Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2024, Andrews University Sat, 27 Apr 2024 02:31:00 +0000 Sat, 27 Apr 2024 02:31:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Andrews University Archaeologist Returns to Egypt http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65116 <div> Andrews University archaeologist and associate director of Andrews University Press, L.S. Baker, Jr., PhD, returned to Karnak temple in Luxor, Egypt in March to continue his work as an epigrapher on the Great Hypostyle Hall project. Baker joined a group of experts from a consortium of institutions under the direction of world-renowned Egyptologist Peter Brand from the University of Memphis, with authorization from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The project’s aim is to create precise facsimile representations of the wall reliefs associated with the famous Great Hypostyle Hall in the temple of Amun at Karnak. Brand assigned the portion of the wall containing the Merenptah battle reliefs and the Hittite Peace Treaty to Mark Janzen, PhD, associate professor at Lipscomb University and Egyptologist at the Lanier Center for Archaeology at Lipscomb.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Baker currently works as a research associate with the Lanier Center and is part of Janzen’s team. He also serves as an epigrapher due to his specialty in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, history and culture. His task last year was to work on the famous Hittite Peace Treaty, the oldest known peace treaty between two major world powers. A copy of the treaty is prominently featured in the United Nations headquarters in New York City.</div> <div>  </div> <div> This year, Baker’s task was to finish work on the treaty with Janzen’s team. He was also assigned to document inscription reliefs of battles by Ramses the Great and his son Merenptah in the Holy Land on a section of the wall beside the peace treaty.</div> <div>  </div> <div> “The hieroglyph version that we are working on is 38 lines of extremely small text that is mostly intact, but portions of it are missing due to damage over time,” Baker says. “My task both last season and this season is to identify each hieroglyph, including those in the damaged areas, so the artist can quickly recognize what is damage and what is glyph.”</div> <div>  </div> <div> Baker expresses his belief that God blessed the project, allowing him to finish his field work on the treaty earlier than expected. Thus, he was able to help the rest of the team by checking the collation of hieroglyphs and associated battle scenes that the expedition artist had drawn from the previous season’s work. Each year, Baker reports, the team has recognized God’s hand in helping them accomplish much more than expected.</div> <div>  </div> <div> In his role at Andrews University Press, Baker has served as the managing editor of the “Andrews Study Bible” and the “Andrews Bible Commentary.” The Commentary, released in 2022, was written in a reader-friendly format by scholars of the church for the people of the church. In his professional specialty as an Egyptian archaeologist, Baker also serves as consultant to the world Pathfinder organization and will be present at this summer’s International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, WY. Each day, he will present the historical and cultural backgrounds of the program. The theme of the event is the experience of the Exodus, one of Baker’s areas of professional specialty.</div> <div>  </div> <div> # # #</div> <div>  </div> <div> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html">positions</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/">donation</a>.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/">here</a>.</div> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:13:47 +0000 Volunteers Needed for Lamson Hall Revitalization http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65081 <p> From May 12–June 2, 2024, Maranatha Volunteers International and Andrews University will carry out significant upgrades to Lamson Hall. Maranatha, a non-profit construction organization that works in conjunction with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, will provide volunteer labor and a website for volunteer sign-up, with the goal of 100 volunteers participating for the full three weeks. Andrews will provide lodging and food for volunteers in addition to the necessary materials. Andrews is also raising funds to cover the estimated $2 million in total project costs. So far—with contributions from the President’s Council, the Board of Trustees, and other gifts—over $1.1 million has been raised.</p> <p> “On behalf of Andrews University, I would like to extend the warm invitation to join us in this endeavor, through the support of your presence or through helping us fund the materials and furnishings for the renovation,” states University President John Wesley Taylor V. “And a special ‘Thank you!’ to Maranatha Volunteers International for their leadership and valued partnership in this endeavor. Together we will make a difference in the lives of our students, the candidates of God’s Kingdom!”</p> <p> The focus of this project will be to make as much progress as possible on Lamson West, where volunteers will perform a facelift to the original bathroom suites. Teams will also work on refinishing residence hall rooms with paint, carpet and moveable desks. It is anticipated that, as Maranatha involvement continues, the total project will span the next two to three summers.</p> <p> Lamson Hall was built in two sections with an overall capacity of 600 occupants. Lamson East was completed in 1947 with individual rooms and community bathrooms, while Lamson West was completed in 1967 with two-room suites and connecting bathrooms.</p> <p> Over the years, upgrades like carpet, paint, furnishings and Lamson East community bathrooms have been made as funds were available. However, the Lamson West suite bathrooms and the built-in desks in both sections of Lamson are original. While Lamson West desks are newer than Lamson East desks, the Lamson West desks are more in need of an upgrade.</p> <p> Student feedback has also reflected the necessity to change both the bathrooms and the desk set-up. “Each year we survey our residence hall students,” says Jennifer Burrill, assistant vice president for Campus & Student Life and assistant vice president for Residence Life. “Typically two students are sharing 140 square feet of space, and students have requested more flexibility with that space—the ability to configure their rooms as they like. In the 2022–2023 survey, residents could select from options of what they considered the most needed improvements in Lamson. Sixty-eight percent selected ‘remove built-in desks and replace with moveable desks’ and 56% selected ‘suite bathrooms.’ These were the top two needs according to residents.”</p> <p> As a result, the Residence Life team coordinated with Andrews faculty and staff through Change It Up Day, a campus beautification day in spring 2023, to replace the built-in desks in approximately 50 Lamson rooms. Now that process will continue.</p> <p> Maranatha volunteers will be provided lodging in Lamson Hall dorm rooms—on-campus full RV hookups will be available as well—and three meals a day. Local volunteers are invited to join, too, and lunches will be provided. Individuals with experience installing carpet (tiles), ceramic tile and plumbing are especially needed. The team asks for a one week minimum volunteering commitment. All interested volunteers, including local, should sign up at the <a href="https://maranatha.org/projects/tgid3279/#anchor-overview">Maranatha website</a>. Registration will close at the beginning of May.</p> <p> “We are excited that this collaboration between Andrews and Maranatha will result in changes to Lamson that directly meet our residents’ needs,” says Burrill. “We look forward to the upcoming work!”</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">Enrollment</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">positions</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">donation</a>.</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>.</p> Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:59:20 +0000 Symphony Orchestra Gives Final Season Performance http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65074 <p> The Andrews University Symphony Orchestra, directed by Marc Elysee, will give its final performance of the season on Saturday, April 20, at 8:30 p.m. in the Howard Performing Arts Center. The concert, titled “Musical Tales from Near and Far,” is sponsored by the classical radio station WAUS—housed in the Howard Performing Arts Center—as a thank you to donors and will be free of charge for all attendees.</p> <p> The program will feature a variety of works, including “Saint-Joseph River Suite,” composed by local artists Bryan Edington and Marvin Curtis for the PBS Michiana-WNIT documentary, “Then, Now and Always: The St. Joseph River Story.” The symphony orchestra will also play Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf Op. 67,” a musical tale for children. Narration will be provided by Dwight K. Nelson. </p> <p> After the intermission, the program will continue with the intermezzo from “La Boda the Luis Alonso” by Geronimo Gimenez, a festive piece from Spain. The concert will close with Alexander Borodine’s “Polovtisan Dances No. 8 & 17,” which will feature a joint performance with the Andrews University Chorale.</p> <p> The Andrews University Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to enjoy this musical celebration. For additional information, contact the Howard box office at 269-471-3560. For a full season schedule of events at the Howard Performing Arts Center, visit <a href="https://howard.andrews.edu">howard.andrews.edu</a>.</p> Wed, 10 Apr 2024 12:00:31 +0000 Andrews University Student Wins Music Award http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65053 <p> K-Anthony, an Andrews University Masters in Divinity student, received a prestigious Canadian music award on March 24, 2024, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.</p> <p> The Juno awards, widely considered as the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy awards, recognizes excellence in Canadian music across multiple genres. K-Anthony won the "Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year" category, for his album entitled “Arrow.”</p> <p> Reflecting on his win, K-Anthony expressed a mix of emotions ranging from joy to gratitude to sheer accomplishment. For him, winning the Juno award validates years of hard work, dedication and a deep-rooted passion for music. "This opens doors for me to do a lot more, where I’m placed center stage to share this wonderful message as a believer and as a disciple. I think it gives me more leverage to bring the message of Jesus Christ to a dying world.”</p> <p> He traces his musical journey to his upbringing in Jamaica, where the vibrant sounds of reggae and his musical influences shaped his unique style and message. K-Anthony’s songs are crafted with the lyrics front and center, but the underlying theme of his music is his love for God and hope for the future. He’s driven by a strong desire to bring that hope and sense of purpose in life to young people who feel lost and don’t know where to turn.</p> <p> K-Anthony almost didn't make it to “Canada’s biggest night in music.” He recalls his first big test of faith, which happened during an almost life-ending situation. As a child growing up in Falmouth, the capital city of Jamaica’s Trelawny parish, K-Anthony was reminded often to stay away from the water. One day, he decided to disobey his parents by following his friends to swim at a nearby beach when they were cautioned against doing so. He found himself pulled under a current twice and realized he was drowning. “When I was at church and the pastor said, ‘Whenever you’re in difficulty, call on Jesus.’ I then called out, ‘God please help me.’” After this near-death episode, K-Anthony promised to give his life to God.</p> <p> Growing up, he was inspired to become a track star. “I was established in my hometown as a 100-meter and 200-meter sprinter. So, it really affected me a lot when my mom took me from track and field and sent me to an Adventist school,” he said. After high school his mother suggested he pursue music in college. He would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music at Jamaica’s Northern Caribbean University.</p> <p> Looking ahead, K-Anthony aspires to continue creating meaningful music, collaborating with talented artists and reaching new heights in his career. He sees winning the Juno award as a catalyst for further inspiration, pushing him to explore new artistic horizons while staying true to bringing people closer to God.</p> <p> For aspiring musicians, K-Anthony offers words of wisdom: "Stay true to yourself, believe in your vision and never underestimate the power of perseverance and hard work. Allow your passion to drive you, and trust the journey.”</p> <p> <em>The <a href="https://www.lakeunionherald.org/archive/articles/andrews-university-student-wins-prestigious-music-award">original version</a> of this story was posted by the <a href="https://www.lakeunionherald.org">Lake Union Herald</a>.</em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">Enrollment</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">positions</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">donation</a>.</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>.</p> Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:34:03 +0000 Innovation Week at Andrews University http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65016 <p> Innovation Week 2024 will take place on the Andrews University campus from April 1–5. Throughout the week, various events and activities will take place, emphasizing the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in the campus community. The theme for the week is “High-Value Relationships,” referencing the biblical model of impactful, lasting relationships and highlighting the importance of collaboration, networking and relationships throughout the innovative process.</p> <p> The event will feature keynote speaker Pierre Quinn, CEO of The Cardell Group, LLC, a consulting firm focused on growing leaders and empowering teams. An alumnus of Andrews University with degrees in communication and theology, Quinn is also the author of “Leading While Green: How Emerging Leaders Can Ripen Into Effective Leaders” and “Leading While Scared: How To Find the Courage To Keep Going.” He will speak for the 11:30 a.m. AUGather service in Pioneer Memorial Church on April 4, and he will also be featured at Proximity Vespers in Johnson Gym on April 5 at 8 p.m., in collaboration with AUnited weekend events.</p> <p> Students are invited to attend the Entrepreneurship Hangout on April 2 in Chan Shun Hall, where they will receive the opportunity to network, learn from each other and meet the 2024 Pitch Competition participants. There will also be a Kinetic Vespers service on April 4 in the University Towers Chapel. An exhibit floor showcasing booths by student start-ups and event sponsors will be featured in the Howard Performing Arts Center lobby on April 5, from 1–5 p.m.</p> <p> Innovation Week will spotlight the final rounds of the third annual Pitch Competition. Throughout the competition, students have presented original business ideas for the opportunity to win in-kind and cash awards in support of their projects. All applicants will present to a live audience and panel of judges at the Semi-Final Competition on April 3, which will take place in Chan Shun Hall from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Then, on April 5, the top seven projects will move on to the Final Competition in the Howard Performing Arts Center from 2–4 p.m., with a reception to follow in the lobby.</p> <p> A total of $60,000 in cash and in-kind awards will be distributed to the participants at the end of the event on April 5. Additionally, a People’s Choice Award of $1,000 will be given based on live voting from the audience at the finals event. The competition is sponsored by Andrews University, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Glen Oaks, 52 Wall St, the School of Leadership at Andrews University, 38 Wall St, Andrews University’s Enactus Club and Adventist Young Professionals. Campus and community members are encouraged to attend both competition sessions for the opportunity to meet and network with the participants and other attendees.</p> <p> This year’s Innovation Week activities are sponsored by the Andrews University Graduate Student Association (AUGSA), Center for Faith Engagement, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Student Involvement, Leadership & Activities (SILA). A detailed schedule of the week’s events can be accessed <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/innovation/week.html">here</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">Enrollment</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">positions</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">donation</a>.</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>.</p> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:22:44 +0000 Wintley Phipps to Perform in the Howard http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/64997 <p> Andrews University and the Howard Performing Arts Center present a live vocal performance by legendary gospel artist and speaker Wintley Phipps on April 7, 2024. Starting at 7 p.m., Phipps will bring social and spiritual inspiration to his audience.</p> <p> Born in Trinidad before immigrating to Quebec, Canada, at a young age, Phipps has dedicated his musical talents to bringing glory to God. Phipps has worn many titles over his four-decade career, serving as an educational activist, motivational speaker, author and pastor, in addition to his world-renowned musical career. Phipps has released over a dozen albums, including “Amazing Grace: Hymns And Gospel Classics (Live),” which was released this past July. He has also sung for notable events such as President George W. Bush’s inaugural swearing-in ceremony in 2005 and the funeral of civil rights icon Congressman John Robert Lewis in 2020.</p> <p> In addition to being a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church, Phipps is a proud product of Adventist higher education. He attended Kingsway College for secondary school and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theology at Oakwood College, now Oakwood University. He also holds a Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University and has several honorary doctoral degrees. Phipps has served in educational institutions as well, for example as the assistant to the president at Oakwood College.</p> <p> Phipps is the founder, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Dream Academy, Inc., which helps mentor and tutor children of incarcerated parents and those living in high-risk environments. Since 1998, Phipps and his organization have been able to serve nearly 10,000 students across the eastern and southern regions of the United States. He has also conducted lectures for his musical and pastoral ministries in every inhabitable continent in the world. Phipps is married to Linda Diane Galloway Phipps, and the couple have three sons, Wintley Augustus II, Winston Adriel and Wade Alexander.</p> <p> Tickets can be purchased at <a href="https://howard.andrews.edu">howard.andrews.edu</a>. Prices range from $10–$26, plus fees. Tickets can be printed at home, picked up at the Howard Center’s box office, or delivered by mail within 3–5 business days of the order. For more information about this event and others at the Howard Performing Arts Center, please visit <a href="https://howard.andrews.edu">howard.andrews.edu</a> or contact the Howard Box Office at 269-471-3560.</p> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 17:06:20 +0000 Wind Symphony to Perform Global Pieces http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/64996 <p> The Andrews University Wind Symphony, led by conductor Denisse Santos, will play at the Howard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 13, at 8:30 p.m. The evening’s theme will be “Tunes From Around The World.”</p> <p> The concert will focus on the multicultural aspect of classical composition, featuring pieces that represent various regions of the world. Starting with a contemporary march arrangement from an American composer, the Wind Symphony will transport listeners to regions like Australia, England, Jamaica, China, Peru and the Scottish Highlands through pieces by composers and performers from different corners of the world.</p> <p> Eight pieces will be performed, and two will be led out by graduate student conductors. The students are Earlon Cornwall, conducting the “Jamaican Rumba,” a piece originally by Australian composer Arthur Benjamin, and Nehemias Calsin, conducting the world premiere of “Rapsodia Peruana,” which was composed by Luis Enrique Vargas Guevara.</p> <p> Pieces by Mark Grauer, Percy Grainger, Gustav Holst and Alfred Reed will represent other specific regions, and compositions by Warren Barker and Michael Sweeney will conclude the evening.</p> <p> The Andrews University Wind Symphony is a representation of the global reach of music, the classical genre in particular. Featuring students from several countries, the Wind Symphony has been able to maintain a significant travel schedule throughout the Great Lakes region, as well as performing in England, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Canada and throughout the United States over the years.</p> <p> Tickets can be purchased at <a href="https://howard.andrews.edu/events/index.html">howard.andrews.edu/events</a>. Prices are $7 for general admission, free for children under the age of five, and $5 for students (limit two tickets per student ID), plus fees. Tickets can be printed at home, picked up at the Howard Center’s box office, or delivered by mail within 3–5 business days of the order. For more information about this event and others at the Howard Performing Arts Center, please visit <a href="https://howard.andrews.edu">howard.andrews.edu</a> or contact the Howard Box Office at 269-471-3560.</p> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:46:21 +0000 2024 Summit on Social Consciousness http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/64891 <p> <strong><em>UPDATE: To view the interviews with Hyveth Williams, Alvin Kibble, and BSCF alumni, visit the event webpage <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/research/research_events/conferences/summit_social_consciousness/race-religion-reflections-andrews-university-the-institutional-saga-1960-1980-.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The earlier interview with Walter Douglas is also included on the page.</em></strong></p> <p> The ninth Summit on Social Consciousness took place on Thursday, Feb. 29, and Saturday, March 2, 2024, with the theme “Race. Religion. Reflections. Andrews University: The Institutional Saga (1960–1980).” Each of the gatherings featured a recorded interview, followed by a panel reacting to the film.</p> <p> The Summit explored the theme from three perspectives: Andrews University’s female employees, past and present student groups, and the voice of Andrews’ Seminary alumnus Alvin Kibble. At each session, attendees and participants discussed the lived experiences of individuals at Andrews University in the 1960s through the 1980s.</p> <p> The first segment of the Summit was titled “The Andrews Saga: Through the Eyes of Our Women.” The program centered on Hyveth Williams, PhD, DMin, who is director of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program. Williams is the first Black female pastor and female senior pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.</p> <p> In the video screening, Williams spoke of her call to ministry and how, in response to that call, she enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in 1986.</p> <p> After completing her MDiv, Williams wished to further develop her skills and understanding of ministry, and therefore sought admission into the Doctor of Ministry program that the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary started in 1989. Despite being otherwise qualified, Williams was denied entrance into the program and told that it was only open to “ordained pastors who were men.” Williams then applied to and was accepted into the Boston University School of Theology doctoral program.</p> <p> After completing her Doctor of Ministry and serving as a successful pastor, Williams was asked to join the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in 2009 as a professor of homiletics. In a twist of irony and divine guidance, in 2022 Williams became the director of the Doctor of Ministry program, the same program to which she had been denied access. Williams celebrates the increase of women in Seminary and in more leadership roles in the Adventist church.</p> <p> After the video, a number of panelists discussed the film. Williams was joined by associate professor of Communication Heather Thompson-Day, assistant vice president for Campus and Student/Resident Life Jennifer Burrill, and professor of English Meredith Jones Gray. Morgan Williams, an undergraduate student and executive vice president of the Andrews University Student Association (AUSA), moderated the discussion. The panelists highlighted other stories of women in the University’s history who dealt with situations of discrimination while also emphasizing the progress the University has made in developing a culture and climate for women to have equal opportunity to flourish in every area of life.</p> <p> The second program began at 10 a.m. on Sabbath morning in the Howard Performing Arts Center under the title “The Andrews Saga: Insights from Our Students.” It featured a video screening of “The BSCF Alumni Stories” and a collaborative worship service with the New Life Fellowship church. The video featured five Black alumni of Andrews from the late 1960s and early 1970s who were part of the first years of one of Andrews’ largest and most active student groups, the Black Student Christian Forum (BSCF).</p> <p> The alumni shared that although Andrews was a Christian college located in a rural community away from the major events of the Civil Rights Movement, they still experienced racism on campus. Among other difficult experiences, the alumni recounted their feelings about a cross-burning that took place on campus and the lack of response on the part of University administration. The administration made no statement to reassure Black students of their safety or to discourage repeat occurrences. There were actually three cross burnings on campus between 1969 and 1975.</p> <p> Desiring to build a worship community that better met their spiritual and social needs, students were motivated to develop BSCF. The club's founding members worked to bring about greater representation among the faculty and staff and provide opportunities for students. They also started social and religious ministries on campus and in Benton Harbor to help create positive change.</p> <p> After the video, panelists again responded to the stories. Christina Hunter, dean for Graduate Residence Life and associate dean for Student Life, acted as moderator. The panelists included Darius Bridges, assistant dean of Student Involvement, Leadership & Activities (SILA); Rock Choi, president of the Korean American Student Association (KASA); Loren Manrique, AUSA president; Hailay Prestes, AUSA social vice president; Skyler Campbell, BSCF president; Natasha Richards, president of the Black Students Association of the Seminary (BSAS); and Foluke Arthurton, president of the Andrews University Graduate Student Association (AUGSA).</p> <p> The panelists shared their admiration for the alumni featured in the video who have made cultural clubs such an important and impactful feature of campus. They shared how cultural clubs provide students with some semblance of their home lives and also provide opportunities to build strong friendships and get acquainted with different cultures.</p> <p> After the panel discussion concluded, the New Life Fellowship Church held its service featuring Pastor Taurus Montgomery. Speaking from Galatians 3:26–29, Montgomery also used historical context in his sermon to illuminate how the status quo of intolerance has been a threat to true spirituality from the days of the Bible to the days of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade to the modern day. He emphasized that our identity in Christ must take precedence over every other. He added that we are called to develop a relationship with Christ so that we might have the “mind of Christ” mentioned in Philippians 2:5, which allows us to appreciate others with a Christ-like character.</p> <p> The final program of the weekend centered on the reflections of Alvin Kibble, who served as the vice president of the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists. Tragically, shortly after Kibble gave the interview, he was hospitalized and later died on Aug. 11, 2023.</p> <p> Kibble attended the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary from 1967 to 1969, where he said he “enjoyed learning from his professors.” Kibble’s reflections, while optimistic about the progress at Andrews, included several deeply moving stories. For example, when a Seminary professor at the time was asked about the origin of Black people, he responded by claiming that the Black race was “the amalgamation of man and beast.” An additional story took place in 1968 when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. When word reached the Andrews campus, Kibble recalled that a white student burst into the gymnasium, celebrating the civil rights icon’s death by announcing, “We got him!”</p> <p> The panel discussion after the video included Andrews University assistant professor of Mission and Intercultural Theology Andrew Tompkins, director of the Center for Adventist Research Kevin Burton, vice president of EDI and Poverty Reduction at TNG Community Services Morris Beckford, chair of Washington Adventist University’s Department of Religion Olive Hemmings, and Andrews University chair of the Department of Church History Trevor O’Reggio.</p> <p> The panelists acknowledged the lack of acceptance of minorities within the church, which, combined with their inextinguishable desire to follow the gospel, led to the development of regional conferences.</p> <p> Carlisle Sutton, sponsored research officer at Andrews and lead organizer for the weekend, shared, “We hope the Summit helped to create a space where, as a community, we could have authentic conversations on difficult topics and learn to listen to each other.  It is hard to argue with people’s lived experiences. The purpose of the grant is to create opportunities for minority voices to share their stories. We hope we did that respectfully as we consider the progress and challenges we face in building communities that prioritize belonging in 2024.”</p> <p> The themes of equal treatment for women and minorities, the organization’s influence on student life and culture, and the impact of racism on campus gave those in attendance an opportunity for meaningful reflection about how far Andrews has come as well as to commit to continuing the work of healing.<br /> Provost Christon Arthur, who started and oversees the Summit on Social Consciousness, led each of the programs on stage, urged the audience to contemplate two questions: “So what? Now what?”</p> <p> As part of the enduring outcomes of the CIC institutional saga grant, Andrews University plans to share the three videos from the Summit as well as an earlier interview with professor Walter Douglas.</p> <p> This year’s Summit was sponsored by The Council of Independent Colleges and Andrews University’s Office of the Provost, Office of Research and Creative Scholarship, Office of University Communication, Campus & Student Life, Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design (VACD) and Department of English.</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">Enrollment</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">positions</a>. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">donation</a>.</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>.</p> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:23:36 +0000