For the word of God is living and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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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Dwayne Safer, associate professor of finance, recently served as a guest lecturer at The Yale School of Management (New Haven, CT) on April 25 working with MBA students on Excel financial modeling techniques and functions.

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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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.

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Please join us for a farewell reception for Sarah Axtman, coordinator for Student Success and Engagement/admin assistant, on Tuesday May 6, from 2-4 p.m. at the Union Fireside reception area. All guests are invited to come and go based on their availability to thank Sarah for her 3 years of faithful service at Messiah in the Division of Student Success and Engagement. Sarah’s last day will be May 7. We hope you can join us for refreshments and fellowship as we celebrate Sarah and wish her well on the journey ahead.

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Dr. Joseph Huffman, currently distinguished professor of history, will retire this year after serving Messiah University for more than 30 years. Since joining the faculty in 1994, he has established himself as an internationally recognized scholar of Medieval and Renaissance Europe. He is the author of four books on the Rhineland and Anglo-German relations that include his recently published magnum opus titled Medieval Cologne: From Rhineland Metropolis to European City (A.D. 1125–1475), and nearly 200 articles, papers, and reviews. Joseph’s devotion to the study of languages such as Latin and German has made him a model of humanistic inquiry, research, and writing. In addition to his scholarship, excellence in teaching, and faith-inspired service, Dr. Huffman has worked in several administrative roles on campus as dean of the School of Humanities (now School of Arts, Culture and Society), co-founder and director of the Center for Public Humanities, and chair, Department of History. We wish him the very best as he transitions into this new chapter in life.

AROUND CAMPUS

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.

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!

Are you REAL ID ready?

On May 7, you will need a REAL ID compliant license—or another form of federally accepted identification—to fly within the United States.

Do you need a REAL ID?

Obtaining a REAL ID is optional. However, without one, you will not be permitted to board domestic flights unless you have another form of federally accepted identification.

How do I get a REAL ID?

View this link (https://www.dhs.gov/real-id) to begin the process of applying for a REAL ID.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Agapé Center (Off-Campus Programs) at agapecenter@messiah.edu or by phone at ext. 7255.

2025 Boyer and Wittlinger recipients announced

The Boyer Legacy and Wittlinger Awards section committee, which is comprised of Cynthia Wells, Devin Manzullo-Thomas and Jon Stuckey, is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients. We had a particularly stellar list of candidates this year.

2025 Boyer Legacy Award: Francyne Nichols

The Ernest L. Boyer Center annually bestows a Messiah University junior with this award in honor of the legacy of Ernest L. Boyer, Sr. Recipients demonstrate Dr. Boyer’s broad accomplishments and convictions, including his passionate commitment to viewing education as a means to solving societal challenges and his ardent emphasis that leadership is grounded in service.

This year’s recipient is Francyne Nichols. Thank you to Ling Dinse who nominated Francyne for the award.

2025 Class of 1964 Carlton Wittlinger Award: Ester Moyo

A graduate of Messiah Junior College in 1935, Dr. Wittlinger returned to Messiah and served over 35 years as a teacher and visionary administrator. The Class of 1964 Wittlinger Award seeks to honor students who demonstrate Dr. Carlton Wittlinger’s broad academic accomplishments, including his qualities of persistence and unselfish dedication, as they pursue and develop their own leadership skills.

This year’s recipient is Ester Moyo. Thank you to Bernardo Michael, Amy Nicols Villeda and Bryce Watkins who nominated Ester for the award.

Both awards carry a $2,000 cash prize.

We are grateful to the COE for all nominations and look forward to another round of awards in 2026!

Technology Support: Did you know?

• 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.
• May Development Week and throughout the summer is a great time for a laptop tune-up! Please contact us at techsupport@messiah.edu, or call 717-796-4444 to make an appointment. On campus but no appointment? No problem! Unscheduled drop-offs are also an option and are completed on a first-come, first-served basis. We will run updates on your laptop and can address any issues that you have found yourself ‘living with’ all year. Tune-ups may take two or more hours to complete, and laptops can be dropped off and picked up at the Tech Support office in Old Main.

May library newsletter

What’s new at the library? Read our latest newsletter.

Contents of our May newsletter include:

• Friends of Murray Library student research grant awardee
• Murray Library receives $20,000 grant
• Harrisburg day trip
• Librarians share about genealogy
• Friends Spotlight: Libby Coldsmith
• Exam Cram
• Murray Library participates in Service Day
• Seed Library newsletter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 wood pallets are available for pickup. Take one or take them all! Several FREE skids are available at the bottom of the Campus Store/Mail Services delivery ramp (beyond TT Lot around the back of Sollenberger Sports Center/ECC). Contact the Campus Store with any questions or if you need further directions.

Wanted

Wanted: car for sale. An international student at Messiah is looking for a car to get to their internship this summer. The student is willing to pay anywhere from $3000 – $5000. They are most interested in a Honda or Toyota with higher mileage, but willing to look at other cars as well. Please contact Amy Nicols Villeda (anicolsvilleda@messiah.edu or x2172) if you or anyone you know is selling a car. Thank you!

OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS

Susquehanna Chorale to present its 2025 Spring Concert Series, My Spirit Sang All Day

The Susquehanna Chorale will present its spring concert series, My Spirit Sang All Day, on May 16, 17, and 18, under the direction of Linda L. Tedford.

The series begins on Friday, May 16 at Derry Presbyterian Church, Hershey, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 17 at Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 at the Calvin and Janet High Center for Performing Arts, Messiah University, 4 p.m.

My Spirit Sang All Day features a varied and wonderful collection of pieces including sacred selections by Hubert Parry’s triumphant I Was Glad and Psalm 90 by Charles Ives, John Rutter’s God Be In My Head, and Shawn Kirchner’s energetic and uplifting Cornerstone. You’ll also hear Elaine Hagenberg’s The Music of Stillness, Eric Whitacre’s Sing Gently, and Randall Stroop’s Omnia Sol, followed by delightful songs including Short People, What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor, and Buffalo Gals. Let your spirit sing with us in a concert that reflects all the colors found in the kaleidoscope of our lives.

A pre-concert recital by Susquehanna Chorale accompanist, Daniel L. Dorty will be presented 15 minutes prior to each performance.

Visit www.susquehannachorale.org/performances or call the Messiah University Box Office at 717-691-6036, option 1, for tickets and information.

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