Eastern Mennonite University said six women were inducted into Royal Women for EMU at the group’s fourth annual soiree on Sept. 18 at White Oak Lavender Farm. More than 60 students, alumni, faculty, staff and university friends attended, according to EMU’s announcement.
The 2026 inductees are Dr. Katherine Evans, professor of teacher education; Marci Frederick, former director of libraries, honored posthumously; Renee Leap ’83, senior associate director of financial aid; Dr. Melody M. Pannell ’97, GC ’19, former professor and director of multicultural student services; Karen Moshier-Shenk ’73, former senior associate director of advancement; and Audrey Shenk ’86, systems librarian, EMU said.
EMU said each honoree was introduced by someone close to her and received an honorary pin and ribbon. Paul Cook accepted the honor for Frederick, his wife, according to the announcement.
Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, who leads Royal Women for EMU as the university’s director of alumni engagement and community connections, said the honorees were selected for their contributions to EMU and beyond, according to the university. The event included remarks by EMU President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus and an introduction by Nathan Leopard, vice president for advancement, the announcement said.
Royal Women for EMU launched in fall 2023 as a networking and philanthropy initiative focused on connections, women’s leadership and financial aid for students, EMU said. Led by Reed and co-chairs Louise Otto Hostetter ’79 and Kay Nussbaum ’78, the initiative aims to raise $70,000 for student scholarships; it awarded its first scholarship in 2025, according to the announcement.
