Celebrating the Andrews Family with Hygge

At this annual awards event

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Although most people feel “hygge” defies definition, concepts include good social atmosphere, warmth of friendship and family, candlelight, something warm to drink, suspending worries. The annual awards event this year was billed as “Hygge: A Warm Winter Evening of Friendship & Recognition.” Attendees were ushered into the auditorium to the sounds of a crackling video “fire” and live piano music.

Hosted by Charles & Julie Reid, associate professor of voice and adjunct music faculty, respectively, the evening was filled with music, fellowship and great food. Debbie Weithers, associate dean for Student Life, and Ronald Knott, director of the Andrews University Press, joined the Reids as guest performers. The group was accompanied by a band of musicians: Joshua Goines on the piano, Sebastian Serrano Ayala on saxophone, Marianne Kordas on violin, Andrew Gagiu and Pavel Tomenko on cello, Grant Johnson on guitar and Sergio Francisco on cajone. Denise Curnutt led a children’s choir composed of Kindergarten–2nd grade students from Ruth Murdoch Elementary School, who delighted the audience with a number of selections to start off the evening.

Congratulations to all the deserving award recipients. To listen to the complete recorded audio tributes please click on the recipient names.

25 Years of Service

That tree-hugging teacher, avid Red Sox fan and Earl Gray are all labels Gary Gray has worn proudly during his 25 years of teaching in the Department of English. Gary is never happier than when sharing with students the seminal nature writing of one of his personal heroes, Henry David Thoreau, or introducing them to acclaimed writers who unfold the mystery and history of baseball. Gary’s career has also been marked by creative collaboration with his teaching colleagues. His wide-ranging interests infuse all of his teaching: Puritan sermons and Thomas Jefferson in American literature, the devotional poetry of George Herbert and the plays of William Shakespeare in Renaissance literature, and his philosophical and theological training combined with his literary studies in his Biblical literature class.

For 25 years, Griselda Guzman has served as a housekeeper in Lamson Hall. Griselda meets the difficult task of cleaning up after close to 600 women with a positive attitude and a thankful heart. She responds quickly whenever she is asked to assist with a facility crisis, even if she has already gone home for the day. Griselda loves Lamson Hall and treats it like her second home and its residents like her second family. As she walks the halls performing her duties, Griselda can be seen greeting students, asking about their day, and praying with them. Her care goes beyond the superficial as she willingly visits residents in the hospital, brings them home-cooked meals, and holds them accountable to a higher standard with her “motherly” conversations.

As one of a select few, full-time statisticians and methodologists, Jimmy Kijai has worked with hundreds of graduate students over the last 25 years and has become a research institution in the School of Education. His easygoing, kind and engaging personality has had a defining impact in his home department, Graduate Psychology & Counseling, with students, faculty and administration. He is always willing to help and his kindheartedness has resulted in him holding the “all-time record” for serving on the greatest number of dissertations as methodologist concurrently! Jimmy’s unassuming persona often deflects attention away from the fact that he is also a gifted statistician and researcher, with numerous publications and presentations to his credit. One colleague says, “I appreciate Dr. Kijai for his tireless work in helping students & faculty with stats. He is amazing at understanding and relating that information.”

Ron Knott’s two-stage career at Andrews University began in 1981, when he was hired as University staff writer. He held various positions, culminating in director of Public Relations in 1987. In 1990, Ron left to work at the General Conference. The second stage of his Andrews’ career began in 1999, when he was appointed director of Andrews University Press. Ron was creative as he enlarged the circle of influence by the press. He founded the College Faith volumes; nearly 100,000 copies were sold to scores of Christian colleges and universities. He also founded the Andrews Study Bible product line, available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and other languages. It really put the press on the map as a provider of print material, including, but not limited to the scholarly and arcane. The Press has sold a total of nearly one half million books, with sales of more than $6,000,000, carrying the name of Andrews around the world.

John Markovic has served as chair of the Department of History & Political Science in addition to his teaching, service and research commitments. As chair, he began a tradition of bi-monthly colloquiums to bring the students of the department together for instruction, entertainment and fellowship. John is dedicated to providing the best academic experience that he can for majors and has offered general education and topic specific courses to accomplish that. He cares about students and their current and future success as historians and citizens of the world. John is a member of the Honors Program and his course, Western Heritage, is one of the founding courses of that program. He encourages students to read primary sources and to analyze history through the lens of a historian. John’s research has placed him on the cutting edge of new directions in the intersection of faith and history.

Lauren Matacio currently serves as instruction librarian, where she provides leadership in promoting information literacy across the curriculum. In 2011, Lauren received the Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching Award. Bruce Closser enthuses, “For several years Lauren and I have team-taught College Writing. Her knowledge of research strategies and resources, coupled with her enthusiastic willingness to work with students significantly enriches my classroom.” In addition to her instruction duties, coordination of artistic displays, service on the creative arts council, and academic committees across campus, Lauren is involved in research and service to the library profession. In 2012, she served as president of the Association of Seventh-day Adventist Librarians. Terry Robertson, Seminary librarian, states: “She deserves a special tribute for her creative persistence in the launching of the “Journal of Adventist Libraries and Archives.”

David Nowack taught first at Andrews Academy and then in the Andrews University Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, which he has chaired since 2008. During that time the department has experienced renovation of labs and HVAC as well as the procurement of new instruments, resulting in an environment that is cleaner, more organized and better equipped. Dave’s sparkling sense of humor defaults to seeing the best in people and the situation. He brings that same spark to his demonstrations and to his recruiting activities. Dave also has the gift of hospitality, welcoming students into his home for many events. He encourages and participates in research and helps all in the department to engage in research with students, resulting in publications, posters and conference participation. He champions a Creator-based worldview, often refining arguments in support of Intelligent Design.

Tom Straman is an asset to Andrews University and Custodial Services. He is always willing to help as the need arises. The word “dedicated” can be used to describe Tom because over the last 25 years Tom has held worships, helped with many moves, and you may have even seen him assist at funerals. He has taken on the Howard Performing Arts Center as his own, keeping it looking new. Debbie Weithers, who worked with Tom at the Howard Center, said, “He was often making recommendations for the care and improvement of the facility and would go the extra mile to see that the patrons were cared for.” Tom has a sense of humor that can lift the spirits of anyone. He is a loyal and caring person who has dedicated his life to serving Andrews University’s needs.

Socorro Terrero serves as a housekeeper in Lamson Hall. Socorro has taken on the task of cleaning up after close to 600 women, at times a very challenging task, without complaint. She is known for her attention to detail and desire to make her spaces look their very best; this is one of the main reasons why Socorro’s responsibilities include the front lobby. As she performs her duties, Socorro can be seen lifting up cushions and checking behind furniture to ensure she’s gotten every last detail as clean as possible. She takes pride in leaving our building in perfect order. Socorro is a strong woman of faith who shows what it is to serve our Creator. She models what it is to work hard without expectation of reward or gratitude.

Serving others through community engagement has always been a deep passion for Larry Ulery. Larry took a leadership role as director of the Community Service and Assistantship Program (CSAP) in 1991 and later became director of the current Service Learning Program. He is well connected with local community service organizations, thus allowing community service placement opportunities for our students. Since the implementation of the service-learning requirement, Larry has had 347 students in BHSC 300 Fieldwork Placement, read over 2,500 essay reflection papers and interviewed the same number as well. Additionally, Larry has championed service on campus through the coordination of 50 annual blood drives, which has resulted in more than 2,300 blood donors. He has received the Michigan Campus Compact Faculty Service Learning Award for Andrews University (twice) and the Outstanding Service Award from the Andrews University College of Arts & Sciences, Social Science Division in 2012.

Alice Williams has served at Andrews University with faithfulness and competence. She first worked as a professor of dietetics and nutrition during the 1980s and 1990s. She then served administratively in assessment and academic programs until 2010. Since that time she has served as University archivist. Alice has the ability to connect with people and work a goal through to completion. She is a caring person who has given herself wholeheartedly to addressing sometimes-thankless tasks that needed to be done for accreditation and maintaining a pleasant disposition through the process. Alice has contacted and interacted with key people in different schools and departments to arrange the transfer of important historical records to the archives. She is a masterful networker. Alice works with key people and their support staff in ways that actually mobilize action and create change.

30 Years of Service

Christine Carlson began her career at Andrews University in 1969. She worked in Dining Services and as a supply clerk, distributing supplies all over campus and cutting keys for new employees and dorm residents. In 1975 she took a break to raise her family but in 1992 she came back to Andrews and spent the next 16 years working in the post office. In 2008 Chris made the transition to Financial Records to supervise the accounts payable process. Chris exhibits a can-do attitude and is always ready to assist when needed. Her student workers appreciate the personal interest she takes in each of them. Even after they leave Andrews, many maintain contact with her on a regular basis. After 30 years, Chris has a considerable knowledge with regard to Andrews University employees and processes, making her an excellent resource for people getting to know Andrews and how things are done.

David Faehner is the consummate advocate of Andrews University. First he advocated for students, both domestic and international. As vice president for University Advancement, he has represented Andrews to a large number of local businesses, public services and community leaders. But perhaps best of all, he is known for his tireless pursuit of donors and supporters of Andrews. President Andreasen said, “It is in this capacity that I know him best, for we have crisscrossed this continent and some other continents as well, together sleeping in planes and in cheap hotels, eating fast food between visits and pitching Christian education to supporters of Andrews.” To that end, David established the President’s Circle, now known as President’s Council, a group of key individuals with strong support for Andrews University. During his tenure at Andrews, his Advancement team has raised upwards of $150 million in gifts, estate plans and gifts-in-kind, and the University’s endowment has grown from $3 million to $50 million. David and his team have also raised funds for 10 key building projects on campus.

Frances Faehner has spent her whole career working for students in a student life capacity. At Andrews University that began in 1985 when she became dean of women. In 2001 she took the position of dean of students and then for the last 12 and a half years she has served as vice president for Student Life. During her 30 years of employment at Andrews, Frances also completed her PhD in educational leadership to add to her BA in social work from Andrews University and MA in counselor education from La Sierra University. In 1990 she won the Excellence in Administration Award from the Adventist Student Personnel Association and in 2014 the J.N. Andrews Medallion from Andrews. Franci’s career of service for students has been exemplified by selfless commitment and passionate care. She consistently exemplifies the values of the University and of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and has done so with compassion and good judgment. As one of her colleagues writes, “Franci is Andrews with heart and soul.”

During her 30 years of service to the James White Library and Andrews University, Cynthia Helms has developed expertise in providing excellent service to students, faculty and staff. One of her colleagues, Sarah Kimakwa, states, “She knows the reference collection very well and can dig very deep to get information to answer patron questions.” Cynthia has been highly active in the Association of Seventh-day Adventist Librarians, serving as president, secretary, editor of ASDAL Action, Overseas Libraries coordinator, local arrangements coordinator at Andrews, and as a member of various committees. She provides regular opportunities for student and professional staff to improve and upgrade their knowledge and skills. She trains student workers in cross-cultural understanding through videos and discussion on applying principles to the library setting.

Glenn Russell represents the quintessential model of Christian teaching and service. He is bright, diligent, creative and always forward thinking—a respected scholar among his colleagues and students. Glenn taught religion at Andrews Academy from 1985–1999, when he joined the Department of Religion & Biblical Languages at the University. He hosted the weekly radio and television program Scriptural Pursuit, broadcast on Hope Channel TV, from 1991 to 2006. It is still a weekly radio program broadcast on WAUS. In the summer of 2005, Glenn directed the first Andrews undergraduate Global Evangelism campaign, and has taken students to Benin, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Lebanon to conduct evangelism campaigns. He also leads an annual mission trip to Honduras during winter break. In 2007 he received “Teacher of the Year” and “Spiritual Life Leadership” awards.

Randall Younker is professor of archaeology and history of antiquity in the Department of Old Testament, director of the Institute of Archaeology, and director of the PhD in biblical and Ancient Near Eastern archaeology program. Randy has directed and participated in numerous archaeological excavations in Israel, Jordan, Cyprus and Sicily. He is currently director of the Tall Jalul excavation in Jordan and senior project director of the San Miceli excavation in Salemi, Sicily. As a strong supporter of doctoral education and student participation in archaeological field excavation, he has mentored many students and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars on behalf of Andrews University students and archaeology projects. Randy has written nearly a hundred articles, contributed to numerous books on archaeology, edited nine scholarly books, and co-authored “The Church of St. John the Baptist and the Origins of Madaba (Jordan).” He also serves on numerous prestigious boards and committees.

35 Years of Service

If you have had the joy of working alongside Douglas Jones at any point in his 35 years of sharing his many talents with Andrews University, you will know the truth of this observation from a colleague: “One can always count on some combination of the following: a witty quip, a book recommendation, a discourse on aesthetics, a restaurant review, a grandchild anecdote, and a creative solution to the challenge of the moment.” Doug has spent most of his Andrews years in the Department of English. He taught American and British literature and specialized in English education, mentoring future secondary English teachers. He also served the department as chair on two different occasions. Doug is a recent recipient of the Daniel A. Augsburger Award for Excellence in Teaching for the College of Arts & Sciences. In addition to his Nethery Hall-centered career, Doug has contributed to life at Andrews by directing University Relations, editing FOCUS magazine, and serving as a professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning & Curriculum in the School of Education.

Øystein (Sten) LaBianca was hired by Andrews University to be instructor of anthropology in the Department of Behavioral Sciences in 1980. He worked his way up the ranks, becoming a full professor in 1987. From 1983 to 1992 he was chair of the department. Sten has won at least 13 honors and awards—three times earning Excellence in Teaching awards from Andrews University. He has created new curricula many times, developed new courses at least 13 times, and earned a national and international reputation of excellence in anthropological and archaeological field research in Jordan and Egypt. He helped develop an archaeological field school in Jordan where there are digs done annually under his guidance. Since 1977 he has been awarded many grants for working on various research projects. One of these grants, from the Upton Foundation in 1995, was used for the development of service learning courses. Sten was instrumental in beginning the Andrews CSAP Program (now Service Learning), the Genesis program for single parents, and the master’s program in community and international development.

40 Years of Service

Jim Curry is the embodiment of the ideal image of service to an institution like Andrews University—always congenial, comfortably pleasant and extremely generous in conversation. However, he can and does become resolute when the situation warrants. His skills do not rest just with equipment operations, but include a vision with action for improving, updating and repairing Andrews’ infrastructure, even outside of his assigned work area. It is this sense of responsibility that has engendered such high regard for Jim as a man of principle, with so much common sense. Jim worked at Plant Services and Transportation, where he was director until retiring from full-time work at age 65. He now has almost 16 years of additional service to the Andrews Farm. Long hours, cold weather and summer heat have been little deterrent to Jim’s congeniality, enthusiasm and extreme responsibility. This length of service is one few achieve and is also significant for his over 50 years of association and work here at Andrews.

Dean Snow is almost a household name around Andrews, serving as manager of Custodial Services for many years. Over the last 40 years he has shared his faith, talents and even monetary means to help students and staff alike. Dean has always gone the second mile. Sixteen of those years he has volunteered faithfully on the Eau Claire fire department. Former Fire Chief Tom Stiles said, “Dean is cool headed, dependable, and much appreciated.” His student workers say, “Dean has a lot of common sense and is an anchor for the students.” Staff  memebers said, “Dean is a mentor, a hard worker, smart and reliable.” Dean has been a “behind the scenes” person for departmental furniture and housing moves, all the graduations and many piano moves, which all ran smoothly because of his leadership.

As teacher certification registrar in the Department of Teaching, Learning & Curriculum, Jeannie Wolfer is the most knowledgeable person about certification on campus. “Jeannie Wolfer has a great depth of knowledge regarding scheduling, course sequencing and finances to best assist students timely program completion. She personally invests in her advisees and our TLC students, she is always pleasant, patient and helpful,” says colleague Michelle Bacchiocchi. Students discover quickly that the fastest way to get through the program is to follow the plan she lays out for them. She has been recognized as “Advisor of the Year.” Whenever an issue arises she knows who to talk to on campus in order to resolve it most efficiently. The department would have a very difficult time functioning without the advice she is able to give. Whether it is completion plans, bulletin copy, certification issues, schedules or many other details that are needed to make a department run efficiently—she is the person they depend on.

Siegfried H. Horn Excellence in Research & Creative Scholarship Award

This award was established in 2011 to honor Siegfried Horn’s legacy of scholarship and contribution to the field of biblical archaeology at Andrews University, and his impact upon the world church and the wider community of scholars. The award was established to recognize the lifetime scholarship achievement of Andrews University faculty members. Nominated from each of four categories by the chair of the Scholarly Research Council, and selected by the membership of this council, recipients must be associate or full professors, and full-time employees for a minimum of five years.

Arts, Humanities and Education: Stephen Zork, associate professor of music, exhibits a remarkable breadth in his creative work, which includes significant performances and recordings as a conductor, singer and pianist. The achievements of his students speak to his dedication to the apprenticeship model of artistic scholarship. His graduates are widely sought for advanced study and a variety of conductor positions worldwide. Stephen regularly conducts concerts, clinics and workshops at a broad variety of venues across the United States. He has been an invited festival conductor, workshop clinician, and guest lecturer around the world. Stephen is also active as a soloist, singing in major oratorio and opera productions, and has served as adjudicator for regional vocal competitions. His recording credits include producing, arranging and conducting six albums published through Chapel Records. Stephen has led numerous concert tours, including to the UK, Iceland, Norway, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Zimbabwe, the Bahamas, Bermuda and Chile. His choirs have performed at the American Choral Directors Association and the Music Educators National Conference.

Pure and Applied Sciences: Karl Bailey has played a major role in leading Andrews University into a new era of student research mentoring and the resulting scholarly presentations and publications. His vision is for faculty to integrate their research with student interests and that departments integrate research methods into the curriculum. His unique ability to bond with students produces a desire to undertake leading edge research projects. As a result of his leadership 15–20 students each year submit research projects for presentations at the Midwest Psychology Association, the American Sociological Association, the American Public Health Association, and the Michigan Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters. In his own research program, he studies how faith internalization positively impacts community service and the avoidance of health-risk behaviors such as drug abuse. He is a leading scholarly voice in understanding the strengths of religious belief for the individual and society. Karl is a significant contributor to the Honors program and a leading proponent of mentoring student research as a core part of expected faculty workload.

Professional Programs: Ann Gibson, formerly professor of accounting and the Hasso Endowed Chair of Business Ethics and now professor emerita, has given over 80 professional seminars and workshops for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and presented at over a dozen international sites in this capacity. She manages the General Conference Treasury website, moneywise.adventist.org, which contains over 150 presentations and other resources to assist Adventist conference, union and division treasurers. In the past year she has developed a weeklong workshop and seminar program for new treasurer training, including creating over 30 curriculum guides. Ann has presented at the Society of Christian Ethics and the American Accounting Association—Midwest Regional meetings and published in numerous journals. In 1998 Ann founded and co-chaired the first professional growth seminar, “Beyond the Bottom Line,” for financial officers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church across North America. This biannual seminar brings together between 150–200 financial officers for professional development and mentoring. Ann serves on numerous boards where she is also a member of their finance committees and serves as the chair of their respective audit committees. Her dream is to professionalize those who handle financial matters for the Adventist Church.

Religion and Theology: Richard Choi joined the faculty of the New Testament department at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in 1991. His areas of expertise are in Paul, Jesus, New Testament Ethics and the Intertestamental Period. Since 2007, he has served as chair of the department and promotes research and teaching excellence for each of the faculty. He is appreciated for the depth of knowledge he brings to the classroom, and his dedication to working one-on-one with students to help them reach high expectations. Richard has presented different scholarly papers around the world. He was part of the team that produced the Andrews Study Bible and is currently completing a commentary on the book of Galatians for the new Seventh-day Adventist International Bible Commentary series. A particularly valuable contribution is his much-valued leadership in scholarly organizations and societies involving collaboration with non-Adventist scholars. He is currently president of the Midwest Society of Biblical Literature and has served for a number of years as the chair of the Regional Coordinators Committee for the Society of Biblical Literature. Richard is also the executive secretary and coordinator of the Chicago Society of Biblical Research.

Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching Award

Seven faculty members received the Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching Award. This award recognizes faculty whose teaching reflects the high standards of excellence modeled by Dr. Augsburger in his 60 years of teaching at Andrews University. Augsburger’s leadership, academic rigor, breadth of knowledge, teacher-scholar role, along with care and concern for students, exemplify the best of faculty endeavors. Faculty from each school nominate and choose their individual candidates.

Larry Burton is an outstanding individual who exemplifies the best in Seventh-day Adventist education. As the acting director of the School of Education’s Curriculum & Instruction program, Larry teaches both online and traditional courses. He is also actively involved in academic research. For many years he has chaired the Andrews International Center for Research (AICER) program, which is currently exploring denominational persistence of students who attended Seventh-day Adventist colleges in the North American Division. In addition, Larry has been the editor of the “Journal of Research on Christian Education” since 2004. As a mentor to graduate students, Larry has chaired many dissertation committees. His leadership skills, mentorship capacity and research acumen are demonstrated in the many times he has taken students on study tours to places like Canada, the Caribbean and Brazil. He has also facilitated students who wanted to accompany him to professional conferences.

John Peckham, associate professor of theology and Christian philosophy, has served at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary since 2013 and has made a significant impact upon his students and colleagues. His passion for scholarship is evident and his crowning achievement in the last year was the publication of “The Love of God: A Canonical Model” published by InterVarsity Press, which received the 2015 Readers’ Choice Award. This year John is scheduled to publish another book, this time with Eerdmans, titled “Canon, Sola Scriptura, and Theological Method.” John has also written a number of peer-reviewed articles, published in a variety of Adventist and evangelical venues. John is loved for his excellence in teaching. He transfers his expertise to the classroom and consistently receives high evaluations from the students. John humbly serves God and others through his gifts and talents.

Karen Reiner, associate professor of medical laboratory sciences, exemplifies the best that a teacher can be as the professional content expert with a passion for students to learn. She illustrates concepts with her professional experiences and students frequently remark that it is an excellent way for them to remember the materials. They greatly appreciate her highly organized laboratory sessions, kindness and understanding. In Karen’s course evaluations, students write how they appreciate the way she stimulates interest in what she is teaching and how she motivates them to do their best. MLS faculty appreciate her as a servant leader, who welcomes new ideas for improvement in the classroom and in clinical education. She has also been instrumental in securing new clinical sites for students. Besides her teaching excellence, she maintains high scholarship by participating in conferences and seminars, and doing research that involves faculty and students.

Quentin Sahly, assistant professor of accounting, joined the School of Business Administration in 2014. His career objectives are to share his financial, leadership and administrative experience by instructing ethical accounting and business practices to the next generation of leaders. As a Certified Public Accountant, in addition to his academic qualifications and business experience, students in accounting benefit from his caring concern for their success. The School of Business Administration particularly appreciated Quentin’s willingness to pick up a teaching load of additional accounting courses from the middle of fall semester 2014 and through the entire spring semester 2015, because of the need for the regular teacher to go on sick leave and long-term disability. Quentin stepped up to the plate and hit a home run, preventing a crisis situation.

Ariel Solis, assistant professor of architecture, brings expertise in the areas of building information modeling, computer assisted design, comprehensive building design and integrative design to the School of Architecture & Interior Design. His contributions in these areas are critical to a well-rounded architecture curriculum. Comments from his peers speak to his excellence in relating to students and colleagues. One individual said, “Ariel teaches in a most encouraging manner. His availability, tone of voice and demeanor reflect that each student and their learning are important to him. This is especially evident in teaching students of varying ability, where Ariel excels at extending an uplifting attitude while he patiently communicates in a variety of ways to reach an appropriate level of understanding.” Another colleague stated,“He brings his intellectual curiosity, creativity and ability to expose conflicts and inconsistencies within an idea into the classroom and studio. He has a good practical understanding of the integration of thinking and doing, designing and building, and most importantly faith and reason.”

Uncompromising in excellence, demanding in discipline, motivating, caring and helpful, foremost pedagogue, these are some of the attributes that characterize Trina Thompson’s teaching and research mentoring experience at the Department of Music. As associate professor of music theory, Trina is one of the most beloved and respected faculty members in the department. The following comments from students and peers stand as witness to her efficiency and popularity as a teacher: “I liked how she explained her concepts in different ways to fit everyone’s learning styles.” “Ms. Thompson has an uncanny way to make learning easy. The class is beautifully organized.” “Professor Thompson displays outstanding skills of undergraduate research mentorship.” “Her passion for the subject always makes me more passionate!” “You’ve inspired me so much as a scholar and musician, I feel so privileged to have been your student.” “You are an excellent professor, thank you for pushing me academically my first two years and giving me momentum.”

Lynelle Weldon’s peers consider working with her to be a privilege and joy. As associate professor of mathematics, Lynelle uses a variety of instructional methods and creative in-class activities including pre-writes, learning games and group work. She spends a significant amount of time preparing and innovating yet still devotes hours to individual students. The line-up of students outside of her door is always impressive as they seek the help she patiently gives. Her classes are highly rated by students. Comments repeated most often include, “She should not change anything; it was great,” and “She explained things really well.” Lynelle pioneered using online homework systems. A significant act of teaching and scholarship was her writing of the “Instructor’s Guide for College Algebra: Concepts and Contexts,” the textbook edited by Stewart currently used for Reasoning with Functions. Stewart is one of the most prolific and successful authors of mathematics textbooks in North America, so for her to be chosen to write the “Instructor’s Guide” was a high honor.

Jan Wrenn, professor of social work, is, quite simply, a master teacher. Colleagues in the Department of Social Work view her as the gold standard by which they measure their own teaching. Her philosophy of teaching is deeply grounded in Christian character and example, challenging course materials, a variety of teaching methods, and a comfortable learning environment. Her approach to teaching is rooted in the idea that students will respond to well-prepared courses, delivered in an interesting and engaging style. Jan stays current, constantly updating her materials. Students often comment on how knowledgeable she is across a variety of subjects. Rigorous in her demands, students know when they register for her classes they will get their money’s worth. They rave about her classes and her student evaluations leave virtually no room for improvement in any category. She is always available to help and encourage students, and is legendary for sending supportive messages. Jan’s 23-year teaching career at Andrews University has been filled with high-quality teaching, grateful students, and practical scholarship.

Faith Development Leadership Award

This award is given to any employee, faculty or staff, who has made a significant contribution to the spiritual life of campus. Names are considered and voted by the Faith Development Committee. Instituted in 2005.

Kathy Demsky’s heart for God is evident in her thoughtful care of students, faculty and staff. Over the years students have been blessed by her consistent support of departmental vespers, accompanied by good food and fellowship. Her class, Special Topics in Waldensian Beliefs, is regarded by many students as one of the highlights of their experience at Andrews University and a course that helps them focus on the very foundations of their beliefs. Kathy’s colleagues regard her as an amazing individual and recognize that it is she who has made the Architecture library the living room for their department and a safe place for students to find rest. She is a mother figure to confide in and treats all students as though they were her own children. She has sown good seed into Andrews’ students and helped to grow citizens for God’s Kingdom.

Excellence in Service Award

Recipients of this award are hourly or salaried full- or part-time staff who have served for at least three consecutive years, and have not previously received the award. The award is given “in recognition of outstanding service to the University, the church, and the community, and for demonstrating, by precept and example, a Christ-centered life.”

Deby Andvik has dedicated 16 years of excellent service to Andrews University, working in different capacities. Currently, she is the assistant to the dean in the School of Health Professions, where she has been instrumental in setting up the infrastructure of the new school. Before that she served as administrative assistant in the Department of Nursing and assistant to the dean in the College of Arts & Sciences. One of her greatest strengths is attention to detail. Department chairs appreciate her support very much. One of them said, “If there is data or detailed information I need, I know I can count on her to get it for me or steer me in the right direction. She has a heart of service.” Another of her colleagues said, “Deby is a positive, hard working woman of God. She is generous and thoughtful, always ready to step up when someone needs help.” She works as a mentor to administrative assistants in the School of Health Professions and throughout the University and has actively contributed to the development of a system that assesses faculty workload.

Kris Knutson has a passion for Andrews University and its students. Interaction with college students has been a constant factor in her working career, first in Quebec and then on this campus since 1994. At Andrews University she worked first in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and since 2004 in Student Success, most recently as director. In all her roles she has been known for her commitment, creativity, encouragement and yet gentle firmness. One colleague writes, “Kris is able to adapt when necessary, and is often the instigator of new, good ideas for the University.” From her work over the years in Pathfinder clubs to the students who walk into the Student Success Center, Kris has a passion to help young adults succeed and grow personally, academically and spiritually, yet she also has a deep knowledge and respect for University values and policies. This genuine and natural care and love of young adults combined with her understanding of how to navigate University life makes Kris a highly effective and valued leader in advising and student success.

After earning a degree in English and an MA in communication from Andrews University, Gillian Sanner has given eight years of extraordinary service to Andrews University. As assistant to the vice president for Student Life, many view Gillian as the essential hub for the division. Gillian has earned great respect from her colleagues all over campus. Here’s a sample of what they had to say: “Gillian faithfully performs every aspect of her work with the highest level of competence, communicating effectively with an attention to detail that is simply unparalleled!” “Gillian creates a warm and caring work environment with a willing and gracious spirit—so valued in a high pressure work environment.” “Gillian’s deep love for Andrews and especially the students is very visible. She is savvy in cultural diversity and a giant in high moral integrity and character, both in and out of the workplace.” Gillian is simply the best she can be. Andrews is blessed every day to have the rare and priceless treasure of Gillian Sanner.