Kevin King to Speak at Commencement, June 3

Kevin King will bring the commencement address to the class of 2023 during graduation exercises on June 3, 2023. The ceremony will be held at Eastern Mennonite University’s Lehman Auditorium at 5 p.m.

Since February 2004 Kevin has served as the Executive Director of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) based in Lititz, Pa.

Prior to that, he was the material resources manager in Mennonite Central Committee’s office in Akron, Pa., coordinating the collecting and shipping of material aid internationally. He traveled extensively to Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America to follow up on many of the disasters.

“We’re excited for our graduates to hear Kevin reflect on the impact they can have in the world as he draws on his experiences serving and leading in times and places of great material need,” says Paul Leaman, head of school. “Kevin’s leadership throughout his career has facilitated thousands of peoples’ generosity of time and money, and I believe he will inspire me as well as our graduates.”

Kevin  served with MCC in Brazil from 1981 to 1984, and again from 1987 to 1991 with his wife, Karen, in Jamaica where Kevin was an international agriculture advisor. Justin, EMS high school principal, was born during the Jamaica term. Daughter Andrea was born in Lancaster, Pa., and is a 5th grade teacher at Blue Stone Elementary School.

Kevin earned a bachelors degree from Eastern Mennonite  University in international agriculture development. He also earned an MBA in International Economic Development in 1987 from Eastern College, St. Davids, Pa.

Among other volunteer roles, he served for six years as a board member of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD).

Kevin and Karen reside in Harrisonburg and are members of Zion Mennonite Church.