< PreviousFROM OCT. 14–16, THE SEVENTH-DAY Adventist Theological Seminary at An- drews University hosted the Congress on Social Justice, an event designed to high- light global issues of imbalance as well as the biblical solutions that address them. Guest speakers at the Congress em- phasized humanity’s role in caring for creation and addressing existing injus- tices. Willie Hucks, associate professor of pastoral theology and homiletics and chair of the Congress on Social Justice Planning Committee, explains, “God de- clared everything He created to be very good; and in spite of sin’s entrance into the world, we still have a responsibility to affirm the image of God in everyone He created. We also, like Adam and Eve, have a responsibility to care for nature, be- cause we live in a symbiotic relationship with every element of God’s creation.” On Thursday, Oct. 14, Christian Dumitrescu delivered the keynote address, titled “Sex Trafficking and Social Justice.” Dumitrescu teaches world mission and intercultural studies and research at the Adventist Interna- tional Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) in the Philippines. He is edi- tor for the Journal of Asia Adventist Seminary and a regional editor for the Journal of Adventist Mission Studies. Akintayo Odeyemi spoke for the first plenary session on Friday, Oct. 15. His presentation was titled “Female Genital Mutilation and Social Justice.” Odeyemi has been an active player in the com- munity development industry, serving most recently as executive director in the ADRA Africa Regional Office with initial responsibilities of programs and planning director as well as emergency management and strategic planning. Joel Raveloharimisy, associate profes- sor of behavioral sciences at Andrews University, presented “Environment and Social Justice” for the second ple- nary session on Friday. Raveloharimisy works to alleviate poverty in Madagascar and has raised funds for construction of classrooms, school buildings, clinics and churches there. On Saturday, Oct. 16, Wintley Phipps delivered the sermon during the wor- ship service. Phipps is a Seventh-day Adventist minister as well as a singer, songwriter, record producer and found- er of the U.S. Dream Academy, Songs of Freedom Publishing Company and Coral Records Recording Company. Throughout the Congress, a number of breakout sessions covered topics such as “Social Justice, Adventism, and Fundamentalism,” “Domestic Abuse and Social Justice,” and “Restorative Justice.” A musical worship service took place on Saturday evening. Hucks notes, “Andrews University is seen by so many as the flagship institu- tion of higher learning in Seventh-day Adventism, attracting students from around the world. Issues of social justice are global in their sphere. You put those realities together, and no other ven- ue was better suited to host an event of this magnitude than Andrews.” He hopes that attendees will further the knowledge they have obtained from the Congress and use it to make a difference for both their communities and the ad- vancement of God’s kingdom. Congress on Social Justice Challenges attendees to care for all God’s creation CLOCKWISE, FROM ABOVE: Willie Hucks, chair of the Congress on Social Justice Planning Committee, welcomes attendees L–R: Cristina Adelina Alexe, Wagner Kuhn and Esther Knott lead a panel discussion after Akintayo Odeyemi’s plenary on Friday morning The “Musical Worship” program at Pioneer Memorial Church Wintley Phipps during “Musical Worship” “God declared everything He created to be very good; and in spite of sin’s entrance into the world, we still have a responsibility to affirm the image of God in everyone He created.” 10 —FOCUS Campus UpdateEUGENIA CHENG, PHD, WAS THE featured speaker for the second annual Robert and Lillis Kingman Speaker Series on Science & Society on Wednesday, Oct. 20. Her presentation was titled, “The Art of Logic in an Illogical World,” the same subject as her 2018 book “The Art of Logic: How to Make Sense in a World that Doesn’t.” Cheng is Scientist-in-Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an honorary Visiting Fellow of City, University of London. She obtained her doctoral degree in pure mathematics from the University of Cambridge and aims to rid the world of “math phobia.” In addition to being a public speaker and mathematician specializing in Cate- gory Theory, Cheng is an accomplished teacher, author, columnist, concert pianist and artist. Her talk centered on how to utilize pure mathematics as a way to under- stand and interact with the world. Cheng insisted that mathematical strategies like abstraction, factoring and cause and effect diagrams can lay the groundwork for intelligent conversation and building relationships with others. “I think that logic can actually help us with under- standing other people. It can help us with empathy,” she says. “Maybe that’s why I’m an educator—because I am an optimist. I do believe that we can do bet- ter and that, in particular, we can help the next generation to get better.” Lynelle Weldon, chair of the De- partment of Mathematics, hoped that attendees, enthusiastic about math or not, “caught a vision of how mathe- matical thinking can contribute to the analysis of any problem they might face” and “learned ways to communicate and connect their understanding of math with everyday concerns.” The Robert and Lillis Kingman Speaker Series on Science & Society was established in 2019 to bring significant speakers in science and mathematics to campus. Robert Kingman taught in the Department of Physics and served as chair for more than 40 years. Kingman Speaker Series Eugenia Cheng examines the value of math in understanding others Business students win first place At inaugural Undergraduate Healthcare Business Case Competition THE ANDREWS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF Business Administration Shores Consult- ing team won first place in the inaugural Loma Linda University School of Public Health Undergraduate Healthcare Busi- ness Case Competition, held virtually on Sunday, Oct. 31. The Shores Consulting team from the School of Business Administration included four students from different majors who came together to study a healthcare management issue and were given a certain amount of time to solve the problem during the com- petition. The team members were Marvin Schatzschneider, senior finance/ accounting major and team captain; Matthew Shelton, senior marketing ma- jor; Jeffrey Gehring, senior management major; and Joshua Deonarine, junior finance major. The faculty sponsor was Quentin Sahly, assistant professor of accounting. Students reported that they each dedicated about 100 hours of work into this case study over the past three weeks in preparation for the competition. Each student brought their area of business expertise into analysis of the case. During the competition, the team was provided 15 minutes for their presentation with an additional 10 minutes for Q & A from the four-judge panel. After the Shores Consulting team was announced as the winner, the judges commended them for their original solution to the case study that also has the potential to address the real challenges currently facing the healthcare industry. “Your solution was imaginative, but you also showed the ability to apply critical thinking with the application of a well-researched solu- tion,” stated one judge. Schatzschneider stated that he worked for PwC’s Deal Advisory group last summer specializing on financial due diligence for mergers and acqui- sitions, saying, “I learned the value of presentation and questioning, as clients will often send over enormous amounts of information, and one must be con- stantly ready to synthesize and draw insights to add to deal value.” “These four young men have great futures ahead of them. I feel blessed to have been a supporting part of their success,” stated Sahly. The Shores Consulting team, L–R: Joshua Deonarine, Marvin Schatzschneider, Jeffrey Gehring, Matthew Shelton (photo by Kimberly Pichot, College of Professions interim dean) Fall 2021— 11 Campus UpdateClockwise, from top left column: Heritage Singers 50th Anniversary Concert, Sept. 11 Alumni Gala Wind Symphony, Sept. 25 Alumni Gala University Singers, Sept. 25 Alumni Gala Symphony Orchestra, Sept. 25 Risus Quartet, Fischoff Grand Prize and Gold Medal Winner, Oct. 9 Wind Symphony Fall Concert, “Hands Across the Sea,” Oct. 23 University Choirs Fall Concert, “Sure on this Shining Night,” Oct. 30 Voice Students Vespers, Jackson Hayden, baritone, Nov. 12 Duo of Hope, Peruvian cellist Taide Prieto and Mexican pianist and conductor Francisco Fernandez, Nov. 14 Victor Bartley, “Fire That Builds,” University Forum, Nov. 18 Symphony Orchestra Thanksgiving Concert, “Journey,” Nov. 20 Pianist Chi Yong Yun, Nov. 21 Howard Center Presents ... Nicholas Marks Nicholas Marks’ music is a fiery blend of American Pop music intertwined with a Spanish flamenco beat and Gypsy rhythm. Whether he is holding his guitar high over his head, behind his back or down on his knees, his music mesmerizes. Sunday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. Howard Center Presents ... Anthony Brown and group therAPy Anthony Brown is a creative force in music with unparalleled talent as a songwriter, vocal director, producer, worship leader and singer. Sunday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Howard Center Presents ... Violin Concerto No. 2 “Teshuah” Alumnus James Lee’s work will be performed by the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Chris Wild with guest soloist Carla Trynchuk on the violin. Saturday, March 12, 8 p.m. This concert schedule is subject to change depending on the state guidelines of the COVID-19 pandemic at that time. CALENDAR 888-467-6442 howard.andrews.edu For tickets, information and a complete listing of performances, call the box office or visit the web. howardcenter 12 —FOCUS Howard HappeningsTHE DIVISION OF CAMPUS & STUDENT Life welcomes Philip DeLeon as associate dean for Student Involvement, Leader- ship & Activities (SILA). He will oversee the strategic direction, implementation and assessment of programming and services that maximize student engage- ment and leadership development. “We are so pleased that Philip has chosen to return to campus,” says Fran- ces Faehner, vice president for Campus & Student Life. “As a younger alum, it is his vivid and fond memories of Andrews University that fuel his desire to serve a new generation of students.” DeLeon, who holds a Master of Public Administration, most recently served as the manager of Patient Experience, Guest Services and Interpretation Ser- vices at Garnet Health Medical Center (GHMC) in New York. He provided oversight to GHMC’s comprehensive program driving patient satisfaction. “We’re excited to have Dean DeLeon bring the passion and skills he honed while enhancing the patient experience to creating a first-rate student experi- ence,” says Steve Yeagley, assistant vice president for Campus & Student Life. During his ten years in healthcare, DeLeon founded several initiatives that continue to positively impact patient satisfaction and community outreach. He implemented video interpreting services throughout the Medical Center, outpatient facilities and medical group, allowing limited-English, deaf and hard- of-hearing patients the ability to be seen and heard by someone who speaks their language. When COVID-19 forced restricted vis- itation at hospitals across the country, DeLeon’s team suited up and facilitat- ed virtual visitation for hundreds of patients and their families seven days a week. It was sometimes the only connec- tion patients had with their families. As Andrews University begins to emerge from the pandemic, DeLeon will again look for ways to provide con- nection. “God didn’t design us to live remotely,” he says. “I can’t wait to see how He will bring the campus back to life this year, and I look forward to being part of that renewed energy and experience.” In addition to leading SILA and over- seeing the University’s 60-plus clubs and organizations, DeLeon will serve as general sponsor of the Andrews University Student Association and consultant to the Andrews University Graduate Student Association. He will work collaboratively with colleagues to address students’ emotional, spiritual, physical and social needs. Philip DeLeon to oversee student involvement Bringing a focus to enhancing the student experience “God didn’t design us to live remotely. I can’t wait to see how He will bring the campus back to life this year.” JAY JOHNSON, PROFESSOR OF ENGINEER- ing, was recently awarded the Shen Kuo Award for Interdisciplinary Achieve- ments from the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA). Scientists within the IAGA study the mag- netic and electrical properties of planets. The organization focuses on both geo- magnetism, the study of the magnetic field of earth, and aeronomy, the science of the upper atmosphere. Johnson’s work within the organiza- tion has spanned several divisions of the IAGA throughout the years, contributing to sessions on magnetopause transport (2003), magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling (2005), sources and sinks of the plasma-sheet (2009–2012) and magne- totail dynamical processes (2021). His research stems from the modifi- cation of a calculation performed during his time as a post-doctorate at Princeton University. The computation centered on “single particle trajectories of an ion in an Alfven wave.” Over 20 years later, his findings have become foundational for studies relating to the acceleration and heating of ions in the auroral region, magnetosheath and solar wind. Johnson notes, “I am delighted and honored to have been selected for this prestigious award.” He adds, “I am thankful for the support of Andrews University and the engineering and physics departments that have made it possible for me to maintain a strong, active research program, and all the talented students at Andrews who have contributed to our research projects.” Jay Johnson wins award From International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy Fall 2021— 13 Faculty & StaffSUSAN ZORK HAS FOSTERED AN INTER- est in ministry ever since she was young. She recalls, “When I was probably 8 or 9, I used to go and ‘preach’ from an old stump in the woods behind my house … I had one ‘good’ sermon and I would preach it over and over again.” Although Susan’s interests diverged and changed over the years, she still found herself called to a life of teaching and service. She obtained her under- graduate degree in education, started her career as dean of girls at Maplewood Academy, and later became a religion teacher and dean of girls at Shenandoah Valley Academy. Afterward, she worked as an assistant registrar at Walla Walla College for two years. In 1991, her husband, Stephen Zork, was called to be director of choirs and choral studies at Andrews University. They moved to Michigan with their four children, and she decided to pursue an advanced degree at the University—a choice that was guided by God. Susan says, “I clearly remember sitting in the Administration Building parking lot at Andrews and earnestly praying about what master’s program I should pursue. And seemingly out of nowhere, the memory of my childhood preaching in the woods came to mind. I hadn’t thought about it for 30 years! Alone in my car, I asked God out loud … ‘seriously?’ And though he didn’t give an audible answer, the message was loud and clear: go into formal ministry.” She went on to complete a master’s degree in religious education as well as her doctoral studies and compre- hensive exams for the PhD in religious education. Simultaneously, she worked at Andrews—first as an administrative assistant, then in the Student Success Center, where she managed undergrad- uate advising. In 2003, Susan was hired into the Department of Religion & Biblical Languages as an assistant professor teaching theology, spirituality and discipleship. She also taught classes in spirituality and healthcare for the nursing department and physical ther- apy and went on to become one of the founding teaching pastors for One Place Fellowship. She states, “My calling was finally and fully realized and I knew it was exactly where I was supposed to be, do- ing exactly what God had called me to. And I have loved and cherished every moment since.” In addition to teaching, Susan’s mem- orable experiences at Andrews have included conducting counseling ses- sions, officiating marriages, giving Bible studies, preaching sermons, functioning as a mentor and baptizing students. She additionally notes, “I have always sung with my husband in University Singers—the combination of wonderful music, singing with students and having my amazing husband direct the choir … remains the cherry on top of my experi- ences here at Andrews.” The most important part of Susan’s career at Andrews, however, has always been her students. She considers the mutual exchange of learning and care to be central aspects to her experience at Andrews, stating, “To be able to live and grow in my faith alongside seeking minds and young people is one of the defining and greatest experiences of my life.” Although in retirement she misses her students, Susan enjoys “the freedom on any given day to do whatever filters to the top.” She explains, “I have family that need visiting. Grandchildren that need playing with. I still sing, I still preach, I still teach on occasion, and I still love Jesus and people as always—but now, with a lot less stress.” One of her favorite verses is Zepha- niah 3:17: “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (NIV). The verse reflects a continuing lifelong goal for Susan: “I have simply wanted to honor Jesus all my life.” A calling fully realized Susan Zork retires after nearly 30 years of service at Andrews “To be able to live and grow in my faith alongside seeking minds and young people is one of the defining and greatest experiences of my life.” 14 —FOCUS Faculty & StaffTHOMAS LOWING HAS SERVED AS full-time faculty teaching architecture at Andrews University for 25 years. “It would have been hard to imagine the pathway God opened for me to become a faculty member here at Andrews,” he recalls. Prior to teaching, Thomas par- ticipated in professional practice full-time for 15 years. After receiving his professional degree, he worked in Battle Creek, Michigan, as an intern architect, later becoming licensed as well as an associate at a firm in Ka- lamazoo, Michigan. During this time, he and his wife were raising three children. In the early 1990s he connected with Andrews through the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the American Institute of Architects via an invitation to present the design principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act that had recently become part of federal civil rights legislation. Then, in 1995, an experienced professional was needed to teach construction technology. “I originally started teaching as an adjunct profes- sor just two years after opening my own practice in the Kalamazoo area,” he explains. “I continued to consult in the profession and commute from Holland, Michigan, as an assistant pro- fessor in what was then the Division of Architecture, became an associate professor as we became the School of Architecture, and also served as assistant dean of the College of Health & Human Services for a year and a half while the School of Architecture & Interior Design transitioned into its new home in the College.” Thomas’s students have made a particularly positive impact on his teaching experience. “The students I have known are both eager to learn and to serve,” he says. “This culture of service was evident wherever I have gone with students. “Students’ joy in sharing the zest of living col- lege life is also inspiring, especially when traveling together. I remem- ber an architecture trip where two students carried their colleague in a wheelchair up the stairs of a tower- ing structure to experience the view together as a class.” Thomas says that Andrews became his home away from home. “It is a family-centric culture for education, where I was privileged to teach 20 graduating classes as I witnessed their growth over five-and-a-half years to their professional degree,” he shares. “My favorite part besides witnessing each student’s growth was to meet their families and see them in celebra- tion at their graduation. The network of relationships and family connec- tions is so fascinating! I love to hear from alumni and witness their further growth, as well.” While at Andrews, Thomas has ap- preciated the opportunity to not only meet colleagues and students from around the world but also share in the joys of Christian education. “I had be- come a committed Christian just a few years before the opportunity to teach,” he explains. “Moving from an envi- ronment where opportunities to share one’s faith openly in the marketplace were distinctively rare, I soon found it refreshing to be teaching where sharing the aspects of faith integrally within the course of my discipline was encouraged. It was certainly fertile ground for my own spiritual growth, and I hope it was for many students.” Thomas is proud of his involvement during the early stages of develop- ment of the architecture program at Andrews. He explains that the faculty at the time worked together, aiming to establish a distinctly Adventist mission for the program based on the principles of Romans 12. “Part of my decision to retire was based on the fact that almost two-thirds of my colleagues on the architecture faculty were once my students. I believe my primary mission at Andrews was ac- complished,” he adds. In retirement, Thomas and his wife Vicki Jo have moved to Tennessee. Thomas plans to assist a new, start- up architecture program in Nashville become accredited. He looks forward to summer visits to see family in Michigan and notes, “I will always be very thankful for my ‘Andrews family,’ as well.” Mission accomplished Thomas Lowing retires after 25 years at Andrews “The students I have known are both eager to learn and to serve. This culture of service was evident wherever I have gone with students.” Fall 2021— 15 Faculty & StaffFrom top, clockwise: Wes Christiansen Memorial Golf Outing Denis Fortin & Kris Knutson present at Women’s Scholarship Brunch Historic Sundial Rededication honoring Donald & Rebecca May Spirit of Philanthropy & Homecoming Banquet Classic Car Show Campus Bus Tour Carscallen Mission Workshop ribbon cutting Homecoming September 23–26, 2021 16 —FOCUS 16 —FOCUS 16 —FOCUSFrom left, counterclockwise: Deliverance Mass Choir anniversary concert Ndubuisi Nwade, speaker at Impact Carlton Byrd, guest speaker for University Vespers International Flag Raising Ceremony 34th Annual Homecoming Parade New Life & BSCF Alumni anniversary celebration Fall 2021— 17 Fall 2021— 17From top, left to right: Harvest wagon tours Walter Douglas at Church History Suite dedication Class reunion luncheon buffet Bruce Closser and Beverly Matiko at their Retirement Recognition Reception Bill Knott, PMC worship service Japhet De Oliveira, One Place 10th Anniversary Agriculture Education Center Open House Harvest Picnic University Singers, PMC worship service 18 —FOCUS 18 —FOCUS 18 —FOCUSFrom top right, clockwise: Wind Symphony, Alumni Homecoming Gala Aviation Annual Fly-In Earl and Edwina Bradley Bradley Family Harvest Run Botanical Conservatory Open House Fall 2021— 19 Fall 2021— 19Next >