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Unique New Scholarship for School of Social Work

A new scholarship, titled Lira’s Legacy Scholarship, was recently established to aid students with disabilities within the Andrews... read more >

Unique New Scholarship for School of Social Work

A new scholarship, titled Lira’s Legacy Scholarship, was recently established to aid students with disabilities within the Andrews University School of Social Work. Valued at $1,500, the scholarship will be offered annually. In order to apply, students must be studying social work and identify as living with autism spectrum disorder or a documented disability that significantly impacts day-to-day life. This scholarship enhances both the University and its surrounding community, as it emphasizes the importance of individuality and recognizes the need to create a more equitable path for people with disabilities.

The recipient of the 2025–2026 scholarship is Caundee Cauvin, master of divinity and master of social work student. Reflecting on her feelings and experiences, Cauvin shares, “Applying required me to reflect honestly on what it means to live with ADHD—both the challenges and the strengths it brings. It pushed me to acknowledge parts of my story that I usually keep private.” She adds, “When I found out I had been selected … it was a moment of validation—a reminder that when we are honest about invisible disabilities, we open the door to understanding, support and encouragement rather than stigma."

The scholarship was created by Mariella Pechero. She shares that one of her many reasons for creating the scholarship was her experience as the mother of a non-neurotypical son. Pechero says, “My hope is that this scholarship will offer comfort to parents, in a small but meaningful reminder that they are seen, understood, and not alone. I hope it serves as a symbol of our shared belief that our children can thrive.”

Pechero named the scholarship in remembrance of her late aunt, Lira Weiss. She describes Weiss’ “passionate love and tenacity” as well as her lifelong commitment to people. Pechero also affirms that Weiss, inspired by the many social workers in her family, saw the inherent value of every individual, regardless of ability. Weiss had deep roots within the Andrews community, as the mother of Ingrid Slikkers, associate professor of social work and executive director of the International Center for Trauma Education & Care, as well as the grandmother and aunt to several other students in the School of Social Work.

Slikkers reflects, “This scholarship feels deeply personal because it represents my mother’s legacy of compassion and service. It reminds me that the values she lived—care, advocacy and community—continue to shape others through this award.”

Shannon Trecartin, professor and chair of the School of Social Work, says, “The scholarship is not an abstract fund. Instead, it is an expression of love, legacy, and family.” Weiss’ close connection to the Andrews University community has given the scholarship a touching and lasting impact. The values behind the initiative, of support and care, align with those at the core of both the Social Work Program and the University as a whole.

Lira’s Legacy Scholarship has not only had a meaningful effect on campus but also on the surrounding community. Trecartin explains that social work students frequent “the broader community through internships, employment, volunteering, and ministry.” She notes that when students feel “financially, emotionally, and academically” supported, they engage in these activities with more purpose and passion.

Trecartin adds that focusing on the support of individuals with disabilities ensures that new social workers entering the field will be diverse; this allows for advocacy and empathy within both workplaces and client relationships. She shares that this representation in the social work field “enhances the quality of services and promotes a more inclusive understanding of disability and neurodiversity throughout the community.”

GYC-PMC Partnership Calls Youth to Follow Christ

Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) and Andrews University hosted a special weekend event organized by Generation Youth Christ (GYC)... read more >

GYC-PMC Partnership Calls Youth to Follow Christ

Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) and Andrews University hosted a special weekend event organized by Generation Youth Christ (GYC) on Oct. 24 and 25 under the theme “Follow Me.” The weekend’s programming allowed Andrews students and visiting youth to learn about the meaning of truly following Jesus and finding their identity in Him. The invitation for GYC to come to Berrien Springs originated with Shane Anderson, Pioneer Memorial Church lead pastor, who expressed profound interest in GYC’s meaningful programming.

“I felt like they have an inspirational value, Bible-based value, that I certainly would want at Pioneer, and by extension for the campus as well,” said Anderson. GYC has worked as an affiliated organization with the Seventh-day Adventist Church since 2002, specifically appealing to youth and young adults through its annual end-of-year conferences and other spiritual events.

The theme “Follow Me” was chosen by GYC organizers to explore “what it truly means to walk with Jesus through life’s highs and lows,” as explained in the event’s promotional material. Anderson emphasized the significance of this message, stating, “I think the theme of following Christ, of being focused on him as the center of gravity for your life, is something that is like the opposite of all human natures since the fall.” He added, “To have a special weekend that’s focused specifically on that theme, with seminars in the afternoon to match, I think it’s a positive thing. I think it’s a great opportunity for students to be able to come to learn more about that very important topic.”

The weekend began with a Friday night vespers program, where North Carolina-based public speaker Sebastien Braxton spoke on the topic “I’m Not Following.” Braxton discussed the necessity of discipleship and adequately following God, as modeled by Jesus’ disciples in the Gospels. He spoke again on Sabbath for the second service at PMC, with a sermon titled “It’s for You.” During the sermon, he highlighted the story of Samuel, who, prior to being a prophet, actively worked for God during his youth. Braxton called for today’s youth to bear their weight in doing spiritual work for God within the church.

The first service at PMC on Sabbath featured speaker Sikhululekile Daco, associate editor of the Adventist Review, with her sermon titled “Mind Your Own Business.” Daco spoke about Jesus’ rebuke of Martha in the Book of Luke, where He preferred her to, in Daco’s words, “mind her own business” when criticizing her sister. Daco explained how it is better to focus on one's personal relationship with God rather than seeking to critique others.

On Sabbath afternoon, the event closed with breakout sessions led by David Buruchara, a clinical mental health counselor based in Virginia; Chad Kreuzer, director of Anchor Point Films; Daco; and Anderson.

Christmas Extravaganza (All Ensembles)

Join the Andrews University Department of Music for a memorable Christmas Extravaganza to welcome the season! ... read more >

Christmas Extravaganza (All Ensembles)

Join the Andrews University Department of Music for a memorable Christmas Extravaganza to welcome the season!

Featured performances will include the University Singers, Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Symphony, along with talented students from the Piano Studios of Chi Yong Yun and string ensembles from the Studio of Carla Trynchuk.

In the spirit of giving, our Christmas Extravaganza will also feature a brief opportunity to support our talented music students through student scholarships.

Celebrate the spirit of the season through uplifting music, including selections from "The Christmas Song," "Christmas Dinner" and "Sleigh Ride," capturing the joy of the holidays.