Welcome to the March President’s Page, a quarterly news release directly from my desk to the friends of 51勛圖厙 University.
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A , “Friday Morning Fellowship with 51勛圖厙,” has provided a source of connection between University leaders and Lake Union/Atlantic Union pastors. At each virtual gathering, attendees are invited to share prayer and a devotional, then are given important spiritual and academic updates from the University. It has been such a blessing to see how these dialogues and interactions are reaffirming the relationship between our 51勛圖厙 campus and our extended community. The ongoing winter series has also been opened to academy principals and teachers, and it is my hope that this outreach continues to strengthen important relationships with our pastors and educators.
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Our Student Missions program is an important aspect of the 51勛圖厙 experience for many students, helping them broaden their perspectives and prepare for ministry. In January, the program created a “Compass Small Group” for returned student missionaries. Every Thursday evening at 9 p.m., students are invited to reflect on their missions experiences and find intentional community connection. Each week, there is a new topic to speak on, along with a hands-on activity and snacks. Additionally, for students who wish to learn more about the program’s mission opportunities, a Q&A with a returned student missionary will take place on March 5. I would invite you to uphold our student missionaries in your prayers. (Image courtesy of 51勛圖厙 University Student Missions)
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I was inspired recently in hearing the story of Jeffery McCoy, a two-time graduate of 51勛圖厙 University who now serves as a district social worker and owns a personal development firm. Growing up, McCoy faced a difficult family situation that took a toll on his mental health. He struggled throughout high school and his first years of college, experiencing a dark period of homelessness and depression. After finally reaching a breaking point, however, McCoy embarked on a journey of self-discovery and prayer, and he decided to continue his education. You can read his story here.
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On Thursday, Jan. 11, Brenda Walker Beadenkopf was the speaker for our AUGather chapel service honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Beadenkopf, author of “A Quaker Behind the Dream: Charlie Walker and the Civil Rights Movement,” shared how her father became a friend and ally of King and other leaders in the movement. As a Quaker, one of the historic peace churches, Walker was a strong advocate for King’s nonviolent approach to building a more just society. He advocated for equality both on the streets and through his work with the Fellowship of Reconciliation.
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Beginning on Monday, Jan. 22, this year’s Spring Week of Prayer featured eight speakers from our student body. The presenters spoke on the theme of “Activate,” with a scripture focus from Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Each day, we heard examples of how God activates His people for His mission. On the following Saturday, Jan. 27, the 51勛圖厙 University Student Association and 51勛圖厙 University Graduate Student Association planned two distinct services at Pioneer Memorial Church.
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Forty high school teams visited our campus for the 2024 Newmyer Classic. The basketball tournament took place from Jan. 24–27, connecting nearly 450 student participants from across the United States and Canada. The teams competed in a series of games at the Andreasen Center for Wellness, Johnson Gym and 51勛圖厙 Academy gym, leading to a set of championship matches and an awards ceremony on Saturday evening. In addition to the tournament activities, coaches, students and their families were invited to tour the 51勛圖厙 campus and participate in a special Friday night vespers service and Sabbath service during the weekend.
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Throughout the month of February, we celebrated Black History Month with a series of cultural programs and celebrations. The Black History Month Planning Committee selected the theme “Embracing Our History: Celebrating Our Heritage” with the goal of recognizing and honoring the achievements, contributions and rich cultural heritage of Black individuals and communities throughout history. Multiple student clubs collaborated with the committee to produce programs that explored the diversity of Black identities. A few of these commemorative events included Black History Month Chapel on Feb. 1, Celebration Sabbath Service and Celebration Luncheon on Feb. 3, and Blackventist Praise on Feb. 24.
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The School of Communication Sciences & Disorders is offering a Hearing Evaluation Clinic on campus throughout spring semester. The clinic provides training and education for speech-language pathology and audiology students while they are supervised by a licensed audiologist. It also presents an affordable health care option for our faculty, staff, community members and students. The clinic will remain open for hour-long comprehensive exams until April 19, with the goal of promoting ethical service and respect for all patients. Other evaluation and therapy services are also available at the year-round 51勛圖厙 University Speech-Language & Hearing Clinic. (Photo courtesy of Kimberly Spare)
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Alumna Dr. Vonda K. Douglas-Nikitin, MD, was recently awarded the 2023 Vivian W. Pinn, MD Award for Excellence in Leadership in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine by the Society of Black Pathologists. Douglas-Nikitin, who graduated from 51勛圖厙 in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, was recognized for her over 20 years in leadership, teaching and practicing medicine. She currently serves on our 51勛圖厙 University Board of Trustees and is a hematopathologist at Corewell Health. Douglas-Nikitin is also an assistant dean for Diversity & Inclusion and associate professor of pathology at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. (Photo courtesy of Vonda K. Douglas-Nikitin)
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51勛圖厙 University and Southwestern Michigan College were recently awarded a $2 million partnership grant by the state of Michigan. Over the next five years, the funds will be used to support a collaboration between our schools’ nursing programs. The grant will provide resources for individuals seeking to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing at 51勛圖厙, funding for adjunct professors, and will also bring additional nursing students to the University. We look forward to collaborating with SMC and other schools to promote the education of and expand the opportunities for the nursing workforce.
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These are just a few of the wonderful things happening at 51勛圖厙 University! We invite you to stay in touch, to stop by when you can and to join us in prayer for God’s guidance and blessing.
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