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 10:08:00 +0000 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 10:08:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Standout Spiritual Retreat http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69585 Faith, friendship and purpose came together at Andrews University’s Standout event from Feb. 20–22. Sixty-three high school students from public school and homeschool backgrounds attended the free spiritual retreat, hosted by the University’s Center for Faith Engagement, Discipleship Center, and Division of Marketing & Enrollment Management. The weekend provided opportunities for worship, leadership development and spiritual growth while introducing participants and their families to life within a Christ-centered university community. Centered on the theme “Gifted on Purpose,” the retreat encouraged students to recognize that God has intentionally given each person unique gifts to serve others and reflect His character. Through worship services, interactive discussions and Sabbath activities, attendees were challenged to deepen their relationship with God while building meaningful friendships with peers who share their faith. Keynote speaker Jermaine Gayle, senior pastor of the Kalamazoo Seventh-day Adventist Church, opened the retreat on Friday evening. He encouraged students to surrender their lives to God and allow Him to work through them. Gayle emphasized that when individuals use their gifts to serve others, they become living testimonies that point people back to Christ. After the presentation, student leaders from Andrews’ Anchor small groups facilitated discussions that allowed participants to connect and reflect on the message. The evening concluded with singing, prayer and fellowship as students welcomed the Sabbath together. Sabbath programming continued to build on the retreat’s theme with additional messages from Gayle focused on faith, purpose and spiritual growth. Guided discussion groups for both students and parents created opportunities for families to process the messages together and connect with others navigating similar faith journeys. Participants also enjoyed a variety of activities, including Scripture coloring, bookmark design and faith-based music activities. Before the last message was delivered, students gathered in small groups one final time to reflect on what they had learned throughout the weekend. According to organizers, many attendees identified the reflective discussions as some of the most meaningful aspects of the retreat. Several parents expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect with other families and discuss the challenges and blessings of raising young people in faith-centered homes. Standout also offered participants a firsthand look at life at Andrews University as they explored campus, interacted with current Andrews students, and learned more about the University’s mission of integrating faith, learning and service. Complimentary lodging and meals allowed guests from across the country to participate in the experience fully. Alanna Rodriguez Merlos, director of the Discipleship Center, emphasizes the importance of creating Christ-centered communities. “The friends young people choose have a direct influence on their long-term choices,” she says. “For this reason, the Standout weekend is designed to grow students’ love for Christ in community with each other.” Participants left campus with new friendships, spiritual encouragement and a renewed sense of purpose. One parent summarized the weekend’s impact by remarking, “Andrews needs to package this and take it to every Adventist academy.” By bringing together students from across the country in a supportive Christian environment, Standout 2026 furthered Andrews University’s commitment to nurturing faith, fostering community and inspiring the next generation of Christian leaders. “The friends young people choose have a direct influence on their long-term choices. For this reason, the Standout weekend is designed to grow students’ love for Christ in community with each other.” Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:55:46 +0000 Pilipino Cultural Night http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69584 More than 300 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members gathered at the Howard Performing Arts Center on Feb. 28 for the annual Andrews Filipino International Association (AFIA) Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN), a celebration of history and heritage. This year’s program, titled “Halo-Halo” or “mix-mix,” took inspiration from the name of a popular Filipino dessert. Reflecting the theme, AFIA presented a variety-show format featuring cultural dances, musical performances and comedic skits. Among the evening’s highlights was the skit “Overly Friendly Customer Service,” which humorously portrayed the warmth and hospitality often associated with Filipino culture. Audience members also enjoyed the choir’s performance of “Kalesa,” named after the traditional horse-drawn carriage that remains an important symbol of Filipino heritage. One of the most anticipated performances was Sayaw sa Bangko, a traditional folk dance requiring performers to move skillfully across benches without losing their balance. Demonstrations of Filipino Martial Arts, Tinikling and the Candle Dance further showcased student talent and culture. “PCN is an annual event that AFIA puts on in order to celebrate the Filipino culture,” says Fares Magesa, AFIA co-sponsor and director of Student Financial Services. “By providing students, both Filipino and not, the opportunity to be involved in or attend this experience, our community is able to grow and build stronger relationships.” Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:51:25 +0000 Black History Month http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69583 Throughout the month of February, Andrews University students, faculty and staff came together to celebrate Black History Month through worship services, educational programming and heritage events designed to promote cultural awareness and foster meaningful conversations about faith, identity and leadership. Highlights included undergraduate Chapel services featuring David R. Williams and Michaela Lawrence Jeffery, as well as a graduate chapel presentation by Carlton Byrd. New Life Fellowship also hosted several worship services celebrating African American, Caribbean, Afro-Latino and African cultures. Speakers included Williams, John and April Nixon, Jonathan Aguiñaga and Dennis Akawobsa, each bringing unique perspectives and messages of faith to the campus community. The Black Student Christian Forum (BSCF) played a central role throughout the month by organizing cultural programming that encouraged student engagement and learning. Activities included African American, Caribbean and Afro-Latino cocurricular programs, residence hall events and Impact Vespers services. Students also participated in Spirit Week, which featured themed activities such as Decades Day, Twin Day and Culture Day. In addition to worship and cultural events, the University encouraged reflection on Black Adventist history. Esther Knott, interim assistant to the president for Mission & Culture and diversity officer, highlighted the contributions of influential Black Seventh-day Adventist leaders through a campus-wide historical quiz inspired by Calvin B. Rock’s book, “Protest and Progress: Black Seventh-day Adventist Leadership and the Push for Parity.” The month-long celebration reflected Andrews University’s commitment to creating opportunities for cultural learning and engagement. Through worship, education and social events, Black History Month provided meaningful opportunities to honor the past, celebrate diversity and strengthen connections across the campus community. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:46:13 +0000 23rd Annual Teaching and Learning Conference http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69581 The 23rd annual Andrews University Teaching and Learning Conference (AUTLC), hosted by the School of Education on April 2, centered on the theme, “Beyond Test Scores: Cultivating Human Flourishing in Educational Communities.” Michael Gayle, interim chair of the School of Education and co-chair of the conference, notes that AUTLC allows educators from a variety of settings to share research, best practices and innovative approaches. “We’re all people,” Gayle says. “It’s looking beyond the test scores.” One of the conference highlights was a panel discussion that brought together different educators to reflect on what flourishing looks like in practice. Audience members submitted questions through a live survey, generating more responses than could be addressed during the session. The conference also provided meaningful opportunities for Andrews students to participate through research presentations, conference logistics and professional insights. Breakout sessions addressed topics such as faith and learning, arts in education and the impact of emerging technologies. Presenters explored issues ranging from trauma-informed teaching practices to the role of artificial intelligence in education. For Charity Garcia, associate professor of curriculum and instruction and conference co-chair, the conference’s emphasis on flourishing reflects a commitment to seeing students as whole people rather than simply academic performers. “We love our students,” Garcia says. “We’re looking at how we can create experiences where the whole person can show up, be supported, learn and grow together.” As conference leaders plan next year’s event, scheduled for March 25, 2027, they hope to continue expanding opportunities for collaboration while maintaining AUTLC’s longstanding commitment to accessibility. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:35:44 +0000 Celebrating Earth Month at Andrews http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69580 During April, the Creation Care Council engaged students in a variety of educational opportunities and worship experiences centered around Earth Month. Throughout the month, members of the council devised a weekly short course on topics related to creation care. These included presentations on nature as medicine, marine mammals, green engineering and more, delivered by faculty and staff from across campus. A capstone event, Creation Care Sabbath, took place on April 25. The day began with a sermon by Roshelle Hall, adjunct professor of biology and assistant curator of the Museum of Natural History, titled “Creation Care.” In the afternoon, members of the Andrews community had the opportunity to tour the Andrews Arboretum, participate in a birdwatching session, engage in a spring wildflower walk, learn how to listen to nature, and identify trees and flowers on Lemon Creek Trail. Katherine Koudele, chair of the Department of Sustainable Agriculture, shares, “The weather on Sabbath afternoon was a perfect late spring day, and the groups included up to 20 participants each. It was soul-refreshing to interact with God’s creation in such an intentional manner and helped prepare the students for the final exam week that was soon to begin.” Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:29:07 +0000 Spring Graduation http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69579 At Andrews University’s spring graduation, 256 students were awarded undergraduate degrees and 359 students were awarded graduate degrees. Overall, about 600 students received their degrees in person. The weekend’s events included a Friday Commencement service and vespers service, Baccalaureate services on Sabbath morning and two additional Commencement services on Sunday morning. On Friday, May 1, Mark Finley, assistant to the president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and president of Hope Lives Evangelistic Ministries, delivered the address “The Essence of True Greatness” at the Commencement service for the College of Education & International Services and the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. He was also recognized with an honorary Doctor of Divinity for his dedication to mentoring young people in evangelistic work and his extensive work in media. Additionally, Ernestine Finley was recognized with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for her commitment to providing health education in a sustainable and accessible format for thousands of people. As an author, broadcast evangelist and teacher, she is known worldwide for her wellness ministry. Alayne Thorpe, who most recently served as dean of the College of Education & International Services and School of Graduate Studies at Andrews and president of Griggs International, was honored at the same service with the President’s Medallion. On Saturday, May 2, Elden Ramirez, president of the Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, offered the address “What Hath God Wrought Through You” for both the graduate and undergraduate Baccalaureate services. On Sunday, May 3, Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, director of Health Ministries for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, gave the Commencement address “Required or Desired” for graduates of the College of Health & Human Services and College of Professions. Patricia Gustin was recognized during the service with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for her commitment to providing education and support to missionaries and their families. As former director of the Institute of World Mission, Gustin has dedicated her life to mission work, training and expansion. Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty magazine and associate director of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, delivered the address “Who Do You Think You Are?” at the Commencement service for graduates of the College of Arts & Sciences. She was recognized with an honorary Doctor of Laws for her dedication to sharing the role of religious liberty in both public and private spaces. Central graduation events are available on the Andrews University <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1iUhxTo0-0&list=PL_mUejf7P2evgPfcOYq1bXa00QOlXOpye">YouTube channel</a>. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:18:29 +0000 A Mission Without Borders http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69398 This year, Andrews University celebrates 15 years since Griggs University and Griggs International Academy moved to Andrews. The collaboration has strengthened Adventist distance education while expanding opportunities for thousands of students from more than 50 countries. “For more than a century, Griggs has served students whose circumstances make traditional education difficult or impossible. Whether separated by geography, work, family responsibilities, political barriers or limited access to educational opportunities, students have found a pathway to learning through distance education,” says La Ronda Forsey, principal of Griggs International Academy. In 1909, Seventh-day Adventist education embraced an idea that was ahead of its time. Church leaders recognized that many members and workers around the world were unable to attend a traditional school due to factors including geography, work responsibilities, family obligations and distance. In an effort to remove these barriers, the Fireside Correspondence School was founded in Maryland by Adventist educational pioneer Frederick Griggs. Lessons were delivered by mail, allowing students to study wherever they lived. The early years were marked by steady growth and adaptation, and the institution became the Home Study Institute in 1931. A significant milestone came in 1990 when the Maryland Higher Education Commission granted permission for the institution to offer degree programs. This marked the beginning of Griggs University and expanded the school’s impact beyond K–12 education. While Griggs had served learners at multiple educational levels throughout its history, this decision opened a new chapter of higher education opportunities for Adventist students worldwide. As technology advanced, Griggs continued to evolve. The K–12 division became Griggs International Academy in 2003, reflecting its growing international reach and commitment to serving students beyond traditional geographic boundaries. Another transformative chapter began in 2010. After an extensive study by a General Conference commission on distance education, church leaders recommended that Griggs University become part of Andrews University. The recommendation reflected a growing recognition that distance education would play an important role in serving the worldwide church. After careful planning, Griggs officially relocated from Maryland to the Andrews University campus in Berrien Springs, Michigan, in 2011. Then in 2015, Griggs University became fully integrated into the Andrews University structure through the School of Distance Education, while Griggs International Academy continued to operate independently within the same school. This strategic partnership brought together the experience and heritage of Griggs with the academic resources and global influence of Andrews University. In March 2024, the Andrews University Board of Trustees voted to reorganize the School of Distance Education into the Andrews University Global Campus. The new name reflects a broader vision for online learning, international partnerships and innovative educational delivery for students from kindergarten through higher education. Today, students connect to the Global Campus from cities, local schools, villages, mission fields, military bases and homes around the world. Through direct enrollment, partnerships with Adventist schools and innovative online learning models, they receive a fully accredited, faith-based education regardless of where they live. “As Adventist education looks toward the future, new technologies will continue to reshape how education is delivered. Yet the most important elements remain unchanged: caring teachers, meaningful relationships, academic excellence and a commitment to helping students develop a deeper connection with Jesus Christ,” says Janine Lim, dean of the Global Campus. For 117 years, Griggs has served students with dedication and care. While the classroom may look different from what it was in 1909, the vision of the Andrews University Global Campus remains the same: preparing students around the world for lives of service today and for God’s kingdom tomorrow. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of our Global Campus, find out more <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/global/about/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>! Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:52:29 +0000 Students and Faculty Win Awards at MBAA Conference http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69341 Graduate students and faculty in the Andrews University School of Business Administration (SBA) won five awards and presented 17 papers at the Midwest Business Administration Association (MBAA) International Conference, held annually in Chicago. The MBAA International Conference is a multidisciplinary academic gathering, bringing together more than 6,000 academics and professionals, with the goal of sharing research, teaching and creating networking opportunities. Edna Kim and Frank Gondwe, Andrews MBA students, were awarded in the Best Conference Research Paper category. Jerry Chi, professor of management and SBA graduate program director, also won two awards for Best Student Management. He explains that there were “hundreds or thousands of submissions … These awards are heavily restricted, sometimes granted to fewer than .25% of all accepted papers. Winning an award provides global visibility for the author's institution and research findings.” Gondwe, whose paper was titled “The Relationship Between Faith-Based Resilience and Academic Persistence Among Graduate Business Students,” shares, “I chose this topic because I have personally experienced how faith sustains perseverance. As an international student in Malawi, I dreamed of studying at a Christian university like Andrews. Despite financial challenges and not being able to obtain a student visa, I did not give up. I continued to trust God, and He opened a way for me to study remotely. That journey of faith inspired my research on resilience and academic persistence.” Gondwe also won a Distinguished Research Poster Award for a project titled “Global GDP Growth, Economic Development, and Regional Disparities: A Three-Way Multivariate Analysis.” In his poster, he analyzed 113 countries over five years. He discovered “geographic continent” is the strongest predictor of GDP growth, a finding that challenges universal development models while supporting region-specific economic policies. Kim’s paper was titled “Impact of Economic Size and Pandemic Period on Economic Performance: A 3×2 Factorial Design Across Five Years.” She notes, “This study looked at how a country’s economic size affected its performance before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic over five years. The key finding was simple: larger economies didn’t just handle the crisis better; they pulled further ahead over time … For policymakers, this research means that one-size-fits-all crisis responses don’t work. Understanding how size shapes recovery can help leaders design smarter, more targeted support for economies of different sizes during any future global crisis.” Kim, who also serves as program operations and student success coordinator in the School of Nursing, reflects, “I am the only one in my immediate family who holds any type of degree in higher education. Winning this award feels like validation for every late night, every moment of doubt, and every time I had to choose between work, school, family and rest … This award isn’t just mine. It belongs to everyone who carried me here.” She shares, “I’m also grateful for Andrews University for creating space for students like me, working, parenting, trying to balance it all and to still be seen, still be challenged and still be celebrated.” “These awards are a confirmation that persistence and faith truly open doors,” Gondwe echoes. “They represent the encouragement of my mentor, Dr. Jerry Chi, and the support of Andrews University.” Chi, who coordinated the Andrews cohort at the conference, notes, “These awards demonstrate the Andrews University School of Business Administration’s commitment to high academic rigor, impactful real-world application, and the development of both faculty and student research.” He adds, “Student and faculty research is critical because it bridges the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application. It actively solves pressing global challenges and directly trains the next generation of critical thinkers.” The School of Business Administration offers several undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a variety of learning pathways and research opportunities for students. In addition to participation in the MBAA International Conference, faculty and students presented seven articles at the 2026 Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters Conference. “Our MBA curriculum in business research and quantitative methods and optimization modeling directly prepares our MBA and MSA students to influence top-tier business decisions and propels their future consulting, industry or academic endeavors,” Chi shares. Additional information can be found at the school’s <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/cp/sba/index.html">web page</a>. Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:35:15 +0000