Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2024, Andrews University Sun, 5 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000 Sun, 5 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Prayers for the Israelis and Palestinians http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/64327 <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The recent humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Middle East has evoked unspeakable emotions within our own campus and off-campus communities. As an Andrews University family, we are profoundly concerned, heartsick, and grieved by the loss of innocent lives. Consistent with biblical principles and our belief that each human on this earth is created in the image of God, we in turn, strongly condemn the violence against innocent lives in this conflict and mourn with those who have lost loved ones or have been deeply affected by these horrific atrocities.   <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; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As we continue to monitor the events in the Middle East, we encourage our Andrews community to practice empathy and respect for one another during this challenging time.   <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; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We also encourage our campus and off-campus families to pray for peace and protection for our brothers and sisters in the Middle East. As an Andrews University family here in Berrien Springs, we will pause for silence and prayer during our Engage Summit Friday evening worship experience this Friday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in Pioneer Memorial Church.<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; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <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; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <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; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We also encourage community members who need care and support in these heartbreaking times to take advantage of the resources offered by <a href="https://andrews.myahpcare.com/telehealth" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Telehealth</a><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; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and the <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/ctcenter/services/index.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Counseling and Testing Center</a>   Danielle Pilgrim, PhD  Interim Chief Diversity Officer pc: Sunguk Kim, Unsplash   Fri, 20 Oct 2023 12:46:14 +0000 Celebrating Filipino American History Month http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/64235 Oct. 4, 2023 Dear campus community, Just over three decades ago in 1992, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) first introduced October as Filipino American History Month with a formal resolution from the FANHS National Board of Trustees. The U.S. Congress later formally recognized October as Filipino American History Month in 2009. This month-long celebration is intended to commemorate the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. That occurred more than four centuries ago on Oct. 18, 1587, when Filipino sailors, then called “Luzones Indios,” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza when it landed at what is now Morro Bay, California, north of Los Angeles and near San Luis Obispo. This year, our own Andrews Filipino International Association (AFIA) has chosen “Tuloy Po Kayo” as the theme for our 2023 celebration. This phrase in Tagalog is used to invite someone into your home. Its translation is “Please come in!” I believe that this theme powerfully emphasizes and reinforces our University’s value of being an inclusive and welcoming community. Throughout this school year, Andrews University, through the efforts of the Office of University Culture & Inclusion and cultural clubs, including AFIA, will seek to provide opportunities for fellowship and building community through activities and events for the Andrews University family. Here at Andrews University, we are grateful for our own Andrews Filipino International Association (AFIA) leadership for its work in putting together the following Filipino American History Month events for our Andrews University community that will help recognize and celebrate Filipino history and culture. We invite you to join us at these events—“Tuloy Po Kayo”/“Please come in!” Oct. 14: AFIA Sabbath 11:30 a.m., Michiana Fil-Am SDA Church 8454 Kephart Lane, Berrien Springs Church service and potluck Oct. 19: Kinetic Worship 7:30 p.m., University Towers Auditorium Residence hall cocurricular credit and Filipino food Oct. 21: AFIA Aunties’ Potluck After church at Michiana Fil-Am SDA Church Potluck at various locations at the AFIA Aunties’ houses Oct. 28: Pickleball Tournament Time TBD, Johnson Gym Pickleball and prizes Oct. 31: Filipino American History Month Tuesday Choice 11:30 a.m., Location TBD Various Filipino games/dances and a short talk You can find out more about these and additional Filipino American History Month events on the Andrews Agenda Upcoming Events calendar at this <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/events/">link</a>. Sincerely, Danielle Pilgrim Interim Chief Diversity Officer Thu, 19 Oct 2023 18:29:49 +0000 Hispanic Heritage Month http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/64122 Sept. 14, 2023 Dear campus community, I hope that you all are having a fantastic Change Day! I wanted to pass along this letter to inform you about another exciting Andrews University celebration which begins tomorrow on our campus. Over the last 35 years and starting in 1988, Americans have observed National Hispanic Heritage Month during the 30-day period of Sept. 15–Oct. 15. In particular, the date of Sept. 15 holds extraordinary significance in the Hispanic community because it commemorates the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their own independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. We also think of our Brazilian community during this time—they commemorated their independence last week on Sept. 7. As this month of recognition begins, I want to invite you all to join in with our campus community as Andrews University celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month under this year’s theme: “Estamos Unidos.” The phrase “estamos unidos,” in Spanish, means “we are united.” We’ve chosen this theme to highlight the unity amid the diversity among Hispanics/Latinos and the campus at large at Andrews University. I pray that the imagery of these words reflects not just what this month’s celebration will bring but also honors what the members of our diverse and beautiful Hispanic community bring to our campus each year. In the month ahead, we look forward to the ways in which we can all be inspired to ultimately be unified in our love for Christ and for each other as we enter into this campus-wide celebration and year-round practice of “Estamos Unidos.” As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, I want to give special thanks to our Andrews University Latino Association (AULA) for their efforts in picking this theme and in their hard work in planning these events in collaboration with Genesis Fellowship, the Center for Faith Engagement, and Impact (BSCF). Here is a schedule of events planned for our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration: <ul> <li> Sept. 16—Genesis Fellowship, University Towers Auditorium, University Towers, 11:45 a.m.</li> <li> Sept. 19—Tuesday Cocurricular Short Courses, 11:30 a.m.</li> <li> Sept. 22—Back-to-School Social</li> <li> Sept. 23–24—Conociendo a Andrews University Preview Event, prospective students and families can register at <a href="https://andrews.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Events/EventDetails?eventId=171614fb-0220-ee11-8a1a-0aea16089557">andrews.edu/visit</a></li> <li> Sept. 26—Tuesday Cocurricular Short Courses</li> <li> Sept. 28—Hispanic Heritage Month Chapel, Pioneer Memorial Church, 11:30 a.m.</li> <li> Sept. 30—Genesis Fellowship, University Towers Auditorium, University Towers, 11:45 a.m.</li> <li> Sept. 30—Night Market (collaboration with AFIA, SASA and KASA)</li> <li> Oct. 3—Tuesday Cocurricular Short Courses, 11:30 a.m.</li> <li> Oct. 13—AULA x Impact Vespers, University Towers Auditorium, University Towers, 8:45 p.m.</li> <li> Oct. 14—Genesis Fellowship, University Towers Auditorium, University Towers, 11:30 a.m.</li> <li> Oct. 16–20—Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week</li> <li> Oct. 17—Tuesday Cocurricular Short Courses, 11:30 a.m.</li> <li> Oct. 21—Noche Latina</li> </ul> You can find out more about these, and additional Hispanic Heritage Month events, on the Andrews Agenda Upcoming Events calendar at this <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/events/">link</a>. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to take part in some or all of our “Estamos Unidos” Hispanic Heritage Month celebration events. As I wrote earlier, this month of celebration gives us a chance to honor and deepen the unity amid the diversity of our Hispanic/Latino community and the campus at large at Andrews University. I believe that this month can and will give us an ongoing opportunity to be inspired by, and ultimately be unified in, our love for Christ and for each other. Sincerely, Danielle Pilgrim Interim Chief Diversity Officer Thu, 19 Oct 2023 18:29:08 +0000 Commitment to Increasing Access to Higher Ed http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/63021 July 13, 2023 Dear campus community, In recent weeks, there has been renewed discussion across the United States on access and equity in higher education, especially for historically underrepresented groups of students. At Andrews University, this issue is close to our heart, and I want to share that we remain committed to providing educational opportunities for all. As a result, here at Andrews University, we will continue to employ recruitment and retention strategies that seek to include diverse racial and ethnic populations within our Andrews family. In all that we do, we are motivated by the laws of the Kingdom—to do justice, act with mercy and walk in humility with God. As a number-one ranked university for campus ethnic diversity in the annual <a href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/campus-ethnic-diversity" target="_blank">U.S. News Best Colleges</a> rankings, we are eager to continue to strengthen and foster the diverse intercultural and international environment that is a valued and distinctive hallmark of our Andrews University campus and student life. As a new school year approaches, we look forward to welcoming students from all backgrounds. I believe providing an inclusive and transformative faith and learning experience is essential to equipping and inspiring a diverse generation of leaders. It’s also important that we work further to lessen education attainment gaps and to ensure opportunities for historically underrepresented, economically challenged and first-generation students to obtain an Andrews University degree. This goal is reflected in a wide array of Andrews University scholarship and financial aid opportunities that support these students. As a diverse and global learning community, Andrews University will continue to respond to the Great Commission by extending Christ’s teaching ministry to all, endeavoring to ensure that each one of our students receives the best possible support in order to excel in an academic environment that prepares each student to be an effective World Changer for God. Grace and peace, Danielle Pilgrim Interim Chief Diversity Officer Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:18:17 +0000 Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/62567 Dear friends, It is my pleasure to once again welcome you to our annual celebration of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities during the month of April—one month early. As many of you may know, the United States has designated the month of May as a time to recognize and celebrate what has been historically called Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month when the month’s celebration began in the early 1990s (and as an Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, first celebrated in 1979). However, since much of the month of May falls during our summer break, we have once again decided to celebrate this heritage month one month early in April when the majority of our Andrews University students and employees are still on campus and can still join in the events and activities. As we prepare to celebrate this Heritage Month, the Office of University Culture & Inclusion would like to thank all of the student leaders of our AANHPI student clubs and organizations as they have worked to put this celebration together. These kinds of moments, and celebrations like these, are not possible without the hard work and innovative creativity of our Andrews students. The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) has chosen the theme “<a href="https://fapac.org/AAPI-Resources#:~:text=FAPAC%20is%20proud%20to%20select,is%20Advancing%20Leaders%20Through%20Opportunity.">Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity</a>” for this May’s AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration. Our community continues to be better and stronger thanks to the contributions and leadership of our AANHPI employees and students all across our campus both now and throughout the history of our University. This is an amazing part of the enduring legacy of Andrews University. It is also important to again note how imperfect the label AANHPI is at adequately capturing the diversity, complexity and beauty of all of the various cultures that the AANHPI acronym barely scratches the surface of encompassing. <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/one-size-does-not-fit-all-appreciating-diversity-asian-americans-native-hawaiians-pacific">A recent study</a> captured some of this challenge well: “Asian Americans alone are the <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/04/09/asian-americans-are-the-fastest-growing-racial-or-ethnic-group-in-the-u-s/">fastest growing minority population in the U.S.</a>, with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) as the 3rd fastest growing minority population. Despite this growth, AANHPIs are often left out of data due to sample size limitations and reliability. The lack of data integrity fails to reflect the diversity of the populations and their needs.” The term AANHPI “includes people with ancestry from the continent of Asia and the Pacific Islands from over 50 ethnicities, with over 100 languages and dialects. There are distinct differences across the Asian and the NHPI ethnicities.” As a result, I recognize AANHPI is an inaccurate/insufficient overall description for our brothers and sisters who make up this beautiful and varied community. Our goal is to continue getting better each year at celebrating and honoring the history and continuing legacy of all the various people groups that all help make Andrews University what it is. Thank you to each one of you in advance for continuing to engage with us as we continue on this journey and we work collectively to push things forward and more deeply each year. Here are some of the highlights and events coming up this month: The Andrews Korean SDA Church, Living Springs Fellowship, and Michiana Fil-Am SDA Church will have church services throughout the month. <ul> <li> Andrews Korean SDA Church/Living Springs Fellowship, 8691 US Hwy 31, Berrien Springs MI 49103-9532</li> <li> Michiana Fil-Am SDA Church, 8454 Kephart Ln, Berrien Springs MI 49103</li> </ul> APRIL 1 Chinese Christian Fellowship Worship, Garber Auditorium, Chan Shun Hall <ul> <li> Service begins at 11:30 a.m., Pastor Yang</li> <li> Chinese 30-dish banquet at 12:45 p.m., Whirlpool Room</li> </ul> APRIL 8 Mu-en Adventist Chinese Fellowship, Biology Amphitheater, Science Complex <ul> <li> Service begins at 11:30 a.m.</li> <li> Potluck following</li> </ul> KASA Banquet, Section House, 5896 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer MI 49125 <ul> <li> Fellowship dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.</li> <li> Banquet activities begin at 8:30 p.m.</li> </ul> APRIL 15 <ul> <li> SASA Sabbath, 11 a.m., Ruth Murdoch Elementary School</li> <li> SASA Culture Night, 8 p.m., Newbold Auditorium</li> </ul> APRIL 22 Mu-en Adventist Chinese Fellowship, Biology Amphitheater, Science Complex <ul> <li> Service begins at 11:30 a.m.</li> </ul> APRIL 29 Samoan Sabbath, Biology Amphitheater, Science Complex <ul> <li> Sabbath School begins at 10 a.m. following the main service</li> <li> Social gym night/fundraiser at 7:30 p.m., Village School Gym</li> </ul> As we look forward to this month of celebration, reflection and understanding, I want to directly and specifically thank each one of you in the AANHPI communities for taking the time and effort to continue to invite our entire Andrews community into your cultural spaces and to engage with those of us beyond your community so that we can all better understand, celebrate and appreciate who you are, and including what you experience on an everyday basis. Once again, I invite you all to join us whenever you can over the course of the next few weeks as we take the time together as an Andrews University family to intentionally celebrate and more fully honor each AANHPI member of our community. Grace and peace, Michael Nixon Vice President for University Culture & Inclusion Thu, 20 Apr 2023 20:55:26 +0000 #HEALTogether: Commemorating SAAPM http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/62572 Dear friends, As you may know, the month of April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (SAAPM) in the United States. As we acknowledge the significance of this month, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest nonprofit anti-sexual assault organization, has provided the <a href="https://www.rainn.org/saapm">following tools</a> to help commemorate SAAPM this year. This year, RAINN decided to focus on the theme #HEALTogether, which encourages the survivor community and their loved ones to come together in their healing from sexual violence and the dangers online. I encourage you to take a few moments to review this important online <a href="https://www.rainn.org/saapm">resource</a>. I would like to extend a special thanks to the Women’s Empowerment Association of Andrews University (WEAAU), the Andrews University Pre-Law Society, the Social Work Club, the Social Justice Club, and the Andrews University Title IX office for their support and help in collaborating to plan a powerful month of events. In keeping with the name of the month, #HEALTogether, we are hopeful that these activities will raise awareness of the experiences of those who have experienced sexual assault (both men and women) and lead to more preventative measures. Here are some of the events planned for the month of April: SAAPM Kickoff April 3, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Campus Center Come by the Campus Center for all the information on SAAPM Events, a BTO cookie and to receive a safety whistle keychain (while supplies last)! Bagels & Boundaries: Movie Screening “Then Everything Changed” (Title IX) April 4, 11:30 a.m., Buller Hall Room 150 (cocurricular credit provided) Movie Screening: “Hunting Ground” (Pre-Law Society) April 4, 11:30 a.m., Department of History & Political Science, Buller Hall 135 Dos and “Donuts” of Healthy Dating with Alina Baltazar (Title IX) April 11, 11:30 a.m., Buller Hall Room 150 (cocurricular credit provided) Cocurricular Event led by Yulian Tinoco (Pre-Law Society) April 11, 11:30 a.m., Department of History & Political Science, Buller Hall 135 Self-Defense Class April 12, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Andreasen Center for Wellness Perspectives: Stories, Presentations, and Artwork Confronting the Realities of Sexual Violence April 22, 5–7 p.m., Newbold Auditorium, Buller Hall This event is sponsored by the WEAAU, Social Work Club and Social Justice Club. The Solidarity Wall April 24–28, Campus Center Main Entrance The Solidarity Wall is an artistic social justice project designed to give a voice to students regarding the national epidemic of on-campus sexual assault. Sponsored by WEAAU and the Office of University Culture & Inclusion. Denim Day April 26, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Denim Day is an international day of awareness-raising and activism with the message that there is nothing anyone could ever do to deserve to experience sexual assault. Wear your denim and come by the photo booth in the Campus Center to enter to win a new pair of jeans! How do all of these activities relate to our own community here at Andrews University? In accordance with Title IX Education Amendments of 1972, Andrews University has formally documented that it “is committed to maintaining a respectful learning and living environment that is free from Sexual Harassment … (a collective term which includes) sexual assault, quid pro quo harassment, hostile environment harassment, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation. Sexual Harassment in any form, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, is inconsistent with this commitment, strictly prohibited and intolerable in the Andrews community.” More information on the University Title IX Policy and related resources can be found <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/life/health-safety/title-ix/universitypolicy/index.html">here</a>. Also, you can find information on how to report an incident that may have violated this stated Title IX policy <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/life/health-safety/title-ix/questionsconcernsreports.html">here</a>. In addition to the Title IX policy and online resources available, our Center for Faith Engagement, in partnership with Andrews University’s International Center for Trauma Education & Care, provides additional resources and support for victims of sexual abuse through an on-campus support group. Students can also schedule individual sessions using the <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/faith/contact/">UFaith</a> app. I look forward to joining you, and our Andrews University community, this April for these important events and crucial conversations as we all strive to raise awareness on our campus during April’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and as we work to keep each other safe against these threats this month, and throughout the year. Grace and peace, Michael Nixon Vice President for University Culture & Inclusion Thu, 20 Apr 2023 20:54:57 +0000 2023 Women's History Month Celebration http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/62389 March 2, 2023 Friends, As this month of March begins, it is my distinct privilege to take a few moments to formally recognize and honor Women’s History Month. This annual recognition of women’s history formally got its start in 1980 as Women’s History Week, and was introduced through a proclamation by President Jimmy Carter. Since 1995, women’s history is now recognized and honored through a month-long celebration. Women’s History Month offers an annual opportunity for all of us to remember that the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America were, in the words of President Carter, “as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” As we celebrate Women’s History Month this year, we recognize President Carter and continue to keep him and his family in prayer as he has recently <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/02/27/former-president-jimmy-carter-hospice-care/11359174002/">transitioned into hospice care</a>. The <a href="https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/2023-theme/">National Women’s History Alliance</a> (NWHA) has chosen the theme of “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” for 2023. “Throughout 2023, the NWHA will encourage recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, and more. The timely theme honors women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade.” As we recognize the significant achievements of women throughout the world and history here on our Andrews University campus, the Women’s Empowerment Association of Andrews University (WEAAU) has chosen the campus theme of “Phenomenal Women.” for this year’s celebrations. Here are some events that WEAAU have planned for the month ahead: Service Sabbath March 4, 2:30 p.m. Center for Faith Engagement Office  WEAAU is collaborating with the Center for Faith Engagement to host a Service Sabbath to create care packages for a local women's shelter! Make sure to reserve your spot on the UFaith app ahead of time. Cocurricular credit will be available! Cocurricular Series Department of History & Political Science Lobby, BUL136 March 7, 11:30 a.m. Stacie Hatfield, assistant professor of anthropology, will kick off Women’s History Month with the story of how the American women’s movement began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She will highlight both the goals and accomplishments of this early political period and also the movement’s shortcomings, which necessitated subsequent movements. March 14, 11:30 a.m. In this talk, Kristen Witzel, assistant professor of sociology, continues our discussion of the history of the women’s movement into the 1960s and 70s. She’ll share how women of this time tackled issues like women’s bodily autonomy and equal opportunities in jobs and education. March 28, 11:30 a.m. Concluding Women’s History Month, Vanessa Corredera, associate professor and chair of English, will present the era of the women’s movement which began in the 90s and emphasized intersectionality and reproductive rights. She’ll trace the legacy of this wave into our current socio-political moment in what some call Fourth-Wave Feminism. New Life Fellowship March 4 and 11, 11:45 a.m. Howard Performing Arts Center New Life Fellowship will be honoring specific women employees from throughout our Andrews University community to commemorate their Women’s History Month Celebration. The Women’s Empowerment Association of Andrews University (WEAAU) will be announcing these and additional events on their Instagram account throughout the month with additional details. You can find their Instagram page @we.aau <a href="https://www.instagram.com/we.aau/">here</a>. You can also keep an eye on the New Life Fellowship Instagram page <a href="https://www.instagram.com/newlifeau/">here</a>. As I close this note, I would like to take the opportunity to specifically thank all of the incredible women that continue to make Andrews such a great place to work, learn, worship, and commune. I would especially be remiss if I did not take the time to celebrate and honor our own president, Andrea Luxton, as this will be her last Women’s History Month as our leader. Her powerful example of Christ-centered, other-focused leadership has been a huge source of inspiration to me and so many others here on our campus. In the spirit of WEAAU’s theme for this year, we want to affirm President Luxton for being the phenomenal woman that she is! We specifically want to honor and celebrate the history you have made as you have led our campus these past seven years. Grace and peace, Michael Nixon Vice President for University Culture & Inclusion Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:31:21 +0000 2023 Black History Month: Forward http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/62214 “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dear friends, The Black History Month Planning Committee is excited to engage both Andrews University and our entire surrounding Berrien Springs community in a month-long recognition and celebration of the struggles, triumphs and contributions of African Americans and the people of the African diaspora throughout the United States. Our theme for 2023 is “Forward.” As I consider our theme for this Black History Celebration month, I can’t help but be struck by recent painful attempts to move our people backward. Those include debates happening in some areas of this country about whether or not African American history has significant educational value. In those places, our very act of having this celebration would be attacked and questioned. However, in spite of the misguided voices that would suggest that we go back, we are called to move forward. Also, this past week, our nation has been rocked once again by the video of the grotesque killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of officers from the Memphis Police Department. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sixth-officer-relieved-duty-tyre-nichols-death-memphis-police-say-rcna68192">At this time</a>, seven police officers have been relieved of their duties in connection with Nichols’ killing—and five of them are facing departmental and criminal charges. It is hard to find words that have not already been shared in the wake of the killing of an unarmed Black person at the hands of police officers. I do believe that it is worth acknowledging the collective anger, pain and sorrow that many are feeling as they try once again to make sense of that which is senseless. Again, in the face of this sobering tragedy that would somehow suggest that we are taking steps backward in the fight toward liberty and justice for all, we are called to move forward. In light of our shared calling to move forward, we are left to beg an important question: how? To help wrestle with those questions in community, we are excited to go on a collective journey this month. It is our hope that we will all move closer to that answer both individually and collectively as we learn, worship and celebrate together. While you can find a complete schedule of events <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/life/blackhistory/events/index.html">here</a>, there are a few exciting events I wish to highlight: Our main celebration weekend will take place Feb. 2–4, starting with Black History Month Chapel at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, in Pioneer Memorial Church. Our speaker for that chapel is Garrison Hayes, who is an award-winning diversity, equity and inclusion professional, storyteller, and content creator for his digital community of over 260,000 followers. Garrison is also an alum of Andrews University, earning his Master of Divinity in 2018 from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Our speaker for the rest of the celebration weekend will be Edsel Cadet. Pastor Cadet serves as the lead pastor of the Berea Adventist Church in Boston, Massachusetts. He also earned his Master of Divinity, graduating in 2013 from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. While studying at the Seminary, Cadet also served as the administrative pastor of New Life Fellowship. Here are some additional highlights of the upcoming weekend: <ul> <li> Impact Vespers will take place on Friday, Feb. 3, at 8 p.m. in Pioneer Memorial Church.</li> <li> New Life Fellowship will take place on Sabbath, Feb. 4, at 11:45 a.m. in the Howard Performing Arts Center. A luncheon will be provided at the Hoilette Commons in the Andreasen Center for Wellness immediately following the worship service. Luncheon tickets for up to 200 students will be available at the Howard Performing Arts Center before and after the New Life Fellowship worship service.</li> </ul> Later in the month, on Thursday, Feb. 9, Michael Emerson will be our speaker for University Chapel at 11:30 a.m. in Pioneer Memorial Church. Emerson is a professor and chair of the sociology department at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). He is also one of the foremost scholars on race and religion and co-authored the groundbreaking “Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America” (2000). He will be presenting findings from his latest research, conducted alongside Glenn Bracey of Villanova University. That research will appear in his forthcoming book “The Grand Betrayal: The Agonizing Story of Race, Religion, and Rejection in American Life” (2023). This research represents the most comprehensive study of race and religion ever conducted in the U.S. and is funded by the Lilly Endowment. Once again, I hope you’ll join us for as many of these important events as you can. You can find the full slate of Black History Month events <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/life/blackhistory/events/index.html">here</a>. We look forward to celebrating with you throughout the month! Forward with Christ, Michael Nixon Vice President for University Culture & Inclusion Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:32:26 +0000