Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Todd Goranson, professor of saxophone and bassoon, performs concerts in Illinois and North Carolina
Todd Goranson, professor of saxophone and bassoon, performed as principal bassoonist with the New Caritas Orchestra for the Duke Initiatives in the Arts 2025 Conference at Duke University on Sept. 6-7. The New Caritas Orchestra, conducted by author/theologian and concert pianist Jeremy Begbie, is comprised of Christian orchestral musicians from major orchestras such as the Boston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, National Symphony, and Christian faculty from music conservatories throughout the US. The concert program featured collaborations with poet Malcolm Guite and singer/songwriter Sandra McCracken, performances of music by Shostakovich and Stravinsky (The Firebird), and a performance of Bach’s Fugue in G minor, guest conducted by the former Archbishop of Canterbury (Lord Rowan Williams of Oystermouth). Todd also performed as soprano saxophonist with the Junction Saxophone Quartet to a capacity crowd on the Quincy Civic Music Association’s 2025-2026 concert series on Sept. 19 in Qunicy, Illinois. The program included works by Dvorak, Dormer, J.S. Bach and Hisiashi. The Junction Quartet opened this year’s concert series, which will also feature the Canadian Brass, the Count Basie Orchestra and opera legend Michèle Crider.
Development office welcomes Rachel Pease
I am pleased to share that Rachel Pease has re-joined the development team as a senior officer, major gifts and planned giving. Rachel previously served as the director of Annual Giving and development communication at Messiah. Since that time, Rachel has worked in both academic and corporate settings with a primary focus on philanthropic development. Her leadership, writing and communication skills and experience will greatly assist Messiah University with critical funding initiatives. Rachel received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Shippensburg in English and communications. Rachel lives in Dillsburg and is a proud Messiah parent. We are thrilled to have Rachel back at Messiah! Her new office is on the second floor of the Old Main building. If you happen to see Rachel on campus, be sure to say hello and welcome her back in her new role!
John Zeigler, executive director for development
Guest lecture
Associate Professor of Finance Dwayne Safer taught a class this past week at the Pathways Institute at Messiah Lifeways entitled “Forecasting the Economy and Financial Markets”. The course content included a history of the U.S. dollar, government deficit spending, tariffs, the debasement trade and its impact on portfolio allocation.
AROUND CAMPUS
Inaugural National Day on Writing on Thursday, Oct. 16
Join us as Messiah University celebrates its Inaugural National Day on Writing — a campus-wide event recognizing the many ways writing connects us as learners, thinkers and creators.
Dear educators,
We would like to learn about the role of writing in your vocation. Please use the form to share your thoughts. The excerpts will be shared with the campus audience through both print and online formats.
Schedule of events — Thursday, Oct. 16
10:30–11:30 a.m. – Creative Writing Club Activities — Howe Atrium
Start your day with creative prompts, poetry exercises, and a chance to contribute to a collaborative writing piece hosted by Messiah’s Creative Writing Club.
All Day – Writing Center Tree — Library entrance
Visit the Library to add your favorite Bible verses to the Writing Center’s Tree and share your writing with others.
1–3 p.m. – Chinese Zumba and Calligraphy — Boyer 135
Celebrate the global diversity of writing through movement and art! Enjoy a lively Chinese Zumba session followed by hands-on Chinese calligraphy activities.
3–4 p.m. – Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Society Presents: Shakespeare on the Square — Legacy Park
Experience live, outdoor performances inspired by the works of Shakespeare. Bring a friend and enjoy how language comes alive through theatre.
3:30–5 p.m. – Crafternoon — Library
Unwind and express your creativity through journal-making craft. Materials provided; just bring your imagination!
5–6:30 p.m. – Writing Reception — Howe Atrium
Join us for refreshments and a celebration of writing across campus. Meet student writers, faculty, and staff as we honor the many ways writing shapes our community.
To learn more or get involved, contact Oksana Moroz at omoroz@messiah.edu
Let’s celebrate writing together!
Passport Service Day
Are you planning to travel? Do you, your spouse or your children need a passport? Come by Eisenhower Commons on Tuesday, Oct. 28 for Passport Service Day! Representatives from the Cumberland County Court House will be on campus outside the Falcon between 10:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. to process NEW passport applications. Passport photo services will also be available. Applicants need to bring the following documents to apply for a passport: 1. Completed application (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport.html) 2. Original birth certificate and a photocopy of birth certificate 3. Driver’s license and a photocopy of the driver’s license (Copy of both the front and back of the driver’s license on the same side of the page) 4. Non-PA residents also need to bring their Messiah ID and a photocopy of their ID 5. Fees: – $130 check or money order, written to the U.S. Department of State – $35 cash or check, written to the Prothonotary’s Office – If passport photos are needed: $10 cash or check, written to Messiah University If you have any questions, please contact the Agapé Center at agapecenter@messiah.edu. *Please note that this event is only for NEW applicants.
Crafternoon for National Writing Day
Celebrate National Writing Day at Murray Library today from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Get creative and craft your own personalized journal! All the supplies are provided—stickers, fancy scissors, decorative paper and more. Drop in, have fun, and leave with something special. This is a come and go event for the Messiah community.
Exclusive library tours for employees
All employees are invited to Murray Library for quick 20-minute library tours on Tuesday, Oct. 21 during Fall Break! Discover valuable resources and services available to you and all Messiah employees. Explore various sections of the library, learn about our print and online resources, and get to know our library team.
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 21
• 3 times to choose from: 10 a.m., noon, 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Meet at Murray Library entrance
No need to RSVP, but if you have questions now, please submit them to smyers@messiah.edu. See you there!
Operations Division’s focus on unreasonable hospitality
Dining Services has partnered with Coca-Cola Abarta in offering Messiah students an opportunity to be rewarded for experiencing and learning more about each of our campus restaurants. A Messiah University Dining Services culinary passport has been created and offered to students to present at each of our locations. When presented, the student will receive a restaurant stamp in the passport noting the visit. When each restaurant stamp has been completed in the passport, the student may return it to the Dining Services Office to be entered into a drawing for amazing prizes! This program is another avenue in which Dining Services enhances the Division of Operations theme of Unreasonable Hospitality.
Thank you, homecoming volunteers!
Thank you to all the Messiah employees who volunteered their time and energy to make Homecoming and Family Weekend such a success. Because of your dedication and teamwork, we were able to welcome thousands of alumni, parents and guests back to campus for a beautiful weekend filled with connection and celebration. From greeting guests and managing events to setting up spaces and offering a friendly smile, your efforts made every part of the weekend special. We’re so grateful for the care and enthusiasm you bring—Homecoming wouldn’t be possible without you!
Stomp Off, Let’s Go: The Early Years of Louis Armstrong
Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. in the High Foundation Recital Hall for a special event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the legendary “Hot Five” recordings — the groundbreaking sessions that launched Louis Armstrong to stardom and changed the course of jazz forever. We are honored to welcome Grammy winner Ricky Riccardi, director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, who will deliver a captivating talk on the early years of Louis Armstrong. Do not miss this chance to dive into the story of a true American icon and hear insights from one of the world’s leading Armstrong scholars. Invite your friends and family. All are welcome! Sponsored by the Honors Program.
You are Invited: International Friendsgiving 2025
In collaboration with Church World Services-Harrisburg (CWS), the Agapé Center’s Department of Service Learning and Community Engagement is hosting its 3rd, annual International Friendsgiving event on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. in Hostetter Chapel. CWS helps refugees resettle, form long-lasting relationships in the community, and maintain their own basic needs in a sustainable lifestyle. This year’s International Friendsgiving will feature a meal catered by Rukaya, a talented chef from Syria, enrollee of CWS Marketplace. The meal will highlight five different countries, including dishes from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Syria, Venezuela and Somalia. During the evening, you will hear first-hand stories from CWS staff and clients; encounter diversity and creativity of refugee women enrolled in the CWS Marketplace (an economic empowerment program); and learn ways to serve and support CWS-Harrisburg’s mission year-round. The event is FREE to our Messiah community. You can register HERE: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_72sJ3d4Jn5dMFVA. For questions, contact Shardé Hardy at shardy@messiah.edu.
Enroll in employee giving, get exclusive merch!
Did you know that you can enroll in employee giving? At Messiah, every dollar makes a difference in the lives of students. Enrolling in employee giving allows you to give in support of Messiah students through a payroll deduction.
What are the benefits?
- Supporting Messiah students (the best benefit of all!)
- Jeans day the last Friday of every month
- NEW EXCLUSIVE merch *just* for employees enrolled in employee giving! Throughout the fiscal year, the office of Annual Giving will send a limited-edition sticker, magnet and keychain to all employees enrolled in employee giving. Be sure to sign up quickly or you may miss a merch drop! *
*All employees currently enrolled in employee giving through payroll deduction will receive merch throughout the year as long as they are enrolled. Sign-up at https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8ANWuXZZMNWFSsK!
Have questions or want to change your current payroll deduction? Reach out to the Office of Annual Giving at annualgiving@messiah.edu.
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
Admissions have 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/30325.
Graduate Studies: Nursing has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Brenda Elliott at belliott@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30383.
The Engle Center has an opening for a part-time dietitian. Job related questions may be directed to Carrie Ent at cent@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30396.
The Engle Center has an opening for a full-time counselor. Job related questions may be directed to Aubrey Kleinfeld at AKleinfe@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30035.
The Engle Center has an opening for a full-time interim counselor. Job related questions may be directed to Aubrey Kleinfeld at AKleinfe@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30472.
Dining Services has an opening for a part-time dining services associate, Winding Hill campus, summers off. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29896.
Dining Services has an opening for a part-time PM cook. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29703.
Dining Services has an opening for a full-time culinary assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30236.
Development has an opening for a full-time senior regional advancement representative. Job related questions may be directed John Zeigler at jzeigler@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29719.
Campus and building services has an opening for a full-time, first shift campus and building services worker, Residence Hall, Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30307.
Campus and building services has an opening for a part-time, Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Campus and Building Services Worker. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit:
https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30464.
Campus and building services has an opening for a part-time, 3rd shift M-F 8 p.m. – midnight Campus and Building Services Worker. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30452.
Admissions have an opening for a full-time assistant director of enrollment technology and communication, Graduate and Professional Studies. Job related questions may be directed to Bethany Parliament-Chevalier at bparliament@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30283.
Grounds Services has an opening for a full-time groundskeeper/crew leader. Job related questions may be directed to Artie Palese at palese@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29998.
Grounds Services has an opening for a full-time athletic field spray applicator/aeration coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Artie Palese at palese@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29463.
Data Innovation and Reporting is now hiring a full-time programmer/analyst. Job related questions may be directed to Joe Bennett at bennett@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/30074.
The Department of Safety has an opening for 1st shift safety officer. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29967.
For sale
Miscellaneous items for sale. Items for sale, including a shredder, wreaths, garden items, décor pieces, and floor mats. See attached. If interested, contact Tracy at tsheaffer@messiah.edu.
Free Item
Free kerosene heater. As is condition. The heater hasn’t been used for years but worked fine the last time. If interested, contact Tracy at tsheaffer@messiah.edu. The heater will need to be picked up at my home.
OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS
Menkis Works Pottery: Fall Pottery Sale and Open Studio
Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – 2401 Arcona Rd, Mechanicsburg PA
Menkis Works Pottery is a small-batch family business run by husband-and-wife team, Brian and Naomi Menkis. They make hand-crafted, beautiful and functional pots for daily use such as mugs, bowls, vases, teapots, plates, pitchers and much, much more! Every year they open up their studio for a Fall Pottery Sale and Open Studio. In addition to having hundreds of pots available, there will be wheel throwing demonstrations, kids clay activities, refreshments and guest artisans. This year you can find pots from the first firing of their newly built wood-fired kiln! The kiln is fired for 34 hours to a high temperature of 2300 degrees Fahrenheit to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Stop by to find a new favorite mug or pick out a special gift for the upcoming holidays! Find out more at https://www.menkisworks.com/
