< PreviousAVENUES OF RESEARCH STEMMING from the COVID-19 pandemic have led to unique and invaluable insights in fields across the academic sphere. One such project, led by Nicholas P. Miller, professor of church history, and Alexis Artaud de La Ferrière, senior lecturer in sociology, University of Portsmouth, brings focus to “COVID-19 and Re- ligious Liberty.” Sponsored by the Andrews University Religious Free- dom Institute, the project seeks to find a fair balance between religious freedom and public health through constructive dialogue. As part of its commitment to inter- national reach, the project launched a virtual conference in December 2020, sponsored by Andrews University, Brigham Young University Law School and the University of Portsmouth. The event invited scholars from across the U.S. and Canada to interact with those from Europe in order to understand similarities and differences between pandemic closings and religious free- dom across countries. Miller explains, “This kind of comparison can help us understand how better to protect religious freedom during public health emergencies.” Both Miller and Artaud de La Ferrière, along with BYU profes- sors Cole Durham, Brett Scharffs and Rosa Maria de Codes, a Spanish schol- ar, moderated the two-day conference. Most recently, in March 2021, the Andrews University International Reli- gious Liberty Institute and professors Miller and Ferrière were invited to become part of the working group on Freedom of Religion and Belief for the G-20, a gathering of leading national governments dealing with economic and human rights issues. The paper was drafted with observations and findings from both the conference and forum, stressing the dual importance of a recognition of religious freedom and a protection of public health. Mill- er notes, “There are ways of protecting religious freedom and the ability of people to gather to worship, and also of protecting their health.” Professor Miller has been invited to Catera, Italy, from June 28–30 to present the policy paper findings to the Freedom of Reli- gion or Belief group, in preparation for the full G-20 meetings in September. Miller notes the profile this gives An- drews University in having “a seat at the table of discussion about religious freedom issues not only nationally, but internationally.” Edited papers will eventually be released as a special edition of a journal published by the International Religious Liberty Associ- ation, and the team plans to publish a book of additional materials. COVID-19 religious liberty report submitted to the G-20 Led by Nicholas Miller, Seminary professor, and Alexis Artaud de La Ferrière from the University of Portsmouth Karl Bailey, professor of psychology, Harvey Burnett, chair of the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Rachelle Pichot, graduate of Andrews University and currently a doctoral student at University of Notre Dame, have received the International Criti- cal Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) Cofounders Award for Excellence in Research. They received formal recog- nition for the award on May 25, 2021, during the 16th World Congress. Bailey, Burnett (pictured) and Pichot’s research examined Psycho- logical Body Armor (PBA), a unique form of human resilience posited by George Everly Jr. Everly, cofounder of ICISF and the Critical Incident Stress Management multicomponent system that has been in use for over 30 years, nominated the team for their award. Their research has been used by Ev- erly to provide evidentiary support for the PBA model in his recently created online or live training in PBA. In fact, participants who take the course must read the team’s research article in module 1 of the “Secrets of Psycho- logical Body Armor” training. Concepts from the research have also been incorporated into the new Andrews Core Experience “Wellness 360” course. International award for research Received by School of Social & Behavioral Sciences team “[Andrews University has ... ] a seat at the table of discussion about religious freedom issues not only nationally, but internationally.” Visit covid-religiousliberty.org for more information on the project To read Bailey, Burnett and Pichot’s research articles, visit https://www. crisisjournal.org/article/13327 and https://www.crisisjournal.org/article/10270 10 —FOCUS Campus UpdateClockwise, from top left column: Stephen Zork, professor of music, “Celebrating the Light” Choral Concert, January 30 BHM New Life Fellowship, February 6 Sunday Music Series: Claricello— “Looking Forward,” February 7 “Stage & Screen” Wind Symphony Winter Concert, February 20 “Chasing Away the Blues” Choral Concert, March 6 Wind Symphony Vespers, March 19 Cellist Gabriel Palacios performed at the Easter Tenebre with the Andrews University Choirs, April 2 Lorian Guillaume performs at Sunday Music Series: Andrews University Composers, April 4 “Rise Together” Proximity Vespers, April 9 Tagumpay: Pilipino Culture Night, April 16 Junior Class Award Night, April 17 Jason Marquez performs at “The Hounds of Spring” Wind Symphony Concert, April 24 Howard Center Presents ... Heritage Singers Saturday, Sept. 11, 8:30 p.m. Jordan Feliz Sunday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy Sunday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m. Fischoff Competition String Winners Saturday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. Jukebox Saturday Night Sunday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. Chi Yong Yun Sunday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Sunday Music Series: Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Sunday, Oct. 17, 4 p.m. This concert schedule is subject to change depending on the state guidelines of the COVID-19 pandemic at that time. CALENDAR Tickets are available online! Visit howard.andrews.edu or call the Box Office at 269-471-3560 or order by phone at 888-467-6442. Spring 2021— 11 Howard HappeningsMission and ministry Bruce Bauer leaves a legacy of innovation and leadership BRUCE BAUER IS RETIRING AFTER 27 years of employment at Andrews University. During his time at An- drews, Bruce has been professor of world mission, director of the Doctor of Ministry program (twice), chair of the Department of World Mission, director of the Doctor of Missiology program, and editor of the Journal of Adventist Mission Studies. Bruce initially came to Andrews Uni- versity for his undergraduate studies and, during that time, became the first student missionary to go to Japan. “That year in Japan shaped my entire life and career,” he says. Later, after graduation, Bruce and his wife moved to Japan in August 1969 to become the director of the SDA English Schools. From 1974–1975 they took their one-year furlough at Andrews University where Bruce earned his MA in religion. When the furlough was complete, Bruce returned to Japan to continue to guide the language schools and the 30-plus student missionaries. He then worked as president for the Guam Micronesia Mission from 1984– 1989, which also included being board chair of six K–12 schools. “In 1988 we set a goal to raise money and build eight churches. We got them done. A lot of the islanders had felt that going to church in classrooms wasn’t what they were looking for. We sent out 400–500 letters to family or people who might be interested in supporting us,” says Bruce. It turned out to be the project that he most enjoyed. Bruce returned to Andrews University in 1989, this time as faculty. Among his many initiatives, Bruce helped start the first international Doctor of Ministry program in India and then led out in additional ones in England, Nigeria, Kenya and Russia. “We found that there was an interest in the Doctor of Ministry overseas,” he says. “We wrote a pro- posal for the Association of Theological Schools [ATS] asking permission to offer the complete DMin at Spicer College. ATS did a site visit and gave its approval. I think Andrews University was the first ATS school to offer an international Doc- tor of Ministry,” says Bruce. Bruce also established the Journal of Adventist Mission Studies, now in its 17th year. At the start, Andrews had very little money for the project, so several professors in the department contributed $100 each. Bruce felt it was a priority to create the magazine to benefit future missionaries. He says, “I always felt SDAs were good mission- aries, but they never wrote about their approaches or things learned.” The magazine was originally in print form with subscriptions, but today it is only in digital format with 18,000–20,000 full-text downloads per month. It is the most downloaded item on Andrews University Digital Commons. Reflecting on his Andrews career, Bruce says, “Being a professor is a lifelong journey to grow and discover a deeper understanding of one’s chosen field … Mission is a great field, prac- tical, relevant and challenging. With the growth of multicultural cities and thus churches, the study of mission is a must for 21st century ministry.” Bruce has enjoyed the connections he’s experienced with his colleagues, as well. “We’ve always had good comrad- ery, even with our PhD students. We just stand around and interact and talk about real issues. We’ve never had peo- ple who didn’t get along; it’s just been a very positive experience,” he says. In retirement, Bruce plans on con- tinuing to do what he loves. He says, “My wife and I will stay in Berrien Springs. I will continue as the editor of the Journal of Adventist Mission Studies, continue to write, and en- joy gardening, hiking, cross-country skiing, birding, and hopefully will soon have the ability to travel again, and con- tinue to teach contract classes.” “Being a professor is a lifelong journey to grow and discover a deeper understanding of one’s chosen field ... Mission is a great field, practical, relevant and challenging.” Faculty & Staff 12 —FOCUSIN 1997 GORDEN DOSS MADE THE TWO- hour drive from his home at Lakeview Seminary to Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, Africa. He had spent 15 years in Malawi with missionary parents and 16 years with his own family. On that day in Lilongwe, he connected with the new wonder of global communication, CompuServe email. One of the emails was an invitation from Jon Dybdahl to join the Department of World Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, which he did in January 1998. Upon arriving at Andrews University, Gorden was asked to enhance the edu- cation he had obtained at Andrews (BA ’72, MDiv ’75, DMin ’87) with further studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. At Trinity, he had the privilege of studying with renowned missiologist Paul Hiebert, whose name appears on his PhD dissertation. The 22 years at Andrews were very good ones, says Gorden. “From the very beginning, colleagues and ad- ministrators were warm and friendly and the environment has been con- ducive to good teaching and learning. The opportunities to learn and expand my knowledge have been amazing. Watching and interacting with the different groups of students as they have moved through the programs has been fascinating.” International courses and confer- ences have made up an important part of his work assignment. These have included teaching Doctor of Ministry cohorts in the United Kingdom, Nigeria and Kenya. Annual meetings of the General Conference Global Mission Issues Committee brought interac- tion with denominational leaders. He frequently assisted the General Conference Institute of World Mission with Mission Institutes in Thailand, Kenya, Turkey, Greece and at Andrews University. The General Conference Biblical Research Institute conduct- ed a long-running series of Theology and Mission conferences in numerous countries, where he was a presenter. In 2018 he published the first-ever com- prehensive Adventist mission textbook, “Introduction to Adventist Mission.” Jon and Kathy Dybdahl introduced Gorden and his wife Cheryl to the Cam- pus Center Dialogue Sabbath School class, which became a major source of fellowship and blessing. Gorden notes that “Interacting with people of true faith from the humanities and scientific disciplines has given a fresh perspec- tive for one whose life and work have been in the pastoral-theological fields.” Pioneer Memorial Church, with MDiv classmate Dwight Nelson in the pulpit, has been a beloved home church. The whispering and thundering of the Casa- vant pipe organ, with Ken Logan at the keyboard, moves Gorden and reminds him of listening to C. Warren Becker when he was a student. The major ad- dition to Seminary Hall, the new Buller Hall, the Howard Performing Arts Center and the new campus entrance are among developments that stand out during his time at Andrews. The Doss family is rich in Andrews alumni. Gorden’s father-in-law, Victor Brown, was a four-time graduate (BA ’51, MA ’60, BD ’66, DMin ’77). His wife, Cheryl Brown Doss (BS ’72, MA ’98), studied with him at Trinity Evangeli- cal Divinity School, earned a PhD, and later became director of the Institute of World Mission and adjunct professor at Andrews University. Their children, Kristi Doss Kiš (BA ’00), son-in-law Adam Kiš (BS ’00), Richard Doss (MDiv ’06), and daughter-in-law Hadassah Rodriguez Doss (student teaching) are raising four grandchildren who await their opportunity to attend Andrews. The extended family includes many others who are alumni. Gorden retired as emeritus professor of world mission at the end of 2020, following 22 years at Andrews Univer- sity, for a total of 48 years working for the Adventist Church. He and Cheryl will remain in Berrien Springs, where they will teach when requested and continue to enjoy the fellowship and many opportunities available as part of the Andrews University family. “Watching and interacting with the different groups of students as they have moved through the programs has been fascinating.” A global journey Gorden Doss retires after 22 years of service Spring 2021— 13 Faculty & StaffBORN IN THE BERRIEN SPRINGS AREA, then raised and schooled at Emmanuel Missionary College/Andrews University from first grade through college, Ron Neumann has experienced a unique, firsthand role in the growth and develop- ment of the campus for over 46 years. Ron began his first job at Andrews as a student in the fall of 1970, starting an official staff position in 1974. He credits his strong work ethic to his parents and, although he originally envisioned himself as an electrician, he instead took a different path. During his time as a University staff member, he fulfilled a variety of roles, including computer op- erations assistant supervisor, manager’s miscellaneous, director assistant, and computer operations manager. He recalls, “I started out as a mainframe computer operator—one computer for the whole campus and all the information came out on paper!” One of his proudest accomplishments came through working on adjustments to campus as technology changed, noting the outcome: “Now everyone has their own computer with distributed printing nearby.” Later in his career, Ron switched to the Office of Telecommunications, working in phone and voicemail maintenance, helping with the campus cable system, and installing data lines for computers, wireless access points, cameras and more. Some of his favorite memories over the years have emerged as he inter- acted with fellow employees, fostering lifetime friendships and fulfilling his various responsibilities on campus. Ron says his work was ever-changing, each day bringing unique tasks and challenges. He describes being in places on campus most people will never be: “crawling around in ceilings, working in steam tunnels, working in restricted access areas (with permission), operat- ing a scissor-lift, operating a big Genie boom lift, operating a bucket truck.” In short, he says, “You never know from one day to the next what new things you will be doing.” He has also been a part of numerous major construction projects, from Buller Hall, Damazo Hall, the Andrews Prayer Center, the Architecture Workshop and the Andreasen Center for Wellness to renovations in Nethery Hall, Griggs Hall and the Physical Therapy building. The impact of his work, both big and small, can be felt throughout the entire Univer- sity. He proudly states, “I think I can say I have done work in every building on this campus during my career, including the Airpark, Horn Museum and Univer- sity Apartments.” Having spent his life at Andrews, Ron voices his appreciation for the beautiful campus, several outstanding student employees and friendly mentors found in staff and faculty. In addition to a short commute between work and home, he valued the atmosphere of work to be done, as well as the support he received from supervisors and administration. Although he has officially retired, Ron will continue to work on a part-time basis as needed, staying in touch with the campus. He will remain in the area to be with family and plans on doing some gardening with both flowers and vegetables, lawn work, home mainte- nance, and a little cooking and baking. Good naturedly, he expresses, “Like a lot of people, it seems like I have more work to do than time to get it done!” None- theless, he plans to continue “plugging along,” finding ways to stay busy and make progress on campus and at home. Contributing to change over a lifetime Ron Neumann retires after 46.5 years as technology staff “I started out as a mainframe computer operator—one computer for the whole campus and all the information came out on paper!” 14 —FOCUS Faculty & StaffJIŘÍ MOSKALA, DEAN OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVEN- tist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, received an Honorable Mention award from the Associated Church Press at the “Best of the Church Press Awards” on April 8, 2021, for his research published in Ministry magazine. Moskala says, “I am honored to receive this prestigious award for my research, which was recognized for a creative contribution in exploring how a deep relationship with God springs from His refreshing Presence and is rooted in His powerful Word. The Lord’s Pres- ence is a journey into the mind and heart of God.” Moskala’s article, “Your Face, Lord, I Will Seek: To- ward the Theology of the Face of God,” was published in the November 2020 issue of Ministry. The article was an in-depth study based on original research that examined the meaning of the Hebrew term pa- nim which signifies “face” or “presence” in English. “Seeing God’s face means to enjoy and cultivate His Presence in everyday life so that it becomes an integral part of a lifestyle,” says Moskala. “God’s Presence means everything to believers because without God’s Presence we are not able to do anything meaningful and lasting. The face of God provides emotional stability and balance in a world of loneliness, anxiety and fear; the face of God brings intellectual strength and guidance and transforms our lives.” The full article can be read in “Current: Faith Meets Life and Culture,” available on Andrews University Digital Commons. MOSKALA RECEIVES RESEARCH AWARD Honored by Associated Church Press New University Wellness leadership Rachel Keele appointed as director RACHEL KEELE HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS THE NEW DIRECTOR OF University Wellness, paired with the position as director of the Andreasen Center for Wellness. The roles were left open by Dominique Gummelt, who became the first director of University Wellness in 2015 and served at Andrews until May 2021 when she pursued a new opportunity as a wellness expert and entrepreneur. Keele holds a master’s degree in educational psychology and is certified as a Precision Nutrition Coach, ACSM Personal Trainer, STRONG Nation Instructor, CrossFit Trainer and mobility instructor. Keele’s previous professional experiences at Andrews Uni- versity included roles providing guest and customer services, general leadership to the Lamson Health Club operations, supervision and mentoring of large student labor work teams as well as other work assignments in marketing and commu- nication. Over the past decade, Keele’s passion for health and wellness was manifested in her own personal dedication to health principles and practices as well as in her extensive ex- perience of providing inspirational health and fitness coaching and instruction. Over the past year, Keele provided outstanding, dedicated service to the University as the interim director of the An- dreasen Center, leading the Center’s team as they planned and implemented a successful reopening with careful attention to customer concerns and COVID-19 mitigation protocols. As she now also begins work as the director of University Well- ness, she will be supported by a campus-wide team of Wellness Ambassadors and a core University Wellness advisory team. Keele says, “I’m really looking forward to connecting with our campus family over these next few months and learning how the Center and University Wellness can better serve them.” Spring 2021— 15 Faculty & StaffPRESCOTT KHAIR IS THE NEW ASSOCI- ate chaplain for the Center for Faith Engagement (formerly Campus Min- istries) and a member of the pastoral staff at Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC). While the position is funded by the Michigan Conference, Khair holds the same standing and responsibilities as the rest of the executive team at the Center for Faith Engagement (CFE). Given the important role this chaplain position plays in connecting the Univer- sity and PMC, José Bourget, University chaplain, says, “We are very excited to have Prescott Khair join the CFE execu- tive team as an associate chaplain. He is also uniquely positioned by his service to the pastoral staff at PMC.” Khair graduated from the Seventh- day Adventist Theological Seminary in 2018, completing a Master of Divini- ty, and is currently pursuing an MBA from Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary. He worked for multiple departments on campus during his time at Andrews, including the Center for Youth Evangelism, the Department of Physical Therapy, and as seminary pastor. Most recently, Khair served as the lead pastor for the Bowling Green Seventh-day Adventist Church in Glasgow, Kentucky. He has also published multiple articles and devotional series and recorded pod- casts centered around devotions and the church. To describe his approach to minis- try, Khair explains, “I’m an outgoing introvert who loves seeing people flourish in their relationships with God and in life. I’m here to help people find their fit in this world and refine their relationship with God.” Bourget highlights the strengths that Khair brings to this role. “Chaplain Khair’s experience as a pastor, along with his MDiv and MBA and his distinct ability to help students identify and de- velop their passions and skills, makes him a perfect fit for our campus.” As a campus chaplain, Khair will work directly with students, aiding them in their faith journey. He will also contribute his skills in organizational development to CFE’s movement toward a more integrated faith model. Bourget describes the changes taking place in CFE, noting the intentional pivot of “the University faith experience toward a mentoring and relational framework to inspire students to be disciples of God and fulfill their life’s calling.” Bourget further explains CFE’s ap- proach, “In order to have a vibrant and transformational faith experience as a university, we need chaplains who can work with students and offer resources and support to empower all employees to effectively engage students’ faith. Chaplain Khair’s philosophy of minis- try recognizes that we are a University with thousands of students, three chaplains, and hundreds of minister- ing employees.” Khair and his wife, Korissa, believe they were led back to Michigan by a call from God. Khair shares, “I really believe it was what God had planned for our next step. I am excited to see what’s next in our adventure with God because there’s nowhere better than being right at the front of where God’s leading.” Khair joins chaplain team In newly established Center for Faith Engagement JO ANN DAVIDSON, PROFESSOR OF systematic theology, recently wrote “Rediscovering the Glory of the Sabbath.” The manuscript was requested by Pacific Press and subsequently published in 2020. “Some might wonder why Seventh- day Adventists, of all people, need an- other book about the biblical Sabbath,” says Davidson. “However, our teaching about the Sabbath has often concen- trated on which is the correct day. This is vital and must continue, but knowing the right day is not nearly all there is to it.” Davidson’s book explores the idea that “remem- bering” the seventh-day Sabbath (Exodus 20:8) is part of a divinely created pattern of life, a generous gesture of pure grace from the Creator that can- not be earned—it comes as a gift just like salvation. She notes that Adam and Eve were given the Sabbath before they sinned or even worked. The Creator set apart their very first full day of life as blessed time to rest in His finished work (Gen- esis 2:2–3). Davidson says, “The Sabbath gives time to accept the invitation of Jesus and be restored in Him: ‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden … Take My yoke upon you … and you will find rest for your souls’ (Matthew 11:28–29, emphasis added).” She adds, “Since the very next narrative in Matthew speaks of the Sabbath, the connection with ‘soul rest’ is clear! The Sabbath reminds us that nothing we do could make God love us more.” New book by Davidson Exploring the gift of Sabbath 16 —FOCUS Faculty & StaffFaith Engagement Award Everett Wiles, Assistant Professor of Broadcast Journalism, Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design Siegfried H. Horn Excellence in Research & Creative Scholarship Award Anneris Coria-Navia, Professor of Curriculum & Instruction, Department of Teaching, Learning & Curriculum Chi Yong Yun, Professor of Music, Department of Music Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching Award Vanessa Corredera, Chair/ Associate Professor of English, Department of English Cedric Vine, Associate Professor of New Testament, Department of New Testament Staff Excellence in Service Award Janine Lim, Associate Dean, School of Distance Education; Associate Professor of Educational Technology, College of Education & International Services Benjamin Panigot, Chief/ Director, Office of Campus Safety A’Lisa Sorensen, Dean, Lamson Hall Inaugural J.N. Andrews Service Award Daniel Hamstra, Director of Telecommunications, Office of Information Technology Services The 2021 annual Employee Awards Celebration was held virtually for the first time on Sunday, Feb. 28. The evening featured reader’s theater segments of the children’s books in “What You Do Matters,” musical selections and recorded presentations. A total of 84 people were recognized for a combined 1,600 years of service at Andrews University, in addition to nine more individuals for their excellence in teaching, faith engagement, research, creative scholarship and service. It was a team effort with many individuals working behind the scenes to affirm recipients in new ways, including recording surprise video presentations to the nine employees who received merit awards. Ten individuals were recognized for 25 years of service: Dayle Birney, Crops Manager, Andrews University Farm Larry Burton, Professor of Teacher Education, Department of Teaching, Learning & Curriculum Kathy Koudele, Chair, Department of Sustainable Agriculture Desmond Murray, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Rhonda Peak, Collections Manager, Office of Student Financial Services Anna Piskozub, Accreditation, Assessment & Graduate Records Officer, College of Education & International Services John Reeve, Assistant Professor of Church History, Department of Church History David Sherwin, Assistant Professor of Photography, Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design Tim Trine, Director, Client Services, Office of Information Technology Services Lily Vajdic, Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Children’s Learning Center [Crayon Box] The following six employees have served for 30 years: Jimmy Kijai, Professor of Research and Statistical Methodology, Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling Ronald Knott, Director, Andrews University Press John Markovic, Professor of History, Department of History & Political Science David Nowack, Professor of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Tom Straman, Building Supervisor, Office of Custodial Services Socorro Terrero, Assistant Custodial Supervisor, Lamson Hall Another six employees have devoted most of their professional careers to Andrews University. They have each spent 35 years serving this institution: David Faehner, Vice President for University Advancement Frances Faehner, Vice President for Campus & Student Life Cynthia Helms, Head of Information Services, Associate Professor of Library Science, James White Library Glenn Russell, Chair, Department of Religion & Biblical Languages Randall Younker, Professor of Archaeology and History of Antiquity, Department of Old Testament Forty years of service is a major commitment to the life of Andrews University. These two individuals have both achieved this distinction: Øystein LaBianca, Senior Research Professor of Anthropology, School of Social & Behavioral Sciences Rhonda Root, Assistant Dean, College of Arts & Sciences; Professor of Art, School of Architecture & Interior Design Jeannie Wolfer, Certification Registrar, Department of Teaching, Learning & Curriculum, joined an elite group of employees who have worked 45-plus years at Andrews University. Photos and individual tributes may be viewed online at andrews.edu/services/hr/employeeawards Artwork by Mae Besom. Used with permission. Spring 2021— 17 2021 Employee Awards18 —FOCUS 18 —FOCUS A Culture of Service World Changers Week , hosted by the Center for Faith Engagement, took place March 15–19, 2021. It featured online releases of the following alumni profiles and a program each evening for the campus community. Both Andrews University alumni and students shared how their experiences bring them continued growth and how their work makes a positive impact on their world. M ee t alum ni a nd s tu d ents wh o a re changing th e ir w ld.Spring 2021— 19 Diana Cordero Ortiz When did you attend Andrews and what did you study? How were you involved on campus? I attended Andrews University from 2012–2016. I was a student dean at Lamson Hall and involved in the Accounting Club as well as the French Club. Describe your current work. I currently work for the General Conference Auditing Service (GCAS) Trans Euro Asia Area as an audit staff. While I am home-based in France, I serve as part of an international team that does policy and financial audits. I verify and test financial statements to prove they are a “true and fair” representation of their entity. Why are you doing what you are doing? How are you influencing your community? I am doing what I am doing because it was a job op- portunity presented to me that I could not pass up. I loved traveling to meet new clients (Europe and a little of Asia), and I of course loved the auditing part of it. And why not work for the community that I have spent my whole life knowing—the Adventist church? I quickly found out that our structure has a mission at heart and I’m happy to be a part. I also love educating on how our structure works (example, tithe and offerings). How did your Andrews experience impact your calling or your work? Andrews allowed me to be in a position where I was able to relate to people of multiple cultures and positions. This allowed me to learn different styles of leadership and human living, all of which taught me how to be able to read and lead people. What advice would you have for Andrews students as they prepare for life after university? Three things: • ADULTING is NOT easy! It hits you HARD!! BUT you’re not alone in that transition. • You have time for everything! Don’t be in a rush!! • Life is rich in multiple ways, not just one. Erin Johnson When did you attend Andrews and what did you study? How were you involved on campus? I attended Andrews from 2008–2013. I studied English and secondary education with a minor in history. The most involved I was on campus was my two years as an RA in Lamson Hall. Describe your current work. I am currently working as a teacher at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado. I was the assistant girl’s dean and American Literature teacher for seven years. This is my first year working out of the dorm and teaching full-time. I teach sophomore English, American Literature, World Geogra- phy and Drama. I am also the head Student Association sponsor. Why are you doing what you are doing? How are you influencing your community? I feel a calling to help teens find the importance of reading and writing for themselves. Teenagers are becoming more and more self-centered every year, and I believe reading and being aware of other people in the world can help them to make choices that benefit people outside of themselves. They need to see how others live, especially those who lead different lives than what they are used to. Most importantly it helps them to grow and be more self-aware. I hope I am influencing my community by helping its future occupants be more aware of the needs of their communities and to use their own passions and skills to make positive changes. How did your Andrews experience impact your calling or your work? When I went to Andrews the last thing I wanted to be was a teacher, until my sophomore year when I took Young Adult Literature from Dr. Doug Jones. That class made me see that teaching is using my passion for reading and for being creative. After that semester I signed up with the School of Educa- tion and started on the road to being a teacher. My Andrews experience also helped me to trust in God. I work with teens who are lost and confused, but if I can show them that God has not left my side and that His plans for me are still in the works, then they will see that He will never leave them and that He also has a plan for them. And, of course, living among such a diverse group of students has helped me to better relate to others who are different from me. What advice would you have for Andrews students as they prepare for life after university? Just like me with my red pen when I grade papers, God will be making corrections with whatever plans you have for yourself—so be flexible with your plans. Lastly, do not compare yourselves too much with those who have worked in the field longer than you. I made that mistake so many times with my coworkers who have been teaching much longer than I have. Use those veterans as your mentors and ask questions. Never stop asking questions and getting feedback. Next >