Andrews University Spring Graduation 2025
From May 1–4, 2025
Andrews University’s spring graduation will take place May 1–4, 2025. The weekend’s events will include a Friday evening Commencement service, Baccalaureate services on Sabbath morning and two additional Commencement services on Sunday morning.
All Commencement services will take place at the Andreasen Center for Wellness, 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.
Additional academic and cultural programs are planned throughout graduation weekend. Consult the online schedule for a complete listing at andrews.edu/graduation/schedule.
On Friday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m., John Peckham, research professor of theology and Christian philosophy at Andrews University and associate editor of the Adventist Review, will speak at the Commencement service for the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and the College of Education & International Services. His talk is titled, “Do Not Lose Heart.” Peckham obtained his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Atlantic Union College and his Master of Divinity and PhD in systematic theology from Andrews University. His work has been widely published, including over 50 articles in journals, 20 book chapters, 60 scholarly papers and 10 books. Peckham’s most recent book, “Why We Pray: Understanding Prayer in the Context of Cosmic Conflict” (Baker Academic, 2024), was recognized by the Christianity Today Book Awards.
Two honorary degree candidates will be recognized at this service. E. Edward Zinke holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Loma Linda University, Master of Arts in Old Testament and Master of Divinity from Andrews University, and doctoral candidate status in systematic theology at The Catholic University of America. Zinke worked at the Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists before serving as president and co-owner of Ann’s House of Nuts. Later, he became a co-founder of the Adventist Theological Society. Zinke has contributed regularly to the theological thinking of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church and has philanthropically supported numerous educational and theological conferences, symposia, scholarships and publications.
Paul Brantley will also receive recognition for his service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Brantley holds a bachelor’s degree from Atlantic Union College, master’s degree from Andrews University and Doctor of Philosophy from The Ohio State University. He began his career teaching at Oakwood University and, later, Andrews University. During this time, he helped establish the Journal of Research on Christian Education (JRCE) and Curriculum & Instruction Resource Center Linking Educators (CIRCLE). Brantley went on to serve in senior leadership at Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth) before becoming general field secretary for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Later, he assumed the role of vice president for the North American Division until his retirement in 2021.
On Saturday, May 3, Ivan Williams, vice president of strategy and leadership and director of the Ministerial Association for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, will offer the address “No Regrets” for both the 9 a.m. (graduate) and 11:45 a.m. (undergraduate) Baccalaureate services. Williams completed degrees in communications and theology from Oakwood University, a Master of Divinity from Andrews University and a Doctor of Ministry from Claremont School of Theology. In addition to pastoral ministry, Williams previously served as chaplain for the California State Assembly and ministerial director for the Northern California Conference. He recently retired after 21 years in the United States Air Force, serving as a chaplain-lieutenant colonel for the California and Maryland Air National Guard.
Two Commencement services will take place on Sunday, May 4. At the 8:30 a.m. service, Terry Shaw, president and chief executive officer for AdventHealth, will give the Commencement address “Lighting the Way” for graduates of the College of Health & Human Services and College of Professions. He will also be recognized as an honorary degree candidate at this service. Shaw earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and computer science from Southern Adventist University as well as a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Florida. He began his over four-decade career with AdventHealth at what was previously Florida Hospital, serving as executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operations officer. Shaw has led AdventHealth through significant transitions and innovations, and he has coordinated many of the organization’s philanthropic initiatives in support of higher education.
Meredith Jones Gray, professor emerita of English at Andrews University, will deliver the address “Commencement 1879 and the ‘Golden Chain of Truth’” at the 11:30 a.m. Commencement service for graduates of the College of Arts & Sciences. Jones Gray completed a Bachelor of Arts in French and Master of Arts in English at Andrews University, then did her doctoral work in English language and literature at the University of Michigan. She taught at Andrews for 42 years and authored two volumes in the Andrews Heritage Series, “As We Set Forth,” on the history of Battle Creek College and Emmanuel Missionary College (1974–1960), and “Forward in Faith,” the story of Andrews University from 1960–1990.
Select graduation services will be livestreamed. For details, visit andrews.edu/graduation.
PR
pr@andrews.edu
