“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”.
1 Peter 1:3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Murray Library honored for Excellence in Innovation
Congratulations to the staff of Murray Library, which just received the annual Award for Excellence in Innovation (2026) from the Association of Christian Librarians (ACL). This honor recognizes the library’s innovative AI instructional workshops for students, educators and staff that promote ethical and effective use of AI. This library’s award-winning work will be featured on the ACL’s website in the coming year, and librarian Liz Kielly will be a featured presenter on the topic at the upcoming ACL annual conference in June. More evidence of excellence at Messiah University!
Todd Goranson – invited speaker on musicians’ health at The Ohio State University
Todd Goranson, DMA, BSN, RN, professor of music, was an invited speaker at The Ohio State University for the 2026 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Symposium on March 14, presenting a talk titled “Growing Resilience, Mindset, and Identity through Practice”. The symposium is the largest professional gathering of saxophonists in North America, with approximately 2000 attendees.
BID FAREWELL
Retirement of Dr. Raeann Hamon, distinguished professor of family science and gerontology
After 40 years of dedicated service to Messiah University, the Department of Human Development and Family Science announces the retirement of Dr. Raeann Hamon. Dr. Hamon has served the university with distinction for four decades, including 31 years as chair of the HDFS department and one year as interim dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences. Since 2005, she has held the rank of distinguished professor. A Fellow of the National Council on Family Relations, she has published numerous books and scholarly articles—many co-authored with students—reflecting her deep commitment to mentoring students in research and writing. Throughout her career, Dr. Hamon has invested significantly in innovative teaching and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. She also created two intergenerational programs for her aging courses that foster meaningful relationships between college students and older adults. In addition, she developed the gerontology minor and helped facilitate the creation of several other minors and programs. Raeann has facilitated increased resources for the HDFS department, securing a few scholarships specifically for HDFS students. Raeann co-initiated the HDFS department’s Student Research and Professional Development Endowment (to support student research and conference attendance), as well as the Dorothy Gish Women in Leadership Endowment Awards.
As a department, we are especially grateful for the collegial spirit Raeann brought to our work. As current HDFS chair Paul Johns notes, “Raeann has been an incredibly supportive, patient and encouraging colleague.” Her leadership helped nurture a positive departmental climate where both faculty and students could thrive. The breadth of Raeann’s influence through her teaching, scholarship and mentorship will be felt for years to come. We are deeply thankful for Dr. Hamon’s many contributions to Messiah University and for her commitment to the academic and spiritual growth of her students. We wish her great joy and fulfillment in retirement.
We will be joining together for a reception on April 15 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in Boyer 136 (Howe Atrium). All are welcome to attend the celebration. We are asking for everyone to share a memory, photo or add a word to her word wall, to catalog her 40 years in higher education. All of these should be shared by April 10 by using the following Qualtrics survey. Please also RSVP at this link. https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5hB6KssFDCuyhRI
AROUND CAMPUS
2026 Library Student Research Grant Award
Educators, please share this opportunity for a $1,000 research grant with eligible students!
The 2026 Library Student Research Grant application deadline is Friday, April 3. This competitive grant, sponsored by Friends of Murray Library, provides funds for Messiah students who will be seniors in the 2026-2027 academic year to work on their senior honors projects or senior capstone projects.
This is a great opportunity to experience a taste of graduate school or professional-level research using both Murray Library’s print and digital collections as well as other relevant research materials for their chosen topic located at other institutions or organizations.
Proposals are selected for funding by an interdisciplinary panel of judges chaired by Sarah Fischer, co-chair of Friends of Murray Library. The grantee will be awarded $1,000 in the spring for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grant recipients will present an overview of their project and research process at the Friends Annual Dinner in the fall of 2026 or alternative venue as appropriate. Award recipients will be announced Monday, April 27.
Applications are being received online. See the Friends website for more information.
Department of Theatre and Dance presents: “Hansel & Gretel”
Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present the spring opera production of Hansel & Gretel in Miller Theater on March 26-29! Tickets are on sale now and are buy-one-get-one free for opening night!
Hansel & Gretel
By Engelbert Humperdinck
English translation by Constance Bache
Directed by Dr. Damian Savarino
Conducted by Dr. Timothy Dixon
Choreography by Gregg Hurley
March 26 – 28 at 8 p.m.
March 29 at 3 p.m.
Miller Theater, Climenhaga Building
This magical opera, based on the Brothers Grimm story, boasts one of the most beautiful scores in the repertory and begins with two hungry siblings venturing into the forest looking for food. Their adventures include finding a house made of candy and outwitting a witch who wants to turn them into yummy desserts. Eventually mother and father find them safe and sound and the whole family rejoices in gratitude for being reunited. Come and witness one of the most enchanting operas ever written!
Estimated run time: 2 hours and 15 minutes, including intermission
Tickets: $15—Adults; $12—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 10 or more.
New! Data Visualization Camp
Discover the power of coding and creativity!
Turn data into art this summer at Messiah University’s Data Visualization camp, taking place June 22-25! This immersive day camp introduces high school students entering 9th through 12th grade to the exciting world of data visualization with the programming language Python. Students will learn how to turn raw data into compelling charts, interactive dashboards, and AI-assisted insights, while experiencing a taste of faith-based learning at a Christian University.
Space is limited, so register soon! Find all the details here: https://www.messiah.edu/datacamp.
Scholarships and discounts:
• Messiah employees receive a 10% discount when registering their dependents. Contact datacamp@messiah.edu for the discount code.
• Scholarships are available. Contact datacamp@messiah.edu for more information.
Three Views on the Atonement
March 19, 4:30 p.m., Frey 110
At the heart of the Christian faith is the belief that we can be reconciled to God and have the hope of glory because of Jesus Christ. However, not all Christians now or through church history have been in total agreement about the precise way in which this reconciliation between God and humans operates. To shed light on different historic Christian views of the atonement and to help us pursue the university’s mission of maturing Christian faith, a panel of area ministers will speak on Thursday, March 19 at 4:30 p.m. in Alexander Auditorium [Frey 110] about how they view the atonement.
Panelists are: Pastor Jeremy Hetrick, Lead Pastor at Redeeming Grace Church; Fr. Timothy Hojnicki, Rector at Holy Apostles Orthodox Church; and Pastor Hank Johnson (’04), Senior Pastor Harrisburg BIC Church. This event is sponsored by the Honors Program. All are welcome.
Service Day – Sign up to serve!
The Agapé Center’s Department for Service Learning and Community Engagement is excited to share more than 35 projects will be taking place on campus and within the surrounding community for Service Day. Our project leaders are working behind the scenes to provide diverse and impactful experiences. You simply need to sign up and show up! All service opportunities are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. FREE T-shirts will be provided to those who sign up prior to March 31. Check out our website (https://www.messiah.edu/agape-center/service-learning/service-day) to learn more and register for a project. We can’t wait to serve with you on April 9!
Sow and Grow today!
Get ready for the first day of Spring with a planting event! Stop by Murray Library from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. to plant your own zinnia flower and learn more about our Seed Library! Scoop your own soil into a small container, add water and take home to watch your flower grow!
Seed Library Lunch and Learn
Join us in the library Athenaeum on Wednesday, March 25 at noon as we welcome Jennifer Miller, co-manager of the nursery at Ashcombe Farm, to discuss native plants and pollinators and learning tips and tricks in the garden. This presentation will promote sustainability at home or on campus. This event is open to the public.
Summer student hiring reminder
As a reminder, hiring requests for summer student employees are due by April 2. If your department plans to have any student employees this summer, please submit a summer hiring request via Oracle for each student that will be working.
Additional information about summer student employment can be found here: https://www.messiah.edu/studentemployment/_files/summer_hiring_information.pdf
If you have any questions about hiring student employees for the summer, contact Belinda Conrad, student employment coordinator, ext. 2900 or studentemployment@messiah.edu.
Unreasonable Hospitality in Department of Safety
Hospitality may not be the first word people associate with a safety department, but at its core, our work is about care. The concept of “unreasonable hospitality,” challenges our team to go beyond basic service and intentionally look for ways to support and value the people we serve. In the Safety Department, that mindset shapes how we approach our responsibilities each day. Sometimes hospitality looks like helping a lost visitor find their way across campus, assisting a student who is locked out of a residence hall, or walking someone safely to their car after a late class. At other times, it takes a different form, and one that may not initially feel like hospitality at all. Accountability can be an important form of care. When a safety officer addresses unsafe behavior, issues a parking citation or follows up on a concern, the goal is not punishment but protection. These actions help maintain a safe, orderly campus where everyone can learn, work and thrive. Unreasonable hospitality means we do not simply enforce rules and move on. We communicate respectfully, explain the reason behind policies and treat every interaction with dignity. It also means following up when concerns are reported and ensuring people know they have been heard. The goal for the Department of Safety is safety and trust, and lack of accountability damages the ability for the department to support the campus with equity and erodes trust. Safety is not just about responding to problems, but it is about serving our community with excellence and representing the love of God on campus. Through professionalism, accountability and genuine care, our safety team strives to practice a form of hospitality that protects and supports everyone who lives, serves, or visits campus.
What’s new at the library?
See our linked newsletter. Contents include:
- Library Student Research Grant Award
- Giving Day
- Silver Star Library
- MU Community Cookbook
- Library events
- Living Library
- Recreational Reading Collection
“The State of the Church” with Ryan Burge- March 25, 7 p.m. in Hostetter Chapel
Messiah University’s mission is “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character, and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in Church and society.” Fulfilling this mission is a formidable task for the university—and for all who hope to see future generations committed to love of God and neighbor—in turbulent times for the Church.
Burge will use insights from his research to help us understand the state of the Church in the United States, answering the questions Where are we? and Where are we headed? Reserve your free ticket here: https://www.purplepass.com/ryanburge
About the Speaker: Ryan Burge (PhD, Southern Illinois University) is professor of practice at the John C. Danforth Center at Washington University in St. Louis. He is a political scientist and former American Baptist pastor of seventeen years whose research focuses on the impact of religion on American life. Burge has written widely, including for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and he has become a trusted voice for helping the church understand trends in religious life. His books include The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going (2021), 20 Myths about Religion and Politics in America (2022), and The American Religious Landscape: Facts, Trends, and the Future (2024). He also collaborated with pastors Michael Graham and Jim Davis to write The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? (2023).
Oracle budget dashboard
Budget managers can review their cost center (formerly Org) budget and actuals via the budget dashboard. Step-by-step instructions can be found at this link: https://www.messiah.edu/budget-and-accounting/_secure/oracle_budget_dashboard_guide.pdf
If you need assistance or have questions, please email us at: accounting@messiah.edu.
An Evening with Dominique Dawes – Tuesday, April 7
Parmer Hall, High Center for Worship and Performance sponsored by the President’s Office
Dominique Dawes is a three-time Olympian (Barcelona ’92, Atlanta ’96, Sydney ’00) and member of the “Magnificent Seven,” the first American team to win gold in women’s gymnastics at the 1996 Olympics. A four-time Olympic medalist, she is also a wife, mother of four and business owner. Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment and culture. For more information, visit: messiah.edu/dawes. For tickets, visit: messiah.edu/tickets
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies has an opening for a full-time Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Job related questions may be directed to Ruth Nutt at rnutt@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies link.
Dining Services has an opening for a full-time cook II-PM. Job related questions may be directed to Shannon Bivens sbivens@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: cook II PM link.
The Office 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: Director of Residence Life posting link.
The Registrar’s Office is now hiring a transfer records assistant. This is a one-to-two-year position. Job related questions may be directed to Kathee Clark kclark@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: Transfer Records Assistant 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.
