Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
Proverbs 2:9
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Faculty publication on Messiah’s Philly campus
David Weaver-Zercher, professor of American religious history, published an illustrated article in the December issue of Brethren in Christ History and Life, titled “Freshmen Weekend Seminars: Messiah College’s Philadelphia Campus and the Challenge of Antiracist Education, 1968-1974.” The article explores a curricular initiative in the early 1970s in which all first-year Messiah students spent a weekend at Messiah’s Philadelphia campus in North Philadelphia, learning about American-style racism. The article is available in Mosaic, Messiah’s institutional repository, at: https://messiah.hykucommons.org/concern/generic_works/b46450b4-6566-4001-8474-43c05b3bf546?locale=en
Peter Powers Moderates MLA panel on Christianity, Literature, and Politics
Peter Powers, professor of English and director of the Center for Public Humanities, moderated a panel at the annual convention of the Modern Language Association, held Jan. 8 – 11 in Toronto. The panel, a session sponsored by the Conference on Christianity and Literature, focused on Christianity, Literature, and Politics, and included a wide variety of papers focused on topics in British, African American, Indian, and other literatures. Professor Powers serves as president of the Conference on Christianity and Literature.
BID FAREWELL
Mark Wirtz retirement announcement, March 16
It is with deep appreciation and mixed emotions that I announce the retirement of Mark Wirtz, director of dining services, effective March 16. Mark has spent 50 years in the food service industry, including the past 19 years at Messiah. Since joining the University in December 2006, he has been instrumental in setting a high standard of excellence for our dining program.
Mark’s focus has always been on creating a quality dining experience that truly wows our customers. He has built a strong culinary and management team dedicated to putting students and guests first. In an ever-changing food landscape, Mark introduced a flexible meal plan offering students more options, expanded menu showcasing diverse culinary styles, and enhanced accommodations for food sensitivities and allergies. Under his leadership, the dining program also increased revenue through Two Bridges Catering and strong fiscal management across all operations.
During his time at Messiah, Mark coordinated many large-scale catering events, from campaign kickoffs and celebrations to Messiah Christmas and Gala events. Thousands of guests have attended these gatherings, often commenting that Messiah offers the best fine dining experience in the Harrisburg region. Mark and his team’s commitment to excellence have made dining services an important partner for the work of both the Development and President’s Offices.
We wish Mark the best in his retirement, where he plans to spend time on his boat and volunteer with the Coast Guard. We look forward to celebrating Mark, in person, on March 6.
Farewell and Welcome
The Department of Nursing bids farewell to Sandy Oravec, administrative assistant, Graduate Program in Nursing. Sandy started at Messiah in Oct of 2022 and for three years she served as a part time administrative assistant for graduate nursing and graduate nutrition and dietetics. In her time with us in grad nursing, she played a key role in challenging us to be innovative and rethink our processes. Her support through a major curricular revision was steadfast. She is the epitome of a professional while being thoughtful, kind, and caring. She will be deeply missed.
Fortunately, Sandy will remain at Messiah in a part-time capacity, serving Graduate Nutrition and Dietetics. We are happy that she will be located just a few floors above us in Kline and we can see her from time to time. We wish her all the best in her transition.
We would like to welcome Dominic Bornman as the new administrative assistant, Graduate Program in Nursing. Dominic started his role on Jan. 5 and will be working in a part-time capacity. He grew up in the Camp Hill-Mechanicsburg area. We are delighted to have him join our team. If you see him around campus, please extend a warm welcome.
Brenda Elliott
Director, Graduate Program in Nursing
AROUND CAMPUS
Passport Service Day
Are you planning to travel? Do you, your spouse, or do your children need a passport? Come by Eisenhower Commons on Thursday, Jan. 22 for Passport Service Day! Representatives from the Cumberland County Court House will be on campus outside the Falcon between 10:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. to process NEW passport applications. Passport photo services will also be available. Applicants need to bring the following documents to apply for a passport:
- Completed application (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport.html)
- Original birth certificate and a photocopy of birth certificate
- Driver’s license and a photocopy of the driver’s license (Copy of both the front and back of the driver’s license on the same side of the page)
- Non-PA residents also need to bring their Messiah ID and a photocopy of their ID
- Fees: – $130 check or money order, written to the U.S. Department of State – $35 cash or check, written to the Prothonotary’s Office – If passport photos are needed: $10 cash or check, written to Messiah University If you have any questions, please contact the Agapé Center at agapecenter@messiah.edu. *Please note that this event is only for NEW applicants.
SAB Concerts Presents: Jervis Campbell with opener, Jordy Searcy
The Messiah University Student Activities Board is excited to hold our first major concert on campus, since 2019! Tickets are on sale now at the Box Office and via Purple Pass for an amazing night of music on campus with Jervis Campbell as the headlining act and Jordy Searcy as the opener on Feb. 21 in Brubaker Auditorium. Student tickets are $10 and General Admission is $25. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Feel free to share this amazing opportunity with community members, local youth groups, or anyone else you may feel could be interested! Any questions about the show can be directed to Curtis Kurtz at ckurtz@messiah.edu. We hope to see you there! You do not want to miss it! Get Your Tickets Here: https://www.purplepass.com/events/342502-jervis-campbell-live-in-concert%2C-featuring-opener%2C-feb-21st-2026
Let us help you welcome your alumni guests!
As you may know, the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations coordinate the Visiting Alumni Initiative Program. Our goal is to ensure that all alumni who visit campus feel welcome and at home. We offer a variety of benefits to our alumni guests, including a gift bag, a reserved parking spot, and a thank you note. Please let us know if you plan to host an alumnus/alumna on campus this semester, and we will do our best to make sure they have every necessity for a great visit. To request a gift bag/parking spot/thank you note for your alumni guest, please click on the “Visiting Alumni Registration” card in Falcon Link. To enter a new guest, click on “Add New Visit” in the upper right-hand corner of the form. Thank you for your participation, The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations
Alumni Awards 2026 – Your input is needed!
The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations seek 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 6. The nomination form can be found at: https://www.messiah.edu/alumni-relations/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!
Operations division’s focus on Unreasonable Hospitality
Facilities Services
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.
While some departments enjoy a quieter pace during Christmas break, Facilities Services uses this window to complete essential projects that are only possible while students are away. This year was no exception, as the team successfully tackled several high priority improvements across campus.
The most significant effort focused on the Lottie kitchen, where aging tile flooring needed to be replaced with a more durable epoxy surface. The project required detailed planning and close coordination among the Facilities team, the flooring contractor, and Dining services.
Before work could begin, staff removed and disconnected all kitchen equipment, tables, and cooking supplies. Once the new flooring was installed, the team worked efficiently to restore plumbing, electrical systems, and equipment connections—ensuring the dining team could resume meal preparation in time for students’ return.
This project showcased exemplary collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering high quality campus environments. Thanks to the dedication of everyone involved, the Lottie kitchen reopened with a new floor and updated infrastructure, ready to serve our students and staff once again.
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
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: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29967.
Campus Ministries has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant/chapel coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Emily Bingham at ebingham@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30709.
Facility Services has an opening for a full-time administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Brian Miller at bemiller@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30665.
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 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.
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: PT PM cook link .
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.
The School of Arts, Culture and Society is now hiring a full-time administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Emerson Powery at epowery@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: School of Arts, Culture & Society Admin Assistant.
Academic Accessibility is now hiring a part-time student care coordinator. Job related questions may be directed Amy Slody at aslody@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Student Care Coordinator link.
Free
Murray Library has 6 well-used wooden chairs with fabric seats and backs available for free. Four tan, one red, and one dark brown. Contact Tracy at tsheaffer@messiah.edu if interested in one or all.
Home electric organ. We are looking to give away our electric home organ to either an individual or a church/school. Interested parties must be able to pick it up at our home in Etters. Email: Sfunck@messiah.edu
