1.

Over summer break, twelve of our theology students participated in a Field School of Evangelism. Each student was assigned to work with an area church and pastor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, providing students with practical experience in pastoral ministry. Students preached sermons, gave Bible studies, carried out visitations and cultivated the church communities. At the conclusion of the field school, ten individuals were baptized and several others requested personal Bible studies. It was a blessing to hear about the students’ impact on the community as well as the individual lives they were able to touch through this meaningful experience. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Religion & Biblical Languages)

2.

This summer, we were privileged to partner with Maranatha Volunteers International on a project to update Lamson Hall, the women’s residence hall, which was originally built in 1947 and 1967. Approximately 60 people, including volunteers, Plant Services and Residence Life employees, and contract workers, contributed to this project. Thanks to these dedicated individuals and our generous donors, 31 residence hall rooms and 12 suite bathrooms have been updated. Altogether, with updates that have taken place over the past 12 months, 172 of our students now benefit from these changes this fall semester. We look forward to future collaboration with Maranatha in summers to come, through which we will continue to improve the campus living experience for our students.

3.

This year, we were delighted to host a joint Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association conference and Andrews Research Conference. The event served as a platform for Adventist researchers to share their findings and foster meaningful connections within the academic community. The collaboration explored both broad issues in human subject research and topics in the social sciences, highlighting the important intersection between community, health and the gospel. Good research is vital to the growth of understanding and relevance in both our religious and academic institutions, and the work of this joint conference exemplified our University’s pursuit of excellence in research and scholarship. (Photo courtesy of Petr Činčala)

4.

Our International Center for Trauma Education & Care recently collaborated with the Berrien Community Foundation to host an impactful seminar series for local community members. Titled “Repair the RIFT: Resiliency in the Face of Trauma,” the initiative aimed to equip individuals with a comprehensive understanding of trauma, its effects, and strategies for fostering resilience. The presentations were led by Ingrid Slikkers, executive director of the Center, and her excellent team of graduate students. Although the Center is known for its worldwide reach, it has been wonderful to see how the team continues to serve our surrounding community as well.

5.

A group of 32 dedicated health care professionals, graduate students and volunteers based out of our School of Communication Sciences & Disorders led a clinical service trip to Llandilo, Jamaica, over the summer. The team spent two weeks on site, providing speech, language, cognitive, swallowing and hearing services to underserved K–12 students in local special needs schools. Our students helped with screening, eliciting language, and making communication boards for these young people. In addition to working with individual children, the volunteers also aided the larger community, hosting an educational workshop, providing sustainable communication resources and participating in worship services. (Photo by Trinity Sulger)

6.

I am always inspired by our students, who truly embody the title of “World Changers.” One such student, Xander Assa, co-hosted the first ever Adventist Indonesian Youth Ministries Convention in Loveland, Colorado, this July. The program aimed to minister to the younger generation, providing a space for Indonesian youth to experience Jesus. In a true collaborative spirit, Assa worked with a team from across the country to make the convention a reality. Together, they planned vespers and worship services, a career exposition, and seminars under the theme “Unity in Diversity.” You can read more about Assa’s experience here. (Photo courtesy of Xander Assa)

7.

The School of Leadership is celebrating 30 years of service to our Andrews community this year. In July, they welcomed new students at a summer orientation, then held their annual Leadership Conference and Roundtable. The conference was themed “Leading for Eternity” and featured Andrews alumnus Albert Reyes, CEO of Buckner International. After the keynote presentations, the Leadership Roundtable consisted of several breakout discussions and networking opportunities for participants, then closed with a celebration of the school’s 2024 graduates. As we honor the hundreds of leaders who have benefited from the School of Leadership since its origin, we deeply value the school’s continued dedication to our students.

8.

On their journeys to this year’s International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, fourteen clubs made a stop at our campus for Pathfinder Day. The Andrews community worked together to create a memorable experience for each of the visitors. Pathfinders had the opportunity to explore the campus, engage in hands-on projects and take a hayride. Several departments also offered the opportunity to earn honors, such as the Brain & Behavior Honor, PT Bones & Muscles Honor, Livestock Honor and Flower Culture Honor. It was a pleasure to host these young people on campus and to support our extended world church community in this unique way.

World Changers

Made Here.