Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2024, Andrews University Sun, 24 Nov 2024 03:07:00 +0000 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 03:07:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu POSTPONED: Ark Encounter http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/51128 Due to illness, this presentation will be postponed to a later date. Please watch for upcoming details.   School of Architecture & Interior Design will feature a lecture by LeRoy Troyer, lead architect in designing the Genesis-sized replica of Noah’s Ark.    LeRoy S. Troyer has learned to be proactive in helping and serving others. He is concerned with environmental issues and has been especially committed to eliminating poverty through housing. Troyer has had a close working relationship with President Jimmy Carter on the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Projects of Habitat for Humanity International. LeRoy Troyer founded The Troyer Group on the principle of giving before you receive, and his whole life has exemplified this philosophy through philanthropic work with organizations that promote peaceful, humanitarian support, encouragement and education in a way that empowers individuals to make a better way and life for themselves and their families. The inspiration for the Ark project began with the founder’s desire to create a family-friendly attraction that would encourage people to reconsider the Bible’s relevance in our day and age. The now completed reconstruction of Noah’s Ark in Williamstown, Kentucky, took just over one year and a half to build and is considered the largest freestanding timber frame structure in the world. A football field and a half long, the volume of the Ark is the equivalent of 500 standard semi-truck trailers. Mon, 22 Oct 2018 10:41:23 +0000 Clinic in a Container http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/47156 The Seventh-day Adventist Church has always prided itself on its passion for medical missionary work, and with the School of Architecture & Interior Design's (SAID) latest project, remote heath care could become considerably easier. Clinic in a Container is a medical diagnostic station built from an 8x8x20 metal shipping container, and was engineered by Carey Carscallen, dean, and his Design Build Studio class. Featuring solar panels, stainless steel work stations, an oxygen concentrator, a gas-operated water heater, HVAC system and all the equipment of a modern diagnostic room, the fully-functioning medical facility cost about $35,000 to build.  “Many of our studio projects focus on some aspect of helping the local community,” says Carscallen. “Though it differs each year, the students are involved in a community-focused project in some way every year of the program.” Shipping container medical facilities are a fairly recent development in the realm of disaster relief and provide a sensible, affordable alternative to building traditional hospital structures. The SAID plans to send this particular container to a mission field in the mountains of The Democratic Republic of the Congo, where a mine is located. There are no available medical services in the area and the community wants to establish a church and school, but require healthcare services first. "Our entire program is becoming more and more connected to service and community,” Carscallen comments. “We’ve become much more intentional about our students thinking about their commitment to God and how they can use this profession to help others.” Donations to the program can be made on the <a href="https://vault.andrews.edu/vault/app/pages/advancement/login/development">Andrews Giving</a> web page by typing “container” in the search bar and selecting the option that appears. For more information about projects and activities in the SAID, visit <a href="http://andrews.edu/said">andrews.edu/said</a>, email <a href="mailto:architecture@andrews.edu?subject=Clinic%20in%20a%20Container">architecture@andrews.edu</a> or call 269-471-6003. Tue, 05 Sep 2017 17:55:14 +0000 Andrews LIVE @ Architecture http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/46498 On Wednesday, August 9, at 9 a.m., the School of Architecture & Interior Design is going LIVE on Facebook (<a href="http://facebook.com/andrewsuniversity">facebook.com/andrewsuniversity</a>) with tour guide and dean Carey Carscallen. Join us as we check out the school's specially designed Clinic container that will soon be headed for its final destination: Democratic Republic of the Congo! Join us LIVE to learn more and ask your questions!  For previous LIVE videos, click the following links: Physical Therapy: <a href="https://youtu.be/S0OzBXnjMOM">Avoiding Back & Neck Tension</a> (6/29/17) Aviation: <a href="https://youtu.be/8oYgbaPo67Y">Flight Over Campus & the Lake</a> (7/6/17) Agriculture: <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewsUniv/status/887703651766194176">Mobile Farm Market</a> (7/19/17) Dairy: <a href="https://youtu.be/vaJrqljjc_g?list=PL_mUejf7P2ev4j-RD4Ex8xG9talCbQ4-b">Cows, Milking, Calves & More!</a> (8/2/17)   If you would like to suggest an area of your department that might be interesting LIVE, please email <a href="http://stclair@andrews.edu">stclair@andrews.edu</a> for consideration. Tue, 08 Aug 2017 10:02:20 +0000 Paula Dronen Receives Michigan Advising Award http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/46660 In May, the state of Michigan recognized Paula Dronen, associate professor of architecture, with the 2017 MIACADA Outstanding Advising Award—an honor which no Andrews University professor has ever before received. She was chosen from among more than 250 of the most competent advising professors in the state. “I feel blessed to be presented with such heartfelt appreciation from students, colleagues and now the state as well,” Dronen says. At past advising conferences the MIACADA has honored outstanding faculty advisors from other colleges including Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University and Oakland University, but this is the first time an Andrews faculty member has been selected. Each year, three individuals from different categories are nominated in keeping with high standards of excellence such as strong interpersonal skills; frequency of contact and availability to advisees, faculty and staff; evidence of student success rate; mastery of institutional regulations, policies and procedures; caring and helpful attitude toward advisees, faculty and staff; and meeting advisees in informal settings. “Paula brings strong communication skills to our program, advising between 80 and 90 students each academic year at both the undergraduate and graduate level,” said Carey Carscallen, dean of the School of Architecture & Interior Design, in his nomination. “Her attention to detail, knowledge of university policy, systematic review of student records, and consistent student meetings ensure a solid academic advising plan for those pursuing architecture and interior design.” Long before the state became aware, Paula was inspiring and touching lives all around her with not only excellence in advising, but also personal interest and care for each and every student and co-worker she has interacted with in her 17 years at Andrews. “Paula has always set the highest bar for her advising because she cares about all of our students,” says Rhonda Root, fellow architecture professor at Andrews. “It is great that others now know what we have known for a long time—that we work with the best.” The true test of a great advisor, though, is the testimony of those they have advised. A student advisee expressed how “Professor Dronen is ready and willing to help whenever needed. She motivates you to achieve and is willing to help you however she can. She makes a point to recognize you outside of the architecture department.” Many others have also shared their sincere appreciation for her genuine attitude and desire to help however she can. One student expressed, “My life would definitely not be the same without Professor Dronen in it. She is a blessing from God.” Keeping track of 80–90 individual advisees along with the duties of teaching architecture and pre-law classes just begins to scratch the surface of Dronen’s various responsibilities at work—not to mention the privileges and duties of home life with her husband, John, and their four children. When asked how she does such a great job advising, Dronen replied, “Well, I’m not sure that I always do a great job, but I do my best to be consistent. There is always something to learn.” She continues, “Academic advising, at its core, is much more than having a lot of knowledge. It’s about having empathy. Being able to meet students where they’re at, offering suggestions while instilling ownership, listening more than speaking, showing kindness with candor, celebrating achievement and learning from perceived failures—these things are what I consider to be the ‘heart’ of advising.” During her own college years, Dronen experienced the joy of having an advisor who made all the difference in her experience as a student, and she brings that experience into every advising session, recalling what it is like to sit on the other side of the desk. It is obvious to all who know her that advising students is one of Dronen’s favorite responsibilities at Andrews, and praying with them the very highlight of her job. “Recognizing that God has made each student unique, having both gifts and challenges, and never being tempted to exercise a one-size-fits-all approach is essential to the art of good academic advising,” says Dronen. It is clear that her success and award have come as a result of much diligence and effort, yes, but also the faith and the legacy Dronen has embraced from her own academic advisor. “I’m not at all convinced that I do these things well all of the time, but I know that the Lord is patient with me,” she concludes. “This award is every bit my own advisor, Bill "Doc" Davidson's, award, and I’m blessed to be a part of it.” <h3> Related Links</h3> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/stories/other/">Read Paula Dronen's story</a> about Doc Davidson from her own student years</li> <li> <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/said/">School of Architecture & Interior Design</a></li> <li> <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/46498">Going LIVE in the SAID Clinic Container</a></li> </ul> Tue, 08 Aug 2017 09:58:03 +0000 Merging Architecture and Ubuntu http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/45672 Harnessing the creativity of his community origins, Wandile Mthiyane, founder of Ubuntu Design Group and Andrews University Master’s student is seeking funds to assist in building the group’s very first home for a family of an unemployed, disabled couple. Mthiyane, 22, a former DUT Town and Regional Planning student moved to the United States of America in 2012 after being awarded with a five-year scholarship to pursue a triple major in Architecture, Town Planning and Civil Engineering at the prestigious Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He was also awarded just over R40 000 ($5000) from the University as well as just over R49 000 ($6200) from the American Embassy. The KwaMashu, Durban, native was then brought together with other young bright minds from all over the world by World Merit 360 in New York to discuss and brainstorm ways to effect global change in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This task fitted well with Ubuntu Design Group’s work which aims to effectively develop communities around the world. The project, which is actively seeking to reignite the spirit of Ubuntu (I am because you are), has won several international awards. <<< Read the full story at <a href="http://www.dut.ac.za/merging-architecture-and-ubuntu-to-build-communities/">Durban University of Technology</a> >>> Tue, 02 May 2017 08:46:37 +0000 Community, Placemaking & Peace http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/45566 Andrews University School of Architecture & Interior Design invites the community to register soon for its annual Renaissance Kids.  This unique day-camp style architecture program gives kids ages 5-16 the opportunity to engage with fun, creative and educational hands-on activities relating to architecture. Space is limited and the first session begins Monday, June 12. The program has partnered this year to have some sessons be held at Krasl Art Center and Box Factory for the Arts. This summer’s theme is “Community, Placemaking, & Peace."  Renaissance Kids participants are encouraged to use their imagination to problem-solve, draw and build throughout the program. The schedule, size, and location of the main project will shape with a lot of input from the kids. Their works will help shape the public presentations necessary for funding and any necessary municipal approvals. “This project is meaningful on many levels, but personal for two reasons,” explains Mark Moreno, associate professor of architecture, and developer/director of Renaissance Kids. “First, it is inspired by Ibrahim Parlak, a Kurdish immigrant of 25 years. He is a friend of many years; our daughters went to school together.  His story is complex and he finds himself caught politically as a stateless person, but he’s been here peacefully contributing to his community since 1991 when he was granted asylum in the U.S.” Attendees will do a variety of design-related activities and be involved in the design of a Peace Garden inspired by Ibrahim Parlak and any other immigrants who stuggle with difficult circumstances. Moreno encourages those who do not know Ibrahim already to read some of his story through links provided on the Renaissance Kids website, <a href="http://andrews.edu/go/renaissancekids">andrews.edu/go/renaissancekids</a>. “Second, my brother, Paul, was a committed community gardener who passed away in August 2016,” Moreno adds. “He was a supporter of Renaissance Kids and sympathetic to Ibrahim’s struggle to stay in the U.S. Paul’s will gifted $1,000 to the camp and so it seems fitting to kick off a fundraising campaign with his generous gift.” All activities in Renaissance Kids center on gaining understanding of people, history, culture, sustainability, design concepts, the architect’s tools, construction, materials and more. “Community, placemaking and peace are all important themes for any time and place, as each is rooted in making the world more sustainable, beautiful and peaceful,” Moreno says. “All studio projects this year are immersed in the ideas of peace and human connection, and they culminate in a powerfully meaningful end result. At the end of the process, every young person will be able to proudly say, ‘I helped make that.’” Camp session locations vary this year; most will be held at the University’s architecture building, located at 8435 E. Campus Circle Drive in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Other locations include Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Box Factory for the Arts in Benton Harbor, and Café Gulistan in Harbert.  The program schedule is as follows: Session A1: June 12–16, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m., ages 5–7, $165 (Andrews University) Session B1: June 19-23, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., ages 7-9, $165 (Andrews University) Session C1: June 12-16, 1:45-5:15 p.m., ages 10-12, $165 (Krasl Art Center) Session D1: July 17-21 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.. ages 13-16, $390 (Andrews University)  and July 24-28 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.. ages 13-16, (Location TBD)   Session A2: June 26-30, 1:45–5:15 p.m., ages 5-7, $165 (Andrews University) Session B2: June 19-23, 1:45-5:15 p.m., ages 7-9, $165 (Andrews University) Session C2: June 26-30, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., ages 10-12, $165 (Andrews University) Session B3: June 19-23, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. (FULL DAY), ages 7–9, $340 (Andrews University) Session C3: July 10-14, 1:45-5:15 p.m., ages 10-12, $165 (Box Factory for the Arts) Session B4: July 10-14, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., ages 7–9, $165 (Box Factory for the Arts) Please note that session D1 is a two-week session. “Renaissance Kids is an absolute joy to operate,” says Moreno. “We are building kids up by building with them. My staff and I get to watch the kids imaginatively create designs per specific educational challenges all while having fun. The kids will design, draw, and build in a creative friendly environment. Together, we get to produce artifacts that plant lasting memories in the community landscape that will remain for generations.” Visit <a href="http://andrews.edu/go/renaissancekids">andrews.edu/go/renaissancekids</a> to register, find more information about the camp, or to learn about Ibrahim Parlak’s story. If you have questions, contact Mark Moreno at <a href="mailto:mmoreno@andrews.edu?subject=Renaissance%20Kids">mmoreno@andrews.edu</a> or 269-932-5055.    <h3> Related Links</h3> <ul> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/said/renaissance-kids/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128);">Register for Renaissance Kids</a></li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <a href="http://www.friends4ibrahim.com/about/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128);">Who is Ibrahim Parlak?</a></li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/41020" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128);">Renaissance Kids 2016</a></li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/said/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128);">School of Architecture & Interior Design</a></li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <a href="http://www.krasl.org/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128);">Krasl Art Center</a></li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <a href="https://boxfactoryforthearts.org/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128);">Box Factory for the Arts</a></li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <a href="http://www.cafegulistan.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128);">Cafe Gulistan</a></li> </ul> Thu, 20 Apr 2017 09:07:07 +0000 Buy a Brick; Build a Home http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/45093 Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith, Change the World. Andrews students can quote the University's tagline-turned-mission-statement in their sleep. However, one group in particular isn’t waiting to change the world until they graduate; they are doing it right now. Ubuntu Design Group (UDG), a small nonprofit organization founded by Wandile Mthyiane, a recent graduate of the Andrews University School of Architecture & Interior Design, is all about using architecture to improve communities around the world. The are currently working in South Africa. “Managing urban areas has become one of the most important development challenges of the 21st century," says John Wilmoth, director of UN DESA's Population Division. "Our success or failure in building sustainable cities and communities will be a major factor in the success of the post-2015 UN development agenda.” According to UN HABITAT over a quarter of the world's population will be living in slums by 2030. “That’s less than 15 years away,” says Mthyiane, now studying as an architecture graduate student. “Ubuntu seeks to address that problem. We want to have a sustainable impact on the world.” The word Ubuntu is a Zulu word that encapsulate the essence of humanity. Many people translate it to mean “I am because you are.”  UDG takes this premise and uses it as the foundation for the way it operates. Communities build communities. Engaging people to help others is a cycle in which paying it forward benefits others as much as it benefits you. In 2015, Mthyiane started UDG as a specialized organization that partners with local municipalities in South Africa and around the world to help meet the needs of the underprivileged in the community. Through partnerships with local organizations and others, like Andrews, UDG works much like an architecture firm and takes on clients. Ubuntu’s first project is working with the Mtshali family from Umbumbulu, South Africa. The Mtshalis are a resilient family. Nkosinathi, the father, survived a tragic road accident which left him handicapped and unable to properly provide for his wife and young son. After the family lost their home to a storm, the Mtshalis made the decision to send their son away to live with relatives. “I feed Nkosinathi every meal that he eats and I bathe him," says Mrs. Mtshali. "Everything is difficult and the space where we are staying is very cramped. We did not want to submit our child to that.” The Mtshalis simply desire a safe and happy home in which to live and contribute to the economy. The Andrews University graduate architecture class and UDG are already working on turning the Mtshali family’s dream into a reality. Andrews students designed the complete handicap-accessible structure for the Mtshali house. These designs will also serve as a template for all future houses built by UDG and can be scaled and altered for use on a global level. This is where community and giving to receive–the spirit of Ubuntu–comes into play; not only are the architecture students actively changing the world, they are receiving a one-of-a-kind experiences that will help shape their future careers through a partnership with UDG. One student put it best when they said, “This experience allowed me to have a different perspective on what I would like to do with architecture. I see designing for the less fortunate as a grand opportunity to not only design for those in greatest need, but to truly listen to them and involve them in the process and allow them to express themselves in ways they may not be used to.” We invite you to join the community that is helping improve the lives of the Mtshali family. Construction of the house will begin in just a few short days on March 15, 2017. UDG is moving ahead in faith with only half of the funds needed for the completion of the house. If you feel that you would like to be a part of Ubuntu, there is a way you can help. A few weeks ago, UDG launched the “Buy a Brick, Build a Home" campaign. A brick costs only $10, and all the money raised will go straight into the building of the Mtshali home. Of course, larger donations are welcome.  To find out more about the project and to donate, visit <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/buy-a-brick-build-a-home-the-mtshalis-family/fundraiser/wandilemthiyane">the project's website</a>. To read more about Ubuntu Design Group, Andrews University students and the people that they are serving, please visit <a href="http://ubuntudesigngroup.com">ubuntudesigngroup.com</a> and like our Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ubuntudesign/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf">Ubuntu Design Group</a>. “Don’t forget to do good and share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:16 Thu, 09 Mar 2017 21:09:57 +0000 A Unified Space http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/44841 Students from Andrews University will assist in the landscaping of <a href="http://www.bentonharborcity.com/">Benton Harbor</a>’s planned Morton Hill Welcome Area. Wightman and Associates are designing the Welcome Area sign and surrounding seating area, but Andrews University students will be crafting the landscaping portion of the project. This unique opportunity was made possible through correspondence initiated by <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/said/robin-johnson">Robin Johnson</a>, assistant professor of architecture, after she learned of the upcoming project. Johnson, who co-teaches a junior studio class with <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/cas/agriculture/faculty/garth-woodruff.html">Garth Woodruff</a>, assistant professor of horticulture and landscape design, suggested a partnership between their class and the city of Benton Harbor. “I developed a way to fit it into the spring curriculum, agreed to take on the project for the town and Morton Hill and here we are,” remarks Woodruff. The students involved in the project are Tyler Young, Anastasia Ronenko and Vitally Kuchmel. “Our role is to design a space around an intersection that is trafficked by both foot and vehicle that enhances the signage and the history of the place while providing a park setting,” Woodruff explains. The intersection is located on city-owned property on <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Benton+Harbor,+MI+49022/@42.1186055,-86.4500385,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8810c6689523e5a7:0x9fd523656b84ad66!8m2!3d42.1186055!4d-86.4478498">Territorial Road and Paw Paw Avenue</a>. “We will pick up all the pieces in place and pull them together into a unified space that can connect people to the place and its history,” adds Woodruff. “Our goal is to engage in creating a safe, connected environment that enhances the local tradition and engages the community.” One thing landscape architects are passionate about is making sure all work they do is in partnership with the local landscape, not against it. “Where an architect stops with the envelope of a building, a landscape architect picks up,” he says. Landscape architects will work on anything from the size of backyards to states. They work with park systems, waterfronts, environmental design and remediation, parking or trafficked areas and more. Woodruff comments that landscape architects are often the glue that brings the disciplines together. “Benton Harbor is one of the remaining walkable communities,” said Woodruff. “Our students now get to help that experience be a pleasure rather than a necessity for someone without a car.” Corey Bell, president of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/453738111450358/">Morton Hill Improvement Association</a>, explains that their goal is to take advantage of the underutilized properties on Morton Hill. “It’s just a vision,” he says. “We want to employ our imagination and not lock ourselves into a traditional way of thinking.” In addition to the Welcome Area, Bell mentioned other ideas for the location, such as adding houses for artist studios. “The process is fascinating to watch,” comments Woodruff. “As this is ongoing, we will digest nature, human interaction and art to produce amazing possibilities.” He estimates that the design process will be completed mid-spring 2017, but the construction start date is not solidified yet, as there are many factors involved, including price. Funding for the Welcome Area will come from part of a $50,000 grant from the <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/">Michigan Department of Natural Resources</a>, received in fall 2015. Assisting community projects is not new to Woodruff’s department. “We have folks walking through our door at all times looking for help from our department,” Woodruff remarks. “Projects like this and the opportunity to give back to our community with our talents is amazing. To be able to offer connectivity to nature to a community or the celebration of their history along with a safe, enjoyable environment is an honor.” More information about this project will be available on the Facebook group for the organization, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/453738111450358/">The Morton Hill Improvement Association</a>. For more information about landscape architecture at Andrews University, visit <a href="http://andrews.edu/agriculture">andrews.edu/agriculture</a>, email <a href="mailto:agriculture@andrews.edu?subject=Inquiry%3A%20Landscape%20Architecture">agriculture@andrews.edu</a> or call 269-471-6006. <h3> Related Links</h3> <ul> <li> More about the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/453738111450358/">Morton Hill Improvement Association</a> </li> <li> <a href="http://andrews.edu/agriculture.">Department of Agriculture</a> at Andrews University</li> <li> <a href="http://andrews.edu/architecture">School of Architecture & Interior Design</a> at Andrews University</li> </ul> Mon, 13 Feb 2017 11:00:48 +0000