EMU Impact Study

Acknowledgements

This study of the impact of Eastern Mennonite University on the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia was accomplished with the assistance of many persons both here at EMU and within the wider community. This first attempt to quantify the impact of the University on the local community owes much of its momentum to Richard Gunden, VP for Advancement and consultant Charles Kayton of Gonser Gerber Tinker Stuhr LLP, who requested the study and assisted in identifying the categories of data to be collected. Academic departments were helpful in supplying information about the performance of graduates, and the Conferences and Events Office provided essential information about the many programs and events that are offered to the community.

Charles DeHart, Assistant Director in the Office of Institutional Research at James Madison University was helpful in suggesting a methodology for tackling the economic impact section of the study. Ron Piper and Kevin Longenecker in the Business Affairs Division compiled the information on University expenditures. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Ann Lang, Senior Economist at the Virginia Employment Commission, who provided essential assistance in the analysis of EMU’s expenditures, estimating the impact of those expenditures on the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia with IMPLAN software.

Karen B. Miller, Director
Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Introduction

Our Vision

EMU envisions a learning community marked by academic excellence, creative process, professional competence, and passionate Christian faith, offering healing and hope in our diverse world. To this end, we commit ourselves to:

                          do justice,
                          love mercy, and
                          walk humbly with God.

Our Mission

EMU educates students to live in a global context. Our Anabaptist Christian community challenges students to pursue their life calling through scholarly inquiry, artistic creation, guided practice, and life-changing cross-cultural encounter. We invite each person to experience Christ and follow His call to:

witness faithfully,
serve compassionately, and
walk boldly in the way of nonviolence and peace.

Our Shared Values

EMU instills the enduring values of our Anabaptist tradition in each generation:

                          Christian discipleship
                          community,
                          service, and
                          peacebuilding.

Together we worship God, seek truth, and care for each other.

Preparing students to interact with the local and the global community is an important part of Eastern Mennonite University’s mission. The 1,400 plus undergraduate, graduate and seminary students at the University “try out” their vocations in real life situations within general education courses, internships, practica and community service assignments. The community learning initiative implemented in 2002 with funding from the Lilly Foundation will continue the emphasis on working with local organizations in ways that are mutually beneficial.

This impact study describes some of the ways EMU enriches the community, through its educational programs, cultural opportunities, and community service activities. The second part of the study uses quantitative data on expenditures from 2001-2002 to examine the impact of the University on the economy both at the local and state level.

Summary

In addition to the economic impact of EMU, faculty staff and student expenditures as a stimulus to the local community, the University interacts with the local community in many ways that are mutually beneficial. One of the most significant contributions EMU makes to the local community is the education of Virginia residents, many of whom stay in the valley to teach, provide health care, or social services. Over the last five years 62% of EMU graduates have found work in the helping professions. Graduates are recognized by employers for their work ethic, and excellent preparation. Many graduates also work in local businesses or start their own businesses. EMU plays an important role in providing Seminary training, and high quality graduate programs in Counseling, Conflict Transformation, Business Administration, and Education. The Adult Degree Completion Program enables many area adults to complete their undergraduate degree through a flexible evening program of study that includes learning that is applied in the work setting.

The University also offers a variety of cultural and educational opportunities open to community persons of all ages. Sports programs, music, theater, art shows, lectures, movies and more enrich the surrounding area. WEMC, the EMU radio station brings an international flavor to news programming and music. Children and youth participate in sports programs, orchestra and choral groups, and visit the natural History Museum and Planetarium. Community service is an important aspect of EMU’s mission, and faculty, staff and students all play an important role in community organizations.

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