Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2026, Andrews University Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:07:00 +0000 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:07:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Student Spreads Hope Through Service Project http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66593 Katherine Pierre, a senior biology major on the pre-medical track at Andrews University, has made a significant impact on the Andrews campus through a clothing donation initiative that promotes sustainability and supports those in need. Pierre began this initiative during her sophomore year, beginning with the simple goal of recycling, but it has since evolved into an important resource for multiple local families. Hailing from Maryland, Pierre attended Tacoma Academy before coming to Andrews. Her passion for service was ignited during a medical mission trip to Haiti in eighth grade, where she witnessed disparities in access to basic needs and education. This experience shaped her commitment to helping others, inspiring her to engage in various service projects both internationally and locally. The disparities in health care that she witnessed in Haiti encouraged her to pursue the pre-medical track at Andrews with the goal of one day becoming a doctor to help those in need. She chose to study medicine after discovering a passion for being hands-on and involved in the communities she has served. While living in the Lamson Hall dormitory on the campus of Andrews University, Pierre noticed an abundance of clothes left behind by students at the end of the school year, often destined for the trash despite being in fine condition. Determined to change this, she collaborated with dorm administrators to create donation bins in the laundry rooms, encouraging students to recycle their clothes instead of discarding them. “At first, I would collect the clothes and take them to thrift stores, but I wanted to find a way to directly support those in need,” Pierre said. With the help of Diana Baltazar, custodial supervisor at Lamson Hall, Pierre was introduced to immigrant families living nearby who could benefit from the donations. Now, Pierre collects, washes and distributes the clothes directly to these families. The initiative not only helps reduce waste but also addresses a critical need for clothing among local families. “For me, this isn’t a big deal,” Pierre shared. “It’s just about making a simple solution for something that should already be happening.” By transforming discarded clothing into a resource for those less fortunate, Pierre emphasizes the importance of community and environmental stewardship. Now, as she approaches the end of her senior year, Pierre hopes to pass her project on to other students. “I want to find someone to take over this initiative and possibly turn it into a thrift store at Lamson Hall,” she shared. “There are many students here who might need clothes or want to recycle theirs, and I’d love to see this grow.” For Pierre, the act of giving back is not a burden but rather a calling. “I feel like I’m just a connecting piece between surplus clothing and those who need it,” she said. “It’s rewarding to know that these clothes are being used rather than thrown away. I hope to inspire others to take up similar initiatives.” Pierre's vision extends beyond clothing donations. She encourages her peers to adopt sustainable practices, including recycling. “I think there’s a lot of room for improvement in recycling on campus,” she remarked. “I hope to see more students get involved in this and take it to the next level.” As Pierre prepares for her next steps after graduation, she remains committed to her mission of service. “My parents instilled in me the importance of using my blessings to help others,” she reflected. “I feel that any opportunity to help, whether big or small, is essential, and I should always strive to do more.” <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> # # #</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "IBM Plex Sans", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>.</div> Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:54:33 +0000 Professor Speaks on Prophetic Interpretation http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65022 More than 180 people participated in the 3rd Annual Theological Forum at the Adventist University of Haiti (UNAH) March 7–9. The forum brought together Seventh-day Adventist scholars, either in person or online, under the theme, “Prophecy and Eschatology in Adventism: Keys of interpretation for the 21st century.” The event sought to help Adventist leaders stay true to the lines set by the Adventist Church in matters of prophetic interpretation, organizers said. English and French-speaking forum participants included theology students, pastors, church members, and people from other faiths, organizers reported. They emphasized that the event allowed participants to enrich their knowledge on the topic from an exclusively Adventist perspective. The speakers were well-known Adventist scholars and leaders. In their presentations, they exposed the keys, issues, and methods of interpreting the prophetic genre in the Bible. The topic of prophecy, eschatology, and Adventism in the 21st century was presented by Andrews University professor Petr Činčala. <<< Read the full story at the Adventist Review <a href="https://adventistreview.org/news/haiti-forum-discusses-adventist-prophetic-interpretation-in-the-21st-century/">site</a> >>> Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:18:19 +0000 Strength to Keep Going: A Multicultural Service http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/65006 Join the Andrews University Haitian Association and the Groupe Francophone in a joyful, multicultural worship service on April 13. A group bible study will be held at 10:30 a.m. Song service starts at 11:45 a.m. Our speaker is seminary student Rothschird Dangervil, with a message titled "Strength to Keep Going." All programing will be in English, French and Creole. There will be a potluck to follow, so share your favorite dish. Children and all levels of language learners are welcome. Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:28:29 +0000 Death of Raphael Yves Sabbat http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60282 On Feb. 15, 1984, Raphaël Yves Sabbat was born to his two loving parents, Patricia and Yves Sabbat. But he wasn't their only bundle of joy for long—he was soon joined by his late brother Patrick a year later in 1985 and the youngest of the trio, Tatoni, in 1988. These mischievous boys grew up in Delmas in close familial bonds with their cousins, Alexandra, Raquel, Jenny, Krystel, Leica and Cedric. They also shared inseparable childhood bonds with Junior Arboite and Dimitri Edouard as well as so many more friends throughout the years who also became part of his brotherhood. Once in the U.S. he got closer to his cousins Natanya, Tacyana, Coralie, Jachelle, Jacques and Dimitri. He lived with his aunt and uncles Jeanette and Carl Behrmann as well as Jacques and Sabine Elias. Raphaël attended Andrews University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in computer science with a minor in mathematics. It wasn't long after he returned to his homeland of Haiti that Raphaël met an amazing young woman who would become his life partner, Sandrine Batroni. It only took four years before the two got married and solidified their bonds, giving birth to their two loving daughters Tahira (3 years old) and Quira (6 months). On March 17, while at a regular night out with his wife, he unfortunately suffered an unexpected heart attack which sadly claimed his life. Our deepest condolences are extended to the immediate family, extended family, chosen family, friends and all the many lives touched by Raphaël Yves Sabbat. To know him was to love him. He will be truly missed. Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:20:25 +0000 Environmental Fridays: November 19 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/59564 This week in Environmental Fridays, Season I, Episode 10, on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. EST, features "Safe and Sustainable Water for Haiti" by Peter J. Wampler, PhD, professor of geology, from Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan. Our co-host for this week's Environmental Fridays is Alyssa Newsome. The Zoom Meeting ID is 963 3529 3713. Everyone is welcome. Environmental Fridays is free to all—students, professionals and community. Contact Desmond H. Murray, associate professor of chemistry, at <a href="http://murrayd@andrews.edu">murrayd@andrews.edu</a> if you have any questions. Bios: Peter Wampler, PhD, is a broadly trained environmental geologist, geomorphologist, and surface water hydrologist with a background in both academic and government regulation of mining and storm water. He received a PhD in 2004 for work on human- and climatic-induced changes along the Clackamas River in Oregon. Since coming to Grand Valley State University in 2004 he has worked with undergraduate and graduate students on applied geoscience research: 1) evaluating GVSU’s storm water runoff footprint and assisting in designing Best Management Practices for GVSU (<a href="http://gvsu.edu/stormwater">gvsu.edu/stormwater</a>); 2) investigating water resources, water treatment, and groundwater contamination pathways in rural Haiti (<a href="http://gvsu.edu/haitiwater">gvsu.edu/haitiwater</a>); 3) evaluating human impacts to river systems resulting from dams and other structures (<a href="http://faculty.gvsu.edu/wamplerp/">faculty.gvsu.edu/wamplerp/</a>); and 4) using Geographic Information Systems to create household radon hazard maps for Michigan using geologic data. Alyssa Newsome is a current junior at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) from McAdams, Mississippi. MSMS is a public residential high school for academically gifted and talented students, and it is a member of the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS). She is a member of Wags and Whiskers, FCS and Test Prep Club. She enjoys English and biology and after graduation, she hopes to major in zoology or microbiology and become a large animal veterinarian. Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:12:08 +0000 The Haitian Border Crisis Through God's Eyes http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/59255 Sept. 28, 2021 Dear friends, The beautiful island nation of Haiti represents a wonderful array of lives and stories that weave through our own Andrews University community family. Over the last 20 years within our own student body, we have always had at least one student from Haiti attending our University each school year. However, that island nation of Haiti is also a place that has been too often touched by tragedy. Just over a decade ago, a massive 2010 earthquake killed hundreds of thousands of Haitians. Just this September, another massive earthquake killed thousands. In between those two tragic bookends, the country—the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere—has been touched by persistent poverty, corruption, illiteracy, displacement and limited access to food and water for its citizens. Additionally, this July the president of the country was assassinated. However, in spite of these recent tragedies, Haiti has also always been a symbol of remarkable strength, as it became the first independent Black republic in the world when they managed to overthrow the Napoleon-led French at the Battle of Vertiéres in 1803. Due to that loss of the country of Haiti, which was the world’s richest colony at the time, Napoleon, desperate for money to fund future conquests, sold 530,000,000 acres of land to America. Those acres of land make up what we know today as the states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, North Dakota and Montana. If not for the Haitian Revolution, students and employees who call those states home might conceivably have been French citizens today. This legacy of fighting for freedom has ingrained the Haitian people with a resilient spirit which has empowered them to endure a host of tragedies and setbacks. Haitians are a people who take pride in their heritage and who demand and deserve to be treated and seen with dignity regardless of their socioeconomic status or condition. So for the students who join us from Haiti, and for the more than 11 million who live today on that beautiful island, our prayers continue and our hearts break as we seek to comprehend the impact of that overwhelming reality. Especially in the wake of these seemingly endless tragedies and threats, Haitians understandably share a common human yearning for a better place, a better home for themselves and their families. For many, that means the United States. Over the last two decades, immigration from Haiti to the United States has tripled. And after the political tragedies and natural disasters of this year, even more immigrants have left the country to try to make their way to the United States through Mexico. That journey by the Haitian community to find a new and better home somewhere else has dramatically been on our hearts over this last week. If you have been following the news, you’ve perhaps seen some of the disturbing photos that showed border patrol agents on horseback as they pursued and attempted to drive away some of the 15,000 Haitians who had crossed the Rio Grande and gathered under bridges near Del Rio, Texas, as they attempted to enter the United States. The horror of seeing men on horses try and round up human beings brings back terrible memories of some of the worst things that America has done throughout its history. In turn, those actions have justifiably inspired widespread outrage. Daniel Foote, the United States’ top envoy to Haiti, resigned last Thursday over the “inhumane” and “counterproductive” deportations of Haitian migrants. President Biden has condemned those actions as “outrageous. I promise you those (border agents) will … be investigated. There will be consequences.” Since those photos emerged, those horseback patrols at the border have been suspended, and the Department of Homeland Security has promised a full investigation. Two thousand of the Haitians who gathered at the border have been returned by plane to Haiti since then, and thousands more have been allowed to remain in the United States as they apply for asylum. As we seek to understand this latest tragedy, and as our nation again seeks to craft and enforce a humane approach to immigration amidst disappointments, I am reminded of some words I shared more than three years ago in this Divino blog when I wrote about the separation of children from their families at the U.S. Border in 2018. In that <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/49745">post</a>, I shared this essential passage from the book of Deuteronomy that is relevant in this current situation—and always—for each one of us as children of God, committed to the values of His Kingdom: “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 10:17–19 As I reflected then, there are several examples in Scripture of God commanding us to treat those who are not native to our land in the exact same manner that we would treat a family member. We are always called, I believe, to treat each other, including the “strangers within our gates,” with dignity, respect and compassion—an approach informed by God’s own care and love for each one of us. In fact, I continue to be convinced that God calls His people to take an active part in not only welcoming in the foreigner or stranger that is within our gates but also to make provision for them—treating them as if they are members of our own families. As I reflected earlier, “our ancestors were brought to this country by way of divergent and varying paths. Some migrated to America and forcibly claimed these lands, which were not native to them, as their own. Others were brought to these shores by force, and the foundations of this country were built on the backs of their free labor. Still others sought the dream of a better life in this country fleeing war-torn and impoverished communities in their countries of origin.” We are reminded of these stories not only by troubling stories in the news but also by the history and stories that we reflect on during this Hispanic Heritage Month, which we’re now celebrating on our campus. This is an incredible opportunity as God’s children to truly understand the stories that mark the heritage of our Latinx brothers and sisters (which includes Haitians), including a generations-long struggle to find a safe and secure home for each member of their family and community. Whatever boundaries we face—those on a map, those in a government policy, even boundaries within our own hearts—must be informed by humane treatment and the dignity that each child of God deserves. We need to find a place where these biblical principles can be reinforced by our own actions, and the actions of this country, especially as it embraces and claims the values of Christian fidelity and purpose. Certainly, there are complicated and challenging failures on all sides in this story and all the stories that have preceded them. Within this Divino blog, we’ve now reflected on several tragedies that surround these issues across the years and even different administrations in the United States. They are all hard reminders of how broken this world is and how essential are the answers found in God’s ultimate call to offer dignity, purpose and true love for each individual—even, and perhaps especially, for those who are not part of our country or our communities. Karl A. Racine, the District of Columbia Attorney General, who is a Haitian American, wrote last week that “individuals seeking asylum or other humanitarian assistance in our country deserve our respect and compassion, and they should not be treated differently from other migrants based on their country of origin. Haitians deserve the same due process as all others attempting to immigrate or flee to the United States.” Attorney General Racine makes a powerful and God-inspired point as the United States, as God’s children and as a global community continue to seek and pray for God’s power and purpose in addressing this current crisis and understanding and effectively addressing the realities for all who seek a better home. Michael Nixon Vice President for University Culture & Inclusion Tue, 28 Sep 2021 13:26:29 +0000 Luxton Interviewed by Mitch Albom http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/57063 On Thursday, Aug. 27, President Andrea Luxton and two colleagues from the Michigan Colleges Alliance joined Mitch Albom for “Mitch Albom & Friends.” Albom is an internationally renowned and best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster and musician. The livestreamed night of stories, laughter and music raised funds to make college in Michigan accessible for students at Have Faith Haiti Mission, an organization operated by Albom in Haiti. Albom and Have Faith Haiti Mission work with the Michigan Colleges Alliance (MCA) so that when Mission students earn a place at an MCA college, MCA provides at least partial scholarships for all 52 students from the Mission. Albom talked with Robert Bartlett, MCA president, Mathew Johnson, president of Albion College, and Andrea Luxton, president of Andrews University, about MCA schools. “The teachers, the faculty that choose to work in our kind of institutions do so because they have a real mission for teaching and for students,” said Luxton. “And that makes a huge difference….everything really is about enabling a student to reach their fullest potential.” Later, she commented on the value of the international community at Andrews. “I sense that most of our students, no matter where they come from in the U.S. or around the world, they want to make a change in a bigger place than just their own home. They really want to make an impact….when you put different cultures and different nationalities together, that’s hugely exciting. And everyone benefits. Everyone benefits.” Michigan Colleges Alliance (MCA) works to strengthen the shared capacity of 14 leading independent, four-year colleges and universities grounded in a liberal arts and sciences tradition, to broaden college choice and access in Michigan, and foster career outcomes for MCA graduates. While individually, MCA campuses are smaller, collectively, MCA is the “third largest university” in the state. To view a recording of “Mitch Albom & Friends,” visit <a href="http://michigancolleges.org/mitch">michigancolleges.org/mitch</a>. Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:03:46 +0000 Death of Robert J. Kloosterhuis http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/54804 Robert J. Kloosterhuis, Adventist leader and Andrews alumnus who served as chair of the Andrews University Board for a number of years, died on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019.  Kloosterhuis, 87, was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1932. He attended Emmanual Missionary College, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1954 and obtaining his master’s degree from Andrews University in 1965. Ordained in 1966, Kloosterhuis served the Seventh-day Adventist Church in a variety of roles: president of the Franco-Haitian Seminary; secretary/treasurer of the Franco-Haitian Union; pastor in the Illinois Conference; departmental director for the Illinois Conference; president of the Franco-Haitian Union, and finally president of the Africa-Indian Ocean Division from 1980–1985. He also served as a general vice president for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists from 1985–2000. On his official Facebook page, Ted N.C. Wilson, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, shares memories of Kloosterhuis. "Kloosterhuis had a visionary perspective on evangelistic outreach. He was ahead of his time in relation to technology and was very efficient. His and Ruth’s great emphasis was saving souls for Jesus and through His power. We salute Pastor Kloosterhuis’ dedicated service to God’s Advent movement. Soon we will see him again, by God’s grace, when Christ will come in the clouds of heaven to take us home! What a day that will be!” Kloosterhuis is survived by his wife, Ruth, and sons, David and Robert. Fri, 08 Nov 2019 08:14:31 +0000