Events and Announcements

Register And Participate In MLK Week Events On Wednesday, Jan. 20

Racial Justice Facilitator Training takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (includes a one-hour lunch break) via Zoom. Interested in assisting with the university-wide initiative to train the entire campus community on diversity, inclusion, and racial justice? Each trainee will be given a $30 DoorDash gift card to use for lunch. Contact mosaiccenter@su.edu for more information. Open to students, faculty and staff. Registration required.

Register And Participate In MLK Week Events On Friday, Jan. 22

Together in the Valley: Teaching Justice at Shenandoah is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. via Zoom. Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Jon Gettman, Ph.D., in collaboration with Assistant Provost for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity and Associate Professor of Music Therapy Hakeem Leonard, Ph.D., and others, has developed a framework for showcasing racial justice work that is already happening in our community and promotes a curricular initiative that builds upon this existing work. An emphasis is given on the interdisciplinary way that Shenandoah can move forward together to enact and center equity within the core identity of our institution. This presentation encourages the presence of innovative thinking and collaborative action as an ongoing means for curricular transformation. Registration required. 

Register And Participate In MLK Week Events On Thursday, Jan. 21

“Mirrors and Windows: Equity Openings for Everyday Learning” is from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Assistant Provost for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity and Associate Professor of Music Therapy Hakeem Leonard, Ph.D., highlights the importance of framing curriculum and pedagogy across various disciplines and areas to enact inclusion, diversity, and equity (IDE). Four types of frames are presented: framing with inquiry, with foundational content, core concepts, and through overall course design. Examples are provided to spur faculty awareness and imagination. This presentation encourages the use of IDE-framing for all types of content, not only justice-oriented content. Registration required.

Visit with Children’s Author Barry Wittenstein is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. via Zoom. Barry Wittenstein is the author of “A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation,” winner of the 2020 Orbis Pictus Award. “A Place to Land” describes the night before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech as he worked alongside advisors and speechwriters at the Willard Hotel in Washington D.C. Contact infoclc@su.edu for more information. Registration required. Sponsored by Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference and the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation.

Visit with Author & Illustrator Bryan Collier is from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and Thursday, Jan. 21. Join renowned children’s author and illustrator Bryan Collier as he discusses his book “Martin’s Big Words,” written by Doreen Rappaport. His illustrations bring to life the message of Martin Luther King Jr. and he has received many awards, including a 2002 Caldecott honor as well as the 2002 Coretta Scott King honor. Contact infoclc@su.edu for more information. Registration required. Sponsored by Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference and the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation.

Register And Participate In MLK Week Events On Tuesday, Jan. 19

Racial Justice Facilitator Training takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (includes a one-hour lunch break) via Zoom. Interested in assisting with the university-wide initiative to train the entire campus community on diversity, inclusion, and racial justice? Each trainee will be given a $30 DoorDash gift card to use for lunch. Contact mosaiccenter@su.edu for more information. Open to students, faculty and staff. Registration required.

Visit with Author & Illustrator Bryan Collier is from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and Thursday, Jan. 21. Join renowned children’s author and illustrator Bryan Collier as he discusses his book “Martin’s Big Words,” written by Doreen Rappaport. His illustrations bring to life the message of Martin Luther King Jr. and he has received many awards, including a 2002 Caldecott honor as well as the 2002 Coretta Scott King honor. Contact infoclc@su.edu for more information. Registration required. Sponsored by Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference and the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation.

Register And Participate In MLK Week Events On Monday, Jan. 18

RSD 2.0: Dialogue, Race, and Equity is from 9 a.m. to noon and is a virtual event. This workshop, led by Associate Professor of Religion Kevin Minister, Ph.D., and Associate Professor of Religion Meredith Minister, Ph.D., will bring together faculty and staff to create practices for advancing a culture of dialogue in the classroom and on campus within an equity framework that enables our students to have constructive conversations about race. Participants in this workshop must have previously completed RSD training and have used elements of dialogue in their classes or on campus. Contact Adela Borrallo-Solis at aborrall@su.edu & Jana Mangubat at jmanguba@su.edu to register.

Project Linus is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, at Inova Center For Personalized Health, Fairfax. Materials will be available to make blankets to be donated to the local chapter of Project Linus. See patterns to make a blanket to donate. Contact Debbie Lynn at dlynn@su.edu for more information.

“Balancing Survival & Freedom: The Experiences of Winchester’s African Americans during the Civil War Era” is from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and is a walking tour of Winchester. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. frequently reflected on the past and specifically the Emancipation Proclamation. Join Jonathan Noyalas ’01, M.A., director of Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute, for a specially designed walking tour which will focus on the experiences of African Americans in the era of emancipation in Winchester. The tour, making use of various sites in Winchester’s historic district, will highlight the roles Winchester’s African Americans, both enslaved and free blacks, played in making emancipation a reality and how those efforts inspired hope, not only in the 1860s, but a century later. The tour will meet in front of Shenandoah University’s Feltner Building on the downtown walking mall. Contact Jonathan Noyalas at jnoyalas01@su.edu for more information. Registration required. 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Service of Remembrance is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. via Zoom. Join in early for a musical prelude at 3:50 p.m. The Service of Remembrance is the heart of Shenandoah’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration. As the longest-standing MLK Day event at the university, (held virtually this year due to the pandemic) it provides the entire Shenandoah community with the opportunity to join together and contemplate the life and work of Dr. King, whose nonviolent quest for civil rights, justice and equity was rooted in his Christian faith. Shenandoah’s Service of Remembrance is ecumenical, featuring readings and prayers from a number of faith traditions, as well as music and the sharing of King’s work, such as “Letters from a Birmingham Jail.” This year’s service will feature musical performances of “Strum” by Jonathan Toomer, Signe Mortensen, Jaylon Hayes-Keller, and John Keane and “Elegy for a King” by Jan Marie Leman. Shenandoah alumnus Carl Rush, MSEd., MBA, was one of those Dr. King inspired. As part of the service, Rush, who serves as the equity coordinator for the City of Winchester Public Schools in Winchester, Virginia, will present “Uniting Under the Umbrella of Equity.” Rush is dedicated to holistically binding organizational pursuits of excellence with diversity and inclusion efforts. Rush, who earned both of his graduate degrees from Shenandoah, is a member of both the university’s alumni board and Black Alumni Network. Contact DeLyn Celec at dcelec@su.edu for more information.

Activism 101 Discussion is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is considered one of the greatest activists of all time. Do you wish to create social or political change but you aren’t sure where to start? Participants will explore the basic steps of activism and realize that everyone has what it takes to be an activist. Join Karen Cornejo Guillen for this discussion. Contact mosaiccenter@su.edu to receive the Zoom link.

“We the People: A Discussion on Racism in Health Care” is from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Health care professionals are in a unique position to act as allies for or partners with their patients, colleagues, and communities. In order to do so, it is important to have an understanding of the history of structural racism in America and its impact on health care. Organized by the School of Health Professions Student Diversity Advisory Group in collaboration with Assistant Provost for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity and Associate Professor of Music Therapy Hakeem Leonard, Ph.D., and Dean of the School of Health Professions Karen Abraham, Ph.D., participants will engage in a facilitated discussion of the impact of racism in health care and what it means to be an ally/accomplice. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Contact Karen Abraham at kabraham@su.edu for more information. Registration required.

Community Forum: Spring Semester Updates

The Parent/Student Community Forum hosted by the Division of Student Affairs via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. We encourage Shenandoah parents, guardians, and students to attend to get the latest updates on Shenandoah University’s plans for the Spring 2021 semester including reentry, athletics, academics, residential services, testing, and more. The event will feature an opportunity for questions to be asked and answered by a panel that includes senior administration, as well as staff from the Division of Student Affairs, the Department of Public Safety, Athletics and the Wilkins Wellness Center. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Smith at jsmith1@su.edu.

Calling All Of Shenandoah’s ‘Bachelor’ Nation!

Cheer on Shenandoah pharmacy alumna Magi Tareke ’19 as she tries to win Matt James’ heart on “The Bachelor”! Compete with the Shenandoah family to see who can earn the highest Bach Bracket score! Questions? Contact Emily Buhl at ebuhl2@su.edu. 

How to participate:

• Create an account on Bach Bracket + join the SU league.
• Pick your contestants. Make sure to submit picks before each new Monday night episode airs.
• Check back Tuesday to see if you won that week!

Congratulations to the week two winner, Kendall Kolk ’23!

Attend The ‘Perceptions Of Evaluation Accuracy: A Study In Virginia’ Dissertation Defense

The faculty of the Division of Education & Leadership announces the following dissertation defense: Charles Andrew Dahl, candidate for the degree of Doctor of Education in Administrative Leadership, will defend his dissertation, “Perceptions of Evaluation Accuracy: A Study in Virginia,” at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, via Zoom. The committee includes Assistant Professor of Quantitative Methods Sarah R. Daniel, Ph.D. (Chair); Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies Lisa Pluska, Ed.D.; and Professor and Department Chair of Leadership Studies and Ed.D. Program Coordinator Catherine Shiffman, Ph.D.

Members of the Shenandoah community are invited to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Daniel at sdaniel@su.edu.  

Register For Among Us Tournament

Who do you think is “sus”? If you have a talent for tricking your friends or seeing through someone’s lies, Among Us is the game for you! The Among Us Tournament is Friday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. This game encourages deception and cooperation among players. All Shenandoah students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join in on this online event. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 20, at noon via the Among Us Registration Google Form. Among Us is free on smartphones and tablets and available for purchase ($5) on PC and Nintendo Switch. Once you register, you will later be contacted with more information about the tournament. Join Shenandoah Esports and Student Affairs for a night of virtual fun. If you have any questions, please reach out to studentlife@su.edu.

CAN Hosts Grad And Undergrad Virtual Bingo Nights

Graduate students, join Campus Activities Network (CAN) for a virtual Bingo Night on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Undergrads, join Campus Activities Network (CAN) for a virtual Bingo Night on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. There is $750 worth of prizes ready to give away! Questions? Contact can@su.edu.

Send Your Boo A Valentine!

For Valentine’s Day, The Sting is selling Valentine’s Day Grams! These “Boo’s On A Budget” include Gold, Diamond, and Platinum packages. The Gold package consists of a specialized note and candy for just $5! The Diamond package consists of a specialized note, candy and a teddy bear for just $10! The Platinum package consists of the specialized note, a teddy bear, candy, flowers, a balloon and cookies for $45! Orders must be placed by Saturday, Feb. 13,  in order for delivery beginning the week of Sunday, Feb. 14! You can place your order through a Google Form. Payment can be sent via Venmo (The-Sting), CashApp ($thesting19), or by cash/check (Pay to: The Sting, 1460 University Drive Winchester, VA, 22601). If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at thesting2019@gmail.com.

‘Day For All People’ Advocacy Week

From Monday, Jan. 18, to Friday, Jan. 22, Virginia’s Interfaith Center for Public Policy is hosting a virtual advocacy week through the “Day for All People.” The Center for Civic Engagement, Office of Spiritual Life and The Mosaic Center will pay for registration for students who would like to attend part or all of the event. The purpose of this advocacy week is to join people from different backgrounds to learn about and support economic, racial, environmental and social justice. Through this virtual gathering, students can learn the issues from dynamic speakers and workshops, meet with legislators and engage with advocates in their region. To register, please fill out the Google Form. 

For more information about the schedule of events, visit virginiainterfaithcenter.org. If you have any questions, please contact kjonespo@su.edu.

Graduate Students: Consider Being A Graduate Assistant With Residence Life

The Office of Residence Life is looking to fill two graduate assistant (GA) positions for the Spring 2021 academic semester. Each GA will serve as a member of the Office of Residence Life staff and is responsible for the management of a residence hall community. The graduate assistants will also focus on supporting and mentoring residents, supervising a resident assistant staff, serving as a conduct officer and coordinating educational out-of-classroom experiences that engage and inspire student learning and development. Graduate assistants must already be accepted into a graduate program here at Shenandoah. The position includes a stipend, a meal plan (when classes are in session) and an apartment on campus. Please apply through the Handshake platform through Career Services website. The Handshake position number is 4269256. The posting title is Graduate Assistant Position for Office of Residence Life. If you are interested and would like more information, contact Residence Life at reslife@su.edu.

Register For SU Cooks

SU Cooks is on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Join The Mosaic Center and the Office of Student Leadership and Development for connection, community, and cooking! Led by student leaders, participants will cook frijoles (beans) fresca bowls (meat optional) for themselves and their loved ones. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

Contact mosaiccenter@su.edu by Monday, Jan. 18, by noon to sign up and receive the Zoom link. Registered participants will receive a $25 e-gift card to purchase ingredients. Questions? Contact mosaiccenter@su.edu.

W-2 Forms Available Online

Faculty, staff and student employees have the option to view and print their annual W-2 forms from Hornet Hub. The W-2 is an IRS-compliant PDF format that can be used when filing your annual tax return.

Each person must elect or decline this option. To do so, log in to Hornet Hub, and click “Tax Information.” Click “W-2 Information” and select to give or withhold consent for viewing your W-2 forms online, then click “Save.” Your selection will remain in effect indefinitely or until you change your consent by clicking “Change Preferences.” All employees must choose one option. Please make your selection by Friday, Jan. 15.

REMINDER: Apply To Become A First-Year Seminar Mentor

The First-Year Seminar (FYS) program is looking for a few good student mentors for the fall 2021 semester. Interested in becoming a student mentor? Applications are now open!

FYS student mentors assist faculty members by advising first-year students on the transition into university life and serving as academic tutors in one of the Going Global First-Year Seminar sections in Fall 2021. Each mentor acts as a liaison between the student and instructor and helps to build a “Class of 2025” community. Apply today!  Questions? Contact Jana Mangubat at jmanguba@su.edu.

Nationwide Outage For Canvas And Zoom

Participate in ‘Trauma and Racism: How Do We Cope?’

Join Cedric Wilson, associate director of the Counseling Center, and Associate Professor of Religion Meredith Minister, Ph.D., in the third session of this series to explore what it means to be uncomfortable versus unsafe as a white ally confronting racism. In this session, intentionally designed for white allies, participants are encouraged to interrogate how racism permeates relationships and learn how to work through discomfort. This event is slated for Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 3 p.m. via Zoom. Questions? Please contact the Mosaic Center at mosaiccenter@su.edu. 

Attend The McCormick Civil War Institute Virtual Event

The McCormick Civil War Institute (MCWI), as a result of the generosity of Dr. David and Mrs. Melanie Miles, was able to have three students work during the summer on a special research project, “‘Outlived the Odium Put Upon them by the F.F.V.’s’: Union Veterans Who Resided in the Shenandoah Valley at the Time of the 1890 Census.” Close examination of these records sheds a bit of light on Unionist sentiment in the Shenandoah Valley at the time of the Civil War and also the roles Union veterans (both native to the Valley and those who moved here after the conflict) played in the postwar era in the region. On Tuesday, July 28, at noon, the MCWI, including its director, Jonathan A. Noyalas, ’01, M.A., and students Nikki Roland, Jessica Kronewetter and Jay Richardson, hosts a Zoom session to share some of the preliminary findings. This is a multi-year effort and our work this summer just scratched the surface, but we turned up what we at least think is some rather interesting and important information. Questions? Contact Noyalas at jnoyalas01@su.edu.

Celebrate Juneteenth Together

This year, the Black Student Union, PRIDE, and the Mosaic Center are partnering to celebrate Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the 1865 emancipation of the last enslaved African-Americans in the Confederacy. As we navigate recent and historical racialized trauma against Black Americans in the U.S., we want to acknowledge, honor, and uplift our Black students, alumni, staff and faculty at Shenandoah. Here’s how you can join in celebrating Black history and heritage: 

• Participate in the “Black is Beautiful Because…” Campaign by posting a photo, video, or artistic expression using our custom Facebook and Instagram frame/filter. This campaign is designed to showcase the undeniable magic, talent and beauty of our Black SU community. Don’t forget to use #SUBlackIsBeautiful and tag @shenandoahuniversity. Photos will be collected and shared during our Juneteenth Zoom Celebration.
• Follow @su_blackstudentunion_, @mosaiccentersu, and @shenandoahuniversity for daily African American history facts you were likely not taught in school. We will post each day beginning Friday, June 19, Freedom Day, until Saturday, July 4, Independence Day! 

Attend the Juneteenth Celebration via Zoom on Friday, June 19, at 10 a.m. A reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Shenandoah community members, a poem reading on the history and importance of Juneteenth by Alexis Whitney, and more are scheduled for the celebration.