Eastern Mennonite University

There’s a vibrant community at play and at work in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and Harrisonburg is rated among the top college towns in the nation.

Where you are matters. Whether you're a student, parent, alumnus, future employee or just want to know more about EMU, you'll discover there is much to love about Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley. You can enjoy biking, hiking, hunting, skiing, rock-climbing, canoeing, and just hanging out under typically blue skies. Take in a concert, shop downtown, and catch up over coffee.No matter where you are you will discover that Harrisonburg earns our nickname as "the friendly city."

Eastern Mennonite University was founded in 1917 and is affiliated with Mennonite Church USA. From its beginnings as a small bible college, EMU has grown into a vibrant learning community, offering more than 50 programs of study and serving people from many faith traditions, cultures, and nationalities. Core values of service, social justice, Christian discipleship, and peacemaking are integrated into the classroom environment.

EMU strives to provide a community of learning where differences are valued, where respectful debate is encouraged, and where we collaborate across our differences in order to constructively confront the very real challenges we face in the world.

EMU’s vision is a challenge to commit ourselves to offering healing and hope in our diverse world by doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. As we live into that vision, we follow Jesus’ call to bear witness to truth, serve with compassion, and walk boldly in the way of nonviolence and peace.

EMU wants to be intentional about faith-based, Christian engagement with the world. We want you to join us in changing the world to be a place with more compassion and care for the others, the environment and the world’s resources.EMU is home to students from all walks of life. While a portion of the student body attend Mennonite churches, over half of our student body comes from other faith traditions. More than 30 religious groups are represented on campus from all over the world.

Mennonites at EMU have much in common with all Christians. Mennonites are distinctive among followers of Jesus in being among the group of “historic peace churches,” along with the Church of the Brethren and Quakers.We provide opportunities for worship in a variety of settings and styles and our students connect to local congregations of many denominations. We aim to provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to explore and discuss faith together.EMU’s supporting denomination is Mennonite Church, USA. They have identified seven priorities that guide the mission and ministry of Mennonite Church USA.

Fundamentally, EMU is committed to — and delivers — a rigorous academic program that is affordable and that prepares graduates to succeed in their careers and further academic pursuits.

Our educational mission and vision are grounded in the enduring biblical values of discipleship, community, service to others, sustainability and peacemaking. We educate undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students to serve and lead in a global context for the common good.

EMU prepares students to serve and lead in a global context.Our community of learning integrates Christian faith, academic rigor, artistic creation and reflective practice informed by the liberal arts, interdisciplinary engagement, and cross-cultural encounter.

EMU will be renowned for academic excellence and faithful discipleship in addressing the most significant challenges in our complex world.We seek to be a leader among Christian universities, united by a hopeful and enquiring spirit, cultivating meaningful relationships locally and globally, and engaging the rich diversity of human identity, experience, and need.

Discover your purpose in life at a Christian university that includes people from diverse cultures and faith traditions. Rooted in the contemporary Mennonite values of community, sustainability, service to others and peacemaking, EMU's rigorous academics prepare graduates to excel in their field and serve the common good.

Join our caring community of learning… transfer to EMU! We make transferring easy.Whether you’re completing your associate’s degree and want to continue your education, your current school is not exactly what you had hoped, or you want to finish what you started years go, EMU will make your transfer smooth.

Y-Serve (Young People’s Christian Association) is the longest-running student organization at EMU! We are students eager to offer service to our community and beyond. Our goal is to serve others as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Y-Serve offers scholarships to help students participate in workshops, seminars and conferences related to Christian mission, service, and outreach. Applications for the Y-Scholarship must be provided to the Y-Serve Leadership Team at least one month ahead of the event date. If approved, Y-Serve will pay or reimburse up to half of the registration fee.Reimbursement of transportation and food expenses will be considered as funds allow. Receipts for gas and/or food must be submitted post event for consideration.

To apply, send a copy of the workshop or conference event description and registration form along with a paragraph expressing the connection between this particular event and Christian mission, service and outreach. Include your reasons for interest in this particular event and a statement of your financial need.