Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2025, Andrews University Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:48:00 +0000 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:48:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Andrews Hosts AHSRA Conference http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67574 “Global Issues, Local Impact” was the theme of the 13th annual Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association (AHSRA) Conference hosted at Andrews University from June 25–28, 2025. The association serves as a space for Adventist academics, students and researchers from around the world to discuss and learn about various human-subject research ventures and best practices. Participants attended the conference virtually via Zoom and in person on the campus of Andrews University. Presenters included Andrews students and faculty members as well as individuals from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Pacific. The association and conference are supported and sponsored by Andrews University; the General Conference Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research; and the North American Division Department of Archives, Statistics & Research. “There is perhaps no topic more urgent today than the intersection of community, health, and the gospel,” University President John Wesley Taylor stated. “These themes echo the historic calling of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose early pioneers recognized the inseparable link between Christ’s healing ministry and our responsibility to foster wholeness in the communities we serve.” Following an opening banquet on Thursday evening, presentations continued the next day. On Friday morning, Safary Wa-Mbaleka, research and evaluation manager at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, gave a devotional on Psalms 51:10, instructing those gathered to let God “create in [them] a clean heart,” as they conduct research and look to avoid ethical and moral infractions. After Wa-Mbaleka’s devotional, keynote speaker Philip Jenkins, professor of history at Baylor University, identified various points in history where natural disasters intersected with religious revivals. The rest of the day featured parallel breakout sessions with research presentations on religious beliefs and behavior, language, leadership, faith, social systems, inclusion, education, finances, trauma and mental health. The following day featured a devotional by Arceli H. Rosario, president of the Adventist University of the Philippines. The keynote address was delivered by Katia Garcia Reinert, associate director of Adventist Health Ministries, who emphasized the importance of Adventists continuing to do research and encouraging one another through their research efforts. The breakouts that followed covered the topics of evangelism, technology, mental health and Adventist beliefs. To close the conference, attendees celebrated the Sabbath together by participating in a Sabbath School panel discussion about results from the Global Church Member Survey organized by the General Conference in 2023. This was followed by a sermon by Dwight Nelson, Seventh-day Adventist evangelist and author, and a specially prepared lunch in the commons of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. “This gathering affirms our belief that rigorous research—rooted in compassion, ethics, and faith—can contribute to healing, justice, and growth in our communities,” stated Petr Činčala, AHSRA president, associate professor of world mission, and director of the Institute of Church Ministry and the Doctor of Missiology program at Andrews. “In addition to the plenary presentations, we had about 60 presentations in three break-out rooms over two days, which was the highest number of presentations we’ve ever had,” he said. “Our conference was intentionally made hybrid to accommodate our international colleagues, and I was glad and proud to see presentations from places like Thailand or Australia, where they were presenting after midnight, their time.” Participants included experienced Adventist social science researchers as well as researchers active in the study of Adventists. Over the past 13 years, AHSRA has seen dramatic growth. Before the association’s formation, only a few researchers were recognized for contributing to sociological studies on behalf of Adventism. Today, AHSRA’s community includes hundreds of researchers, with active chapters in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. Činčala shared that the growth is expected to continue, with an AHSRA Oceania chapter currently in development. Attendance at the 2025 AHSRA conference was also encouraging, with an increased number of virtual attendees as well as international participants who visited Michigan before proceeding to Missouri for the 2025 General Conference Session. In the future, Činčala hopes that AHSRA’s members, in conjunction with the church and its universities, will continue to study social matters of importance to the Adventist denomination. The next AHSRA conference will be held in 2026 at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. To learn more about AHSRA, please visit their <a href="https://ahsra.andrews.edu">website</a>. Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:33:14 +0000 Summer Graduation at Andrews University http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67572 Andrews University’s summer graduation will take place during the weekend of Aug. 1–3, 2025. Events will begin on Friday with a Commencement service, followed by the Baccalaureate on Sabbath and two Commencement services on Sunday morning. All services will take place at the Andreasen Center for Wellness. Please note that in order to provide adequate seating for the families of graduates, there are three commencement services with reserved seating only. Additional academic and cultural programs are planned throughout the graduation weekend. For a complete list, please consult the online schedule at <a href="http://andrews.edu/graduation/schedule/">andrews.edu/graduation/schedule/</a>. On Friday, Aug. 1, at 5:30 p.m., Jacques B. Doukhan, senior research professor of Hebrew and Old Testament exegesis at Andrews University, will present the commencement address for the College of Education & International Services and the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Doukhan holds a bachelor’s degree in Hebrew and master’s degrees in theology, Hebrew and egyptology, as well as doctoral degrees in Hebrew language and literature (University of Strasbourg) and theology (Andrews University). A prolific scholar and writer, Doukhan has written over twenty books, some translated into several languages, and currently serves as general editor of the Seventh-day Adventist International Bible Commentary. The Baccalaureate on Sabbath, Aug. 2, at 11:45 a.m., will be delivered by G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists and vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Bryant holds a BA in theology and business administration from Oakwood College, a Master of Divinity from Andrews University and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. He was ordained to gospel ministry in 1986 and has spent his career serving the Adventist church. Before being elected to his current role, he served as a pastor, temperance director, Youth/Pathfinders/National Service Organization director, superintendent of education and executive secretary. L. Ann Hamel, psychologist, will offer the 8:30 a.m. commencement address on Sunday, Aug. 3, for students of the College of Health & Human Services. She will also be honored with the President’s Medallion during the service. Hamel earned a BS in elementary education from Southern Adventist University, an MA in education and PhD in counseling psychology from Andrews University, and a DMin in formational counseling from the Ashland Theological Seminary. After serving as a missionary for over a decade, she has spent her career as a missionary care coordinator, educator and consultant, fostering the mental and spiritual health of others called to mission service. The 11:30 a.m. Commencement service on Sunday will honor graduates from the College of Arts & Sciences and College of Professions. Glenn Russell, professor emeritus of religion at Andrews University, will be the speaker. Russell holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Union College, a Master of Divinity from Andrews University and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity International University. He has served as a pastor, religion teacher at Andrews Academy and professor at Andrews University. Throughout his career, he has been a driving force behind student engagement in global missions, and his messages of service, faith and Christ-centered education have reached both local and global audiences. Honorary degree candidate Loren Hamel, former president of Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan, will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration at the 11:30 a.m. commencement service. Hamel completed a BS from Andrews, an MD from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and an MHSA from the University of Michigan. In his over 40-year career in health care leadership, he oversaw several company transitions, demonstrating a passion for strategy, respect for data and dedication to achieving health equity. He has also served the Andrews University community in several capacities, including as clinical professor of nursing, president of the Alumni Association and member of the Board of Trustees. Select graduation services will be livestreamed. For more details, visit <a href="http://andrews.edu/graduation/">andrews.edu/graduation/</a>.  Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:39:44 +0000 Doctoral Dissertation Defense: Patricio Ordonez http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67558 A PhD dissertation defense for Patricio Ordonez is scheduled on July 30, 2025, from 2–4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Patricio Ordonez will defend his dissertation in partial fulfillment for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. His dissertation title is, "Inner Life, Spiritual Leadership, & Spiritual Well-Being as Predictors of the Organizational Performance of Employees at a Seventh-Day Adventist University in Latin America." Those wishing to attend must make their request one day prior to the defense via email: <a href="mailto:dsle@andrews.edu">dsle@andrews.edu</a>.  Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:00:57 +0000 All Nations SDA Church Service, July 26 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67559 Join the All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church for our worship experience this Sabbath, July 26, at 11:45 a.m., as Marc Belizaire presents "Friend or Foe." Adult and Children's Sabbath School begins at 10:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you there! Upcoming Events: <ol> <li> Wednesday, July 30: Midweek Refresh at 7 p.m. via Zoom</li> <li> Tuesday, Sept. 9: Life Line Screening Event at ANC</li> </ol> The All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church is located at 4259 E. Snow Road, Berrien Springs, MI. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:46:11 +0000 Niles Westside Church Services, July 26 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67557 Niles Westside Adventist Church 1105 Grant St (at Fairview Ave) Niles, MI 49120 <a href="https://nileswestsidemi.adventistchurch.org">www.nileswestside.org</a> Pastor: Alexander Rybachek Sabbath School: 9:45 a.m. Church Services: 8:30 a.m. & 10:55 a.m. July 26 Sabbath 8:30 & 11 a.m.: Larissa Jeffery Sermon Title: A Goodbye Blessing Throughout the entirety of the Bible, a blessing is often given during a goodbye from one believer or group to another. It is a reminder to hold steady in the faith of our Lord and to stand strong in the love and peace that He pours. It is God's name that is being poured over the person being blessed. Lastly, it is a reminder that this is not a forever goodbye, but a "so long for now." Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:43:57 +0000 Memorial for Delmer Davis http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67548 A memorial service for Delmer Davis, professor of English, emeritus, who passed away unexpectedly on June 2, 2025, will be held in the Pioneer Memorial Church Youth Chapel on Sunday, July 27, at 3 p.m. A light meal will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Delmer I. and Margaret L. Davis Endowed Fund to support the Andrews University Department of English. (Checks must be payable to Andrews University with the name of the fund placed in the memo line. Donations can be forwarded to the Office of Planned Giving & Trust Services). Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:38:23 +0000 Eau Claire SDA Church Service, July 26 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67547 Kyle Tumberg is the speaker at the Eau Claire Seventh-day Adventist Church this Saturday. His sermon is titled "The Storms that Rage." The sermon focuses on Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee and the lessons this has for storms that rage in our life. The church service begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by Sabbath School at 11 a.m. All are welcome. The Eau Claire church is located at 6562 Naomi Road in Eau Claire. Prayer meeting is at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays via Zoom. Contact Pastor Shepherd for details at <a href="mailto:trs@andrews.edu">trs@andrews.edu</a>. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:37:35 +0000 Record Number of Alumni Enter Top PhD Programs http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67555 In recent years, a record number of Andrews University graduates have been accepted to the nation’s top STEM PhD programs. Gary Burdick, professor of physics and dean of Research, notes, “While we have long led in training Adventist students for advanced study of science and mathematics, we have noticed a significant uptick in those accepted into fully-funded doctoral programs, even as these programs are becoming more competitive.” He credits the students’ successful placement to the unique research culture at the University. <<< Read the full story on the Moody on the Market <a href="https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/record-number-of-andrews-university-students-enter-top-stem-phd-programs-via-undergrad-research/">site</a> >>> Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:32:08 +0000