2018 Andrews Heart Awards Archive
November 2018
Stephanie Carpenter, chair, Department of History & Political Science
Supervisor: Keith Mattingly, dean, College of Arts & Sciences
How long have you worked at Andrews? I am in my fourth year as chair; fifth year at Andrews.
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? I am inspired every day by my students and colleagues. In a world where actions and words can be negative, it is a pleasure to come to work and interact with those who view life in a positive manner. I am blessed each day to speak with those who may need assistance and to know that a small gesture of support can and does make a difference in someone’s day.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? I know this honor is about my willingness to share my heart with others. However, I do not see it that way. I see the students as part of my family and all are welcome at the table. If they are in need, I will find a way to assist them; if they are hungry, I will feed them; if thirsty, offer them drink. I can be no other way. I share this honor with my department as we all work to provide food and assistance to those in need.
Jasmine Griggs, ITS contact center specialist
Supervisor: Timothy Trine, director of ITS client services
How long have you worked at Andrews? In this position for a year and a half. I have been a staff member for almost three years now and was a student worker for three years. Total of six years.
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? I believe God places us where He wants us to be, and he has chosen for me Andrews University. No matter where you are, or where you work, if you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy, but still the same amount of snow. It gives me joy knowing God has placed me right where I need to be and inspires me to do my best for him.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? Technology really isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s everywhere we look these days, and yet we still have difficulty with it. Often people feel insecure and stupid when trying to ask for help when it comes to technology. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than being able to spend time and help students, faculty and staff to give them that “Aha!” moment by solving their IT issue, so that they can get back to doing what they are best at.
Mark Moreno, associate professor of architecture, School of Architecture & Interior Design, founder/director of Renaissance Kids Architecture Camp
Supervisor: Carey Carscallen, dean, School of Architecture & Interior Design
How long have you worked at Andrews? 22 years
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? I love the collaborative and familial spirit in the School of Architecture. The architecture faculty have shaped a unique and purposeful curriculum of service that promotes whole human health, all upon a foundation of Christ’s teachings of love for one another. The school’s administrators respect and support the professors’ unique talents and areas of interest. Specifically, they help me fulfill a passion for working meaningful with kids in the community through Renaissance Kids.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? The gift of human creativity motivates me in design and in making. Personally, design is more richly experienced when collaborating and sharing with others. So, I am grateful for the School of Architecture & Interior Design’s works, which are a constant source of ideas and inspiration.
Adriana Perera Larrate, chair, Department of Music
Supervisor: Keith Mattingly, dean, College of Arts & Sciences
How long have you worked at Andrews? One and a half years
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? I am honored to have the opportunity to share my passion for Jesus, people and music with my colleagues in the Department of Music. It is thrilling to work with musicians of their stature who have decided to dedicate their talents to God's service.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? I would like my life to make music in God's ears.
October 2018
La Ronda Forsey, associate dean, School of Distance Education; principal, Griggs International Academy
Served in this position: In this position and at Andrews for seven years five months
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? Working at Andrews University is an amazing opportunity because of the “richness" of the people. Not financial richness, but a variety of people “ richness” that I can meet each day. I love the fact that I can work with people from all over the world and we like each other very much! It gives us the synergy to serve an audience of students that are global minded, and I believe that is what God has asked us to do.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? It brings me energy when I share with others. I believe it is “paying back” what people did for me while I was growing up. I am forever grateful for the people that took an interest in me and still support me through thick and thin. By example, I was taught to love genuinely and take care of others even if it takes me outside my normal comfort zone. If we feel like our colleagues on campus care about us, we will be able to accomplish amazing things together.
Karen Alford, information specialist, Student Financial Services
Supervisor: Elynda Bedney
Served in this position: October 2014 but worked as a contract worker during high volume times since August 2008
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? Working in a Christian environment with fellow faculty and staff who are dedicated to serving others.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? I strive to keep Christ at the center of my work. I love helping others and seeing my students succeed!
Judy Benjamin, infant room lead teacher, Crayon Box
Lynn Merklin, assistant provost, Office of Institutional Effectiveness
September 2018
Jean Hakiza Gaparayi, building supervisor, Custodial Services
Maxine Umana, administrative assistant, J.N. Andrews Honors Program
Mona Sarcona, administrative assistant, MDiv program, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary
Teresa Reeve, associate dean, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and associate professor of New Testament contexts
May 2018
Nadia Nosworthy, assistant professor, Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling
Supervisor: Carole Woolford-Hunt, chair
Served in this position: I am in my fifth year both in this position and at Andrews University
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? Working in a Christian environment with fellow faculty and staff who are dedicated to serving others.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? I strive to keep Christ at the center of my work. I love helping others and seeing my students succeed!
Tari Popp, director, Planned Giving & Trust Services
Supervisor: David A. Faehner, vice president for University Advancement
Served in this position: I have been employed in this position since 2004. I began working for Andrews University in 1977 as a student in the Payroll office. When I graduated In 1981, I was hired to be one of the accountants in the Office of Financial Records, staying there until 1992 when I was asked to join the Office of Planned Giving & Trust Services.
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? Knowing that I am part of an organization that has positively impacted the Seventh-day Adventist Church and others for decades… and in every corner of the globe. Of course, we are not perfect, but I am proud to be affiliated with a school that is respected and continually strives to make a difference.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? First, because Christ told us to live the Golden Rule each day and set such a beautiful example of this; and second, because I get great pleasure in treating people with respect and making them feel valued. If I can lift their spirits by my attitude towards them, that brings me joy.
Tim Trine, director, Client Services, Information Technology Services
Supervisor: Lorena Bidwell, CIO
Served in this position: Approximately 13 years in this position and just over 22 years at Andrews.
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? I enjoy the interaction with college-age students, as they are really creative. I also enjoy the spirituality at Andrews. It is very nice to work at a place where everyone shares a similar outlook on life.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? Andrews is a community of people that are into sharing themselves and their lives to create an environment where young adults (and older adults) can see the love of Jesus in action. It is great being part of this community.
Dorothy Show, executive assistant, Seminary Deans' Office
Supervisor: Jiří Moskala, Seminary dean
Served in this position: Five years as of July 1, 30 years at Andrews
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? The dedicated, inspiring students, faculty, staff and alumni who have shared how God has led them in the past and continues to guide their lives in remarkable ways. Having our alumni contact us and learning where they are currently serving (many in global leadership positions) and how their sojourn at Andrews has helped them in their ministry and personally blessed and encouraged them to faithful service in God’s vast vineyard.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? Serving an awesome Savior who has been so lovingly merciful to me and in turn being able to share His love through service to others is a joy and huge blessing in my life.
April 2018
Wanda Cantrell, office manager, James White Library
Supervisor: Larry Onsager, dean of Libraries
Served in this position:
What inspires you about working at Andrews University?
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews?
Denise Collard, assistant to the dean, School of Architecture & Interior Design
Supervisor: Carey Carscallen, dean
Served in this position: I have worked in this office my entire time at Andrews, 24 years!
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? I love working at a Seventh-day Adventist school and have especially appreciated my time at Andrews University. I worked for a number of years at other educational institutions and so appreciate the working environment here, where our Heavenly Father is the center of all that we do.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? It is like caring for family here at the School of Architecture & Interior Design. They are either my children or my siblings! The Lord is so good and has truly blessed my time at Andrews University!
Paul Kim, chair, Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design; professor, Documentary Film & Communication; program director, Documentary Film
Supervisor: Keith Mattingly, dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Served in this position: I have been the founder and program director for the BFA in Documentary Film for six years and chair of VACD for one year.
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? It was a long-time dream of mine to be a college professor, to mentor students who are struggling to find a place and identity in this complex culture we live in. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than spending time with them, partnering with them on building a community of learning and growth, and guiding them to develop personal stories that have a national, sometimes worldwide influence.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? My students are incredible people, and their passion and love for learning keep me fully motivated to support them in their efforts. They know I deeply care about their success as well as their personal and mental health, and in turn, they reward me with an unmatched generosity of spirit and a strong sense of belonging. We have programs in our department that in this visual and social culture feel intensely relevant to our students' professional and personal goals and help keep everyone inspired.
June Price, University chaplain
Supervisor: Frances Faehner, vice president for Campus & Student Life
Served in this position: Four years in this position and 11 years total at Andrews University
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? The gospel of the Kingdom of God continually inspires me. Sharing God’s truth to young adults is an investment like no other. I have the privilege of seeing God transform lives and change futures.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? I try to live as God would if He was walking on our sidewalks, sitting in our classrooms and eating in our cafeteria.
March 2018
Christine Carlson, supervisor, Accounts Payable
Supervisor: Sharyl Turon, director, Financial Records
Served in this position: In accounts payable just over 10 years and 30+ years for Andrews.
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? I enjoy doing things for other people. I like the diversity of other cultures found at Andrews University. I can always learn from them. I enjoy seeing how God is working around the world.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? If I can encourage someone else it makes my day. I love to see someone else smile. I often find that if I smile so do they. I have had a number of students that just come by for a “mother hug.” It is a blessing to be able to serve God and help others.
Jeff Boyd, Research Support Specialist, Office of Research & Creative Scholarship
Supervisor: Gary Burdick, Dean of Research
Served in this position: A year and nine months this time (started July 2016). Previously I worked at the Center for Youth Evangelism (2008–2010, while my wife pursued an MA in curriculum and instruction) and in Financial Records (2002–2004, during MBA studies).
What inspires you about working at Andrews University? I really appreciate the team here in the Research office—Gary Burdick and Mordekai Ongo. And I enjoy seeing the breadth of research being conducted at Andrews by faculty, graduate students and undergrad students. That creative and inquisitive approach to life is inspiring. What can we learn, and how can we use this information?
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews? Although I’m not doing the frontline research myself, I appreciate supporting these efforts. I hope to play my part well so that others can have a positive environment for doing their research and for sharing their findings with others, whether at local Andrews conferences or at other events. By finding funding for research and by hosting conferences, I hope to help promote a culture of academic rigor and involvement with our world.
Andrea Swanson, Office Assistant, Office of Transportation
Supervisor: Martin Bradfield, Transportation Director
Served in this position: I have worked full-time at Andrews for the last 3½ years, and I have been working at Andrews for 14 years (started as a freshman in the academy and stayed on thru now)
What inspires you about working at Andrews University?
I have a passion for helping others. There are times when situations are not favorable and it is very rewarding to know that you can improve someone else’s situation.
What motivates you to share your heart@andrews?
I enjoy working with people and sharing my Andrews experience.
Maya Wilson, Assistant to the Deans for Financial & Strategic Planning, College of Arts & Sciences
February 2018
Randy Lonto, instructor, Ruth Murdoch Elementary School
Darryl Penney, chief flight Instructor, Department of Aviation
Karen Benjamin, accreditation coordinator, Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling
Viviana Insunza, assistant director, Student Financial Services
January 2018
Cassie Heslop, Transfer Enrollment Counselor, Office of Undergraduate Enrollment
Nominated for her warm heart that organized clearing student cars of a foot of snow—in addition to a daily cheerful, helpful approach to her work.
Sam Villamizar, Learning Systems Administrator, DLit, School of Distance Education & International Partnerships
Nominated for his consistently patient, speedy, thorough and efficient work. Sam makes things easy to understand and is patient with those lacking confidence in technology skills.
Kevin Wooldridge, Maintenance Director for University Towers, Interim Athletics Director
Nominated for his love of serving others and passionate Christian witness.
Thomas Shepherd, Director of the PhD/ThD Program, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary
Nominated for his amazing support of his students, raising money so they can attend scholarly meetings, creates professional networking opportunities, is a compassionate listener through struggles, and even encourages them in physical health by offering an early morning walk for all who would like to join him.
- Phone: 269-471-3100
- Email: president@andrews.edu