“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” That’s not just poetic fancy; it’s a profound reality. While our gardens change with the seasons, the promises of God remain unshaken.
Isaiah 40:8
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Senior nursing students and faculty mentors present at WellSpan conference
On April 8, 46 senior nursing students presented evidence-based practice projects at the 20th annual WellSpan Health Collaborative EBP and Nursing Research Conference in Camp Hill, PA. Students submitted abstracts that went through a blind peer review process and were all selected as poster presentations. One student group was also selected by Messiah Nursing faculty to deliver a podium presentation (*). Project titles, students and mentors are listed below. Congratulations to all our student presenters and faculty mentors!
Stronger Together: Family-Inclusive Weight Management Programs and Pediatric BMI Annalise Keitel, Lauren Miller, Ava Wert, Kensley Shearer, Lexi Lovern, Anna Klingler
Faculty mentor: Anna Gale, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC
Dim Lights for Quiet Nights: Improving Sleep in Pediatric Hospital Units Kairi Preston, Peyton Burleigh, Samantha Bruno, Kailey Hordinski, Allison Keller, Alexia Mitchko
Faculty mentor: Anna Gale, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC
Improving Nursing Students’ End-of-Life Care Confidence and Attitudes Using Simulation Abbi Robinson, Cristina D’Amato, Abby Thomas, Linnea Haney, Adah Kauffman
Faculty mentor: Laura Lebo, MSN, RN, CSHE
The Impact of Doulas as Continuous Labor Support on Cesarean Sections Laura Caldwell, Maya Ehst, Ariana Hamilton, Aubrey Haldeman, Caroline Gizinski, Bridget Kline
Faculty Mentor: Laura Lebo, MSN, RN, CSHE
An Analysis of Residential Treatment Programs on Improving Outcomes Among Veterans with Substance Use Disorder Norah Xenides, Kaylee Vertz, Jamie Ogburn, EliAnna Bermudez, Phoebe Lim, Kayley Garcell
Faculty mentor: Owen Smith, PhD, RN
Mobile Health Interventions: Caring for Latino People Living with HIV* Mishael Opala, Evans Mwangi, Isabel Tumey, Kate Hockman, Emma Puffenberger, Levi Leigey
Faculty mentor: Owen Smith, PhD, RN
Strategies for Reducing Emergency Department Length of Stay Kathryn Cochran, Leah Kreider, Bryanna Kuhn, Miranda Mason, Abigail Rickabaugh, Micah Zerbe
Faculty mentor: Rebekkah Stanko, DNP, RN
How Simulation of Active Shooter Events Enhance Hospital Preparedness Selam Abraham, JY Kim, Tim Eddinger, Sarah Rembold, Janelle Staver
Faculty mentor: Rebekkah Stanko, DNP, RN
College Regional Excel Championship
Congratulations to the Messiah Excel team that placed 1st in the regional competition of the Microsoft Excel College Championships (MECC) which took place on April 11 at Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT). The winning Messiah team, comprised of students in the Department of Business, included Luke Peyton, Marcos Garcia, Austin Safer, Isaac Sobek, Langdon Stutzman, Anthony Nieves and Dayton Bittner. As a result of winning the regional (ahead of notable competitors UMass and Sacred Heart University), the Messiah team will compete in the global MECC championship being held in Las Vegas in December. In addition, Luke Peyton won the individual regional competition and will compete to go on to the European Open held in Amsterdam on May 23.
Director of Enrollment, School of Graduate and Professional Studies selected
I am pleased to share a leadership update to support the continued growth of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Beginning June 15, Nate Litman will step into the role of Director of Enrollment, School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Nate brings strong administrative leadership, a collaborative spirit and a deep commitment to Messiah’s mission—qualities that will serve him and the graduate enrollment team well in this next chapter. Nate has graciously committed to support his current undergraduate recruiting responsibilities through Welcome Week as he completes eight years of exceptional service in undergraduate recruitment. We are excited to see Nate apply his experience and strengths in support of graduate enrollment and look forward to the impact of his leadership in this role. Congratulations, Nate!
Sarah Wade, interim vice president for Enrollment Management
BID FAREWELL
Leah Clarke will be transitioning from her role as director of teaching and learning after five years of dedicated service. During her service in the Office of Faculty Development, Leah has played an instrumental role in shaping and strengthening the program into what it is today. Her commitment to excellence and passion for teaching and learning have created countless opportunities for our educators, leaving a lasting impact across our community.
Beyond her many professional contributions, Leah has been a trusted colleague, a generous collaborator and a consistent source of insight. Her presence has made a genuine difference. While we will miss her in the Office of Faculty Development, we are excited for her next chapter as she continues to develop the Graduate Program in Counseling.
The Office of Faculty Development will host a drop-in reception in appreciation of Leah’s five years of service. Please join us in the Howe Atrium on April 16, between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., as we express our gratitude. Light refreshments will be served.
AROUND CAMPUS
April 20 and 28: Campus-wide marketing photoshoots
A professional photographer will be on campus on the following days for a campus-wide marketing photo shoot:
Monday, April 20 from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
and
Tuesday, April 28 from 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
During these times, the photographer will be accompanied by someone from the Office of Marketing and Communications. Most of the photography is planned photo sessions, but there will be times when we will be photographing what is naturally occurring on campus.
We will be focusing on student life and a few specific classes to support academic publications, prospective student marketing and the website.
Questions? Contact Laura Kline, creative director, at lkline@messiah.edu or extension 2294.
Young Writers’ and Young Filmmakers’ summer academic camps
This summer, the Young Writers’ and Young Filmmakers’ will hold their academic camps with commuter and resident options. The Young Filmmakers’ Workshop provides college-level film-making skills for students in rising grades 10-12. Students will leave with an understanding of how to be a writer, director, actor, cinematographer and editor. This camp is being held on June 21 – 26. To learn more about this camp, visit the website at http://www.messiah.edu/filmmakersworkshop
The Young Writers’ Workshop provides college-level writing skills development for students in rising grades 9 – 12. The workshop offers intensive courses in creative writing taught by published faculty and writers, poetry readings and a variety of activities. This camp will be held on June 21– 26. To learn more about our Young Writers’ Workshop, visit the website at http://www.messiah.edu/writersworkshop. A 25% discount off the tuition for either workshop is offered to the dependents of Messiah employees. Use the code MessiahChild when registering to receive the discount.
Messiah University Department of Theatre and Dance presents: “Culmination ’26 Spring Dance Concert”
Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present the spring dance concert Culmination ’26 on April 17 and 18! 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 ’26
Spring Dance Concert
Directed by Gregg Hurley
April 17 at 8 p.m.
April 18 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.
Bridging Relationship Divides in an Era of Political Polarization
Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m., Parmer Hall
Messiah University’s Human Development and Family Science Department, the Honors Program, Graduate Program in Counseling and the Mid Atlantic Council on Family Relations are excited to host Dr. William J. Doherty for his lecture “Bridging Relationship Divides in an Era of Political Polarization.” Dr. Doherty is a professor emeritus in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota, and he is a co-founder of Braver Angels, a citizen initiative bringing conservatives and liberals together to counteract political polarization. In his lecture, Dr. Doherty will draw on a decade of work on depolarization and reconciliation to offer us ways to manage important relationships and build community bridges, both of which are threatened by the divisiveness in society today.
Click the link below to read more about Dr. Doherty and this event:
Seed Library is now open
Celebrate planting season by visiting the Seed Library at Murray! Browse through our catalog of seed packets and “check out” your favorites to plant. The Seed Library will be open until the end of the semester.
Theatre and Dance Summer 2026 camp registration open!
Registration is now open for our Messiah University Theatre and Dance Intensives and elementary and middle school theatre camps! The Theatre Intensive and the Dance Intensive for high schoolers are being offered June 21 – 26 with both a resident and commuter option. The elementary and middle school theatre camps are offered June 15 – 19 with the elementary camp in the mornings and the middle school camp in the afternoons. Friday premieres a combined performance for family and friends followed by a cookie reception. Messiah employees get a 10% discount by using “messiahemployee” during registration. For more information about any of these camps, contact: Daniel Inouye Professor of Theatre dinouye@messiah.edu 717-796-5045
School of Graduate and Professional Studies’ (SGPS) Research Symposium
Messiah University’s Interprofessional Education Committee (IPEC) invites all undergraduate and graduate students and faculty to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies’ (SGPS) Research Symposium. This annual showcase features innovative research from students and faculty across fields. It is an opportunity to explore new scholarship, celebrate academic excellence and connect with peers advancing their fields.
Date: Thursday, April 23
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Messiah Winding Hill or via Zoom
Zoom Link: https://messiah.zoom.us/j/98836622431 Meeting ID: 988 3662 2431 Passcode: 060072
Professions represented: counseling | social work | athletic training | physical therapy | occupational therapy | nursing | dietetics | child life specialist | education
Light refreshments provided.
A Short history of Jazz from Spirituals to Swing and Beyond
Byron Stripling is a giant in the world of jazz. He has played with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck and Lionel Hampton. He currently serves as artistic director and conductor of the highly acclaimed Columbus Jazz Orchestra and is deeply knowledgeable about the life and career of Louis Armstrong. Mr. Stripling will draw on this rich range of experiences in his presentation: “A Short History of Jazz from Spirituals to Swing and Beyond” on Monday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Parmer Cinema [Boyer 137]. This event is co-sponsored by the Messiah University Department of Music and Honors Program and is open to all.
Messiah Press: Extending Hospitality with new service
In the spirit of unreasonable hospitality, Messiah Press is excited to introduce a new in-house engraving service for campus. We now offer professional name badges with magnetic backers, along with plaques and ADA-compliant signage. By bringing this service in-house, we have reduced costs (name badges now just $9) while improving turnaround time and quality. It is one more way we are working behind the scenes to help Messiah create spaces that feel welcoming, thoughtful and prepared. To order badges, you can visit our Messiah Press store front in Oracle. For signage needs, submit a facility services work order in Oracle self-service.
Department of Theatre and Dance presents “The Student Directed One-Act Play Festival and Shoeless Joe: A Musical Cabaret”
Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present The Student Directed One-Act Play Festival & Shoeless Joe: A Musical Cabaret on April 23-26! We hope you will join us for a festival of student-directed one act plays and two performances of the musical cabaret Shoeless Joe: A new cabaret every time, uniquely built for each new cast! Each performance date will include a selection of productions on a rotating basis. Please see full schedule for details. Join us for fresh, inventive, and innovative story telling!
The Student Directed One-Act Play Festival
A festival of student-directed and fully produced one act plays
AND
Shoeless Joe: A Musical Cabaret
A new cabaret every time! Uniquely built for each new cast
April 23-25 at 8 p.m.
April 26 at 3 p.m.
Poorman Black Box Theater, Climenhaga Building
Please note that some performances may contain mature content and may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
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.
Performance Schedule – Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 at 8 p.m.
Words Words Words
By David Ives
Directed by Ashley Sheffe
WORDS, WORDS, WORDS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service.
The Open Window
By James Fuller
Directed by Garty Bowersox
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of
Woodstock, Illinois
Linda Her
By Harry Kondoleon
Directed by Adahlee Schroeder
LINDA HER is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service.
The Sleep Seeker
By Staci Swedeen
Directed by Eleanor Mund
THE SLEEP SEEKER is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc, NYC
www.broadwayplaypublishing.com
Performance Schedule – Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m.
Shoeless Joe: Musical Cabaret
Situationships
Directed by Susan Hurley
The Shape of Goodbye
By John Mabey
Directed by Ben Vanderlin
Copycat
By Charles Dennison
Directed by Rebecca Methven
By arrangement with Lazy Bee Scripts.
Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Louis Armstrong’s “Hot Five” Recordings
April 22 at 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall
Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series
In a collaboration with the Messiah University Jazz Ensembles and Symphony Orchestra, Byron Stripling, a world-class trumpeter known for his work with Count Basie, expertise on Louis Armstrong and leadership of the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops, will perform an exciting evening of the music of Louis Armstrong.
$15 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 or online at messiah.edu/tickets.
Library events
Connect with the Library during National Library Week — April 19–25
Find your joy at Murray Library! Stop by Monday through Thursday (Mon. and Wed.: 9:45-11 a.m.; 1:45-3 p.m. Tues. and Thurs. 10:15-11:15 a.m.; 1-2 p.m.) to chat with library staff, grab a free snack, and share your feedback about Murray Library.
Join us for Crafternoon on Wednesday, April 22 from 2 – 4 p.m. for button making and bookmark coloring. Come and go as you can; free supplies provided!
Drop in to connect with the librarians in Frey Hall 353 on Thursday, April 23 from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. Free food, drinks, and good conversation! Open to all employees.
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
Athletics is now hiring a full-time assistant coach, men’s basketball/admin coordinator and recruiter/game day administrator. Job related questions may be directed to Jacob Fleegle jfleegle@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Assistant Coach, Men’s Basketball/Admin Coordinator and Recruiter/Game Day Administrator link.
Athletics is now hiring a full-time associate head coach, women’s soccer/admin coord and recruiter/assistant director for compliance and internal operations. Job related questions may be directed to Scott Frey sfrey@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Associate Head Coach, Women’s Soccer/Admin Coord & Recruiter/Assistant Director for Compliance & Internal Operations link.
Messiah Press is now hiring a full-time bulk mailroom technician and mass email administrator. Job related questions may be directed to Dwayne Magee dmagee@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Bulk Mailroom Technician and Mass Email Administrator link.
The Registrar’s Office is now hiring a transfer records assistant. This is a temporary, one – two-year position with a sunset clause. Job related questions may be directed to Kathee Clark at kclark@messsiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Transfer Records Assistant link.
Dining Services has an opening for a full-time dining room supervisor. Job related questions may be directed to Todd Christopher tchristopher@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Dining Room Supervisor link.
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 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 & 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.
Grounds Services has an opening for a part-time seasonal groundskeeper. Job related questions may be directed to Artie Palese at palese@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: seasonal grounds keeper 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.
For sale
Keurig for sale. K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker. Barely used. Asking $45. If interested, please contact Tracy at tsheaffer@messiah.edu
House For Sale. House for sale in the Borough of Mechanicsburg, just a short drive from campus. Please contact khawkins@messiah.edu for more information or the listing agent, David Hawkins (717) 649-9865 or email davidh@homesale.com.
FREE
Free desks. Murray Library has two desks available for free. Dimensions are 60 x 29 ½ x 27 ½. Contact Tracy at tsheaffer@messiah.edu if interested in one or both.
