following link: garner.guide/create-my-account-PAISBOA Create your free Garner account between now and March 31 to be entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card! For easier management of your benefits, download the Garner Health app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Look for upcoming emails to register for a 30-minute virtual education session or contact Jennifer Smithmyer at ext. 7086 for more information.
Leaning Into the Tension: How Messiah Embraces Seemingly Incompatible Ideas in Its Marketing and Mission
Monday, March 2, 4:30 p.m., Boyer 138
People spending any time on our campus will notice a series of ligatures, two fused-together words that prompt viewers to reconcile seemingly different ideals. On March 2, an administrator in our Marketing and Communications office, a philosophy professor, and an alumna will each share their thoughts on these ligatures and more broadly about how areas of difference might come to be reconciled. A time for Q&A will follow their presentations. This panel is sponsored by the University Honors Program and open to all.
Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present “The Spring Senior Series”, an evening of performance created and presented by department seniors
Feb. 27- March 1 in Poorman Black Box Theater, Climenhaga Building.
The Spring Senior Series will feature performances created by seniors Julia Itson, Adahlee Schroeder, Clara Bellot and Eleanor Mund. Each date will include two of the three performances.
The Spring Senior Series
Feb. 27- 28 at 8 p.m.
March 1 at 3 p.m.
Poorman Black Box Theater, Climenhaga Building
“The Stories We Tell”
Created by Adahlee Schroeder
Performances: Friday, Feb. 27 and Sunday, March 1
“Drama and Dragons”
Created by Julia Itson
Performances: Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28
“Moral of the Story”
Created by Clara Bellot and Eleanor Mund
Performances: Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at messiah.edu/tickets, by phone at 717-691-6036, or at the door as available.
Changes to cash advance eligibility and processes
With the implementation of Oracle, we have made updates to both the cash advance process and eligibility requirements. Effective immediately, employee only domestic or international travel is no longer eligible for a cash advance, except in limited situations for advances over $500 that receive documented approval from the vice president of Finance and Planning. Traveling employees should use available payment options such as P Card, ACH payments, or wire transfers. Out-of-pocket business expenses may be submitted for Employee Reimbursement through Oracle. Employees that do not currently have a P Card, may request a temporary P-Card for travel by emailing pcard@messiah.edu. Employees traveling with students, domestically or internationally, may request cash advances through Oracle when necessary. We strongly encourage the use of P Cards, including international only ATM withdrawals, as well as ACH or wire payments, whenever possible. Questions? Please contact accounting@messiah.edu.
https://messiah.qualtrics.com/WRQualtricsSurveyEngine/File.php?F=F_2TSsvt8wCGkTVej
Vienna Boys Choir presents “Made in Austria”
March 5, 7:30 p.m.
Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts, Parmer Hall Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series The illustrious group of child musicians has been delighting music lovers across the globe for six centuries with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and diverse repertoire which includes everything from medieval to contemporary to experimental music. These gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty are part of four touring choirs that hail from dozens of nations and together give over 300 concerts a year around the world. The Fort Worth Star Telegram raves “There’s no more gratifying sound than that of children singing. And there’s no more polished ensemble of children’s voices than the Vienna Boys Choir.” The program “Made in Austria” focuses on a variety of Austrian music throughout the centuries. $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.
“Why Confess? Augustine and the Lost Art of Confession in an Age When Everything Else is Wrong” lecture by Christopher Perrin
Wednesday, March 4, 7:30pm, Frey 110 In an age quick to diagnose everyone else’s errors, Augustine’s Confessions invites us into the radical and liberating practice of self-examination and confession before God. This presentation will explore why confession is not weakness but wisdom — the beginning of clarity, humility, and true freedom in a culture addicted to blame. Sponsored by the Honors Program. All are welcome.
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.
Desktop computers: Please leave all desktop (adjunct/student employee) computers powered on. The computers will go into sleep mode for energy savings, but keeping the computers on allows system updates and other check-ins to complete with Messiah’s network.
Qualtrics authentication: You can require students or employees to log in with their Messiah credentials when completing a survey. This ensures the participant is a verified Messiah user and allows Qualtrics to automatically populate details like their name and email for more tailored survey and email responses.
Qualtrics approval surveys: You can now use a survey as an electronic form and build a simple workflow behind it. An approver can review the request and, with one click, trigger an automated approval or denial email to the requester.
Dynamic forms: To publish a Dynamic Form, please choose Action, URL Instructions, and copy the link for Single Sign On (for internal forms). If the form needs to be completed by an external user, please choose non-single sign on. Most forms should use the Single Sign On URL.
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
Admissions is now hiring a part-time ACS data entry processor. Job related questions may be directed to Pam Shook at pshook@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: ACS Data Entry Processor link.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a full-time second shift safety officer. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: 2nd shift safety officer link.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a full-time first shift safety officer. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: 1st shift safety officer link.
Campus and Building Services has an opening for a part-time 1st shift worker. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: cbs pt first shift link.
Campus and Building Services has an opening for a full-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: cbs ft 3rd shift link.
Job applications are now being accepted for the full-time position of director of dining services. Job related questions may be directed Kathie Shafer at kshafer@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: director of dining services link.
Job applications are now being accepted for the full-time position of manager, natural sciences laboratory program. Job related questions may be directed Anne Reeve at areeve@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: manager, natural sciences laboratory program link.
The Office of Residence Life has an opening for a full-time residence life educator. Job related questions may be directed to Doug Wood at dwood@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: RLE posting link.
