Alumni Supporters
voices of encouragement
GREG ENGELMAN, '82
“Now it’s our turn...”
I am not sure when it happened. Perhaps it was when discussing George Washington with my kids that I remembered the great educational tours I went on. Or, maybe it was when meeting with their teachers that I reflected on the hours Cleon White spent helping me with Algebra on his own after-hour time. I am not sure when, but at some point between the time I graduated in ’82 and now, I realized the tremendous influence my Andrews Academy experience has had on my life.
My experience would not have been possible had it not been for the contributions of others who donated to the Worthy Student Fund. As my single mother struggled to make financial ends meet, the Academy, without my knowing, helped me so that I could remain at the school. My life has certainly been blessed by their actions and the commitment from the Academy.
Now it’s our turn to make that same commitment. The Academy deserves our support—whether it be towards the Worthy Student Fund, improving the facilities, or strengthening one of the more than 20 endowments—out of gratitude, the alumni have the opportunity to give back to the school that helped so many of us achieve our goals and strengthened our relationship with others and with God.
Personally, I have committed to the Envisioning the Future of Andrews Academy Challenge Campaign, pledging a minumum annual contribution of $5,000.
Whether it is $5000 a year, $500 a year, or $50 a year, please consider helping the Academy continue to shape and stimulate the minds of future generations. Who knows, perhaps 20 years from now, another alumnus will be writing a similar letter thanking us for our commitment.
DAVID S. MAQUERA, ESQ.
“Join me in making the foregoing investment...”
Twenty-five years makes quite a difference. It has been twenty-five years since I shuttled between classrooms at Andrews Academy counting the years, months, weeks, and then the days until graduation. At the time, I was primarily concerned with getting admitted into college and never contemplated whether an Andrews Academy education would remain relevant in my life after I donned the red cap and gown for graduation day.
Twenty-five years later, I am continuously reminded about the virtue of an Andrews Academy education. Due to my Andrews Academy education, I developed writing skills that have helped me succeed in college, law school, and subsequently as a trial lawyer for whom writing skills are just as important as courtroom skills. Due to my Andrews Academy education, I developed typing skills that surprise my legal secretaries when I am rushing against a deadline to prepare a pleading, motion, or brief for an emergency filing with a court. Due to my Andrews Academy education, I am able to share with my wife, Claudia, a genuine passion for the symphony, art, and Shakespeare plays.
Due to my Andrews Academy education, and its emphasis on religion, I was able to deal with the sudden loss of my mother five years ago and recall that we share a faith and a hope for a new world where there will be no more death, no more disease, and no more tears.
Twenty-five years after saying farewell to classmates, friends, and faculty, I feel compelled to invest in Andrews Academy so that future students can also enjoy the same, if not stronger, educational and religious foundations that they will require for their life journeys. I hope my fellow alumni can join me in making the foregoing investment in Andrews Academy in the present fundraising campaign. I realize that present economic circumstances may present a challenge for some but I encourage you to recall the parable of the Widow’s Mite and also how Christ was able to feed thousands with two fish and five loaves of bread. Please give according to your ability and let God do the rest.
RYAN NACHREINER, MD
“By supporting AA, we cement a legacy...”
A good friend of mine has a ski boat with a sign on the dash that reads: “This boat runs on gas, not thanks.” Perhaps this example serves as a microcosm for our alma mater. I am sure that many of you feel as indebted to Andrews Academy as I do for providing a solid foundation for future success. Not a day passes during which I fail to reap rewards derived from my experience there. And while I am very thankful for what it means to me, is that enough?
The best prognosticator of successful fund raising at the University of Michigan is how well the football team does in a given year (so much for this year). There is no similar bellwether for a small Adventist academy. Instead philanthropy relies on the echoes of distant memories. I hope that your memories are positive like mine. My closest friends today are friends that I grew up with at AA. Educational and professional opportunities grew out of learning done at the feet of iconic teachers such as Tom Baker, Cleon White, Charlene Vitrano, Alan Anderson, and C. Roy Smith. Their dedication to AA is legend.
No more substantial figure exists in AA lore than Dr. Richard Orrison. While most are aware of the myriad contributions he made during his time as principal, few are likely to recognize the tremendous effort he has put forth fund raising for the school during the past several years: Fund raising directed towards sustainability, an ever important goal during tumultuous financial times.
The present stands on the shoulders of the past. By supporting AA, we cement a legacy —our legacy—while building opportunities for even greater success in those who follow in our steps. We are the embodiment of a proud tradition of excellent, Christ-centered education. The financial need is large, and can appear overwhelming from a distance, but like most worthy endeavors it can be accomplished by persistent and collective effort.
May the Lord continue to bless our school.