Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2025, Andrews University Wed, 5 Nov 2025 02:01:00 +0000 Wed, 5 Nov 2025 02:01:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu A(re)U Like Me http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67879 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:00:52 +0000 Resilience Presentation http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68508 <p> Resilience is highly correlated with individual and organizational health and well-being. It enables individuals and teams to adapt to stress, recover from setbacks and sustain performance under pressure.</p> <p> <strong>Herta Von Stiegel </strong>is the founder and CEO of the Ariya Capital Group, which focuses on clean energy, infrastructure and agricultural investments in Africa. She is a lawyer, author, sought-after lecturer and television commentator.<br /> <strong>Hans Von Sigel </strong>directs the financial operations of the Ariya Capital Group and has additional leadership experience in banking, risk management and information technology. </p> <p> The couple are Andrews University alumni, and Herta was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2012. Together they were executive co-producers of an award-winning documentary, “The Mountain Within,” chronicling a Mount Kilimanjaro expedition.</p> Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:21:03 +0000 Andrews Celebrates National School Psychology Week http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68521 <p> From Nov. 3–7, 2025, Andrews University will join schools across the United States in celebrating National School Psychology Week (NSPW) under the theme “Finding Your Path.” The University will have information tables set up in Bell Hall and Buller Hall throughout the week, and students are invited to visit the School of Graduate Psychology & Counseling to learn more about its programs. Renette Portecop-Prentice, assistant professor and School Psychology Program coordinator at Andrews, shares, “This week, we celebrate the invaluable work of school psychologists who change the world—one child at a time.”</p> <p> Andrews is home to the only National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)-approved school psychology program among Adventist institutions. Recently, it was one of two universities <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68441">awarded grants</a> from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to expand access to school psychology training. “With these new funds, Andrews University stands poised to broaden its impact on students, teachers and communities both locally and globally,” affirms Portecop-Prentice.</p> <p> NSPW is an annual opportunity to recognize the work of school psychologists in helping children and youth thrive. Through partnerships with families, teachers and school administrators, school psychologists create supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between the home, school and community. They apply expertise in mental health, learning and behavior to help children and youth succeed socially, behaviorally, emotionally and academically.</p> <p> Shawna Rader Kelly, president of NASP, notes, “NSPW is a wonderful opportunity to recognize school psychologists for the transformative impact they have on school communities. School psychologists are indispensable leaders in their communities who, as suggested by this year’s theme, ensure that all children and youth find their unique path to success in school and throughout life.”</p> <p> The 2025 theme, “Finding Your Path,” recognizes the ways that school psychologists help communities along paths to learning, growth and overall well-being. Through deep expertise and training in consultation, collaboration and evidence-based practices, school psychologists empower others to set their destination and find a route that fits their needs.</p> <p> “Many graduates of Andrews’ school psychology program are already making a difference in the lives of children and families in Berrien County as well as in neighboring regions,” says Portecop-Prentice. “They contribute in diverse roles, including supervision of diagnostic services, accountability and program improvement, management of early on services that benefit children from 0 to 3 months, and in traditional school psychology roles.”</p> <p> In fall 2026, Andrews University will begin offering its school psychology program online. For additional information, visit the School of Graduate Psychology & Counseling <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/ceis/gpc/edsp/index.html">website</a>. </p> Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:28:06 +0000 Andrews Receives Hunter Foundation Grant http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68498 <p> Andrews University’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship recently received a grant from the Hunter Foundation, a charity based in Niles, Michigan. The funds will be used to create a two-year summer internship program for Andrews STEM students. Matías Soto, director of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, shares that the initiative will support five student interns in the summer of 2026 and seven student interns in the summer of 2027. The grant was received in partnership with enFocus, an organization that coordinates innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives in the South Bend-Elkhart region of Indiana.</p> <p> Students who participate in the internship program will have opportunities to partner with organizations in Niles on real-world projects. Soto says, “Students will work on projects from local industry, doing work such as research and development, product development, software development, and other technical support. They will work to solve real problems at these companies.”</p> <p> Applicants for the internship must be full-time students who were part of a STEM program at Andrews prior to the summers of 2026 or 2027. With support from the grant, participants will receive housing and living stipends, professional development and direct industry experience.</p> <p> Existing relationships between enFocus, the Hunter Foundation and Andrews University helped the three organizations work together. For the past three years, enFocus has provided consulting services to the University. When the enFocus team learned that Andrews was looking into launching a STEM-based internship program, they worked with the University to apply for a Hunter Foundation grant.</p> <p> Lauren Richardson, content marketing specialist for enFocus, notes that the proposal to the Hunter Foundation was jointly developed, “with enFocus serving as the fiscal agent and Andrews managing the initiative.” She adds that “there may be future Hunter Foundation requests for years three to five, after evaluation of the pilot.”</p> <p> In addition to the new internship program, the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship has planned a number of other initiatives. These include the launch of a business incubator that supports student start-ups and the next Andrews University Pitch Competition in March 2026. To learn more about upcoming programs, please visit the center’s <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/innovation/index.html">web page</a>. </p> Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:06:29 +0000 Andrews University Choir Fall Concert http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67521 <p> <strong>Andrews University Singers</strong></p> <p> <strong>Conductor: Stephen Zork</strong></p> <p> The Andrews University Singers is the select choir of the Department of Music and represents Andrews University locally, nationally and abroad through concert tours, television broadcast and audio recordings. They have given highly acclaimed international concert tours throughout the countries of Great Britain, Iceland, Norway, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Chile, South Africa, Bahamas, Bermuda and Puerto Rico.</p> <p> More information coming later...</p> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:29:00 +0000 Honors Church http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67864 <p> You are invited to worship at the fifteenth annual Honors Church, themed "Greater Love Hath No Man Than This." The service will be a celebratory meditation on the love of God and will take place on Sabbath, Nov. 8, at 11:45 a.m. in the Seminary chapel. It will feature Stephen Zork, director of choral studies, and the Andrews University Singers as well as a homily by Rahel Wells, professor of biblical studies. </p> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:30:38 +0000 20th Annual Andrews Autumn Conference on Religion http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68519 <p> <strong>Join us to examine of the history of the relationship between science and religion, beginning with the Christian roots of modern empirical science, progressing through the conflicts instigated by both sides and looking toward a hopeful future in mutual respect and dialogue.</strong></p> <div> Featuring (in order of presentation):</div> <div>  </div> <div> <p> Rahel Wells, professor of biblical studies, Andrews University</p> <p> John Reeve, associate professor of church history; director, PhD (religion) and ThD programs, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary</p> <p> Gary Burdick, professor of physics; dean of research, Andrews University</p> <p> Jeffrey Koperski, professor of philosophy, Saginaw Valley State University</p> <p> Ralph Stearley, professor of geology, Calvin University</p> <p> Martin Hanna, professor of theology, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary </p> </div> <div>  </div> <div> <strong>SCHEDULE OF EVENTS</strong></div> <div>  </div> <div> <strong>Friday, Oct. 31, Biology Amphitheater, Price Hall</strong></div> <div>  </div> <div> 7:30 p.m.: Vespers & Plenary Presentation </div> <div>  </div> <div>  </div> <div> <strong>Saturday, Nov. 1, Biology Amphitheater, Price Hall</strong></div> <div>  </div> <div> 8–8:45 a.m.: Breakfast Outside Price Hall Auditorium (all are welcome)</div> <div>  </div> <div> 9 a.m.: Devotional and Plenary Presentations</div> <div>  </div> <div> 1 p.m.: Lunch in Café (for purchase)</div> <div>  </div> <div> 2:45 p.m.: Panel Discussion with Plenary Speakers; John Reeve, moderator</div> <div>  </div> <div> 4:45 p.m.: Closing Worship</div> <div>  </div> <div> 5 p.m.: Supper in Biology Commons </div> <div>  </div> <p> <strong>All are welcome! </strong></p> <div> <div> <span id="docs-internal-guid-5f0dc661-7fff-000f-1fb4-a4d1f2e6e61b"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></div> </div> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:14:28 +0000 Students Recognized With Communication Awards http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68518 <p> Several Andrews University students and alumni were recognized at the Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) awards banquet on Saturday evening, Oct. 18. The ceremony was part of the 36th annual SAC conference, which took place from Oct. 16–18 at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. The gathering focused on the “professional development, continuing education, recognition, networking, and nurturing of Christians with careers in communication.”</p> <p> Each year, projects created by professionals and students are submitted to panels of judges and evaluated in 15 categories. The resulting awards cover a variety of communication-related fields, including design, graphic arts, photography, spoken word, video and writing.</p> <p> <strong>Student Awards</strong></p> <p> The award “Best Journalistic Photo” went to <strong>Nathaniel Reid</strong>, senior digital communication/digital media major, for a photo taken of the presidential leadership transition at the 62nd General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventists. Guidelines for the award state that the winning entry “must be well-defined, framed clearly, and depict a story.” Category judges noted Reid’s work “depicts historical significance and clear storytelling,” communicating “both occasion and emotion, making it a powerful piece of photojournalism.”</p> <p> “I’m someone who genuinely tries to put in the work to improve my craft, so when it feels like that work is making a difference, it definitely motivates me to continue pushing my ability to tell stories through the means of photography and videography,” Reid notes. He shares that the award affirmed his personal decision to switch his area of study to digital communication and photography. “I’ve had no regrets since, and winning this award was just a reminder that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”</p> <p> Reid also received an honorable mention in the category “Best Web Video.” His project, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMcS4VjxU1o">How This Student Built a 70mph Air Cannon</a>,” was created for Andrews University’s School of Engineering. The judges shared that it was “effective at communicating with the end user the point of the video” and made “the engineering aspect of the project fun.”</p> <p> “In even the smallest of successes, I thank those who have pushed me and supported me,” Reid affirms, noting that family members, professors and friends at Andrews helped him develop his craft and become more confident in his skills. “I plan on continuing to grow in my ability to tell meaningful stories via photography, videography, graphic design and social media. … I can’t help but be excited knowing I'm doing what I care about alongside the people I care about.”</p> <p> <strong>Andrew Francis</strong>, senior communication/public relations major, won the award “Best News Writing” for an article appearing in Spectrum Magazine. The category highlighted “effective reporting” that is “judged according to the quality of the writing, clarity, design, construction, and originality.” Judges noted that Francis’ work was “well written, clear, and easy to follow,” affirming that he “presented both sides of the issue … leaving readers with important and thoughtful open-ended questions to consider.”</p> <p> Francis says, “This is the first time I have received an award for any of my journalistic or communications work, and it has truly been a blessing that I can work on such a wide range of projects at my age and be able to stand out for quality production.” He expresses his appreciation for the many professional opportunities Andrews and Spectrum have provided him, including writing, editing, radio and reporting experience, which have “increased my knowledge of the Adventist church and opened even more opportunities for me to do quality journalistic work.”</p> <p> Francis received additional recognition in the “Best Audio Podcast” category, along with<strong> Lia Glass</strong>, junior digital communication/digital media major; <strong>Melissa Moore</strong>, senior English literature major; <strong>Ysa Dennis</strong>, junior digital communication/digital media major; and <strong>Claudius Emilaire</strong> (BS ’25) for their podcast Reel Talk. Francis shares that the content, created for a class, features discussions on movies and television shows as well as opinions and analyses of the entertainment industry. “What made the episodes special to me was the chemistry and comedic timing that we all had,” he expresses. “We’ve only played the episodes in class, but we hope to make them publicly available on platforms like Spotify in the future.”</p> <p> According to the award guidelines, podcast content “must be creative or thought-provoking” and is judged on excellence in “audio quality; editing; appropriate use of music, sound effects, and transitions; and balanced sound levels,” along with delivery style, level of research and release schedule.</p> <p> <strong>Alumni Awards</strong></p> <p> <strong>Mikey Ayala</strong> (MDiv ’25) was recognized in the category “Best Short Form Writing” for his article “Extra to My Ordinary” in the Lake Union Herald. Judges wrote that his submission “engages the reader” and “invited the audience to take action.” The feature was evaluated on “quality of writing and reporting, reader appeal, effective development of the idea, writing style, relevance, and impact, as well as organizational flow, clarity, construction, and originality.”</p> <p> <strong>Vernon Herholdt</strong> (MIDA ’19), <strong>Lynnette Struntz </strong>(MA ’05) and Jodi Dossenko of the Dakota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists won “Best Campaign” for their project “Dakota Adventist Academy Today.” Judges positively evaluated its “messaging, strategy, management of resources, and creative discretion,” affirming the campaign’s use of print, social media and emails.</p> <p> Other Andrews alumni also received honorable mention recognition, including <strong>Jeff Scoggins</strong> (MAPM ’15) in the news writing category and <strong>Amelia Stefanescu</strong> (BA ’25) in the short form writing category.</p> <p> Tamara Watson, assistant professor of communication, shares, “It is rewarding to watch our Andrews University students be recognized for their hard work with these SAC awards. We have so many talented students. It is also a double blessing to be able to attend events like this, where students can network for possible internships and future employment.” She adds, “I personally love attending SAC; it's like a homecoming with so many amazingly talented friends who serve their church.”</p> <p> To learn more about the Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design at Andrews University, visit the department website <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/cas/vacd/index.html">here</a>.</p> Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:55:56 +0000