“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Todd Goranson – invited speaker on musicians’
Todd Goranson, DMA, BSN, RN, professor of music, was an invited speaker for music students at The University of Texas at Tyler on Jan. 27 and East Texas A&M University on Jan. 28, presenting a talk titled, “Performance Anxiety Management and Injury Prevention for the Musician”.
BID FAREWELL
Farewell to Orlando Williams
After seven years of dedicated service to the Messiah University community, Orlando Williams will be leaving his role within Multicultural and International Student Programs as he and his wife Saba prepare to welcome a new member to their family. The Office of Diversity Affairs wishes Orlando well as he heads into this new chapter of life. We are grateful for the ways in which he has shaped the lives and experiences of so many students over his tenure at Messiah. Students often comment on the meaningful conversations and impact that Orlando has had on their time at Messiah University. He will be dearly missed by colleagues and students, both past and present. Orlando’s last day as assistant director of Multicultural Student Programs will be Friday, Feb. 20. Please join us in praying for him and his family during this exciting new season of life.
AROUND CAMPUS
Learn about health care in retirement
Are you or a loved one planning for health care in retirement? Join Everence Financial for a workshop on this topic on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. in Parmer Cinema (Boyer 137). Learn about transitioning from employer-based healthcare to Medicare, Medicare basics, coverage options and enrollment timing. Register at www.everence.com/messiah. Everence is Messiah University’s health care in retirement partner.
Documentary Screening: “A Faith Under Siege: Russia’s Hidden War on Ukraine’s Christians“
The campus community is invited to attend a screening of the documentary “A Faith Under Siege: Russia’s Hidden War on Ukraine’s Christians” sponsored by the Office of Diversity Affairs. This documentary examines the persecution of Ukrainian Christians and the broader impact of the ongoing war on Ukraine. Following the screening, a panel will discuss themes of faith, conflict and human rights.
Date: Monday, Feb. 23
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Parmer Cinema (Boyer 137)
Panelists:
Reverend Dr. Stephen Gallaher – Pastor of Thrive Church, Mechanicsburg, and professor emeritus of Christian Ministries at Messiah University.
Valeria Beussink – Ukrainian activist, co-founder of Central PA Supports Ukraine, and Ukraine Action Summit advocate.
Colonel R. Scott Buran, USMC (Ret.) – Former faculty member at the U.S. Army War College with operational experience in Desert Storm, Kosovo, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Currently executive director of Cor Christi Trinitate and co-founder of the J. Sherwood McGinnis, Jr. War, Peace, and Justice Project.
Pastor Igor Volodymyrovych Oleynik – Pastor of “Word of Life” Baptist Church in Enola, PA, part of the Union of Ukrainian Baptist Churches of America. His church actively provides aid to Ukraine and assists refugees displaced by the war.
Moderator: Oksana Moroz, assistant professor of English
Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Dance Food Culture” 2026 Humanities Symposium dance concert
Messiah University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present the 2026 Humanities Symposium dance concert “Dance Food Culture” on Friday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. in Poorman Black Box Theater, Climenhaga Building. Join Messiah University Dance Ensemble, GiViM, for a program of dances inspired by food and culture.
Free ticketed event: Tickets are required due to limited seating. Reserving tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets can be reserved online at messiah.edu/tickets, by phone at 717-691-6036, or at the door as available.
Partner with us at Homecoming 2026
Planning is underway for Homecoming and Family Weekend 2026, happening Oct 2–3 — and we hope you’ll be part of it! This special weekend brings alumni, families, students and employees together to celebrate our community, and it truly comes to life through the creativity and involvement of campus partners.
To help make planning smoother and ensure everyone receives consistent support, we’re introducing a new event submission process this year. Any department interested in hosting an activity—such as an open house, reception, reunion, demonstration or performance—will simply complete a brief Qualtrics survey to share their plans. School-sponsored athletic events are the only exception and will continue to be coordinated through Athletics.
This new process helps us create an accurate weekend schedule, avoid facility conflicts and better support your events from start to finish.
“Does God Constantly Act in the World? Some Philosophical Puzzles and Debates from the Middle Ages,” lecture by Nicholas Westberg
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., Boyer 235
Christians are faced with an important puzzle about God’s role in the universe. On the one hand, we affirm that all things exist through God’s creative activity. But on the other hand, we have reason to think that creatures like human beings have causal input in bringing about changes in the natural world, including such things as conceiving babies. So how are we to understand these claims? Who or what is responsible for bring new things into being: God or creatures? Dr. Westberg, visiting assistant professor of philosophy at Bucknell University, will unpack three different answers given to this question in medieval philosophy. His talk will appeal to those interested in philosophy and theology, as well to all Christians who are interested in thinking through the role that God plays and they play in this world. Sponsored by the Honors Program.
Dr. Howard P. Kenig Scholarship for the Study of the Philosophy of Religion and Science
Students studying the connections between science and philosophy, or science and religion are encouraged to apply for a $500 grant to support their work through the Howard P. Kenig Scholarship for the Study of the Philosophy of Religion and Science. Dr. Kenig was a friend of Messiah University for nearly 20 years. He felt a deep connection with Messiah’s commitment to develop the faith of students with our emphasis on core religious values. He was a strong supporter of the Central Pennsylvania Forum for Religion and Science.
Dr.Kenig was trained as an electrical engineer and earned a graduate degree in philosophy. His family has established this $500 scholarship in his honor.
Eligibility and application process
- To qualify, a student must have a primary or secondary major in biology, chemistry, history, philosophy, physics or religion and propose new or ongoing research involving aspects of the intersection of science with philosophy, religion or
- Student applications are due on March 15 and must include the following:
- Student’s academic area(s) of study (majors, minors)
- Academic transcript
- Description of the proposed research project
- Paragraph of support from a sponsoring Messiah University faculty
- All applications must be submitted to the School of Arts, Culture and Society’s administrative assistant to the assistant dean, Ashley Thomas, at amthomas@messiah.edu
- Preference will be given for proposals that focus on the philosophy of science and/or the history of science.
- Support can be given for summer or semester research endeavors, conference travel or other research-related costs, including stipends for the student and/or a faculty
- If funds are available after covering the above expenses, support could be used for summer housing for the student recipient.
- Scholarship award is $500.
- Scholarship recipients will be chosen by April 2 and announced shortly
Messiah cybersecurity team qualifies for 2026 MACCDC Regional
On Saturday, Jan. 17, the Messiah University Cybersecurity Competition Team participated in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (MACCDC) regional qualifier. This virtual cyber defense competition determines which teams advance to the in-person regional event held in the Baltimore area. MACCDC is an “inherit-and-defend” style competition in which teams are given a simulated business production environment, complete with the systems and services found in a real organization. Teams must quickly assess and harden these systems before attackers (the “red team”) attempt to compromise them. In addition to technical defense, participants operate as a legitimate business—responding to operational requests, maintaining service availability and writing professional business memos to and from a simulated executive leadership team. This year, Messiah University’s team was comprised of Chris Copeland, Brandan Snook, Ryan Scannell, Austin King, Michael DeVito, Eli Kalmbacher, Isaac Zimmerman and Harley Freeny. The team is coached by Dr. David Bibighaus. We are proud to share that Messiah University placed in the top eight of the regional qualifiers while competing against 16 teams, including many large Division I institutions. This placement advances our team to the in-person regional competition on March 27–28. This accomplishment reflects the team’s hard work and dedication, as well as the continued growth of Messiah University’s Cybersecurity Program. The team looks forward to building on this experience as they prepare for future competitions.
Messiah University Community Cookbook — now available!
The MU Community Cookbook project is complete, and we’re excited to share it with you! Gather Around the Table: A Messiah University Community Cookbook features 105 recipes from 65 MU contributors. From around the globe and across generations, these dishes reflect a rich tapestry of our relationships with food, family and culture.
How to Get Your Copy
- Download the PDF for free
- Purchase a print copy: $10 (tax included), cash or check, available at the Murray Library circulation desk
Many thanks to everyone who contributed recipes. This project came to life because of you. Contact Sarah at smyers@messiah.edu with any questions.
NEW Garner health reimbursement benefit
We’re excited to introduce a NEW program, through Garner Health – a FREE benefit for those enrolled in the HBT’s EPO or High-deductible medical plans. This program connects members with “Garner Top Providers” – the top doctors in your network. Garner selects doctors based on real patient outcomes, ensuring they have a proven track record of accurate diagnoses and helping patients achieve better health. When you see a Garner Top Provider, you can get reimbursed for your out-of-pocket medical costs. You get the highest quality healthcare, and you save money. Garner will help cover up to $1,000 for individuals or up to $2,000 for families. Please note that expenses eligible for reimbursement begin on March 1. We encourage you to create an account and begin creating your Care Team at the following link: garner.guide/create-my-account-PAISBOA Create your free Garner account between now and March 31 to be entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card! For easier management of your benefits, download the Garner Health app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Look for upcoming emails to register for a 30-minute virtual education session or contact Jennifer Smithmyer at ext. 7086 for more information.
Tell your story at the upcoming Living Library!
“Books” needed for “The Living Library: Many Stories, One Community!”
Do you have a story to share? We encourage you to consider participating as a “book” in the Living Library at the Murray Library. As a living book, you would be sharing your story with others (small group – less than 10 people) in the Messiah University community in a moderated 25-minute session on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 15.
The Living Library: Many Stories, One Community is designed as a place where the stories of others are on loan to readers and seeks to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. The Living Library is a place where real people are on loan to readers.
Please complete this application to be a book no later than Friday, March 20. https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_37v5VgYD9SA3g5D
Questions may be directed to Todd Allen, vice president for diversity affairs, at tallen@messiah.edu or Liz Kielley, discovery and metadata librarian, at ekielley@messiah.edu.
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: 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.
Campus & Building Services has an opening for a full-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 ft first shift link.
Campus & 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.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a safety officer, 2nd Shift, Noon – 10 p.m. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: 2nd shift safety officer.
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.
Childcare job opportunity available on campus
As one of Messiah’s Residence Life Educators (RLE), my husband and I live on campus and are seeking childcare for our infant daughter in our home. We are looking for someone who is reliable and has experience caring for infants. Available hours will begin at the end of July and extend through the academic year. Hours are flexible and will range from 20-40 hours per week; we will need the most coverage between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. We are willing to be flexible with your schedule. Pay range begins at $12.50/hour, though we are willing to increase the hourly rate based on experience and job performance. If you, or someone you know, are interested, please send an email to lbrubaker@messiah.edu.
For sale
Red velvet cake rolls for sale!
I (Olivia Swarner) have started selling homemade baked goods! My specialties are sourdough bread, yeast breads, cookies, cinnamon rolls and cake rolls! This month, my special is red velvet cake rolls with cream cheese icing – they are $18 a roll. If you are interested in seeing my complete menu or placing an order, please reach out to me directly at oswarner@messiah.edu. You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram at Olivia’s Bread & Breakfast to keep up to date with monthly specials.
OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS
Beginner Sourdough Workshop
with Sheryl Sanders
Email: ssanders@messiah.edu
Saturday, March 7
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Dillsburg, PA
Click this link to sign up: https://www.hotplate.com/sherylsandersdesigns
Learn how to make healthy, homemade sourdough bread in a simple way that is fun and cost effective that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. You will come away with the confidence to successfully bake beautiful artisan loaves for your friends and family. Get ready to learn everything from mixing, stretching & folding, proofing, shaping, scoring and baking in our 2 hour hands on beginner class.
BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO CLASS:
4 quart or larger glass or porcelain mixing bowl
Wooden Spoon
Apron
Kitchen Scale
*It is recommended that each participant have a Dutch oven at home since everyone will bring home dough to bake later that night/weekend.
Should you decide to continue baking sourdough, my Sourdough Essential Shopping List provides you with a list of items that are helpful for sourdough baking. These are not items you need to bring to class.
