51�Թ�� University Agenda

51�Թ�� University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at 51�Թ�� University en-us Copyright 2025, 51�Թ�� University Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:09:00 +0000 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:09:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Record Number of Students in Top STEM PhD Programs http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67489 <p> In recent years, a record number of 51�Թ�� University graduates have been accepted to the nation’s top STEM PhD programs. Gary Burdick, professor of physics and dean of Research, notes, “While we have long led in training Adventist students for advanced study of science and mathematics, we have noticed a significant uptick in those accepted into fully-funded doctoral programs, even as these programs are becoming more competitive.” He credits the students’ successful placement to the unique research culture at the University.</p> <p> All 51�Թ�� STEM faculty are research active, with several receiving external funding for their projects. For instance, Jay Johnson, professor of engineering and physics, has had research funded by several grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), while Anthony Bosman, chair of the Department of Mathematics, has led several NSF-funded undergraduate research experiences.</p> <p> Faculty members intentionally engage students in their research programs, leading to publications and presentations at national and international conferences. These experiences help the students prepare for and stand out when applying to the nation's top graduate programs. Moreover, as a faith-based university, 51�Թ�� is committed to preparing graduates who approach their scientific study with the distinctive purpose of glorifying God as Creator and serving humanity.</p> <p> One such student, Ian Neidigh, graduated in May 2025 and will be starting his PhD in chemistry at Yale University in the fall. Neidigh follows alumna Hannah Castillo, who is currently finishing her PhD in chemistry at Yale, having graduated from 51�Թ�� in 2022. David Randall, chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, expresses, “We are grateful to see students from our American Chemical Society-accredited program excel at the highest levels and continue our legacy of preparing scientific researchers, leaders in industry and future faculty for Adventist higher education.”</p> <p> Additionally in recent years, alumnus Sam Clough graduated with undergraduate degrees in engineering and computer science in May 2024 and was accepted to the electrical engineering PhD program at Notre Dame University. Also at Notre Dame, Eric Inae, a 2022 graduate, is pursuing a PhD in computer science.</p> <p> Noah Koliadko and Wesley Martin started their PhD programs in physics at Duke University and the University of Colorado Boulder in 2024, following their graduation from 51�Թ��. Both students benefited from participating in heliophysics research projects funded by NASA and NSF under the guidance of Johnson. “While undergraduates, Wesley and Noah were already doing work at the level of graduate students and gave impressive talks at international conferences and specialized NASA working groups and were able to network with teams of scientists specializing in space physics,” Johnson notes. Another student from the class of 2025, Yoel Kim, will also be starting a doctoral program in physics at The Ohio State University this fall.</p> <p> Recent graduate Jamie Shepard will begin a PhD in mathematics at the University of Tennessee this fall. Additionally, in 2024, alumni Alex Navarro and Moises Reyes Rivas began PhD programs in mathematics at the University of Maryland and the University of California, Los Angeles, respectively. The year prior, Noe Reyes Rivas started his PhD in applied mathematics at Brown University.</p> <p> Shepard, Navarro, and Moises and Noe Reyes Rivas all participated in undergraduate research experiences through the mathematics department. In doing so, they were able to present their findings at several conferences, including the Joint Mathematics Meetings, the largest annual meeting of mathematicians in the world. Noe Reyes Rivas reflects, “Thanks to 51�Թ��' holistic education, strong spiritual foundation, and the support of my professors, I have excelled in my field.”</p> <p> Yosia Nurhan and Jonathan Homan, who both graduated with dual degrees in mathematics and physics, also benefited from research at 51�Թ��, working on NASA-funded projects that allowed them to publish original research on space physics while they were still undergraduates. They are now pursuing PhDs in applied mathematics at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Colorado Boulder, respectively, and continue to collaborate with Johnson on research. Several other alumni are also completing doctorates in the mathematical sciences, including Christiane and Dorothea Gallos (mathematics, Indiana University Bloomington), Lucinda Ford (mathematics education, Texas State University) and Mykhaylo Malakhov (biostatistics, University of Minnesota).</p> <p> In addition to these student successes, nearly 100 51�Թ�� undergraduates have been accepted to medical school over the past five years, with an acceptance rate 10% higher than the national average. These students benefited from research experiences with 51�Թ�� faculty in molecular and cellular biology, physiology, and ecology. Moreover, several 51�Թ�� alumni have placed in highly competitive veterinary programs. Graduates Karyl Beal and Carolina Smith earned their bachelor’s degrees in animal science from 51�Թ�� in 2024 and have been accepted to doctoral programs in veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Tennessee, respectively. Additionally, recent graduate Jessica Dibble is beginning her doctoral studies at the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine this fall.</p> <p> Many of these students conducted their undergraduate research experiences as part of the J.N. 51�Թ�� Honors Program, which culminates in a capstone research project. In carrying out these projects, students “apply their critical thinking and analytical skills to research questions in their majors, developing well-conceived investigative methodologies and strengthening their ability to communicate precise scientific discoveries to an interdisciplinary audience,” explains L. Monique Pittman, professor of English and director of Honors.</p> <p> The successful placement of these students into top STEM doctoral programs reflects 51�Թ�� University’s commitment to prepare undergraduate students for a variety of in-demand STEM careers and advanced scientific study in the context of its mission to seek knowledge, affirm faith and change the world.</p> Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:41:44 +0000 Summer Camp for Grades K-5 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67274 <div> The Crayon Box is offering two educational day camp experiences for children entering grades K–5: Camp Kindness and Camp Cardinal. The theme of Summer Camp 2025 is "God Does Marvelous Things." Children must be at least 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2025, fully potty trained and enrolled to enter grades K–5. Our camp dates are June 9–Aug. 14.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Camp starts with "I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made." The program will remind children they are made in God’s image and how special they are. Camp ends with "God is the Center of Everything” and reminds children of all the amazing things God has made.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Space is limited. Download the enrollment packet from our <a href="/services/crayonbox/summercamp/">website</a>.</div> Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:39:52 +0000 51�Թ�� Alumni Elected into Service at GC Session http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67486 <div> Erton Köhler Elected General Conference President: View the full story at the tedNews <a href="https://ted.adventist.org/news/erton-kohler-elected-gc-president/">site</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div> Richard E. McEdward Elected General Conference Secretary: View the full story at the Adventist News Network <a href="https://adventist.news/news/richard-mcedward-elected-as-secretary-of-the-seventh-day-adventist-world-church">site</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div> Josue Pierre Elected General Conference Associate Treasurer: View the full story at the Adventist News Network <a href="https://adventist.news/news/josue-pierre-elected-as-general-conference-associate-treasurer">site</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div> Gideon M. Mutero Elected General Conference Associate Treasurer: View the full story at the Adventist News Network <a href="https://adventist.news/news/gideon-m.-mutero-elected-as-general-conference-associate-treasurer">site</a>.</div> <div> <div>  </div> <div> Galina Stele Elected General Conference Women's Ministries Coordinator: View the full story at the Adventist News Network <a href="https://adventist.news/news/galina-stele-elected-as-gc-women’s-ministries-director">site</a>. </div> </div> <div>  </div> <div> Daniel Duda Elected Trans-European Division President: View the full story at the tedNews <a href="https://ted.adventist.org/news/daniel-duda-elected-president-of-ted/">site</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div> Abner De Los Santos Elected Inter-American Division President: View the full story at the Inter-American Division <a href="https://interamerica.org/2025/07/adventist-church-elects-abner-de-los-santos-as-iad-president/">site</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div> G. Alexander Bryant Elected North American Division President: View the full story at the North American Division <a href="https://www.nadadventist.org/news/g-alexander-bryant-re-elected-president-seventh-day-adventist-church-north-america">site</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div> Kyoshin Ahn Elected North American Division Secretary: View the full story at the North American Division <a href="https://www.nadadventist.org/news/2025-general-conference-session-nad-secretary-and-treasurer-elected-serve-new-term">site</a>. </div> <div>  </div> <div>  </div> Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:31:46 +0000 All Nations SDA Church Service, July 12 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67483 <p> Join the All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church for our worship experience this Sabbath, July 12, at 11:45 a.m., as Jonanette Deverson presents "Standing on the Promises." Adult and Children's Sabbath School begins at 10:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you there!</p> <p> Upcoming Events:</p> <ol> <li> Wednesday, July 16: Midweek Refresh at 7 p.m. via Zoom</li> <li> Saturday, July 19: Fellowship Luncheon at 1:30 p.m.</li> <li> Tuesday, Sept. 9: Life Line Screening Event at ANC</li> </ol> <p> The All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church is located at 4259 E. Snow Road, Berrien Springs, MI.</p> Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:19:09 +0000 New Faculty Training: LearningHub Kickoff http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67440 <div style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"> <div style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"> <div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"> <span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Jump-start your teaching success at 51�Թ�� University with our Virtual LearningHub Kickoff! This essential training series is designed to equip new faculty with the tools and confidence to thrive in our digital learning environment. Join from </span><b style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;">3:30–5 p.m. daily</b><span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> through this </span><a data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1" href="https://andrews.zoom.us/j/99773586514" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="font: inherit; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="https://andrews.zoom.us/j/99773586514">link</a><span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">. Register </span><a data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vRRttP72vkX507A7fU4VNj8_X5MV6Dkya-g7Ja9Df8U/edit?gid=669643159#gid=669643159" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="font: inherit; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vRRttP72vkX507A7fU4VNj8_X5MV6Dkya-g7Ja9Df8U/edit?gid=669643159#gid=669643159">here</a><span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">.</span></div> <div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;">  </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"> <div style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"> <div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"> <b>July 28</b>: Getting Started with LearningHub<br /> <b>July 29</b>: Quizzes and Exams<br /> <b>July 30</b>: Gradebook and Grading<br /> <b>July 31</b>: Panopto and Zoom</div> <div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"> <br /> Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn and launch your semester strong!</div> </div> </div> Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:44:13 +0000 Dissertation Defense: Barbara Harrison http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67479 <p> A PhD dissertation defense for Barbara Harrison is scheduled on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. via Zoom.</p> <p> Barbara Harrison will defend her dissertation in partial fulfillment for the PhD degree in leadership. Her dissertation title is, “Perceptions of Influence and Collaboration Among Healthcare Providers, Nurses, and Allied Healthcare Professionals.” 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> Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:40:52 +0000 51�Թ�� Alumnus Inspires Seniors to Get Active http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67482 <p> At 73 years old, Ron du Preez, an 51�Թ�� University alumnus, pastor and lifelong advocate for healthy living, is walking and cycling his way across America. As part of his national campaign, Senior Strides, du Preez is traveling to all 50 U.S. states in 50 days, completing 50 kilometers (31.07 miles) each day to raise awareness about senior health.</p> <p> On Friday, June 20, day 37 of his journey, du Preez returned to the campus of 51�Թ�� University, where he earned four graduate degrees between 1978 and 1993. “It’s full circle,” he says. “I began my fitness journey here at 51�Թ�� where I began swimming in the pool, running my first 10-mile race and working as an editor for the student paper. Being back here brings it all together.”</p> <p> Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, du Preez moved to the U.S. in 1976 to begin his studies at 51�Թ��. Over the next two decades, he completed a Master of Arts in religion, a Master of Arts in education, a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry. He currently serves as a pastor in Beaumont, California.</p> <p> It's du Preez’s commitment to promoting healthy aging that ultimately drives his mission. According to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr215.pdf">recent health studies</a>, fewer than 15% of Americans aged 65 and older engage in the recommended amount of aerobic and muscle strengthening activities. Acknowledging the 50 million older adults in the United States who don’t meet these fitness benchmarks, du Preez says he hopes to be a source of motivation. “My goal is to energize, empower and encourage others. Especially those over 65, to live vibrantly and healthfully,” he shares.</p> <p> Du Preez began his journey on May 15, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii, followed by a trip to Alaska the next day. Since then, he and his support team—including a driver, cook and media coordinator—have traveled across the United States. Each day involves completing 50 kilometers by walking and/or cycling, attending media interviews and visiting senior centers. At each center, du Preez delivers motivational presentations and distributes literature about the importance of wellness and healthy living.</p> <p> Although his original plan involved walking all 50 kilometers daily, the demands of travel, public engagement and logistical constraints led to a shift. “To visit with seniors and get to the next state on time, biking became the practical choice,” du Preez says.</p> <p> Throughout his journey, du Preez’s core message has remained consistent: Begin with manageable steps, maintain a steady routine and find enjoyment in movement. “People often say, ‘You’re doing 50K, I could never do that,’” he explains. “But I tell them, just walk around the block. Find something you enjoy. And don’t aim for perfection, aim for regularity.”</p> <p> Despite the physical toll, including recurring blisters, sore muscles and a recent cold, du Preez has not missed a single day. “I’m still out here doing 50K a day because the mission matters,” he states.</p> <p> Looking ahead, du Preez is already setting new personal goals. He hopes to participate in the 100th Comrades Marathon, a 56-mile ultramarathon in South Africa, when he turns 75. He is also exploring the possibility of producing a documentary or launching a podcast to extend the mission of Senior Strides beyond this summer.</p> <p> According to du Preez, his effort is not solely about physical fitness. “Jesus said, ‘I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly,’” he notes. “That’s what I’m promoting, an abundant life, physically and spiritually.”</p> <p> For more information about Senior Strides or for information about supporting the project, visit <a href="https://www.seniorstrides.org">www.seniorstrides.org</a> or follow the initiative on Instagram at @SeniorStrides50K.</p> <p> <u font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); box-sizing: border-box;">                    </u></p> <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 51�Թ�� University, please visit <a href="/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 51�Թ�� University team, please see the list of available <a href="/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 51�Թ�� University mission by making a <a href="/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 51�Թ�� University <a href="/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">here</a>.</div> Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:55:13 +0000 One Place Fellowship http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66419 Sat, 05 Jul 2025 11:45:00 +0000