As we say goodbye to this school year, we are also saying farewell to three integral people in our campus lives. They are Meier Hall Dean, Donnie Keele; Lamson Hall Dean, A’Lisa Sorensen; and Lamson Hall Assistant Dean, S. Renee Paddock. Each of these individuals has decided to leave their positions on our campus to enter a new phase in their lives. They have all said goodbye to their respective residence halls through emails, and there were two strong commonalities between each of these farewell messages: deep gratitude for their experiences with us as students and the invocation of prayer in their decisions and their wishes to us.
Dean Sorensen of Lamson Hall answered a few questions about her decision to leave:
How does this transition make you feel? Is it exciting or terrifying or sad, or all of the above?
This transition is hard because I really love the Lamson residents and the many connections we’ve made over the years. I will miss them dearly as well as my awesome colleagues. I also feel happy in this transition because I will be living closer to my immediate family which I really haven’t done since I was 18. I also feel excited about this transition because God put it on my heart (and boldly in front of my eyes) and although I was hesitant at first, he kept softening my heart. It has been an interesting experience watching it all come together.
What do you plan on transitioning into after this school year?
I have accepted a Vice-Principal position at Georgia Cumberland Academy.
What would you like to tell the students and faculty of Andrews University as you leave?
I feel very privileged to have worked with so many talented, caring, hilarious, approachable, trustworthy professionals over the years. It has been such a blessing to know each of them and to have shared this Andrews University journey with them. To the students, you have changed my life for the better in many ways. I thank you for your kindness, patience and love over the years. You are the reason I’ve been here for ten years. Thank you for the deep conversations, the jokes, the teachable moments, the dutch blitz nights, the pranks, the drive by hellos and so much more. I wish you all the best on your Andrews University journey and hope that this will not be our last encounter.
Dean Keele likewise shared about his decision to leave Andrews University:
How does this transition make you feel?
Transition is never easy–it involves letting go of the familiar in order to grab onto something new. But there is also something about the unknown that brings new energy. For me, this transition is a mixture of gratitude and anticipation. Gratitude for a place that has shaped me in profound ways and anticipation for a new and different experience ahead.
What do you plan on transitioning into after this school year?
I will be joining the team at UltraCamp, a software company based in Niles, Michigan, where I’ll be responsible for digital media content and integration.
What would you like to tell the students and faculty of Andrews University as you leave?
The first thing that comes to mind is to remind and encourage the AU community that education has much more to do with the development of character than it does the acquisition of knowledge –that it is entirely possible to obtain a degree and remain uneducated. Don’t get so absorbed in answering the question, “what will I become?” that you ignore the question, “who am I becoming?” In fact, if you put more time and effort into answering the question of character first, you will find that a vibrant career path will unfold before your feet.
Assistant Dean Paddock also shared her thoughts on leaving and plans for the future:
How does this transition make you feel, is it exciting or terrifying or sad, etc., or all of the above?
Transition is a mixed bag of emotions. It is a time when you evaluate the investment you made. It is sad to leave the community I have built during my time at AU. I have loved working with so many wonderful people. I’m grateful to be taking many beautiful memories and relationships with me. I am very excited about the future. God made this next step very clear, and I’m humbled by the opportunity.
What do you plan on transitioning into after this school year?
I have a 3-year-old son and it is my greatest investment and privilege to be with him. I will be transitioning to household CEO and director of child development.
What would you like to tell the students and faculty of Andrews University as you leave?
To the students, faculty, and staff of Andrews University, I want to say thank you. I am humbled and filled with gratitude to have been a part of something bigger than myself. Many aspects of this life are superficial and temporary. It is my hope and prayer that we all actively make investments in the eternal. A life verse for me and the theme verse we chose for Gymnics this year was Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
These Deans have had a significant impact. Some of the Resident Assistants (RA) were invited to share a favorite story or trait that stands out to them about their deans. They were also invited to share any words of wisdom as they say farewell to these mentors.
Akya Waller (senior, art therapy) said “One memory that stood out to me about Dean Sorenson was when I was a freshman, before she became head dean. On Saturday nights, my roommate and I would always go down and play dutch blitz with her for hours. She would talk to us about everything and anything and was just a joyous person to be around. With Dean Paddock, my first memory of her was tryouts for gymnastics. She was awesome, and her confidence was a thing that I admire. As I got to work with her and know her more, she was that super goofy and nerdy Dean that really makes you laugh and shares good snacks. They were both amazing to work and be around. If there is anything I could tell them in their new journey it would be to have fun, have faith, and enjoy the new beginnings. I’m proud of both of them and I’m happy they are able to move on to bigger and better things. I’m going to miss them so much, and I hope that God blesses their footsteps wherever they go. They are amazing women and I love them lots.”
Zyon Wiley (junior, pre-physical therapy), said “I think that one memory that stands out about “DK” [Dean Keele] is, when I was first thinking about doing the RA job it was between doing the RA job or basketball. A lot of people [my coaches] were saying ‘come pick basketball, come pick basketball’ and they were really biased. I just remember DK having this purity about himself and saying that ‘Zyon, it doesn’t matter what you do, you know you’re going to do it to the best of your abilities.’ I think that’s really what . . . made him such a memorable figure in my life. No matter what direction I chose, he wanted me to be a better man. Something that I would tell DK as he goes into this next phase of life is . . . don’t ever underestimate the impact that your words and your perspective and your knowledge has on the people around you. You have made, and can make, people’s lives so much better. Keep in contact, keep doing you. And keep changing young men’s lives and people’s lives as much as possible.”
Andrew Pak (sophomore, music) said this: “What I really appreciate is [Dean Keele’s] personal coaching sessions. He’s very much dedicated to personal growth . . . and he was very willing to help others achieve that personal growth for themselves. I think that is very admirable. As for what I would say to him: just keep growing, because you’re entering a new stage of life. It’s definitely a change between being the head dean of Meier and being wherever you’re off to next. I hope you find a lot of growth there.”
At the end of every year in my high school, we would say the Mizpah from Genesis 31:49. As we are ending this school year and saying goodbye to these deans, the graduating class, and our friends who live miles away from us, this would be the perfect time to say the Mizpah to keep us until we meet again. “The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.