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Empowering Educators

Lake Union Conference Education Team Advances Support for Teachers and Students

Indiana and Lake Region Conferences Secure Lilly Foundation Grant

The Indiana and Lake Region conferences have been awarded a Lilly Foundation grant to enhance student achievement across three Indianapolis-area schools.

Conference Leadership Mentors Future Pastors and Chaplains

On November 12, conference administrators and ministerial directors from across the Lake Union dedicated their time to mentoring theology students at the annual “Lake Union Day,” organized by the Department of Religion and Biblical Languages at Andrews University.

Andrews Alumnus and Former Professor Honored by the School of Rehabilitation Sciences

Andrews University’s School of Rehabilitation Sciences and its physical therapy faculty have honored former biology and human anatomy professor John Banks by naming their anatomy lab after him.

Children’s Ministry Leaders in the Lake Union Get Ready for New Curriculum Launch

In a significant step toward enhancing the spiritual education of young families and in preparation for the new Division-wide Sabbath School curriculum, Children’s Ministry directors and representatives from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Lake Region conferences gathered at Pioneer Memorial Church for the Alive in Jesus curriculum training on May 18 and 19. 

Andrews University to Host Music Ensemble Experience for Adventist Youth

Andrews University’s Department of Music and the International Center for Worship & Music are inviting high school-aged youth to participate in a new Adventist music ensemble experience.

Andrews University Celebrates Enrollment Increases and Strong National Rankings

During the current 2024–2025 school year, Andrews University is celebrating its 150th anniversary, honoring the school’s start as Battle Creek College in 1874—the first institution of higher education to be established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

NSF Innovation Grant to Fund Collaboration and Lab at Andrews University

The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship has received a three-year, $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that will increase innovation capacity by fostering collaboration.

Andrews University Receives Second NSF Research Grant

Andrews University has been awarded a research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Future Educators Receive Professional Training

On Sept. 19, 2024, a group of senior education majors from Andrews University met at the Lake Union headquarters for a full day of professional development, where they practiced interview skills and met educational administrators throughout the union territory.

Andrews University Hosts STEM Day for Lake Union Educators

On Sept. 5, 2024, Andrews University welcomed K–12 educators from across the Lake Union for an immersive, hands-on professional development experience focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Special Education Coordinator Joins Lake Union Team

In response to the growing demand to provide specialized educational and behavioral support for students, the Lake Union Education Department created a position and hired a special education professional to meet the need.

Andrews University Fellowships Foster Student-Led Worship

Andrews University was founded as a faith-based institution in 1874 and has continued to uphold that foundation for the past 150 years.

Making a Difference, One Voice at a Time

A group of students and faculty from the Andrews University School of Communication Sciences & Disorders took their first international service trip to Jamaica from May 30–June 14.

Founded in faith. Forward in mission!

This year, Andrews University celebrates 150 years since its founding as the first Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher education. This is how the story began.

Lily Foundation Gifts Seminary and Local Pastors

The Center for Community Change (CCC) in the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University is all about pastor and church revitalization, community social impact, innovative community projects, a healthy cycle of evangelism, and establishing pastors and church leaders as mentors.

“Forward in Faith” Covers 30 Years of Andrews University History

As Andrews University continues to celebrate its legacy of 150 years of Adventist higher education, reflecting upon specific moments within the school’s history has become valuable.

Andrews University Board Update

On June 10, Andrews University President John Wesley Taylor V provided a report on the Board of Trustees meetings held June 9–10. The following are key points from his report.

Academy Students Recognized for Caring Hearts

The Lake Union and North American Division’s Office of Education believe that teaching young people to be actively involved in witnessing and service activities is central to the educational goals of the school and the mission of the church. 

Nearly 200 Academy Seniors Set to Graduate

This weekend, 190 Lake Union academy seniors are donning their caps and gowns to celebrate their academic achievements.

Adventist Students on Public University Campuses Receive Training and Support

Dozens of students from public college and university campuses convened for the Lake Union Conference Adventist Christian Fellowship Institute conference held May 5-8, 2024, at the Park Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church in Champaign, Illinois.

Lake Union Pledges One Million Dollars to Attract New Teachers and Pastors

In a bold move to attract qualified new teachers and pastors, the Lake Union Conference is pledging one million dollars for incoming Andrews University students to pursue careers in teaching and pastoral ministry.

Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children

Emotional intelligence (EI) is an individual’s ability to perceive emotions in themselves and others, understand what those emotions mean, and manage their emotions accordingly (Robbins & Judge, 2017).

Head of the Class

Lake Region Educator Named Teacher of the Year

The Early Years of Childhood Education: Daycare vs. Homecare

If I ask you to go back in time and recall one of your favorite early childhood memories, no doubt your experience would include people, places and events.

Beginning Eternity: Raising Children in Their Early Years

The pre-K room at the Crayon Box Children’s Learning Center at Andrews University is a colorful maze of learning centers — one features a wall-mounted rotary phone, play kitchen, and rack of dress-up clothes. Even the bathrooms are built with low sinks and miniature stalls.

Three Conferences Join Forces to Launch New Online School

Three conferences in the Lake Union are teaming up to deliver synchronous Adventist Education online for 1st through 8th grades.

Academy Students Serve in the Dominican Republic

In early January, a group of 41 students from Andrews Academy in Berrien Springs, Michigan, spent ten days of their holiday break serving on a project with Maranatha Volunteers International, a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Andrews Fall 2023 Rankings and Enrollment Report

This fall semester on its Berrien Springs campus, Andrews University celebrated a strong round of national rankings and a modest increase in student enrollment following recent nationwide enrollment challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AdventHealth Develops Internship for Andrews School of Architecture & Interior Design

AdventHealth and the Andrews School of Architecture & Interior Design (SAID) have introduced a significant new annual internship that will be available to one SAID student annually who has completed their fourth year in the program.

Report on 2023 Consolidated Enrollment

The Association of Adventist Colleges and Universities (AACU), which is composed of the presidents and other top leadership from 13 Adventist colleges and universities in North America, reports the latest consolidated enrollment numbers for 2023.

Southern Union Schools First to Adopt Mission: Invent

Adventist schools in the Southern Union are the first to deeply engage with Mission: Invent, an initiative that promotes innovation and creativity.

Innovative Ways to Change the World

This past spring, Andrews University students were given a unique opportunity to demonstrate the combination of their interests, academic knowledge and creative ideas.

Biblical Research Institute and Andrews University Publish New Work on Adventist Doctrine

The General Conference Biblical Research Institute (BRI) and Andrews University have partnered to publish a book for general and classroom readers that theologically examines each of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s fundamental beliefs.

Exploring the Wonders of Nature

Over 40 Science Educators Unite to Delve into a Biblical Understanding of Earth History

Hundreds of Lake Union Educators Head Back to Class at the National Teachers’ Convention

Three hundred educators and church leaders from across the Lake Union territory gathered Aug. 7-10 for the fifth North American Division Teachers’ Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Andrews Bible Commentary” Goes to Every Adventist School in North America

Students in every Adventist school in North America will have access this fall to the new “Andrews Bible Commentary” through an initiative financially sponsored by three organizations, according to John Wesley Taylor, president of Andrews University.

Body, mind and spirit … healing and wholeness

The biblical views on disease and healing keep hope and salvation in the picture. Physical cure will occur from time to time. What we are assured is that we can have wholeness in our brokenness.

Andrews University Opens Shalom House

Andrews University’s Institute for Prevention of Addictions (IPA) and International Center for Trauma Education & Care now share a combined location—Shalom House.

Andrews University Summer Graduation

Andrews University’s summer graduation will take place Aug. 4–6, 2023.

Andrews University and Buckner International Sign “Shining STAR” Collaboration

Andrews University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with nonprofit Buckner International.

Indiana Launches Online Academy; New Academy Principal Selected

Following are highlights from a video report by Indiana Education Department Superintendent Peter Cousins:

Ten Years of The Tent

Elementary Students Learn to Embrace and Share Their Faith

Academy students recognized with “Caring Heart Award”

State-of-the-art School Library Opens in South Side Chicago

The pandemic highlighted a major problem in Chicago’s South Side. Many households did not have internet at home or have access to digital devices such as computers or tablets.

New Service Addresses Student Food Insecurity

On April 17, 2023, Andrews University opened Manna, a service for students experiencing food insecurity.

Countdown to Academy Graduations Have Begun

With caps and gowns on, 173 Lake Union academy graduates are expected to say goodbye to high school and hello to what lies ahead for their future.

Andrews University Spring Graduation Details Announced

Andrews University’s spring graduation will take place May 5–7, 2023. The weekend’s events will include a Friday evening Commencement service, Baccalaureate services on Sabbath morning and two additional Commencement services on Sunday morning.

Private Foundation Invests in Lake Union Ministries

In March 2023, the Versacare Foundation awarded grants totaling almost $200,000 across the Lake Union.

Future Teachers of the Lake Union

Several academy students attending the Lake Union Secondary Leadership Conference at Camp Au Sable, Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, 2022, received much more than they signed up for.

Genesis Fellowship: “Come Create Cariño”

A year and a half ago, a group of Andrews University students approached José Bourget, university chaplain and assistant vice president for faith engagement, with an idea.

New Scholarships and State Grants to Benefit Andrews University Students

Andrews University students pursuing a career in teaching may soon benefit from new scholarships and state tuition grants.

School Personnel, Graduates and Students Celebrated

Every year, the Education department of Sharon Inkster Seventh-day Adventist Church dedicates students, affirms school personnel and congratulates graduates.

“I Choose to Teach”

A nursing assistant, a lumberjack, a journalist, a marketing professional and a transportation logistics manager. They all have one thing in common: They decided to go back to school, not as students—but to teach. 

Peterson-Warren Academy Receives $100,000 Donation

A Lake Region Conference School in Inkster, Michigan was the grateful recipient of a generous donation.

Academic Enrichment Program for Young Scholars Launched

It is no surprise that the pandemic has had significant effects on student learning across the country and in our schools. The University Seventh-day Adventist Church (UChurch) in East Lansing, Michigan saw this as an opportunity to be proactive.

Indiana Opens Brand New School

On Sunday, February 19, administration members from Indiana Conference, Indiana Academy, the Lake Union, as well as news organizations and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of Aboite Christian School in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Adopted Island School's Gymnasium Nears Completion

Over 6,000 miles away, amid a beautiful sea of coral and laden with palm trees is the Lake Union’s adopted island of Kosrae.

Shakespeare the Focus of Double Book Launch at Andrews University

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the Andrews University Department of English hosted a double book launch for professors and Shakespeare scholars L. Monique Pittman and Vanessa I. Corredera. Students, faculty and staff came together to celebrate the two recent academic publications and hear from the authors about their work.

Andrews University Observes National Native American Heritage Month

Throughout the month of November, Andrews University observed National Native American Heritage Month.

Week of Prayer Yields 72 Baptism Requests

When Earl Baldwin was invited to speak for Ruth Murdoch Elementary School’s week of prayer, he faced a scheduling conflict. His calendar eventually cleared for him to present on Oct. 17-21 for the Berrien Springs, Michigan school’s bi-annual week of spiritual emphasis.

Geology Trip Takes Kids Underground

Village Adventist Elementary School took their students on a trip to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, to get a closer look at God’s handiwork.

Andrews University receives $5 million grant from Lilly Endowment

Andrews University has received a $5,000,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary establish the Andrews Center for Community Change.

Andrews University Holds Sixth Change Day

Andrews University’s sixth annual Change Day took place on Sept. 15, 2022. Over 1,100 students and employees dedicated themselves to volunteering within the community, working at 32 sites around the local area.

Wagner Kuhn named new Seminary Associate Dean at Andrews University

Wagner Kuhn, PhD, has accepted the administrative position of associate dean at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University.

Ministry and Mission

In 2019, André Rodrigues arrived in the Philippines expecting only to complete a single term of mission work before returning to his theology studies in Brazil. Instead, he fostered a new life passion for ministry and mission.

New community programs at Andrews

Andrews University is excited to highlight two new programs directed toward community engagement: community art classes and Explore Andrews summer camps. Both aim to bring individuals to campus for hands-on learning and creativity.

Empowerment through connection

When Caryn Cruz was young, she had no idea that a dedication to empowering other women would lead her to become the president of a thriving campus club at Andrews University and foster a lifelong career goal.

Chicago church school to offer free tuition

On August 22, 2022, the Shiloh Church voted unanimously to make tuition free for families wanting to give their children access to a Christian Education.

Going on Vocation

Andrews University secures grant to support students in exploring their vocation and calling.

Big attendance for public campus ministry leadership event in Indiana

After a two-year hiatus, the North American Division hosted one of the largest Adventist Christian Fellowship gatherings from July 21-25 on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington.

Kevin Wilson to lead social media at Andrews University

Andrews University welcomes Kevin Wilson as the new digital and social media coordinator in the Office of University Communication.

Summer Graduation at Andrews University

Andrews University’s summer graduation will take place during the weekend of August 5–7, 2022.

A case for Public Campus Ministry

It is estimated that more than 75 percent of our Adventist college students are attending non-Adventist institutions of higher learning. (1)

Andrews University and General Conference launch the Global Leadership Institute

The Global Leadership Institute was born through crisis to opportunity. In 2018, the Andrews University Leadership program was preparing for its 25th anniversary; while the program received high praise from its participants, it was out of reach for most church leaders.

Academy students recognized for ‘Caring Heart’

Seven Lake Union students receive the Caring Heart Award for the 2021-2022 school year.

Battle Creek Academy celebrates 150-Year anniversary

Several hundred alumni and guests gathered in Battle Creek, Michigan, June 2-5 to celebrate Battle Creek Academy’s 150th anniversary.

Three longtime teachers plan to retire

The Michigan Conference is deeply grateful for the service that these teachers have given on behalf of young people across our field.

Andrews University hosts inaugural pitch competition

On April 8, 2022, Andrews University hosted its first annual Pitch Competition. Graduate and undergraduate students came together to present business and non-profit ideas to a group of judges and a live audience for the opportunity to win cash and in-kind services for their projects.

Illinois receives $600,000 education grant

Illinois Conference is one of several schools across the state to receive a share of funds to support students and educators emotional and mental health needs.

Imparting a knowledge of God

The Education Department is privileged to serve 73 Lake Union PreK‒12 schools and early childhood programs which are centers of learning and evangelism.

World changers made here.

In 1874, Andrews University opened its doors as Battle Creek College, the first higher education institution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since that time, Andrews University always has believed there is a distinct purpose to be found in the context of God’s global mission for His children.

Andrews University announces spring graduation speakers

Andrews University’s spring graduation will take place May 6–8, 2022.

Message of Restoration Centers Trauma Training at Andrews University

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich.—On Friday, Feb. 18, the Andrews University International Center for Trauma Education & Care held its first Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) training of the year.

Premiere of “Return to Palau” Documentary at Andrews University

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich.—On Saturday, April 16, a premiere of “Return to Palau” will take place at the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University at 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Andrews University receives funding to start a lifestyle medicine clinic & training center

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich.—In October 2021, Andrews University received a grant to start the Andrews University Lifestyle Medicine Clinic & Training Center to prevent and treat chronic diseases.

Early College Experience: Making connections at Andrews University

The Early College Experience is a summer program designed for high school juniors and seniors as well as incoming college freshmen.

New Designation at Andrews University: Senior Research Professor

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich.—Andrews University has recently instituted a senior research professor status for retired faculty.

Andrews University to Host Student Conference for EPIC World Changers

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich.—The first Engage: Live on Purpose Conference will be held on the campus of Andrews University from Mar. 9–13.

Mental health services making a difference in Lake Union schools

Two years into the worldwide spread of COVID‒19 and its related viruses, Lake Union schools are dealing with associated mental health problems just like the rest of the world.

Clergy and educator memorial medallions available

Memorial Medallions The Seventh-day Adventist Church recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of its employees and seeks to demonstrate its appreciation in...

When the Holy Spirit called “Dr. Dan”

Dan Grentz thought he heard a voice through his protective headphones as he maneuvered his John Deere tractor through the horse pasture, mowing weeds with his brush hog (which makes a lot of noise). However, he ignored it—at first.

Something better

I first became aware of Dr. Tomas Geraty when I was attending Andrews University and the AU Student Movement did a story on him and his role as chairman of the Education Department.

Pacific Island school gets boost from the Lake Union

In 2018 the North American Division asked each of its nine unions to adopt one of the nine islands in the Guam-Micronesia Mission where there was an Adventist church and school.

Nurturing STEM growth

Preparing our students for science, technology, engineering and math . . . and eternity

Battle Cry

The Story of Battle Creek Academy’s 150 years and the Seventh-day Adventist Education System.

One-room Schools: Yesterday and Today

Is the one-room school a relic of the past or does it offer their own unique features which families and teachers alike have come to value?

Andrews University STEM Division to Host “Mission: Invent 2022”

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich.—In July of this year, Andrews University’s STEM division will host the conclusion of the first “Mission: Invent,” an initiative encouraging development of innovation and entrepreneurship in K–12 Seventh-day Adventist students in the United States and Canada.

Adventist educators prepare for unprecedented year

Enrollment dips but commitment to providing safe, quality education remains

Doing school online: Plenty of tech tools and a learning curve

It’s early morning as the alarm clock goes off, much later than it usually would on a school day. Patrice Jenkins, Hinsdale Adventist Academy 3rd and 4th grade teacher, gets up and goes through her new morning routine of reviewing her lesson plans and preparing for her Zoom class at 10 a.m. with her students. This is the new normal for the Chicago-area teacher, as well as other educators across the Lake Union, after the abrupt closure of schools as the nation confronts the Covid-19 pandemic.