Dear Editor, and my dear students and colleagues,
I love Andrews University. I have grown as a person and as a Christian over the 22 years of my tenure because of the way we intentionally cherish and celebrate our diversity. I am so proud of who we are, even as we still have more to do in this regard. We must keep moving forward in love, always following Christ.
Over these years I have learned much about myself and about the diverse people around me. Although my intentions were always good, my ignorance with regards to the feelings and realities of my neighbors has been remarkable. Good intentions and civility are not enough when it comes to Christ’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” I am learning to care about how my neighbor feels and how our society is structured.
My eyes have slowly been opened in so many ways as I have awakened to the people around me. This rebirth into the Kingdom has been possible because of the supportive, pastoral, loving, yet instructional, diversity by which I have been surrounded at Andrews. I am not “there” yet, but I intend to keep on growing in understanding.
I am enormously grateful for the spiritual leadership of Dr. Luxton, Dr. Arthur, and V.P. Nixon. Dr. Luxton and her administrative team have been by far the best spiritual leaders I have ever had. They have helped me grow as a citizen of God’s Kingdom. Their spiritual legacy and influence are profoundly Christlike!
Shared doctrine is obviously important and defining for our community. Our deepest unity, however, lies in our increasing awareness of each other as human beings. We become unified as we grow in the understanding that Christ declares every human being to be equally and infinitely valuable.
My friends, never give up the faith. Andrews University is an awesome place and we have an awesome responsibility to society.
Shandelle Henson
Professor of Mathematics
Professor of Ecology
The Student Movement welcomes submission of thoughtfully written letters by current members of the Andrews University community (students/staff/faculty). Our next issue will be published in late January. Published letters may be lightly copy-edited. Submit to smeditor@andrews.edu
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.