Weekend Calendar
1:30–5 p.m.
Registration
Alumni House
2-5 p.m.
Wellness Lounge Open House
Campus Center 168
Stop by the university’s Wellness Lounge for a free body scan, short chair massage, updated sketches on the new Health & Wellness Center, a chat with the Director of University Health & Wellness, and more!
6 p.m.
Spirit of Philanthropy & Homecoming Banquet
Great Lakes Room, Campus Center
All alumni are invited to this premier Homecoming celebration. Enjoy some of Andrews’ signature dishes, including Sam’s chicken. The Alumni Association will do a roll call and members of the Class of 1967 will be inducted into the Golden Hearts Club. Honored Alumni will be presented with the Andrews University Alumni Association Medallion, recognizing their outstanding service to church and community.
8:30-10 a.m.
Women’s Scholarship Committee Brunch
Lincoln & Hoosier Rooms, Campus Center
RSVP required.
Featuring a presentation by Trevor O’Reggio, professor of church history in the seminary, titled “From Runaway Nun to Wife of Renegade Monk.” Trevor will speak on Katarina von Bora, the nun who married Martin Luther. This October will be the 500th anniversary of Luther nailing his 95 theses to the church door at Wittenberg.
8:30 a.m. Shotgun start
(7:30 a.m. registration)
Wes Christiansen Memorial Golf Outing
Harbor Shores Golf Club, St. Joseph, Michigan
RSVP required;
Entry fee: $105 regular, $50 AU students
Price includes 18 holes of scramble golf with cart, lunch and prizes. Support the Alumni Scholarship Fund while enjoying a morning of golf—Four Man/Woman Scramble. Course requirements are collared shirts, soft spikes and no denim pants or shorts. We’d like to thank the following main tournament sponsors: Kellogg Company, Allred Funeral Home, Villwocks Outdoor Living, PNC Bank, Randall Residence, Specialty Steel Treating, Inc, Ameriprise Financial.
Register to play here | Register to be a sponsor here
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wellness Lounge Open House
Campus Center 168
Stop by the university’s Wellness Lounge for a free body scan, short chair massage, updated sketches on the new Health & Wellness Center, a chat with the Director of University Health & Wellness, and more!
9 – 11 a.m.
Horn Archaeological Museum Tour
Horn Archaeological Museum
Take a tour of the Horn Archaeological Museum to hear updates on new renovations and exhibits.
10:30 a.m.
Campus Bus Tour
The bus will load at the Alumni House parking lot at 10 a.m.
Tour guide: Rebecca May (BA ’77)
Take a trip down memory lane, while being introduced to several new developments on campus. The tour will stop at the Horn Museum to see the ongoing renovations and help celebrate their Madaba Plains Project 50th anniversary!
12:30 p.m.
Tambunan Leadership Luncheon (Student Programming)
Lincoln Room, Campus Center
By special invitation, RSVP required
This event is hosted for current undergraduate Leadership students and provides an invaluable opportunity to learn and network with alumni professionals. This event is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Andrews alumni Tim (BBA ’90) and Ellen (MSMT ’80) Tambunan. Co-hosted by the Office of Alumni Services and the Undergraduate Leadership program.
1-4 p.m.
Homecoming Classic Car Show
Andrews Bookstore Parking Lot
Join us for this nostalgic third annual event, hosted by the Andrews University Bookstore. Plan to come and receive your coupon for a great opportunity and discount on Andrews gear and more.
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Madaba Plains Project Updates
Seminary Chapel
Attend this Madaba Plains Project 50-year celebration event to hear updates on Tall Hisban (LaBianca), Tall al-Umayri (Clark/Herr) and Tall Jalul (Younker). There will be opportunity for audience participation in questions and answers, and it will be a reunion for former diggers, their families, friends and sponsors.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Madaba Plains Project Reunion
Seminary Commons
The Lawrence T. Geraty Community Archaeology Endowment will be presented by Øystein LaBianca at this reception for former diggers and their families, friends and sponsors.
5 p.m.
30th Annual Homecoming Parade
Viewing bleachers curbside, between the Howard & Seminary buildings
Lineup for entries begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Andrews Academy parking lot, and parade ends at the PMC parking lot.
Come out and watch the pageantry of the creative floats, marching bands and fire trucks as they move through campus during this harvest themed parade. Awardees will compete for $700 in total prize money. Entrants will be judged based on creativity, quality and school spirit. The Sammy Arepas food truck will be on-site with vegetarian Latin food offerings, so don’t forget to bring some cash! Parade awards ceremony directly follows.
Departments and entities wanting to participate can register here
6:30 p.m.
International Flag Raising Ceremony
Flag Mall
Our campus is world-renowned for the way it reflects the international composition of our world church. This annual ceremony provides a beautiful portrayal of our global family. If you have international attire, please wear it proudly! You are also invited to march with us in the preceding parade. Call 269-471-3345 to sign up.
7:30 p.m.
University Vespers
Pioneer Memorial Church
José Bourget (BA ’03)
Join us for a special We Care Alumni Vespers featuring the University Singers, Journey Ministries, Deliverance Mass Choir, and archaeology faculty, along with Chaplain José Bourget. Through word, history and choral music we explore God’s care for us. You’ll also have an opportunity to give an offering to support disaster relief efforts and operation campus care.
8:45 p.m.
Impact Vespers
Burman Hall Chapel
9 & 11:45 a.m.
The Church at Worship
Pioneer Memorial Church
Speaker: David K. Ferguson (AS ’87, BA ’87, MA ’90)
Sermon: A Bag of Chips
Scripture: Luke 17:5-6
10 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.
One Place
Newbold Auditorium, Buller Hall
Denis Fortin (MDIV ‘86)
Topic: John 6
10:30 a.m.
Sabbath School
Pioneer Memorial Church
Presented by the Class of 1967.
12 p.m.
BSCF Alumni Worship Service and New Life Church
Howard Performing Arts Center
Speaker: Michael T. Nixon, vice president for Diversity & Inclusion
Theme: Connected through Story
Michael Nixon will be sharing his story from being a student to alumni to faculty of Andrews University.
Honored Alumni: Provost Christon Arthur
1 p.m.
Class Reunion Luncheon Buffets
Dining Services, Campus Center
Luncheon pricing: $9.81 for dine-in, $10.87 for carry-out.
Senior citizen pricing: $9.01 for dine-in.
Child (ages 6-12) pricing: $7.53 for dine-in.
Meal cards may be purchased ahead of time at the Dining Services office, or pay with debit/credit card (no cash) as you go through line.
Class of 1957: Badger Room, Campus Center
Class of 1967: Lincoln Room, Campus Center
Class of 1977: Hoosier Room, Campus Center
2 p.m.
Department of Public Health, Nutrition & Wellness International Cuisine Potluck
Third Floor, Marsh Hall
A potluck luncheon for alumni of the Department of Public Health, Nutrition & Wellness.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Madaba Plains Project Reunion Event
Seminary Chapel
Randall Younker: “The Spade Confirms the Book Revisited” followed by a response by Lawrence T. Geraty.
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Madaba Plains Project Reunion Reception
The Seminary Commons
3–5 p.m.
Museums and Open Houses
You are encouraged to explore campus and to check out your former department. Some buildings you may remember and others may be new to you. The following areas, among others, will be open.
Architecture Resource Center, Architecture Building
Biology Open House, Bill Chobotar Student Commons, 2nd Floor, Price Hall, Science Complex
Crayon Box Children’s Learning Center, Lower Level, Marsh Hall
Department of History & Political Science, Suite 135, First Floor, Buller Hall
Natural History Museum, 108B Price Hall, Science Complex
Kingman Observatory Open House, Robert & Lillis Kingman Observatory
Ruth Murdoch Elementary School, 8885 Garland Ave.
4–6 p.m.
Class Reunion Photos
Howard Performing Arts Center
4:00 Golden Hearts Club (1967 and earlier)
4:30 Class of 1947
4:40 Class of 1957
4:50 Class of 1967
5:00 Class of 1977
5:20 Class of 1987
5:30 Class of 1992
5:40 Class of 1997
5:50 Class of 2007
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Harvest Tours
The wagon will load at the Alumni House backyard. Tours will depart every half-hour.
Climb on board and join the wagon tour as it meanders around the orchards and farm. We ask that an adult accompanies small children. In case of rain, the Harvest Tour will be canceled. Please note: Outdoor activities of these kinds can be hazardous and carry some risk of injury. I mindfully accept the responsibilities of my participation/that of my child.
6 p.m.
Harvest Picnic
Alumni House backyard
Parking is available behind the Science Complex, with additional parking at Chan Shun Hall and Howard Performing Arts Center.
Join us for this family favorite Homecoming tradition. Whether it’s under the big tent or sitting around the crackling campfire and roasting s’mores, enjoy fellowship and a light haystack supper.
8 p.m.
Alumni Homecoming Gala
Howard Performing Arts Center
This is a complimentary concert featuring the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Claudio Gonzalez, and Wind Symphony, conducted by Byron Graves. We welcome guest pianist Wen-Ting Ong. Wen-Tin graduated from Andrews University with her BMus in 2011, and now works at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and at the Boston Ballet. A dessert reception will be held after the program.
9 p.m.
Alumni vs. Students Basketball Game
Johnson Gymnasium
The Cardinal basketball teams will make their debut as they compete against alumni teams. Be sure to come and cheer your team on. Andrews Cardinal T-shirts and Alumni foam fingers will be available as supplies last.
8-9:30 a.m.
School of Education Alumni Breakfast
Rooms 013 and 015, Bell Hall
Hosted by the Department of Teaching, Learning & Curriculum (TLC) and the Education Club (ELT). Come see Bell Hall and enjoy a delicious breakfast with fellow graduates from the School of Education
7:30-11 a.m.
Aviation Annual Fly-In Drive-In Pancake Breakfast
Andrews University Airpark
Adults $7 | Children aged 10 and under $3
Breakfast will be served until 11 a.m.
The Andrews University Airpark invites pilots and non-pilots alike to come out for this annual event. Come for a hearty pancake breakfast in one of our large hangars. Stay to check out the interesting aircraft or vehicles that show up. Learn about the services available to pilots and their aircraft as you see the airport facilities and check out our fleet of planes.
9 a.m.
Harvest Run 5K/10K and 1 Mile Walk
Alumni House (parking available at Andrews Academy parking lot)
(Registration and packet pick-up from 8-8:45 a.m.)
Pricing:
On-site/Regular pricing: $27 (Current AU Students and children 12 and under $17)
1-M Walk: $12 (Early/On-site registration)
***T-shirt guaranteed to those registered before September 15, 2017***
Come enjoy the beautiful views of Andrews University’s central campus and (for the 10k) challenging forest trails. Run past iconic scenes such as the J.N. Andrews sculpture, the entrance globe and ULC arch.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Health and Fitness Expo
Johnson Gymnasium
Learn about health and fitness information in a fun and interactive way at the free Health and Fitness Expo. Alumni, students, faculty/staff, community members and families are all welcome – there will be something for everyone! We will be offering mini workouts, cooking demos, nutrition information, games, local health service information, hearing screens, rock wall climbing, information about other opportunities on the Andrews University campus and more. The first 200 participants will receive a reusable shopping bag with goodies from our participating sponsors. All participants who complete a sheet of participation (given at the start point in Johnson Gym) will be able to enter into a drawing for a variety of health and fitness related prizes.
Making your stay for Homecoming a great experience is possible with more than 20+ lodging options near the Andrews University Campus.
A range of accommodations are offered on-campus including a full-service cafeteria and a visitors center located on the first floor of the Integrated Marketing & Communication building.
Guest Services also offers campus tours to families, individuals and groups. You may arrange a tour by calling 269-471-3360 or by email to Guest Services.
When arriving at Andrews, please stop by the Campus Safety Office to obtain your free visitors parking permit.
2017 Honored Alumni
Christon Arthur currently serves as provost of Andrews University. Prior to becoming provost, he served as dean of the Andrews University School of Graduate Studies & Research since 2010, and associate provost for faculty policy and development since 2012.
Christon was born and raised in St. George’s, Grenada. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in theology from Caribbean Union College (now University of the Southern Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago) in 1989 and three graduate degrees from Andrews University: a master’s degree in education in 1995; an EdS in curriculum & instruction in 1998 and a PhD in educational administration in 2000. He also completed postgraduate training at Harvard University’s Institute for Management and Leadership in Education.
Prior to employment at Andrews University, Christon served as an associate dean and associate professor within the College of Education at Tennessee State University (Nashville), and also as an acting and interim department head of education administration. He joined the faculty at TSU in 2001, teaching educational administration. During his tenure, he mentored undergraduate and graduate students in the research process. His mentorship led to his students co-presenting at conferences and co-authoring peer-reviewed publications. Christon was named “Researcher of the Year” for the Department of Educational Administration in 2002–03 and the university’s “Teacher of the Year” in 2004–05. Prior to working in higher education, Christon spent 12 years teaching at Grenada Seventh-day Adventist Comprehensive School.
He has led several notable funded research projects, including $11,000 annually for development and implementation of a peer-reviewed journal in the College of Education at TSU and $35,000 annually to work collaboratively with TSU Extension and Bridges Academy to integrate technology into the curriculum. He has also contributed scholarly research articles to numerous publications and delivered dozens of scholarly presentations.
Christon has been actively involved in several professional organizations and councils including the Tennessee State Board of Education Advisory Council and the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation. He also holds professional memberships in several organizations such as the American Educational Research Association and the Regents Academic Leadership Institute.
Christon loves reading, spending time with his wife, Carmelita, and 17-year-old son, Christon Arthur Jr. (CJ), entertaining friends and traveling. He claims the most beautiful spot he has visited is Cape Town, South Africa.
Reflecting on his experience at Andrews, Christon says, “I believe it is important for us to have individuals in our lives who believe in us more than we believe in ourselves. We all have moments when we feel down or uninspired and it is especially at those moments that the people who believe in us step forward and rekindle us with inspiration, remind us of our purpose, and help us reveal our best qualities. While at Andrews University, I was surrounded by such persons. Andrews gave me more than an excellent graduate education; it gave me self-belief. Because of that experience, I live my life with a debt that I owe to the next generation.”
Larry Herr grew up in the Chicago area, graduating from Broadview Academy in 1965 and Andrews University with a BA in theology in 1970, taking as many courses at the Seminary from archaeologist Siegfried Horn as he could during his last undergraduate year.
After spending a year at the University of Basel in Switzerland to learn German, he enrolled in the PhD program at Harvard University in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, focusing on archaeology. His dissertation was on the development of writing among the small nations of the Holy Land and how those inscriptions could be categorized as national scripts during the time of the Israelite kings of the Old Testament. He also became a specialist in the ways in which pottery changed over time. He graduated in 1977 with a PhD and married Denise Dick (BA ’71) a few days later.
After a year at Andrews University researching the archaeological results of the Heshbon excavations that had just finished in Jordan, Larry and Denise accepted a call to spend six years as missionaries teaching in the seminary and graduate school of what is now called the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies near Manila, the Philippines. There he taught Old Testament subjects, archaeology, and biblical languages, while organizing the technical recordkeeping aspects of the new Adventist archaeological excavations which began near Heshbon in Jordan in 1984.
Both Larry and Denise then received appointments at Canadian University College (now Burman University) where they began teaching in 1985, elatedly moving from the tropics to Alberta in January. Larry has been known to quip: “Heaven will NOT be tropical!” They immediately felt at home there and have stayed ever since with Larry teaching in the Religious Studies department for 30 years. During that time, he has produced 166 peer-reviewed scholarly articles, 18 major books authored or edited, 50 popular articles on archaeology for church periodicals, and 17 scholarly book reviews. He has given 86 papers at professional conferences and almost 250 popular lectures in churches, schools and camp meetings. Larry has taken part in 30 archaeological excavations in Jordan, Israel and Tunisia, most as director or ceramic consultant.
He is a lifetime member of his professional organization, the American Schools of Oriental Research, and has served that organization as the chair of several committees, on editorial boards, and for 17 years has been the associate editor of the Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, the most prestigious journal in his field. He also served as president of the Canadian wing of that organization for nine years. He has published six major volumes reporting the Adventist excavations in Jordan which he directed between 1984 and 1998; two more have been completed over the last two years and are in press; he has plans to finish three more over the next three years.
He enjoys several hobbies, such as classical and jazz music, family histories, travel, and outdoor activities.
Fred is the Chief Executive Officer of Kettering Health Network (KHN) with full responsibility for the corporate activities of Kettering Health Network hospital system’s eight hospitals and their affiliates, as well as KHN joint ventures. Kettering Health Network includes: Charles F. Kettering Memorial Hospital, Sycamore Medical Center, Kettering Behavioral Medicine Center, Grandview Medical Center,
Southview Hospital, Greene Memorial Hospital, Soin Medical Center and Fort Hamilton Hospital. Previously he was the Chief Operating Officer of Kettering Health Network. Fred has over 40 years of healthcare experience including serving as President of Kettering Medical Center from 2001-2009.
Fred is a member of The Dayton Rotary, Dayton Development Coalition, Kettering Health Network Board, The Kettering Medical Center Foundation Board, Kettering College Board, Grandview Medical Center Board, Kettering Medical Center Board, Greene Memorial Hospital, Soin Medical Center and Fort Hamilton Hospital Boards, in addition to the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association, is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Andrews University Board of Directors, It Is Written Board, Voice of Prophecy, Adventist Development and Relief Agency Board, and is active in the Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church.
He holds a Master’s of Science in Public Health from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Fred and his wife, Mary Kaye, have been married for 43 years. They have two adult married children and six grandchildren.
Dr. Walter Thompson, MD, (BA ’57) served as a Physician and Surgeon for over 50 years before retiring in 2013. Dr. Thompson arrived at Andrews University (at that time called Emmanuel Missionary College), cashless, in early June of 1952. He immediately began work at College Wood Products where he was given a hammer and put to work assembling drawers for desks and chests before beginning his pre-medicine studies. Dr. Thompson continued to work his way through college with a year off to maintain the family farm, a job with long hours in the cafeteria bakery, and summers spent laying brick and blocks in the community. Dr. Thompson and his wife, Avonne, arrived at Loma Linda School of Medicine in 1957, debt free!
Dr. Thompson completed his rotating internship at Hinsdale Sanitarium and Hospital (1961-1962), before traveling to Guam Mission clinic at Guam Memorial Hospital in the Marianas Islands where he stayed until 1964. After returning from Guam, Dr. Thompson worked in General Practice at the Battle Creek Sanitarium and Hospital in Battle Creek, MI (1964-1968). Dr. Thompson went on to complete a residency in General Surgery at Loma Linda University-affiliated hospitals in California (1968-1972) before receiving his certifications of the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Family Medicine in 1972. He received his Emergency Medicine Board Certification in 1975.
With these impressive credentials and experiences, Dr. Thompson was well-equipped for his following positions at Hinsdale Sanitarium and Hospital in Hinsdale, IL, where he practiced from 1972-2000, and as a Surgical consultant and outpatient surgeon at Lawndale Christian Health Center in Chicago, IL (1972-2013). He worked at several other hospitals in the Chicago during his career, including Bethany Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Cook County Hospital where he served as Family Practice teaching chief. Upon his retirement, Dr. Thompson continued to volunteer at Open Arms Free Clinic in Elkhorn, Wisconsin in 2013.
Dr. Thompson served on the Board of Directors for multiple notable organizations, including Your Story Hour, It Is Written, Hinsdale Hospital, Christian Lifestyle Medicine, and the Illinois SDA Conference. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Three Angels Broadcasting Network from 1997-2011.
Dr. Thompson is currently a member of the American College of Surgeons and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. In 2000, he became a Life Member in the National Registry of Who’s Who. Dr. Thompson has written several professional papers such as the Emergency Surgery of the Colon with Resection and Primary Anastomosis, published in the Journal of Advocate Care, Vol. 1, No. 2, Fall, 1999, and he has authored fifteen published books.
A passion for mission is evident from Dr. Thompson’s multiple mission trips in places including Haiti, Russia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Brazil, Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Cuba, and Poland, where he gave general and surgical health care and lectured on preventative health.
Dr. Thompson and Avonne have two children, Gregory and Cynthia.
Carrie VanDenburgh, soprano, is a California native who grew up in a musical family, studying piano and violin from an early age. Although she loved to sing and grew up singing in choirs, she never thought it was something she would pursue until her high school choir teacher gave her a solo. Following her graduation from high school, Carrie studied with Dr. Genevieve Kibble at Pacific Union College for two years before transferring to Andrews University to study under the tutelage of Mr. Stephen Zork. Carrie completed her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance in 2000 and obtained her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance in 2002, both from Andrews University.
Carrie has been the soloist for Bach’s Magnificat, John Rutter’s Gloria, Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Laudate Dominum, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Ramirez’s Misa Criolla, played a role in the musical Godspell, and was Julie in the musical Carousel and Marian Paroo in The Music Man with the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. VanDenburgh was also a winner in the Young Artist Competition at Andrews University, 2000 and 2001.
She has taught at Bridgman High School as the choral director and at Lake Michigan College where she taught aural comprehension, music theory, and voice lessons.
Currently, Carrie VanDenburgh is presently serving her eighth year as the choir teacher at Berrien Springs Middle and High School, where she teaches six ensembles. Her choirs continually receive Excellent ratings at the district and state levels. She is also the Choir Director at Harbert Community Church. She is also part of The Three Divas of Southwest Michigan a group that uses their background in opera, musical theatre and jazz to entertain the Southwest Michigan area.
Carrie lives in St. Joseph with her amazing and supportive husband, David VanDenburgh, her two boys Jakob and Joshua, and their dog Marlow. She also loves and enjoys the beauty of Lake Michigan and her and her family enjoy sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on Lake Michigan.
