Career Seminars
exploring career opportunities
An important component of a complete education is helping students to develop a clear vision of service to humanity through their chosen profession. Andrews Academy is committed to providing opportunities for career exploration. The strongest motivation for career development is for students to see professionals who have graduated from their school return and talk about their journey.
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CHARLES AHN, '85 CAREER: Ophthalmologist WORKPLACE: My medical practice is with the Dupage Medical Group Eye Specialists TRAINING: My Bachelor of Arts Degree is from Andrews University. My Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree is from the University of Michigan where my internship focused on internal medicine. My postgraduate studies include a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Illinois (Chicago) and a fellowship in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery at the University of Iowa. FAMILY/LIFE: I am married and have three sons. In my free time I enjoy running, reading, spending time with my family, volunteering at my church and participating in mission trips. In academy I enjoyed participating in band, choir, intramurals, NHS, tutoring and was a member of an evangelism team. I was the class President my freshmen year, NHS president my senior year and received a math scholarship and the President’s award. |
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GIANLUCA BACCHIOCCHI, '90 CAREER: Attorney WORKPLACE: I am currently employed with Greenberg, Traurig, LLP out of Chicago, IL. TRAINING: In 1994, I received a BA with high distinction for my double major in Economics and Mathematics. Received my JD from the New York University School of Law in 1998. FAMILY/LIFE: I am married to Silvia Canale ’90 and we have 3 children. Isabella is 10, Gianna is 6 and Enzo is 4. My special interests and hobbies are cycling, spending time with my family, tech gadgets and working on the legacy of my father’s ministry which includes publishing his Endtime Issues Newsletter with 27,000 subscribers. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: In academy I was involved with the men’s chorus, Silhouettes, Kaleidoscope, NHS, and all intramural sports. I was SA Public Relations, was awarded the JN Andrews Leadership award and voted “Best Communicator” my senior year. |
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CRISTER DELACRUZ, '90 CAREER: Public Relations/Marketing WORKPLACE: I am currently contracting and freelancing for PR firms in the Chicago area while searching for permanent employment. TRAINING: I completed double degrees in Communications and Architecture from Andrews University. FAMILY/LIFE: I am single. I enjoy road cycling, painting, art, running 5K, 10K half marathons and urban adventuring in Chicago. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: In academy I was involved with orchestra, band, yearbook staff, and NHS. I had class leadership roles during my freshmen sophomore and junior years, as well as being SA Social VP for my senior year. I went on the canoe trip & was awarded the JN Andrews Leadership award. |
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DEREK DOUGLAS, '90 CAREER: Government/Attorney WORKPLACE: I work in the White House as Special Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs. TRAINING: I earned my BA degree from the University of Michigan in Economics. I got my law degree from Yale Law School. I clerked for 3rd circuit judge Timothy K. Lewis. In 1999, I joined the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund as an assistant counsel in New York City. In 2002, I went to work as counsel at O’Melveny & Myers. I joined the think tank Center for American Progress (CAP) in 2005. There I founded the economic mobility program and worked as associate director of economic policy and lobbied on behalf of the organization's political action fund. In 2007 I joined the Governor of New York’s staff as counsel for his Washington, DC office. I oversaw federal policy development and lobbied on urban, economic and domestic policy issues for New York for about two years before moving to the White House. FAMILY/LIFE: I married Ellen Anayas Scott and have one daughter named Anaya Ellison. I enjoy golfing and political history. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: In academy I was actively involved with the orchestra, intramurals, men’s chorus, Youth to Youth, NHS, and a member of the Shydepoke team. I went on the Washington DC, Virginia and Pennsylvania government tour with Dr Orrison. I was the junior class Parliamentarian, and the SA President my senior year. I received the Andrews Leadership Award among others my Senior Year. |
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RUBEN DUPERTUIS, '90 CAREER: College/University Professor WORKPLACE: I currently teach at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas TRAINING: I completed a BA in English Literature at the University of Michigan in 1995, an MA in Theological Studies at Claremont School of Theology, California in 1998, and a PhD in New Testament and Early Christian Studies at Claremont Graduate University in 2005. I also taught for 4 years at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. FAMILY/LIFE: I am married to Jill Thurber and we are the parents of Eva who is 6 years old and Julian who is 4 years old. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: I played trumpet in the band, and the French Horn in the orchestr. I was a photographer for the Sanjo. I went on a bicycling trip with Mr Anderson and Mr Reichert. I also participated in the canoe trip with Mr. Reichert. I received the “Most Humorous “ award my senior year. |
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KATHERINE KOUDELE, '75 CAREER: Professor of Animal Science WORKPLACE: I work in the Agriculture Department for Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI TRAINING: I have a BS and a MS in Biology. My PhD in Animal Science is from Michigan State University. I dairy and sheep farmed with my husband until 1995 when I came to the Agriculture Department at Andrews University. FAMILY/LIFE: I have 2 children. Beth Joslin is a 2009 AA graduate and Mark Joslin is a cuurent senior at AA. I enjoy horseback riding, swimming, biking and I have a hobby farm with sheep, horses, chickens, a goat and dogs and cats. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: In academy I was a member of the NHS and the class treasurer for both my junior and senior years. I was also able to go to England, France and Switzerland on a study tour for AA. |
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RYAN ORRISON, '92 CAREER: Physical Therapist WORKPLACE: I am currently self-employed with Tri-City Physical Therapy in Coloma, MI TRAINING: In 1996 I received my BS in Anatomy and then finished my MSPT in 1997 at Andrews University. Became Board Certified in Physical Therapy by the American Physical Therapy Association in 2008. FAMILY/LIFE: I am married to Melissa Kantor and we have 2 children. Clarissa is 7 and Ethan is 6. Our family is completed by Molly our 11 yr old dog. My special interests include camping, reading, carpentry, being a dad, and US History and Government. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: In academy I participated with the Silhouettes, men’s chorus, the school play, and all of the intramural sports. I went on various choir tours, the Canadian tour, SOW Safari, backpacking trip and the New England tour. I was awarded the Lincoln award. |
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CINDY LIEBELT, '90 CAREER: General Dentist WORKPLACE: I am self employed and work with my partner Dr Erwin Crawford at our offices-Implant Dentistry of Greater Lansing, MI. I have been at my practice in Lansing for 10 years. TRAINING: I completed a degree from Andrews University in 1995 and then graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1999. FAMILY/LIFE: I have been married to Richard Liebelt for 13 ½ yrs. We have 2 sons. Justin is 8 and Zachary is 5. We reside in Grand Ledge, MI with our loving chocolate lab named Basil. I enjoy being a Mom and also boating, water skiing and playing the piano. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: In academy I was very involved with the music department. I was in band, and also the pianist for chapel, chorale, men’s and ladies’ chorus and the Silhouettes. I was freshmen class president, sophomore and junior class officer, and the president of the NHS my senior year. I participated throughout the years in various intramurals such as flag football and basketball. |
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JANINE LIM, '90 CAREER: Instructional Technology WORKPLACE: Berrien Regional Education Service Agency, Berrien Springs, MI TRAINING: I received my BA in Communications in 1995. Then finished my Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching in 1996 & my Doctorate in Leadership will be finished in 2010. All my schooling is from Andrews University. FAMILY/LIFE: I am married to James Lim. We have 2 cats. I enjoy scrapbooking, songwriting and volunteer web work for Pioneer Memorial Church. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: My Andrews Academy experience was limited to my senior year which I enjoyed very much. |
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KARSTEN RANDOLPH, '91 CAREER: Chief Financial Officer, Health Care Administration WORKPLACE: I work for Centura Health at Littleton Adventist Hospital in Denver, CO TRAINING: I have an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. I earned my CPA in 1999. I also received my MBA with an emphasis in Health Care Administration in 2009. FAMILY/LIFE: I have been married to Clarissa Saunders for 11 years. We have one 6 year old daughter named Mia & our first child Bergan the golden retriever. My special interests include Golf, kayaking, mountaineering, fly fishing, mountain biking, photography and watching sports. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: While in academy I participated with the Silhouettes, men’s chorus, Kaleidoscope, yearbook and all of the intramural sports. I was on the Shydepoke team for 2 years and also on the basketball team. I served on the SA and was a class officer. I lettered in Athletics and Music. I went on many choir tours and also a canoe and backpacking trip. I was awarded the Thomas A Umek award for sportsmanship. |
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ANDREW RICE, '90 CAREER: Outdoor/Environmental Educator WORKPLACE: I founded and currently teach at Academic Adventures Anacortes, WA TRAINING: I completed a BS in Biology from Walla Walla University in 1995, an MS in Biology from Walla Walla University in 1998, and was a Leadership Skagit Graduate in 2006. I worked at the Walla Walla Marine Station in Anacortes, WA as well. I founded Academic Adventures in 2000 and have learned needed skills as the organization has grown. WEBSITE: www.academicsandadventures.org FAMILY/LIFE: I am married to Becky Leavelle and we welcomed our daughter Sydney Jo on July 20, 2009. We live in LaConner, WA and attend the North Cascades SDA Church. For hobbies I enjoy mountain biking, road biking, sailing, backpacking/hiking, sea kayaking, marine biology, natural world photography, and marathon running. I am also involved in the Pathfinders. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: In academy I was involved with the floor hockey team, cycle tour, backpacking tour, wind ensemble, orchestra, and SOW safaris. I was a NHS member, senior class officer, and lettered in academics, music and athletics. I received the Principals Award and was voted “Most Cooperative” by the senior class. |
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STEVE RICHARDSON, '90 CAREER: Naval Investigator WORKPLACE: I work for the US Navy as a civilian in the Navy Region Southeast headquarters in Jacksonville, FL TRAINING: I attended Colegio Adventista de Sagunto for the 1992-93 school year. Was the task force assistant dean at Mt Ellis Academy for the 1994-95 school year. I completed a BA degree in English with a minor in Spanish from Andrews University in 1996. I was active duty in the US Navy from 1998-2005.Received Officer Commission upon graduation from Naval Officer Candidate school. Graduate of Naval Surface Warfare Officer school, Naval Basic and Advanced Steam Engineering, AEGIS Guided Missile Weapon System School, and Navy Inspector General School. Qualified as Officer of the Deck Underway in 2 ships, and received full qualification as Naval Surface Warfare Officer. FAMILY/LIFE: I am married to Andrea Ciesielski and we have 2 children. Andrew, age 3 and Lauryn age 2. I enjoy spending time with my family and participating in whatever sport is in season. My favorites are cycling and golf. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: In academy I was involved with the cycle tour, canoe trip and SOW safari. I was senior class pastor and the wind ensemble president. I attended all four years and lettered in music and athletics. I received the John Phillip Sousa award. |
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CHRIS SMOOT, '80 CAREER: International Outreach WORKPLACE: I work as the Program Director-World Vision Somalia TRAINING: I have a BA in History from Andrews University in 1984. I finished my Masters of Public Administration with emphasis in Urban Administration in 1986 from the University of Missouri. In 2001, I received a Master of Science in Administration with emphasis in International Development from Andrews University. I am currently a PhD candidate at Eastern University for Organizational Leadership. FAMILY/LIFE: I am married to Shari and we have 4 children. Hannah 18, Haley 14, and Eric and Heidi, 11. I enjoy reading, photography and going on safari. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: In academy I participated in intramurals, study tours, Bible camps, German and enjoyed my history classes. |
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LISA WILBER, '85 CAREER: Project Manager/Business Operations Specialist WORKPLACE: I work for the Boeing Company in Seattle, WA. TRAINING: I have a BS in Architecture from Andrews University and my MBA with an emphasis in Managerial Leadership from City University in Bellevue, WA. FAMILY/LIFE: I am single and have 2 cats. I enjoy reading, traveling, golfing, theatre, family and friends, and volunteering as a Victim Home Advocate. ACADEMY ACTIVITIES: I participated with the SA as the secretary my senior year. I took part in the Canadian tour, history tour, Kaleidoscope and floor hockey intramurals. |
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FRANK ZAPPIA, '70 CAREER: Radiographer; Specialty--Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) WORKPLACE: I work with the DMS Health Group in Wisconsin as a consulting MRI specialist TRAINING:
FAMILY/LIFE: I am married to Kay Martz (’71) and have 3 grown children who all attended AA. Annie Beardsley ’93, Tony ‘96 & Kent ‘00. We also have 6 (& counting) grandchildren named Hannah, Ben and Aaron Beardsley and Felicity and Olivia Zappia. |