This article is from the EMU News Archive. Current EMU new is available at www.emu.edu/news

EMU's New 'Micah Think Tank' Calls for Proposals

The hand-crafted banner at the front of Lehman Auditorium provides a constant reminder of the 'EMU Vision' statement.
Photo by Jim Bishop

How can EMU fan the flames of creativity and learning that are already happening on campus and put "flesh" on the words from Micah 6:8 that are key to the university’s vision and mission? Where should EMU go next?

To "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly" is the way EMU anticipates its graduates will move into the world after their time on campus.

A "Micah Think Tank" committee - named earlier this year by President Loren E. Swartzendruber - is calling for proposals to find ways to move the vision into a new era for EMU. It’s a way to “insert oxygen into fires already burning on campus," noted seminary associate dean Sara Wenger Shenk.

The group is calling for proposals from current EMU faculty, staff and students, as well as alumni, current and former board members, donors and friends.

Hallmarks of EMU Education

In the 1970s and 80s, "community development through Anabaptist agencies" was a hallmark of EMU education, according to the committee. In the 90s, the language shifted to conflict transformation and peacebuilding.

"Now it’s time to build on EMU’s strong vision and mission, setting forth a new direction and era," said committee member Janice M. (Jan) Jenner, director of the practice institute at EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.

The request for proposals is the first step in a year-long process that will culminate in a March 2007 gala to celebrate and reflect on EMU’s call.

Proposals can be collaborative and may take any form: music, poetry, visual and performing arts, in addition to formal papers.

The proposals are due to the selection committee Nov. 20, 2006. The committee will conduct a blind review and select proposals reflecting a balance of media, presenters and disciplines/styles. The committee will announce their selections Dec. 4, 2006.

Submissions can be sent electronically to the committee at micah@emu.edu, including a cover page with identifying information. The submitter(s) name should not appear on the proposal.

More information about the Micah Think Tank and the call for proposals can be found online at www.emu.edu/micah.

Questions can be directed to committee staff Kenton and Shirley Brubaker, phone (540) 434-0473 or email .

— article by: Andrea Wenger; posted October 20, 2006