Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2025, Andrews University Tue, 9 Dec 2025 09:04:00 +0000 Tue, 9 Dec 2025 09:04:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Unique New Scholarship for School of Social Work http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68624 <div> A new scholarship, titled Lira’s Legacy Scholarship, was recently established to aid students with disabilities within the Andrews University School of Social Work. Valued at $1,500, the scholarship will be offered annually. In order to apply, students must be studying social work and identify as living with autism spectrum disorder or a documented disability that significantly impacts day-to-day life. This scholarship enhances both the University and its surrounding community, as it emphasizes the importance of individuality and recognizes the need to create a more equitable path for people with disabilities.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The recipient of the 2025–2026 scholarship is Caundee Cauvin, master of divinity and master of social work student. Reflecting on her feelings and experiences, Cauvin shares, “Applying required me to reflect honestly on what it means to live with ADHD—both the challenges and the strengths it brings. It pushed me to acknowledge parts of my story that I usually keep private.” She adds, “When I found out I had been selected … it was a moment of validation—a reminder that when we are honest about invisible disabilities, we open the door to understanding, support and encouragement rather than stigma."</div> <div>  </div> <div> The scholarship was created by Mariella Pechero. She shares that one of her many reasons for creating the scholarship was her experience as the mother of a non-neurotypical son. Pechero says, “My hope is that this scholarship will offer comfort to parents, in a small but meaningful reminder that they are seen, understood, and not alone. I hope it serves as a symbol of our shared belief that our children can thrive.”</div> <div>  </div> <div> Pechero named the scholarship in remembrance of her late aunt, Lira Weiss. She describes Weiss’ “passionate love and tenacity” as well as her lifelong commitment to people. Pechero also affirms that Weiss, inspired by the many social workers in her family, saw the inherent value of every individual, regardless of ability. Weiss had deep roots within the Andrews community, as the mother of Ingrid Slikkers, associate professor of social work and executive director of the International Center for Trauma Education & Care, as well as the grandmother and aunt to several other students in the School of Social Work.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Slikkers reflects, “This scholarship feels deeply personal because it represents my mother’s legacy of compassion and service. It reminds me that the values she lived—care, advocacy and community—continue to shape others through this award.”</div> <div>  </div> <div> Shannon Trecartin, professor and chair of the School of Social Work, says, “The scholarship is not an abstract fund. Instead, it is an expression of love, legacy, and family.” Weiss’ close connection to the Andrews University community has given the scholarship a touching and lasting impact. The values behind the initiative, of support and care, align with those at the core of both the Social Work Program and the University as a whole.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Lira’s Legacy Scholarship has not only had a meaningful effect on campus but also on the surrounding community. Trecartin explains that social work students frequent “the broader community through internships, employment, volunteering, and ministry.” She notes that when students feel “financially, emotionally, and academically” supported, they engage in these activities with more purpose and passion.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Trecartin adds that focusing on the support of individuals with disabilities ensures that new social workers entering the field will be diverse; this allows for advocacy and empathy within both workplaces and client relationships. She shares that this representation in the social work field “enhances the quality of services and promotes a more inclusive understanding of disability and neurodiversity throughout the community.” </div> Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:58:28 +0000 GYC-PMC Partnership Calls Youth to Follow Christ http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68623 <p> Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) and Andrews University hosted a special weekend event organized by Generation Youth Christ (<a href="https://gycweb.org/about-us/">GYC</a>) on Oct. 24 and 25 under the theme “Follow Me.” The weekend’s programming allowed Andrews students and visiting youth to learn about the meaning of truly following Jesus and finding their identity in Him. The invitation for GYC to come to Berrien Springs originated with Shane Anderson, Pioneer Memorial Church lead pastor, who expressed profound interest in GYC’s meaningful programming.</p> <p> “I felt like they have an inspirational value, Bible-based value, that I certainly would want at Pioneer, and by extension for the campus as well,” said Anderson. GYC has worked as an affiliated organization with the Seventh-day Adventist Church since 2002, specifically appealing to youth and young adults through its annual end-of-year conferences and other spiritual events.</p> <p> The theme “Follow Me” was chosen by GYC organizers to explore “what it truly means to walk with Jesus through life’s highs and lows,” as explained in the event’s <a href="https://pmchurch.org/events/follow-me">promotional material</a>. Anderson emphasized the significance of this message, stating, “I think the theme of following Christ, of being focused on him as the center of gravity for your life, is something that is like the opposite of all human natures since the fall.” He added, “To have a special weekend that’s focused specifically on that theme, with seminars in the afternoon to match, I think it’s a positive thing. I think it’s a great opportunity for students to be able to come to learn more about that very important topic.”</p> <p> The weekend began with a Friday night vespers program, where North Carolina-based public speaker Sebastien Braxton spoke on the topic “I’m Not Following.” Braxton discussed the necessity of discipleship and adequately following God, as modeled by Jesus’ disciples in the Gospels. He spoke again on Sabbath for the second service at PMC, with a sermon titled “It’s for You.” During the sermon, he highlighted the story of Samuel, who, prior to being a prophet, actively worked for God during his youth. Braxton called for today’s youth to bear their weight in doing spiritual work for God within the church.</p> <p> The first service at PMC on Sabbath featured speaker Sikhululekile Daco, associate editor of the Adventist Review, with her sermon titled “Mind Your Own Business.” Daco spoke about Jesus’ rebuke of Martha in the Book of Luke, where He preferred her to, in Daco’s words, “mind her own business” when criticizing her sister. Daco explained how it is better to focus on one's personal relationship with God rather than seeking to critique others.</p> <p> On Sabbath afternoon, the event closed with breakout sessions led by David Buruchara, a clinical mental health counselor based in Virginia; Chad Kreuzer, director of Anchor Point Films; Daco; and Anderson.</p> Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:03:28 +0000 Christmas Extravaganza (All Ensembles) http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67523 <p> <span style="font-size: inherit;">Join the Andrews University Department of Music for a memorable Christmas Extravaganza to welcome the season! </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size: inherit;">Featured performances will include the University Singers, Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Symphony, along with talented students from the Piano Studios of Chi Yong Yun and string ensembles from the Studio of Carla Trynchuk. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size: inherit;">In the spirit of giving, our Christmas Extravaganza will also feature a brief opportunity to support our talented music students through student scholarships.</span></p> <p> Celebrate the spirit of the season through uplifting music, including selections from "The Christmas Song," "Christmas Dinner" and "Sleigh Ride," capturing the joy of the holidays.</p> Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:28:20 +0000 Students Establish New Missions Initiative http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68617 <p> After being spiritually inspired by their participation in student mission trips, two Andrews University students, Evan Keyes and Seth McKelvey, have started an initiative to recruit new student missionaries and garner prayerful and financial support from Lake Union churches for 2026.</p> <p> <<< Read the full story at the Lake Union Herald <a href="https://www.lakeunionherald.org/archive/articles/andrews-university-students-call-on-lake-union-to-support-new-missions-initiative">site</a> >>></p> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:04:20 +0000 Students Participate in "Show Love Here Day" http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68616 <p> Andrews University students took part in the second annual Show Love Here Day, a citywide initiative dedicated to service, compassion and building meaningful bridges between students and Benton Harbor residents.</p> <p> The event was held Nov. 24, which offered students an opportunity to participate in hands-on service projects.</p> <p> Volunteers dispersed across Benton Harbor to support three community-centered service efforts.</p> <p> They raked leaves for senior citizens, distributed care packages and organized at a local community center.</p> <p> Following the service portion, students and community members gathered for a community chapel at the Benton Harbor Salvation Army. The chapel was followed by a Thanksgiving dinner.</p> <p> <<< Read the full story at the Herald-Palladium <a href="https://www.heraldpalladium.com/communities/benton_harbor/andrews-university-students-unite-for-show-love-here-day/article_2ccf3e0b-c32f-5447-b69e-0b5592325a30.html">site</a> and WSJM <a href="https://www.wsjm.com/2025/11/24/andrews-university-students-hold-second-annual-show-love-here-day-in-benton-harbor/">site</a> >>></p> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:01:51 +0000 Reimagining Global Leadership at Andrews http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68614 <p> In October 2025, the Andrews University Centers for Organizational Resilience and Excellence (AUCORE) and the School of Business Administration hosted two major leadership programs for Vietnam’s top business delegations. Together, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Innovation Executive Seminar and the Petrolimex (PLX) Global Board Leadership Forum showcased how Andrews is shaping executives, organizations and industries. The programs embodied the University’s mission to extend leadership development from the classroom into the boardroom and across global economies.</p> <p> Armand Poblete, executive director of AUCORE and instructor of information systems, led the planning process. “We are building leaders who understand that technology and ethics must move together,” he shared, adding, “Innovation means nothing without integrity”—a philosophy that shaped both programs.</p> <p> The first delegation, hosted from Oct. 5–10, brought CEOs and senior leaders from across Vietnam’s private sector, including energy, banking, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and finance, to Andrews University for the VCCI AI & Innovation Executive Seminar. Leaders from organizations including the Vietnam National Industry–Energy Group (PVN), Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV), Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), AGIMEXPHARM, Bonfiglioli Vietnam, and United Overseas Bank Vietnam spent a week discussing the future of AI-driven decision-making, digital transformation and innovation governance.</p> <p> Andrews faculty led hands-on design labs, interactive simulations and strategic dialogues, allowing executives to experience AI strategy modeling, financial resilience forecasting, immersive VR learning systems, and data-driven Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) innovation. Beyond technical skill-building, many participants described the experience as uniquely transformative because it united faith, ethics and data-driven leadership.</p> <p> Two weeks later, from Oct. 20–23, AUCORE welcomed a second delegation for the PLX Global Board Leadership Forum. Petrolimex, an energy group based in Vietnam, sent its board of directors and subsidiary chairpersons for a four-day retreat on the future of corporate governance. The forum tackled a series of difficult questions facing modern enterprises, including how boards can use AI as a tool of governance rather than a source of risk and how accountability should evolve within intelligent enterprises.</p> <p> The operations team at AUCORE ensured that both experiences were executed with professionalism and excellence. Derill Legoh, logistics lead, and Dina Kelly-Rodriguez, hospitality lead, managed travel coordination, hospitality experiences and on-site support. Participating faculty members and University Hospitality staff also demonstrated a spirit of service to the visiting international leaders.</p> <p> Andrews University has created an ecosystem that supports leadership development across a lifespan. Programs like <a href="https://thinkerbox.org">ThinkerBox</a> and the STEAM X framework prepare K–12 students to explore robotics, AI and entrepreneurship. Undergraduate and graduate programs in the School of Business Administration train future leaders to understand systems, people and service. At the highest level, AUCORE equips executives, board members and global influencers to lead with courage, clarity and ethical foresight. This continuum from early education to senior executive development has positioned Andrews as a global hub for shaping resilient, ethical and innovative leaders.</p> <p> As industries worldwide navigate the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Andrews University offers a unique vision of leadership. Through AUCORE and the School of Business Administration, the University demonstrates that ethics and analytics can share the same space, that technology can enhance empathy rather than diminish it, and that global partnerships thrive when trust and service lead the way.</p> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:28:34 +0000 Ruth Murdoch Elementary School New Accreditation http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68592 <p> Ruth Murdoch Elementary School has been granted full accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, marking a milestone in the school's commitment to educational excellence. The Middle States Association is one of the most respected accrediting bodies in the United States, and achieving this status recognizes Ruth Murdoch Elementary School's dedication to maintaining high academic standards and continuous improvement.</p> <p> The Ruth Murdoch community exhibited its vibrant educational program through a comprehensive self-study, extensive documentation review and evaluation. The self-study focused on excellence across multiple domains, including leadership, governance, resources, curriculum design and student achievement.</p> <p> "This accreditation represents the hard work and dedication of our entire school community—our teachers, staff, students, and families," comments Evelyn Savory, principal. "It validates our commitment to providing a quality education that prepares our students for future success."</p> <p> Ruth Murdoch Elementary School, affiliated with Andrews University in Berrien Springs, has been working toward this accreditation as a candidate institution. The school's success in achieving full accreditation status reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance educational programs and maintain accountability to students and families. Middle States accreditation is valid for a specific term and requires schools to engage in continuous improvement and periodic review to maintain their accredited status. Ruth Murdoch is also accredited by the Adventist Accrediting Association as well as the National Council for Private School Accreditation.</p> <p> For more information about Ruth Murdoch Elementary School, visit their <a href="https://myrmes.org">website</a> or contact the school directly.</p> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:55:09 +0000 Soup for Students http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68605 <p> Save the date—and bring a friend! Belong Ministries is hosting a Soup & Grilled Cheese Night in the Pioneer Memorial Church commons on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m.</p> <p> Warm food. Cozy vibes. Great people. Don’t miss it!</p> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:13:36 +0000