EMU students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered at White Oak Lavender Farm for the 2nd Annual Royal Women Soirée to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of women within the community. 

The soirée, which provided an opportunity for community members to converse over beverages and hor d’oeuvres, recognized five new Royal Women honorees as part of the celebration: Lois (Burkholder) Bowman Kreider (‘60), Theda Good (‘06 MDiv), Julie Haushalter (‘03 MDiv), Peggy Webb (‘54), and current senior Nussa Garti.

Four honorees, with the exception of Webb, were highlighted in a speech from Director of Athletics Carrie Bert, who recognized each inductee’s individual accomplishments. 

Upon receiving her honor, Garti “felt a range of emotions. From confusion as to why I deserved it, to awe with the women who specifically chose me and considered me, for their own reasons, to be honored for my part at the school and at Royal Women’s debut last year—I was truly taken aback and felt so honored.” 

Garti is the designer of the Royal Women logo, which was unveiled at last year’s first annual soirée and was featured on the pins and stickers given to this year’s attendees. Additionally, her design was used as an element of the decorative pin awarded to all honorees, which also featured a felt yellow flower and pearls. Garti received this honor for her creative contribution to Royal Women. 

Kreider was recognized for her 51 years of service as a librarian in the Menno Simons Historical Library and for being the first, then, Eastern Mennonite College (EMC) graduate to receive a Harvard degree (‘63). 

A graduate of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Good was recognized for appointment by the Mennonite church as the first out female LGBTQ+ lead pastor. 

Haushalter, a graduate of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, previous campus pastor, and current owner of White Oak Lavender Farm, was honored with a surprise induction for her generous donation of her space over the past two years. 

Finally, Peggy Webb was recognized in a stand-alone speech from Administrative Assistant Shea Jones-Mitchell. Webb was the first Black graduate of EMC. Jones-Mitchell highlighted her bravery, the struggles she endured as a Black woman during legal segregation of schools, and her accomplishments in spite of barriers, such as co-writing and leading her own commencement song alongside fellow student Jay B. Landis. 

Garti named this honoration as her favorite part of the evening, noting Webb’s efforts as “things that truly represent the essence and resilience of Royal Women.” 

Junior Sarah Prroj, an event attendee, had her own favorite part of the event: “talking to different women and being present for the recognition of their achievements.” She recalled the many “valuable connections” she made that night. 

It was observing these connections that Annual Giving and Donor Communication Specialist Nicole Litwiller noted as her favorite part of the evening. She shared, “Guests were able to build connections they might not have had the chance to make in their everyday lives.”

When asked about the importance of groups like Royal Women and events like the soirée, Litwiller shared the following: “I’ve heard from several people that attending Royal Women events is the first time they’ve felt truly seen as an EMU alum. These spaces have made them want to engage with and invest in EMU in new ways. That’s powerful. Having spaces where women are centered allows us to show up as our full selves and embrace our collective power.” To support Royal Women, EMU community members can join the group at their events. Although no gatherings are currently scheduled, students, faculty, and staff can look out for emails or social media posts. Additionally, the community can directly support Royal Women through donations made towards their EMU scholarships. Donations can be made here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/OngYRw?vid=187n44.