Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2024, Andrews University Thu, 21 Nov 2024 23:04:00 +0000 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 23:04:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Volunteers Prepare Over 6,000 Gifts for Prisoners http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66672 <p> On Oct. 27, over 500 Andrews University students, faculty and community members gathered for the third annual “Christmas Behind Bars” service event. During the project, which took place on the Andrews University campus, volunteers packed thousands of gift bags with snacks, inspirational literature and messages of encouragement for incarcerated individuals. This year’s program marked a milestone as volunteers worked to prepare over 6,300 packages destined for inmates across Nebraska’s state prisons. The impact of the event went beyond providing treats; it offered a message of hope and connection for those spending the holiday season behind bars.</p> <p> The vision of Christmas Behind Bars is rooted in the personal journey of its founder, Lemuel Vega, who now serves as the volunteer coordinator. Vega, who struggled with drug addiction and spent time in prison himself, found faith through an Adventist pastor’s visit to his hospital room. Reflecting on his own transformation, Vega shared, “I got down on my knees and said, ‘Dear Jesus, please help me. I want to quit, but I can’t.’” His journey eventually led him to establish Christmas Behind Bars almost three decades ago, beginning with 350 packages for inmates at a local county jail. Since then, the project has grown exponentially, delivering thousands of packages each year across multiple states, including Indiana, Kentucky and Alabama. Vega explained, “Today we are packaging over 6,300 packages. Every inmate in the state of Nebraska will receive a package; their lives will be touched and encouraged for Christ because of the effort right here at Andrews University.”</p> <p> In its early years, Christmas Behind Bars was sustained by contributions from Vega’s grocery business, which he operated out of his van. The ministry’s growth required overcoming numerous challenges, including resistance from prison authorities. Vega recounted one particular story where persistent prayer led to a breakthrough: “The warden didn’t want the packages. Every morning we would pray. We said, ‘Lord, we know you can make a way, but not our will. Thy will be done.’” When a new warden took charge, doors finally opened, allowing the program to expand to thousands of inmates. The project has since become a nationwide initiative, operating solely on individual donations.</p> <p> The annual event at Andrews University is a testament to the University's commitment to fostering service and community involvement among its students. Teela Ruehle, director of Student Missions and service projects at Andrews, shared her excitement about the event, describing it as “one of my favorite projects.” Ruehle sees the event as a powerful opportunity for students to experience the importance of service. She noted, “It’s huge for every person to experience serving. This is a way to open their eyes to volunteering, and let’s be real, God called us to serve.” Ruehle emphasized the emotional impact that these packages can have on recipients, explaining that each bag contains a message that can “open their eyes to the love of Jesus Christ.”</p> <p> Esther Knott, director of the InMinistry Center at Andrews University’s Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, was instrumental in securing funds and organizing this year’s event. Knott helped raise $8,000 from various sources, including the North American Division’s Compassion Fund, campus ministries, and local churches like the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church and Pioneer Memorial Church. Knott recalled, “It was the challenge of getting people to come originally; we were concerned that we wouldn't have enough people.” Nonetheless, more than 500 volunteers came together to support the cause, each wearing name tags that fostered a sense of community as they worked side-by-side.</p> <p> Knott also initiated a collaboration with Christmas Behind Bars earlier in the year, during Andrews University’s annual employee Fall Fellowship. The University provided over 300 Andrews Study Bibles for individuals at a women’s correctional facility in Illinois. At the event, employees and their families wrote scripture passages, references for readers to look up, personal notes and signed their first names in the Bibles, which were included in care packages. Knott also had the opportunity to help Vega distribute the Bibles to women at the correctional facility. “One woman said that she hadn’t had a Bible for 10 years,” she recalled. “She lost hers when her house burned down.”</p> <p> Beyond meeting a logistical need, these events have had a lasting impact on those who participated. Knott observed that service events on campus provide a unique opportunity for community building; for example, offering faculty a chance to work with students in a new way beyond in the classroom. “As a faculty member on campus, when my seminary students are here, I get to see who steps in because they see a need,” Knott shared. While working together, volunteers get a glimpse of the profound impact their efforts have, not just in the moment but also in the lives of those who receive these packages.</p> <p> For many students, Christmas Behind Bars is a first step into the world of volunteerism. Ruehle highlighted the significance of this experience, noting that “a lot of our students come here and they haven’t volunteered before, and this is a great way to just open that door and realize you can do something to impact others, no matter how small.” She explained that what may seem like “just putting candy in a bag” is actually “bigger than that.” Each package represents a message of care and compassion, potentially touching the life of someone who feels forgotten.</p> <p> As volunteers packed bag after bag, the atmosphere was filled with joy, purpose and the spirit of the season. While the event concluded in just a few hours, the message of hope and compassion sent out in each package will resonate in prisons throughout Nebraska. Through its partnership with Christmas Behind Bars, Andrews University has helped spread a message of love and grace to those who may need it most.</p> <p> In the words of Vega, “There’s lots of ways that people can be involved all throughout the year, but we focus here at Andrews this time of year.” With a vision rooted in personal transformation and a mission powered by faith, the Christmas Behind Bars project offers hope, even to those in the most difficult circumstances. </p> Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:09:34 +0000 2024 Autumn Conference on Religion and Science http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66662 <p> From Nov. 7–9, the Andrews University Office of Research & Creative Scholarship hosted the annual Autumn Conference on Religion and Science, with the theme of “Creation Care.” The free conference invited university students, researchers, professors and administrators to engage in discussions regarding biblical creation and its modern applications. Sigve Tonstad, an accomplished author and research professor at Loma Linda University, was the featured speaker.</p> <p> The opening plenary of the conference occurred on the evening of Nov. 7 in Buller Hall’s Newbold Auditorium. Tonstad gave a lecture titled “And Also Many Animals,” a reference to Jonah 4:11. In this verse, God desires even the animals of Nineveh to be spared from destruction despite the prophet Jonah’s fixation with the city’s potential annihilation. Noting that God cares for the upkeep of all forms of life, Tonstad also highlighted verses from Deuteronomy 5 and Leviticus 26, where God specifies that the need for Sabbath rest extends to animals and the land as well. He closed by encouraging attendees to consider how modern care for life ought to be aligned with God’s standards.</p> <p> The second day of the conference started with a devotional by Michael Campbell, the director of Archives, Statistics & Research within the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. Four sessions of presentations were given throughout the day, featuring presenters from Andrews University, AdventHealth University and Burman University. Presentation topics included student awareness of plant-based diets and environmental issues, the future of environmental sustainability, designs for creation care efforts, and connecting theological concepts to environmentalist values.</p> <p> In one of these sessions, Andrews University President John Wesley Taylor V, along with Katherine Koudele, chair of the Department of Sustainable Agriculture and professor of animal science, and Padma Tadi Uppala, associate dean for research and creative scholarship in the College of Health & Human Services and professor in the School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness, presented the current efforts that the University and its Creation Care Council are making to improve the campus’ ecological impact on the environment. Some of these creation care efforts in recent years include reducing food waste in the cafeteria, replacing light fixtures with more efficient LED bulbs, partnering with the faith-based nonprofit Solar Faithful to work to adopt solar power for campus buildings in the future, and educating students and Adventist youth on endangered environments and species.</p> <p> Martin Hanna, associate professor of systematic theology, led a Friday night vespers program to close the day’s sessions. The conference continued on Sabbath morning, Nov. 9, with Taylor and Willie E. Hucks II, assistant to the president for Mission & Culture, opening the day’s events in the Biology Amphitheater in Price Hall. Following the devotion, presentations on the intersectionality of faith and biology were given by Jessica Moerman, president of the Evangelical Environmental Network, Øystein LaBianca, senior research professor of anthropology at Andrews, William Miller, assistant professor of biology at Calvin University, and Sigve Tonstad.</p> <p> After a lunch break, a panel featuring the day’s four presenters discussed the various topics presented throughout the conference and how Christian universities and their communities ought to seek to improve their care of creation. The conference closed with worship and a supper in Price Hall, where participants had the opportunity to further discuss creation care topics and socialize.</p> <p> To read more about the Andrews Autumn Conference on Religion & Science and its presenters, please see the conference <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/research/research_events/conferences/andrews_autumn_conference/2024/autumn-conference-2024--draft-v-.pdf">program</a> and visit the Office of Research & Creative Scholarship’s <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/research/research_events/conferences/andrews_autumn_conference/2024/index.html">webpage</a>.</p> Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:28:00 +0000 Andrews University Celebrates Its Veterans http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66650 <p> In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Andrews University celebrated the lives and legacies of its veteran population through a series of special programs. Each event was created in line with the U.S. Veterans Administration’s 2024 theme of “A Legacy and Loyalty of Service.” One way Andrews University supports its diverse campus is through its encouragement and acknowledgment of the veterans within its community. Through its Office of Veterans Services, Andrews University supports those who have served their country.</p> <p> On Nov. 7, during the University’s weekly Faith360 service, Jeffrey Cordone, production executive of the Desmond Doss Foundation, was interviewed by Daniel Weber, chair of the Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design, regarding Doss’ life and legacy. Desmond Doss was a Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objector who enlisted during World War II as an unarmed medic. He saved an estimated 75 of his fellow American soldiers’ lives by refusing to leave wounded men during the Battle of Okinawa after his commanding officer ordered a retreat. Due to this and several exceptional efforts of service and heroics, Doss was awarded a Medal of Honor, two Bronze Star Medals and three Purple Hearts at the conclusion of the war.</p> <p> Cordone and the Desmond Doss Foundation are aiming to further Doss’ legacy through the publication of their web series called Desmond Doss “Edusodes,” a combination of the words “educational” and “episodes.” In the interview, Cordone explained that the Edusodes discuss the character traits of courage, conviction, integrity, humility, selflessness, faith and patriotism. More information about the Edusodes and other efforts of the Desmond Doss Foundation can be found on their <a href="https://desmonddossfoundation.org">website</a>.</p> <p> On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Pastor Taariq Patel, University alumnus and U.S. Army veteran, led a morning worship service for employees at the Pioneer Memorial Church youth chapel and spoke about his own testimony of service. Later in the day, students were invited to write thank-you cards for veterans in the Campus Center lobby, and cupcakes were given out in honor of the holiday. In the evening, University veterans and their families were invited to a special supper in Buller Hall’s Randall Student Lounge, where they were recognized and thanked for their service. Additionally, throughout the week, the James White Library hosted a display of veteran-related books in its lobby.</p> <p> On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Henry McNeily III, U.S. Army veteran and master of divinity student, gave a contemporary testimony of his military service experience at an event for students. McNeily shared that through over a decade of service in the U.S. Army, he learned not only to be a good soldier and leader in the military but also to be a servant leader in all aspects of his life.</p> <p> “Good service has to be voluntary,” said McNeily. “Service might catch you when you’re not ready.” He explained that military service is far from glamorous, contrary to how some movies portray it. It can require long hours and tiring commitments, but the dedication to the mission and other people makes the experience more than worthwhile. McNeily additionally compared his military experience to domestic service, which he noted can also become isolating and lonely. However, he confirmed that the same dedication to serving others for the right reasons makes the effort worthwhile.</p> <p> Now retired from the military, McNeily has taken up new opportunities to serve God, his family, and others in need. He has worked as a pastor in various ministry efforts in Lusaka, Zambia, and he is answering a call to ministry by working toward his degree at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. McNeily also works for the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency as a bus driver for special needs students, which he describes as “the most rewarding experience” he has had so far. He affirmed that while service can look different for each person, everyone has a unique opportunity to serve.</p> <p> Beyond these important Veterans Day events, Andrews University continues to prioritize service to its veteran population year-round. This year, the University again received Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Status with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). The status is based on the University’s “unwavering dedication to improving experiences for military-connected learners and to fostering innovation in support of veterans.”</p> <p> The MVAA awards gold, silver and bronze-level distinctions based on a strict set of criteria outlined by the organization. Andrews University and other schools that receive the highest status must meet at least six of the seven benchmarks:</p> <ol> <li> Established process for identification of current student veterans</li> <li> Veteran-specific website</li> <li> Active student veteran organization or club</li> <li> Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising and/or outcome monitoring</li> <li> On-campus veterans’ coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact</li> <li> System to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience</li> <li> Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress and graduation rates</li> </ol> <p> Fares Magesa, Andrews’ Veterans Affairs school certifying official (SCO), stated that he greatly enjoys working with and helping the veterans and families that join the Andrews community. He especially appreciates the generational aspect of his work. “I am honored to help facilitate and work with our student veteran population. In the work that our office does, we have forged friendships,” he said.</p> <p> The University is approved for certification of students eligible to receive educational assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/sfs/veterans/index.html">Office of Veterans Services</a> can be reached by email at <a href="mailto:veterans@andrews.edu">veterans@andrews.edu</a>.</p> Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:32:47 +0000 Professor Named Berrien Springs Village President http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66612 <p> Andrews University congratulates Sheila Snyder, assistant professor of marketing in the School of Business Administration, on her recent election as president of the Village of Berrien Springs. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Snyder was voted into this prominent role, a testament to her long-standing dedication and service to the community.</p> <p> Snyder has been a valuable member of the Andrews University faculty, bringing her expertise in marketing and passion for community engagement into the classroom and beyond. Her contributions to the Village have been significant; she has served faithfully as a trustee for many years, advocating for community needs and promoting growth and collaboration.</p> <p> "We are incredibly proud of Sheila and this well-deserved recognition from the community she serves," said Kimberly Pichot, dean of the College of Professions. "Her commitment to both Andrews University and the Village of Berrien Springs is inspiring, and we know she will continue to bring the same dedication to her role as Village President."</p> <p> This accomplishment highlights Professor Snyder’s commitment to making a positive impact locally, a value that resonates deeply with Andrews University’s mission to Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith and Change the World.</p> Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:40:58 +0000 Walk-Through Exhibit Celebrates Andrews History http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66611 <div> Andrews University continued its 150th-anniversary celebrations during its 2024 Alumni Homecoming Weekend with an elaborate walk-through exhibit, including historical artifacts and photographs. The exhibit was held in Johnson Gym on Sept. 27 and 28 and was divided by eras along the gym walls. The historical periods began with Battle Creek College, then transitioned to Emmanuel Missionary College and finally Andrews University.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Raelene Brower, director of Alumni Services, shared that the goal for the exhibit was to create an enjoyable “walk down memory lane” for alumni as well as an engaging display for current students to learn more about University history. According to Brower, the museum was a grand success.</div> <div>  </div> <div> “We received 100% positive feedback from those who visited the walk-through museum,” she says. “Our goal of evoking nostalgia about all those good memories from their days at EMC/Andrews was accomplished.”</div> <div>  </div> <div> Because of this success, Brower hopes to collaborate with the Center for Adventist Research, located on the lower level of the James White Library, to install a permanent display for anyone to visit and learn more about the 150 year history of the University.</div> <div>  </div> <div> 1874 marked the start of the display, which was furnished with various artifacts and personal effects from Battle Creek College and various Adventist pioneers. Photos of the first building and students were included, as well as a complete sketch of the Battle Creek College campus. An 1892 Battle Creek College graduation diploma belonging to a student named Patience Stella Bourdeau was also on display.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The next section featured the year 1901, highlighting the move from Battle Creek to Berrien Springs via the Michigan interurban train car. Pictures of the first several students at the newly named Emmanuel Missionary College were shown. These were joined by a large college pennant printed with “Emmanuel Missionary College” and a wooden camping chair, which was also featured in a photo with an EMC student on the Berrien Springs campus.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The 1920s and 1930s section featured documents and pictures of Emmanuel Missionary College’s produce and dairy farm. The farm served as a source of revenue, as products were sold to Chicago markets, and a hub of practical academic opportunities for the agriculture-horticulture education programs. In addition to this, a 1922 diploma belonging to Mark Leon Bovee was on display.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The 1940s to 1950s portion showed the continued growth of the Emmanuel Missionary College dairy farm through a picture of Old Ned, the delivery horse for the farm, and various packages from that era with the branding of “College Dairy.” The exhibit showed that milk bottles, eggs and other products were sold from the dairy farm. Another Emmanuel Missionary College pennant was also featured in this section.</div> <div>  </div> <div> In the 1960s exhibit, a variety of photos were shown. Some indicated student activities, including students on the phone as well as classmates socializing through various activities like donkey ball, a basketball game where players were on the backs of donkeys, in Johnson Gym. Others highlighted building developments on campus, such as Pioneer Memorial Church and the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary buildings. A wooden emblem of Andrews University, which contained the modern logo and motto, was also a part of the exhibit.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Andrews’ Department of Aviation and the Andrews University Gymnics program were two campus entities that had their own spotlights within the museum. The aviation department provided a photo album that allowed attendees to flip through dozens of pictures of students and faculty from 1990–1994. The exhibit also included a photo collage of the University’s planes and an overhead view of the Andrews Airpark. Physical aviation artifacts were also displayed, including a propeller blade from an Albatross plane, a model of the E-6B flight computer, an original runway light and an Andrews University wing.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The Gymnics’ exhibit featured dozens of uniforms and costumes worn by the group over the years. The exhibit also included various newspaper and magazine articles about the team, from a 1966 FOCUS magazine article to a story in The Student Movement from 2019. A unicycle and other equipment were also on display, surrounding a slideshow presentation on the history of Gymnics with photos from as early as the 1980s.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The 1980s display featured pictures of Beaty Pool, the Science Complex, mascot Andy the Cardinal, Chan Shun Hall and the ‘Til Midnight Café. The following 2000s section included photos of recent building and landscaping additions to the campus, such as the flowers in the Flag Mall, scenery between Buller Hall and Nethery Hall, the main entrance to the campus, the J.N. Andrews statue, the Andreasen Center for Wellness and the Howard Performing Arts Center. The year 2020 also had a small display, which finished off the walk-through. Pictures of students wearing masks while participating in religious and cultural events were shown, with a bottle of hand sanitizer and various styles of masks representing the pandemic-ridden year.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Brower hopes to continue to add to the collection of artifacts as it transitions to the Center for Adventist Research, such as “technology through Andrews’ history, the progression of WAUS radio facilities, something from Net ’98,” and more in the near future.<br />  </div> <div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "> # # #</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "> 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "> 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "> 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "> 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> </div> Thu, 07 Nov 2024 09:59:07 +0000 Student Spreads Hope Through Service Project http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66593 <p> Katherine Pierre, a senior biology major on the pre-medical track at Andrews University, has made a significant impact on the Andrews campus through a clothing donation initiative that promotes sustainability and supports those in need. Pierre began this initiative during her sophomore year, beginning with the simple goal of recycling, but it has since evolved into an important resource for multiple local families.</p> <p> Hailing from Maryland, Pierre attended Tacoma Academy before coming to Andrews. Her passion for service was ignited during a medical mission trip to Haiti in eighth grade, where she witnessed disparities in access to basic needs and education. This experience shaped her commitment to helping others, inspiring her to engage in various service projects both internationally and locally. The disparities in health care that she witnessed in Haiti encouraged her to pursue the pre-medical track at Andrews with the goal of one day becoming a doctor to help those in need. She chose to study medicine after discovering a passion for being hands-on and involved in the communities she has served.</p> <p> While living in the Lamson Hall dormitory on the campus of Andrews University, Pierre noticed an abundance of clothes left behind by students at the end of the school year, often destined for the trash despite being in fine condition. Determined to change this, she collaborated with dorm administrators to create donation bins in the laundry rooms, encouraging students to recycle their clothes instead of discarding them.</p> <p> “At first, I would collect the clothes and take them to thrift stores, but I wanted to find a way to directly support those in need,” Pierre said. With the help of Diana Baltazar, custodial supervisor at Lamson Hall, Pierre was introduced to immigrant families living nearby who could benefit from the donations. Now, Pierre collects, washes and distributes the clothes directly to these families.</p> <p> The initiative not only helps reduce waste but also addresses a critical need for clothing among local families. “For me, this isn’t a big deal,” Pierre shared. “It’s just about making a simple solution for something that should already be happening.” By transforming discarded clothing into a resource for those less fortunate, Pierre emphasizes the importance of community and environmental stewardship.</p> <p> Now, as she approaches the end of her senior year, Pierre hopes to pass her project on to other students. “I want to find someone to take over this initiative and possibly turn it into a thrift store at Lamson Hall,” she shared. “There are many students here who might need clothes or want to recycle theirs, and I’d love to see this grow.”</p> <p> For Pierre, the act of giving back is not a burden but rather a calling. “I feel like I’m just a connecting piece between surplus clothing and those who need it,” she said. “It’s rewarding to know that these clothes are being used rather than thrown away. I hope to inspire others to take up similar initiatives.”</p> <p> Pierre's vision extends beyond clothing donations. She encourages her peers to adopt sustainable practices, including recycling. “I think there’s a lot of room for improvement in recycling on campus,” she remarked. “I hope to see more students get involved in this and take it to the next level.”</p> <p> As Pierre prepares for her next steps after graduation, she remains committed to her mission of service. “My parents instilled in me the importance of using my blessings to help others,” she reflected. “I feel that any opportunity to help, whether big or small, is essential, and I should always strive to do more.”</p> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" 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, 04 Nov 2024 14:54:33 +0000 Andrews to Host New Music Ensemble Experience http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66572 <p> Andrews University’s Department of Music and the International Center for Worship & Music are inviting high school-aged youth to participate in a new Adventist music ensemble experience. Music faculty from Andrews, Pacific Union College, Southern University, Southwestern University, Walla Walla University, Washington Adventist University and Weimar University have collaborated to form a singular entity called the Adventist Youth Music Association (AYMA). Together, the association created the AYMA Ensemble Experience, a summer program on the Andrews University campus that will take place from June 27–July 6, 2025. According to a letter sent to Adventist churches by AYMA, the program aims to “glorify God, inspire our Seventh-day Adventist youth in their journey with music, and cultivate their God-given talents for use in ministry.”</p> <p> AYMA’s music initiative includes three distinct stages. In stage one, Adventist students who are currently in grades nine to 12 in any education system have the opportunity to register for the ensemble before Nov. 10, 2024. To register, students must use the <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/cas/music/ayma/index.html">AYMA website</a> to pay the $10 application fee and submit a solo performance video for review and feedback. Students are allowed to apply with multiple instruments, including vocal performance, and must submit additional registration requirements, including the fee, for each instrument with which they apply. Once registered, login credentials for the following stages will be sent via email by Nov. 17. Additional rules and restrictions can be found on the AYMA website.</p> <p> Scoring results and feedback will be released for all entries on Dec. 24. Students who earn a high score in the stage one performance will be invited to audition again for a spot in AYMA’s Ensemble Experience. In stage two, students will be assigned excerpts from a repertoire of pieces that will later be performed by the ensemble, and they will be asked to submit video recordings of their best performance of those excerpts. More information about stage two will be available on AYMA’s website.</p> <p> Finally, stage three will encompass participation in the AYMA Ensemble Experience, which will serve as a mentorship and growth opportunity for the students in attendance. AYMA promises that those selected from the stage two applicants “will engage in worship/discipleship, group lessons, masterclasses, musician health and wellness seminars and more.” Multiple performance opportunities will occur throughout the AYMA Ensemble Experience.</p> <p> AYMA will uniquely impact Adventist performing arts students in an important and significant way. Max Keller, chair of Andrews University’s Department of Music, shared that the formation of the AYMA stages and initiatives are intentionally similar to “the popular solo and ensemble events that happen all across the country but often conflict with the Sabbath.” He hopes that “all high school students connected with an Adventist church” will participate.</p> <p> General Conference President Ted N.C. Wilson shared his optimism for AYMA. “Music is such a blessing in our worship of God. Revelation 4 is one of the finest examples of heavenly worship and a dynamic model for us as we point people to Christ in our worshipful music glorifying God and not ourselves.” Wilson continued, “I urge each of you to support AYMA as it lifts up Christ and the musical talents He has given young people and all of us.”</p> <p> Keller added that AYMA hopes to add more institutions to its list of growing members “very soon” as the organization seeks to create new opportunities for young Adventist musical talent. To learn more about AYMA, the Ensemble Experience or other opportunities through the Department of Music at Andrews University, please visit the Department of Music <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/cas/music/">website</a>.</p> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" 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> Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:12:37 +0000 Andrews Fall 2024 Rankings and Enrollment Report http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66564 <p> During the current 2024–2025 school year, Andrews University is celebrating its 150th anniversary, honoring the school’s start as Battle Creek College in 1874—the first institution of higher education to be established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.</p> <p> The young institution grew and moved from Battle Creek to Berrien Springs, Michigan, in 1901, where it took the name Emmanuel Missionary College.</p> <p> In 1960, with the integration of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary on the Berrien Springs campus, the college became a university and chose a new name honoring one of the church’s first scholar-missionaries, J.N. Andrews. Since then, Andrews University has developed into a leading global university, significantly advancing the mission of the Adventist Church and impacting communities across the world.</p> <p> During this sesquicentennial year of celebrations, Andrews University again celebrates a strong round of national university rankings, including significant improvement in this year’s 2025 U.S. News Best Colleges rating.</p> <p> The University’s formal census/enrollment reporting for fall semester (which is reported at the end of September each year, following a review of the initial fall semester census report from earlier in the month) shows growth in key areas, including an overall headcount enrollment of 3,021 registered on or through the Berrien Springs campus of the University, which is up 2% over the previous year. Included in those areas of enrollment growth is the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, which showed a nearly 7% increase in enrollment over the previous fall.</p> <h4> National Rankings</h4> <p> <strong>U.S. News Best Colleges</strong></p> <p> As previously reported, Andrews University was again named among the best national universities by U.S. News & World Report. In this year’s rankings, Andrews climbed 47 spots from last year’s ranking of national universities, which represents the fourth largest increase of any university nationwide.</p> <p> The selective 2025 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings are based on several metrics of academic strength, including a university’s graduation rate, class size and faculty to student ratio, all areas where Andrews outperforms the national average. This year, the ranking also gave additional weight to metrics that measure a university’s support for students from all social backgrounds, with Andrews being included in the list of “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” reflecting the University’s success at graduating students with family incomes under $50,000.</p> <p> U.S. News also awarded Andrews the top position for ethnic diversity among national universities, tying for #1 with Stanford, Johns Hopkins and San Francisco University. Additionally, Andrews was included among the top 10 national universities for most international students, placing #7 with 20% of students coming from outside of the United States.</p> <p> Of the more than 1,800 colleges and universities that U.S. News assesses, less than a quarter are recognized as national universities, as Andrews University is. This national university status signals that a university offers a full range of undergraduate offerings as well as doctoral programs, where students at all levels are taught and mentored by research-active faculty. Andrews is the only national university run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, offering students the full rigor of a premier higher education in a faith-affirming atmosphere.</p> <p> Andrews’ undergraduate engineering program, which offers concentrations in mechanical, chemical, computer and electrical engineering, was also recognized by the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, making its list of “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.” This selective list requires a program to be ABET accredited and is based on peer assessment, indicating the strong professional reputation that the Andrews engineering program has established over the decades.</p> <p> <strong>Niche Best Colleges in America</strong></p> <p> Andrews University continues to rank in the top 20 Best Christian Colleges in America, according to Niche’s 2025 Best Colleges in America rankings, which ranked Andrews #19 among the more than 500 Christian colleges and universities included in the list. Niche also recognized Andrews as the Best Christian College (#1 of 12), Top Private University (#1 of 24) and Best Small College (#1 of 25) in the state of Michigan.</p> <p> Moreover, several of Andrews’ academic programs were identified as among the best in the nation, including biology, business, computer science, history, music, physical therapy, psychology and religion.</p> <p> The Niche rankings are based on a detailed analysis of educational data measuring the academic quality and financial value of the University as well as a comprehensive student review system. Based on these factors, Niche assigned Andrews “A” grades in key areas such as academics, value, diversity, professors, campus food and safety.</p> <p> More than 500 students and alumni have shared their experiences at Andrews with Niche. One review from a current sophomore expressed, “As a minority student myself, I love the fact that Andrews boasts of a rich diversity, and this has given me the great opportunity of learning from other people with different cultural backgrounds than my own. … Each student is given an equal opportunity to explore other areas alongside academics. These areas include, but are not limited to, leadership opportunities, service-learning opportunities, career mentorship, support with small business startups, and community involvement.” The student concluded, “Andrews is a home where world changers are made, and I am proud to be part of that home!”</p> <p> A current graduate student, who also attended Andrews as an undergraduate student, shared in a review, “From the very beginning, I felt a strong sense of community and spiritual guidance that resonated with my beliefs. The University’s commitment to fostering a holistic education, combining academic excellence with spiritual development, has truly shaped my journey. The faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive, not only in imparting knowledge but also in nurturing my personal and religious growth.”</p> <p> <strong>Wall Street Journal 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S.</strong></p> <p> Andrews University was also named in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse “2025 Best Colleges in the U.S.” rankings. Andrews is one of four Christian universities in Michigan and the only Adventist university in the United States included in this ranking of the nation’s top 500 universities.</p> <p> In these Wall Street Journal rankings, Andrews placed second among Michigan private universities in the student experience category, which takes into account student satisfaction with campus facilities, sense of community, mental health support and a number of other factors, including the quality of positive interactions within the ethnically and socioeconomically diverse student body.</p> <p> The WSJ analysis also reported that the value added by an Andrews undergraduate degree works out to an average annual salary increase of nearly $24,000 compared to high school graduates in Michigan. This difference in salaries for college graduates means that, generally, college graduates earn as much as $1 million or more over the course of a career.</p> <p> “At Andrews University, we’re proud to be providing an academically excellent and distinctively faith-based, world changing Adventist education to the more than 3,000 students who study on our main campus and around the world each year,” says Wagner Kuhn, interim chief academic officer at Andrews University.</p> <p> “Andrews University remains committed to assuring quality and success in the current studies, life and faith journey of each one of our students, including their overall student experience while they earn an Andrews degree,” adds Amy Rebok Rosenthal, dean of Undergraduate Education. “These are students who are focused on God’s plans for their lives, both in their current studies, and for their careers and life beyond our campus as each graduate seeks to Change the World, a goal that is core to our Andrews University mission statement.”</p> <p> “Taken together, these remarkable U.S. News Best Colleges, Niche Best Colleges in America, and Wall Street Journal rankings all speak to the strength of Andrews as a recognized and acclaimed Seventh-day Adventist global university with outstanding academic offerings. These rankings are also a testament to the deep commitment of each student, faculty and staff at Andrews University as we live out together our distinctive, faith-based mission to prepare our students for deep and meaningful service that advances God’s kingdom in this world,” says John Wesley Taylor V, president of Andrews University.</p> <h4> Fall Semester 2024 Enrollment Updates</h4> <p> Following a late September review of census figures, Andrews University’s headcount enrollment for fall 2024 showed 3,021 students—nearly 50 students more than the fall 2023 enrollment of 2,972. These numbers represent a 2% increase from last year and a 3% increase from the previous year. Credit hours also increased this semester.</p> <p> Graduate headcount enrollment was 1,598—an increase of 53 students, or 3%, over last year’s graduate headcount enrollment.</p> <p> Undergraduate headcount enrollment was stable—1,423 undergraduates enrolled in fall 2024. The largest increase in individual undergraduate class levels was in the sophomore headcount enrollment, which was up 27 students, or 10%. This positive increase reflects the University’s high retention of students who choose to return after their freshman year. Additionally, undergraduate transfer enrollment was up 12 students, or 13%.</p> <p> Within the University’s colleges, the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (920 vs. 863), the College of Professions (306 vs. 302) and the College of Arts & Sciences (672 vs. 657) all showed increases.</p> <p> An additional 321 students are also registered and studying at international campus partners and programs this fall semester, which makes for an overall worldwide Andrews University 2024 fall semester enrollment of 3,342 students.</p> <p> “Andrews University is deepening its commitment to being a truly Global Campus, which means that we are able to also offer that same quality and commitment to the additional Andrews students who study around the globe on partner campuses and through distance education options each year,“ says Alayne Thorpe, dean of the College of Education & International Services and dean of Graduate Studies.</p> <p> Additionally, Andrews University continues to enroll students throughout the year, including those who study around the world through national and international student cohorts in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. As a result, the Fall Census numbers do not show the full picture of how many students enroll at Andrews over a 12-month period each year. Instead, the report on annual unduplicated headcount best shows overall headcount enrollment at Andrews during a given year.</p> <p> In this year’s report, the annual unduplicated headcount analysis showed 4,003 different students overall who enrolled at Andrews at some point between summer semester 2023 and spring semester 2024.</p> <p> “Our 2024 fall semester enrollment statistics and indicators reflect the importance of a strong focus each semester, each year in encouraging our undergraduate and graduate students to continue their studies once they’ve begun,” says Kuhn. “As a result, our positive enrollment numbers this fall semester reflect the tireless and committed work of our enrollment team, staff, faculty and the entire Andrews University community as we worked together to welcome our new and returning students this fall semester.”</p> <p> Bordes Henry-Saturné, interim vice president for Strategic Enrollment, Marketing & Communication, adds “each one of our frontline faculty and staff members across our campus is essential to our efforts to recruit and successfully enroll new students each fall semester on our Andrews University main campus. Their work complements the specific support from Marking & Enrollment Management, Student Financial Services, Campus & Student Life, International Student Services and more in supporting our new and returning students.”</p> <p> President Taylor notes, “It’s a particular privilege to take a measure of our remarkable University family in this 150th anniversary year at Andrews University. The increase of both new and returning students who enrolled this school year, both on our campus and around the world, represents generations of students and graduates who are part of Andrews’ story.”</p> <p> “On this sesquicentennial year, we salute these current students and all the graduates before them who represent an incredible history of academic studies and faithful commitment to world change that continue to exemplify our amazing, global, Seventh-day Adventist Christian university,” continues Taylor.</p> <p> “Incidentally, this year, we are using the phrase ‘Founded in Faith. Forward in Mission.’ to celebrate our 150th anniversary, highlighted in the God-centered, world-changing focus and personal impact of an Andrews University education for each one of our students. This sesquicentennial theme also honors the education and inspiration which were offered by Emmanuel Missionary College and Battle Creek College during our first nine decades of operation.”</p> <p> “As this year of celebration continues, I want to assure you that Andrews University remains fully committed to God and His calling for our lives—students, graduates, faculty, staff and administrators—and His ongoing mission for our University,” says Taylor.</p> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "> # # #</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "> 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "> 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "> 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 font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "> 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, 30 Oct 2024 16:35:15 +0000