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.”
