Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2024, Andrews University Fri, 17 May 2024 07:59:00 +0000 Fri, 17 May 2024 07:59:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Professor Receives Excellence in Impact Award http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65200 <p> Curtis VanderWaal, chair and professor of social work at Andrews University, recently received the United Way of Southwest Michigan's annual Excellence in Impact Award. VanderWaal’s path from graduate to seasoned professor has been defined by his commitment to community impact and relentless dedication to positive change.</p> <p> VanderWaal’s journey began in the field of community mental health after he graduated from the University of Michigan. Later, he pursued his PhD at Case Western Reserve University and then began teaching at Andrews University in 1990.</p> <p> As chair of the School of Social Work, VanderWaal has multiple responsibilities, from managing budgets to nurturing faculty and program growth. He explains that his leadership includes “making sure our faculty have the resources they need and removing all the roadblocks possible.”</p> <p> The recent award from the United Way came as a surprise to VanderWaal, who humbly acknowledges his contributions over the years. “It was very graciously given,” he shares. His involvement with the United Way spans more than a decade, during which he has served on committees and spearheaded program evaluations that measure community impact.</p> <p> For VanderWaal, the essence of the award lies in its reflection of collective effort. “They're saying, ‘Thank you for your contributions to the United Way over the years,’” he said, emphasizing the collaborative spirit driving social change.</p> <p> At the heart of VanderWaal's work is a commitment to real-world impact, evident in his role as director of field education and his innovative teaching methods at Andrews. His class “Advanced Program Evaluation” offers students unique opportunities to engage with community agencies, conducting evaluations that shape real-world interventions.</p> <p> “Students love being able to actually do a project that matters,” VanderWaal shares, highlighting the transformative impact of experiential learning. Through partnerships with community agencies, students gain practical skills while making tangible contributions to societal well-being.</p> <p> Beyond accolades and awards, VanderWaal's passion lies in amplifying voices that are often left unheard. “The United Way goes into the community and asks normal folks what they need,” he explains, emphasizing the organization's inclusive approach to community engagement.</p> <p> VanderWaal continues to engage his students and fellow faculty members in positive projects that impact the community. Within the School of Social Work, students are constantly pushed to connect and create positive change. For more information about VanderWaal and the Department of Social Work, please visit the department’s <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/cas/socialwork/index.html">website</a>.</p> Thu, 16 May 2024 15:58:48 +0000 Andrews Designated a Minority Serving Institution http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65191 <p> The United States Department of the Interior has once again designated Andrews University as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) for its service toward various minority populations. As a result of this identification, a $2.25 million grant has been awarded to Andrews by the US Department of the Interior to recruit more minority students.</p> <p> As defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, Andrews University is now distinguished as one of 735 colleges and universities in the United States that provide various opportunities for minority students. This MSI status will be in effect from July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025. Andrews was also recently classified as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).</p> <p> Padma Uppala, associate dean for research and creative scholarship and professor in the School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness, helped to secure the University’s standing as an MSI and was the grant proposal writer on behalf of the University. Uppala shares that the MSI distinction not only provides financial help to students but also contributes a portion of financial relief for Andrews as an organization. For the last several years, Andrews has also been eligible to accept Federal Pell Grants, designated for “undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need,” according to the Federal Student Aid’s website. Uppala notes that Andrews has either received an MSI designation or Pell Grant eligibility every year since 2019, which has allowed Andrews to compete for related grants.</p> <p> In the 2023–24 school year, Student Financial Services (SFS) recorded 282 student recipients of Pell Grants, which provided additional funds for less financially fortunate students. The MSI designation also offers partial financial alleviation for both the University and individual students. Cynthia Gammon, associate director of SFS, states, “The MSI title designation, received thanks to Padma and her application, allows Andrews University a waiver of the use of institutional funds. The amount of institutional funds we would have needed to spend [without this support] are $78,933 toward work-study and $83,064 toward SEOG [Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants] for the 2023-24 aid year.”</p> <p> Another potential benefit of the MSI distinction is partnering with the US Department of the Interior for volunteerism, diverse hiring and further grants and contracts. The MSI designation provides significant potential resources and services for the University and its students. For instance, Uppala elaborates that “there are several collaborations [available]. NASA has special collaborations if you are an MSI. We have to take the initiative to work with them, and then a lot of our students will have opportunities to do internships with them. Then they will promote those students to get jobs and be well-placed in other industries.”</p> <p> To maximize the benefits of this designation, Uppala would like to form a student council composed of minority student leaders to help promote the various existing opportunities and forge paths for new ones. Uppala proposes, “If we have a student council that is working with me and have an executive team of the provost and myself that meets once every month, we can explore all of these opportunities to tap into them.”</p> Thu, 16 May 2024 11:04:04 +0000 Innovation Week Fosters Entrepreneurship http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65185 <p> The second annual Innovation Week has left its mark on Andrews University, honoring creativity, ingenuity and entrepreneurship. From April 1–5, 2024, the campus was alive with a variety of engaging events and activities. The theme for the week was “High-Value Relationships,” referencing the biblical model of lasting relationships and highlighting the importance of collaboration and networking throughout the innovative process. The return of Innovation Week also brought back the Andrews University Pitch Competition.</p> <p> The week featured keynote speaker Pierre Quinn, CEO of The Cardell Group. An alumnus of Andrews University with degrees in communication and theology, Quinn is also the author of “Leading While Green: How Emerging Leaders Can Ripen into Effective Leaders” and “Leading While Scared: How To Find the Courage To Keep Going.” Other activities throughout the week included networking events, a vespers service and an exhibit floor which showcased booths by student start-ups.</p> <p> The final round of the third annual Pitch Competition took place on Friday, April 5, where students presented original business ideas for the opportunity to win in-kind and cash awards. The event showcased a diverse array of innovative ideas and entrepreneurial ventures, each vying for the grand prize equivalent of over $13,000. This year’s competition was sponsored by Andrews University, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Glen Oaks, 52 Wall St, the School of Leadership at Andrews University, 38 Wall St, Andrews University’s Enactus Club and Adventist Young Professionals.</p> <p> Among the standout participants was Sofiia Ialysheva, whose project “Zahra,” a menstrual resource app tailored for Muslim women, captured the judges’ hearts and imaginations. Speaking about her inspiration and journey, Ialysheva, a senior finance major, shares, “This project is very close to my heart because I do believe that there's a big gap in education in the Middle East, especially related to women's health and menstrual health.”</p> <p> With roots in a nonprofit initiative aimed at supporting refugee girls in Lebanon, “Zahra” blossomed into a platform offering education, support and empowerment for women across various Muslim regions. Ialysheva’s project earned the first-place award of $10,000 as well as the $1,000 People’s Choice Award, highlighting the impact that Andrews students can have in addressing societal needs. Along with the monetary awards, Ialysheva also received one year of business coaching, co-working access, and business and mail service.</p> <p> Second place was awarded to the project “FreshNest,” presented by its CEO and founder Edd Joseph, junior computer science major. FreshNest is a tech platform aimed at bridging the gap between short-term rental hosts (such as Airbnb and Vrbo) and cleaners. As the second-place winner, FreshNest received $8,000 in cash from the competition sponsors. Joseph states, “These winnings will be instrumental in accelerating our development and marketing efforts. By expediting FreshNest's entry into the market, we can fulfill our mission of ‘Creating Cleaner Possibilities’ for the cleaning industry. With FreshNest, hosts can save valuable time and energy, enabling them to concentrate on delivering exceptional experiences for their guests.”</p> <p> The project “Breaking the Mold Ministry” by Devonte Gilchrist won third place and received $6,000 in cash. “Breaking the Mold Ministry” is an online church ministry focused on providing a safe space for young adults to engage with Christianity and discuss real-life issues. It originated as a service for the youth of Gilchrist’s home church but expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to reach a broader audience. Gilchrist says, “We plan on using [the winnings] to purchase VR headsets, create a blueprint for building our Metaverse church building, have an in-person retreat and work toward baptisms.”</p> <p> Two Social Innovation Awards, each totaling $5,000 in grants for projects in Berrien County, were given to Joseph’s “FreshNest” project and the fourth-place winner “MicroGreens” by Parker Muhlenbeck, sophomore accounting major. Other winners and competitors included “The Treehouse Initiative” by Michael Owusu, “Prehtis” by Julison de Souza Mendonca and “The Teacher Preacher” by Ilka Ruiz.</p> <p> Matias Soto, director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Andrews University, sheds light on the significance of events like Innovation Week in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within the campus community. "Innovation Week provides us with the opportunity to frame innovation and entrepreneurship according to our context," he explains. "It allows us to define how those terms relate to our Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and history, how to apply them to our unique university and how they can be used as tools to be world changers."</p> <p> This year’s Innovation Week activities were sponsored by the Andrews University Graduate Student Association (AUGSA), Center for Faith Engagement, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Student Involvement, Leadership & Activities (SILA). Through partnerships like these, the event not only celebrates innovation but also fosters collaboration and networking opportunities among participants and attendees.</p> <p> The success of Innovation Week extends beyond the campus, resonating with the broader local community and igniting important conversations. Looking ahead, the event promises to continue making an impact. Soto says, "My conviction is that the students at Andrews University are amongst the most innovative and entrepreneurial in the country." As plans for the next iteration of Innovation Week take shape, the campus anticipates another chapter in the journey toward becoming a hub for innovation, creativity and positive change.</p> <p> For more information on the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Andrews University, visit their <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/innovation/">website</a>.</p> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>.</div> Wed, 15 May 2024 12:27:08 +0000 Andrews Becomes a Hispanic Serving Institution http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65158 <p> Andrews University was recently designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Currently, Andrews is the first and only school in the state of Michigan to receive such designation.</p> <p> In addition to recognizing support and appreciation for the Hispanic students on campus, being a Hispanic Serving Institution provides Andrews with opportunities to further serve Hispanic students in higher education. It enables the University to apply for grants that can be utilized to increase accessibility to education and support Hispanic students throughout their college careers. The HACU also offers external scholarships, advancement programs, internships and other forms of support to Hispanic students across the country.</p> <p> “Being an HACU member opens doors for undergraduate and graduate summer internships with the federal government in museums, parks, senate, congress, the IRS, immigration and many more,” Pedro Navia, chair of the Department of International Languages & Global Studies, elaborates. “Hispanic students from all majors can apply and participate.” The designation can also benefit faculty members doing research or community projects within the Hispanic community.</p> <p> Navia, who also serves as the sponsor for the Andrews University Latino Association (AULA), headed the application process for this designation. “The HACU used our fall semester numbers for Hispanics enrolled at both undergraduate and graduate levels, which were between 24%–25% with a steady pattern of continued growth,” he says.</p> <p> As Andrews continues to hold a ranking as one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the nation, it is important to recognize the diverse people groups that are represented on campus, both among students and employees. Recent graduate Brandon Alvarez, who served as president of the Andrews University Latino Association during the 2023–24 school year, notes his appreciation for the numerous Hispanic student clubs and religious organizations found in the campus community, such as AULA, Makarios Ministry and Genesis Fellowship. “It really opens up the doors for Hispanic students to get involved and celebrate their origins,” he shares.</p> <p> In addition to clubs and organizations, the university offers several scholarships for students of Hispanic descent. Andrews also recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, which falls between Sept. 15–Oct. 15 each year. In 2023, the campus community celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month under the theme “Estamos Unidos,” meaning “We Are United.” Programming included church services, vespers services, educational courses, a night market, spirit week activities and a Noche Latina program. Each event honored the diversity within the Andrews University community.</p> <p> “Andrews has set up so much support for the Hispanic community that resides here,” says senior elementary education major Amanda Orosco, who is of Mexican and Dominican heritage. “From the undergraduate and graduate clubs to even the food served at the cafeteria, I feel my culture is represented on campus, and to me, that is so comforting. It helps me feel like this is a place that I belong.”</p> <p> In the next few months, a website will be established with more information about and resources from the Hispanic Serving Institution designation.</p> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>.</div> Mon, 06 May 2024 12:49:09 +0000 Andrews Receives National Science Foundation Grant http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65152 <p> The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded over $550,000 to a new collaborative project between Andrews University’s Department of Physics, Augsburg University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The project, titled “Propagation and Dissipation of Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves in the Magnetosphere and Ionosphere,” seeks to reveal some of the unknown behaviors of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves that are located within the magnetic field and atmosphere of Earth. Eun-Hwa Kim, physics research professor at Andrews University, will be the lead researcher and principal investigator for the project.</p> <p> Under the NSF’s classification of a Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) project, the research aims to use various detailed simulations to answer questions about the compression and stretching of the Earth’s magnetic field due to EMIC waves. According to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10078204/#:~:text=EMIC%20waves%20have%20been%20established,Thorne%20%26%20Kennel%2C%201971).">research published</a> by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “EMIC waves have been established as one of several types of radio and plasma waves that play critical roles in the energization and depletion of the radiation belts and ring current,” both of which protect the Earth’s atmosphere.</p> <p> According to Kim, EMIC waves can be detected by satellites in the magnetosphere—the Earth’s magnetic environment—but only for very brief moments, making it incredibly difficult to study them. For this reason, studies on EMIC waves are relatively new. The project’s abstract explains “there are many unsolved puzzles related to EMIC wave propagation,” thus identifying the research’s necessity and relevance to modern discussions and understandings of physics.</p> <p> Kim states, “My observation team will research the frequency, polarization and where and when we detected these waves. The simulation team will launch the wave near the source where we believe [the waves may be] and then see how this wave propagates in different environments.” The various simulations will then be studied and further explored before Kim’s team publishes the findings.</p> <p> The EMIC wave propagation project was first approved for funding in September 2022, but several complications delayed the start of the research until this year. A four-year plan, ending in March 2028, has been developed, beginning with preliminary research and leading to simulations needed for further data collection. Kim expects that the first research paper for the project will be submitted by the end of this year, with more to follow as the project advances.</p> <p> Jay Johnson, professor of physics and engineering at Andrews University, will be working with Kim to set up the Andrews-based portion of the research. Mark J. Engebretson of Augsburg University and Hyomin Kim of the New Jersey Institute of Technology will be the co-researchers on this project. Kim and Johnson are also currently seeking an Andrews physics student to join the team as a research assistant. The student will assist the primary researchers and will ideally have a depth of knowledge in physics, a good GPA, and passion for research and knowledge.</p> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>.</div> Fri, 03 May 2024 11:30:15 +0000 Andrews University Spring Graduation http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65138 <p> Andrews University’s spring graduation will take place May 3–5, 2024. The weekend’s events will include a Friday evening Commencement service, Baccalaureate services on Sabbath morning and two additional Commencement services on Sunday morning.</p> <p> All Commencement services will take place at the Howard Performing Arts Center, and the Baccalaureate services will take place at Pioneer Memorial Church. Please note that in order to provide more seating for families and friends of graduates, Commencement is held in three separate services and is by reserved seating only. Overflow seating for the Commencement services is available in the Seminary Chapel.</p> <p> Additional academic and cultural programs are planned throughout graduation weekend. Consult the online schedule for a complete listing at <a href="http://andrews.edu/graduation/schedule">andrews.edu/graduation/schedule</a>.</p> <p> On Friday, May 3, at 5:30 p.m., Jo Ann Davidson, senior research professor of systematic theology, will speak at the Commencement service for the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and the College of Education & International Services. Her talk is titled, “One Last Time.” Davidson received her MA from Andrews University and her PhD from Trinity Evangelical School. She was the first woman to teach in the Department of Theology & Christian Philosophy in the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Davidson is the author of several articles, book chapters and books, including “Toward a Theology of Beauty” and “Glimpses of our God,” and she has a column in the journal “Perspective Digest.”</p> <p> Honorary degree candidate Donovan Noble, president of Maranatha Volunteers International, will be recognized at this service for his dedication to mission and support of churches, schools and communities around the world. Noble obtained his bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Oregon and went on to serve in the United States Air Force. He received his MA in religion from Andrews University in 1980. After holding several teaching positions at Christian academies and an executive position at a management consulting company, he became president of Maranatha in 1983. He has since spent over four decades leading out construction projects in 88 countries, involving nearly 100,000 volunteers in mission service around the world.</p> <p> On Saturday, May 4, Jim Micheff, president of the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, will offer the address “World Changers” for both the 9 a.m. (graduate) and 11:45 a.m. (undergraduate) Baccalaureate services. Micheff began his pastoral ministry in 1994 in the Rocky Mountain Conference. Prior to his presidency, he was the executive secretary for the Michigan Conference from 2007–2017, where he also previously served for seven years as youth director and as a local pastor.</p> <p> Two Commencement services will take place on Sunday, May 5. At the 8:30 a.m. service, Annetta Gibson, professor emerita of accounting, will give the Commencement address “Mind the Verbs” for graduates of the College of Health & Human Services and College of Professions. Prior to her retirement from Andrews University in 2013, Gibson served as a professor, department chair and, from 1995–2006, dean of the School of Business. She holds a BA in business, an MBA, and PhD in accounting, and she is also a licensed CPA. Currently, Gibson conducts financial seminars around the world and provides treasurer training materials for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.</p> <p> Honorary degree candidate Dorothea Robinson will be honored at this service for her dedication to mentoring young people and preparing them for lives of service around the world. After graduating with a BS in nursing in 1962 and, later, an MA in education in 1973, Robinson spent her career as a nursing professional and educator. Over the course of her life, she has given special support to many youth ministries within the church and has spent time advancing several educational initiatives for students. With her husband, Byron Robinson, she currently works for the Byron Robinson Educational Foundation, a nonprofit that advances students’ academic journeys through scholarships and financial support.</p> <p> Mickey Kutzner, professor emeritus of physics, will deliver the address “Terminal Degree” at the 11:30 a.m. Commencement service for graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences. Kutzner received his BS in physics and mathematics in 1982 and MS in astronomy in 1984. In 1989, he obtained his PhD in physics from the University of Virginia. A dedicated educator, he began working as a professor at Andrews University that same year and continued to serve both Andrews and Griggs University until his retirement in 2022. Also a prolific researcher and writer, he has published numerous articles, books and scholarly papers. In recognition of his contributions to the field of physics, Kutzner has received several fellowships, grants and awards.</p> <p> Select graduation services will be livestreamed. For details, visit <a href="http://andrews.edu/graduation">andrews.edu/graduation</a>.</p> Wed, 01 May 2024 11:22:20 +0000 Andrews University Archaeologist Returns to Egypt http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65116 <div> Andrews University archaeologist and associate director of Andrews University Press, L.S. Baker, Jr., PhD, returned to Karnak temple in Luxor, Egypt in March to continue his work as an epigrapher on the Great Hypostyle Hall project. Baker joined a group of experts from a consortium of institutions under the direction of world-renowned Egyptologist Peter Brand from the University of Memphis, with authorization from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The project’s aim is to create precise facsimile representations of the wall reliefs associated with the famous Great Hypostyle Hall in the temple of Amun at Karnak. Brand assigned the portion of the wall containing the Merenptah battle reliefs and the Hittite Peace Treaty to Mark Janzen, PhD, associate professor at Lipscomb University and Egyptologist at the Lanier Center for Archaeology at Lipscomb.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Baker currently works as a research associate with the Lanier Center and is part of Janzen’s team. He also serves as an epigrapher due to his specialty in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, history and culture. His task last year was to work on the famous Hittite Peace Treaty, the oldest known peace treaty between two major world powers. A copy of the treaty is prominently featured in the United Nations headquarters in New York City.</div> <div>  </div> <div> This year, Baker’s task was to finish work on the treaty with Janzen’s team. He was also assigned to document inscription reliefs of battles by Ramses the Great and his son Merenptah in the Holy Land on a section of the wall beside the peace treaty.</div> <div>  </div> <div> “The hieroglyph version that we are working on is 38 lines of extremely small text that is mostly intact, but portions of it are missing due to damage over time,” Baker says. “My task both last season and this season is to identify each hieroglyph, including those in the damaged areas, so the artist can quickly recognize what is damage and what is glyph.”</div> <div>  </div> <div> Baker expresses his belief that God blessed the project, allowing him to finish his field work on the treaty earlier than expected. Thus, he was able to help the rest of the team by checking the collation of hieroglyphs and associated battle scenes that the expedition artist had drawn from the previous season’s work. Each year, Baker reports, the team has recognized God’s hand in helping them accomplish much more than expected.</div> <div>  </div> <div> In his role at Andrews University Press, Baker has served as the managing editor of the “Andrews Study Bible” and the “Andrews Bible Commentary.” The Commentary, released in 2022, was written in a reader-friendly format by scholars of the church for the people of the church. In his professional specialty as an Egyptian archaeologist, Baker also serves as consultant to the world Pathfinder organization and will be present at this summer’s International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, WY. Each day, he will present the historical and cultural backgrounds of the program. The theme of the event is the experience of the Exodus, one of Baker’s areas of professional specialty.</div> <div>  </div> <div> # # #</div> <div>  </div> <div> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html">positions</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/">donation</a>.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/">here</a>.</div> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:13:47 +0000 Volunteers Needed for Lamson Hall Revitalization http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65081 <p> From May 12–June 2, 2024, Maranatha Volunteers International and Andrews University will carry out significant upgrades to Lamson Hall. Maranatha, a non-profit construction organization that works in conjunction with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, will provide volunteer labor and a website for volunteer sign-up, with the goal of 100 volunteers participating for the full three weeks. Andrews will provide lodging and food for volunteers in addition to the necessary materials. Andrews is also raising funds to cover the estimated $2 million in total project costs. So far—with contributions from the President’s Council, the Board of Trustees, and other gifts—over $1.1 million has been raised.</p> <p> “On behalf of Andrews University, I would like to extend the warm invitation to join us in this endeavor, through the support of your presence or through helping us fund the materials and furnishings for the renovation,” states University President John Wesley Taylor V. “And a special ‘Thank you!’ to Maranatha Volunteers International for their leadership and valued partnership in this endeavor. Together we will make a difference in the lives of our students, the candidates of God’s Kingdom!”</p> <p> The focus of this project will be to make as much progress as possible on Lamson West, where volunteers will perform a facelift to the original bathroom suites. Teams will also work on refinishing residence hall rooms with paint, carpet and moveable desks. It is anticipated that, as Maranatha involvement continues, the total project will span the next two to three summers.</p> <p> Lamson Hall was built in two sections with an overall capacity of 600 occupants. Lamson East was completed in 1947 with individual rooms and community bathrooms, while Lamson West was completed in 1967 with two-room suites and connecting bathrooms.</p> <p> Over the years, upgrades like carpet, paint, furnishings and Lamson East community bathrooms have been made as funds were available. However, the Lamson West suite bathrooms and the built-in desks in both sections of Lamson are original. While Lamson West desks are newer than Lamson East desks, the Lamson West desks are more in need of an upgrade.</p> <p> Student feedback has also reflected the necessity to change both the bathrooms and the desk set-up. “Each year we survey our residence hall students,” says Jennifer Burrill, assistant vice president for Campus & Student Life and assistant vice president for Residence Life. “Typically two students are sharing 140 square feet of space, and students have requested more flexibility with that space—the ability to configure their rooms as they like. In the 2022–2023 survey, residents could select from options of what they considered the most needed improvements in Lamson. Sixty-eight percent selected ‘remove built-in desks and replace with moveable desks’ and 56% selected ‘suite bathrooms.’ These were the top two needs according to residents.”</p> <p> As a result, the Residence Life team coordinated with Andrews faculty and staff through Change It Up Day, a campus beautification day in spring 2023, to replace the built-in desks in approximately 50 Lamson rooms. Now that process will continue.</p> <p> Maranatha volunteers will be provided lodging in Lamson Hall dorm rooms—on-campus full RV hookups will be available as well—and three meals a day. Local volunteers are invited to join, too, and lunches will be provided. Individuals with experience installing carpet (tiles), ceramic tile and plumbing are especially needed. The team asks for a one week minimum volunteering commitment. All interested volunteers, including local, should sign up at the <a href="https://maranatha.org/projects/tgid3279/#anchor-overview">Maranatha website</a>. Registration will close at the beginning of May.</p> <p> “We are excited that this collaboration between Andrews and Maranatha will result in changes to Lamson that directly meet our residents’ needs,” says Burrill. “We look forward to the upcoming work!”</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">Enrollment</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">positions</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">donation</a>.</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>.</p> Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:59:20 +0000