Eastern Mennonite College

Eastern Mennonite College, now Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), was founded in 1917 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA, as a private academic institution affiliated with the Mennonite Church. Initially established as Eastern Mennonite School to provide Mennonite-centered education and prevent youth from attending secular schools, it evolved into a college in 1947 offering bachelor's degrees beyond theology and became a university in 1994. Key activities include liberal arts programs in education, nursing, arts, sciences, and the renowned Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, emphasizing peace studies, experiential learning, creation care, and mandatory cross-cultural engagement. Notable achievements encompass attracting global students for its nonviolent Mennonite values integrated with modern academics and hosting special collections like the Menno Simons Historical Library since 1926. Currently active with over 2,000 students across campuses in Harrisonburg and Lancaster, Pennsylvania.