Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2026, Andrews University Tue, 7 Apr 2026 21:37:00 +0000 Tue, 7 Apr 2026 21:37:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Andrews Facilitates Global Leadership Development http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68968 In December 2025, faculty from Andrews University facilitated two executive leadership programs for international cohorts. Sung Kwon, associate professor of leadership and director of the MA Leadership in Social Innovation Program, served as coordinator for both initiatives. He shares, “The distinctive program offered by Andrews University … integrates leadership development with a strong emphasis on social innovation. This approach not only equips leaders with the skills to navigate complex organizational landscapes but also inspires them to become architects of meaningful change in their communities and beyond.” From Dec. 1–3, the School of Business Administration and School of Leadership at Andrews University collaboratively hosted the Nigerian Executive Leadership Program. The participants were cosponsored by HumanRe Consultancy Services Limited, a Nigeria-based human resources and management consulting firm. The two organizations coordinated travel for select participants from Nigeria to Andrews University for the leadership program. During the training, a variety of topics, including emotional intelligence in leadership and innovative growth strategies for the workplace, were presented by Jay Brand, professor of leadership and organizational studies; Dustin Young, assistant professor of social work; Alayne Thorpe, dean of the College of Education & International Services and dean of graduate education; Kimberly Pichot, dean of the College of Professions, Gustavo Gregorutti, professor of leadership and higher education; and Kwon. John Omoyele Fagbemi, managing partner of HumanRe Consultancy Services Limited, notes the impact of the program. “We were overwhelmed by the mammoth of advanced transformative knowledge imparted, [the] resourceful professors’ presentations, [and the] ambience [of the] environment,” he shares. Shortly after this initiative took place, faculty from Andrews University traveled to Maputo, Mozambique, to assist with a secondary leadership program for Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM). EDM is Mozambique’s state-owned national electric utility, responsible for power generation and transmission. From Dec. 8–10, the program was held at both the EDM training center and headquarters of EDM. The event featured presentations from Pardon Mwansa, adjunct professor in the School of Leadership, Gregorutti and Kwon on team building, organizational development and servant leadership. Assa Fumo, director of EDM Academy, shares how the program impacted the organization, noting, “The collaboration provided our board members and directors with valuable insights into servant and transformational leadership, strategic decision-making and business model, adapted to our organizational context.” Fumo is confident that the partnership between EDM and Andrews University will continue in the future, recognizing that collaboration and imparted knowledge leads to growth. Kwon served as coordinator and presenter for both programs. He reflects, “Both entities … independently approached the School of Leadership seeking a collaborative partnership to enhance the leadership development of their constituents. Notably, although they are non-Adventist institutions, they expressed a clear desire for a leadership development program rooted in Christian values.” He adds, “Although the two organizations are not connected in any structural way, their simultaneous interest reflects what we believe to be the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” noting that the experience “affirms that leadership development can serve as a means of participating in God’s mission.” Andrews University’s School of Leadership is distinct in both its qualifications and the opportunities it offers. For more information, visit the school’s <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/ceis/leadership_school/index.html">web page</a>. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:35:43 +0000 Horn Lectureship Series http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68936 The Horn Lectureship Series delivered a rich and engaging semester of scholarly presentations, inviting participants to explore significant events, texts and discoveries in ancient history and archaeology. The first program took place on Sept. 14 and was themed “Exploring the Composition of the Pentateuch.” Gary A. Rendsburg, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Professor of Jewish History, Rutgers University, shared a presentation titled “Narrative Coherence in Genesis 37, Exodus 14, and Numbers 16: Three Confusing Texts Reflecting Confusion at the Moment.” The day continued with a presentation by Rabbi Joshua Berman, professor of Tanakh at Bar-Ilan University, who spoke on “The Unity of Exodus 14.” On Oct. 20, the series continued with Randall Younker, professor of archaeology and history of antiquity at Andrews University. His lecture, “Exploring the Ark Mountains: Discoveries from Our Latest Excursions,” shared about his team’s recent ascent of Mount Judi and exploration of the archaeological ruins on the mountain and in the vicinity. The final lecture of the semester took place on Nov. 10 and was delivered by Eva Katarina Glazer, professor of history and faculty of Croatian Studies at the University of Zagreb. Her talk, titled “Beyond the Sea Peoples: Rethinking the 1200 BCE Collapse,” offered a fresh evaluation of the so-called “catastrophic collapse” of major ancient Near East civilizations. Together, the lectures enriched participants’ understanding of the archaeological and textual foundations that continue to shape contemporary interpretations of history, deepening appreciation for the enduring questions that connect past and present. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:15:54 +0000 Andrews University honors veterans http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68935 <img alt="" src="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/images/20251111_0846_kimberly_agosto.jpg" />Andrews University held a Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2025 theme, “Service to Our Nation.” The event reflected the University’s commitment to fostering a campus environment that values both military service and academic excellence, a dedication recognized by its Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School designation from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. The program opened with welcoming remarks from Chaplain, LTC, MIARING, Ret. Keith Mattingly, emeritus professor of Old Testament studies, who shared personal reflections on faith and service. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by Chaplain, LTC, USAF, Ret. James North Jr., emeritus professor of pastoral care, those gathered joined in a moment of silence to honor all who have served and currently serve. The event continued with a prayer by Caden Victor, an Andrews University student veteran. The keynote address was delivered by Pastor Taariq Patel, alumnus and Army veteran, who drew parallels between the biblical story of King Saul and the modern veteran’s journey. He inspired listeners to love with purpose, courage and compassion, and reflected, “In God’s army, there are no veterans and all are in active duty, serving right now.” Patel’s message was followed by closing remarks from John Wesley Taylor V, University president. The program concluded with a tribute slideshow of student veterans who have attended Andrews. In addition to the main ceremony, the University hosted a “Thank-a-Veteran” card station, where individuals wrote personalized notes of appreciation. A special dinner was also held for Andrews veterans and their families on Nov. 10. The 2025 Veterans Day program was an expression of thankfulness, reflection and unity, a testament to the University’s dedication to building a campus culture rooted in compassion and service. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:04:40 +0000 Thriving together http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68934 Each year, University Wellness puts on a number of intentional initiatives designed to nurture well-being for students, staff and the wider community. Engagements go beyond physical well-being to address the emotional, social, occupational, intellectual and spiritual dimensions of wellness, as well. One recent event was the Community Health & Wellness Expo, held in late September at the Andreasen Center for Wellness. Free and open to all ages, the expo offered therapy dog visits, fire truck tours, a healthy cooking demonstration and more. Visitors had opportunities to win prizes by interacting with local businesses and with students and employees from various Andrews University health professions programs. In addition, Andrews hosted its second annual Wellness Week from Sept. 28–Oct. 3. Daily programs included fitness classes, social events and wellness challenges. Activities ranged from classes on self-defense to cooking, doodling and a chili cook-off. Participants in the “Gym Class Heroes Challenge” earned chances to win prizes like personal training packages or massages by attending group fitness classes. “Our goal is to provide a variety of engagements focused on well-being,” says Rachel Keele, director of University Wellness and manager of the Andreasen Center for Wellness. “Not every initiative or activity will speak to everyone, but the hope is that each person in our campus community can find an opportunity that resonates with an aspect of their wellness that they currently care about.” <blockquote> “These initiatives reflect a commitment to create a sustainable culture of well-being based on Christ’s desire for us to have life ‘more abundantly’ ... ” </blockquote> Looking ahead, the Andreasen Center for Wellness will host its third annual Andreasen Indoor Triathlon on Feb. 22, 2026. Participants from the campus and local community will swim in the pool, bike on stationary bikes and run on treadmills to complete the timed race. In March 2026, students and employees can participate in the Wellness Sleep Challenge, earning prizes by creating bedtime routines and ensuring they have an adequate amount of rest each night. Other areas on campus also actively contribute to the University’s wellness initiatives. Multiple student clubs and departments sponsor runs and walks throughout the school year to support different causes. One of the longest- standing events of this nature is the “Motion is Medicine 5K Fun Run/Walk” planned by the School of Rehabilitation Sciences. The race happens each April and raises funds for childhood education efforts in El Salvador. Keele says, “These initiatives reflect a commitment to create a sustainable culture of well-being based on Christ’s desire for us to have life ‘more abundantly,’ as expressed in John 10:10. Through coordinated programming and cross-departmental collaboration, the University is reinforcing the message that health is holistic, flourishing is a communal journey and we were made to thrive.” Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:42:21 +0000 Unique new scholarship for School of Social Work http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68933 A new scholarship, Lira’s Legacy Scholarship, was recently established to aid students with disabilities within the Andrews University School of Social Work. Valued at $1,500, the scholarship will be offered annually. In order to apply, students must be studying social work and identify as living with autism spectrum disorder or a documented disability that significantly impacts day-to-day life. This scholarship enhances both the University and its surrounding community, as it emphasizes the importance of individuality and recognizes the need to create a more equitable path for people with disabilities. The recipient of the 2025–2026 scholarship is Caundee Cauvin, Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work student. Reflecting on her feelings and experiences, Cauvin shares, “Applying required me to reflect honestly on what it means to live with ADHD—both the challenges and the strengths it brings. It pushed me to acknowledge parts of my story that I usually keep private.” She adds, “When I found out I had been selected … it was a moment of validation—a reminder that when we are honest about invisible disabilities, we open the door to understanding, support and encouragement rather than stigma.” The scholarship was created by Mariella Pechero. She shares that one of her many reasons for creating the scholarship was her experience as the mother of a non-neurotypical son. Pechero says, “My hope is that this scholarship will offer comfort to parents, in a small but meaningful reminder that they are seen, understood and not alone. I hope it serves as a symbol of our shared belief that our children can thrive.” <blockquote> “This scholarship feels deeply personal because it represents my mother’s legacy of compassion and service.” </blockquote> Pechero named the scholarship in remembrance of her late aunt, Lira Weiss. She describes Weiss’ “passionate love and tenacity” as well as her lifelong commitment to people. Pechero also affirms that Weiss, inspired by the many social workers in her family, saw the inherent value of every individual, regardless of ability. Weiss had deep roots within the Andrews community, as the mother of Ingrid Slikkers, associate professor of social work and executive director of the International Center for Trauma Education & Care, as well as the grandmother and aunt to several students in the School of Social Work. Slikkers reflects, “This scholarship feels deeply personal because it represents my mother’s legacy of compassion and service. It reminds me that the values she lived—care, advocacy and community—continue to shape others through this award.” Shannon Trecartin, professor and chair of the School of Social Work, adds that focusing on the support of individuals with disabilities ensures that new social workers entering the field will be diverse; this allows for advocacy and empathy within both workplaces and client relationships. She shares that this representation in the social work field “enhances the quality of services and promotes a more inclusive understanding of disability and neurodiversity throughout the community.” Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:30:17 +0000 Be the Blessing http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68932 What if your greatest impact in life isn’t measured by what you achieve but by who you bless? We often measure life’s value by milestones and accomplishments. Yet Scripture points us to something deeper: the quiet but powerful influence of blessing others. To “be the blessing” is to live so that others glimpse God’s heart through you. Three gifts make this possible. The Gift of Presence To be fully there—heart open, attention undivided—is one of the most profound gifts we can give. In a world obsessed with likes and followers, true presence is radical. It creates a sacred space where others can feel seen, heard and valued. John 1:14 is significant: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (NIV). God didn’t just love from afar. He walked our roads and shared our meals. He gave us not just His power but His presence. When Lazarus died, Jesus could have performed a remote miracle. Instead, He showed up. He wept with Mary and Martha before raising Lazarus (John 11). His presence said, “I am here.” You can do the same. Pause for a struggling colleague, listen to a neighbor’s story or walk with someone who feels alone. When you give your presence, you reflect God’s heart. The Gift of Kindness Kindness is more than politeness or pleasant smiles. True kindness is compassion in action, flowing from a heart shaped by grace. The Good Samaritan modeled this (Luke 10). When others passed by a wounded traveler, too busy or scared to help, the Samaritan stopped. He bandaged wounds, paid for recovery and asked for nothing in return. Jesus said simply: “Go and do likewise.” Jesus lived this out every day. He noticed the woman who touched His garment, welcomed children others dismissed and restored Peter after failure. His kindness was intentional, heart-first love. You can mirror that love. Send a message to a friend who’s hurting. Offer a genuine thank-you to someone overlooked. That small act may become a window into God’s kingdom. In a world aching for gentleness, your kindness might be the clearest glimpse of Jesus someone sees today. The Gift of Encouragement What if your words could ignite a spark of hope? What if a positive message you share could change the arc of someone’s life? Barnabas, nicknamed “Son of Encouragement,” understood this. When Paul, fresh off persecuting Christians, was shunned by the early church, Barnabas vouched for him, seeing his potential (Acts 9:27). That single act helped launch Paul’s ministry. Your words can do that. It’s not about empty hype but about seeing God’s possibilities in someone and daring to call it out. When someone believes in us before we believe in ourselves, courage awakens. Encouragement channels God’s strength into someone’s life, breathing hope where doubt has taken root. Paul urged, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up … ” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV). Each time you lift another person, you build God’s kingdom. So, send a message of support, celebrate someone’s effort or pray over a friend’s dream. In a world quick to criticize, encouragement is radical. It is Jesus speaking life. --- You may not change the whole world instantly, but you can change someone’s world today through your presence, kindness and encouragement. Be the blessing and watch God move. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:16:04 +0000 Be the Blessing http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68833 WHAT IF YOUR GREATEST IMPACT IN life isn’t measured by what you achieve but by who you bless? We often measure life’s value by milestones and accomplishments. Yet Scripture points us to something deeper: the quiet but powerful influence of blessing others. To “be the blessing” is to live so that others glimpse God’s heart through you. Three gifts make this possible. The Gift of Presence To be fully there—heart open, attention undivided—is one of the most profound gifts we can give. In a world obsessed with likes and followers, true presence is radical. It creates a sacred space where others can feel seen, heard and valued. John 1:14 is significant: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (NIV). God didn’t just love from afar. He walked our roads and shared our meals. He gave us not just His power but His presence. When Lazarus died, Jesus could have performed a remote miracle. Instead, He showed up. He wept with Mary and Martha before raising Lazarus (John 11). His presence said, “I am here.” You can do the same. Pause for a struggling colleague, listen to a neighbor’s story or walk with someone who feels alone. When you give your presence, you reflect God’s heart. The Gift of Kindness Kindness is more than politeness or pleasant smiles. True kindness is compassion in action, flowing from a heart shaped by grace. The Good Samaritan modeled this (Luke 10). When others passed by a wounded traveler, too busy or scared to help, the Samaritan stopped. He bandaged wounds, paid for recovery and asked for nothing in return. Jesus said simply: “Go and do likewise.” Jesus lived this out every day. He noticed the woman who touched His garment, welcomed children others dismissed and restored Peter after failure. His kindness was intentional, heart-first love. You can mirror that love. Send a message to a friend who’s hurting. Offer a genuine thank-you to someone overlooked. That small act may become a window into God’s kingdom. In a world aching for gentleness, your kindness might be the clearest glimpse of Jesus someone sees today. The Gift of Encouragement What if your words could ignite a spark of hope? What if a positive message you share could change the arc of someone’s life? Barnabas, nicknamed “Son of Encouragement,” understood this. When Paul, fresh off persecuting Christians, was shunned by the early church, Barnabas vouched for him, seeing his potential (Acts 9:27). That single act helped launch Paul’s ministry. Your words can do that. It’s not about empty hype but about seeing God’s possibilities in someone and daring to call it out. When someone believes in us before we believe in ourselves, courage awakens. Encouragement channels God’s strength into someone’s life, breathing hope where doubt has taken root. Paul urged, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up … ” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV). Each time you lift another person, you build God’s kingdom. So, send a message of support, celebrate someone’s effort or pray over a friend’s dream. In a world quick to criticize, encouragement is radical. It is Jesus speaking life. You may not change the whole world instantly, but you can change someone’s world today through your presence, kindness and encouragement. Be the blessing and watch God move. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:13:37 +0000 Every Step of the Way http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68681 <img alt="" src="https://webdev.andrews.edu/attachments/68/68681/marathon1.jpg" style="width: 1200px;" /> Jane and Charles Cutting graduated from Andrews University in June 1962. Jane earned a Bachelor of Science in home economics, and Charles completed a Bachelor of Arts in zoology. They had married with one year of undergraduate work left at Andrews, and after graduation and further education, they went on to careers as a dietitian and dentist, respectively. Over the years, Jane and Charles moved multiple times— including for military service, employment, and mission service. Their family grew to include three daughters: Cheryl Ann, Shelly Sue and Carey Lynn. Jane and Charles also took up a long-term, long-distance interest: running marathons.   <hr />   <blockquote> <img alt="" src="https://webdev.andrews.edu/attachments/68/68681/marathon2.jpg" style="float: right; width: 400px;" />Charles and Jane at the San Francisco Marathon in 1983 | Charles and Jane at a Missoula Marathon in Montana </blockquote> I was born in Huntington, Long Island, New York, but moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, when I was 18 months old. I graduated from Battle Creek Academy and went on to Emmanuel Missionary College (EMC), which became Andrews University while I was there. Charles was born in Los Angeles, California, primarily living in California except for a brief time in South Bend, Indiana, and Berrien Springs, Michigan. He graduated from La Sierra Academy and went to La Sierra College for a year and a half before also attending EMC. Charles and I met at EMC, became friends and dated a little by 1959. During Christmas vacation that year, Charles hitchhiked to Florida to visit some longtime family friends. My family spent every Christmas vacation in Florida with my grandparents. In 1959, we happened to attend a Friday evening meeting at the Seventh-day Adventist church in Orlando. Who should also be there but Charles! My parents were happy to see him, and my dad offered him a ride with us back to Michigan instead of him hitchhiking. He gladly accepted. After that trip, we kept dating. We got engaged during the next Christmas vacation and were married on Sept. 3, 1961, in Battle Creek. Charles was drafted into the Army and, after graduation from Andrews in 1962, we moved to Texas and Washington, D.C., for his service. In 1964, we returned to school—I did a dietetics internship while Charles attended Loma Linda University. He graduated from dental school in 1968, and we lived in Utah and Michigan before moving to Colorado. We had always been active and especially enjoyed hiking over the years. In 1972, Charles attended American Medical Association meetings in Denver. One of the speakers was Kenneth Cooper, who had worked with the Air Force troops to get them running and later became the “father of aerobics.” Charles was so impressed with the presentation that he came home and said, “We have to start running!” So we went in search of shoes. There were no running shoes available at that time. Instead, we got some tennis shoes and began running a mile around our neighborhood every morning—rain, sunshine or snow. We kept up the one or two miles a day for several years. In 1974, we moved to Africa, having accepted a call to mission service working in dental clinics. We spent six months in Rhodesia, which later became Zimbabwe. Then we moved to Malawi for six years. The dentists remodeled and updated the dental clinic, and they trained their own national dental assistants. We also did a lot of “bush” clinics out in more remote areas, often under a big tree. During the years that we lived in Africa, we continued to keep up with our running. In 1980, we moved back to California to be close to Charles’ mother, who was in poor health. We were living in the Loma Linda area, and Charles saw an advertisement for the Loma Linda Lopers. He decided to check it out and see what their fitness program involved. He found out they were training to do the Honolulu Marathon in December. He didn’t have any intentions of doing a marathon but thought it would be nice to have more people to run with. I kept up with my two miles a day in our neighborhood. Then Charles told me it’s easier to go five miles than two miles because you are just getting warmed up in two miles. I started going farther and discovered he was right. Charles had been putting in all the training to do a marathon so decided to go to Honolulu to do the marathon with the Lopers. I said I would go along and cheer them on because the farthest I had ever run was eight miles. But the Lopers talked me into doing the marathon, too. They said, “You’ve been running a lot, and you can finish it.” <blockquote> <img alt="" src="https://webdev.andrews.edu/attachments/68/68681/marathon3.jpg" style="width: 400px; float: left;" />Jane and grandson Caden at the 40th Los Angeles Marathon  Jane and Charles at a Los Angeles Marathon with Ron DuPreez who, in 2025, completed a 50K in 50 states in 50 days to encourage seniors to stay active </blockquote> Honolulu leaves the course open until the last runner comes across the finish line. I had hiked Mount Whitney, which was 22 miles round trip at high elevation, so I knew I could finish the Honolulu route and agreed to give it a try. I was able to run the first 15 miles and then alternated running and walking the rest. But I finished faster than some of the Lopers who had trained all year for it—my time was five hours and 35 minutes. I was quite sore after the marathon for a few days. Later, I decided to train for the following year’s Honolulu Marathon, and I completed it in four hours and 34 minutes. We started doing other marathons, mainly around California. I did my personal best marathon in San Diego in 1985 with a time of 3:53:39. Charles’ best time was 3:46. We qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon, which didn’t begin until noon. By race time, it had been a long time since we ate. Back then, we didn’t have a lot of snacks or gels or electrolytes to use along the way. Charles was hypoglycemic and slowed down a lot. I ended up beating him by seven minutes. For the majority of the marathons we have done, he has beaten my time. But there have been a few times that I came in ahead of him. At this point, we were going all over the country to do marathons in many of the major cities and also in some more remote areas. I liked doing a marathon a month to use it as a training run for the next marathon. Then we decided to work on doing a marathon in every state. We spent a couple weeks in New England and got all those states. Our daughter and her husband were planning a trip to Alaska and Canada on their motorcycle in 2004. We thought that sounded like fun, so we got a motorcycle and went with them. It was about an 8,000 mile trip with frequent stops to rest and stretch and buy gas, etc., but it was fun. We put our bikes on the ferries and went up through the Inside Passage. We took time out to do a marathon in Anchorage, Alaska. After we retired to northern Idaho in 2005, we were able to take marathon trips crisscrossing the U.S., doing several marathons along the way. It took a lot of planning to fit in as many as we could. We were also able to visit many friends and family on our trips in between marathons. In 2008, we met our goal of completing marathons in all 50 states—Arkansas was our last state. That didn’t stop us from doing more marathons, though. We have done several marathons in Canada, including in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Niagara Falls. Auckland, New Zealand, and London, England, are the only two marathons we have done outside of North America, although we have been on all the continents and traveled in 85 countries. When the Los Angeles Marathon started in 1986, the Loma Linda Lopers switched to training for that race instead of the Honolulu Marathon. We did that first Los Angeles Marathon and kept doing it every year because it was convenient and close by while we were living in Southern California. <blockquote> <img alt="" src="https://webdev.andrews.edu/attachments/68/68681/marathon4.jpg" style="width: 400px; float: right;" />Los Angeles Marathon medals (Jane’s on the right and Charles’ on the left) and a quilt made out of T-shirts from doing a marathon in all 50 states  Los Angeles Marathon Legacy Runners Charles and Jane  Oldest male Los Angeles Marathon Legacy Runner Claud and oldest female Los Angeles Marathon Legacy Runner Jane </blockquote> When we retired and moved to Idaho, we had already done the first 20 Los Angeles Marathons. We decided to keep going back to LA each year for the marathon, and now it has been 40 years since it began! Unfortunately, Charles had some health issues which prevented him from doing the 40th year on March 16, 2025. But I was there. For the last four years or so, I have been the oldest female to have done all the Los Angeles Marathons. I plan to do the LA Marathon every year in March, and I will try to keep it up as long as I am able. There are still 86 of us who have done all 40 years of the LA Marathon. Ten of us are women. We have done so many marathons, it is hard to say which one is a favorite. Joining the 50 States Marathon Club was fun because we would get to see a lot of the same people at so many of the races. Some marathons have beautiful scenery, like on the North Carolina coast, in the California Redwoods, in the mountains outside of Salt Lake City, in Coeur d’Alene, in Yakima Valley in Washington, at Big Sur in California, and along the Gulf Coast of Texas. <blockquote> “Charles got started doing marathons before I did, and he has done 222 marathons and 50K races. I have done a total of 194 marathons and 50K races.” </blockquote> Then others are very interesting because they take you through famous and historical places such as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego, Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles. We sort of favor the Los Angeles Marathon because we have the history of doing it for 40 years. Its course has changed a number of times over the years, but it always includes downtown Los Angeles, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Olvera Street and Hollywood. It’s also been a joy to watch the athletes in the next generations of our family. Carey’s husband Greg has done several Ironman triathlons and a lot of marathons and other athletic events. He loves riding his bike and has done 100 and 300 milers for some events. Our grandson Kyler did his first marathon with us in Los Angeles when he was 16 in 2022, and he also did his first half Ironman triathlon here in Coeur d’Alene in June this year. Greg did that one, too. Our grandson Caden did the Los Angeles Marathon when he was 16 in 2025 with me. Cheryl’s husband Kent did a marathon in Singapore when he was about 17, while attending Far Eastern Academy. So we do have a few athletes in our family! Charles got started doing marathons before I did, and he has done 222 marathons and 50K races. I have done a total of 194 marathons and 50K races. We try to be an inspiration to others and encourage everyone to stay as active as possible for as long as possible so they can enjoy life to the fullest. God promises to be with us always in everything that comes our way. And He has been with us all the time, no matter where we are. We thank Him daily for His loving and protective care and for solving issues so we can carry on with our lives and our duties. Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:04:33 +0000