Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2025, Andrews University Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:09:00 +0000 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:09:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Andrews Honors Those Lost http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68421 <p> Andrews University has experienced an unprecedented series of losses, from students to faculty either through natural causes or through off-campus accidents. In a letter from University President John Wesley Taylor V, they honor and grieve the three lives lost. </p> <p> Mike Harrington had been a campus employee in multiple capacities for nearly 40 years. Working as a machinist at College Wood Products, a security guard, took multiple roles in the on-campus Dairy before it closed, and finally working for Custodial Services. He passed away in July after being hospitalized from a car crash. </p> <div> Takura Carlos Rukuni, an Andrews University MDiv student passed away on Oct. 2, “after a long, valiant and painful battle”, with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Though Rukuni would be buried in his home of Zimbabwe, the University hosted “a special gathering of prayer and music at the Seminary Chapel as we lift up Takura’s family. We invite all who would like to show their love and support for Takura and his family to attend.” </div> <div>  </div> <div> Finally, Micah Harris was a 19-year old student who died on Oct. 4, while swimming in  Lake Chapin Saturday afternoon. The business major had attempted to swim with his companions to the bridge pylons but fell behind and disappeared underwater. Multiple attempts were made by the other swimmers and nearby boaters to find Michah. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team later recovered his body at 7:57 p.m. that same day. The case is still under investigation. </div> <div>  </div> <div> Michah’s family drove the four and a half hours from Xenia, Ohio to the campus. Friends and teachers of the student reportedly went above and beyond to comfort and support the grieving loved ones. A memorial service will be held in Ohio on Sunday, October 12 however the University will provide a shuttle bus for mourners to attend the service and return safely. </div> <div>  </div> <div> In President Taylor’s address of these losses, he encouraged those to remember that even in our grief, we as believers have hope. </div> <div>  </div> <div> “In the days and weeks ahead, please know that grief doesn’t follow a timeline or a rule book. You may feel shock, anger, sadness, confusion or even numbness. Sometimes all at once. All of these are normal and valid.” </div> <div>  </div> <div> He then followed by adding that mourners must allow themselves to grieve, reach out and connect, seek professional support, take care of their physical health and finally hold on to hope without rushing through grief. Taylor celebrated the lives of those lost, honoring their impact on the lives of those who met with them.</div> <p> <<< Read the full story at the Adventist Today <a href="https://atoday.org/andrews-honors-those-lost/">site</a> >>></p> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:49:07 +0000 Record Number of Alumni Enter Top PhD Programs http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67555 <p> In recent years, a record number of Andrews University graduates have been accepted to the nation’s top STEM PhD programs. Gary Burdick, professor of physics and dean of Research, notes, “While we have long led in training Adventist students for advanced study of science and mathematics, we have noticed a significant uptick in those accepted into fully-funded doctoral programs, even as these programs are becoming more competitive.” He credits the students’ successful placement to the unique research culture at the University.</p> <p> <<< Read the full story on the Moody on the Market <a href="https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/record-number-of-andrews-university-students-enter-top-stem-phd-programs-via-undergrad-research/">site</a> and Lake Union Herald <a href="https://www.lakeunionherald.org/archive/articles/record-number-of-students-enter-top-stem-phd-programs">site</a> >>></p> Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:45:04 +0000 Lake Union Professional Day Prepares Students http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68374 <p> On Tuesday, Sept. 17, eight senior education majors from Andrews University gathered at the Lake Union Conference office in Berrien Springs for Professional Day—a daylong event designed to prepare soon-to-be graduates for the realities of entering the teaching workforce.</p> <p> <<< Read the full story at the Lake Union Herald <a href="https://www.lakeunionherald.org/archive/articles/lake-union-professional-day-prepares-andrews-seniors-for-the-classroom">site</a> >>></p> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:56:30 +0000 Faculty Participate in Women Leaders Conference http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68373 <div> At a time when women leaders are navigating increasing demands in all aspects of life, Adventist Women Leaders (AWL), an initiative of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD), created a space for renewal at their 2025 conference “Soul Care for Women Leaders,” held Sept. 7–8, in Denver, Colorado</div> <div>  </div> <div> ...</div> <div>  </div> <div> Newly appointed vice president of AWL, Janet Ledesma, associate dean and professor in the School of Leadership at Andrews University, opened the morning session with a devotional, reinforcing attendees’ call from God with illustrations of women in the Bible who also headed the call, namely Deborah, Esther, Mary, the Samaritan woman and Moses’ sister Miriam. </div> <div>  </div> <div> ...</div> <div>  </div> <div> A reflective and sincere discussion on mentoring followed, with panelists including Eberhardt, Gina Creek, chief people officer for the Mid-America Region of AdventHealth, and Emily Brousson, former director of Undergraduate Leadership Development and adjunct faculty at Andrews University.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <<< Read the full story at the North American Division <a href="https://www.nadadventist.org/news/a-call-to-soul-care-at-adventist-women-leaders-conference/">site</a> >>></div> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:55:42 +0000 Andrews Hosts Mental Health Symposium http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68371 <p> From September 11–14, 2025, Andrews University hosted the first Thrive: Mental Health Symposium. Coordinated by the University’s Counseling and Testing Center, the symposium was themed “Building a Mental Health Friendly Campus” and featured several breakout sessions, plenary presentations, and multiple resource fairs.</p> <p> <<< Read the full story at the Adventist News Network <a href="https://adventist.news/news/andrews-university-hosts-inaugural-mental-health-symposium">site</a> >>></p> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:53:25 +0000 Andrews to Host Industry Lab Summit http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68370 <p> Andrews University will be hosting the Industry Lab Summit on Sept. 26, 2025, a free event dedicated to fostering collaboration between students, faculty and industry leaders. The summit will take place under the theme “Innovation through Industry-Academia Collaboration” in the Howard Performing Arts Center from 12–3 p.m. and is open to all interested attendees.</p> <p> <<< Read the full story at the South Bend Tribune <a href="https://www.southbendtribune.com/things-to-do/events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/3188489-industry-lab-summit">site</a> >>></p> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:52:41 +0000 Mission and Ministry Through Andrews' Myanmar Club http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68347 <p> Spiritual ministry and mission are the driving forces for Andrews University’s newest student club: the Andrews University Myanmar Student Association (AUMSA). Launched at the start of the 2024–2025 academic year, AUMSA has distinguished itself through its mission-focused initiatives, with members contributing positively across the Lake Union and in the nation of Myanmar.  </p> <p> <<< Read the full story at the Lake Union Herald <a href="https://www.lakeunionherald.org/archive/articles/mission-and-ministry-the-focus-for-andrews-myanmar-club">site</a> >>></p> Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:47:50 +0000 My Scooter and I http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68346 <p> Being at Andrews University has taught me many things. Of course, I learned how bad I am at math, how to know which professors are the most helpful, and how many minutes to leave before the rush at the end of an event. But living with a disability has taught me much more: how to be resilient, how to be a voice for myself and others, and how to make sure I am heard. </p> <p> My disability, muscular dystrophy, affects my mobility though I can walk some distances. I always knew I would be able to go to college but would need a mobility aid wherever I attended. I was a little nervous and embarrassed when I first got my mobility scooter. Sure, I had been a disabled individual all my life, but having a mobility scooter in college felt like I had a big sign saying, “I’m disabled.” I was worried people wouldn’t be willing to get to know me because of this giant elephant (or scooter) in the room. It would be another barrier that I would need to face. Little did I know that my mobility scooter would become my superpower. <br />  </p> <p> <<< Read the full story at the Lake Union Herald <a href="https://www.lakeunionherald.org/archive/articles/my-scooter-and-i--">site</a> >>></p> Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:46:38 +0000