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 08:36:00 +0000 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 08:36:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu 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 Project RENEW http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69345 Andrews University’s International Center for Trauma Education & Care, which is run by the University’s School of Social Work, extends its trauma training and education services to professionals, churches, communities and families across the globe. Most recently, an Andrews professor and student delivered an in-person training, titled Project RENEW, to 77 Seventh-day Adventist pastors and teachers on the border of Thailand and Myanmar from March 15–18. Julia O’Carey, Master of Social Work student, was part of the team that provided the trauma awareness training. O’Carey, who graduated from Andrews in 1997 and 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in education, respectively, started her social work studies after deciding to pivot toward focusing on clinical counseling for children and adolescents. Through personal experience living in Thailand for nearly 10 years, as well as her work with ASAP Ministries in Berrien Springs, Michigan, O’Carey recognized that many of the teachers and pastors in Southeast Asia could benefit from the center’s programs. “I grew up in Thailand and my parents worked in refugee camps,” she explains. “So I observed a lot of trauma and when I came back to the U.S. in high school, my heart was still with the people there.” O’Carey, with help from Ingrid Slikkers, executive director of the International Center for Trauma Education & Care, and Charity Garcia, director of K–12 initiatives for the center and associate professor of curriculum and instruction in the School of Education, was able to launch a pilot program centered on bringing culturally sensitive care to those living near the Thailand-Myanmar border. To prepare for the training, O’Carey designed and developed workbooks and other materials before field testing them in Thailand in December 2025. “I was able to really encourage one of the teachers and spend some quality time with her,” O’Carey shares of her field-testing experience. “I wish I could have done much more because there’s so much need there.” Many in the region have been affected by the Myanmar civil war that has been ongoing since 1948, occasionally involving Thailand and other nations. This led to participants attending the training in March from a variety of countries, including Myanmar, some having to travel several days to the event location. “The basic approach was to help them understand what the impact of trauma is on their brains and their bodies and what can be done about it,” says Garcia, who accompanied O’Carey in Thailand. “We did that by doing an activity called the ‘Brain Architecture’ game with them, where they literally used pipe cleaners and straws to build a brain and see the impact of positive, toxic and tolerable stress on brain development.” They also led attendees through activities focused on nature and spirituality that helped develop and inform both “trauma awareness and trauma responsiveness,” as Garcia puts it. The Stevens Foundation contributed the majority of the funds needed for the services, which included materials for the entire program as well as Week of Prayer resources for participants to use moving forward. The curriculum included what O’Carey describes as “culturally appropriate” and Bible-based materials for understanding trauma, its impacts specific to cultural context, and responses. The instructors discussed the types of traumas participants face as they perform their ministries in the church and in the classroom. Special prayer sessions were also integral to the program. The International Center for Trauma Education & Care team hopes this pilot program can be developed further and provide even more robust training and care for those in other developing nations and countries impacted by war. “It was, honestly, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, because to have this dream and then see how God opened the doors and how supportive the International Center for Trauma Education & Care was to do this was a mighty blessing,” says O’Carey. “I really hope to stay involved with the center. I’d be happy to help facilitate more trainings and adapt this curriculum or empower others to do it.” Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:10:17 +0000 Together Again … Together Forever http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69162 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:27:46 +0000 2025 Honored Classes http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69161 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:10:36 +0000 Up-and-Coming Alumni http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69140 The “Up-and-Coming Alumni Award” is presented to alumni aged 40 and under who are “Changing the World” through notable achievements in a profession or occupation, impactful contributions to the community or church, and/or outstanding service to the University. Nominations are submitted by fellow alumni or Andrews faculty/staff and approved by the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! <h3> Gary B. Howell-Walton (BA/BA ’10)</h3> Gary B. Howell-Walton graduated from Andrews University with Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and Spanish studies in 2010. He went on to receive his master’s degree in social work, community organization, planning and administration from the University of Southern California in 2014 and worked as a clinician in a nonprofit setting prior to law school. Gary joined WilmerHale as a summer associate in 2018. During law school, he served as a judicial intern for the Honorable George A. O’Toole Jr. of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts and as a legal intern with the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee. Gary received his Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in 2019. He is currently a senior associate whose practice covers a variety of complex litigation matters, including commercial disputes, regulatory enforcement matters and internal investigations. He has experience in all phases of civil litigation, including pleadings, discovery, trial and appeals. Gary maintains an active pro bono practice and has represented clients seeking support relating to housing, public benefits and immigration status. <h3> Ehren McLarty (BS ’11)</h3> Ehren McLarty graduated from Andrews University with a Bachelor of Science in animal science, summa cum laude. In 2015, she completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California (UC), Davis, College of Veterinary Medicine, a highly competitive veterinary school with one of the lowest acceptance rates in the U.S. After graduation, she was accepted for a one-year rotating internship at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. Following the internship, Ehren returned to UC Davis to complete a four-year residency in diagnostic imaging. Upon completing her residency in 2020, Ehren joined the faculty at UC Davis as assistant professor of clinical diagnostic imaging. Ehren feels blessed to have grown up in a Christian home and has been a member of the Woodland Seventh-day Adventist Church for 12 years, where she enjoys serving in music and children’s ministries. While an undergraduate student at Andrews, Ehren was a teaching assistant for the Foundation of Biology labs for 2.5 years and a member of the active pre-veterinary club. As an alumnus, she has supported the Department of Sustainable Agriculture. <h3> Stephen Mayer (BSE ’10)</h3> Stephen Mayer graduated from Andrews University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 2010. He was president of the Andrews University student chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers and was involved, for two years, with helping Andrews’ student chapter participate in the annual Baja SAE Competition. While attending Andrews, Stephen stayed busy and worked hard at the welding department, the Dairy and the cafeteria. Since graduating from Andrews University, Stephen has worked at Heritage Academy in Tennessee and the M+W Group in Chicago, Illinois. He is currently the mechanical team manager at Arcadis in Albany, New York. Stephen was part of the first group of students from Andrews University’s School of Engineering to complete the requirements for and be certified as a Professional Engineer (PE). Stephen has stayed connected with Andrews and has referred multiple graduates, who have been hired. He is also very involved with his local church, Joy of Troy in New York, where he has served as head deacon and clerk. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:01:23 +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