For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend;
So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty.
Job 6:14
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Raeann Hamon, distinguished professor of family science and gerontology, and three FCS students — Kathrine Beck, Jordyn Thompson, and Isabella Benner– attended the PA Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Conference in Summerdale. Hamon participated in a panel entitled “What’s Happening at our FCS University Programs.” Raeann was also presented the 2024 Outstanding Family and Consumer Science Professional Award. Her nominators lauded her work as impacting “not only the FCS Education students at Messiah, but also K-12 student across the Commonwealth and the Northeast United State. Dr. Hamon has strong collaboration skills, forming partnerships with colleagues, students and community stakeholders. She continues to hone her skills through professional development opportunities, staying abreast of current trends, and acting as a role model for aspiring professionals.”
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Messiah University was well represented at the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting and Exhibition, April 14 – 16, in Lancaster, Pa.
Kaitlin Gill, assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics, serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is the current president-elect of the organization. Kaitlin was heavily involved in planning the event as speaker co-chair, served as a judge of the poster presentations, and presided over the awards ceremony luncheon.
Senior nutrition and dietetics majors Will Bray, Jarrett Hoy, Tim Song, Kathleen DiCarlo, Ellie Kauruter and Jamie Zuber presented the research carried out as part of a two semester research course series taught by Amy Porto, professor of nutrition and dietetics and director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Graduate students in Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI), Cera Connolly, Sara Masker, Larae Rhine, Megan Riley, Tyler Kuykendall, and Andrew Dudley, also presented their research carried out with community partners and mentored by Michelle Sanford, senior lecturer in dietetics and director of the MS/DI. Both Amy and Michelle attended the conference in support of their students.
Leah Smock, associate director of enrollment for graduate and professional studies, participated as a vendor sharing information about Messiah’s nutrition programs. Messiah University’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship was a Bronze Sponsor of the conference.
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Congratulations to Jennifer L. Good, administrative assistant to the dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Health on her recent promotion to the position of state authorization, licensure and compliance manager at Messiah, beginning May 16. In this full-time role, Jennifer will report to the associate provost and will lead University-wide state authorization, state licensure, financial value transparency (FVT), and gainful employment (GE) compliance. This is a new position, created in response to federal regulations announced in September 2023. Jennifer will support enrollment management and chairs/program directors in communication with current and prospective students and alumni regarding state licensure questions and will coordinate the data collection process across campus offices for filing of compliance reports related to FVT and GE. She has a professional background in compliance, is skilled in establishing structures that are effective and understandable and is known for her careful attention to detail.
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Dr. Kim Fenstermacher, assistant dean of nursing, will be stepping down from her Messiah position effective June 14 and will begin as dean of the School of Nursing at Palm Beach Atlantic University on Aug. 1. We are grateful for Kim’s excellent leadership of both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in her six years of service to Messiah. Under her leadership, the undergraduate nursing program has been ranked #1 in Pennsylvania, due to a student first-time NCLEX pass rate of 100% in all but one of those years. The program has been named a Best Undergraduate Nursing program by U.S. News and World Report, a Nursing College of Distinction (collegesofdistinction.com), and a Top-Ranked Nursing School (RegisteredNursing.org). In 2020-21, while navigating a myriad of COVID-related challenges, Kim led the department in writing the self-study and preparing for a 2021-22 accreditation review of the BSN, MSN and DNP programs that achieved full accreditation renewal of all programs with no concerns. More recently in Summer/Fall 2023 Kim worked with Messiah Lifeways to submit a proposal for PA approval to launch a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Kim is a consummate professional, a compelling educator, a published scholar and a widely known leader in her field.
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I am pleased to announce that Dr. Emerson Powery, interim dean of the School of Arts, Culture and Society and professor of Biblical studies, has agreed to serve as dean of the School of Arts, Culture, and Society, effective immediately. Dr. Powery’s leadership and dedication to the faculty and students at Messiah University during his tenure as interim dean have been exemplary, and I look forward to his continued leadership.
I am also pleased to announce that Dr. Kerry Hasler-Brooks, associate professor of English and chair, Department of Language, Literature and Writing, has agreed to serve as assistant dean of the School of Arts, Culture and Society, effective August 1. The contributions Dr. Hasler-Brooks has made as department chair and in university-wide committee service have been outstanding. We look forward to her leadership, expertise and vision in this new role.
I am grateful for their service to the School of Arts, Culture and Society and to the University more broadly and look forward to their leadership in fulfilling our institutional mission.
Alison R. Noble
Interim Provost
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We are so very grateful to every member of our Messiah community for the contributions you make each and every day. We would especially like to recognize our performance award recipients: President’s Award – Shannon Bivens and Drew White; Pride in Performance Award – Virgil Angeles, Aubrey Kleinfeld, Artie “Bud” Palese, Stephanie Patterson and Leah Smock; Team Falcon Award – ITS security enhancements team – Joe Bennett, Dan Campbell, Lew Gladfelter, Chad Keene, Allen Snook, Neil Weaver and Tony Wyland; and the Road to Reconciliation Award – Using technology to advance inclusive excellence – Rocky Allinger, Joe Bennett, Sara Brenneman, Cindi Kerns and Hannah McBride. The attached document lists these winners, along with our full-time faculty, staff, and administrative employees reaching milestone years of service; and our adjunct professors who have reached significant load unit categories in the last four years. All employees are invited to our Employee Recognition Picnic on May 13.
BID FAREWELL
After 25 years of dedicated teaching and research mentoring in the Biological Sciences at Messiah University, it is time to bid farewell to Larry Mylin as he embarks on a new chapter of life: retirement!
Please stop by and join us for a celebratory gathering filled with memories, stories and well wishes as we celebrate Larry’s remarkable career and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Date: May 7
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Venue: Second floor lounge – Jordan Science Center
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After 19 years of service to Messiah, Christy Hanson, dean of experiential learning and leadership development, is leaving to pursue a new opportunity as director of training and development with Clark Associates. Christy started her career at Messiah in the Career Center. As director, she oversaw the merging of career services and the internship program to form the Career and Professional Development Center. Christy co-chaired the task force that developed and implemented the Experiential Learning Initiative and co-chaired the ELI oversight committee. As part of her role as dean of experiential learning and leadership development, she created and managed the Student Leadership Institute, a comprehensive leadership development program for approximately 150 student leaders and advisors at Messiah – a program that has inspired leadership development initiatives at other CCCU institutions. Christy has been actively involved in the Community of Educators during her time at Messiah, consistently seeking to foster connections between curricular and cocurricular programs. Christy’s last day will be May 17. Please join us in acknowledging her and the imprint she has left on Messiah at an open house reception in Howe Atrium on Friday, May 10, anytime from 1 to 3 p.m.
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After nine years serving the campus community in the department of safety, Bryce Wickard is moving to Pittsburgh. Please join us in the Howe Atrium on Tuesday, May 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to celebrate Bryce and wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his life journey. Light refreshments will be served. Best Wishes, Bryce!
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After 28 years, this will be my final semester at Messiah University. I want to express my appreciation for the many wonderful friendships I have made with people across campus during my time here. It has been an honor to serve alongside you. For those who wish to stay in touch, my email address is eric.seibert.phd@gmail.com.
–Eric A. Seibert, professor of Old Testament
AROUND CAMPUS
School of Science, Engineering and Health Symposium
The 21st Annual Symposium of the School of Science, Engineering and Health will be held on Friday, May 3 in Frey, Jordan, and Kline academic buildings. The work of more than 283 co-authors (students from within the school, off campus collaborators and Messiah University faculty mentors) will be represented in ninety-four presentations. Oral and poster presentations will be given in multiple venues throughout the day. 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. A number of 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!
Susquehanna Chorale to Present 2024 Spring Concert Series
The Susquehanna Chorale will present its Spring concert series, “A Thousand Beautiful Things” on May 17-19 under the direction of Linda L. Tedford.
The series begins on Friday, May 17 at Derry Presbyterian Church, Hershey, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 18 at Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 19 at The Calvin and Janet High Center for Performing Arts, Messiah University, 4 p.m.
The inspiration for the Chorale’s 2024 spring concerts comes from Craig Hella Johnson’s setting of the Annie Lennox piece, 1000 Beautiful Things. It describes the beauty of life and encourages us to savor those exquisite moments that cause us to pause and appreciate what we have. The program includes Handel’s Sing Unto God, Thomas Tallis’s If Ye Love Me, Mendelsohn’s Richte Mich Gott, as well as Ola Gjeilo’s Iam Sol Recedit and Lux Beata Trinitas. The Chorale will perform gospel spirituals such as Walk Together Children by Anthony Leach and a men’s barbershop-style version of It is Well with my Soul.
The plaintive sound of the oboe and cello will be interwoven throughout the concert and featured in the moving David’s Lamentation and the well-known Gabriel’s Oboe. The concert will conclude with the beloved favorites, When I Fall in Love and “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha.
Chorale accompanist Daniel Dorty, along with guest artists, Jill Haley, oboe, and John Caldwell, cello, will present a pre-concert recital 15 minutes prior to each program. The recital will feature music written by Haley, who is the resident composer for the National Parks.
New this year is our Livestream/On-Demand option! For tickets, visit
www.susquehannachorale.org/performances or call the Messiah University Box Office at 717.691.6036 and choose option 1.
Employee Recognition Picnic – Monday, May 13
All employees are invited to our annual Employee Recognition Picnic, where we celebrate those reaching milestone years of service and performance award recipients. This year the event will be held on Monday, May 13, at Larsen Student Union. Come anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to enjoy lunch from a food truck, fellowship, music, and outdoor games. Please see the attached invitation for more details and menu options.
Hersheypark tickets online – Flash Sale
The Messiah University Community Discount Program is excited to announce that Hersheypark is offering Messiah University an online exclusive savings on tickets. This limited time offer:
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Business Women’s Forum to be Held at Messiah May 15
Messiah University is hosting the 30th Anniversary Business Women’s Forum (BWF) on Wednesday, May 15 at the High Center. The BWF is the largest one-day professional development conference for women in the central Pennsylvania region. This event is organized by the Carlisle Area Chamber and West Shore Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation. Messiah is a member of both Chambers and this one-day event is wonderful opportunity for business women of all professional levels to network, create business contacts, and develop additional leadership skills in a motivational and supportive environment. You can find more information and registration details at the event website – https://wschamber.org/business-womens-forum-is-next-month-will-you-be-joining-us/
Important undergraduate commencement information for employees
Schedule and details
Messiah University will be hosting Commencement weekend for the undergraduate Class of 2024 on May 10-11.
- To view schedule/details for Baccalaureate on Friday, May 10, visit https://www.messiah.edu/info/20302/events/384/baccalaureate.
- To view schedule/details for the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, visit https://www.messiah.edu/info/20302/events/401/commencement_ceremony.
Members of the Community of Educators should have already received information from the Provost’s Office regarding their participation in Commencement weekend. Faculty, staff and administrators who are participating in the Commencement ceremony itself have received, or will soon receive, an email memo regarding their role in the ceremony from the Commencement Committee. If you have any questions regarding Commencement, please contact Carla Gross, co-chair of the Undergraduate Commencement Committee, at ext. 6940 or cgross@messiah.edu.
Important employee parking information for Baccalaureate (Friday, May 10)
- From 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., the VV (Visitor’s lot) will be closed to employees so families of our graduates have access to parking for Commencement-related activities.
- For Baccalaureate, Department of Safety personnel will direct guests to designated parking areas on campus. Guests will walk to Eisenhower Campus Center. There is no shuttle service provided that evening. Note: Messiah employees do not receive reserved parking for Baccalaureate. It is also important to note that Baccalaureate is a ticketed event; see the Commencement web site for details.
- If you have questions regarding parking for guests with a disability, visit https://www.messiah.edu/info/20305/visitor_resources/407/parking.
Important employee parking information for Commencement day (Saturday, May 11).
- Members of the Community of Educators and other employees who are marching in the processional or participating in the Commencement ceremony will receive a reserved parking pass via campus mail from the Provost’s Office (educators) or directly from their supervisor (staff/administrators). Drivers MUST show their parking pass to traffic control personnel upon entering campus to be directed to their designated reserved parking areas.
- All other employees who will be working at the Commencement ceremony will receive parking instructions with their assignment.
- Due to the significantly increased volume of traffic on campus for Commencement, the Department of Safety strongly encourages all employees to arrive on campus no later than 8:15 a.m. to alleviate being delayed in traffic, and to assist in being directed to their reserved parking areas on campus.
- It is also extremely important to follow all parking direction and instruction from safety personnel while entering and leaving campus, as traffic conditions can change quickly and officers are not able to stop traffic flow to have conversation with individual drivers.
Tech Support – Did you know?
- 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.
- May Development Week and throughout the summer is a great time for laptop tune-ups! Please contact us at techsupport@messiah.edu, call 717-796-4444, or come to the first floor of Old Main if you have any issue that you have found yourself ‘living with’ all year that you would like to address. Tune-ups may take 2 or more hours to complete, and are completed on a first come, first served basis.
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
Applications are now being accepted for a full-time director of certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities. Job related questions may be directed to Angela Hare at ahare@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/27014
The Department of Safety has an opening for a full-time director of safety. Job related questions may be directed to Kathie Shafer at kshafer@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26988.
Procurement has an opening for a full-time purchasing systems coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Stephanie Sechrist at ssechrist@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26899.
Admissions has an opening for temporary traveling recruiter. Job related questions may be directed to Libby Curd at lcurd@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26894.
Admissions has an opening for a part-time admissions transfer assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Rusty Hoffman at rhoffman@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26894.
The School of Science, Engineering and Health has an opening for a full-time administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Angela Hare at ahare@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26973
Athletics has an opening for a full-time director of athletic communication. Job related questions may be directed to Sarah Gustin Hamrock at sgustinhamrock@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26846.
The Career and Professional Development Center has an opening for a full-time events and administrative coordinator. Job related questions may be related to Ashley Jones at ajones@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26777.
Athletics has an opening for a part-time summer lifeguard. Job related questions can be directed to Joshua Clarke at jclarke@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26788.
The Department of Residence Life has an opening for a full-time director of Residence Life. Job related questions may be directed to Doug Wood at dwood@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26690.
Murray Library has an opening for a full-time evening circulation supervisor. Job related questions may be directed to Sarah Myers at smyers@messiah.edu (librarian). For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26763.
The Department of Engineering has an opening for a full-time director, Collaboratory for Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research. Job related questions may be directed to Brian Swartz at bswartz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26566.
Campus and Building services have a variety of full and part-time openings. Job related questions can be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu
Campus and Building Services is now accepting applications for summer high school workers. Job related questions may be directed to Denise Blackley at dblackley@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26554.
For sale
Items for sale below. For additional information on any of the items please email: sportko@messiah.edu
- Spider Plants in mason jars. $10. So cute in mason jars where you can watch them sprout and grow. They grow perfectly in water, no soil needed. Jars available with the word faith in white or the word grace in glass etching. More photos available upon request: sportko@messiah.edu
- 2024 Graduation t-shirts. New. $15 each. More photos and sizes available by request.
For rent
The commute to Messiah University dragging you down? It’s harder to find closer housing than Oakwood Hills Apartments. The beautifully designed apartments of Oakwood Hills offer the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and style. The dedicated team ensures your satisfaction every step of the way. From responsive maintenance to community events, you’ll notice Oakwood Hills provides a 10/10 product. Current Messiah employees and graduate students are eligible for rental discounts. Visit Oakwood Hills at https://oakwoodhills.rentpmi.com/ or call to schedule a tour at 717-590-8883.
Needed
Cats need a good home. I have two 8-year-old sister cats looking for a new home. Both Luna and Marcie are house trained and people-friendly. They are both black medium haired cats. They’ve always been together but would also be fine on their own. Free cat tower included! If interested, please email me at lneal@messiah.edu.
