Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2026, Andrews University Sat, 30 May 2026 03:22:00 +0000 Sat, 30 May 2026 03:22:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Inaugural Global Student Research Conference http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69298 Over 700 students, faculty and administrators from more than 18 Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities participated in the first annual Global Institute for Research and Community Advancement (GIRCA) Student Conference held under the theme, “From Research to Mission: Solutions that Make a Difference.” Two hundred and five undergraduate and graduate students from partner institutions, including Andrews University and universities across East, Central, and West Africa and the Philippines, demonstrated their excellence in research. The event was held April 19–21 in a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and virtual participation for the global gathering. The structure created space for interdisciplinary collaboration, scholarly exchange and mission-driven research. The conference opened each morning with a devotional presentation from Michael W. Campbell, director of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Department of Archives, Statistics & Research. Campbell set a tone that linked academic rigor with ethical responsibility, sharing, “God calls us to exercise critical thinking.” He affirmed that students should evaluate ideas carefully, avoid misinformation, and pursue scholarship marked by wisdom, kindness and integrity. The first plenary presentation on April 19 was delivered by Colin Bruce, founder and CEO of ChronicDx, Inc., who discussed global health innovation, chronic disease management and the use of artificial intelligence in health care systems. Bruce shared a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from decades of leadership at the intersection of global policy, research, technology, service delivery and development finance. He spent the bulk of his career at The World Bank Group, where his roles included director of strategy and operations and senior advisor to the president. He was also special envoy at the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. Bruce emphasized that research should be “actionable, not just accurate,” encouraging participants to prioritize work that leads to measurable community impact. In the plenary presentation delivered on April 20, David Trim, director of the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, presented key findings from the Global Church Member Survey, underscoring the critical role of research in informing the mission and strategic direction of the global Seventh-day Adventist Church. His presentation highlighted the importance of culturally informed and contextually responsive research methodologies in understanding the beliefs, values and practices of church members across diverse regions of the world. Trim further demonstrated how the systematic collection and analysis of data serve as essential tools for evaluating trends within the global church and for guiding the development of educational, spiritual and mission-focused initiatives. The final plenary session on April 21 featured Martha Cameron, executive board member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV North America, whose compelling presentation drew from her experience as a woman living with HIV. Her address provided a powerful reminder of the ethical and human dimensions of research, emphasizing the importance of engaging and partnering with target populations prior to the development and implementation of research initiatives. Cameron challenged attendees to view research participants not merely as sources of data, but as individuals whose experiences, dignity and perspectives must remain central throughout the research process. Her presentation reinforced the value of community-engaged and participant-centered research approaches that foster trust, cultural sensitivity and meaningful impact. Throughout the conference, student researchers also presented on a wide range of disciplines. These included behavioral science, business and management, health, STEM and artificial intelligence, education, and faith and transformation. Projects addressed topics such as digital health inequities, autism diagnosis disparities, language disorders in schoolchildren, occupational health challenges among agricultural workers, and innovations in mental and public health interventions. Prudence Mange, a medical laboratory sciences student at Andrews and former volunteer emergency department assistant at Corewell Health, presented research titled “Bridging the Healthcare Digital Divide: Validating Low-Cost Screening Tools for Detection of Diabetes,” which focused on early diabetes detection in low-resource settings. Mange explained that the research aims to create opportunities for earlier intervention and healthier lifestyle adjustments. She described the conference as “an engaging experience aimed at connecting international researchers and exchanging ideas pertaining to solving global and communal challenges.” The event enabled emerging researchers to present their work in a professional, international setting, strengthening their confidence and communication skills. Jenica Joseph, associate professor in the School of Communication Sciences & Disorders at Andrews University, noted that the conference helped build “a shared scholarly identity across institutions” and allowed students to experience the integration of faith and research in practical ways. Hayley Rawls, an Andrews University student who presented “Characteristics of Electronic Clinical Communication with Parkinson’s Clients Participating in a SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program,” described the conference as “a highly educational and informative experience,” noting that it allowed her to present her work in a professional setting and engage with other student researchers. She added that participating helped her grow in confidence, explaining that when research is understood as serving others, “it makes the process a lot easier. Additional faculty-led studies in physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences examined issues such as screen time, balance and chronic pain interventions. These projects illustrated how applied research can directly address global health disparities while providing students with hands-on research experience. Faculty emphasized that such work reflects a growing concentration on interdisciplinary collaboration, where science, health and social understanding intersect. Students also reflected on the value of participating in a global research environment. Many described the conference as an opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, strengthen presentation skills and understand how research functions across boundaries. Nathan Mathieu, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Andrews, noted that the experience helped him see the broader purpose of research, emphasizing the importance of using knowledge to “build each other up” across communities and countries. “Research is in good hands! The student research conference demonstrated that our students have the desire and the ability to do complex research that is relevant and mission focused. The scholastic excellence, the research integrity and the professionalism was apparent in every presentation,” said Carlisle Sutton, program coordinator and sponsored research officer at Andrews University. “Beyond building research capacity through the dissemination of research, the conference also sought to advance the formation of interdisciplinary networks. The success of the conference reflected God’s guidance and blessings, as well as the collective commitment, collaboration, and shared vision of institutions, faculty, staff and students across the global network.” The 2026 GIRCA Student Research Conference brought together participants from a diverse network of Seventh-day Adventist organizations. The participating institutions included the Adventist School of Medicine of East-Central Africa, Adventist University of Africa, Adventist University of Central Africa, Adventist University of the Philippines, Andrews University, Babcock University, Bugema University, Ethiopia Adventist College, Helderberg College of Higher Education, Kanye Seventh-day Adventist College of Nursing, Maluti Adventist College, Mwami College of Health Sciences, Rusangu University, Solusi University, Universidade Adventista De Moçambique, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, University of Goma, and Zurcher Adventist University. As the conference concluded, organizers and participants highlighted a unifying message: Research is most powerful when it connects evidence with service. GIRCA plans to make the gathering an annual event, opening it to more institutions of higher education in April 2027. The consortium is also working with Andrews University to deliver a post-graduate diploma in global research and community development for the faculty at affiliated institutions.  Fri, 29 May 2026 13:48:40 +0000 Andrews Alumni Support LUH in Winning ACP Awards http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69297 The Lake Union Herald earned eight national awards in the annual journalism contest sponsored by the Associated Church Press.  ... The contest, governed by the ACP’s board, admitted over 700 entries among nearly 90 categories. Each category is allowed an Award of Excellence (First Place), an Award of Merit (Second Place) and an Honorable Mention (third place). These entries were judged by a jury of Christian professionals from across the country. Awards are conferred on faith-based publications that best exemplifies the high standards of excellence in writing, design, video production and service to its denomination.  <<< Read the full story at the Lake Union Herald <a href="https://www.lakeunionherald.org/archive/articles/lake-union-herald-earns-eight-national-awards/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaASFfc5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAadq46eaDqXUROuqES4bpcO6f7HBQDIsG1bMjF_Z55em7hwRcjJqVVvG9VK4rQ_aem_HsAsgHoD8ptiY-zOPlUz7w">site</a> >>> Fri, 29 May 2026 12:01:14 +0000 Andrews Leaders Attend IAD Seminary Anniversary http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69296 Seventh-day Adventist administrators and church leaders from across the Inter-American Division (IAD) gathered on May 5, 2026, in Miami, Florida, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary (IATS). The event brought together top church administrators, union presidents, university leaders, faculty, and former seminary presidents to thank God for the institution’s growth and recognize the visionaries whose faith and leadership helped establish the seminary three decades ago. <<< Read the full story at the Inter-American Division <a href="https://interamerica.org/2026/05/adventist-seminary-celebrates-30-years-of-preparing-leaders-for-mission-in-inter-america/">site</a> >>> Fri, 29 May 2026 11:50:44 +0000 Community Programming Empowers Local Youth http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69295 Berrien Community Foundation announces that applications are now open for two grant opportunities designed to spark community programming and empower local youth: the Howard Facilities Program Endowment Grant and the Howard Youth Endowment Program Grant. Applications are due by June 30, 2026. These grants carry forward the generous legacy of John E.N. and Dede Howard, whose passion for Southwest Michigan helped create lasting opportunities for residents—especially young people. Through their philanthropy and community partnerships, the Howards championed initiatives that continue to bring education, culture and connection to life across the region. The Howard Facilities Program Endowment Grant supports programs for Berrien County residents that take place at Howard-named spaces, including the John & Dede Howard Ice Arena, the Howard Performing Arts Center at Andrews University and the John & Dede Howard Family Trail. Project examples include a school using the Howard Family Trail to learn about the ecosystem, a senior citizen group takes a trip to see a concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center at Andrews University, or a community group holds a meeting at the Howard Skate Park and learns to skate. <<< Read the full story at the Moody on the Market <a href="https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/applications-open-for-two-howard-grants-for-youth-community-via-berrien-community-foundation/">site</a> >>> Fri, 29 May 2026 11:47:40 +0000 Elijah: VBS at Eau Claire SDA Church http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69274 Join us for "Elijah—A Bible Times Experience" Vacation Bible School. Grow your child's faith at a Bible Times Experience Vacation Bible School. Every minute of Vacation Bible School will be filled with take-home crafts, thrilling skits, lively songs, nourishing Bible-times snack food and powerful Bible stories about the lessons Elijah learned. VBS for ages 0–12 will be held at the Eau Claire Seventh-day Adventist Church (6562 Naomi Road, Eau Claire, MI 49111) from June 1–5 from 6–8 p.m. each evening. Questions? Call 269-944-1721 or email <a href="mailto:vbs@eauclairesda.org">vbs@eauclairesda.org</a>. For more information and pre-registration details, go to: <a href="https://sites.google.com/eauclairesda.org/event/home">https://sites.google.com/eauclairesda.org/event/home</a>.  Fri, 29 May 2026 11:35:09 +0000 Eau Claire SDA Church Service, May 30 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69280 <div color:="" data-olk-copy-source="MailCompose" font-size:="" new="" style="margin: 0px; font-family: " times=""> Tom Shepherd, PhD, is the speaker at the Eau Claire Seventh-day Adventist Church this Saturday. Pastor Shepherd continues his series on the stories of Elijah and Elisha. His sermon is titled, "Listening to the Little People." Naaman almost lost his chance to be healed of leprosy, but to his credit he listened to subordinates and went home healed. The church service begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by Sabbath School at 11 a.m.  All are welcome.</div>   The Eau Claire church is located at 6562 Naomi Road in Eau Claire. Prayer meeting is at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays via Zoom. Contact Pastor Shepherd for details at trs@andrews.edu. Fri, 29 May 2026 11:32:30 +0000 Dissertation Defense: Nestor A. Osorio http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69279 A PhD Dissertation Defense for Nestor A. Osorio is scheduled on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. via Zoom. Nestor A. Osorio will defend his dissertation in partial fulfillment for the PhD degree in leadership. His dissertation title is, “Emotional Intelligence and Self-Efficacy in Relation to Turnover Intention: The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment in Faith-Based K–12 Education.” 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>. Fri, 29 May 2026 11:30:32 +0000 Dissertation Defense: Robert B. Thompson http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69290 A PhD Dissertation Defense for Robert B. Thompson is scheduled on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Robert B. Thompson will defend his dissertation in partial fulfillment for the PhD degree in counseling psychology. His dissertation title is, “The Influence of Black African American Fathers' Parenting Style on Young Adult Children's Attachment Styles: The Roles of Gender and Father's Residence.” 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>. Fri, 29 May 2026 11:28:48 +0000