Eastern Mennonite University

EMU's Democrats and Republicans collaborate

Adam Peachey (left), co-president of the College Republicans, and Ani Beitzel, a member of the Young Democrats, work a voter registration table in early October outside the dining hall at Eastern Mennonite University. The two clubs joined EMU's Student Government Association to help raise awareness among students, sponsoring four lunchtime events and a virtual evening session. (EMU photo by Jon Styer)

Two clubs at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., did their best to get out the vote this month ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election—and contrary to the fraught and divisive national scene, they did so harmoniously.

Pandemic sends Summer Peacebuilding Institute online

When the Summer Peacebuilding Institute (SPI) moved online this year in response to COVID-19, it lost some of the aspects that attract people to the Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) program in Harrisonburg, Va., each summer, like in-person networking and conversations shared over meals. But it also opened the door for many to attend who otherwise couldn't due to travelling and attendance costs, visa complications, and work commitments, says SPI director Bill Goldberg. This year, more than 180 participants from 27 different countries tuned in to SPI sessions via video conference.

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