< PreviousNew Office of Undergraduate Education Providing academic support for all undergraduates on campus IN JUNE 2021, ANDREWS UNIVERSITY announced the new Office of Undergrad- uate Education, which was created to support the work of faculty, departments, schools and colleges on the Andrews University campus. “The Office of Un- dergraduate Education will provide a framework for initiatives and projects created in collaboration with the Univer- sity’s colleges to enhance undergraduate education across the institution,” says Amy Rebok Rosenthal, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and dean of Undergraduate Education. Initially, the office will focus on pro- viding general support for the academic onboarding of new freshman and trans- fer students by creating a centralized hub of information and services that emphasizes connecting new students to existing resources within each college. Additionally, the Office of Undergrad- uate Education will facilitate first-year support to help students identify and explore areas of interest while providing a curricular structure focused on key academic success factors, such as credit- hour and course completion. The office also plans to coordinate summer programming for pre-college students that will introduce them to the University’s culture and academic offer- ings. This programming will supplement the recruitment efforts of the Division of Marketing & Enrollment Management as well as the individual colleges. “The Office of Undergraduate Ed- ucation will function as an academic concierge service for undergraduate students,” says Aaron Moushon, who is moving into the new role of assistant dean for Undergraduate Initiatives. “We will work closely with Marketing & Enrollment Management, Academic Records, International Student Services & Programs and individual academic departments to provide efficient and timely customer service for academic issues,” says Moushon. In his previous role as director of Academic Exploration and head of Advising Services, Moushon worked with programs such as Early College and Explore Andrews. These programs will now be housed within the Office of Undergraduate Education as they also provide academic support to undergrad- uate students. “The Explore Andrews Program exists to help students who are unsure of their undergraduate program find the best major for their abilities, talents and long-term career goals,” explains Moushon. “Students work with a dedicated academic advisor for one or two semesters and explore major and career options through individual advising, faculty engagement and job shadowing. In addition, we coordinate advising services and conduct yearly ad- visor training and development events for our staff and faculty advisors.” Hayley Sanchez, who has a back- ground in counseling and academic support, will serve as the undergraduate advising coordinator in the Office of Un- dergraduate Education. She will work as a general advisor and liaison to faculty and program advisors. Moushon and Sanchez will also work with Joydel Trail, the new director of Career Services, to provide support for undergraduate vocational exploration, internships and networking. Moushon reiterates that the Office of Undergraduate Education will offer ac- ademic support for all new and current undergraduate students. He says, “If a student is confused as to who can help solve a problem, we want them to come to our office as a central hub for infor- mation and campus service. Although we won’t solve every issue in our office, we will make sure that students know exactly which office or individual on campus can solve their problem and facilitate the connection.” The Office of Undergraduate Edu- cation is located in Nethery Hall and can be reached at 269-471-3382 or via explore@andrews.edu. Aaron Moushon, assistant dean for Undergraduate Initiatives Hayley Sanchez, undergraduate advising coordinator “The Office ... will function as an academic concierge service for undergraduate students.” 10 —FOCUS Campus UpdateANDREWS UNIVERSITY’S SUMMER graduation took place from August 6–8 and celebrated the achievements of 320 graduates, of which 171 graduated in absentia. Three Commencement services were held over the weekend in the Howard Performing Arts Center, where limited guest seating was available to family and friends of graduates. Each service included a welcome and invocation and a president’s charge from President Luxton. Congratulatory videos from family and friends were played in lieu of Commencement addresses. The weekend’s key events began on Friday, Aug. 6, with the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary’s Commencement service. On Saturday morning, two Baccalaureate church services were held in Pioneer Memorial Church. Timothy Nixon, lead pastor of the All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church and pastor of the Niles Phila- delphia Seventh-day Adventist Church, offered the addresses. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Nixon earned his BA in theology from Oakwood University and an MDiv and DMin from Andrews University. He pursued advanced studies in clinical pastoral education at Loma Linda Uni- versity Hospital and has completed two years of doctoral course work in Mar- riage, Family & Child Counseling (MFCC) at Chapman University in Southern California. Nixon’s pastoral ministry began in the Northeastern Conference of Sev- enth-day Adventists in June 1981. Since then, he has pastored churches in New York, California and Maryland. In 1998, he accepted a call to serve as adminis- trative chaplain at Andrews University and associate pastor of Pioneer Me- morial Church. As chaplain, he was the sponsor of New Life Fellowship, a student-led worship service at Andrews University, and in 2004, Nixon became New Life’s senior pastor. From 2014–2018 he served as ex- ecutive secretary of the Lake Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He has also worked as adjunct professor for the Seventh-day Adventist Theo- logical Seminary and the Department of Religion & Biblical Languages at An- drews and been the featured speaker for conferences and churches in the United States and globally. On Saturday afternoon, various schools and departments held individ- ual celebratory ceremonies for their graduates. The final two Commencement services—for the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education & International Services, College of Professions and College of Health & Human Services—took place on Sun- day, Aug. 8. For archived videos of the Commencement services, visit the Andrews University Facebook page and YouTube channel. Summer 2021 graduation services An in-person celebration Summer 2021— 11 Campus Update FROM TOP LEFT, CLOCKWISE: A group of smiling graduates from the College of Health & Human Services Friends were able to congratulate each other in person Timothy Nixon offered both Baccalaureate services on Sabbath, Aug. 7 Video tributes from family and friends were shared in place of Commencement addressesTHE DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP’S Roundtable took place July 26–28, 2021, under the theme “Leadership, diversi- ty, and intercultural cooperation.” The annual conference, broadcast from the Hope Channel’s studios in Darm- stadt, Germany, featured Bettina von Stamm, PhD, an expert on innovation, who shared “The Cultural Imperative: How Collaboration and Diversity Drive Innovation” with an online audience of 120 participants. These topics have deep roots in the department, where leadership development for principals, higher education administrators, and international leaders spans almost three decades. An accomplished “doer” in the field of innovation for 30 years, von Stamm’s leadership seminars, workshops and speaking engagements offer invaluable coaching, mentoring and modeling for MBAs and executives. She has helped leaders on five continents implement proven strategies to ensure success. Ultimately, she strives to inspire indi- viduals and teams to apply creativity in innovative ways, enabling highly diverse teams to work joyfully with each other. The conference’s events began on Monday, July 26, and included an inter- active, hands-on workshop involving virtual break-out groups, coordinated by Christiane Theiss, PhD, a graduate of the Leadership program. Each group reflect- ed on the various challenges that result when individuals across disciplines, languages, cultures and time zones seek to address problems that transcend individual communities, regions and countries. The goal of this activity was to help leaders appreciate the crucial role of collaboration and cooperation in leveraging everyone’s potential contri- butions to solve crises. “Rarely are challenges limited to the expertise available within single disci- plines; rather, integration across various skill sets to define and solve unique problems is essential,” says Jay Brand, professor of leadership and higher education. “Novel, innovative solu- tions must be guided by fresh insights available only through empathy with members of relevant constituencies (e.g., customers, church members, stu- dents, parishioners) rather than merely by tradition or expert opinion.” In addition to actively seeking different views and perspectives to ensure creative results, von Stamm also recommended establishing a common language based on shared values for cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary innovation. Attendees considered such questions as “How can leaders strike a balance between deeply held convic- tions and practical flexibility?” Brand explains, “In other words, in areas where compromise would be difficult, how can empathy and tolerance still be practiced?” The Department of Leadership hopes that attendees developed a broader view for representing and interpret- ing barriers that potentially divide people, enabling them to create new opportunities for innovation through collaboration. Brand says, “Such collaboration requires mutual respect and cooperation based on our common humanity and equality before God.” Leadership, diversity and intercultural cooperation Leadership Roundtable encourages innovation through collaboration “Such collaboration requires mutual respect and cooperation based on our common humanity and equality before God.” Bettina von Stamm, keynote presenter, broadcast from Hope Channel’s studios in Darmstadt, Germany Photo by Christiane Theiss 12 —FOCUS Campus UpdateSummer 2021— 13 Howard Happenings HOWARD SERIES PRESENTS ... Upcoming Concerts in the 2021–2022 Season Jukebox Saturday Night October 24, 2021, 7 p.m. Risus Quartet October 9, 2021, 8 p.m. Nicholas Marks, Guitar January 30, 2022, 7 p.m. Chi Yong Yun, Pianist November 21, 2021, 7 p.m. Anthony Brown & group TherAPy February 13, 2022, 7 p.m. Violin Concerto No. 2 “Teshuah” by James Lee III March 12, 2022, 8 p.m. 888-467-6442 | howard.andrews.edu For tickets, information and a complete listing of performances, call the box office or visit on the web. featuring Carla Trynchuk howardcenterhowardcenter howardcenterDaniel Weber to teach video and photography Bringing 30 years of diverse, professional experience DANIEL WEBER, WHO HAS SERVED AS THE North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) communication direc- tor since 2014, is joining the Andrews University communication program. He will teach photography, film and general communication classes. “Andrews is fortunate to have a professional of Dan Weber’s caliber in the classroom. He brings 30 years of diverse, professional experience to our visual art classes,” says T. Lynn Cald- well, chair of the Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design (VACD). At the NAD, Weber managed public relations, media relations, corporate communications, video production and editorial services. He was also the executive director of the Society of Ad- ventist Communicators, and provided training for organizations such as Ad- ventist Community Services, the Global Adventist Internet Network (GAiN), various NAD Union communication advisories, and many others. Prior to being the director, Weber was the associate director of NAD Com- munication, and he has also been video producer in the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission and senior producer with the Hope Channel. In that role, he traveled to more than 100 countries to capture hundreds of short form video stories. Before working for the denomination, Weber was a senior digital producer in the corporate sector, and he started his career as a freelance photographer for seven years. This breadth of experience is a critical strength Weber will bring to the class- room. “I have worked for 30 years at different levels in this industry. I bring that experience to the table as I’m train- ing students,” Weber shares. “Andrews has visual arts and communication in the same department, and I have experience in both worlds—experience working in photo and video but also ex- perience in corporate communication.” Weber is committed to training well-rounded communicators with a diverse skill set, which he says is important in today’s job market. “A good communication person needs to understand a number of elements— photography, film, design, social media. You can specialize in one area, but you need to have a broad understanding. If we can graduate students who are really good at writing, public relations, the visual arts, but then can focus on one or two things, you’re creating really hirable people.” Cross-training is especially import- ant between film and photography. In the past, the Andrews University film program focused on the specific area of documentary production; now the focus will be on video and photogra- phy skills that can be used in a variety of settings. Weber explains, “If you’re a photography major, you need to understand how video works because the cameras these days do everything. There’s a crossover between the medi- ums now; you have to know both.” Weber’s transition to Andrews Uni- versity is a coming-home story. Weber first moved to the area at age 2, and he has now been away for roughly 30 years. The return was prompted by one of his first mentors—David Sherwin, who began teaching photography at Andrews in Weber’s sophomore year. Especially during his first few years after graduation in 1991, Weber would call Sherwin to discuss projects. Then in April of this year, Weber relates that Sherwin called him, encouraging him to consider teaching. “I protested, but I thought about how I wanted to be a mentor and how I called Dave all those times early on when I needed help, now he was calling me,” Weber reveals. Although he had hoped to transition to a more focused mentor role closer to the end of his career, Weber became convinced that now was the time to pursue this more fully. “I’m excited even though this is sooner in my career than I thought it would be, but we fol- low God’s timing, not our own,” he says. His wife, Heidi, whom he met while a student missionary in Iceland, agrees. “We felt led to this,” he shares candidly. Weber is excited to be returning to the Andrews campus. He sees it as an opportunity to “give back to a commu- nity that was important to me when I was younger.” He is especially looking forward to teaching with his communi- cation colleagues in the Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design. “I’m very excited about the team I’m joining. You have a broad group of experiences and academic levels. You have people who worked in the indus- try and people who have worked at the highest level of academia,” he explains. But most of all, Weber is looking for- ward to his students. “I’m excited to work with these professors as we edu- cate and inspire the next generation of communicators.” “I’m excited to work with these professors as we educate and inspire the next generation of communicators.” Photo courtesy of Daniel Weber 14 —FOCUS Faculty & StaffHEATHER THOMPSON DAY IS RETURNING to Andrews University as an associate professor in the Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design (VACD). Thompson Day, who recently published her seventh book, “It’s Not Your Turn,” will teach graduate and undergraduate communication courses, including ethics and interpersonal communication. “We are very excited to once again share the classroom with Heather. She is an outstanding professor and writer who cares deeply for students,” says T. Lynn Caldwell, chair of VACD. Since leaving Andrews two years ago, Thompson Day has been teach- ing at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado. In addition to teaching, she has also been busy writing for the Barna Group, con- tributing to the blog “I’m That Wife” (imthatwife.com) and developing a podcast for Christianity Today—Viral Jesus—that launched in late July. Thompson Day chose to rejoin the Andrews learning community for a number of reasons. She will be closer to her family, and she looks forward to being back in a diverse campus envi- ronment. Furthermore, Thompson Day believes it is important to serve one’s roots. She explains, “When you get to where you’re going, go back to where you came from and help people who are there.” Thompson Day is a grad- uate of Andrews University, and she describes herself as a “home-grown Andrews’ student.” “If I can go back and mentor kids just like me, what an honor,” she says. “Serving in my denomination is a unique experience, so I’m excited about that; just to be with young people and help them dream and reach whatever goals they have for when they leave the university. That’s how I approach my teaching, it’s really through mentorship.” Providing opportunities for students to grow both professionally and spiritu- ally is important to Thompson Day. For example, she recently helped a student secure a fellowship at Newsweek, and she hopes to include students in the production of her new podcast. She shares further, “My calling from God is to stand in the gaps for our young peo- ple. Not just for our university students, but within the church, to stand in the gap for them and provide a path so they feel like there’s a place for them here.” Thompson Day has published seven books, including “How to Feed the Mediavore” (2013), “Cracked Glasses” (2013), “The God Myth and Other Lies” (2014), and now, “It’s Not Your Turn: What to Do While You’re Waiting for Your Breakthrough” (2021), which is currently fifth on Amazon’s list of best-selling new releases in the catego- ry of Christian Inspirational. The book is about “showing up to our lives with intentionality and purpose even when it’s not our turn,” she says. Thompson Day continues, “Who we are when it’s not our turn is actually more important than who we will be when it is.” In a recent interview with the Detroit affil- iate of Fox network, she described the challenge and importance of cheering for others when we are still waiting for our own big break. “My calling from God is to stand in the gaps for our young people. Not just for our university students, but within the church, to stand in the gap for them and provide a path so they feel like there’s a place for them here.” Heather Thompson Day rejoins Communication program Returning as an associate professor in the Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design World Changers Made Here. Photo courtesy of Heather Thompson Day Summer 2021— 15 Faculty & StaffELVIN GABRIEL HAS WORKED AT AN- drews University as a professor of educational psychology and counseling in the Department of Graduate Psychol- ogy & Counseling for almost 25 years. During that period he served as coor- dinator of the Community Counseling Program and is currently serving as coordinator of the Andrews University PhD Extension programs in Educational Psychology and School Psychology. These extension programs are housed at the University of the Southern Caribbean in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. Before coming to Andrews, Elvin worked at University of the Southern Caribbean (formerly Caribbean Union College) for about 20 years in a variety of teaching and administrative roles. During his time there, he was encour- aged to strongly consider working at Andrews University by two visiting professors. After seeking God’s counsel and discussing it with his wife, Cressida, a decision was made to accept the offer to work at Andrews. In fall 1996, Elvin began his teach- ing career at Andrews. He describes, “It felt good to return to the institution where I completed a graduate degree in guidance and counseling in 1975 and which helped shape my career as an educator.” During his tenure at Andrews, Elvin found himself “impressed by the willingness of administrators, faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders to embrace the institution’s mission, vision and philosophy.” He saw those principles exhibited in every facet of University life. Elvin affirms, “It was a privilege and an honor to interact with Andrews stu- dents from around the globe.” He found that the scope of his multicultural and cross-cultural knowledge increased and his social and meta-cognitive awareness improved as he was continually striv- ing to provide a stimulating, caring and inclusive learning environment. Elvin explains, “It was important for me to effectively communicate to my students the centrality of Seventh-day Adventist Christian faith to learning, instruction and life.” Working in the School of Education/ College of Education & International Services was rewarding and mean- ingful. Elvin knew that he was part of a caring and equitable community of educators because of the support and encouragement he received from Warren Minder, Karen Graham, James Jeffery and Robson Marinho, who served as deans, and Alayne Thorpe, the current dean. He also thrived under the innovative departmental leadership of Elsie Jackson, Jerome Thayer and Carole Woolford-Hunt. “I was happy to be a part of a college and departmen- tal culture that generated respect and trust among administrators, faculty, staff and students,” Elvin expresses. “We worked together, grieved together, laughed together, socialized together and prayed together.” Elvin and his colleagues worked assiduously to ensure that both on- and off- campus programs maintained the highest levels of quality and efficiency, affirmed by accreditation from four organizations. Elvin was also honored to receive the Daniel A. Augsburger Excel- lence in Teaching Award in 2008–2009 and the John Nevins Andrews Medal- lion in 2015. He acknowledges, “These successes and accomplishments were a reflection of the importance of collab- oration and collegiality in achieving program goals and objectives, and the efficacy of Seventh-day Adventist Chris- tian education.” Elvin and his wife plan to remain in the Berrien Springs area for the time being. Over the next 12 months, he will work at Andrews University as professor emeritus in the Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling. An important Biblical passage, Isaiah 40:31 (KJV), has guided Elvin’s life and career: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” The verse assures Elvin that God continues to provide perfect strength to his family. He says, “Together we will continue to walk in faith and trust Him for guidance during this new chapter of our lives. Wherever God leads, we will follow.” Walking in faith Elvin Gabriel retires after a career of collaboration “It was a privilege and an honor to interact with Andrews students from around the globe.” 16 —FOCUS Faculty & StaffBEVERLY MATIKO’S LOVE FOR TEACHING began early. She humorously recalls, “My mother often tells me that the only interest I had in my dolls as a child was to line them up in chairs and play school. When my brother came along, he joined the ‘class.’” The act of learning was exciting and natural to her, and as she grew, she imagined becoming just like her own teachers. Years later, she went on to accomplish that dream and now has spent 29 years as associate professor of English and communication at Andrews University, including teaching in the J.N. Andrews Honors Program and supervis- ing many honors theses. Beverly earned both undergradu- ate and graduate degrees at Andrews, completing double majors in English and communication and secondary educa- tion certification in 1977 and, in 1978, an MA in English. From her first moments as an undergraduate on campus, she was particularly impressed with Pioneer Memorial Church—the size of the sanc- tuary and the amazing choral anthems and organ solos she heard there. But it was the inscription above the sanctu- ary’s entrance, “An House of Prayer for All People,” that most resonated with her and fostered a passion for equality and change. She longed to see more people—especially marginalized groups— accepted, welcomed and celebrated. Beverly affirms, “That proclamation above the church doors reinforced for me that I had come to the right place— and that there was important work to be done—in the classrooms, in the church, in the dormitories, everywhere.” After Beverly completed her mas- ter’s, she moved back to her home country of Canada where she taught at Canadian Union College (Burman University) for seven years before pursuing her PhD in English at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Her area of specialized study was literary nonfiction. She then taught at Newbold College in England for two years before returning to Michigan in 1992 to teach alongside many former professors and classmates at Andrews. She notes, “In many ways, it was like coming home. I couldn’t have felt more welcomed.” Beverly has enjoyed her students, colleagues and the range of classes she has been privileged to teach. Among her more memorable classes was a team- taught British Dramatic Arts course which included a week in London, exploring the sights and attending plays. Some of her other cherished Andrews experiences include co-planning the annual English-Music Vespers held in the Howard Performing Arts Center, and a series of Sabbath worship ser- vices created and hosted by the English department and held in a small country church not far from campus. “Andrews gave me the opportunity to do those things I love best,” Beverly acknowledg- es. “Here I was able to build a career out of crafting with words and conversing and creating with bright, curious, com- mitted individuals.” Many of those individuals have be- come treasured friends and continue to stay in touch through letters, social media, phone calls and visits. Beverly has happily watched several former stu- dents choose career paths similar to her own. “The sense of passing the mantle is particularly rewarding,” she notes. Beverly plans to remain in southwest Michigan. She greatly enjoys the area’s four distinct seasons and the close prox- imity to the Great Lakes and Canada. She says, “I feel more comfortable and more at home if that border isn’t too far away. I consider it an especially good year when I manage to dip my toes into each of the Great Lakes. They are my favorite bodies of water.” After 61 uninterrupted years spent in school, Beverly looks forward to taking a “gap year” and exploring rhythms other than those dictated by the academic calendar—going on walks, reading for pleasure, writing, ordering and sim- plifying her space, cooking/baking/ entertaining, and enjoying the Univer- sity community without the demands of grading and deadlines. She says, “I’m hoping it’s not too late to discover and cultivate more of the joys of just being.” Passing the mantle Beverly Matiko retires after 29 years of service “Here I was able to build a career out of crafting with words and conversing and creating with bright, curious, committed individuals.” Summer 2021— 17 Faculty & StaffEstablishing a Culture to Change the World by Moriah McDonald culating during the 2017–2018 academic year, when the president and provost com- missioned a group to begin thinking about innovation efforts on campus. The group was inspired by the need for all students, regardless of their majors, to have a place to develop new ideas. The first step toward this goal was to launch the interdisci- plinary Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate; however, the vision for the program is larger. “We need a place where students can find an atmosphere of cre- ativity and entrepreneurship. Engineering majors, business majors, dietetics majors, theology majors—any major can benefit by having mentorship, guidance and space to develop new and exciting ideas,” says Ralph Trecartin, former associate provost and dean of the College of Professions. “We envision new product developments, new businesses launched, new ministries created and new social innovations that benefit an array of organizations.” THE FAMILY OF DR. FAY BRADLEY, Pittsburg State law school graduate, physician and philanthropist, has given a $2.8 million legacy gift to develop a new Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The donation will play a vital role in ensuring that one important component of the University’s strategic plan becomes an immediate reality. “The donation will help us build a physical innovation space with both specialized and open areas,” says An- drea Luxton, president. “It will also aid in the appointment of a director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the development of industry and community partnerships.” Bradley passed away in January of 2021. “During his lifetime, Dr. Bradley helped many students gain an education which allowed them to become productive citi- zens,” Luxton explains. “It was as a result of his generosity helping students attend Andrews University that [he] was con- tacted by the Andrews University Office of Development. Now, the Bradley family has helped facilitate this gift to make Dr. Bradley’s wishes of an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program a reality.” Ideas for the creation of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship began cir- 18 —FOCUS 18 —FOCUSBradley aided in the development of an innovation center in his own community. “He supported his local community col- lege in the establishment of an innovation lab that enabled students, as well as mem- bers of the community, to explore ideas and projects that could be patented and/ or manufactured,” Luxton says. “He knew that Andrews University did not have such a program, but that it was part of the strategic plan to establish one.” The Andrews University Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship will provide a place for students to actively pursue projects and research. “[The Center] will enable students to enrich their curriculum and research projects, find a space to explore self-start projects and interface with business and indus- tries that could offer work opportunities and/or internships,” says Luxton. “Addi- tionally, it will provide opportunities for students to learn design thinking and methodologies of creating new ideas in all discipline areas. It will encourage students to not stop at knowledge accu- mulation or analysis, but to add to this action and implementation.” These goals have become especially important in light of the pandemic. Professionals across fields have had to think flexibly and quickly to respond to the emerging needs of their business- es. “The world needs individuals who can build on solid traditions in new ways that are responsive to the needs of 2021 and beyond,” explains Luxton. “My dream is that employers will be increasingly excited to hire an Andrews University graduate, because amongst their value, knowledge and skill mix is the capacity to dig deeply, reflect robustly and then create solutions and pathways that will bring increased qual- ity and meaning to the world.” Any future gifts to the development of the innovation program will help in gathering further resources to support the needs of students. “We need suc- cessful innovators and entrepreneurs to give us help and advice as we mentor students and faculty members through the launch process,” says Trecartin. Additionally, the gifts will be used for creating a capital fund to invest in inno- vations, providing new equipment and potentially building expansion. “We envision new product developments, new businesses launched, new ministries created and new social innovations that benefit an array of organizations.” At the end of this summer, Matías Soto was appointed as director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Here he talks about his background, what he brings to this new role and his hopes for how Andrews University can change the world through innovation. Tell us a bit about your “growing up” years. Where did you live and what was life like? I grew up in Mexico. My father was a pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist church and my mother was a teacher in different Adventist schools. We moved a lot because of my dad’s job as a pastor and lived in many different cit- ies in Mexico. I’m the youngest of five siblings. My parents always empha- sized church life and education a lot at home. I was a regular SDA kid who attended Sabbath school, was part of Adventurers and Pathfinders, and went to summer camp. I think a big change in my life came when I enrolled at an Adventist boarding school in the U.S. Leaving home definitely changed my perspective in life and made me much more independent. It switched my life from completely relying on my parents to now relying more on God. I started figuring out my personal relationship with Christ, to the point that He is someone who I can now call my friend. Summer 2021— 19Next >