Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University is a private Mennonite university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, founded in 1917 by the Mennonite Church. The university is affiliated with the Mennonite Education Agency and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Eastern Mennonite University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including Business administration at the University of Virginia-affiliated Shenandoah Valley campus. The university's mission is to provide a liberal arts education with a focus on Anabaptist values, similar to those found at Goshen College and Bluffton University.

● History

The history of Eastern Mennonite University dates back to 1917, when it was founded as the Eastern Mennonite School by the Mennonite Church. The school was established to provide education to Mennonite students and to promote the values of the Anabaptist faith, similar to those promoted by Menno Simons and the Amish. Over the years, the school has undergone several name changes, becoming Eastern Mennonite College in 1947 and finally Eastern Mennonite University in 1994. The university has a strong connection to the Mennonite Church USA and the Mennonite World Conference, and has partnerships with institutions such as Harvard University and the University of Oxford. The university's history is also closely tied to the history of the Mennonite Central Committee and the Church of the Brethren.

● Academics

Eastern Mennonite University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including majors in Business administration, Nursing, Education, and Peacebuilding, with a focus on conflict resolution and international development, similar to programs offered at Georgetown University and the University of Notre Dame. The university is also home to the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, which offers programs in conflict transformation and restorative justice, and has partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations and the Red Cross. The university's academic programs are designed to promote critical thinking, social justice, and community engagement, and are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Theological Schools. The university has a strong focus on experiential learning and service-learning, with opportunities for students to engage in study abroad programs at institutions such as Oxford University and the University of Cambridge.

● Campus

The Eastern Mennonite University campus is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The campus is situated on 72 acres of land and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the Suter Science Center and the University Commons. The campus is also home to the EMU Chapel, which hosts regular worship services and community events, and has a strong connection to the Mennonite Church USA and the Mennonite World Conference. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with initiatives such as recycling programs and energy-efficient buildings, similar to those found at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.

● Student Life

Eastern Mennonite University has a diverse student body of around 1,500 students, with a mix of undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of backgrounds, including international students from countries such as China, India, and South Korea. The university offers a range of student organizations and clubs, including the Student Government Association and the International Student Organization, which provide opportunities for students to engage in community service and leadership development, similar to programs offered at Yale University and the University of Chicago. The university also has a strong focus on mental health and wellness, with resources such as the Counseling Center and the Health Services center, which provide support for students with anxiety and depression, and have partnerships with organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

● Athletics

Eastern Mennonite University has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. The university offers a range of sports, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball, and has a strong rivalry with neighboring institutions such as James Madison University and the University of Virginia. The university's athletic teams are known as the EMU Royals, and have a strong focus on sportsmanship and community engagement, with partnerships with organizations such as the Special Olympics and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

● Alumni

Eastern Mennonite University has a strong network of alumni, with over 20,000 graduates around the world, including notable figures such as Ron Sider, a prominent Christian theologian and social activist, and Lisa Schirch, a leading expert on conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The university's alumni are involved in a range of fields, including education, healthcare, and non-profit work, and have a strong commitment to social justice and community service, with many working for organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Nations Children's Fund. The university has a strong alumni association, which provides opportunities for graduates to stay connected and engaged with the university community, and has partnerships with institutions such as Harvard University and the University of Oxford.