On the evening of April 1, 2023, students, faculty and staff gathered together at the Howard Performing Arts Center (HPAC) to celebrate the Easter season and acknowledge Dr. Andrea Luxton’s incredible gift of service. Through prayers, responsive readings, poems, and sermon excerpts, various Andrews faculty and students paid tribute to the president’s time at Andrews.
The event was organized by Dr. Meredith Jones Gray and Dr. Beverly Matiko—both professors of English at Andrews University (Dr. Matiko is retired)—with collaboration from the Department of Music and Griggs International Academy. By 7 pm, the audience had filed into the building, filling the lower level of the HPAC auditorium. The two wooden podiums set up at either side of the stage lended to the regal atmosphere.
The program began with a prayer read by VP Michael Nixon, which was followed by a series of responsive readings, poems and prose, and musical pieces that emphasized the Easter season and our calling as Christians. Many of the readings were inspired by the book of Hebrews, as that was the focus of Dr. Luxton’s thesis. A poem called “Sing the Lord, Wisely” by Gladys McKee was recited by Lily Burke.
In addition to the readings, the evening was also filled with music. A string ensemble composed of members of the music department played a prelude, "Sinfonia in B Minor, RV 169, ‘Al Santo Sepolcro’” and during the program played “Arioso” by J.S. Bach with a cello solo by Jamison Moore (senior, music performance). A special music, “Be Not Dismayed and The Trusting Heart,” was performed by Jamison Moore, Tyler Ninalga (senior, music performance), and Jason Marquez (senior, music performance). The University Singers performed two pieces, “O Day of Peace that Dimly Shines” and “Do Not Be Afraid,” accompanied by Gabriel Palacios (senior, music performance and math) with Simon Luke Brown (senior, music performance) adding a beautiful violin solo. Throughout the night, Dr. Charles Reid and Professor Stephen Zork also led out in congregational singing.
The program lasted about an hour, and afterwards, participants and audience members filed into the HPAC lobby for refreshments. There were flowers on top of the tables and gorgeous desserts or appetizers. Bon Appétit had prepared four different British-themed dishes, each one aesthetically presented: vegetarian sausage rolls in savory sauce, vegetarian beef wellingtons, toffee pudding, and English trifle. Strawberry agua fresca and tea were provided as drinks.
As everyone enjoyed the refreshments, Provost Christon Arthur approached the microphone and spoke some words to honor President Luxton. He was followed by the rest of the VPs, who had all prepared statements for the President. These speeches were both humorous and heartfelt. Afterwards, people lined up to shake Dr. Luxton’s hand and take pictures with her.
The Evensong event was indeed a beautiful way to pay tribute to Andrews University’s dearly departing President.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.