Donations contribute to lasting change

Through updates to campus facilities

OVER THE SUMMER, SEVERAL KEY updates to campus facilities were carried out. “Sometimes the work of transformation is incremental,” says Donald Bedney, vice president for University Advancement. “In our case, Andrews University has benefited from the steady ‘behind the scenes’ support and completion of several meaningful projects. We thank the Lord for the generosity of our donors and for the time and effort put into much of the work by Andrews staff members and willing Maranatha volunteers.”

In the Howard Performing Arts Center, a new set of curtains has been installed as a result of the “Raise the Curtain” campaign. The three-year initiative raised approximately $100,000 to replace the original curtains and mechanisms, which were showing signs of wear and no longer operating consistently. The new curtains have been color-matched and are made from a higher-quality fabric. They can now be controlled electronically from the audiovisual technicians’ workspace, eliminating the need to go backstage for adjustments between ensemble performances. Performers at the center have commented on the improved sound control and acoustics of the space, and the positive aesthetic appeal of the curtains continues.

“We want to do what we can to facilitate a better experience for all of our students and employees at Andrews University.”

A variety of improvements have been made to the main floor of the James White Library, with the goal of turning it into a collaborative learning space for students and employees. Aided by $15,000 from University Advancement and some additional institutional funding, outdated reference book displays were removed, old carpeting was replaced and walls were repainted. Beginning with these physical refinements, staff members hope to make the entire library an inviting space for focus and connection. Future improvements, including further carpeting, painting and furniture replacement, are also in the process of being planned and funded.

Renovations to Lamson Hall continued this summer, resulting in 49 improved living spaces for students. Generous donors provided $1.2 million to fund this multi-year project to update the women’s residence hall. This was the second year that Maranatha Volunteers International partnered with the University to replace bathroom facilities, change carpets, add new paint and provide movable desks. Volunteers worked over a four-week period to prepare the living spaces for the 2025–2026 school year, and many residents currently benefit from the enhancements. Plans are in process for the project to move forward in the coming summers.

Timber Ridge has undergone several updates to convert it from a community apartment complex into student housing. Friends of the University provided a $3 million gift for renovations, which have included replacing cabinets, appliances and carpets; installing vinyl flooring; painting walls; and gutting and replacing bathrooms. Over the past few months, workers have aimed to complete renovations to the first wing and to install general security and safety measures. When completed, the renovated facility will provide an additional 85 housing units.

“We are so thankful for all of our partners who have helped us in upgrading our facilities all across the campus this year,” says Glenn “Chip” Meekma, chief financial officer. “We want to do what we can to facilitate a better experience for all of our students and employees at Andrews University.”