Trevor Oyer, coach of Eastern Mennonite University’s disc golf team, speaks at the course dedication and tree planting Saturday, April 23, in honor of Nathan Longenecker. Nate, a Yoder-Webb Scholar who was majoring in mathematics and computer science at the time of his diagnosis with brain cancer, died in October 2021. He was a passionate and skilled disc golf player.
Approximately 85 people gathered on the hill behind EMU on Saturday afternoon. Susan Schultz Huxman, EMU president, and Michelle Dula, pastor of Blossom Hill Mennonite Church (Lancaster, Pa.) welcomed the gathered, many of whom wore special green shirts commemorating a disc golf and prayer event held for Nate while he was ill.
Members of the Chamber Singers perform “My Life Flows On.” The gathering also made space for stories about Nate while he was a student at EMU, told by friends Zach Bauman, Hannah Beck, and Ben Alderfer as well as, later on, members of the audience.
Oyer, who designed EMU’s disc golf course, explains the significance of the site for the tree planting, at the top of the course. The tree is a swamp oak, known for its hardiness and longevity.
University Chaplain Brian Martin Burkholder, in the white shirt above, led the gathered in a litany, a portion of which is shared below:
We honor the inspiration Nathan continues to give to us, as he is remembered in our families, churches and among friends both within this community, in Lancaster, and beyond.
In the midst of our tears and sorrow, our longing and love, we give thanks for his life and we dedicate this tree in his memory.
ALL: You created this world and care for all who are a part of it.
May this tree speak to the ways that you, God, continue to nurture and grow in all Creation.
May this tree represent hope for us in the days ahead, even when we may feel hopeless.
May this tree symbolize the abundant love and grace of God as its roots reach deep and its branches stretch wide.
ALL: You created this world and care for all who are a part of it.
People were invited to gather handfuls of soil and plant the tree. Nathan’s parents, Lynn and Laurie, shoveled the last portions of dirt and gave the tree its first watering.
The view from the hill where Nate’s tree was planted. Eventually a bench will be placed there.
Before the toss, Susan Landes Beck, associate director of development, shared a benediction : “Lynn, Laurie, Maria, and Jesse, this is a gathering of love. Of tears, pain, and laughter. This is a showing of commitment. We have not and will not forget Nate. We will not forget you. Nate and you will always be a part of the class of 2024.”
An endowed scholarship in Nate’s memory has been funded with $61,000 in donations. The scholarship is need-based and will be awarded annually to a student who would not otherwise be able to attend. To contribute to the Nathan Longenecker Endowed Memorial Scholarship, visit this page.
All of the discs from the ceremonial last toss were gathered up and putted into the basket.
As a grandpa of Nathan and an EMU alumnus of 1957, I am gratified that my alma mater has given Nathan’s life recognition by planting a swamp oak tree on Observatory Hill. While I will not live to see this memorial tree reach maturity, it brings to mind many pleasant memories that remain with me for times of reflection and enjoyment spent on this amazing elevation with its panoramic view. Nathan’s death is a painful loss to our family, but his life is a testimony of God’s grace. May God be praised.
Agree, Nathan life is a testimony of God’s grace.