Ten graduating seniors are Eastern Mennonite University’s 2026 Cords of Distinction recipients. They will wear blue and gold cords signifying their achievement during the 2026 Commencement. A special ceremony honoring the recipients will be held on Friday, April 24, at 10:10 a.m. in Martin Chapel.
The Cords of Distinction Award honors the efforts of up to 10 graduating students each year who have made outstanding contributions to the university, community, or society. It was established in 2000 to recognize and honor graduates who have demonstrated creative learning and achievement, exemplary leadership and engagement across communities, and a commitment to the values of the university: academic excellence, peace and justice, and active faith.
The cords are blue and gold. Blue honors the strength of conviction that one person can help restore hope across communities. Gold celebrates excellence and the courage to practice and pursue peace.
The 2026 Cords of Distinction recipients are:
• Sophia Armato, with majors in Spanish language & Hispanic studies and education (PreK–12) licensure from Manheim, Pennsylvania;
• Leah Beachy, a nursing major from Salem, Oregon;
• Arelys Martinez, with majors in Spanish language & Hispanic studies and education (PreK–12) licensure from Winchester, Virginia;
• Genesis Figueroa, with majors in political science and Spanish language & Hispanic studies from Millersburg, Ohio;
• Leah Frankenfield, a psychology major from Moraga, California;
• Dibora Mekonnen, with majors in political science and social work from Silver Spring, Maryland;
• Emily Suarez Nunez, a nursing major from McGaheysville, Virginia;
• Irais Barrera Pinzon, with majors in political science and Spanish language & Hispanic studies from Richmond, Virginia;
• Sarah Prroj, a business administration major from Harrisonburg, Virginia; and
• Roumany Sefin, with majors in business administration and medical lab science from Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Nominees are:
• Miranda Beidler
• Nia Boyd
• Kylik Bradshaw
• Chase Comer
• Anne Marie Cornelius
• Zazkia De la Vega
• Benjamin Friesen Guhr
• Madelynn Hamm
• Jackie Jackson
• Sara Kennel
• Lydia Longacre
• Maria Longenecker
• Ethan Neufeld
• Jenna Oostland
• Royale Parker
• Marianne Short
• Eli Stoll
• John Stover
• Joshua Stucky
• Levi Stutzman
• Guadalupe Tenorio Ramirez
• Erik Wilkinson
