HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) announced Monday, May 11, a partnership that will reportedly strengthen and expand their relationship.

As part of the agreement, VMRC will acquire Park Woods, a 13-acre oak-hickory forest it shares with EMU. The partnership also includes a five-year plan for VMRC’s potential expansion through its purchase of the land upon which the EMU baseball field now sits, along with the construction of a new ballfield at another location on the university campus.

“This partnership honors our history while giving us the flexibility and capacity to plan for long-term vitality,” VMRC President and CEO Jake Bell said. “It allows us to continue providing high-quality care and community while strengthening our connection to EMU and the region we both serve.”

“This partnership reflects who we are and how we want to lead,” EMU Interim President Shannon W. Dycus said. “It builds on decades of relationship, shared geography, and common values, while positioning both institutions to respond thoughtfully and responsibly to the future.”