A Culture of Service

Meet alumni and students who are changing their world

World Changers Week highlights Andrews University alumni and students whose experiences bring continued growth and whose work makes a positive impact on their world. From March 15–19, visit andrews.edu each day for a new alumni feature, and join the Center for Faith Engagement each evening:

• Monday–Thursday, 8 p.m., PMC Youth Chapel
• Friday, 7:30 p.m., PMC Sanctuary

Chapel credit is available for in-person attendance. A livestream can be viewed on the Andrews University YouTube channel. Find the full schedule of events on the UniversityFaith app.

Mausharie Valentine

When did you attend Andrews and what did you study? How were you involved on campus?
I attended Andrews from 2009–2013 to study architecture. I am highly intrigued by technology, so my most fond memories of campus life were contributing to worship experiences through developing creative content for campus worship experiences. I also really enjoyed serving as a part of outreach groups on Sabbath afternoons with children, doing mission trips in the summer and designing the campus master plan as a part of our fifth-year project.

Describe your current work.
I currently work at Progressive AE in Grand Rapids, Michigan, an architectural and engineering firm that places emphasis on creative people developing strategic spaces. As an architect, I collaborate with clients and my team members to envision and create places that realize the unique potential each project embodies. This is done through creative writing, drawings, renderings, animations and developing innovative ways to connect with others in an authentic manner. When this work of planning and designing is done in an authentic manner, it has a greater chance of realizing its highest potential of being a beloved place for all people for a longer duration.

Why are you doing what you are doing? How are you influencing your community?
Ever since I was a young child, I have always wanted to help people. Working alongside my parents to serve others stirred up a desire to want to serve God in a manner that touched the lives of others. Over the years, that has realized itself in the way that I express myself, encourage others and use technology to enhance the lives of others around me.

I love working in my local church especially knowing that every effort I commit to God builds His kingdom and brings His return sooner. I function in a variety of roles at my local church, Bethel Community SDA, with my favorite being the media ministry team leader expanding the way we reach and engage others through digital media. At my office, I currently co-chair the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee so that every engagement our employees have is improved in the way we engage with others in our industry and our community beyond. ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor Program has been a delightful way of engaging students and youth from all walks of life to explore careers in architecture, construction and engineering. This year's cohort was exhilarating being that the students wanted to design a dignified homeless shelter for Grand Rapids, Michigan, that supports the mind, body and spirit beautifully. My favorite way to influence my community is through talking to students. Sharing about my path to serving others through architecture and seeing young minds ready to take up the challenge is in itself inspiring.

How did your Andrews experience impact your calling or your work?
Andrews University has and may always play a pivotal role in the person I am continually becoming. I chose the Andrews University School of Architecture due to its emphasis on developing communities for people. My engagement with my professors and mentors on campus expanded my mind to unique ways of helping others and engaging in meaningful ways. Some of my favorite ways of serving others and the body of Christ are skill sets I garnered in the architecture program as well as being a part of the Pioneer Memorial Church media team. Andrews has not stopped being a place of education for me as I continue to learn from the leaders and world changers still on campus expanding the minds of young adults.

What advice would you have for Andrews students as they prepare for life after university?
If I were to write a letter titled "Dear Younger Me," three things come to my mind that I would want to encourage myself and my peers.

• Strive to be your authentic self. YOU are the only you, and God has a unique calling on your life. Emulate Christ, glean wisdom from your elders and press forward to the high mark of your calling (Jeremiah 29:11).
• Be courageous. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:9). If God be for us who (in all the entire universe) could be against us? (Romans 8:31). The answer: no one. Courage is best seen during trial and difficulty when our faith is being tested.
• There is in fact a time for everything, including joy along the journey. " … He has made everything beautiful in its time … He has also set eternity in the human heart … and [to] find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 3:9–14).

---

World Changers Week: Diana Cordero Ortiz
World Changers Week: Matt Master
World Changers Week: Erin Johnson
World Changers Week: Kevin Wilson