FOCUSthe andrews university magazine SPRING 2021 Vol 57 No 2 PG 8 —Spring Graduation PG 17 —Employee Celebration PG 18 —A Culture of Service PG 22 —Bradley Family Harvest RunEditor Gillian Panigot (BA ’06, MA ’08) focus@andrews.edu | 269-471-3348 Associate Editor Patricia Spangler (BS ’04) Contributing Editors Andriy Kharkovyy (BBA ’06, MBA ’09) Laura Malcolm (BBA ’11) Designer Justin Jeffery (BMus ’04) Photographers Jeff Boyd (MBA ’04) Pieter Damsteegt (BFA ’13) Darren Heslop (BFA ’10) Jackson John (current student) Laura Malcolm (BBA ’11) Victory Kovach (current staff) Lloyd Martinez (BBA ’21) David Sherwin (BFA ’82) Julia Viniczay (BFA ’21) Writers Laura Fierce (BA ’21) Isabella Koh (current student) Moriah McDonald (current student) FOCUS (ISSN 1077-9345) is published quarterly, free of charge, for alumni and friends of Andrews University, an institution owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The magazine’s address is FOCUS, Office of University Communication, Andrews Universi- ty, 8903 US Hwy 31, Berrien Springs MI 49104-1000. Copyright © 2021 by Andrews University. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. Printed by Holland Litho Printing Service, Holland MI. Periodicals postage paid at Berrien Springs MI, and at additional mailing offices. Please send address changes to FOCUS Magazine, Office of Alumni Services, Andrews University, 8714 E Campus Circle Dr, Berrien Springs MI 49104-0950, email alumni@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3591. President Andrea Luxton (MA ’78) Provost Christon Arthur (BA ’90, MA ’95, EdS ’99, PhD ’00) Vice President for Financial Administration Glenn “ Chip ” Meekma (att.) Special Assistant to the President for University & Public Affairs Stephen Payne Vice President for Campus & Student Life Frances Faehner (BSW ’76, PhD ’07) Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion Michael T. Nixon (BS ’09) Vice President for Strategy, Marketing & Enrollment/ Chief Communication Officer Tony Yang Vice President for University Advancement David A. Faehner (MA ’72) FOCUS the andrews university magazine It Takes a Village and I responded in like (for example, the peace sign, the hand on heart, raising the roof) I was able to connect mean- ingfully, for me, with each person in a unique way. Then with the planning team there was the team that carried everything off throughout the weekend. Patience was the gift of the weekend as staff went the extra mile and then another one and then another to help everyone be in the right place at the right time. And the tech team both inside and out worked wonders to weave together disparate videos and livestreaming to reach those present inside, those present outside and those in their own homes, all at the same time! On Sunday morning—our “rain service”—I went outside at the end of the event and there were all the staff, standing under umbrellas throughout the parking lot, still helping families. The graduates may not have a com- parison, but for me, knowing the personal thought that went into each decision and then the unified follow- through, this graduation will go down as the best one ever. It takes a village to grow a graduate who is a World Changer. It takes every part of the body of the University work- ing together to live the Andrews mission! Thank you, team. Andrea Luxton, president THE TRUTH OF THE SAYING “IT TAKES A village … ” or, in the biblical context, 1 Corinthians 12 was never clearer to me than over the last few days. Graduation is usually the celebratory culmination of the year’s activities. For 2021 it became something even more meaningful: the culmination of the challenges and rewards of a year living and working with COVID-19 restrictions. Graduation epitomized the astounding commitment and unified focus of the University toward its stu- dents and their success (academically, spiritually and personally). There is no doubt that on the surface what we were able to do disappointed some. Families couldn’t attend many of the indoor ceremonies. Graduates had to physically distance themselves for the graduation event itself. But if you scratched the surface of what could be seen, what you would find was truly heartwarming: creativity, unity, shared purpose, commitment and a willing- ness to go the third and fourth mile. Let me give you a few examples of what our normally unsung heroes and heroines managed to arrange. Much of the initial creativity came from the core graduation committee, led by my truly amazing assistant, Dalry Payne. How could we have graduation under the restrictions we had and still make it personal? And so we decided instead of the usual Commencement speakers we would ask parents and friends of the graduates to send us videos. I had a message from an alumna who had no direct family graduating but wanted to tune in to see what we were doing. She told me she cried when she saw the videos, the families and lives behind our graduates. And then came the idea of the drive-in theater, along with personal delivery of goodies, water and programs to each car ... and a few balloons too. And of course there was the new handshake system that was particularly powerful for me. As grad- uates chose their form of handshake 2 FOCUS WINTER 2020 The FSC® trademark indicates that the paper contains fiber from responsibly managed forest in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council®. From the President’s DeskSpring 2021—Volume 57, Number 2 17 Employee Awards Celebration Andrews employees were honored in the first-ever virtual awards evening. 18 A Culture of Service World Changers Week highlighted alumni and students making a positive impact on their world. 22 Bradley Family Harvest Run Thanks to a generous gift, the annual Harvest Run—now renamed—will continue for years to come. Features Departments 2 President’s Desk 4 Campus Update 11 Howard Happenings 12 Faculty & Staff 25 Class Notes 27 Life Stories 18 Bradley Family Harvest Run 22 COVER: Christie Chavit, who received a Bachelor of Health Science in physical therapy, and President Andrea Luxton exchange an air fist bump during the College of Health & Human Services Commencement on May 7, 2021. Photo credit: Jeff Boyd, media relations manager A Culture of Service Employee Awards Celebration 17 Spring 2021— 3 In FOCUSCampus Update FOCUS | Winter 2021 Don’t forget to write Letters are always welcome. To ensure a range of viewpoints, we encourage letters of fewer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for content, style and space. By mail: FOCUS Editor Andrews University Office of University Communication 8903 US 31 Berrien Springs MI 49104-1000 By email: focus@andrews.edu Visit Andrews University’s YouTube channel to view spring graduation services, vespers, chapels and more. andrews.edu/go/youtube andrews_university @andrewsuniversity @AndrewsUniv Follow Andrews on your favorite social media platform New book on faith and science Released by Andrews University Press EVIDENCE FOR A DESIGNED CREATION and a worldwide flood is the focus of a new, popularly-oriented book from An- drews University Press intended for the college classroom and general readership. “Design and Catastrophe: 51 Scientists Explore Evidence in Nature,” has been released this month by Andrews, in part- nership with the Geoscience Research Institute (GRI) in Loma Linda, California. “We are excited to present this rich sampler of some of the overwhelming evidence for the design/catastrophe paradigm in the world around us,” said Ronny Nalin, one of the book’s general editors, and the new director of GRI. Nalin said that the 51 scientists collec- tively represent a broad cross-section of specialties in the scientific world, including geology, paleontology, biology, chemistry, botany, genetics, computer science, medicine, physics, astronomy, engineering and mathematics. He said the 51 articles in the book are each about three pages long and are written and edited to be understandable and useful to the non-specialist. “These writers are all experts in their fields,” Nalin said. “And the mark of being an expert is to be able to communicate something meaningful to someone who doesn’t know everything the expert does. So, the authors each have written a short essay on some specific scientific topic that illustrates how the biblical teaching of origins helps them make sense of the marvels of intricate creative design in nature or the evidence for catastrophic, large-scale activity consistent with the biblical account of a worldwide flood.” Among the 51 essays in the book are: “Wonderful Water,” “From Chemical Space to Creative Grace,” “Why Chimpan- zees Can’t Play Chopin,” “Cholesterol: The Wonder of Biosynthesis,” “Mathematics and Design in the Realm of Bees,” “Mega- breccias: A Record of Catastrophes” and “Human Life Span after the Flood.” Two other general editors, Humberto M. Rasi and L. James Gibson, worked closely with Nalin to prepare the book and provide editorial guidance. Rasi is the former director of the Education Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and Gibson is Nalin’s long-time predecessor as director of GRI. Rasi and Nalin prepared the book in honor of Gibson, who retired from GRI in August 2020 and to whom they dedi- cated their work. “We expect this book to have wide use in the college classroom and for the educated layperson,” Rasi said. “It has good solid, scientific content but is also accessible to the casual reader.” Rasi, himself a long-time educator, also served as vice president for editorial development at Pacific Press Publishing Association, has written many articles and co-edited with Gibson other books on religion and science, including “Understanding Creation: Answers to Questions on Faith and Science.” “Design and Catastrophe” is available from Amazon.com, from Adventist Book Centers, and directly from Andrews University Press at universitypress.andrews.edu. “It has good solid, scientific content but is also accessible to the casual reader.” 4 —FOCUSIN CELEBRATION OF ASIAN AMERICAN and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Andrews University hosted a collection of programs and important discussions on heritage and identity. Although AAPI heritage is officially recognized during the month of May throughout the United States, the Uni- versity hosted events in March and April to account for summer break. On March 22, AAPI student clubs met with the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and Center for Faith Engagement to dis- cuss and process recent tragic events of hate and violence toward the Asian com- munity. Spokespersons from each of the organizations explored ways the campus could make intentional choices to stop acts of injustice and share support across the lines of the Andrews community. The first Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Vespers took place for Proximity Vespers on April 9 and centered on the theme “Rise Together.” Individuals from an array of cultural backgrounds gathered together for mu- sic and worship. An original piece of art titled “Blooming in Diversity” was pre- sented by creators Justin Flores, Dara Atmadja, Rekha Isaac and Yejin Seo. The painting of a cross featured flowers and golden embroidery, incorporating cul- tural meanings from around the world that centered on the message of unity found within 1 Corinthians 1:10. Tony Yang, vice president for strate- gy, marketing & enrollment and chief communication officer, was the featured speaker. As students performed skits on their experiences as AAPI individuals, Yang called upon Christians to put their faith in God in the face of wrongdoing. “We have this thing called faith, as Chris- tians,” he said. “That faith gives us hope that God will be the one who will rise.” Yang also pointed forward to the day of Jesus’ return, stating, “On that day, we are united not just by the color of our skin. We will rise together as the children of God.” Continuing the celebration of AAPI identity, the South Asian Student As- sociation (SASA) presented a program titled “Once Upon a Time In Bollywood” on April 10. The event included music, dance, food and a fashion show to help celebrate and honor South Asian culture. On April 16, the Andrews Filipino International Association (AFIA) pre- sented their annual Pilipino Culture Night which featured “Tagumpay,” a play written by Andrews student Alec Bofetiado. The production was pre- sented via livestream and in person and told the story of a secret romance in 19th century colonial Philippines. All proceeds from the event were do- nated to the organization “Stop AAPI Hate!” Michael Nixon, vice president for Diversity & Inclusion, says, “It was truly a pleasure to partner with the Center for Faith Engagement, the Proximity Vespers team as well as the leadership of a number of our student clubs to have our first-of-its-kind AAPI Heritage Month Celebration.” As events were planned and an- nounced, Nixon notes that there was a challenging but “amazing opportunity to begin a process that I hope will lead to better affirmation and inclusion of those in the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (NHPI) community on our campus.” He affirms the innovative creativity and commitment of the students involved, explaining, “In addition to the celebratory events, we were able to host critical conver- sations about the rise in hate crimes directed toward the AAPI community. It was deeply moving to hear reflec- tions from our students as they talked about their collective experiences and what that moment meant for them.” “ ... we were able to host critical conversations about the rise in hate crimes directed toward the AAPI community.” “ Rise Together” A celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Top: Annual Pilipino Culture Night Middle: Panel discussion Bottom: Original art presentation at Proximity Vespers Spring 2021— 5 Campus UpdateIN FEBRUARY, THE BLACK HISTORY Month Planning Committee was excited to engage the Andrews University community in “Rise!”— a month-long celebration of the resilience and perseverance of people from the African diaspora and the networks that support them. Alyssa Palmer, associate dean for Student Life, says, “In the midst of racial tensions that continue to plague our country, the Black History Month Committee felt impressed to dedicate this year’s Black History Month events to rising above adversity. Through our programming and the theme we cele- brated our resiliency and reaffirmed our status as overcomers.” The celebration kicked off on Thurs- day, Feb. 4, at Black History Month (BHM) chapel, with a performance from Deliverance Mass Choir. Michael Nixon, vice president for Diversity & Inclusion, served as the moderator for a panel with Danielle Pilgrim, associate chaplain; Steve Yeagley, assistant vice president for Campus & Student Life; and Rayneau Victor, senior majoring in photography and religion. The panel discussed the struggles that Black people face in the United States amidst political unrest and a pandemic. On Friday evening, Feb. 5, Celebration Sabbath Weekend began with Impact Vespers. Claudia Allen, an Andrews alumnus who currently serves as online content manager for Message Maga- zine, joined the program virtually as the keynote speaker. She presented passion- ately on the important, unrecognized role Black women have played in both activism and the church, calling her listeners to unite in a collective under- standing of shared experience and to rise together against injustice. On Saturday, Feb. 6, New Life Fellow- ship’s service marked the beginning of its BHM series “Act Up,” which exam- ined how the gospel calls individuals to create opportunities for justice. Claudia Allen’s sermon “Creating a Criminal” focused on Daniel 6, the story of King Cyrus’s administration which target- ed people due to their nationality and religion. Emphasizing Daniel’s act of prayer as a protest, she encouraged, “No matter what perils we face, we can be overcomers because of God. Rise to pray, protest and work. Do not allow laws of this land that target to seek and destroy you to prevent you from doing the work of God.” Other BHM events included BSCF Spirit Week, Short Course—Film Se- ries: “Black Boys” (Part I), Blackventist Praise, and Black Like Me: A Comedic Story Slam Event. Dining Services also provided a series of special meals in honor of Black History Month. “I think that our Black History Month celebration served as a poignant point of reference as we reflected on the Black experience in the past and present and dreamed about how we can rise to the occasions that the future will present to us going forward,” comments Nixon. “I once again want to affirm the amaz- ing leadership of our students who put so much thought, creative energy and effort into each year’s celebration. This year was another example of how much we can do, together, in the midst of a difficult and complex season of life.” “Rise!” Black History Month 2021 ABOVE, COUNTERCLOCKWISE: Panel discussion at BHM chapel A musician performs at Impact Vespers Deliverance Mass Choir performs for Celebration Sabbath New Life Fellowship Berta Arroyo, executive chef, displays a special meal for BHM Black Like Me: A Comedic Story Slam Event “No matter what perils we face, we can be overcomers because of God. Rise to pray, protest and work.” 6 —FOCUS Campus UpdateTHE MUSIC & WORSHIP CONFERENCE, hosted by the International Center for Worship & Music, took place Feb. 18–20 as a hybrid event. Andrews students and em- ployees participated in person while other guests joined virtually. Approximately 50 individuals engaged in the programming, themed “God is No Respector of Persons: How Worshiping Together Cultivates Unity across the Divide.” “The 2021 conference was truly ex- ceptional and Spirit-filled,” says David Williams, assistant professor of wor- ship and sacred music and co-director of the International Center for Worship & Music. “Our paper-presenter schol- ars and professionals gave outstanding papers. Our plenary speakers, Michaela Lawrence Jeffery and Sandra Montes, lectured on the biblical, theological and pastoral need for harmony in the church and local congregations. The academic highlight of the conference involved experts discussing a newly discovered and the earliest known Adventist audio recording, featuring a Black choir in Atlanta in 1926.” He adds, “The heart of the confer- ence, however, is worshiping together. Through the advancements of tech- nology, all our in-person and online worshipers and attendees engaged in worship. The conference culminated in a biblical and sensory experience of ‘Worship through the Sanctuary,’ a life-changing experience of meditation and praise to God through the symbol- ism of the Sanctuary.” THE THEME OF THE MARCH 25 ANDREWS University Teaching & Learning Conference (AUTLC) was “Resilience, Re- imagining and Retooling: Teaching and Learning in Changing Environments.” Educators and students from Andrews and other institutions from around the world shared scholarly work and best practices in education. The keynote address was given by Cia Verschelden, a consultant with the American Association of Colleges and Universities and former vice president of Academic and Student Affairs of Malcolm X College. Her presen- tation was titled “Bandwidth Recovery: Helping Students Reclaim Cognitive Capacity Lost to Poverty, Racism, Trauma, Marginalization, and Uncertainty.” “Since AUTLC was offered virtually this year, we were able to interact and collaborate with people from around the world,” says Anneris Coria-Navia, pro- fessor of curriculum and instruction and director of the Center for Teaching & Learning. “There were over 20 countries represented and more than 400 partic- ipants registered. This provided a great exchange of ideas and a richness to the conference that was greatly appreciated by the participants and the present- ers. Since the virtual format was well received, we are considering continuing it even after restrictions for in-person gatherings are lifted.” THE ELLEN G. WHITE ISSUES SYMPOSIUM, sponsored by the Center for Adventist Research, the Ellen G. White Estate Branch Office, and the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary’s De- partment of Church History, took place on April 5. The symposium aimed to break new ground in understanding how Ellen White and issues relating to her life, ministry and prophetic gift have current importance. Speakers included Alberto Timm and Merlin Burt, associate director and director, respectively, of the Ellen G. White Estate; James R. Nix, retired direc- tor of the Ellen G. White Estate; Denis Kaiser, assistant professor of church history and interim director for outreach and external affairs at the Center for Adventist Research; Abner F. Hernandez, assistant professor of church history; and Davide Sciarabba, assistant professor of religion. “This year we had to hold the sym- posium for the first time in a virtual format, yet we received overwhelming positive feedback,” says Kaiser. “The attendance was larger than in previous years, even during the afternoon ses- sions and panel discussion. Students, presenters and other attendees from different parts of the world remarked that the mix of presentations truly broke new ground and stimulated them intellectually, spiritually and practically.” Virtual conferences on campus While the COVID-19 pandemic limited on-campus events at Andrews University, a number of annual gatherings moved online or became hybrid events Music & Worship Conference panel Campus Update Spring 2021— 7ANDREWS UNIVERSITY’S SPRING GRADU- ation took place May 7–9 and celebrated students receiving the 264 degrees awarded in fall 2020 and the 402 degrees awarded in spring 2021. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, students for the first time participated in weekend services both in-person and virtually. Although only graduates were able to attend the Com- mencement ceremonies directly and in person, friends and family were invited to submit video messages of congratula- tions and watch the services either online or at drive-in viewings in the Pioneer Memorial Church parking lot. Ceremonies began on Friday, May 7, with the Commencement service for the College of Health & Human Services. In the evening, two services took place celebrating students for their achieve- ments and heritage: the AULA (Andrews University Latino Association) Recogni- tion Ceremony in the Seminary Chapel and the BSCF (Black Student Christian Forum) Rite of Passage Ceremony in the Howard Performing Arts Center. On Saturday, May 8, Wintley A. Phipps, vocal artist, composer, senior pastor of the Palm Bay SDA Church in Palm Bay, Florida, and founder/CEO/president of U.S. Dream Academy, spoke for the two Baccalaureate services. His address was titled “An Enduring Mystery.” Throughout the rest of the afternoon, various departments and schools gathered virtually or for limited in- person programs to celebrate graduates’ achievements. Later that evening, at the Dedication and Commencement for the Seventh- day Adventist Theological Seminary, R. Clifford Jones, president of the Lake Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, presented the dedication address “This is my Story.” Spring graduation weekend Celebrating graduates in person and virtually A physically distanced Commencement service in Pioneer Memorial Church 8 —FOCUS Campus UpdateDuring the Commencement portion of the service, Wintley Phipps was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws for his exemplary leadership and commitment to bringing posi- tive change and opportunities to those within his sphere of influence. Phipps is an education activist, mo- tivational speaker, author, pastor and world-renowned vocal artist. He has traveled the world, performing for several notable occasions and speaking for a variety of important events, awarded the prestigious Master of Influence Award by the National Speakers Association for his efforts. In ad- dition, he is the founder, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Dream Academy, Inc. The non-profit organization offers mentoring and tutoring services to children of incarcer- ated parents and to children falling behind in school and living in high-risk environments. Nearly 10,000 students have been aided by the organization, which aims to build dreams, character, perseverance and academic skills. Through this important work, Phipps has highlighted the needs of children in America’s underprivileged communities. The final Commencement services took place on Sunday, May 9. The College of Ed- ucation & International Services, College of Professions and the College of Arts & Sciences gathered in two services throughout the day. Videos of the Commencement services and several other graduation programs can be found on the Andrews Facebook page and on the Andrews YouTube channel. FROM TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: President Luxton and Wintley Phipps, honorary degree recipient School of Nursing Consecration Service A team of University staff cleaning the PMC sanctuary between services Celebrating at graduation ITS staff Philip Roberts in the PMC control room Drive-in viewing for family and friends in the Pioneer Memorial Church parking lot Spring 2021— 9 Campus UpdateNext >