FOCUSWINTER 2022 Vol 58 No 1 ANNUAL REPORT the andrews university magazine2 FOCUS WINTER 2022 RECENTLY I WAS GOING THROUGH MY personal books, some that went back even to my teenage years. As I was sorting and reorganizing them, I noticed a recurrent theme that I hadn’t been expecting to notice: listening. I don’t know now whether at the time I was buying these books because I felt I wasn’t being listened to or whether I was seeking to learn how to listen better! But as I flicked through the pages, I was reminded again of the huge power of that one word: listen. When I used to teach communi- cation, one of the key practices I wanted to teach my students was active listening. As we know, we speak at a rate much slower than we can listen. That reality results in a potential gap. I can listen to you, but my mind can be planning what I am going to eat for dinner. While you speak, I can listen with one ear and then with the other ear be hearing all the voices that are ready to judge you immediately. Active listen- ing requires a different approach: listening, focusing on what I hear and reflecting about it actively and thoughtfully. That doesn’t mean Andrea Luxton, president agreeing, but it does mean engaging fully and honestly with the perspectives and words of another. So as I flicked through some of my books once again, I reminded myself how much easier it is to speak, react, “be right” than it is to stop, listen, think, engage. However, if education is done well, and I believe that at Andrews University we mostly do education well, we teach our students to listen and with that listening to reflect and, where appropriate, to act. We could say we teach them to become “thinkers” and “not mere reflectors of other men’s thoughts” (“Education,” page 17). Our reflections are deeper and our con- clusions stronger when we have really learned to honestly listen. As an example, I am writing this article during Black History Month, and just yesterday I read the Student Movement’s Black History Month edition. What powerful, thoughtful, balanced and human, yet spiritual, articles! Thank you to the students who wrote them. I hope I have listened well because my own expe- rience cannot possibly provide the perspectives you have shared, and I feel enriched by listening to you. And so I come to FOCUS and partic- ularly this edition: our annual report. I want you to know that we write this for you with genuine love: our love for An- drews, our love for our wider Andrews community, including yourself, our love for the wider church and communities of which we are a part, and our love for God. I hope as you read this, as you listen, you can hear our heart speaking. I hope you can enjoy and engage. If you are able to do this, I am sure you will be uplifted and blessed by the passion, commitment, faith- fulness and energy that has throbbed through this campus every day of the last year. Enjoy! FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK The Power of Listening The FSC® trademark indicates that the paper contains fiber from responsibly managed forest in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council®. World Changers Made Here.Editor 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 Daniel Bedell (BS ’08) Darren Heslop (BFA ’10) Justin Jeffery (BMus ’04) Dawson Par (current student) David Sherwin (BFA ’82) Peter Tumangday (current student) Julia Viniczay (BFA ’21) Alina Weber (current student) Student Writer Isabella Koh (current student) FOCUS the andrews university magazine President Andrea Luxton (MA ’78) Provost Christon Arthur (BA ’90, MA ’95, EdS ’99, PhD ’00) Vice President for Financial Administration Glenn A. 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) Research Philanthropy & Development 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 University, 8903 US Hwy 31, Berrien Springs MI 49104- 1000. Copyright © 2022 by Andrews University. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. Printed by Holland Litho Printing Service, Zeeland 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 Drive, Berrien Springs MI 49104-0950, email alumni@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3591. 28 9 On the cover: L–R: Riley Hicks, Dawson Par, Sandra Owusu-Antwi, Karem Valencia Photo credit: Daniel Bedell (BS ’08) Campus Community 4 Academics 15 Mission & Service 224 FOCUS WINTER 2022 CAMPUS COMMUNITY WHEN I WAS VERY LITTLE, I WATCHED the National Oratory Contest of Panama on TV and knew immediately I wanted to be there. The contest is the most important educational event within Panama, and around 600,000 students ages 16–18 have participated throughout the country. I entered the competition two years in a row but didn’t make it past the second round. In my last eligible year, I did something new: I worked on both my studying and my spiritual life. My relationship with God grew, and in the contest I passed all three preliminary rounds. Right before the final competition, the organization hosted a special Fri- day night event. My friend Maria and I, the only two Seventh-day Adven- tist competitors, were unsure about attending on the Sabbath. It turned out to be a surprise party with music, dancing and drinking. While Maria quietly abstained, I got caught up in the moment, leaving her behind. Later that night, I recognized what I had done. I prayed desperately that God would choose Maria to win instead of me. In the competition, when we made it to the announcement of win- ners, Maria received fourth place. Confused, I prayed. God, if I win, I’m going to praise you. If I lose, I’m going to praise you anyway. At last, the announcement came: “The winner is … Meryen González!” I was absolutely overwhelmed. I was living my dream, but I didn’t deserve it. At that moment, after 18 years of being a Christian, I completely understood grace. We didn’t deserve God’s sacrifice, but he gave it to us because he loved us. I didn’t deserve that prize, but he gave it to me be- cause his love was greater than my sin and failure. The top 15 contestants in the competition were awarded a scholarship to any university in the world. My family and I had always prayed I would have the opportunity to study at an Adventist college, and Andrews University had everything I was looking for. God found a way. I started with one year of ESL at Andrews, and now I’m a fresh- man studying public relations and marketing. I work with AUSA as film director and run The Student Move- ment’s Instagram. I’m a member of Makarios and lead a Grow Group. In the future, I hope to go on mis- sion trips, sharing God’s message. Professionally, I would love to one day direct a political campaign or work for a conference communi- cation department, praising God wherever I go. MERYEN GONZÁLEZ Student ProfileAndrews University ANNUAL REPORT 5Campus Community I GREW UP IN MERIDA, VENEZUELA, and started my musical education at the age of 13 in a non-profit institution called “El Sistema” where I obtained musical training at a high educational level prior to the beginning of my undergraduate studies. Music allows performers to con- nect with people on a core level. It is restoring and impactful for those who interpret and listen. This is why I decided to pursue a music degree and looked for opportunities to study abroad. I was told back then about a full-tuition merit scholarship called Dare to Dream that is offered every year at Andrews University. I com- pleted the application process and was selected for the program, start- ing in fall 2018. When the pandemic hit, it deeply affected me and my studies. As an international student, I was only allowed to work on campus, but the school closed down. Lots of questions followed regarding my capacity to cover rent, school fees, food supplies and bills. Fortunately, professors and staff members offered financial, spiritual and personal support to as many students as possible. I cannot even describe how thankful I was for the help I received. Whenever things seemed hopeless or impossible, God manifested himself through people around me. He made the hopeless hopeful and the impossible possible. Currently, I am a senior graduat- ing in May with a music degree in flute performance, and I am also the principal flutist of both the Wind Symphony and Symphony Orches- tra. Being part of these ensembles has granted me the opportunity to interact with fellow students and community members while con- necting me to activities like music tutoring and collaborative perfor- mances at various churches. In the future, I am planning on pursuing a master’s degree in music performance that will eventually lead to the completion of a doctorate as well. While I do not have the financial resources to do so at this point, I have no question that God will open those doors for me. He has done it in the past, and he will do it in the future. Andrews University is an institu- tion that has not only prepared me for a future artistic career but has also invited me to become a better human being, for me and those around me. Being surrounded by so many cultural backgrounds on this campus has helped me develop respect, understanding and empathy for others. The holistic education I always dreamed of has been granted. There is no other place I would rather have attended. BETANIA CAÑAS Student Profile6 FOCUS WINTER 2022 Darkness Will Not Overcome Week of Prayer by José Bourget In fall 2021, Andrews University and Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) worked together to ensure the gospel was proclaimed through a treasured tradition, Week of Prayer. Each night students, employees and the community gathered together in the sanctuary for singing, prayer and a testimony about the light, love and healing power of God. The series was titled “Darkness Will Not Overcome,” and the speaker was Pastor Richie Halversen Jr. With every gathering you could see the Holy Spirit working on the hearts and minds of those in attendance. In each message you could see the heart of God come to life like David said in Psalm 85:10, “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed … ” (KJV). Many found personal revival, healing and the promise of deliverance fulfilled in their lives. But don’t just take my word for it. See what some of our students experienced or listen to the messages on the PMC YouTube channel.Andrews University ANNUAL REPORT 7Campus Community Darkness Will Not Overcome WEEK OF PRAYER WAS A BLESSING FOR ME BECAUSE THE MESSAGE pointed strongly to Jesus. As a college student, I get so used to micromanaging every aspect of my life to get everything done that I forget my life could be so much more and better utilized by God. Pastor Halversen’s series preached the importance of letting God work miracles in our lives. He spoke strongly of how our self-centered atmosphere and selfishness is often the root of our sins and mistakes. This kind of woke me up to look around. In a campus full of so many people, it is strange how little I remember to think of those around me. To see who needs help or a prayer. I was reminded to open myself up to be God’s miracle for someone else. Another point Pastor Halversen made was the fact that each work of God, each miracle, should count to increase faith. He spoke of how even though God provided endlessly, the Israel- ites in the wilderness still couldn’t have faith. It reminded me how I have seen God’s work in my life and others, but I often fail to build my faith and trust in God for the future. It gets easy to say “Praise God” for what he’s done in the past and yet so difficult to hand over the future. Week of Prayer planted in me the desire to let God handle even the little details of life that may seem small to me because every small moment could be an opportunity for a miracle if we trust in him. THE “DARKNESS WILL NOT OVERCOME” SERIES BY PASTOR RICHIE Halversen brought eight days of presentations where we learned that no matter how dark our life gets, we can still experience love, hope and healing through the mercy of Christ. Pastor Richie shared his life testimony and how he has experienced troubles with addiction. Throughout the series, students got to see a real-life example of how breaking your chains can change your life forever. The series dove deep into the Bible and Jesus’ ministry. Pastor Richie explored various stories that exemplified the love and mercy shown by Jesus. We learned that although we are sinners, we are still welcome in the church, for God has said “let there be light” in us. The Lord can change our water to wine even in what seems like an impossible situation. Then when the moment comes where we believe life has reached unimaginable depths and no one can step in to help, God says that it is possible. Throughout the eight-day experience, you could see how Pastor Richie could connect with many students and people who have struggled with things even beyond addiction. No one walked away from the series without feeling touched or learning that they are more than their struggles. Overall, the series was profoundly moving and inspirational. Thanks to Pastor Richie, we now feel assured that if we have faith and put our own agen- das aside to truly accept the plan that God has for us, we will receive a greater resurrection. by RINHLUPUII CHAWNGTHU by ELIZABETH CISNEROS8 FOCUS WINTER 2022 In 2021, the Office of Student Involvement, Leadership & Activities (SILA) provided a variety of programs to enhance the student experience even through the challenges of COVID-19. Philip DeLeon, associate dean for SILA, says, “It has been a great year of student engagement here at Andrews. Every event was planned with our students in mind. It is my hope that great memories and friendships were made.” ONE OF THE MOST REJUVENATING events in 2021, “Paint and Sip: Undergraduate Edition,” was held at the Carscallen Mission Workshop. In the early afternoon of Nov. 7, students excitedly awaited a tranquil experience to ease their minds from the academic rigor of Andrews University. Once the majority of the novice painters had arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome from the esteemed Dean DeLeon. He introduced the art instructors, Kari Friestad, associate professor of visual art, and Glenda Patterson, Andrews staff and local artist, who skillfully demonstrated and guided us to create our own watercolor replicas of landscapes worldwide—from London with its infamous Big Ben and London Bridge to Paris and the Eiffel Tower. To complement the creative experience, we were fed delectable delicacies. In the background, smooth jazz music filled the room and induced a soothing ambiance. This event was worth a five-star review, and if put on again, I highly recommend it to anyone on campus looking for a creative way to de-stress. —by Esmond Appiah-Mensah Creating Times to Connect ON DEC. 3, THE ANDREWS University Center for Faith Engagement and SILA introduced a new way of celebrating Christmas on Campus—a Christmas Vespers followed by a tree lighting ceremony and hot chocolate enjoyed outdoors under heat lamps. We began the program with a video where students from China, Rwanda, Korea, Jamaica and Romania shared the different ways their homes are decorated for Christmas, the food they eat, and the traditions they keep. The program included three bands who presented Christmas classics through different genres of music. Then, a student-led drama ministry, Makarios, depicted a part of the Christmas story. Our goal was to find a creative and inclusive way of sharing the story of Jesus. We titled the program “The Story of Emmanuel” because of what Emmanuel means, “God with us.” We wanted students to be reminded that through the changes endured during 2020 and 2021, God continued to be with us. —by Jordanne Howell-WaltonAndrews University ANNUAL REPORT 9 In the Lab RESEARCH CHEMISTRY IS COOL! AND INSIDE biological cells, thanks to enzymes, chemistry is even cooler! Literally. No Bunsen burner necessary for this chemistry, and it happens in seconds rather than hours or years without an enzyme. My lab of undergraduate and graduate students has been working hard to learn how one particular group of digestive enzymes works. These have been studied since the 1920s, so we know a lot about them, including the arrangement of key chemical groups within them. We recently discovered one such enzyme from your garden variety button mush- room that has some interesting modifications of these chemical groups. Using mammalian cells as factories for this enzyme, we hope to learn how it can work in ways not seen before. Recent years have seen peta- bytes worth of genomic data made freely available to researchers. Stu- dents Daniel Fajardo and Ritchie Saint Jean have used this data to learn that genes encoding these enzymes sometimes duplicate and take on new characteristics. Our capabilities in fluorescence microscopy have been particularly useful in this project. Some of our work requires us to think about folding. Enzymes are made from strings of amino acids that fold into complex three- dimensional shapes. Improper folding results in diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cystic fibrosis. Students Masy Domecillo and Erica Shin are using PCR (sim- ilar to the PCR used in COVID tests) to modify enzymes to learn features necessary for accurate folding. In all this, the most exciting moments are when students dis- cover they, too, can work through persistent problems, misunder- standings and technical challenges to make both biological discoveries and personal triumphs. Daniel and Masy share some of these experiences in the following reflections. by Peter Lyons Biological Discovery and Personal Growth The lab (l–r), Peter Lyons, Erica Shin, Masy Domecillo, Daniel FajardoNext >