In his career, John taught sociology and business at Eastern Mennonite College (now University), and service learning and sociology at Messiah College (now University) for seventeen years. He also served as academic dean at Goshen College. Currently, he’s a member of several local groups working on race issues. He pursued educational seminars and workshops to better understand effective board leadership as well as understand the senior care industry.


John chaired the Landis Homes and Landis Communities boards for several years, and currently serves on the Landis Communities and Welsh Mountain Home boards. Tis involvement has provided him with the opportunity to continue learning, specifically through attending seminars on how boards work and on strategic planning.


He reads often and enjoys picking up new hobbies, such as photography—a lifelong passion—and turning wood on the lathe, a new skill he learned at Landis Homes. As a third generation Landis Homes resident, he’s had the opportunity to witness the core values of the organization through the lives of the residents, staff, and board. “Much of what we do grows out of our faith,” John said. “We have a commitment to justice, care, love, and concern.”


He’s been particularly impressed with the integrity of Landis Communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and their transparent, open communication about the situation. “Integrity is shown in the way that the administration and the board work,” he said.


Community is also key to continue learning and expanding intellect. “Pathways Institute is one way to build community,” John said. “Te classes I’ve attended have been very, very helpful, and I, too, learn a lot through the ones I teach. It’s very intellectual and there’s variety. Anyone can find something that they’re interested in.”


In addition to Pathways Institute, there are other ways to be a lifelong learner at Landis Homes. Tere are book clubs to join, lectures to attend, and groups that meet periodically. For example, John recalls a group that met to advocate for a political candidate and he himself is a member of an anti-racism group.


Volunteering has also provided John and other residents with a service-oriented way to stay involved and learn new things. John volunteers as a shuttle driver. “I find it to be really significant,” he said. “I help provide a service that is needed. In volunteer assignments, you get opportunities to meet other people as well. It is another way to get involved.”


“Much of what we do grows out of our faith,” John said. “We have a commitment to justice, care, love, and concern.”


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2021 • 5


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