Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2026, Andrews University Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:37:00 +0000 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:37:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Student Ministers to Youth Through Tech Center http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69353 <p> Since the summer of 2025, Jonathan Garcia, lead pastor of the Harbor of Hope SDA Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan, has taught computer science to young students at the local Boys and Girls Club chapter. Having previously worked as a computer science instructor in New York for over a decade, Garcia now serves students at the Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club’s Joel E. Smilow Teen Center (also known as “Teen Tech Center”), which features an array of technology used for education and creativity. Through this service, Garcia has combined his interests in spiritual ministry and computer science to provide an impactful resource for participants. </p> <p> ...</p> <p> Garcia, who is also currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Andrews University’s Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, shared that the Teen Tech Center, funded in part by Best Buy and the Whirlpool Foundation, is a powerful and rare resource he and his students get to partake in. More than $1 million has been contributed to the facility’s construction and maintenance, he said. Garcia credited the leadership and efforts of Di’Andre Hureskin, Best Buy’s Teen Tech Center Coordinator, for helping to maintain the Tech Center and its impactful programs. </p> <p> <<< Read the full story at the Lake Union Herald <a href="http://Since the summer of 2025, Jonathan Garcia, lead pastor of the Harbor of Hope SDA Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan, has taught computer science to young students at the local Boys and Girls Club chapter. Having previously worked as a computer science instructor in New York for over a decade, Garcia now serves students at the Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club’s Joel E. Smilow Teen Center (also known as “Teen Tech Center”), which features an array of technology used for education and creativity. Through this service, Garcia has combined his interests in spiritual ministry and computer science to provide an impactful resource for participants. The Teen Tech Center is complete with a section for e-sports with nearly a dozen computers and professional equipment, where students not only play games, but also learn about streaming and other technical processes. A separate section is dedicated to 3D printing, sublimation, and virtual reality headsets that connect students with other Teen Tech Centers worldwide. Additionally, spaces for music production, podcasting, graphic design, and more are available in the state-of-the-art space. Garcia, who is also currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Andrews University’s Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, shared that the Teen Tech Center, funded in part by Best Buy and the Whirlpool Foundation, is a powerful and rare resource he and his students get to partake in. More than $1 million has been contributed to the facility’s construction and maintenance, he said. Garcia credited the leadership and efforts of Di’Andre Hureskin, Best Buy’s Teen Tech Center Coordinator, for helping to maintain the Tech Center and its impactful programs. ">site</a> >>></p> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:19:52 +0000 Death of Kenneth Franz http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69352 <p> Kenneth LeRoy Franz, 89, of Berrien Springs, MI. passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.</p> <p> ...</p> <div> Kenneth was born on Oct. 4, 1936, in Ellendale, North Dakota, to Bennie and Irene (Sprouse) Franz. He earned his bachelor's degree from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, and later received his master's degree from the University of Michigan.</div> <div>  </div> <div> On July 26, 1959, he married Norma Arvidson in Madison, South Dakota. Kenneth dedicated his career to education, serving as a mathematics professor at Andrews University, where he was known for his patience and commitment to helping students understand and appreciate mathematics. In addition to teaching, he was a skilled mason who worked extensively with stone, brick and concrete.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Read Franz's full obituary <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kenneth-franz-obituary?id=61672854">here</a>. </div> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:15:17 +0000 Dining Services Juneteenth Hours http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69351 <p> Please note the Dining Services Juneteenth hours (Friday, June 19). </p> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:49:54 +0000 All Nations SDA Church Service, June 20 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69350 <p> Join us this Saturday, June 20, for a meaningful worship experience at All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church. We’ll begin the morning with breakfast at 10 a.m., followed by Adult and Children’s Sabbath School at 10:30 a.m. Our worship service starts at 11:45 a.m., where Ray McAllister will present an inspiring message titled “The Whole Body Is Needed.” After service, we’ll enjoy a warm fellowship meal at 1:30 p.m. and later gather for a powerful 3 p.m. panel discussion on “Destiny Despite Disability.” Bring your friends and family and come ready to be blessed—we look forward to worshiping with you! </p> <p> Upcoming Events:</p> <ol> <li> Sunday, June 21: Food Pantry Distribution from 1:30–3:30 p.m. while supplies last</li> <li> Wednesday, June 24: Midweek Refresh at 7 p.m. via Zoom</li> <li> Saturday, June 27: Communion Sabbath at 11:45 a.m.</li> <li> Saturday, July 25: 47th Anniversary Sabbath at 11:45 a.m.</li> </ol> <p> Location: 4259 E. Snow Rd., Berrien Springs, MI 49103</p> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:47:46 +0000 St. Joseph SDA Church Service, June 20 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69349 <p> The St. Joseph Seventh-day Adventist Church invites you to join them at 9:30 a.m. for Sabbath School and worship at 10:45 a.m. Tom Ulrich leads out in the worship service with a sermon titled “God Delivers His People.” A potluck meal will follow. The church is located at 1201 Maiden Lane, St. Joseph, MI.</p> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:44:06 +0000 Dissertation Defense: Carla A. Thrower http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69340 <p> A PhD Dissertation Defense for Carla A. Thrower is scheduled on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 1–3:30 p.m. via Zoom.</p> <p> Carla A. Thrower will defend her dissertation in partial fulfillment for the PhD degree in educational leadership. Her dissertation title is, “A Case Study Exploring the Impact of Diverse Student Populations in Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventist High School Mathematics Classrooms: Describing Teachers Adaptation Through Instructional Practices.” Those wishing to attend must make their request one day prior to the defense via email: <a href="mailto:ceisdeanga@andrews.edu">ceisdeanga@andrews.edu</a>.</p> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:24:37 +0000 Dissertation Defense: Rita M. Seay http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69339 <p> A PhD Dissertation Defense for Rita M. Seay is scheduled on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 9–11:30 a.m. via Zoom.</p> <p> Rita M. Seay will defend her dissertation in partial fulfillment for the PhD degree in educational leadership. Her dissertation title is, “A Qualitative Multiple Case Study Exploring Shifts in Thinking of Principals Through Initiatives Fostering Relational Leadership Conducive to Retain Teachers in High-Minority, High-Poverty Public Schools.” Those wishing to attend must make their request one day prior to the defense via email: <a href="mailto:ceisdeanga@andrews.edu">ceisdeanga@andrews.edu</a>.</p> <p>  </p> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:22:07 +0000 Free Archaeology Dig for Kids and Adults http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69336 <p> This summer, all Berrien County residents and visitors will be able to step back in time and help Jan Sigvartsen, PhD, and the Tarragindi Archaeology Dig team find the lost 1838 Old Jailhouse, which stood behind the Old Courthouse near downtown Berrien Springs (Michigan’s oldest courthouse).</p> <p> There are records of at least three prisoners breaking out of the 1838 Old Jailhouse. Two prisoners even broke out a month before the sheriff was up for reelection!</p> <p> Due to the generosity of the Berrien Community Foundation, this archaeological dig is completely free for anyone aged 6–106 who wants to dig and registers at the Tarragindi website at <a href="https://tarragindi.org">tarragindi.org</a>.</p> <p> You can dig for one day or for an entire week. The dig runs weekdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. for four weeks, June 15–July 10, at 313 N Cass Street, Berrien Springs, Michigan. The dig site will also be open for inspection during the Pickle Festival, July 4, at the same location, along with a display of artifacts found at the dig.</p> <div> A preliminary dig at the site has already unearthed a number of interesting artifacts, including old bone beads and stone beads, a spectrum of old glass, pottery, china, and metal artifacts. </div> <div>  </div> <div> If you don't want to dig, come and watch or follow our finds on the Tarragindi Archaeological Dig Facebook <a href="https://facebook.com/TarragindiDig">page</a>, starting next week. </div> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:19:38 +0000