< PreviousWorld Changers for a changing world. Andrews University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic At Andrews University, “World Changers Made Here.” is more than a tagline. These four words help tell the story of our long-standing mission to “Seek Knowledge and Affirm Faith in order to Change the World.” The past few months have forced us to reimagine how we, as World Changers, use our talents, resources, passions and skills to make the world around us a better place—how each one of us can be a World Changer in this changing world. 20 —FOCUS 20 —FOCUS Compiled by Hannah Gallant and Gillian Panigot© illustration by the CDC JANUARY 9, FEBRUARY 1 Campus letters from provost and vice president for Campus & Stu- dent Life regarding a new public health crisis and potential global “outbreak of pneumonia caused by a new strain of coronavirus, ‘2019 Novel Coronavirus’ (2019- nCov).” At the time, there were 7,344 cases worldwide and 132 deaths from the disease. MARCH 8 Sandi Patty Concert MARCH 9 Suspension of University- sponsored international trips MARCH 10 State of Emergency declared in Michigan following two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the eastern part of the state MARCH 11 Town hall for faculty and staff in Pioneer Memorial Church COVID-19 website launch Switch to remote learning announced Major upcoming campus events canceled MARCH 12 Town Hall for students at University Chapel How it happened The impact of COVID-19 on Andrews Uni- versity began in late January and early February. Our provost and vice president for Campus & Student Life sent a series of letters explaining public health issues surrounding the new virus as well as steps to keep individuals and our com- munity healthy and safe. The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on operations unfolded on Monday, March 9, with an announcement suspending current plans for any University- sponsored international trips—including work assignments and study tours. On March 10, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a State of Emergency following two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the eastern part of Michigan. The next day she conducted a conference call with private colleges and universities, including Andrews University, regarding higher education and the spread of COVID-19 across the United States. In response to Michigan’s State of Emergency and this conversation with the Michigan State governor, and with further review and planning, Andrews University's academic and administra- tive leadership made the formal decision to switch to remote learning at the end of spring break. “The administration at Andrews Uni- versity places the highest value on the health and safety of our students and em- ployees,” says Christon Arthur, provost. “When it became clear that students and employees, because of their upcoming spring break travels, would be at risk of contacting COVID-19 as they traveled from campus for spring break or on their return trip to campus after spring break, we made the decision to minimize that risk by switching to remote learning. The shift to remote learning provided faculty and students the opportunity to continue with rich and intellectually stimulating learning from the safety of their own homes.” As Andrews University prepared to share that decision, Provost Arthur and Andrea Luxton, president, hosted a Town Hall for faculty and staff in Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) that evening, March 11. Immediately following the Town Hall, an official email was sent to faculty, staff and students detailing these updates and announcing the cancellation of upcoming scheduled events including the International Food Fair, Passion Play and Gymnics Home Show. Residence hall students were also notified that it would be necessary to leave their residence by the end of spring break unless they met certain criteria to remain. That same day, Andrews University launched a formal COVID-19 website to provide ongoing updates—it was the central point of communication through the remainder of spring semester, providing resources to learn remotely, work remotely, teach remotely and thrive remotely. Later that evening, each of the residence halls held mandatory informa- tional meetings to review the information in the email and field initial questions from the students. A’Lisa Sorensen, dean of Lamson Hall, describes the transition for moving students out of the residence halls. “As can be expected, there was a lot of hustle and bustle through the halls and rooms of the residence halls. Students were trying to figure out travel plans as well as how they would get their rooms packed, emptied and cleaned before leaving. It was an abrupt way to end our time together in the residence halls, but the deans pulled together to make a plan. We acknowledged the difficulty and stress of the situation but reminded the residents that we were here for them through this challenging time.” The next day, on March 12, the presi- dent and provost led a student Town Hall during University Chapel in PMC regard- ing the University’s decision to switch to remote education. University administrators continued to provide almost daily updates to faculty, staff, students and parents as numerous changes occurred. The Andreasen Center for Wellness and James White Library closed operations in response to an Executive Order by Michigan Governor Whitmer. University-sponsored domestic travel was suspended. Spring break was extended by one week, and in-person spring graduation ceremonies were postponed. Academic Records, Campus Ministries, Campus & Student Life, the Counseling & Testing Center and Student Success began COVID-19 Changes Timeline Spring 2020— 21MARCH 16 Andreasen Center for Wellness and James White Library closed operations Spring break extended Spring graduation ceremonies postponed Suspension of University- sponsored domestic travel MARCH 17 Suspension of in-person committees and meetings Non-essential classrooms/ buildings closed Sandi Patty announced positive COVID-19 test MARCH 18 Campus community notified of Sandi Patty’s positive COVID-19 test MARCH 20 University posts online remote learning/teaching resources MARCH 21 University notified of positive COVID-19 test for two Andrews community members MARCH 24 First “Stay Home, Stay Safe.” Executive Order takes effect Only essential employees report to campus MARCH 25 Remote Faith Engagement opportunities announced MARCH 30 Remote learning/teaching begins First issue of Need to Know newsletter distributed PHOTO: Valerie Pichot to develop strategies to maintain connec- tions with students even from a distance. The campus community was also asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines and avoid group gatherings as mandated by state and federal governments. An additional challenge was present- ed on March 17, nine days after vocalist Sandi Patty’s concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center, when she announced the positive results of her COVID-19 test. Andrews immediately began working closely with the Berrien County Health Department and shared an official email detailing Sandi Patty’s diagnosis and the steps to be taken by those who attended the concert and had been in close contact with Patty. Following an investigation and testing, the Berrien County Health Department released a joint press release with Spectrum Health Lakeland on March 21 announcing the “first two positive cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Berrien County.” Both of the individ- uals had been self-isolating and were receiving medical care at home. “While it is unfortunate for any crisis to occur, it has been and continues to be a blessing to see our community come together throughout the COVID-19 pan- demic to provide support and keep each other safe,” says Ben Panigot, director of Campus Safety. “No job was too small or difficult for our employees, who readily volunteered to take on the extra work and risk. Even in the early conversations of how COVID-19 changes would affect stu- dents, faculty and staff, some of the first questions asked by employees were not how they would personally be impacted but how our students would be support- ed in responding to the changes.” Panigot adds, “We also had overwhelm- ing support from the Berrien County Health Department, Spectrum Health Lakeland, and local emergency services. With our community’s support, Andrews University had routine access to subject matter experts and the resources to help keep our campus safe and supported.” Two days later, Governor Whitmer an- nounced the first “Stay Home, Stay Safe.” Executive Order 2020-21 (COVID-19), which directed Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they were part of the critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or per- forming tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family. “COVID-19 has been a constantly changing and challenging emergency— the biggest challenge being how to best support our employees who are either working from home or who, because of the pandemic, were temporarily furloughed. Throughout the event, it has been heartwarming to see leaders across the University show their com- mitment to ensure that their colleagues are taken care of and are able to navi- gate the pandemic to the best of their ability,” states Darcy De León, director of Human Resources. Caring for our community As Andrews continued to understand, react and respond to the global spread of COVID-19, it began to adjust its “Made to Thrive” whole-person wellness strategy 22 —FOCUS 22 —FOCUS Andrews Speaks podcast relaunched Stimulus funding announced APRIL 1 Thrive Remotely site launched APRIL 2 Counseling & Testing Center begins Zoom- based support group APRIL 3 Pass/No Credit Option approved APRIL 6 Student Life COVID-19 Emergency Fund created Marketing & Enrollment Management launches site for future students Andrews Academy and Ruth Murdoch Elementary School switch to remote learning APRIL 7 “AUeats,” a chef-made lunch delivery service, begins APRIL 9 “Stay Home, Stay Safe.” Executive Order extended APRIL 14 Student Life COVID-19 Emergency Fund opened for applications to reflect the physical distance of the campus community. Campus Ministries announced remote faith engagement opportunities under the theme “The Disruption: Finding Joy in the Unknown.” Programming featured Facebook live- stream vespers programs, weekly study guides, prayer opportunities and panel discussions. The first two Facebook Live Friday vespers events (March 27 and April 3) reached a combined 7,000 views. Jeff Boyd, then research support spe- cialist in the Office of Research & Creative Scholarship, relaunched the Andrews Speaks podcast for a 15-episode season, “Pressing Together.” The Counseling & Testing Center began a Zoom-based support group for students and families feeling isolated. José Bourget, University chaplain, was encouraged by the response of the cam- pus community. “In a climate of global uncertainty, our students responded in one chorus—well, many choruses. They fueled their resilience by engaging in worship of the Sovereign God. And as we continued through the ripples of the great disruption, University administra- tors, faculty, staff and students leaned into prayer and the promises that God will take care of us.” Andrews began remote learning on Monday, March 30. In the midst of the adjustments, the importance of support- ing students both academically and in their day-to-day financial needs became apparent. As a result, Andrews approved a pass/ no credit grading option after consider- ing a petition from students. They also arranged for a “Home Edition” of May Express and for all summer courses to be provided remotely. Another aspect of encouraging student success recognized the financial needs of students who previously relied on jobs for food, rent and tuition. Dining Services created a sponsor-a-box program to provide fresh fruits and/or vegetables to alleviate some stress regarding meals for many international students who live in the University Apartments. Under the provisions of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Andrews received stimulus funding of around $1.2 million. Half of this was to support students in areas such as rent and food, and the other half was to offset operational insti- tutional costs. As of June 1, $372,000 had already been distributed to 437 eligible students. Unfortunately, the CARES Act does not allow international students to receive funding from this stimulus package. Through generous gifts from friends of Andrews University, the Student Life COVID-19 Emergency Fund was established. So far, 262 qualified inter- national students have received a total of $157,200 from the amount of funds already received by the University. “The impact of the Coronavirus and the loss of jobs left many of our students struggling to meet the most basic of hu- man needs, food and housing. Thus, our students have expressed deep gratitude for the gifts of love they have received from friends of the University. Neverthe- less, the prolonged impact of restrictions related to the virus likewise prolongs the struggle our students are continuing to face on a daily basis to feed and provide for their families,” says Frances Faehner, vice president for Campus & Student Life. Celebration and planning for the future Even with the changes brought on by remote learning, Andrews still found ways to celebrate student achievements with a virtual Undergraduate Recognition & Awards Ceremony on May 1. They also held a Virtual Commencement and Cele- bration of Graduates from May 1–3 with Spring 2020— 23APRIL 21 Online summer classes announced APRIL 24 “Stay Home, Stay Safe.” Executive Order extended APRIL 30 State of Emergency Order extended MAY 1–3 Virtual Commencement and Celebration of Graduates MAY 4 May Express Home Edition begins classes MAY 7 “Stay Home, Stay Safe.” Executive Order extended MAY 12 Luminaries displayed for frontline workers MAY 14 Fall semester plans announced MAY 15 Virtual Commencement and Celebration of Graduates plans announced for summer graduation MAY 18 Andrews announces plans to reopen with in-person instruction on August 24, 2020 plans to commemorate summer gradua- tion in a similar fashion. On May 12, Andrews expressed grati- tude to those in the local community who serve as frontline workers and caregivers in the Spectrum Health Lakeland health- care system and around the world. A team of 20 dedicated Andrews University friends and family members honored these individuals by lighting 500 lumi- naries at the University entrance. Andrews now plans to re-open campus and start fall semester classes on August 24. Marketing & Enrollment Management has been working to connect with future students and guide them through this unique application and admission process. “What has made these last few weeks manageable,” comments Luxton, “has been the incredible collegiality, creativ- ity and positive attitudes of the campus employees and students. I have been proud to work alongside them throughout this crisis. That also gives me immense confidence for our future as we move to hopefully reopen in August 2020 for the fall semester.” A “Re-Open Planning Group” meets regularly to discuss the University’s continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the work of that campus group, and the support and inspiration of employees and students and their families, Andrews is ready and committed to respond to—and impact—a fast-changing world and a “new normal” reality for university communities. Everything has changed Or has it? All classes are engaging in re- mote learning right now, but professors are still teaching with the same passion for knowledge. Campus might be closed, but the Andrews University community isn’t. There was no in-person graduation this year, but the accomplishment is still the same. How we’re doing things has changed, but our goal to change the world remains. “World” may seem a little bigger. “Chang- ers” becomes a much more immediate need. “Made” is still happening with students trans- forming into global citizens every day. “Here” could be anywhere, instead of just on-campus. COVID may have paused all the physical as- pects of Andrews University—the cafeteria, the classrooms, the residence halls—but our spirit is still the same. We’re still Andrews University. We’re capable. We’re courageous. We’re World Changers for a changing world. 24 —FOCUS 24 —FOCUSEMPLOYEE AWARDS NIGHT 2020 WAS held Sunday, March 1, in the Howard Performing Arts Center. Employees of Andrews University gathered to celebrate each other’s accomplish- ments and enjoy time together. As guests entered the Howard Lobby, an ice sculpture of a Cardinal show- cased the evening's theme: Golden Cardinal Awards. After an hour of food and fellowship, attendees moved to the auditorium. The program began with a warm welcome by President Andrea Luxton. Ryan Hayes, professor of chemistry, and his wife Suzi set a light tone for the evening as they introduced each of the six Golden Cardinal Awards throughout the program. Six "fun and fake" awards were presented: Best Regalia, Best Office Fit Break, Best Employee on a Skateboard, Best Southern Accent, Best Sam’s Chicken Dipping Sauce and Best Climate World Changer. At the conclusion of the night, Artur Stele, board chair and Gen- eral Conference vice president, expressed his appreciation for the people of Andrews, closing the eve- ning with a prayer of blessing. A total of 33 faculty and staff were individually honored for their years of service to Andrews University as well as for excellence in service, teaching, research, faith develop- ment and wellness. Visit andrews.edu/agenda/55683 to access links for the video tributes presented to each recipient and additional images. FAITH DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD Adriana Perera-Larrarte Spring 2020— 25 Employee Awards Night 2020 Oliver Glanz, pictured with his wife NOT PICTURED: Desrene Vernon-Brebnor DANIEL A. AUGSBURGER EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD26 —FOCUS 26 —FOCUS L–R: Bonnie Beres, Ron Neumann L–R: Jim Massena, Lorena Bidwell, Lois Grimm L–R: Margarita Mattingly, Don Smith NOT PICTURED: Richard Davidson, Norma Greenidge, Don May, Becky May, Dianne Wilson 40 YEARS OF SERVICE 35 YEARS OF SERVICE 45 YEARS OF SERVICE BACK ROW, L–R: Erich Baumgartner, Roy Gane, Dan Hamstra, Bill Greenley, Tom Goodwin FRONT ROW, L–R: Emma Tenorio, Betty Oakley NOT PICTURED: Sara Snider L–R: Curt VanderWaal, Arlen Springer NOT PICTURED: Lori Adler, Mickey Kutzner, Bill Wolfer 25 YEARS OF SERVICE 30 YEARS OF SERVICE L–R: Ada Mendez, Lynn Merklin NOT PICTURED: Maxwell Jardine STAFF EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD Deby Andvik WELLNESS CHAMPION AWARDDenver, Colorado Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020 Nearly 50 alumni and friends of Andrews University gathered at Cinzetti’s Italian Restaurant. Dick Stenbakken (MA ’64, BD ’65) opened the evening with prayer as attendees began to converse with tablemates. Laura Malcolm (BBA ’11) , associate director of Alumni Services, shared a presentation full of pictures and updates about Andrews before David Faehner (MA ’72) , vice presi- dent for University Advancement, spoke further about some of the changes Andrews has seen over the years. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions before Michael Goetz (MDiv ’08, DMin ’15) closed out the evening with prayer. Orlando, Florida Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 Andrews University’s Florida regional event took place at the Highland Manor near Orlando. With approximately 130 alumni, prospective students and supporters of Andrews University in attendance, it was a full event! Tomas Bennett (MA ’81) gave opening prayer, which was followed by a welcome from David Faehner (MA ’72) , vice president for University Advancement. Attendees enjoyed a delectable, expansive brunch while visit- ing with fellow alums and students. Pictures and updates from Andrews University’s campus additions and projects were shared by University Advancement representatives, then David Faehner answered questions during a Q&A session. Regional events Phoenix, Arizona Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020 Alumni, prospective students and supporters gathered at the Old Spaghetti Factory on a warm, sunny January day. Attendees welcomed Andrews representatives as they shared memories and stories from their time at Andrews. Charles Scriven (BD ’68) offered opening prayer, then Laura Malcolm (BBA ’11), associate director of Alumni Services, shared pictures from Homecom- ing 2019 and spoke about some of the changes Andrews has seen over the past year. David Faehner (MA ’72) handled a Q&A session after the presentation, as well as shared several of the potential upcoming projects, before James Warren III closed the evening with prayer. It was a wonderful time to share memories with each other and to talk about Andrews! Dallas, Texas Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020 Another large group of just over 100 local Dallas/Fort Worth alums came out to have brunch with the Andrews team. After a presentation by Andriy Kharkovyy (BBA ’06, MBA ’09) , director of Alumni Services, all those in attendance had the opportunity to hear President Andrea Luxton (MA ’78) share various plans for Andrews University. Spring 2020— 27 Alumni NewsVirtual regional event Thursday, March 26, 2020 When Andrews University’s southern regional events were canceled due to the COVID-19 situation, the Office of Alumni Services decided to host a new type of event—a virtual event. Nearly 20 alumni from the southern U.S. gathered around their laptops and phones to listen to Chaplain José Bourget (BA ’03) start the virtual event with prayer. President Andrea Luxton (MA ’78) then shared updates regarding the impact of COVID-19 at Andrews. Alums had the opportunity to type in questions for the president, which Luxton answered. Following her talk, a visually appealing slideshow full of pictures from Homecoming and updates about the Andrews campus were presented by Andriy Kharkovyy (BBA ’06, MBA ’09) , director of Alumni Services. Considering the circumstances it was still great to connect with alumni through Zoom! Roseville, California Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020 A lively group of local alumni from around the Sacramento/ Roseville area came together at the Old Spaghetti Factory to get updates on upcoming plans for Andrews University. While President Luxton was not able to make it to this event due to other commitments, David Faehner (MA ’72) , vice president for University Advancement, spoke about various initiatives from the President’s office and other updates from campus. After a presentation from Andriy Kharkovyy (BBA ’06, MBA ’09) , Alumni director, David Faehner held a Q&A with those in attendance. Napa, California Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 This event in a picturesque area of Northern California is always a nice way to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Besides a loyal group of Andrews alumni from the area, several prospective students who attended had a chance to speak to President Andrea Luxton (MA ’78) and ask her various questions. After a brief presentation by the Alumni director, Andrea Luxton and David Faehner (MA ’72) , vice presi- dent for University Advancement, discussed challenges facing education and how Andrews is preparing to deal with them. Loma Linda, California Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020 This event is a great opportunity to mingle with over a hundred alums from various corners of the Loma Linda area. This year attendees gathered on the campus of Loma Linda University where alums enjoyed a catered meal. The director of Alumni Services then shared updates and a visual presentation, after which President Andrea Luxton (MA ’78) gave everyone an op- portunity to ask questions. It was especially enjoyable to see a number of future Andrews alums in attendance. Homecoming 2020 POSTPONED to Sept. 23–26, 2021 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrews University’s leaders have set social distancing and travel guidelines in place for fall 2020. In order to protect the health and safety of our Andrews on-campus student population, visitor and guest access to campus as well as large group gatherings will be affected. We have therefore made the difficult decision to postpone Homecoming 2020 to Sept. 23–26, 2021. We look forward to joyfully celebrating with you in 2021 when we can gather together fully as an Andrews family once more. SAVE THE DATE A Global Celebration of Andrews September 25–27, 2020 Join us from wherever you are around the world to celebrate your alma mater—virtually! For more information, please visit alumni.andrews.edu/celebrateAU Homecoming 2021 Honor Classes: 1950, 1951, 1960, 1961, 1970, 1971, 1980, 1981, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021 If you have questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Services at alumni@andrews. edu or 269-471-3591. Please visit alumni. andrews.edu/homecoming for Homecoming 2021 updates over the coming year. 28 —FOCUS1960s In 1970, J. Bjornar Storfjell (BD ’69, PhD ’83) went to Middle East University in Beirut, Leb- anon, to teach biblical languages. After three years he was back at Andrews University in 1974 starting studies toward a PhD. Occasional teaching in the Seminary led to a position as assistant curator of the Siegfried Horn Archaeological Museum. After completing a PhD in 1983 he was offered a teaching posi- tion at the Seminary where he taught until 1999. During his years at Andrews Storfjell served as acting director of the Institute of Archae- ology from 1986–88 and director of the MA in religion program from 1987–93. In 1999, he started working with his wife, Suseela Yesudian (MA ’95, MA ’96), as an archaeolog- ical consultant in Azerbaijan doing work for the Royal Norwegian Department of Foreign Affairs. This work continued until 2003. During this period he became acquainted with Norwe- gian explorer Thor Heyerdahl of Kon-Tiki Raft fame and worked as his director of excavations in Azov, Russia, in 2001 and in 2002 after the death of Heyerdahl the same year. Before Heyerdahl died he established the Thor Heyerdahl Research Centre which Storfjell directed from 2002–07, participating in an ex- cavation in Samoa in the South Pacific in 2003. In 2006, Storfjell served as external lecturer in anthropology at Kingston University in Lon- don, and the following three years he taught world archaeology at the Open University, Ox- ford Campus. For the last decade he has taught the course “Archaeology of the Bible Lands” for the Department for Continuing Education, Ox- ford University. Storfjell has served two terms (2001–05 and 2011–15) as a member of the board of directors of the Palestine Exploration Fund, the oldest professional organization dealing with the archaeology and history of the Levant, having been founded in 1865. He has now taken up the position of editor of the Pal- estine Exploration Quarterly, a peer reviewed journal published by the same organization since 1869. Storfjell lives in Amersham, Buck- inghamshire, United Kingdom. 2000s Rachel Maldonado (BSW ’03) launched a Life Coach business in 2020. She believes in the human spirit and any moment of connection. Her website is rhmaldonado.com. 2010s In January 2020, Stacy Horner Young (PhD ’13) was named president of Montcalm Community College in Sidney, Michigan. Jamie (BA ’14, MDiv ’19) and Madeline (BS ’10) Ricketts were married in 2016. They moved to Orlando, and Jamie is working as a hospital chaplain with AdventHealth. Madeline recently began a job as a medical receptionist with AdventHealth. After graduating from Andrews University, Sandra Patterson (BS ’17) worked for two years at Brightsprings Health Services as a housekeeper in a residential facility. Her son, Ayinel, graduated from Ocala Christian Academy. They then moved to Tennessee where Ayinel is a freshman at Southern Adventist University. Sandra works as the special events childcare coordinator at the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists on campus. She is also working toward an online graduate degree. IN APRIL, THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI Services launched a brand-new Andrews webinar series highlighting subjects presented by Andrews alumni, faculty and students. Many people were quarantined at home due to COVID-19 this spring, so the series started off with six weekly presentations. Since then, it has transi- tioned into monthly webinar sessions. The sequence began with an exciting virtual “stay at home” workout led by Christine Wallace (MSA ’08) , an Andrews alum and wellness professional living in Toronto, Canada. The coming weeks saw presentations about personal finance and then manatee research, presented by Scott Schalk (BBA ’92, MBA ’93) and Nina Woodard (BS ’20) respectively. An- drews music student and violinist Simon Luke Brown performed a mini concert, “Eine Kleine Quarantinemusik,” then a board-certified psychiatrist and alum based in Georgia, Dr. Adam Meadows (BS ’04) , gave an excellent talk about “Finding Wellness in Difficult Times.” Andrews faculty member and alum Liz Muhlenbeck (BBA ’91) , spoke of “Change Management—Navigating the Space in Between,” and most recently Presi- dent Andrea Luxton (MA ’78) discussed Andrews updates and took questions in a Q&A session. The Office of Alumni Services antic- ipates continuing to offer a wide range of topics over the coming months. “For years we’ve thought about offering alums continued learning in the form of webinars. This past spring gave our office the time to finally put this idea into action, and we’ve had a positive response from alumni so far. It’s a great way to connect with and hear from alums all around the world,” says Laura Malcolm, associate director of Alumni Services. What’s next on the schedule? Dr. Sa- mara Sterling (MS ’13) , an Andrews alum who is currently research director for The Peanut Institute, will be interviewed during “Plant-Based Nutrition for Dis- ease Prevention” on July 1. You can learn more about the se- ries, register for upcoming webinars and watch the recordings of previous presentations at alumni.andrews.edu/ webinar. New webinar series launched Spring 2020— 29 Alumni News Class NotesNext >