Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2025, Andrews University Sat, 18 Oct 2025 11:34:00 +0000 Sat, 18 Oct 2025 11:34:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Andrews University Wind Symphony Fall Concert http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68462 <p> The Andrews University Wind Symphony, under direction of Denisse Santos, presents its fall concert, “Echoes of Majesty,” on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Howard Performing Arts Center. The program will feature works that depict majestic places, including noble monuments, grandiose forests, lofty mountains and spacious cathedrals.</p> <p> The program will begin with a rousing performance of “Cenotaph” by Jack Stamp. This will be followed by Kathryn Salfelder’s “Cathedrals,” an homage to the brass ensembles of the 16th century that performed on cathedral balconies, featuring graduate student conductor Francis Aguilar Jr. “Cathedral Grove” by Robert Buckley will paint a musical landscape of the largest trees in the world, and Andrew Boysen Jr.’s “Klang” is a depiction of sounds created by building materials from a majestic concert hall. The first half of the concert will close with Richard Wagner’s familiar “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral.”</p> <p> After the intermission, the symphony will play Mark Camphouse’s “La Cathedrale Resiliente,” an homage to the rebuilding of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after the fire of 2019. This will be followed by “The Lincoln Imp,” arranged by Mark Grauer, a playful depiction of the gargoyles that adorn ancient cathedrals, and “Old Churches” by Michael Colgrass, which employs unique sounds that resemble distant church bells. The concert will end with Rossano Galente’s “Cathedral Mountain,” a depiction of the grandeur and beauty of nature.</p> <p> Tickets for this event can be purchased at <a href="http://howard.andrews.edu">howard.andrews.edu</a> and are $8.50 for general seating and $6.50 for students and seniors. There is a two-ticket limit if purchasing with a student ID. For additional information, contact the Howard box office at 269-471-3560. For a full season schedule of events at the Howard Performing Arts Center, visit <a href="http://howard.andrews.edu">howard.andrews.edu</a>.</p> Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:56:34 +0000 Inaugural Industry Lab Summit Held at Andrews http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68461 <p> Andrews University hosted the inaugural Industry Lab Summit on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Created to foster partnerships between students, faculty and industry leaders, the summit was themed “Innovation through Industry-Academia Collaboration.” The event included several keynote presentations as well as opportunities to network and share insights.</p> <p> “Andrews University is a globally recognized institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and equipping students to make a lasting difference in their communities and industries,” said Matias Soto, director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. “Through initiatives like the Industry Lab, Andrews continues to bridge education and enterprise, empowering the next generation of leaders and world changers.”</p> <p> The summit began with an opportunity for attendees to meet each other and share their stories. Mark Omwansa, founder of the business Hakikisho Labs, heard about the event through a LinkedIn connection with the organizers. “I make training material for engineering companies, so I came to network,” he said. “We work with companies—like engineering businesses—and we figure out where they have problems or they’re lacking skills … I try to help them find a good fit.”</p> <p> Senior data science major Jessica Ruvalcaba explained, “I heard about the event from a teacher … and I [thought] ‘Oh! I want to hear what they have to say.’” She added that the presentations seemed especially applicable to her areas of interest, noting, “In the future, I hope to work in either government or health care.”</p> <p> After a welcome and introduction from the summit organizers, Ackley Will, chair of the Department of Computing, gave the first keynote address. His talk was titled, “From Pixels to Decisions: Vision AI in Healthcare and Industry.” After explaining the basics of artificial intelligence and computer vision, Will detailed a variety of its potential uses, including projects currently being explored at Andrews. In particular, he emphasized its impact on the fields of medicine and safety. “Great AI doesn’t replace people,” he shared. “When we keep humans at the center of our project … we start to be responsible.”</p> <p> The second address, “Product Development at Andrews University School of Engineering: Strategies, Processes and Outcomes,” was shared by Gunnar Lovhoiden, chair of the School of Engineering. Lovhoiden explained how the Industry Lab has helped redesign senior engineering projects at Andrews, making them more hands-on, practical and customer-centered. Students now have opportunities to solve real-world problems, encouraging accountability and teamwork.  “We are trying to provide students with an experience that parallels industry,” he noted.</p> <p> The final presentation was given by Ryan K. Roeder, professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering at the University of Notre Dame and founder of HAPPE Spine. He spoke on “Industry-University Partnerships (Both Big and Small),” sharing his personal journey of collaborating between industry and academics as a company founder. “Let the University do what it is good at (idea/talent creation, scientific validation, etc.),” he proposed, “and let the company do what it is good at (product-market, etc.).” He added, “We’ve got to get in the valley together and figure out how to do it.”</p> <p> The event closed with additional opportunities for participants to network and ask the speakers questions. Lisabeth Tuffour, senior computer science major, shared that the speakers covered topics that were relevant to her future career, including project development and artificial intelligence. “I’m hoping to become a data scientist and later a project manager,” she said, explaining that she aspires to “learn more about that field because I’m not so much on the business side—I’m more on the tech side.”</p> <p> The Industry Lab Summit is a product of Andrews University’s Industry Lab, which offers Andrews’ industry partners innovative programming, technology laboratories and tailored services from University students and faculty. The lab was launched by the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and School of Engineering in 2023 with support from an Academic Partnership Grant. In 2024, it was expanded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, enabling further outreach and collaborative efforts like the summit.</p> <p> “At Andrews University, we are deeply committed to the success of our students and our community,” shared Jorge Cardenas, Industry Lab coordinator. “This summit was designed to provide a unique opportunity to connect academia and industry, inspiring innovation and fostering meaningful relationships with community leaders.”</p> <p> Beyond the summit, the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship has planned several events, workshops and competitions for those interested in innovation and industry collaboration. For more information about future opportunities, visit the office’s <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/innovation/index.html">website</a>.</p> Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:42:53 +0000 Andrews Receives Grant for Grad Psychology Program http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68441 <p> A $350,000 grant has been awarded to Andrews University’s School of Graduate Psychology & Counseling by Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). According to Renette Portecop-Prentice, assistant professor and School Psychology Program coordinator at Andrews, these funds will be primarily used to establish an online version of the University's school psychology programming. A statement released by LEO shares that this investment will “increase the school psychologist workforce in Michigan, support students who are facing mental health challenges and help schools navigate available resources.” Portecop-Prentice adds, “Students will benefit significantly from increased faculty support and resources.”</p> <p> Portecop-Prentice submitted the grant application in March 2025 with assistance from Carlisle Sutton, sponsored research officer. Portecop-Prentice and Carole Woolford-Hunt, chair of the School of Graduate Psychology & Counseling, express that they were pleasantly surprised when LEO officially announced in July that Andrews University was one of the grant winners. “We were up against big universities,” says Woolford-Hunt. “I don’t know if there were any schools smaller than us who applied. We were literally the ‘David’ in this whole situation, and when the grants were announced, we were one of only two programs who were awarded.”</p> <p> The second grant award went to Western Michigan University, which will be launching its school psychologist training program for the first time. Andrews will use the funds to build on its preexisting, in-person program. The $350,000 will be spent on supplies, faculty, staff, recruiting and marketing within the guidelines LEO set for the grant.</p> <p> The program will begin taking applications for online students in spring 2026 and will conduct its first semester of online classes the following fall. Although all students are invited to be a part of the online program, Michigan residents are encouraged to apply, with the goal of growing the state’s school psychologist workforce.</p> <p> Portecop-Prentice shares that the National Association of School Psychologists recommends that schools have a ratio of about 500 students to one school psychologist. “Michigan is at approximately 1,350 to one,” she says. “So we’ve definitely had a shortage. It’s been improving in recent years, but there are just not enough of us to go around.” Grant programs and initiatives, like the one Andrews and Western Michigan are a part of, are working to increase the number of qualified school psychologists available within the state.</p> <p> The School of Graduate Psychology & Counseling offers quality education and training for its students. Portecop-Prentice notes that evaluations from surveys sent to the employers of recent graduates “have consistently been strong and above average.” She adds that another factor in the grant award may have been Andrews’ ongoing contributions to neighboring school districts in Michigan, including the work of many alumni.</p> <p> Ultimately, Portecop-Prentice and Woolford-Hunt share the sentiment that God is continuing to bless the work of the School of Graduate Psychology & Counseling. “We know it’s nothing but God,” says Woolford-Hunt.</p> <p> To learn more about Andrews’ School of Graduate Psychology & Counseling and the school psychology program, please visit the program’s <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/ceis/gpc/edsp/learnmore.html">webpage</a>.</p> Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:56:44 +0000 New Mentoring Program for Seminary Students http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68438 <div> The Center for Community Change (CCC) in the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary recently launched a peer-to-peer mentoring initiative to help graduate students transition into new rhythms of academic rigor, spiritual formation and community life. On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the CCC held its first Peer-to-Peer Mentoring launch, where new students were introduced to their senior mentors.</div> <div>  </div> <div> “At its heart, peer mentoring is about the shared journey,” says Tina Leonor, project manager for the CCC. She shares that the center’s mission is to “cultivate a mentoring lifestyle that supports students throughout their seminary journey,” adding, “we aim to equip them with the tools, skills and experiences needed to extend this lifestyle of mentoring into their future congregations and communities.”</div> <div>  </div> <div> At a chapel service for seminary students on the morning of Sept. 9, Ignacio Goya, director of the CCC, spoke about discipleship based on “Christ’s Method Alone.” He reminded attendees that “Christ mingled with people as one who desired their good,” encouraging them to embrace Christ’s form of mentorship.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The students then met over a pizza luncheon on the Tan Hall lawn and became acquainted with their mentoring pairs. First-year students were matched with seniors, each of whom volunteered to serve as mentors. Caleb Matias, a senior Master of Divinity student mentor shared, “Mentoring for me will be a way that I can be open to see possibilities that I didn’t see in myself.”</div> <div>  </div> <div> The mentoring initiative was organized by Johnny Mata, placement coordinator at the CCC. He shares that the mentoring process, “brings a level of comfort and familiarity when you have someone who is closer to your age to go through this experience with.” The senior seminary students will work with the new scholars, offering support, encouragement and practical wisdom.</div> <div>  </div> <div> There are three distinct phases to the mentoring process. The first phase, “Interpersonal Mentoring,” fosters meaningful relationships between students and members of the seminary community, including faculty, staff, local pastors and other students. The second phase, “Community Engagement,” partners students with local pastors for their Advanced Ministerial Development—a mentoring course requirement—in association with the North American Division Evangelism Institute. Finally, in the third phase, “Passing the Torch,” students are equipped to step into the role of student mentors themselves, in turn impacting the next generation.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Leonor notes, “The Center for Community Change envisions peer-to-peer mentoring as more than a program; it is a way of embodying the seminary’s values and applying ‘Christ’s Method Alone’ approach in ministry. It reflects the call to discipleship, where leaders are formed not in isolation but in community.” She emphasizes the importance of building a rhythm of mutual care and growth, adding, “In walking together—sharing joys, struggles and discoveries—seminarians are reminded of a deeper truth: that ministry itself is a shared journey, and we are never meant to walk it alone.”</div> Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:24:56 +0000 Andrews University to Host Graduate School Fair http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68436 <p> Graduate programs from a variety of Adventist and local universities will promote their academic offerings at Andrews University’s 2025 Graduate School Fair. The event will take place on Monday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Andreasen Center for Wellness. Exhibitors will provide students with options and information regarding graduate education.</p> <p> Several Adventist institutions from across North America will be in attendance, including Loma Linda University, Oakwood University, Southern Adventist University and more. Other public and private institutions in the state of Michigan will also have exhibits at the event.</p> <p> According to Bordes Henry Saturné, vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communication, the Graduate School Fair was previously an annual event that paused after 2019. Henry Saturné encourages juniors and seniors across all majors and programs to attend and browse through the various graduate school exhibits. He believes that a graduate degree is a “great asset,” adding, “students should make the decision on whether or not to go to graduate school with care and consideration of the costs and their own plans for the future.”</p> <p> Henry Saturné additionally provided several resources to help students understand<a href="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/why-go-to-graduate-school-the-best-and-worst-reasons"> if they should go</a> to graduate school, <a href="https://www.princetonreview.com/grad-school-advice/should-you-go-to-grad-school-right-after-undergrad">when they should go</a> and what the <a href="https://americanspcc.org/is-grad-school-worth-it-a-deep-dive-into-roi-and-career-advancement/">potential worth</a> is to their career. To learn more about Andrews University’s School of Graduate Studies, please visit the school's <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/grad/">website</a>. </p> <div> <u font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); box-sizing: border-box;">                    </u></div> <div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> If you’re interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">here</a>.</div> </div> Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:46:29 +0000 Andrews Fall 2025 Enrollment and Rankings Report http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68426 <p> Andrews University is once again taking the measure of current enrollment trends and is also reviewing and celebrating some of its remarkable recent national university rankings.</p> <p> <strong>Rankings</strong></p> <p> Andrews University climbed 31 places in this year’s 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges ranking and is now placed among the top 250 national universities in America. This continues the University’s upward movement, having risen 43 places in 2024 from the year prior. Andrews tied with Biola University, Grand Valley State University, the University of North Dakota and several others, ranking #242 out of 436 national universities.</p> <p> National universities are selected from more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities based on several metrics of academic quality and graduate success. Andrews is the only Adventist university to be classified by U.S. News as a national university, with other peer universities ranked as regional colleges or universities. This placement reflects the University’s competitiveness alongside both state universities and top private universities; Princeton, followed by MIT and Harvard, took the top spots in this year’s U.S. News ranking of national universities.</p> <p> “Students should know that there is an Adventist option among the nation’s leading universities. Andrews is proud to be that option, allowing students to grow in their faith without compromising academic strength or career readiness,” shares Anthony Bosman, learning officer.</p> <p> Andrews also climbed 29 places as a Top Performer on Social Mobility, ranking in the top half of national universities (#189 of 436). In this category, Andrews outranks most Michigan public universities, including Michigan State University and Western Michigan University. The placement is an indication of the University’s ongoing commitment to provide an affordable education that helps the upward social mobility of students and families.</p> <p> Additionally, the University rose in the ranking for Best Undergraduate Engineering Program, tying with Liberty University and several other undergraduate-focused engineering programs (#226). The Andrews University School of Engineering, in partnership with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, provides students with opportunities to work with industry partners on real-world engineering projects. These engagements help students connect with and stand out to future employers.</p> <p> Andrews University was also recognized in Niche’s Best Colleges in America ranking system. The Niche rankings combine several metrics of academic quality and graduate success with student surveys. Significantly, Andrews was ranked among the top 10% of Best Christian Colleges in America (#26 of 314) and in the top 15% for Best Academics in America (#239 of 1,612). It placed highest of any Adventist university in both categories and was the only Adventist university to be included on the list of Colleges with the Best Professors in America (#329 of 1,595).</p> <p> Andrews was also recognized as the #1 Most Diverse College in America (#1 of 1,612), reflecting the diversity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the #1 Best Small College in Michigan. A student in one survey noted, “As a student at Andrews University I enjoy the mix of people, hearing different languages, learning new ideas, and making friends from around the world.” They added, “I know that Andrews is not just about getting a degree; it’s about growing, strengthening my faith, and making lasting friendships.”</p> <p> Moreover, Niche recognized several of Andrews’ academic programs as among the nation’s best, including architecture, physical therapy, psychology and religion. Andrews offers both undergraduate and graduate options in all of these areas, as well as more than 100 other programs of study.</p> <p> “These rankings reflect the exceptional professors and programs of study that students can find at Andrews. Here they’ll experience the transformative learning opportunities they’d expect of a highly ranked national university within our close-knit, supportive faith community," says John Wesley Taylor V, University president.</p> <p> <strong>Enrollment</strong></p> <p> Following a review of fall census figures, Andrews University saw significant growth in its freshmen class, with a 13% enrollment increase of FTIAC (First Time in Any College) students compared to last year. The College of Professions also saw meaningful growth—a 9% increase—this fall, with many new students entering aviation and other programs.</p> <p> However, due in part to visa challenges, there was a 43% decrease in international students compared to last year. The University’s headcount enrollment for fall 2025 showed 2,967 students, reflecting a 2% decrease from last year. In response, the University has been working with international students who were not able to arrive in time for classes this fall, helping them join classes in the spring semester or online through Andrews’ Global Campus. The fall census numbers also indicated an overall modest increase in enrolled credit hours from last year, growing from 29,254 to 29,362 this fall.</p> <p> In addition to the fall census report, the University measures its unduplicated headcount, which includes the total number of students enrolled at Andrews over a 12-month period. Approximately one thousand additional students are included in this number, demonstrating that several programs do not follow the typical semester schedule.</p> <p> “We acknowledge that the challenges facing many of our students are real, but we are counting the blessings of our good God. We do not have a spirit of fear,” says Bordes Henry Saturné, vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communication. “We are confident that the same omnipotent God who has begun this magnificent work among us will bring it to completion with a resounding success. We praise God for His loving-kindness, and we move forward confidently by faith.”</p> Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:23:13 +0000 Andrews Hosts Soccer and Volleyball Tournament http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68403 <p> Students, coaches and parents from eight Seventh-day Adventist academies attended the first-ever Andrews University High School Soccer and Volleyball Invitational from Sept. 17–20, 2025. The student athletes competed in women’s volleyball and men’s soccer games over the course of the weekend, including a final night of placement and championship games.</p> <p> The volleyball matches took place in the Andreasen Center for Wellness and Johnson Gym, while the soccer games were held on the two University soccer fields. The participating schools included College View Academy, Highland View Academy, Hinsdale Adventist Academy, North Dallas Academy, Shenandoah Valley Academy, Takoma Academy, Wisconsin Academy and Andrews Academy. Participants were able to engage in athletic recreation and spiritual fellowship throughout the event.</p> <p> Simon Indreiu, a Hinsdale Adventist Academy soccer player, shared, “I’ve enjoyed being able to make a lot of connections with everyone else from the other schools and being able to just make some friends.”</p> <p> All eight schools were represented in the volleyball tournament. The team from Takoma Academy, located in Silver Spring, Maryland, earned third place overall after recovering from losing their first game to Andrews Academy. Abigail Oluwole, one of Takoma’s players, expressed excitement at being able to attend her first volleyball tournament. She shared, “I really like being able to see all the schools that are around the U.S., to be able to improve on volleyball and to gain experience as a team and to get closer to my teammates … and have Adventist fun.”</p> <p> North Dallas Academy’s volleyball coach, Francis Nicholas, also shared his appreciation for the community surrounding the invitational. “What I have enjoyed is the fellowship that we have with all the other teams. They’re not just being secluded [from] each other. They’re talking with other teams, and that’s what this is all about,” he said. The North Dallas team, based in Richardson, Texas, was successful during the tournament, going undefeated until the championship game and ultimately placing second. Nicholas credited the team’s ability to play together and “for each other” as their keys to victory.</p> <p> College View Academy, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, was the first-place winner of the volleyball tournament, defeating North Dallas in a competitive championship match. Dan Carlson, a parent of the College View players, appreciated the fact that all the teams were able to play each other at least once during the tournament and that the busy schedule flowed “cleanly” throughout the weekend.</p> <p> Six teams participated in the men’s soccer bracket. Andrews Academy was represented by both its junior varsity and varsity teams, and both teams placed in the top four. Wisconsin Academy, based in Columbus, Wisconsin, beat the junior varsity Andrews team for third place. Shenandoah Valley Academy, located in New Market, Virginia, lost to the Andrews varsity team in a tightly contested championship game, earning them second place.</p> <p> Andrew Dennison, a Highland View Academy soccer player, said he liked witnessing growth in both skill and cohesion from his team. “I’ve really enjoyed just connecting with the team better, playing a lot of games, and just getting better at playing.”</p> <p> The first installment of the High School Soccer and Volleyball Invitational was enjoyed by both visiting participants and local attendees. University Athletic Director Kevin Wooldridge shared that he and the Athletics team plan to make the invitational annual and “envision this tournament growing in popularity to where it is as well attended as the Newmyer Classic Basketball Tournament.” The annual <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66865">Newmyer Classic</a> has been hosted by the Office of Athletics since the 2000s and invites Adventist academies to compete in a weekend-long basketball tournament.</p> <p> Wooldridge also described the soccer and volleyball invitational as an opportunity to showcase Andrews University to high school students. “We want to immerse them in the Andrews experience. This gives them the opportunity to attend campus worship services, eat in our award-winning cafeteria, meet our coaches, see and play in our beautiful facilities. These tournaments are vital in helping our academy graduates make decisions on where they would like to continue their education.”</p> <p> Additionally, Wooldridge acknowledged the many people who helped organize and run the tournament, including Richie Silie, assistant athletic director, Jamie Stacey, athletic trainer and intramural director, the Division of Marketing & Enrollment Management, the Cardinal coaching staff, student workers, student athletes and individuals from the Physical Therapy Program.</p> <p> Please visit the Andrews University Office of Athletics <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66865">website</a> for updates on future installments of the High School Soccer and Volleyball Invitational and other upcoming athletic events.</p> <div> <u font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); box-sizing: border-box;">                    </u></div> <div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> If you’re interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">here</a>.</div> </div> Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:57:39 +0000 University Advancement Welcomes New Team Members http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68360 <p> The Office of University Advancement at Andrews University has welcomed several new employees to its team over the past year. The team members represent several areas on campus, including the Office of Alumni Services, the Office of Development and the Office of Planned Giving & Trust Services.</p> <p> <strong>Office of University Advancement</strong></p> <p> <strong>Miriam Taylor</strong> serves as the University’s new advancement event planner. In her role, she is responsible for organizing details and logistics related to Homecoming, regional alumni events, the President’s Council and other activities planned by University Advancement.</p> <p> A certified meeting professional, Taylor holds a master’s degree in human resource management and development from the University of Salford. Most recently, she served as community development coordinator and event planner for Hope Channel international and, before that, as executive assistant and associate meeting planner for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.</p> <p> Taylor most looks forward to getting to know the faculty, staff, students and alumni of Andrews. She affirms, “I would love for everyone engaging with us, either here on campus or through other off-campus activities, to feel that they are part of our family.”</p> <p> <strong>Maxine Umana</strong> brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and relationship-building experience to her new role as engagement officer. A proud double alumna of Andrews University with degrees in personal ministries and religion, she has served the Andrews community for over eleven years, including two years as administrative assistant, librarian and contract teacher at Andrews Academy and nine years as administrative assistant and recruiter for the J.N. Andrews Honors Program.</p> <p> Umana coordinates social media and other forms of communication for the four offices within University Advancement, sharing their stories with alumni, constituents and friends of the University. She ensures branding consistency, advocates for her team members and empowers effective communication.</p> <p> “In this role, I help tell the bigger picture about Andrews. It has to do with the future of the University,” she shares. “I’m seeing the importance of these offices and how their work makes a difference—through maintaining relationships and how interconnected they are. I’m glad I’m able to help out in a bigger way.”</p> <p> <strong>Office of Alumni Services</strong></p> <p> As the new director of Alumni Services, <strong>Jeana Wallin</strong> serves as an ambassador for Andrews University. In this key position, she develops, coordinates and directs activities for Andrews alumni. She shares that she hopes to bring “fresh outlook and ideas from past experiences as an Andrews University student and current alumnus” to the role.</p> <p> Wallin graduated from Andrews with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in general studies. She went on to gain valuable work experience as an outreach specialist, marketing specialist, manager, event planner, consultant, client relations professional and registrar. “I have acquired skills from all past working experiences that I will be able to incorporate into this new position as director of Alumni Services,” she says.</p> <p> “God’s direction and leading” brought Wallin back to serve at Andrews, and she most looks forward to “connecting and engaging with past and present students, because they are our future.” She is excited to embark on this new journey at Andrews with her family, and she places God at the center of her new role.</p> <p> <strong>Office of Development</strong></p> <p> <strong>Steven Manoukian</strong> oversees his team as director of Development. Passionate about people, culture and missions, he carries out various duties for the office, including administrative work, strategizing, meeting with donors and overseeing annual fundraising campaigns.</p> <p> Manoukian holds bachelor's degrees in business administration and theology from Middle East University and a master’s degree from Newbold University. Drawn to serving the worldwide Adventist church through the diverse student body at Andrews, he brings experience in the pastoral, missions and administrative fields to his role. His vision for the future includes updating campus buildings, supporting a self-sufficient University endowment and seeing Andrews become a leader in world missions.</p> <p> He has enjoyed the kindness of his colleagues, the beauty of the seasons and the creativity of the campus. “I have worked in many parts of the world and Andrews has been one of those places where Seventh-day Adventist values are upheld and Jesus is shared on campus,” Manoukian notes. “I hope people from all over the world … will know how much Andrews is invested in the mission and the values of the Seventh-day Adventist church.”</p> <p> <strong>Esther Penn</strong>, gift records associate, works to accurately record, update and maintain donor contributions in the University’s database. She ensures the integrity of gift data and supports the timely acknowledgement of donors. Penn notes that she has enjoyed “being part of a mission-driven environment where every gift supports education and research.” She adds, “I’ve found it especially rewarding to contribute behind the scenes to meaningful donor relationships and long-term institutional impact.”</p> <p> Born and raised in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Penn worked at Hinsdale Hospital in Illinois after completing her education. She went on to live in several places across the United States while raising her two sons, before becoming part of the Andrews community in 2014.</p> <p> “In the future, I hope to continue strengthening the accuracy and efficiency of our gift processing systems to better support the University’s fundraising goals,” Penn says. “I also look forward to contributing to a collaborative community that values continuous improvement and shared success.”</p> <p> Responsible for conducting research and analyzing data to support the efforts of major gifts officers, <strong>Hayden Baldwin</strong>, prospect management officer, plays a key role in the Office of Development. He works closely with the Advancement team, helping connect alumni and donors with their goals and vision for Andrews.</p> <p> Originally from Arizona, Baldwin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Andrews University. Before his current role, he gained important skills working for the Office of Information Technology Services and Office of Alumni Services, providing technology support, contributing to the documentation of internal processes and developing custom digital signage solutions.</p> <p> Baldwin has enjoyed being surrounded by a team of “great people” while working at Andrews. He shares, “My colleagues have always been hard-working and dedicated to the mission of Andrews. Perhaps even more important, they are dedicated to surrendering to God’s will in their lives.”</p> <p> <strong>Office of Planned Giving & Trust Services</strong></p> <p> Director of Planned Giving & Trust Services<strong> Cindy Hill</strong> looks forward to helping individuals and families discover and articulate their legacy, while fostering a culture of generosity within the Andrews campus and community. “Partnering with donors that wish to leave a lasting legacy and impact students in their journey to find their purpose and serve faithfully is both fulfilling and rewarding,” she shares.</p> <p> Hill holds a degree in accounting and business management as well as a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving professional designation. She previously served as financial analyst and controller for AdventHealth, financial services professional with Prudential Financial, account and project manager for a boutique estate planning firm in Atlanta, and assistant director for Planned Giving & Trust Services at Andrews.</p> <p> “It is a joy to work for a higher education institution that values strong academics but also prepares students to serve their communities with excellence, compassion and vision—within the context of a Seventh-day Adventist Christian worldview,” she says. </p> <div> <u font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); box-sizing: border-box;">                    </u></div> <div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> If you’re interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">here</a>.</div> </div> Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:10:33 +0000