Nearly 50 educators from schools in the Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, as well as other conferences across the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, participated in the second STEM Day at Andrews University on Sept. 4, 2025. This professional development event for educators in the STEM disciplines—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—enabled teachers to engage in interactive labs and discussions. Sessions covered topics such as physics, biology, geometry, innovation, coding and chemistry, all designed to be implemented in K–12 classrooms. The event was co-sponsored by Andrews University and the Lake Union Education Department.

STEM Day opened in the Science Complex, under the theme “STEM by Design: Hands-on = Minds-on Engaged.” Ruth Horton, director of education for the Lake Union, and Wagner Kuhn, Andrews University’s chief academic officer, welcomed participants and spoke about the goals of cultivating Adventist education. Anthony Bosman, chair of the Department of Mathematics, gave a brief worship in which he quoted various scientists, mathematicians and Adventist pioneer Ellen White to highlight how science and mathematics reflect the brilliance of God.

After the opening program, the visiting educators were able to participate in four different lab lesson plans that were tailored to specific student age ranges. The labs were led by several Andrews science and mathematics professors, and each lab was designed to be interactive, physical and engaging, with the goal of helping students better comprehend and retain information about the subject. Once participants completed a lab, they were able to ask questions and discuss how to replicate the process with the lab kits they received from STEM Day organizers.

Monica Nudd, one of the lead organizers of STEM Day and the director of Andrews’ Mission: Invent initiative, described the free, high-quality lab kits as a truly impactful blessing. “The schools receive materials that they can use year after year. They don’t have to pay anything to come [to STEM Day],” she said. “Most things that are this caliber would cost hundreds of dollars, and [for this event] they come for free. So, we need to get the word out of how good [STEM Day] is so that more people can attend.”

All participating teachers and administrators were able to take kits full of reusable lab supplies back to their schools at no cost, thanks in large part to a $40,000 grant provided to Andrews University by the Versacare Foundation, an independent Seventh-day Adventist philanthropic organization. The grant also covered hotel accommodations for those who needed it, allowing for a wider variety of educators to attend.

In addition to working on the labs, the visiting participants were treated to a tour of the University’s Agriculture Education Center and Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. At the close of the program, Nudd led a group discussion with the educators to gather their feedback on the day. Several teachers expressed deep appreciation for the STEM Day labs, tours and discussions that occurred.

Jeremy Hall, vice president for Education for the Michigan Conference, spoke highly of the training that STEM Day leaders provided. “I think that learning needs to be fun, and I think that what I’ve seen from the people who have been teaching the teachers, they’re making the learning fun and interesting,” he shared. “Even though we’re here at a higher-level university with the ability to have complexity, it’s showing our teachers that you don’t have to be a science professor to do science experiments.”

Nathan Crabtree, a fifth through eighth grade teacher at Aboite Christian School, also praised the labs and professional development instruction. “I really enjoyed the coding seminar that was given. That’s something I have no experience in, and I really enjoyed doing that,” he stated. “Chemistry is [also] always fun. Finding not just experiments that can be done, but also safely, in the elementary school classroom, I do like.”

Both Nudd and Horton shared that they hope to continue STEM Day and make it an annual event. Their goal is for future installments to reach even more Adventist teachers and schools across the Lake Union and beyond. Participating educators and school administrators affirmed that they are highly in favor of the initiative continuing annually and hope to see additional mathematics subjects and new labs on other topics like physical engineering.

To learn more about Andrews University’s STEM Division and its initiatives, please visit the division’s web page. 

Daniel Joseph Drazen, a man whose kindness and generosity were as unfailing as his commitment to his faith and service to his community, passed away on June 24, 2025, in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Born on Dec. 29, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, Daniel's journey through life was one marked by love, dedication and an unwavering desire to make the world a better place.

Daniel's academic accomplishments were significant, having earned a master's degree from Andrews University, which set the stage for his remarkable career. He devoted his professional life to the service of Andrews University, where he worked tirelessly as a periodical editor. His contributions to the University's publications enriched the lives of both students and faculty, resonating his passion for education and the printed word.

Read Drazen's full obituary here. 

Under the weatherproof comfort of the facility’s new, open-air Woodland Pavilion, the Symphony performs a repertoire including Mozart’s Overture from Marriage of Figaro, Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana, L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2, and Festive Overture.

Principal horn and longtime local music educator Debra Inglefield is the featured soloist as the Symphony also performs Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-flat.

Ms. Inglefield, a faculty member at the University of Notre Dame, Andrews University, and Indiana University South Bend, has been with the Elkhart County Symphony since 1991 and has more than 30 years of experience in orchestral and band performance.

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