Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2026, Andrews University Sat, 17 Oct 2026 09:28:00 +0000 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 09:28:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Musical Pursuits http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69601 Mailyn Iribar Corpas began her bachelor’s degree in music performance in the fall of 2022 and completed her studies in spring 2026. Leaving her native Cuba to come to Berrien Springs, she quickly established herself as a talented performer and pupil. She shares that the collaboration and support she received from the Department of Music helped her grow academically and as a performer. “I’m so grateful for everything that I learned and the support that I got from all the professors,” Iribar Corpas says. “I got opportunities to play with the orchestra three times while being at Andrews and that was a highlight for me because you don’t get to play a lot with the orchestra during your bachelor’s.” These opportunities encouraged Iribar Corpas to participate in the Musicians Club of Women Instrumental Competition on March 7 in Chicago, Illinois, where she received the first prize Nerenberg Award and Farwell Trust Award in the Senior Instrumental Division. She also applied for the Ruthmere Museum’s inaugural string competition. “I actually applied to the Ruthmere competition without having any expectations,” she says. “You do this kind of stuff to try to put yourself out there and try to push yourself to grow. … It helped and I’m so grateful.” Iribar Corpas went on to win the Ruthmere competition and gave a solo concert performance on April 23 at the museum. Along with these important competitions, Iribar Corpas faced a busy final semester, balancing a full class load, research assignment and several performances. On April 10, she presented her senior recital, titled “Reflections.” During the concert, she played works by composers Richard Strauss, Paul Schoenfield, Jessie Montgomery, Amy Beach and more. The evening also featured the first movement of late Andrews Professor Blythe Owen’s violin sonata, which Iribar Corpas helped research. In her work on Owen’s sonata, Iribar Corpas worked with Marianne Kordas, associate professor and director of the Music Materials Center, who has been studying the composer’s letters and documents for the past decade. Owen taught, composed and performed throughout the last half of the 20th century, leaving an indelible mark on the Andrews University Department of Music and its students. The sonata was only recently rediscovered and had not been played since the composer’s death in 2000. Two annual scholarships have been established in Owen’s memory. These help students like Iribar Corpas—whose enrollment largely relied on scholarships—giving them the opportunity to attend Andrews University and make similar impacts through their music. Building on her undergraduate experiences at Andrews, Iribar Corpas plans to continue pursuing music academically and professionally by joining DePaul University’s graduate music program. She later hopes to pursue orchestral and solo performance and competition opportunities. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:15:10 +0000 Regional Events http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69600 From Orlando, Florida, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Dallas, Texas, Loma Linda, California, and Asheville, North Carolina, this spring, regional events gave us the opportunity to reconnect with alumni and friends across the country. Some gatherings marked our annual return to a community, while we visited others for the first time. Members of the University Advancement team welcomed alumni and friends to the regional events and shared conversation and fellowship. One of the highlights of each event was having Andrews University President John Wesley Taylor V attend and share campus updates. Alumni appreciated the opportunity to learn about what was happening at Andrews and ask questions. As alumni enjoyed a meal together, a slideshow featuring photos from the past year highlighted memorable moments on campus. Each event concluded with a fun trivia game based on those photos, giving alumni the opportunity to test their Andrews knowledge and win prizes. Another favorite tradition was recognizing the youngest, or most recent, Andrews graduate in attendance with a special prize. The gatherings were warmly received, and we were grateful for the many conversations shared throughout the spring. Dallas was especially encouraging, with a strong turnout of young alumni joining graduates from across generations. Throughout the events, alumni also shared their favorite Andrews memories and words of encouragement for today’s students. Many of those memories and messages were later posted on the Office of Alumni Services’ social media. Thank you to everyone who joined us this spring. We look forward to seeing more alumni and friends at future regional events. Upcoming Events Visit <a href="http://andrews.edu/alumni/events">andrews.edu/alumni/events</a> to access up-to-date information and to register for future regional events. To be sure you are connected to Andrews and can receive direct invitations, please update your contact information by emailing <a href="mailto:alumni@andrews.edu">alumni@andrews.edu</a> or calling the Office of Alumni Services at 269-471-3591. Who are alumni? If you’ve graduated, attended, worked or taught at Andrews University, we consider you alumni! And if you’re a parent or a potential student considering Andrews, you’re invited to be our honored guest. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:09:44 +0000 How Can I Keep From Singing http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69597 From April 24–25, 2026, over 350 Andrews University alumni returned to campus for a special reunion weekend honoring Stephen Zork, director of choral studies, as he prepared to retire after nearly 35 years of dedicated service. “Singing together is a natural, convictional, cathartic, vulnerable and unifying enterprise that creates blessed and meaningful bonds,” says Stephen. “And it produces greater dividends than would otherwise result. This was true of my experience each year in teaching and conducting choirs. And it culminated in the most precious and meaningful of ways when my former students/singers planned and administered the most amazing gift for my retirement—in returning to sing once again, together with each other and with me.” Stephen’s enjoyment of singing with friends and improvising harmonies began as a child. He recalls that in sixth grade, as a student at Andrews Elementary School, he and his classmates made the trek across campus to what is now Hamel Hall. It was Stephen’s first-ever choir festival. “I’ll never forget the pleasure I experienced,” he says. “I loved the disciplined approach of conductor Bjorn Keyn of the Andrews music department and how he inspired us to sing with intentionality and meaning. That experience influenced my approach to music-making for the rest of my life.” Stephen completed his secondary education at Helderberg College Academy, South Africa, and also advanced through level 8 at the Royal Academy of Music, Zimbabwe. He continued formal music studies in the United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Atlantic Union College. It was there that Stephen and his wife Susan met, fittingly, as first-year music theory students and choir members. Stephen went on to complete a Master of Music in choral conducting from Pacific Lutheran University. <img alt="" src="https://webdev.andrews.edu/attachments/69/69597/2026_2_june_83.jpg" /> Stephen began his professional career in 1977, first teaching at Maplewood Academy and later at Auburn Adventist Academy, Shenandoah Valley Academy and Walla Walla College (now University). After two years at Walla Walla, he received a call to join the Department of Music at Andrews University in 1991. It was when Stephen returned to Andrews as the director of choirs that he more deeply understood the value of his passion for choral pedagogy. “I began developing and codifying teaching methods that monitored the balance between goal-oriented and method-oriented teaching, with the goal of finding satisfaction in both approaches,” he says. Stephen started as an assistant professor and eventually attained full professor status. In 1996, he took on additional responsibilities as director of choral studies, overseeing the Master of Music degree in choral conducting. For the majority of his years in the Department of Music, he maintained a voice studio, and throughout his tenure he taught orchestration, composition, singer’s diction, conducting, methods courses in vocal pedagogy, choral pedagogy and choral literature, and the University’s general education class Enjoyment of Music. In his last year at Andrews, he also served as visiting professor and director of the Notre Dame Chorale at the University of Notre Dame. Stephen’s accomplishments in performance, scholarship and education were recognized with several honors, including the Siegfried H. Horn Excellence in Research & Creative Scholarship Award and the Teacher of the Year Award from Andrews University as well as multiple awards from the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Naturally, a significant part of Stephen’s time involved performances with the Andrews choirs—regular concerts on campus, special selections for church services, and tours locally, nationally and internationally. He led the University Singers, the select choir from the Department of Music, at four ACDA conferences and on highly acclaimed concert tours throughout England, Scotland, Iceland, Norway, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Chile, The Bahamas, Bermuda and Puerto Rico. Under Stephen’s direction, the Singers performed with noted musical artists and ensembles such as Bobby McFerrin and The King’s Singers. They participated in frequent choral collaborations with the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra and in numerous master classes. The Singers also recorded seven albums, some of which included early Seventh-day Adventist hymns. Stephen continually looked forward to new experiences and interactions. “The next adventure, the next musical challenge, the next student and their unique gifts and potentiality … these are the things that have always motivated me.” He shares, “I believe pedagogy is at the core of achieving transformative and artistic expression—inspiring people to use the skills and technical tools they innately possess to help them experience accomplishment and artistry that transcends individuality for the collaborative common good.” <img alt="" src="https://webdev.andrews.edu/attachments/69/69597/2026_2_june_82.jpg" /> It is fitting that Stephen’s favorite part about working at Andrews was, first and foremost, the students—their talents, curiosity, intellect, dedication, and desire to learn and excel. He says, “So many students possessed such devotion and sacrificed so much for the sake of genuine learning and advancing their education.” Those students have gone on to make an impact around the world. Some teach music and direct choirs in the largest high schools in the United States and abroad. Others have gone on to earn doctoral degrees and teach in colleges and universities, including Pacific Union College, Southwestern Adventist University, Washington Adventist University, and international institutions in the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Egypt. Students remember Stephen and their choral experience as a favorite part of Andrews, too. When the opportunity came to celebrate Stephen over the reunion weekend in April, they responded enthusiastically, traveling long distances to attend. In preparation for the performances, returning alumni submitted choral music that they hoped to sing once again. The long initial list was narrowed down by a student-led planning committee. Stephen then had to select 12 pieces from that list for the concert on Friday evening and the service in Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) the next morning. “It was a difficult task,” he recalls, “as every song was a marvelous piece with many ‘votes’ and beautiful melodies and precious messages. My wife, Susan, and I spent a day discussing, reviewing, doing quite a bit of crying and then determining which songs would be included.” The weekend’s full choir consisted of approximately 300 combined alumni and current students. On Friday evening, Stephen was honored by the Department of Music for his leadership and service. He was also surprised with the performance of an original choral piece, “When God Sings,” commissioned by his graduate and conducting students and composed by one of Stephen’s former students, James Lee III. On Sabbath morning, PMC recognized Stephen and Susan’s ministry partnership with a special presentation, as well. “It was so meaningful to be given the mantle of leadership for 24 hours,” says Stephen, “and to be regarded as the first amongst equals who gathered together in like-minded expectation, intentionality, purpose, musicality, artistry and vulnerability.” He adds, “The unexpected and overwhelming expression of love and affection people had for each other and expressed for me and my wife was deeply humbling and something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.” <img alt="" src="https://webdev.andrews.edu/attachments/69/69597/2026_2_june_86.jpg" /> As he retires, Stephen will miss the people at Andrews—both his colleagues across campus and especially, of course, his students. “I will miss teaching the students and hearing them sing every day,” he reflects. “I will miss working toward thoughtful performances that highlight the progress of the student’s learning, their sound and their interpretation that give opportunity to bless and educate the audiences, too. I will miss the choirs telling the love of Jesus as it relates to His impact on the human race and the world.” Andrews stood out to Stephen because of the diversity of cultures and the opportunities to make a greater impact for God’s Kingdom. He says, “Andrews has been a wonderful place to work and bring up our family. I learned to be thankful for what God gives you and allows you to do; to look for and help develop the potential in all people.” In retirement, Stephen plans to maintain his connection to music through a light schedule of guest-conducting workshops, choral clinics and choir festivals. He and Susan will remain living in Eau Claire, Michigan, and will take time to travel to see their children and grandchildren. They also will make an extended visit to Stephen’s place of birth in Cape Town, South Africa, along with visits to Mozambique and Zimbabwe. They look forward to more camping, hiking and enjoying a simple, leisurely pace of life. <img alt="" src="https://webdev.andrews.edu/attachments/69/69597/2026_2_june_84.jpg" /> Stephen’s legacy will continue on at Andrews University. To honor him and the impact he has made on thousands of lives, Andrews has created the Stephen Zork Endowed Chair of Choral Music with the goal of securing transformative music education for future generations. $1.56 million of the $2 million goal has been raised toward establishing a permanent position for a choral conductor and faculty member in the Department of Music. Charles Reid, associate professor of music, affirms, “Stephen Zork has fostered numerous leaders that serve throughout the world in Adventist academies and congregations. Choral music is a meeting point, but the welcoming hospitality and the trusting ear of the Zorks has been a cherished cornerstone for the Andrews student body.” The Stephen Zork Endowed Chair of Choral Music will be the first permanent chair in the music department. “It will guarantee that there is always someone that is the choral conductor here. It solidifies the program,” shares Max Keller, chair of the Department of Music. “It is a huge statement for the University to put that kind of effort into the choral program. For it to be named after Stephen Zork—it’s a huge legacy honor for him. His impact is going to be felt for as long as this institution is here.” For Stephen, the establishment of an endowed chair is deeply meaningful and an affirmation of Andrews’ commitment to the longevity of the Department of Music and its programs. “Music education is interdisciplinary and cross-generational,” he says. “And it brings contrasting cultures, social groups and emotional temperaments together in an environment where they can be secure while experiencing the art of vulnerability through disciplined expression.” He adds, “I believe Seventh-day Adventist educational institutions, especially Andrews University, must be at the forefront of this discipline. The mission of Jesus Christ must continue to be eloquently proclaimed through choral music education from the elementary to the post-graduate levels.” Visit <a href="http://andrews.edu/give/zork">andrews.edu/give/zork</a> for more information on the Stephen Zork Endowed Chair of Choral Music. <img alt="" src="https://webdev.andrews.edu/attachments/69/69597/2026_2_june_85.jpg" /> 1,978—Pieces listed in programs during tenure from 1991–2026 Top 5 composers/origins: 97—Traditional African American Spiritual 55—Johann Sebastian Bach 45—John Rutter 40—Z. Randall Stroope 38—Traditional South African Most programmed hymn: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” 58—Master’s students mentored in choral conducting Modeled Christ’s love and shared faith with: 7,000+ students <img alt="" src="https://webdev.andrews.edu/attachments/69/69597/focus_photo_transfer_cover.jpg" /> In Stephen’s Words It is easy, in one sense, to claim one’s fundamental hope in Jesus—to plant it squarely at the center of your life and surely as the motivating direction of one’s career within the church and specifically through teaching at an Adventist institution. And it is accurate. But, if I were truly honest, I would admit that this is a complex reality that teeters between my own personal growth and faith and the intended and overt task of openly sharing and proclaiming the gospel, in all its varying manifestations, to students and through students to the world in which we live. And this human believer’s dilemma and reality is understood in three fundamental, biblical concepts for me—firstly, my own shortcomings and unworthiness, yet Jesus’ willing and sufficient grace freely applied toward me: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV). These words have always undergirded my faith and allowed me to dare to teach at any Christian institution. Secondly is the biblical concept of the universal priesthood of all believers. “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5, NIV). Clearly, we are all called to the work of Jesus. And thirdly, God’s faithfulness to see it through; even in me. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). This is my spiritual foundation, personally and professionally, and how I have always approached my career in teaching. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:37:13 +0000 Employee Awards Celebration http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69596 On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Employee Awards Celebration took place in the Howard Performing Arts Center. Hosts Anthony Bosman, chair and associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, and Simona Mills-Pitcher, assistant chaplain in the Center for Faith Engagement, served as “secret agents” on a mission to recognize the dedication, achievements and impact of Andrews faculty and staff. University employees were honored for their years of service as well as excellence in faith engagement, wellness, research and creative scholarship, teaching, and service. During closing remarks, President John Wesley Taylor V said, “Andrews University is a place of light because of so many shining lights all across our campus and beyond. … Here at Andrews the lights that shine are lights of commitment, lights of excellence, but most of all they are lights because they reflect His light. And so thank you—thank you for letting Jesus shine through each of you. We are grateful.” Artur Stele, chair of the Andrews University Board of Trustees, thanked Andrews employees for their dedicated service and ended the program with a prayer of blessing. For written tributes and images for all award recipients, visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/employeeawards/">andrews.edu/services/hr/employeeawards</a>. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:18:48 +0000 A Focus on Health and Connection http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69595 Throughout her career, Deborah “Deby” Andvik has been guided by two core biblical messages: “And whatever your task, do it heartily, as serving the Lord and not men” (Colossians 3:23) and “Therefore, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Deby first came to Andrews in the fall of 1975 as a student, transferring from Kalamazoo College for her junior year after adopting the Seventh-day Adventist faith. During her senior year she met Alf Andvik, a student from Norway studying in the School of Technology. Deby and Alf were married in 1978—one week after Deby graduated with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education—and moved to Norway, where they lived for 22 years. During that time, Deby worked as an office assistant for her parents-in-law’s physical therapy clinics and later as an elementary school teacher at two Adventist schools. Additionally, both Deby and Alf worked with The Heartgood Foundation, a self-supporting lifestyle center and medical ministry organization. In 2000, when it was time for their children, Marlena and Jeffrey, to attend college, the Andviks decided to move back to Berrien Springs, reflecting that they both “had been so blessed and impacted by studying at Andrews.” With a heart for education, Deby applied to work at Andrews and was hired as the administrative assistant for the nursing department. After nine months, she became assistant to the dean in the College of Arts & Sciences. Eventually, when the School of Health Professions—later the College of Health & Human Services (CHHS)—became its own entity, she moved with it. The experience expanded her professional skills while further strengthening her belief in Adventism and its health message. “I became an Adventist because I was looking for a denomination that emphasized the importance of letting Christ be Lord of every area of our life—including health,” Deby says. “Since becoming an Adventist, our health message has been an integral part of my life, so this transition to support the health professions was a natural fit for me.” In her roles, Deby fostered meaningful connections across the University. She enjoyed working on campus-wide planning committees and engaged in an expanding network of responsibilities over the years. In particular, she enjoyed helping create the PULSE magazine, which showcased the projects, achievements and testimonies of CHHS students, faculty and alumni. She was also honored to serve on the Caring Connection Committee, helping employees in need during challenging times. Some highlights of her time at Andrews included involvement in international study tours, office and staff worships, and the European and Nordic student clubs. She appreciated the worldwide nature of the church represented at Andrews and the opportunities to provide support to students on their academic journeys, relating especially to international students adjusting to life in a new nation. “Over the years, I was able to help assist students needing extra resources,” she shares. “Often, they would be so appreciative and bring cards or gifts to express how much it meant to them. This really warmed my heart knowing that I’d made a difference.” In retirement, Deby plans to continue living in Berrien Springs, dedicating more of her time to gardening and connecting with friends. She will also serve as volunteer coordinator at FARM STEW, an international Christian ministry that trains and equips families with the skills they need to overcome hunger, disease and poverty so they can experience hope and abundant life offered by Jesus (John 10:10). Deby has always been motivated to “be a positive witness for the Lord; work to improve processes and efficiency; and lead by example—servant leadership,” and affirms, “I’m just changing from one mission field to another.” Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:08:08 +0000 Building Lifetime Relationships http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69594 When Elynda Bedney arrived at Andrews University in July 1987, she expected to support students through their financial journeys. What she did not anticipate was the profound impact those students—and the Andrews community—would have on her own life. Elynda began her Andrews career as an account supervisor in Student Finance after moving to Michigan with her husband, Donald, who had enrolled at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Just over two years later, Elynda was promoted to associate director of Student Finance, a position she held from 1989 to 2005. During that time, she earned a Master of Science in Administration from the Andrews School of Business. Taking one class per quarter over five years, she completed her degree in 1998. That same year, Elynda helped lead the merger of Student Finance and Financial Aid into Student Financial Services (SFS). She later played an important role in guiding the department through the University’s move from the quarter system to the semester system and the shift from paper registration to electronic financial clearance. In 2005, Elynda was named director of SFS, serving for 12 years. In 2017, she was appointed assistant vice president of SFS, a position she held until her retirement. Looking back, Elynda says one of the most rewarding aspects of her career was the Christian environment at Andrews. “Andrews was what you made it to be,” she reflects. “Whatever you were looking for here, you could find it—God, education, multicultural experiences, friends, lots of churches to choose from, and more.” Over the decades, her focus remained constant: helping students. “What I appreciated the most was working with students and being able to help find solutions for their problems regarding finances, life issues and spiritual challenges,” she says. Elynda particularly valued learning about students’ diverse cultures and made it a point to correctly learn their names—a gesture reflecting her belief that every student deserves to be seen, known and respected. Relationships were equally important among colleagues. “I was able to develop a relationship with each faculty and staff member in my circle of influence and discuss diplomatically many issues that impacted our work here at Andrews,” she explains. “I am still connected with a lot of these colleagues.” A commitment to excellence has guided Elynda throughout her life. “My parents always taught me that there was nothing I could not do,” she says. “I took that literally and applied it to my daily work.” This mindset was strengthened by her faith and a favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Elynda says, “Working at Andrews taught me to pray more and ask God for what I wanted, big or small. I also learned there are more ways to accomplish what needs to be done than the traditional way. There is room for creativity.” Her contributions earned significant recognition over the years, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association annual conference. She also received a commendation from former Andrews President Andrea Luxton recognizing the accomplishments of SFS under Elynda’s leadership. Elynda continues to serve Andrews University on a part-time basis in Financial Administration while looking forward to spending winters in Florida and a more flexible schedule. Reflecting on nearly four decades of service, Elynda says, “It has been a pleasure working here for the majority of my career, and I have no regrets. I would like to thank all the administrators that I worked with over the years, and I have appreciated being able to build lifetime relationships here at Andrews University.” Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:55:57 +0000 Transforming Adventist Education http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69593 In 2011, a merger between Griggs University/Griggs International Academy and Andrews University brought Alayne Thorpe to Berrien Springs, Michigan. It was the beginning of an impactful career at Andrews that allowed her to touch lives around the world. Alayne first served at Andrews University as founding dean of the School of Distance Education & International Partnerships. Later, she also took on the role of dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Then, when the School of Distance Education & International Partnerships and the School of Education were merged into the College of Education & International Services (CEIS), she was named dean of CEIS and served as associate provost of the School of Graduate Studies. Prior to her time at Andrews, Alayne worked as the academic head/chief academic officer of Griggs University and Griggs International Academy. She enjoyed the work, though she had never previously envisioned herself as a proponent of distance education. She says, “I began life as a classroom teacher in a public school and thought that the classroom was the only place where education could occur.” However, when she began work in Seventh-day Adventist education, her perspective started to change. “I realized two things,” Alayne shares. “The first was that the most spiritually transformative experiences that people could have were happening in Adventist classrooms throughout the world. The second was that there were many people not able to benefit from an Adventist classroom.” She recognized that because many students lack access to a local Adventist school, the only way to provide them with a transformative Adventist education was to make it portable—and her roles at Andrews allowed numerous opportunities to further that work. Alayne has found it rewarding to watch Andrews—with its supportive faculty, staff and administrators—expand its reach to students in Berrien Springs and beyond. She looks forward to even more growth with the recent launch of the Global Campus and is confident that its leaders will continue their important work. She has also treasured her time with graduate programs. “We have truly dedicated graduate students who have made great sacrifices to attend Andrews University. I am humbled by their enthusiasm, by their commitment to helping build a better Church, a better school, a better health care system,” she notes. Alayne’s favorite passage of Scripture is John 21:15–17, in which Jesus shows Peter not only that He forgives him but that He trusts Peter with the highest responsibility a follower of Jesus can have: to feed His sheep. She says, “That is what we do every day at Andrews University. We feed Jesus’ flock—the precious people He has brought to our campus, whether physical or virtual.” In retirement, Alayne will be working part-time for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, advocating for higher education, and aims to continue finding ways to support Andrews University. She affirms, “I have spent my career trying to make transformative experiences available to as many people as possible. It has been a pleasure to work collaboratively across the Andrews University campus to expand the University’s reach around the world.” Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:53:46 +0000 A Life of Service http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69592 Anna Piskozub began her journey at Andrews University on May 30, 1995, in the School of Education. She came to Andrews from Chicago, Illinois, where she spent many years working at two large law firms. Her first role at Andrews was as executive secretary for graduate programs under the leadership of Jerome Thayer. With his guidance, Anna was introduced to the complex and meaningful world of graduate education. “I quickly learned about how strong systems, careful processes and thoughtful support are essential in helping students succeed,” she shares. “It was also during this time that I realized I wanted to continue growing personally and professionally, so I became a student myself.” Over the years, Anna pursued undergraduate coursework at Andrews University and completed her remaining studies at Atlantic Union College, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2008. Later, following a change in direction that reflected her growing interest in health and well-being, she completed a master’s degree in nutrition and wellness from Andrews in 2013. Much of Anna’s professional life was devoted to supporting graduate students. She worked behind the scenes to track academic progress, build systems to help students stay on course, and collaborate closely with faculty and administrators. Her attention to detail, organizational skill and genuine care for students allowed her to grow into roles of increasing responsibility, including graduate programs service coordinator in the School of Education and, later, accreditation, assessment and graduate record officer in the College of Education & International Services. Some of the highlights of Anna’s career were her involvement in major institutional initiatives, including the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation process. She took great pride in contributing to work that strengthened programs and ensured excellence in graduate education. “Equally meaningful to me were the relationships I built along the way—with colleagues who shared my dedication and with students whose success made every challenge worthwhile,” she says. Anna also shared her commitment to healthy living with the campus. She served as a fitness instructor and mat Pilates instructor in the Lamson Health Club from 2000–2018. In 2017, she began work as an adjunct professor to teach Pilates for the School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness, a role she continues presently in addition to teaching the 6 a.m. classes for the Andreasen Center for Wellness. In May 2024, Anna transitioned to the Global Leadership Institute, serving as operations program coordinator. Although the role came with a steep learning curve, it proved to be a joyful and meaningful final chapter in her career. Working in a mission-centered environment focused on developing church leaders allowed her to combine her professional skills with her deep faith. “I am especially grateful for the mentorship, encouragement and support I received during that time,” she reflects. Throughout her career, Anna has been guided by her faith as a committed Seventh-day Adventist Christian. She shares, “I firmly believe that God placed me in each role not only to challenge me but also to keep Him at the center of my work and encourage me to serve others with compassion, humility and integrity.” As Anna retires, she does so with a full and grateful heart. She reflects with deep appreciation on the love, respect and support she received from faculty, students, graduate assistants and colleagues over the years. “Andrews University has been far more than a workplace—it has been a community, a ministry and a home,” she says. “The friendships formed here and the lives touched will remain with me always.” Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:51:52 +0000