Mennonite Weekly Review

HARRISONBURG, Va. — The faculty and staff of Eastern Mennonite University honored six colleagues who are retiring and cited others for long years of service at the school’s annual recognition dinner April 29.

Beryl H. Brubaker is retiring after 37 years as a teaching and administrative faculty member. She has been provost since 2000 and was interim president for seven months in 2003. Earlier, she was vice president for enrollment from 1994 to 2000. She joined the nursing department faculty in 1970.

Vernon E. Jantzi is retiring after 32 years, having served as a teacher and administrator, most recently in the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and the undergraduate justice, peace and conflict studies program. A sociologist, linguist and researcher, he has led cross-cultural seminars and taught in the Summer Peacebuilding Institute and done advisory work for development and other non-governmental organizations around the world.

Nevin J. Bender Sr. served the EMU community 25 years as an associate in servanthood after a major stroke ended his career as a pastor and social worker. As a member of the grounds crew, he has performed many of the hardest, least glamorous jobs on campus.

Helen I. Nafziger has been director of career services for 22 years. She advised undeclared majors, assisted students and others on career issues, provided a library of career resources and addressed parents during campus visits.

Patricia Hostetter Martin has directed the Summer Peacebuilding Institute, six-week program that is part of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, since 1998. Before coming to EMU, she worked with Mennonite Central Committee in Southeast Asia for 18 years.

Allon H. Lefever is retiring as director of the master of business administration degree program after five years to pursue several entrepreneurial interests and take on a wider leadership role with Mennonite Economic Development Associates.

Heading the list of those recognized for long years of service with 45 years was Lois B. Bowman, librarian of the Menno Simons Historical Library and Archives in Hartzler Library.

A 30-year service award was presented to Sandra L. Brownscombe, professor of education and physical education, and a 25-year award went to Lawrence M. Yoder, professor of missiology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary.