Esther Augsburger established the arts program at EMHS in 1971 and taught art at the school for the next nine years. During her teaching years Esther earned a Master’s in Sculpture from James Madison University in 1979. Esther has long supported the arts program at EMS, often helping and encouraging Barbara Gautcher’s work at the school.
In 1998 EMHS student leaders asked for a commissioned work from Esther, which is called Shalom. It is prominently displayed on the Dining Hall wall at the school. Esther will have art work displayed in the joint EMS/EMU Centennial Homecoming celebration October 12-15, 2017.
When Dr. Myron S. Augsburger served as fifth president of Eastern Mennonite College, 1965-1980, he also supervised EMHS as chief administrator. He became president of EMC and EMS at the age of 35. It was under Augsburger’s leadership that EMHS worked toward a separate charter and Board of Directors, which happened two years after he left office. Augsburger often spoke in EMHS chapels, has preached widely around the world as an evangelist, and has long been a friend of EMHS, supporting the school in many ways.
The extended EMS community extends many thanks to Myron and Esther Augsburger for serving and encouraging the ministries of EMS!
