Monday, Sept. 10
4–6 p.m. – On-campus farewell event, Science Complex
If you happen to live within driving distance feel free to join the faculty and staff farewell event.
Friday, Sept. 28
12:30–1:30 p.m. – Alumni Reception to Honor Retirement of Bill Chobotar, John Stout, Dennis Woodland, and David Steen. Buller Hall Foyer, RSVP required at http://alumni.andrews.edu/biorsvp/
Your opportunity to visit with these faculty friends and enjoy delicious refreshments.
1:30 p.m. – Administrative Appreciation, Newbold Auditorium
All are welcome to attend this time of appreciation and blessing from Andrews administration and the Department of Biology.
2–5 p.m. – Academic Tribute Presentations, Newbold Auditorium
Four former students of our honored guests will make professional presentations as a tribute.
- Dr. Byron Blagburn, Distinguished University Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University. “Thinking one can: the power and influence of “smaller” academic institutions.”
- Christina Burden (BS 06, MS 09), PhD Candidate in the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Arizona State University. “Making memories last a lifetime: What honey bees can teach us about long-term memory.”
- Ms. Pamela Smith, Field Botanist for the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. “The benefits of conserving biodiversity: a case study in Jefferson County, Colorado.”
- Dr. Randall Walikonis, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut. “Learning about the brain: from control of cricket behavior to causes of intellectual disability.”
Sabbath, Sept. 29
3–5 p.m. – Open House, Price Hall, Science Complex
Bring your family and friends to the department to tour the facilities, visit with fellow alumni and our retiring faculty, and meet the new faculty members who will be ably carrying on the legacy of Christian scholarship. The Natural History Museum, Greenhouse and scanning electron microscope will keep your kids busy while you visit. Light refreshments will be served (who knows—there may even be some of Chobotar’s famous chocolate chip cookies!)
4:30 p.m. – Memories & Tributes, Biology Amphitheater, Science Complex
This is the opportunity for alumni and friends to share your memories and tributes.
John Stout,
Biology
Started teaching biology at Walla Walla College in 1962, giving him a total of 50 years in Adventist biology education. The last 43 years have been at Andrews University. Stout was chair of the department for 17 years, and has served as acting dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and later dean of Scholarly Research. He has attracted about a million dollars in external grants to fund research and program development. At least eight Andrews faculty, five in the Department of Biology alone, have been Stout’s students. Stout also received a Humboldt Award from the Humboldt Foundation for internationally recognized research (’75), the J.N. Andrews Medallion (’82) and Chair of the Year award in 2000.
Dennis Woodland,
Botany
Has been teaching at Andrews for 33 years. During that time, he has continuously served as curator of the Andrews Herbarium. For the past 21 years, he has served as curator of the Andrews Arboretum and chaired the Andrews Arboretum Council. He has about 50 publications and numerous awards to his credit, including Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (’77), the Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching Award (’94), the J.N. Andrews Medallion (’97), Outstanding Service Award from the Michigan Botanical Club (’03) and Andrews’s Ecology & Stewardship Award (’09), to name a few.
Bill Chobotar,
Biology
Has the longest tenure at Andrews with 44 years of service. In 1973, he moved into office B321 in the then-new Science Complex and has remained there ever since. Steen says, “He is perhaps Andrews University’s premier academic advisor, usually with 90–110 advisees and mostly pre-med track students.” Chobotar has attracted about $100,000 of external grant funding during his tenure, in addition to numerous institutional research grants. He is a reviewer for numerous journals including editor for 20 years of Parasitology Research. Chobotar has numerous awards from Andrews University: two-time recipient of the Zapara Excellence in Teaching Award (’89 & ’94); the Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching Award (’01); the AUSA Teacher of the Year Award (’99); the J.N. Andrews Medallion (’96) and Excellence in Research Award (’77 & ’96).
David Steen,
Biology
Outgoing chair of the Department of Biology, has taught at Andrews for 26 years. Prior to Andrews, Steen taught at what was then Southern College for 12 years, most of those as chair of Biology and later head of the Science Division. Steen has served as chair of the Department of Biology since 2000. During his time as chair, the department has grown from approximately 100 biology majors to approximately 200 majors per school year. Steen has also served as Grand Marshal of Commencement weekend for several years.
Dr. Chobotar’s Parasitology class was the single best individual course I ever took – perfectly organized, very challenging, presented with grace and exquisite flare despite the humble (yet clever in their way!) and sometimes deeply revolting subjects. I still have photo- crisp images of some of those lab slides (eggs! flukes!) in my brain. I remember Dr. Chobotar as brilliant, funny, demanding yet merciful, and a fine cookie baker. Thanks!
Dr. Woodland opened wide doors to the natural world by exciting wonder and curiosity in his students. He carefully laid out the marvels of plant science, the intricacies of ecological systems and the importance of man’s role in the environment we all depend on. His kindness, humor, that easy grin and his enthusiasm for the beautiful green world of botany were inspiring and made learning a pleasure. Studying under his guidance and instruction was a privilege and an honor that I will always cherish.
Thank you for lessons in life, leadership and the life sciences.
“You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders; You raise me up…
To more than I can be”
With much affection, thanks and love. Your son
Jack Stout has been a wonderful neighbor. He has blessed us in a particularly biological way: as a pet- sitter for our son John Henri’s ten aquariums full of herps, insects, amphibians, and fish. He even branches out to mammals and walks our beagle for us at times. We know our “zoo” is in good hands when he helps us out! Sincerely, John and Christine Rorabeck Family
Everyday of our lives we come across many different people. Some we will forget, others we will faintly remember, however, there are few which we will vividly remember, in fact you will never forget. These are the people who live their lives like it should be lived, SIMPLE, SELFLESS and for OTHERS! People like this bring hope to your life and Dr Chobotar is one such person.
Dr Chobotar was more than just a teacher to me. He was dedicated, and always encouraged me and his students to press on despite the many obstacles we will face along the way. I took Histology, Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology from him and I can remember days when I was struggling in his class he would always encouraged me to press on, I can still hear him telling me, “Sonya you can do it.” Dr Chobotar did not just teach for teaching sake, he taught out of pure love and care for his students.
I remember when I was going to give up on applying to medical school, he called me in his office one day and said, “Sonya the road maybe rough but you have to fight to succeed…nothing in life is easy.” He had faith in me. He does not only encourage students at school but goes out of the way to call his students. I will never forget the summer when i was studying for my MCAT and my phone rang and it was Dr Chobotar on the line…just checking in on how things were going.
How can I forget his daily devotions! I am speaking of a man after God’s heart. He never started a class without devotions. Dr Chobotar, you are an inspiration and I just want to express my sincere gratitude for all that you have done for me….for always believing in me….for always encouraging me.
May God continue to bless you as you embark on your retirement. You have touched and changed my life and I’m quite sure the lives of many others.
I took classes from Stout, Woodland and Steen in the late 80′s. They all look so hale and happy. They don’t look like they’ve aged that much since then. Congrats on your retirements and good luck in your future endeavours. Hope those golden apples have real gold in them! You deserve it.
- Hugh K. Lee, DDS
Dear Dr. Steen.
You are such an inspiration to me. Being home- schooled all my life, you were one of my very first “teachers” and I admired the way you knew every one of your students and worked to bring out the best in every one of us. God entrusted you with so many lives throughout your years at Andrews University and I can’t wait ’til He comes back so you can truly see the impact you have made for Him.
I truly felt privileged to be under the tutelage of Dr. Chobot ar. He was very met hodical in t he manner in which he taught histology. I remember he always began each lesson with a devotional thought about the Creator and then taught about the intricate details of the tissues created. This simple but wise approach in instruction has left an indelible impression on me. Thank you Dr. Chobotar for using your gift in teaching in such an amazing way. Congratulations on your retirement, and may God continue to bless you tremendously!
Knowing Dennis has been a great pleasure. Living in Valparaiso Indiana, I sometimes felt alone as a botanist and plant lover. I enjoyed our trips, meetings, and his wonderful book. Please keep in touch, Dennis, as I am from the Seattle area, and may one day return for an extended visit at least and would love to get together with you. I envy those who had the chance to be your students!
I came to AU in 1973 as a Bio major. Bill Chobotar was assigned to be my adviser. From that first day I could see he had a real interest in me succeeding at my goals. I must say his advice was excellent but I didn’t listen well and overloaded my first quarter. I had the privilege to work with him in the very first transmission electron microscope class. It was so rewarding to work with a teacher who was excited with me as I explored the details of cellular structure. Well I had many fine teachers in bio; Dr’s Stout, Thorenson, Hare, and Ritland. I did graduate and went to LLU medicine. Thank You! But I learned later that it was usually the recommendation of Bill that help carry the admission committee. Thank you Bill! I have returned several times to AU and it is always a honor to visit in his office with Parasitology journals stacked to the ceiling and hearing his caring voice and seeing his smile. Once while I was sitting outside his office with the door open, I listened to him gently and patiently guide a student about their class choices for >30 min. He was so involved it was like she was his daughter. Finally I would like to thank Bill for calling me at home shortly after my father died 9 months ago. This is after I graduated 35 years ago. Thanks for everything Bill Chobotar, and may God bless you and your wife in the years to come! Dave Foote
What a privilege and blessing it was to experience worship every day in your microbiology class! I will always cherish your encouragement, your love for God, your love for your family, your passion for teaching, and the care you demonstrated for all your students (also through your amazing cooking skills!). You have truly blessed myself and my family~more than words can ever express.”Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3, NASB) God bless.
Dear David, On behalf of the Huron Valley Chapter of the Michigan Botanical Club, we would to thank you for all your great contributions, especially your many years as MBC Treasurer, to the MBC and botany/ecology in the area.
They have had great impact and reflect very well on Andrews University as well as feeding back into your teaching programs.
We also wish you the very best in your new life; however, we hope that you will find time to participate more and rediscover the tranquility that God intended by hardwiring us for innate love of nat ure.
Larry Noodén
President, Huron Valley Chapter, MBC Professor emeritus, UM-Biology EEB/MCDB
Dear Dennis, On behalf of the Huron Valley Chapter of the Michigan Botanical Club, we would to thank you for all your many great cont ribut ions t o t he MBC and botany/ecology in the area.
They have had great impact and reflect very well on Andrews University as well as feeding back into your teaching programs.
We also wish you the very best in your new life.
Larry Noodén
President, Huron Valley Chapter, MBC Professor emeritus, UM-Biology EEB/MCDB
Microbiology was my favorite class and Dr. Chobotar one of my favorite teachers. It is hard to pick out one thing from the class itself but I do remember the chocolate chip cookies. There have been times that I have wanted to go back and take the class again, just for the fun of it! :0) Thank you, Dr. Chobotar!
Dr Chobotar was my teacher and advisor as a student here at Andrews. Even though he was a flurry of activity between classes, he always had time to talk and listen. I was really cool having a professor that had parasites named after him! He was and is a great advocate of higher education and I appreciate all he has done for me and all the students’ lives he touched here at Andrews.
Dr Steen was one of my first professors that I took classes from in the Biology Department. It was early morning Foundations of Biology. I was always impressed with his memory of our names and his enthusiasm for teaching and Biology. I also remember his dedication to excellence and his efforts to encourage us to do our best also. Thanks so much.
Your spirit to help will always be remembered. My dad, Fred Brown, was ever so moved and touched at the effort that you and your staff made to help him not only get a copy of his Peru notes, but his original journal as well. Blessings for the next chapter in your life !
Dennis, Our thanks to you for sharing your knowledge and expertise over the years. We both have enjoyed field trips and other adventures with you. Having you and your students study Lyon’s lake and Nature’s Acres was a special highlight for us. Our best to you and your family. Jim and Lois Richmond
Dennis
Congratulations on your retirement. Although we understand the attractions of past history, botany, and family of the Northwest, we’re sorry to see you go. You were an asset to southwest Michigan. Enjoy a long and healthy retirement.
Richard Brewer and Katy Takahashi
Enjoyed your class, will miss you, and your great cookies!
Blessings- Jan
A great teacher and mentor during my graduate studies at Andrews. His love for nature and plant systematics provided an impressionable experience. Thank you and Congratulations.!
Dr. Chobotar played a major role in influencing the direction of academic career. He stimulated my love for parasitology and was the primary influence in my decision to pursue a PhD in Microbiology. I will always treasure his kindness, keen mind and friendship. Congratulations, Dr. Chobotar!
Dr Chobotar is a genuine teacher that really cares about his students. He truly exemplifies Christ in his every day life.
I learned not to ever look at a plant or a tree in a simplistic way. You have taught me deep appreciation for the plant world.
Thanks for your support especially during the defense of my thesis
There are not words to express my gratitude for all you have done for me. You have been an encouragement and inspiration to me as a professor, employer, father, and friend. I vividly remember how you brought biology alive for me during FB, taught me how to teach better, and tenderly helped me through the difficulties I have faced. I thank God for the privilege of knowing you and all the years I had the joy of learning from you. Congratulations on your retirement, and may God’s richest blessings attend you as you enter on this new stage of life!