FALL 1998 THE ANDREWS UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE VOL. 34, NO. 4 FOCUSFOCUSs s
30 years in Jordan Andrews archaeologists still dig Heshbon
HOME SCHOOLING s +!9!+ +)$3 s 3#(/,!23()0 !.$ 2%$%-04)/. IN FOCUS ......
Andrews’ day in the sun pending a summer at the Heshbon archaeological excava- impact Andrews has had on the local community and on the state tion site in Jordan has been one of my goals as long as I’ve of archaeology in Jordan. Professor Seigfried Horn would have been associated with Andrews. So, early in June when my been proud too. friend Sten LaBianca from the behavioral sciences depart- Sment said I should join the crew this summer to cover the 30th anniversary of Andrews work at Heshbon, I ur other features focus on life closer to cam- jumped at the chance. So we take our FOCUS ...... pus. For a few years now I’ve been some- readers on location in this issue. what nonplussed by several friends’ deci- Although I didn’t spend the entire summer—I sion to home-school their children. This was there only a week—I had the time of my life. Otrend has caught on nationally—even I assisted at Heshbon by writing news releases for Newsweek has featured the phenomenon. Veteran the local media about the celebration ceremony writer Chris Carey takes a careful look at home- and by writing text for the various signs placed schooling and its unique effect in the Andrews along the self-guided tour trails. And on the community. morning of the ceremony, I helped out on the guffa President Andreasen’s address at this fall’s line (a dusty Heshbon version of the bucket bri- convocation service struck a special chord with gade!) when last-minute preparations required the students and faculty. He explores the connec- rebuilding one last stone wall for the Heshbon tion between scholarship and redemption, a ten- reconstruction project. Check out the photo of me sion that informs our daily lives in Christian aca- and Andrews student Lisa Good lugging guffa- demia. loads of sand and gravel! On a much different note, Jack Stenger chroni- But it wasn’t all work at Heshbon. I enjoyed see- cles the adventures of two intrepid undergrads ing the sights around the Madaba Plains with who dared to kayak across Lake Michigan. Niels-Erik Andreasen and Larry Geraty, president Storm-tossed and bug-bitten, Olen Netteburg
of La Sierra University (and old pro at getting Prest photo bySharon and Krystian Zygowiec paddled their way—a bit around in Jordan). Larry’s familiarity with Arabic off-course—to the Sunset Coast (after sunset, and the lay of the land in Jordan provided an however) of Berrien County. You’ll find their excellent opportunity to get acquainted with this I was proud to see the exploits interesting. exotic and intriguing country. I’ll always remem- We’re also happy to feature a high school stu- ber our full-day trip down to Petra, where ancient impact Andrews has had on the dent in “At Random.” I met Amber Mihm at the stone-cutters chiseled fabulous facades into the Leadership Outing for Lake Union academy stu- rose-red-colored rock canyon walls and where the local community and on the state dents in October when I made a presentation on Children of Israel undoubtedly trekked about so of archaeology in Jordan. school newspapers. Amber is the editor of the many centuries ago. On our day at Petra, Larry student newspaper at Great Lakes Adventist took us off the beaten track of tourist walkways Academy; she offers her reactions to this quar- and into the sun-baked wilderness. I came away ...... ter’s College Days for high school seniors. from my day at Petra with new understanding of I want to note, in addition, how much I appre- “wandering in the wilderness.” And it was in ciate the volunteer efforts of Professor Emerita Petra where I took the picture of the two camels on the cover. Leona Running to proofread each issue of Focus before it goes to On Friday, July 31, I listened and watched with pride as various press. Her sharp eye and command of usage and mechanics—to speakers at the 30th-anniversary ceremony spoke of the strong say nothing of her working knowledge of the institution—com- commitment Andrews University has made to the archaeological bine to keep us looking good in print. (But if you do find a typo, work in Jordan. It was especially gratifying to hear Jordan’s you can bet we made it after Dr. Running checked our copy!) Prince Raad (first cousin to King Hussein) relive his own adven- tures working at the Heshbon site incognito. As we sat on the —Douglas A. Jones (MA ’80) dust-blown summit of the tell, in the ruins of an ancient Christian FOCUS editor chapel, under a very hot sun, I was proud to see the profound THE ANDREWS UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
...... CONTENTS FOCUS Fall 1998 s Volume 34, Number 4 FEATURES ...... EDITOR Douglas A. Jones (MA ’80) HOME SCHOOLING AND WHY ...... 10 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Tapping into a national trend, some Andrews families choose Jack Stenger, Campus Rebecca May (BA ’77), Alumni to teach their children at home EDITORIAL ASSISTANT by Chris Carey Patricia Spangler WRITERS Rochelle Consignado SCHOLARSHIP AND REDEMPTION ...... 15 Tonya Hippler PHOTOGRAPHERS President Niels-Erik Andreasen’s Convocation Address Jeremy Russell Jack Stenger delivered to the students, faculty and staff of Andrews University, October 9, 1998, in Pioneer Memorial Church THE UNIVERSITY by Niels-Erik Andreasen
0RESIDENT Niels-Erik Andreasen (MA ’65, BD ’66) 6ICE 0RESIDENTS FOR !CADEMIC !DMINISTRATION Patricia B. Mutch (BS ’65) THIRTY YEARS AT HESHBON ...... 18 5NIVERSITY !DVANCEMENT David A. Faehner (MA ’72) 3TUDENT 3ERVICES Newton Hoilette (MA ’75, EdD ’79) &INANCIAL !DMINISTRATION Edward E. Wines On location at the archaeological site in Jordan by Douglas Jones
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
0RESIDENT Connie Green (AS ’79, BS ’94) KAYAK ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN...... 26 6ICE 0RESIDENT Robert Cochran (BA ’73) )MMEDIATE 0AST 0RESIDENT Paul Hamel (DP ’40, BA ’48) $IRECTOR OF !LUMNI !FFAIRS Rebecca May (BA ’77) Two Andrews undergrads brave thunderstorm and
FOCUS ADVISORY BOARD swarming flies to successfully cross the lake in kayaks
Nancy Carter (BS ’74), R. William Cash (PhD ’90), by Jack Stenger Linda Closser (BA ’80, MA ’81), Gregory Constantine (BA ’60), Sharon Dudgeon (MMus ’86), Paul Hamel (DP ’40, BA ’48), Tami Martinez (AS ’92, BA ’93), Marjorie Snyder (DP ’50), Randal Wisbey (MDiv ’84)
FOCUS (ISSN 1077-9345) is published quarterly, free of charge, for alumni and friends of Andrews University, an institution owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The maga- zine’s address is FOCUS, Public Relations, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-1000. Copyright 1998 by Andrews University. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. Periodicals postage paid at Berrien DEPARTMENTS Springs, Mich., and at additional mailing offices...... POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FOCUS, Alumni Affairs Office, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0950. In Focus ...... 2 Class Notes ...... 29 Calendar ...... 4 Photo Album ...... 32 %DITORS /FFICE DOUGLAS ANDREWSEDU Letters ...... 5 Life Stories...... 34 !LUMNI 3ERVICES /FFICE ALUMNI ANDREWSEDU Campus Update ...... 6 At Random ...... 38 WWWANDREWSEDU Alumni News ...... 28 Photo Album ...... 39 ...... CALENDAR ......
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&ORECAST A FLURRY OF FALL FINALS 2ESPECT AND REFLECTION Martin Exams are set for Dec. 13 to 16. Luther King, Jr. birthday. Classes cancelled Monday, Jan. 18. #REATIVE !RTS &A LA LA LA LA—Christmas holidays &ESTIVAL begin Dec. 17 and continue through 7EEK OF 3PIRITUAL %MPHASIS CELEBRATES CREATIVITY IN THIS Jan. 4—LA LA LA LA John Nixon, senior pastor of Oakwood TH ANNUAL CAMPUS WIDE College Church. Jan. 19 to 22. 10:30 am EVENT 'ALLERY OPENINGS .EW 9EARS RESOLUTION and 7 pm. PMC. Call Campus LECTURES CONCERTS DRAMA 2EGISTER FOR CLASSES Winter term Ministries at 616-471-3211 for informa- &EB registration is slated for Monday, Jan. tion. 4., from 8 am to 7 pm. Classes begin Calvin Miller, author of The Jan. 5 for most programs. !RCHITECTURE LECTURES The Singer and other poetry and Division of Architecture Lecture Series. inspirational books, delivers the !RT 'ALLERY Third Annual *AN Richard Economakis, “From annual Staley Lectureship. Invitational Exhibition of Palermo to ‘The Art of Building Cities’/ Feb. 23, 10:30 am. PMC. Contemporary Ceramics. Jan. 4-Feb. 2. Relegitimizing Traditional Architecture in Andrews University Student the Late 20th Century” &EB Edward Chinese finger paintings of Tan Exhibition of juried works. Feb. 4-19. Noonan, “Love and Death in Tsao Sui-Lan. Exhibit opening Gallery hours are M-Th 8am to 6 pm, Architecture” &EB Margaret and artist’s demonstration. Feb. F 8 am to 12:30 pm—or call 616-471- Derwent Ketcham, “Painting and 23, 7 pm. Art Center gallery. 3529 for an appointment. Architecture.” !LL LECTURES ARE AT PM IN THE $IVISION OF !RCHITECTURE Linda Pastan, author of Carnival /RGAN CONCERT Dr. Kenneth Logan, !MPHITHEATER AND ARE FREE AND OPEN Evening: New and Selected Poems, associate professor of music, performs TO THE PUBLIC 1968-1998. Feb. 25, 7 pm. Place to at Pioneer Memorial Church, Jan. 15, at be announced. 7:30 pm for Friday Festival of Faith. 3NOWFLAKES AND SAND DOLLARS AUSA/SA Winter Beach Party, Jan. 23, Wind Symphony concert. Feb. 8 pm, Johnson Gym. 26, 7:30 pm. PMC.
-ISSION %MPHASIS 7EEK Jan. Brown Bag concerts in the James 25-30. Various speakers and activities. White Library, noon hours, Call Campus Ministries at 616-471-3211 M-Th. for information. #ALL FOR h,ET "ROTHERLY ,OVE #ONTINUEv INFORMATION Black History Weekend. Feb. 12-14. Sabbath morning speakers: Ifeoma I. Kwesi, senior pastor of Palo Alto, Calif., SDA church, at 8:30 and Anthony Pascal, Southern California or more information Conference, at 11:20 am. PMC. Additional events to be held through- Fabout these and out the month. For information, call other events at Dr. Joseph Warren at 616-471-3168. Andrews University, 0RESIDENTS (OLIDAY Classes please call “Untitled” by Jeremy Russell cancelled Monday, Feb. 15. 1-800-253-2874.
4 FOCUS s FALL 1998 ...... LETTERS ......
...... PHOTO ALBUM UPDATE Second row, from left in front is Purden HAPPY ABOUT HOSTAS ...... Lausten; 3rd row, 3rd from end, Lillian ...... I must send a correction to a picture Johnson Swartz; 4th row, from left, num- What a refreshing and interesting in the last issue (“Photo Album” ber 3, Marion Francisco; 5th row from article in the summer issue of FOCUS. Summer 1998, page 23). It was taken in left, number 1, Betty Kirkland-Neufeld; The “Hosta Takeover”article about the 1928 or 1929 when I was taking the 5th row from left, number 2, Ruth Streeters’ garden in Baroda, Mich., was two-year normal course. This was our Harding Harrison; 5th row from left, last as inspiring as it was beautiful. Being a gym class in middy blouses and person, Anita Herrmann Spaulding; 6th resident of Berrien County myself, a bloomers. row from left, number one, Marian Krater bit of a closet gardener, and the proud The teacher on the left was Mrs. Klingbeil; 6th row from the left, number owner of one variety of hostas, I was Butterfield and her helper on the right 3, Lavina Videte Benjamin. mesmerized by the article. was Rena Eby. I was the last person in I was at Andrews for my 50th-year I can certainly see why Madeline back of the last row on the right. Irene reunion in 1983. In my day we knew Johnston has recently been published everybody! Attendance was around in Popular Photography magazine. She 400. I’m glad I went there then. took breath-taking, colorful pictures of the hostas and of the many secret Marian Klingbeil (DP ’30, BA ’33) “rooms” throughout the gardens. Carmichael, California What a pleasurable and delightful ...... assignment for her! Thank you for taking time to feature The setting for the Physical Culture such a fascinating Andrews couple class is just south and a bit west of old and their accomplishments. Birch Hall. The sidewalk runs in front of Birch Hall and to the front of the old Gloria Hippler (BS ’77) Ad Building with the bell tower. The Berrien Springs first building in back and slightly to Forquer-Claflin was in front of me, but the left of center is the old Home SUMMER ISSUE APPRECIATED I don’t remember all the others. Economics building, and the building ...... to its right is the old elementary train- We were on the lawn between the Thanks for the summer 1998 issue of ing school. old Ad Building and the girls’ dorm. Focus. My husband Tatsuo and I I started formal classes there—train- The Home Ec building and the enjoyed it very much. We both gradu- ing school—in 1928 behind those win- Normal-Elementary school were in ated from EMC. back of us. The water tower shows dows which you see in the photo. Grace Harrison was my teacher. Some faintly on the left. Mary Nazaki Kimura (’47) of my classmates were Gordon Ventura, Calif. Wilma Titus (DP ’29) Scribner, who lives near Berrien yet, Keene, Texas John Carr, and June Marsh...... The old sun dial was moved and put ,ETTERS TO FOCUS ARE WELCOME AND SHOULD ...... just south of Birch Hall between a split BE SENT TO %DITOR &OCUS /FFICE OF 5NIVER Yes, this picture of ’27, ’28 or ’29 is sidewalk. It was a good spot to stop SITY 2ELATIONS !NDREWS 5NIVERSITY familiar to me, I being in the pictured and chat, when the days weren’t too "ERRIEN 3PRINGS -) OR BY class—number one on the far right hot and sticky, or too cold and frigid. E MAIL TO DOUGLAS ANDREWSEDUv WITH side. h,ETTER TO FOCUS %DITORv ON THE SUBJECT Our main teacher was Mrs. Mable George Huffaker (BS ’65, MA ’75) LINE 4HE EDITORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT Butterfield (left front). Her assistant Muscatine, Iowa FOR CONTENT STYLE AND SPACE /PINIONS EXPRESSED IN LETTERS ARE NOT NECESSARILY was Rena Eby Robinson (right center). SHARED BY THE EDITORS OR UNIVERSITY I can’t remember all the names at 90 OFFICERS years, but I know some of them: ......
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 5 CAMPUS UPDATE ......
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Net ’98 transforms world of an Adventist college in Berrien ties and Gen X credentials, they quickly and Andrews campus Springs, Mich. The voices of the became minor celebrities on campus. University Singers and Deliverance Choir. The guitar music of contempo- To understand the scope of Net ’98, rary Christian group Plan C. Music pro- maybe a little math is in order. Six con- fessor Ken Logan on the Casavant pipe tinents, 100-plus countries, 40 languag- organ and PMC pastor Dwight Nelson. es, 12 satellite feeds, 25 broadcast “If I had thought about all the people who were watching, I probably would have been even more nervous than I was,” said Kelley Wilson, a junior English major who performed several times for the campaign. photo by Richard Dower photo by Richard юјіћєȱȱќіћѡDZ Dwight Nelson, PMC senior pastor, delivered 31 messages.
“Every day I would have someone say to me in class: ‘I can’t believe you said that last night!’” Burr said. While the banks of floodlights and TV cameras meant the excitement of the photo by Richard Dower photo by Richard “NeXt Millennium Seminar” was most ієȱѣђћѡDZ Crowds filled Pioneer Memorial obvious in the church sanctuary, per- Church on a five-night-a-week basis. haps the bigger drama was taking place
technicians, five cameras, 22 floodlights, Dower photo by Richard in the basement. It was there that a 1500 host site volunteers, 31 programs, ѡюџȱќѤђџDZȱStudents Shasta Burr and team translated Nelson’s messages into 7,600 sites, millions of potential viewers. Bernie Anderson warm up the crowd. Mandarin Chinese, French, German, All together it equaled a global adven- Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese ture event that brought the Adventist But as ubiquitous as Andrews people and 33 other languages ranging from message to a world audience—and that were in front of the cameras, they were Afrikaans to Zulu. Curious crowds held the Andrews campus in its thrall. equally prominent behind the scenes. flocked to hear the train-like roar of The five-week span, Oct. 9 to Nov. 14, University employees and students voices and to experience a modern-day will be a defining event in the lives of filled in as camera operators, ushers, Pentecost moment similar to the disci- many college students. It was a five- children’s ministry coordinators, park- ples’ polyglot address to crowds in night-a-week whirlwind, and an event ing lot attendants, row hosts, song lead- Jerusalem. not to be missed. ers and greeters. All told, more than The challenge of staffing the translat- “This thing was too big, too important 1500 individuals filled in during the ing team underscored how providential and too unique an opportunity to not five-week campaign. the university’s selection as Net ’98 host take advantage of,” said Ehren Turner, a “No matter how big or small the job, site was. More than half of the 39 trans- junior elementary education major. everyone did it with the same great atti- lators were Andrews students or staff. “You just felt like history was being tude in mind,” said Skip MacCarty, Perhaps Nelson put it best: “Years made.” His part in history was three PMC associate pastor. from now, we will call this series a ‘God nights a week teaching 8-to-10-year-olds Perhaps the best known volunteers moment,’ a time when He was at work in a religious education class. were students Bernie Anderson and around the globe—and at work on this During the “NeXt Millennium Shasta Burr. On a nightly basis, the tele- campus as never before.” Seminar,” millions of viewers from genic series hosts warmed up site audi- around the globe got their first view of ences with a unique brand of unscripted Adventism, and much of this view was banter. Chosen for their fresh personali-
6 FOCUS s FALL 1998 CAMPUS UPDATE ......
...... Andrews masters of social One of the selling points of the work program accredited Andrews master’s degree is its overtly Seminary faculty address Christian orientation that drives the cur- women’s ordination ricula, Pittman said. “We have done Sharon Pittman was recruited to what few said could be done. We kept Will a new book by Andrews faculty Andrews in 1996 to establish a master’s our Christian focus and still became members signal a shift in Adventist degree program and then get it accredit- strongly accredited.” opinion toward women’s ordination? ed. In fall 1998, the professor A career social work educa- Women in Ministry: Biblical and of social work got the news tor, Pittman came from the Historical Perspectives is the first major she was waiting for: Mission University of Tennessee, in address by SDA Theological Seminary Accomplished. Knoxville, where she worked faculty on the controversial topic. On Oct. 19 the Social Work as multimedia director in the Seminary professors contributed to Department received a letter Office of Research and Public the 20-chapter book, and the work from the Council on Social Service. From 1992 to 1994, she was edited by Nancy Vyhmeister, pro- Work Education (CSWE) stat- taught at Walla Walla College. fessor of world mission. ing that the new master’s With accreditation now degree program had received secured, Pittman said her a four-year accreditation Sharon Pittman department’s biggest challenge term—the longest possible for continues to be a lack of class- an initial term. room and office space. “Of course we’re happy that this long, Beyond the university’s 50 MSW stu- labor-intensive process is over,” Pittman dents, there are 80 students in the bach- said. “But the process of improvement elor’s program. With nearly 130 majors, does not end now that our accreditation social work is the largest department goal has been reached.” housed in Nethery Hall. Contributors Vyhmeister, Dudley and Fortin at on-campus booksigning...... Harold Lang awarded College in 1954 with bachelor’s degrees During the 1995 General Conference meetings in Utrecht, no issue was J. N. Andrews medallion in physics and mechanical engineering. He completed a master’s degree in engi- more dominant than was women’s neering in 1967 and then in 1977 a doc- ordination. Despite the general sup- Harold Lang, a 35-year teaching veter- torate from the University of Michigan. port of North American Adventists, an, was awarded the J. N. Andrews He worked as a research engineer delegates voted to deny the request Medallion in September. with the Rocketdyne Division of North for the ordination of women pastors “Without the contributions of Harold American Aviation Inc. in California within the North American Division. Lang, a whole generation of our stu- and for the Bettis Atomic Laboratory in After the vote, NAD church leaders dents would not have had opportunity Pittsburgh, Penn. approached the seminary faculty with to pursue engineering as an academic Lang also served in a request for a thorough examination career,” said Patricia Mutch, vice presi- the Army from 1956 of the following questions: “May a dent for academic administration. to 1958. woman be legitimately ordained to The medallion is the highest honor Lang stepped down pastoral ministry?” and “If so, on that the university awards to recognize as engineering tech- what biblical basis?” This set in outstanding academic and professional nology chair in 1997, motion a period of study that led to achievement. but has continued the book’s publication. Lang was a principal catalyst in the teaching full time. Whether the pro-ordination work creation of Andrews’ engineering tech- will change many minds is uncertain. Time or Toronto will show. nology program and one of the main Harold Lang founders of the College of Technology. EDITOR’S NOTE: Women in Ministry will be Lang graduated from Walla Walla reviewed in the winter 1999 issue of FOCUS.
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 7 CAMPUS UPDATE ......
...... Campus Ministries’ ality on this campus,” said Matthew train them accordingly.” Gambel, director of BRANCH, the cam- Though his work has been confined to “Dynamic Duo” pus’ student-led ministry organization. the continental U.S., 4IMOTHY .IXON has South African-born and raised, done plenty of work among disparate Chaplains are pastors who labor with- ,AURENCE "URN is a natural strategist. people groups. Any pastor with experi- out a church, spiritual leaders who Recognizing that ministry on a college ence among both the salty habitants of sometimes work without campus is geared New York City and the laid-back deni- a well-defined congrega- toward the some- zens of southern California is eligible tion. And maybe the chal- times-jaded and for “cross-cultural” merit badges. lenge is even greater for always time- In both training and experience, an Andrews chaplain. pressed, his out- Nixon has seen a lot in his 17 years of With 3,000 students reach initiatives pastoral work. After theology studies at from nearly every part of are relationship- Oakwood College and a 1991 MDiv the world, you’d have to based and user- from the SDA Theological Seminary, have an anthropologist’s friendly. Nixon pastored churches in his native understanding to know “Saved. New York, in California and, most what makes students’ tick Chaplains Nixon and Burn Shepherded. recently, in Maryland. —and a superhero’s ener- Skilled. Sent.” This What does it take for a college campus gy to get all your work is the progression to stay spiritually on track? The key is a done. the chaplain envisions for a student’s focus on the Divine. If it sounds like the Campus Ministries spiritual journey. “Sometimes it’s too easy to become Office needs a “dynamic duo,” fear not: A pastoral ministry graduate from complacent and say: ‘This is the Lord’s they’ve already landed. Since their sum- Weimar College, Burn worked four school’ and not do anything to make it mer 1998 arrival, new campus chaplains years as a youth pastor in Roseville, this way,” Nixon said. Laurence Burn and Timothy Nixon have Calif., before coming to Andrews in Sounds like these two chaplains are already made significant spiritual 1996 to study at the seminary. every bit the match for spiritual compla- inroads on campus. “College is no time for students to be cency. Or, to put it another way, the “I’ve seen in both of them a desire to spiritual couch potatoes,” he said. “These Andrews Dynamic Duo has arrived. do whatever it takes to facilitate spiritu- are tomorrow’s leaders, so we have to ......
SM editor stays up “It’s fun, but it’s a whole lot of work,” Here’s a sampling of headlines: said the sophomore religion-communi- “Campus Safety reviews parking issue”: for the story cation-English major who hails from (too many cars, too few slots, resultant Paradise, Calif. tickets); “Senate Still Falls Short”: Want to experience the “glamorous” He said the biggest (student apathy means several life of a college journalist at Andrews? challenge is seeing that Student Association senator slots Try hanging out till 5 a.m. and enjoying all sectors of the student remain unfilled); “AU to Impact a weekly repast of stale pizza, washed body get represented in Benton Harbor Children”: (ongoing down with flat soft drink. each week’s paper. The street ministry); “Remodeling of “Wake me up when it becomes glam- next biggest challenge is Riffel”: (construction project); orous,” says Matt Lee, this year’s finding writers to write “NET ’98 Commences”: (campus Student Movement editor. In the mean- each week’s paper. mobilized for satellite evangelism time, the man has some deadlines to So far this school year, event); “Tooth Decay in High meet. Lee has managed to find Places”: (columnist working after SM editor Matt Lee The position of editor of the campus enough people to broadly midnight grasps for any topic to weekly student newspaper has always chronicle the good, the write on.) required a degree of persistence and bad, and the unusual from the Campus phenomenal nocturnal staying power. Safety Department.
8 FOCUS s FALL 1998 CAMPUS UPDATE ......
...... McVay named associate 1985 to become a professor of religion at dean of seminary PUC. Graduate and undergrad He has authored numerous scholarly fall enrollment drops papers and publications, including two John McVay, former chair of the recent Adult Sabbath School quarterlies, Fall quarter enrollment at Andrews Department of Religion at Pacific Union works that cen- dropped from last year’s record-high College in Angwin, Calif., has served as tered on the level. After posting the institution’s associate dean of the Seventh-day Pauline books of 1 highest enrollment ever in the 1997-98 Adventist Theological Seminary since and 2 Corinthians. school year—3,152—enrollment levels August. An accom- dropped to 2,901 for the 1998-99 school McVay succeeded Benjamin Schoun, plished teacher, year, a drop of 252 students, or an 8 who left Andrews to become president he was selected as percent difference. of the Northern New England PUC “Educator of Undergraduate enrollment for fall Conference. the Year” in 1996. quarter 1998 is 1,650, down from 1,723, An Andrews alumnus, McVay earned After an initial a drop of 73 students or 4.2 percent. a master’s of divinity from the SDA period of admin- This year’s class of first-year students Theological Seminary in 1983. He John McVay istrative transi- numbered 291 compared to last year’s earned his bachelor’s in theology from tion, McVay said 318, and the number of seniors this Southern Adventist University and a he expects to year was down by 66 students. doctorate from the University of return to the classroom on a part-time Graduate enrollment is 1,118, down Sheffield in England in 1995. basis to teach. from 1,305 students, a drop of 187 stu- From 1977 to 1985, McVay served as a “There’s nothing more exciting than dents or nearly 15 percent. pastor, first in the Iowa Conference and helping students as they grapple with Enrollment services personnel have then in the Georgia-Cumberland the eternal truths of the Bible,” he said. identified one factor that could have Conference. He left pastoral ministry in impacted this year’s downturn in ...... enrollment. The world financial crisis, which has seen significant devaluation Going postal at Andrews “shoe box”-sized room tacked on at the of currencies among Pacific Rim and end of the bookstore complex—this for South American nations, has likely Even if the powers that be don’t call it a community of 4,000 people. The prob- affected international student enroll- a post office (officially it’s a U.S.P.S. lem is most evident when the lobby is ment at Andrews. “contract station”), the Andrews post stacked with outgoing mail: college bul- “More than most schools, our enroll- office is still the site of some major- letins, packages to Korea, letters to ment is sensitive to world economic league pressure. home (requesting downturns,” said Emilio García- Every day the small contract sta- money?). Marenko, university registrar. During tion sorts 3,000 to 5,000 pieces of But either Providence or the 1997-98 school year, there were mail, ships and receives 15 to 30 general good humor has more than 800 international students at packages (even more at quarter’s kept anyone from getting Andrews, constituting almost 20 per- end), and delivers more than 500 too stressed out. “We just cent of the student body. pieces of inter-campus mail. laugh a lot,” Gardner said. Enrollment for the last three years at “You try doing this and tell me “And when it gets really Andrews has exceeded the 3,000-stu- you won’t have some stress,” said hectic, we just laugh even dent level, and this year’s enrollment Ruth Gardner, Andrews post office more.”Sounds like no one marks a return to the sub-3000 level manager. ȱDZ is “going postal” at last seen during the 1994-95 school Adding to their pressure is the Andrews any time soon. Academy student year. Enrollment for the last four years fact they don’t have a whole lot of Brennan Frazier has been 3,152 in 1997; 3,132 in 1996; space to work in. While full-service 3,015 in 1995; and 2,952 in 1994. post offices can be downright spa- takes a break from cious, Andrews still gets by on a the daily onslaught.
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 9 homeschooling
Tapping into a national trend, these Andrews families choose& to teach theirWHY children at home. by Chris Carey The short answer is that, for their particular children, they believe they can do it better. And they enjoy it. “One of the reasons I do this is because in a few years they bout 20 years ago, when Peggy Schnepp was seven, won’t want to be with me,” said Lilia Moncrieff, mother of she and her brother and sister would hide in a pit two boys and wife of Scott Moncrieff, an AU English profes- under the steps when a car came up the lane. It sor. Now they want to be with me. They want to be friends might be the truant officer. with me. They say, ‘Mom! Look at this!’ How can I pass that AWhen people came into the restaurant her parents ran in up?” Alabama, the kids hid in back. Somebody might report that “I think our family is closer because of this,” said Virginia they weren’t in school. Trecartin, mother of four boys and wife of business professor But they were in school. Mom and Dad were the teachers. Ralph Trecartin. “My boys are together and they are each oth- “It was illegal to teach children at home then in Alabama,” er’s best friends.” Schnepp said. “It was kind of scary but kind of cool, too.” “Something I’m thrilled with as a father is that through It’s not illegal anymore, and not scary. But it is cool. Home home schooling my kids know they are loved,” said Peter schooling is booming. Cooper, chair of the AU music department. “We provide for At least 15 faculty families at Andrews University are edu- them an atmosphere in which they are free to fail, free to cating their children at home. Add in student families and the explore, free to ask questions without fear of rebuke or pun- number might be twice that. There are scores more, possibly ishment or being made fun of because it might be a ‘dumb’ hundreds, scattered around southwest Michigan. Precise question.” Cooper helps his wife, Laurie, teach two young- national figures do not exist, but the National Home sters at home. Education Research Institute estimates that between 700,000 Other reasons have more to do with academic achievement, and 1,150,000 American children were being taught at home in the kids’ own personalities, or moral values. the 1996-97 school year. Laurie Cooper’s main reason is the opportunity for individ- With public and Adventist schools doing a fairly good job, ualized instruction, tailored to the specific strengths and and with education professionals voicing reservations about weaknesses of Audrey, 11, and Daniel, 8. A second reason is home schooling, why would faculty parents invest a huge that “I love to teach. I love to learn, too. I’m having a blast.” effort in teaching their own kids? Asta LaBianca started teaching son Erik 14 years ago
10 FOCUS s FALL 1998 because she and her husband, anthropology professor Øystein love God and be committed to God, to be loyal to Him, to be a LaBianca, felt the boy was too shy and reserved to hold his Daniel in the crowd, to stand on their own. We want them to own in a traditional school. Erik moved to a regular school be as grounded as possible in the values that we’re trying to after sixth grade and is now a successful student at Andrews. teach them, so they won’t be swayed by the crowd.” His two younger brothers, Aren and Ivan, are in school at the “We want them to be sensitive to the needs of others,” Rob kitchen counter or in front of the family fireplace. Zdor said, “without looking just at themselves.” The Zdor The Trecartins, who moved this fall to the State University of boys help mop floors for an elderly neighbor and make regu- New York at Brockport, started home-schooling eldest son lar excursions to clean up roadside litter. Andrew, now 14, in first grade because “he’d just bounce off the walls” in a traditional school, Virginia Trecartin said. “He’s very active and needs a lot of time outdoors.” They tried a traditional school for third, fourth and fifth o a greater or lesser degree, all the AU home-school grades, but because of homework “he wasn’t pursuing any of parents want to protect their children from bad influ- his own interests, any outdoor interests,” Ralph Trecartin said. ences they might meet in a regular school. But they Now he gets as much done in half a day as he got done in a are realistic. full day [in the traditional school].” TAsta LaBianca believes Aren, 15, could probably fit into a Rob Zdor, an AU biology professor, and his wife, Barb, are regular high school. “But there are a lot of things I wouldn’t newcomers to home schooling. Their older son, John, is in first want him to fit right into—attitudes that are negative to grade this year, and his brother, Greg, 4, is a wide-eyed authority, negative to parents, rebelliousness,” she said. observer. The Moncrieffs’ boys, Robbie, 11, and André, 8, both have “To use a biological analogy, we believe the child’s natural some experience in regular school. The parents speak well of habitat is the home instead of an institution,” Rob Zdor said. the staff and teachers, but “we were unhappy with some of “We believe the home patterns the reality of the real world the other kids, the influence they had,” Scott Moncrieff said. and the skills a child needs to learn to cope in the real world, “The peers have more influence than the teacher,” Lilia as opposed to an age-segregated institution where they hang Moncrieff said. “Twenty-four peers and one teacher.” “The teachers cannot control what happens in students’ homes. So you have 25 kids who come with all sorts of ideas from home, the things they watch [TV and mov- ies]. The home- school families that we interact with have very similar philosophies, virtually no TV watching, lots of reading. The parents stress courtesy. “It’s not perfect, and they’re always going to be exposed [to bad influ- ences] in the neighbor- Laurie Cooper, who teaches her own two children at home, also teaches music to hood or wherever. But Andrews home schoolers. Behind her, from left to right: Lucy Lewis, Aren LaBianca, we have the opportunity Chloe Lewis, Byron Graves (with clarinet) and Robbie Moncrieff. while they’re developing their characters to pro- vide the best environ- ment that we can orches- trate. out with other kids at the same level. We integrate school and “Some of the critics say we’re sheltering them. But to me it’s work and service, and we don’t see that happening in a lot of not an advantage to expose them to the ugliness in the world institutional schools.” at a tender age. That doesn’t make them better people, I don’t Barb Zdor added: “Home school allows much more time for think.” us to influence them for the values we want to teach them, to Someday, of course, a bike will be stolen or cruel insults will
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 11 be flung. “The outcome of that can be traced to how you deal with Scores of companies have sprung up to help home-schoolers. conflict,” Rob Zdor said, “and definitely in the family we deal with Parents can buy whole curriculums, with everything from text- that. It’s not like we’re conflict-free. I think kids at home can books to workbooks to flashcards to tests, or they can develop acquire the skills of learning to cooperate and deal with people their own programs. Most parents pick and choose items from sev- who are punching on you.” eral publishers to develop their own curriculum. Barb Zdor bor- “They’re going to get peer pressure sooner or later,” Ralph rowed materials from a local kindergarten teacher for a study unit Trecartin said. “If we can help them think for themselves, mature a on dogs. little bit, maybe we can lessen the impact of some of the negative And some don’t use textbooks. “We use real books,” Asta stuff.” LaBianca said. “They’re more interesting. “For example, we’ve read Johnny Tremain, which is a Newberry Award-winning book about the he Andrews home-school families are not flying solo. They time of the American have built a network. Parents meet frequently to talk Revolution. When we did a sec- about problems, to exchange ideas and experiences. The tion about Egypt and Rome we kids get together regularly for musical events, educational read The Bronze Bow. We read a enrichmentT activities and sports. lot of biographies as well, for But the banter at a home-school soccer game in the Trecartins’ the history. We read about the knobby horse pasture is not like a World Cup match. childhood of famous “Good kick, Mom!” one kid yelled at a game this past summer. Americans.” “Way to go, Heather!” another shouted. All of the families borrow “You can wear my hat if you want.” books and tapes by the arm- “I need a drink of water. Can you be goalie for a few minutes?” load from the local public And perhaps the most philosophically revealing: “You can’t do libraries and the James White something illegal just because somebody else did.” Library at Andrews. Books are The game had players as young as 5 and as old as 15, along with stacked high in all their homes. three adults. The mix of ages appeals to home-school families. “The home is permeated with “I think home-schooling tends to foster a kind of spectrum literature,” said Pollyanna socialization,” Laurie Cooper said, “not spending the bulk of your Barnes, a home-school mother time with people your own age but being able to socialize equally who just earned her PhD from well with kids younger than you, kids older than you, and adults.” Peggy Schnepp and her Andrews with a dissertation on “When you think about it,” Ralph Trecartin said, “they’re going one-year-old daughter, the teaching of reading in to spend most of their lives interacting with adults, and adults are Hadassah. Mrs. Schnepp home-schools. “If they’re trav- interesting people. If they learn that skill, the better off they are.” completed elementary and eling, there’s always a bag of high school at home “Socialization is the least of my worries,” Virginia Trecartin said. before enrolling at books. If they have to go to a “Our kids have always been around other kids. I think socializa- Andrews and earning a meeting or something, the chil- tion of children is highly overrated in our society.” degree in music. “It’s too dren will be off in a corner early to say for sure, but I reading.” plan to teach Hadassah at ome-school youngsters typically spend each morning home,” Mrs. Schnepp says. in structured work on reading, writing, math, history, ther subjects may social and physical sciences, and often the Bible. present problems, Afternoons are for field trips, recreation, service proj- however. home- ects,H and enrichment activities such as the Spanish lessons taught schools don’t have by Argentine-born Lilia Moncrieff or the music taught by Asta science labs. Some home-schoolers haveO done experiments in Rob LaBianca or Laurie Cooper. Zdor’s biology lab at Andrews, but that exposure has been brief. Do these kids learn as well as those in regular school? It appears The Moncrieffs are giving Robbie some science exposure by that they do. Some, but not all, of the home-school mothers are cer- working in shortwave radio. The LaBiancas have considered buy- tified teachers. Even though the State of Michigan enforces virtual- ing a microscope. Some families have frozen the bodies of animals ly no requirements for home-schooling, several of the parents killed on the road for dissection. Other science resources are avail- employ the same standardized tests that are used in traditional able at nearby nature centers and at the Math and Science Center schools. Test results put one boy in the 99th percentile in most run by Andrews and the Berrien County Intermediate School subjects, his mother said. “Even his spelling was fine, and he’s not District. a natural speller.” Peggy Schnepp, the 1994 AU graduate who had to hide as a “My eighth-grade son has a better background in math than I child, went through grade school and high school at home without did when I went for my MBA,” Ralph Trecartin said. studying science. She worried when she entered college and had to
12 FOCUS s FALL 1998 Support and caution from School of Education professors “Is home schooling better than traditional learning?” Dean Karen because they haven’t had enough interchange.” Graham of Andrews University’s School of Education answers her own Burton and Graham worry that some home-school parents may not question: “It depends on the school. It depends on the teacher. It have the breadth to teach well. depends on the home.” “There’s a danger that we will reinforce or pass on whatever biases or Specialists in the art of teaching and the science of learning support weaknesses we as individual parents have, maybe a math aversion, for the way a group of Andrews faculty parents are teaching their own example,” Burton said. “In the lower grades, most educated parents youngsters. But they raise some concerns. have a good enough breadth of understanding. But it can get kind of “These are sophisticated, knowledgeable, educated people,” AU edu- messy as the students move to higher grades.” cation professor Ray Ostrander said of the Andrews home-schoolers. “The child is limited to the scope and perspective of the teacher,” “Educated people know more about life experiences and how to trans- Graham said. “In a system where a child experiences many different mit those experiences than people who aren’t educated.” teachers, that risk is less. Some home-schooling parents are broad, Educators worry more about ill-prepared parents, those who keep Renaissance-type people who can offer the child broad interests and their kids out of school to conceal child abuse, those with a grudge curricula. That can happen. But the risk in home-schooling is that it against a particular school or teacher, or those who teach at home in won’t.” order to spite the government—“militia types,” in the words of Jeanne James Martz, principal of Ruth Murdoch Elementary School on the Morris, assistant superintendent for instruction of the Berrien County Andrews campus, believes the home-schooled youngsters would benefit Intermediate School District. from the intercultural mix of students at his school. “It would be a real Even though the Andrews home-schoolers don’t fall into those catego- addition to some of the families’ educational process,” he said. Some 40 ries, educators have some reservations. percent of the approximately 280 Murdoch students come from a for- “Whether you’re a home-school parent or a classroom teacher, I want eign background. to know if you’re engaging the students in interaction,” said Larry Martz also believes his school would benefit if the home-schoolers Burton, another AU professor of education. Are they talking about this enrolled there. One obvious reason is that more tuition revenue would with anybody, are they discussing it, are they constructing meaning for strengthen the Ruth Murdoch program. But more important, he said, is themselves, are they connecting it to other things they know? that “the parents identify the kids as unique in one way or another, “My hunch is that some home-school parents can get things done fast- maybe with special learning abilities or talents. It would be nice to share er because it’s just fill-in-the-blanks. Mastery of basic information is those talents with the whole population rather than hiding them under important, but we have to take our learning deeper. And part of that a bushel.” involves interacting with other people on that content to see how they Burton empathizes with parents who teach at home partly to protect interpret it and relate it to their lives.” children from bad influences in school or the world, but he does not Most educators see great virtue in student-to-student interaction. wholly agree with them. “Students retain 90 percent of the information that they learn from “I would much rather have my child in a classroom with a Christian another student,” Graham said. “They retain less than 25 percent of teacher who can deal with those situations from a Christian perspective what they learn from a teacher.” than to pretend they don’t exist,” he said. “There’s a group synergy in the classroom that you’re going to miss in “Just because you keep them at home, away from kids at school, home-school,” said Morris, who taught at Andrews for three years and doesn’t mean they’re not going to hear swear words when they’re has 20 years of experience in public schooling. seven, or hear a dirty joke from their cousins. “There’s a lot of good to be said about being in a classroom and learn- “While I understand [the parents’] feeling, I don’t think that’s a good ing the rules of the game of life,” Ostrander said. “Those rules are very reason for home-schooling. It’s laying a negative foundation. It’s acting evolutionary. It’s survival of the fittest. It’s very competitive. You have a out of fear.” bunch of piranhas who are vying for the teacher’s attention. Morris sees good ideas gaining ground in Berrien County public “I think it’s important to be thrown in with piranhas. Unless the chil- schools: multi-age classrooms, integration of subjects into a whole, dren grow up to be self-employed and run their own business, it’s cooperative learning in which pupils must work together to solve a important that they learn to interact and get along. I’m not saying problem, hands-on practical learning. home-schoolers don’t get this. I’m saying that kids who go to [regular] “Those are the things I’d be looking for if I were determining what’s school get this all the time.” best for my own child,” she said. “Is the school doing what it should be Though he acknowledges the strengths of traditional school, doing? If not, can I do it better myself? And then I’d have to weigh.” Ostrander also supports home-schooling. He and his wife considered Graham believes the founding principles of Adventist education teaching their ninth-grade daughter at home this year, but decided they remain sound, “but I don’t think we’ve stuck by those principles. I think could not commit the time that would require. Graham, too, favors we fight every year to try to untangle the bureaucracy from what we home-schooling, if it is done well, but sees some perils. know is good education.” “The risk of missing special skills, whether positive or negative, is Graham, Martz and Randy Graves, the principal of Andrews higher when you limit the number of students and teachers in the envi- Academy, have just joined in an effort to “reconceive the basic tenets ronment,” she said. “In a home-school setting, it is much more difficult and principles” of Adventist education from kindergarten through col- to assess or even to notice any learning disability or any special gift or lege, Graham said. They are looking at everything from schedules and talent. You have very little way to compare one child with others.” calendars to ideas for individual learning, age-readiness learning, multi- Graham applauds the way home-schooling builds kids’ self-confi- age developmental mixtures, and students teaching students. dence, but worries that “they tend to be a little overconfident. It’s just as Will this academic collaboration mean anything to home-schoolers? important to know what you don’t know as to know what you do “Absolutely,” Graham said. “We agree across the board that we ought to know. be providing integrated services for all kids.” “Home-schooling can create initiators, students who can lead a group, “It’s not about ‘us and them,’” Martz said. “It’s about kids. All kids.” but very seldom does it create negotiators, people who can persuade someone to change his mind. They don’t know how to negotiate
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 13 take a physics course as part of her music major. “I thought I’m Scott Moncrieff says: “As far as institutional loyalty goes, I am not going to be able to do this. But I found a friend, he explained working for and dedicated to the goals of Andrews University. I stuff to me, and I came out with a good grade. Home-schooling try to do a good job for them. But I don’t feel that that obliges had taught me how to do research and what I needed to do to me to have my kids go to school there or to the feeder institu- learn. It wasn’t a big deal.” tions.” When parents hit a wall with a certain subject, they can hire Ralph Trecartin says: “In my mind, there’s a lot of good things tutors or call on colleagues for help. It’s harder to compensate about church schools, but if I am able to home-school, if I want for some other shortcomings of home-schooling, such as the lack to home-school, if my kids like being home-schooled, then that’s of gymnasiums, organized sports, and music and drama activi- my first choice because I can give them more personal attention ties. and they can grow in a more individual way. ” But the families manage. The AU home-school net- work gets together weekly for soccer, baseball, sledding and other sports. Laurie Cooper has organized the Berrien Strings, a chamber ensemble of about a dozen home-school youngsters who practice together regular- ly and perform at hospitals and nursing homes.
usic plays a big part in most home- school families. “Music teaches how practicing a difficult skill over a long period of time can build results,” Scott MoncrieffM said. “Over the months or years they can see how their acquired skill results from discipline and per- sistence.” All the home-school kids get positive reinforcement. Barnes, in her Ph.D. study, found that “all the parents praise their children a lot. They hug and kiss them. They’re like cheerleaders.” A 1993 University of Michigan study of 53 adults who had been taught at home found nearly two-thirds of Rob and Barb Zdor work at home with son John. them to be self-employed. The researcher, Gary Knowles, interpreted this figure as supporting “the contention that home-schooling tends to enhance a person’s self-reliance and independence.” Home-schooling is not for everyone. It takes time, patience, Last year Ralph Trecartin gave six seventh- and eighth-graders dedication, energy, skill, and love. If even one of those is lacking, a taste of entrepreneurship. He organized them into a corpora- it will not work. tion that hired out to work three days each month for a Berrien And in one sense, even parents who send their kids to tradi- Springs hardware merchant, a local tomato farmer, and some tional school are also teaching at home. Asta LaBianca put it this people who needed walls demolished or firewood stacked. One way: “All parents are teachers of their kids. Teaching is going on day a month was devoted to volunteer work, such as cleaning an all day, in the evening, at the supper table, whatever. You may elderly woman’s yard. Each member invested $6 in the compa- not be aware of it, but when you’re in the car, when you’re going ny, called Wolf Prairie Young Entrepreneurs and Helpers. The to the grocery, you’re teaching all the time. By your example, the company paid some modest advertising costs and bought mer- things you talk about, the way you answer questions, you’re chandise that the hardware dealer sold on the kids’ behalf. Those teaching.” sales and the pay that the kids earned brought in more than $400—enough for them to take a vacation trip to Wisconsin. Are the Andrews home-school families turning their backs on the Adventist educational system? They say no. In fact, the par- ents praise the Adventist schools, and their youngsters attend Sabbath School. “I don’t want to say it [Adventist education] is not good Chris Carey is a retired newspaper editor and writer living in St. Joseph, enough for us,” said Barb Zdor. “It’s just that we want to have Mich. He has worked for the ȱ and the ȱȱ the influence on our kids right now. We don’t want 20 other little . (Photographs by the author.) kids to influence our kids.”
14 FOCUS s FALL 1998 eling the shortest way. Instead, he has ten years of adventures on the way. He strug- gles a lot and learns a lot, mostly because Scholarship and his companions are reckless and get themselves and their ship into all kinds of trouble. Redemption But Odysseus is clever, disciplined and experienced, and he finds solutions to all the problems of these high adventures. He visits marvelous and frightening plac- President Niels-Erik Andreasen’s Convocation Address es, meets noble and mischievous men delivered to the students, faculty and staff of Andrews and women. Nevertheless, our hero never University, October 9, 1998, in Pioneer Memorial Church forgets his single purpose, getting home. He comes close to heaven and to hell, but never lingers long. He meets beautiful women, but never forgets his wife Penelope. And have you noticed that whereas the first volume, The Iliad, deals with men, their power, their fights, their temper tantrums and their triumphs and defeats, the second volume is dominated by a longing for peace and security, and his past year I reread Homer’s large wooden horse and left it outside the by the faithful love of a woman who Odyssey in the new brilliant gates of the city of Troy while pretending draws her man Odysseus back home like translation by Professor Robert to retreat. The Trojans thought it was a the needle of a compass is drawn to the FaglesT of Princeton University, who also present and brought it inside their city, pole. translated the companion volume, not knowing that Odysseus and his sol- For 20 years Penelope waited for her Homer’s Iliad, in 1990, as well as other diers were hidden inside the horse. Well, husband. She raised their son volumes of classical Greek literature. at night they crawled out of the horse, Telemachus. Along the way she received So why did I read this book once again? opened the gates, and Troy fell. That is many offers to remarry, but instead she Well, first, because my wife gave it to me the first part of the story. It has given us kept weaving a blanket and waiting for for my birthday. Second, because this is another proverb: Beware of Greeks bearing her man to return. When Odysseus final- an exceptionally fine translation of a very gifts. ly made it back 20 years later, he had important work. Professor Fagles has a After the victory and for the next ten changed so much that no one recognized masterly command of both classical years, Odysseus and his men set out to him, except his old dog and his nurse- Greek and English. And he has produced return home where his faithful wife maid, who noticed a familiar childhood an absolutely splendid translation, one of Penelope awaited her man for 20 years, scar on this strange man’s leg. Only then the best in our time. Besides, I think we and that is the story of the second vol- does Penelope realize that her man has can learn something of value for our- ume, The Odyssey. returned, and they fall in love all over selves from it. Now all this happened about 3,200 again. Incidentally, I hope I have not lost you years ago, at the time of Samuel and Saul, So you see, this story is not about a trip; already! You know about Homer’s two Samson and Delilah (another beautiful it is about men and women, husbands large poems, do you not? The Iliad and woman), and the Philistines in the Bible. and wives, friends, lovers longing to be The Odyssey are two very long poems, the Four-hundred years later, about 2800 together. Above all, it is about life, just oldest European literature. They tell a years ago, at the time of the prophet like our Andrews experience will be a story. The story is about a beautiful wom- Isaiah in the Bible, Homer wrote the story story of our life. It is a story about having an—Helen—who was taken prisoner in his two great poems. There is also a mission, about determination, about from Greece in Europe to the city of Troy some similarity in themes between the being smart, about devotion and nobility in Asia Minor. In response, the Europeans Bible stories and Homer’s. It is said that and high moral purpose, about learning mobilized a naval expedition of a thou- Homer was blind, and that he composed new lessons every day, about loyalty, sand ships to get the beautiful Helen his poems in his head and memorized about going away and returning home, back. So we have the expression: The face them, just as Beethoven composed music and about love. that launched a thousand ships. That was in his head after becoming deaf. To put it succinctly, it is a story about Helen’s beautiful face. All right, you col- Now, what does all that have to do with becoming wise and about being commit- lege men, do I have your attention now? college education? Quite a lot. Let me ted, and that is what college is all about This is about the most beautiful woman explain. Odysseus is preoccupied with as well. in the world. one thing: Getting home. He wants to get Odysseus tried earnestly to be smart The war raged ten years with no victo- home to his land, his farm, his wife and to keep his wits about him so he ry in sight. Then the Greek war hero Penelope and his son Telemachus. But could rescue his companions and return Odysseus thought up a plan. He built a like some college students he is not trav-
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 15 to his family. We can learn that same les- Of course, I know that for the last 200 love, as he made his way back home. And son here in college—to be smart and to be years or so of human history it has been how about finding it in the lives of great committed and to discover that these two common to say that a university education scientists and economists and leaders? qualities support each other, like two sides and religious faith tend to militate against That is a fascinating argument in support of the same coin. each other. The Enlightenment, some of our system of education—namely, that So often we imagine that we learn to be argue, set about to overcome the so-called true education brings together the brainy smart in our classes, laboratories and in superstition of religion with the bright intellect and the believing heart. the library, and that being caring and com- light of information, research, and scholar- It has been my experience that our mitted is an add on, the spiritual dimen- ship. However, in terms of overall human minds are like baskets. The more we sion that we add to our smarts here in this history, that conflict some see between enlarge them through education, the more Christian university so as to make our faith and learning is only a recent, tempo- faith they can hold. And faith is like education complete. rary development. For the rest of human devoted determination—the more we We even talk about being intentional history, all the way back to Homer’s have of it, the more we wish to learn. about our commitment to spiritual devel- Odyssey, it was assumed that being smart So when we speak about a spiritual mas- opment, as a special ingredient of an and pious, being educated and committed ter plan for Andrews University, we are Andrews education. I would like to pro- were natural allies. not advocating yet another extracurricular pose that spirituality, piety, a caring and We must accustom ourselves to that kind activity to squeeze into an already busy redeeming attitude is an integral part of of thinking again. That is why I read schedule. our education, not an “add on.” Homer. Of course, we must also read that No, I’m talking here about a new way of In fact, “add-on” spirituality is a danger- in the Bible, for Scripture says: “The fear teaching and learning, not an addition to e are going to be smart about what we W do, without apologies to anyone, creating an atmosphere of scholarship, research, and achievement, but we also desire to become a pious, faithful people, a creative, caring and redemptive community which gathers near the presence of God.
ous thing for a person and for a campus, as of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” our regular teaching and learning—in fact, well as for a church. Further, being smart But we sort of expect to find such things a new way of living as well. For on a uni- or scholarly is a natural aspiration of all in the Bible, and maybe for that reason versity campus, learning and living God’s children, and we must never apolo- they do not impress us as much as they become inseparable. Our residence halls, gize for that aspiration. Being smart does should. workplaces, chapels, even the dining hall not militate against being committed. And But how about finding it in Homer’s are part of the university, are part of living being redemptive is not a sign of weakness poems, the story of the earliest and great- and learning. Nothing we do here is an in the academic environment of learning, est hero in early Western history who used “add-on.” Everything we do in a Christian research and achievement. Rather, it is a his intelligence to foster all the spiritual university makes us wiser and more sign of personal maturity, a smart thing to qualities of a noble human being: loyalty, redemptive. do. That is what The Odyssey is all about. faithfulness, devotion, compassion, faith, My wife once told me that in her student
16 FOCUS s FALL 1998 years in Greece she had three great organ in St. Catherine’s church in Christian university community, but we heroes—Jesus Christ, her minister, and Hamburg, where Brahms had once also desire to become a pious, faithful Dostoevsky. Is that not a strange combi- played. This led to an invitation for people, a creative, a caring and redemp- nation: The Son of God, a Greek Blomstedt to deliver a lecture in a series tive community which gathers near the Orthodox priest, and a Russian writer? of presentations for the general public presence of God closer and ever closer. Not really, if we see understanding and given from the pulpit in that church on You may have heard me speak enthusi- piety as closely related experiences. The the subject: Warum ich (k)ein Christ bin. astically about spiritual development love of Christ, the guidance of a pastor, Why I am or am not a Christian. Other among faculty and students here on cam- and the ideas of a good writer all help us speakers were Helmut Schmidt, former pus. You know that Net ’98 begins tonight grow. Chancellor of Germany, the mayor of here in this church, and that I have been Spirituality is not an addition to learn- Hamburg, and other thought leaders in an enthusiastic supporter of broadcasting ing, making sure it remains godly; and North Germany. these services from this university cam- learning is not a secular control mecha- In his presentation, Blomstedt gave four pus. But you will also hear me speak ear- nism to keep our spirituality informed reasons why he is a Christian, but the nestly about research and publishing, and and honest. No, the two are part of a sin- most important was this: Christian faith reading books, and getting A’s and gle human quest—like an odyssey—help- brings us close to the source of creation, and expanding the library, and creating a ing us to make it home again. all of us—artists, scientists, artisans, service whole new learning center for undergrad- And where is that home? For Odysseus, professionals—are invited by God Himself to uate students that integrates the arts, let- home was the island of Ithaca and his become creative in our life and work. ters, social sciences, religion, and commu- wife Penelope. For us students and teach- And then he added something nications into a single and seamless expe- ers, home is where intellect and spirituali- Odysseus would also have said 3200 rience. ty meet, where learning and commitment years earlier: Faith in God and piety pro- This is not my personal balancing act wait patiently for each other, where schol- tect us from hubris, from human pride in between the expectations of our church arship and redemption become one in the the presence of God. That is why smart on the one hand and the expectations of pleasant company of our Creator. people need faith. Without faith, smart our accreditation agency on the other. Last spring, my wife and I and some people tend to become intolerable. Don’t No—this represents an approach to edu- friends went to Chicago to attend a con- ever let that happen to you. cation in this Christian university which cert of the Chicago Symphony under the I invited Maestro Blomstedt to visit affirms that we wish to discover a way to direction of guest conductor Herbert Andrews University the next time he teach and to learn in such a manner that Blomstedt. He is a Christian, a Seventh- returns to America to guest-conduct sym- the higher we reach in learning, the deep- day Adventist, and he holds an honorary phony orchestras. It may not be for a er we are grounded in faith. The more we doctorate from Andrews University. while, but I wanted him to explain to you pursue scholarship, the more redemptive Before his retirement he was conductor of that spiritual commitment is not an addi- we become. The smarter we get, the more the San Francisco Symphony. Just now he tion to our scholarship, to our creative humble we will be. directs the Northwest German Symphony work, or to our service. Rather, it is a way I have thought a lot about this through- in Hamburg. Besides, his niece, Monica, is to be scholarly, a way to be creative. out my entire career, and I am now pre- the organist in my mother’s church in So the most important questions at the pared to make you a promise: As we find Denmark. So, of course, we wanted to beginning of this year are not. How can ourselves on such an odyssey toward scholar- hear this man making music on Saturday we find time to promote spiritual formation? ship and redemption, this good university will night and then to meet with him over Who will do it? Who will measure it? How do become an exemplary Christian institution of brunch on Sunday morning. we know when we have achieved it? Our real higher learning, a faithful lighthouse for oth- I remember calling on him Sunday question is far more simple, yet pro- ers to steer by, a flagship institution to guide morning in his modest hotel room. There foundly more difficult to answer, and it is others safely home to port. on his table lay the score (the sheet music) this: How do we become spiritual persons in of one of Brahms’ symphonies and a the very work we do as teachers, students, German Bible. He was reading both in staff, and administrators? To answer that preparation for a Brahms concert in San question is to embark upon a quest, like Francisco the next day. “Do you need a an odyssey, that will place us face to face piano to help you study Brahms?” I with many adventures and even dangers, asked. “No,” he replied, “do you have to but in the end will bring us safely home be in church to read the Bible?” to our first love. So we talked until early afternoon about So this year, like Odysseus, we will start God mostly, by referring to the Bible or a journey. We are going to be smart about the Brahms score or both. He told a story what we do without apologies to anyone, about meeting a young Russian organist creating an atmosphere of scholarship, Niels-Erik Andreasen has been president of from Moscow and helping him play the research, and achievement in this Andrews University since 1994.
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 17 30
YEARSat HESHBON In 1968, Andrews professor of archaeology Siegfried Horn selected the Jordanian village of Hesban as the site of the university’s archaeological attention. FOCUS visits Jordan for the 30th anniversary celebration and takes you on location.
by Douglas A. Jones
18 FOCUS s FALL 1998 ool, night desert air envelopes the Amman Training Center down the incline, bells around their necks tinkling in the early campus where approximately 130 students and faculty from morning air. CAndrews and around the world stir to the plaintive sounds You stretch and survey the twine outlining your plot on the of a four-in-the-morning call to prayer at the nearby mosque in mound and peer into the excavated trench you’ve called “home” for Amman, Jordan. You rise from your bunk and shiver into your more than a month. The trowel in your hand feels familiar, its han- dusty clothes. No need to shower; the water’s cold anyway. You dle fits your hand that’s already silky with dust. You pull your head shuffle to breakfast in the dining hall and then onto a small yellow scarf around your mouth and nose and climb into the hole, ready for minibus in the parking lot for the 25-minute ride to the tell. another morning of scraping and sifting. Layer upon layer of Heshbon. Tall Hisban. Hesban, to the locals. The tell rises before Jordanian dirt and history. you, and soon you’re hiking the mound of earth and stones that— The sun rises overhead and beats down on your back. Local after centuries—they still call Heshbon. Palestinian boys, ranging in age from ten to sixteen, joke and tease The sun begins to crown the eastern horizon. And to the west, Mt. as they haul guffas—buckets made from rubber tires—filled with Nebo is bathed in pink-amber radiance. A flock of sheep jostles sand and pebbles. Clouds of dust obscure the sifting screens at the photo by Michelle Spangler
The Mamluk palace on the summit of Heshbon includes living and bathing spaces.
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 19 edge of the excavation site. Pottery shards, bones and small stones emerge on the metal grid. Occasionally, you hear a “Hey, check this out!” You reach for your water bottle and take a swig. You keep your head low, concentrating on your work. By eight-thirty you’ve been on the tell for three hours. Your nasal passages are coated with dust. Your knees ache. You’ve scraped away five guffas full of dirt, and you’ve only found small animal bones and charcoal. That data goes into your written report. And you keep scraping and worrying the excavation walls with your trowel. At nine, Abanour, Heshbon’s closest neighbor and casual caretak- er, calls the archaeological crew to “second breakfast” on the terrace of his home. He’s prepared eggs, flat bread, a hearty tomato-vegeta- ble coulis, watermelon and hot tea. Students and staff relax in his family’s sitting room and under the tent awning on the deck. The family’s dog looks up expectantly as you fill your plate. Within 45 minutes you’re back at the dig. Up on the summit of the tell—at the Mamluk palace, a medieval structure that once housed a governor and his staff, now a jumble of stones—the student excava- tors under the direction of Bethany Walker, a recent graduate of the photo by Michelle Spangler University of Toronto, unearth two or three pottery storage vessels. Just a few feet away from the late 19th-century human bones and skulls protruding from the wall of layered soil, sand and ash. Walker summons Paul Ray, current chief archaeologist of the Hesban dig, from his excavation area in the southwest quadrant of the site to examine the latest find. Ray then calls over to Øystein LaBianca, the general director of Hesban, who’s conferring with archaeologist Roger Boraas of Upsala College in Sweden and representatives of the Jordanian Department of Antiquities in preparation for the 30-year anniversa- ry celebration. The pottery vessels are in tact, excellent examples of the Mamluk period. Everyone on the site crowds around the open excavation trench to see the latest find still nestled into the sand. Then Dana Langlois, a senior photography major from Andrews, climbs down into the hole with a digital camera to record the pottery’s position in relation to the rest of the Mamluk excavation. The sun beats down from its late morning position in the Jordanian sky. Your back and knees ache. You hear the persistent clink of a pick axe against stone. You’re ready to go back to the campus and eat lunch. LaBianca and Terje Ostigaard from the University of Bergen in Norway clamber out of the Hardy People Cave and dust themselves off. Below the stone-strewn surface of Hesban you’ll find a labyrinth of caves once inhabited by “hardy people,” says LaBianca. Just inside the main entrance used by the archaeologists, you brush by a stone olive press (roughly the size of a compact refrigerator) on your
This page: Andrews student Dana Langlois on location at Heshbon. The stone facades of Petra near the Dead Sea met Madaba Plains Project crew members on one of several weekend outings. Next page, left column from top: Rhonda Root “reads” pottery in the afternoon across from David Hopkins, editor of Biblical Archaeology and onthe faculty of the University of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Dia Tawalbeh of the Jordanian Department of Antiquities, Heshbon director Øystein LaBianca, and assistant director Paul Ray confer on the summit; the town of Hesban is in the background. Second breakfast on Abanour’s veranda. Right column from top: Pottery vessels unearthed at this summer’s dig. Andrews religion professor Lael Caesar, President Niels-Erik Andreasen, La Sierra University president Larry Geraty and a free-lance writer from the Wall Street Journal survey the Heshbon dig.
20 FOCUS s FALL 1998 photo by Michelle Spangler photo by Michelle Spangler photo by Sharon Prest photo by Sharon
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 21 photo by Michelle Spangler photo by Michelle Spangler
Left column from top: Amman’s sook is a maze of
vendors and shops. Erika Hac slow descent into the larger part of the cave. You stoop, but your ko and Rachel Holmes proudly show off the pottery they head grazes the porous stone ceiling. You’ll remember to duck uncovered in the Mamluk pal- lower on your return. ace. Right column from top: Earthquakes have altered the interior terrain, but tall stone col- Erik LaBianca, Tony Zappia, umns at the end of the cleared area make a striking tableau in the Lisa Goode and Kristen Schilke relax over lunch after filtered light beaming down from a well opening. The Hardy a morning on site. The top- People Cave crew has spent most of the summer extracting ani- pled columns of the early mal bones and crumbling debris from the well pit to reveal the Christian chapel at Heshbon. soaring columns. Next page: Tall Hisban is the site of a new archaeological Outside the cave, students and staff pile onto the minibuses, education program for the another day’s work at the Heshbon site finished. The bus jostles local schools. along the back roads to the Amman Training Center, bicyclists and goats crowding the shoulder of the road. No one speaks; you’re tired, hot and dusty. Ready for lunch. Back at the campus you quickly dust yourself off and wash. In the dining room, Joan Hacko, a senior history major at Andrews who’s been engaged to cook the meals for the archaeology crews, oversees the lunch table heaped with platters of Middle East food, rice and vegetables, grapes and figs, yogurt and flat bread. After lunch you shower—the water’s not as cold in the after-
22 FOCUS s FALL 1998 noon—and enjoy the two-hour rest period that’s “strictly Around the campus, the city of Amman buzzes sleepily in the enforced,” according to Najeeb Nakhle, director of international desert air. Out at Heshbon, goat bells tinkle and a light breeze stirs student services at Andrews and camp director for the summer. the dust. The archaeologists “read” their pottery fragments and write up their field reports. You’d like to get onto e-mail, but the line in the computer room is seven people deep. You’ll come back later. After dozing on your bunk (so much for finishing that second n Friday, July 31, 1998, in the ruins of the early Christian book you brought), you join a group going into Amman to buy church on the summit of the Heshbon mound, over 300 postcards and souvenirs—to the sook, the maze of shops and Opeople gathered under the hot late-afternoon sun to cele- streets, teeming with people, cars, donkeys and camels. Six of you brate 30 years of Andrews-led archaeology in Jordan. The ceremo- cram into a taxi, and the ride of your life begins. ny also looked to future archaeological projects in the region Once the driver enters the downtown area, your senses are sponsored by the Madaba Plains Project. assaulted by automobile horns blaring, rumbling mufflers and Since 1968, archaeologists from Andrews have maintained an clouds of exhaust, the heavy smell of spices and over-ripe fruit. ongoing research interest at the ancient mound known now as Tall The taxi window is open and the late afternoon sun warms your Hisban, a working archaeological excavation located on the out- arm—but you were already too warm, crowded into the back seat, skirts of Amman. This commitment to archaeological research and wearing long trousers since bare legs are inappropriate in a the local community’s enthusiastic acceptance of the project were Muslim setting. noted in numerous speeches delivered by assembled dignitaries Inside the shops you find garish postcards to send back home, at the late afternoon ceremony. even though it will cost 300 fils (about 50 cents) to send each card Andrews president Niels-Erik Andreasen; Lawrence T. Geraty, air mail. You look at the shop wares—silver and brass, blue and president of La Sierra University in California and director of the white pottery, Middle East textiles—and decide to wait until later Heshbon Expedition from 1974 to 1976; and 1998 project director to stock up on souvenirs. You meet the rest of your group at the Øystein LaBianca of Andrews joined His Royal Highness Prince McDonald’s, where it’s air-conditioned and there’s ice in the soft Raad Ibn Said, who represented the Hashemite Royal Palace of drinks. And there’s a toilet that flushes. King Hussein. Back at the campus after dinner, you and your friends sit out on Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included His the basketball courts in the twilight and chat. The evening call to Excellency Mr. Aqal Biltagi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities prayer from the mosque echoes against the white stucco build- of Jordan; Dr. Ghazi Bisheh, director of the Department of ings. By nine the campus has quieted down. Some have adjusted Antiquities of Jordan; and Dr. Pierre Kikai, director of the the mosquito netting around their bunks, and others have hauled American Center for Oriental Research in Amman. their blankets and pillows onto the roof to sleep where it’s cool- In his comments to the assembled group, Andreasen stated that er. Andrews is interested in archaeology at Hesban for a variety of photo by Sharon Prest photo by Sharon
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 23 From top: Several cities’ walls and struc- tures are superimposed on the Tall Al-Umayri site. Visiting royalty and digni- taries meet with Madaba Plains Project directors at Tall Al-Umayri—from left: Ghazi Besheh, director of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan; His Excellency Akel Baltaji, Minister of Tourism; Øystein S. LaBianca, project director at Heshbon; Paul J. Ray, Jr., chief archaeologist at Heshbon; HRH Princess Sumaya bint al- Hassan, daughter of Crown Prince; HRH Crown Prince El Hassan, brother of King Hussein; Larry G. Herr, director of the Al-Umayri excavations; Douglas R. Clark, MPP consortium director; and Lawrence T. Geraty, MPP senior project director. At Tell Jalul, the pavement in the foreground is
9th- or 8th-century B.C. while the higher photo courtesy of Seigfried H. HornMuseum Archaeological pavement in the background is from the 7th century B.C.
reasons. First, he said, “People at Andrews have a passion about the history of the human family, and that history began in this part of the world.” He added that Andrews is focused on Heshbon because of the region’s ties to three great world religions—Juda- ism, Christianity, and Islam—and because Heshbon provides a training ground for archaeologists. Finally, Dr. Andreasen noted that the Heshbon dig provides opportunities for local participa- tion and educational opportunities. Speakers also underscored the contribution the Heshbon site has made over the last 30 years to Middle East archaeology. According to the Jordan Times, the Tall Hisban project early on “set national and regional standards . . . in such areas as pottery chro- photo courtesy of Seigfried H. HornMuseum Archaeological nologies and multidisciplinary approaches” to archaeological study. In looking toward the next 30 years, the celebration introduced Tall Hisban as an open-air classroom for Jordanian schoolchildren to study Jordan’s cultural heritage. Throughout the summer’s project LaBianca, his wife Asta LaBianca, and Mafous Abdul Hafiz, a local school teacher in Hesban, developed a school cur- riculum associated with the site. And this summer’s crew worked hard to prepare the site for its expected visitors. LaBianca coordinated student and staff efforts to blaze paths around the tell, to reconstruct a stone wall as a foundation for an observation platform, and to prepare explana- tory signs—all as a means of sharing the Heshbon site with Jordanian students and tourists. In addition, the crew developed an “education area” complete with open-air tool shed where school groups can participate in hands-on activities that show how archaeologists investigate photo courtesy of Seigfried H. HornMuseum Archaeological large multi-period mounds like Tall Hisban. The Heshbon site provides an array of ancient structures inter- esting to the Biblical scholar. Perhaps most notable is the plas- The Madaba Plains Project conducts archaeological digs in tered wall of a huge reservoir, built around 1000 B.C. and believed Jordan and invites wide participation. The next field season at Heshbon is planned for the spring of 2000, from early May by many to be the remains of one of the “pools of Heshbon” men- to mid-June. Work at Tall Jalul is set for the summer of 1999, tioned in the Song of Solomon. and work at Tall Al-Umayri is set again for the summer of 2000. For more information, contact Andrews University’s eshbon is not the only archaeological site in Jordan where Institute of Archaeology, Berrien Springs, MI 49104. Or e-mail Andrews is active. Tall Al-Umayri and Tall Jalul—both
24 FOCUS s FALL 1998 an’t make it to Jordan for a The Writing Room exhibits a cune- professor of archaeology and histo- dig? You can still get in on iform tablet collection, an Egyptian ry of antiquity, became curator. He Cthe adventure by visiting the necropolis display and a presenta- continues to supervise the growth Seigfried H. Horn Archaeological tion of Writing Through the Ages, as of the museum’s collection through Museum on the Andrews campus. well as full-sized replicas of the purchases, gifts and excavations. The Horn Museum houses over Moabite and Rosetta stones. 8000 artifacts. Pottery, coins, jew- “In-the-round” displays elry, tablets and other pieces from include a model of Jerusalem archaeological excavations in the and a full-sized replica of the Middle East span over 5000 years Black Obelisk which depicts of history. Jehu, king of Israel. By preserving and displaying The Horn Museum collection these ancient artifacts, the Horn began in 1938 when Lynn H. Museum provides an eyepiece Wood acquired 27 pieces of through which to glimpse the past, pottery from the University of bringing today into sharper focus, Chicago. In the early 1950s, and defining the outline of tomor- Siegfried H. Horn’s energetic row. temperament led to the rapid The museum seeks not only to acquisition of artifacts, and Robert Little (’45) repairs the “in-the-round” scale illuminate the cultural background finally, to the initiation of field model of Jerusalem in the Horn Museum. of ancient peoples, but to spark a archaeology in Jordan. vision of the God whose role is evi- In 1970, the Andrews dent through history. University Archaeological Museum The Seigfried H. Horn The museum’s main display was established with Horn as its Archaeological Museum is open and includes a typology of pottery curator. In 1976, Lawrence T. free to the public M-Th 9-noon/2-5, forms, murals which depict biblical Geraty became curator and two F 9-noon, Sa 2-5. Guided tours may life from around 3000 B.C. to A.D. years later, the museum was be arranged by appointment. Call 640 and artifacts with descriptive renamed in Horn’s honor. 616-471-3273. text. In 1986, David Merling, associate
ing archaeological opportunities under the auspices of the Madaba for its deep, dry moat and an artificial hill or rampart, several stone Plains Project, a consortium of colleges and universities dedicated to houses and thousands of pieces of pottery that are currently being active archaeological research. restored at Walla Walla College under the direction of Professor Andrews collaborates with La Sierra University, Walla Walla Douglas Clark (MDiv ’74). College and Canadian University College to make the Madaba In addition, this summer’s efforts unearthed several seals and seal Plains Project a leading archaeological effort in Jordan. impressions, bringing the total found at the site to over 80. Another While the Tall Jalul dig, headed by Dr. Randall Younker and Dr. impressive find was fragmented pieces of ceramic statuary. David Merling of the SDA Theological Seminary, was dormant this Rhonda Root, assistant professor of architecture at Andrews, has summer, the work at Tall Al-Umayri flourished under the direction served as Madaba Plains Project staff artist for four seasons. “Umayri of Dr. Larry Herr from Canadian University College in Lacombe, is an exciting place,”she says. “Its connections between history and Alberta, and Dr. Douglas Clark of Walla Walla College in College culture and biblical research are more and more intriguing.” Place, Wash. Begun in 1984, excavations at Tall Al-Umayri have uncovered nearly 20 superimposed cities at the site, according to Herr. This summer the Al-Umayri site saw over 100 people at work, and future onnections are what Heshbon, Umayri, Jalul and the Madaba plans include even more expansive study at this site adjacent to the Plains Project are all about. For 30 years, Andrews University Amman National Park on the Airport Highway, south of Amman. Chas been committed to the archaeological endeavors begun Herr, a 1970 graduate of Andrews, explains that “Tall Al-Umayri is by Siegfried Horn in 1968. And Andrews looks forward to the next somewhat unique in Jordan because its most important and best 30 years—as Prince Raad said at the anniversary ceremonies—of preserved remains date to the Bronze and Iron Ages instead of the strong ties between the local communities and the academic com- more normal Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras.” munity represented by the Madaba Plains Project. At a recent conference in Copenhagen, Jordan’s director of the Department of Antiquities called the Madaba Plains Project the exemplary archaeological excavation in Jordan. And Al-Umayri was the site chosen for visits by Crown Prince Hassan, the brother of King Hussein; and his daughter Princess Sumaya. Douglas Jones is editor of ќѐѢѠ. Photographs by the author, The Al-Umayri site is significant in that it allows a glimpse of how unless indicated. the Reubenites of ancient Israel may have lived. The site is notable
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 25 ȱ Ƿ Neither lightning, thunder nor swarming flies could keep Andrews students Krystian Zygowiec and Olen Netteburg from crossing Lake Michigan by kayak. (Photo by Kristopher Zygowiec) Kayak Across Lake Michigan Thunderstorms and swarming flies give student thrill-seekers the adventure of a lifetime. by Jack Stenger
Neither wind, thunderstorms, nor 14-foot Predictably, thunder gave way to spectacular swells could keep Olen Netteburg and Krystian lightning and 30-mile-an-hour winds. At least Zygowiec from their appointed task: to cross Columbus had Spanish galleons to brave the Lake Michigan by kayak. elements in; Netteburg and Zygowiec had to On Labor Day weekend, the two Andrews negotiate an angry Lake Michigan in the dark students made the 60-mile trip from Chicago to of night in two 17-foot plastic-shelled kayaks. the Michigan side of Lake Michigan in two sep- And inclement weather was not the only arate kayaks. In the process of the 37-hour obstacle the thrill-seekers faced. Swarming flies, ordeal they encountered enough adventure to looking for heads to fly around, bedeviled them last a lifetime—or at least for the coming school in the middle of the lake. “At one point I had year. more than 60 of them sitting on the front of my On Sunday, Sept. 4, the two 19-year-olds set kayak,” Zygowiec said. out on their journey from Meigs Field in A lonely bird also kept them company at one Chicago. The lake’s glass-like surface and an point, landing on the kayaks and even on a uninteresting weather forecast might have paddle. (“It looked like he was just tired.”) inspired confidence that nothing but smooth But more than the environmental challenges paddling was before them. But by evening, they faced, physical wear became the biggest approaching thunderclaps let them know that factor against them. Upper-body strain led to this would be no cake walk crossing. lower-body fatigue which led to near-total- “When we heard the storm coming, we said body exhaustion. “It was all one big sore feel- to each other: ‘This is going to be a really inter- ing after a while,” Netteburg said. “We were esting night,’” said Zygowiec. just wondering how long it was going to take.”
26 FOCUS s FALL 1998 The goal behind all this exertion was to be a a call from land would be a sweeter feeling glorious St. Joseph arrival, paddling right into than a call from the lake.” the midst of an adoring lunch-hour crowd at Though they sited the Michigan side by early the popular Lighthouse Brewpub and Monday morning, (neither admitted to having Restaurant situated on the St. Joseph River, half the presence of mind to yell, “Land Ho!”), the a mile from Lake Michigan. It didn’t hurt that wind, an infernal west- the new restaurant was a sponsor of the pair or bound current, and their 3 that a South Bend TV station was slated to m.p.h. pace meant ten chronicle their heroic feat on video. more hours of paddling But, alas, on-board compasses and better-than toil. Never has terra firma average orientation skills are no match for seemed sweeter than when Mother Nature. The wind and meteorological they landed at 9 p.m., well pyrotechnics of early Monday morning meant after the late-summer sun- the two were blown 25 miles off course, all the set. “When we first hit the way south to Union Pier, Mich. shore, my only thought The weird weather also caused major head- was ‘We made it!’ and then aches for their fans on shore. An on-board cel- ‘We better call our par- lular phone meant the two could keep contact ents,’” said Netteburg, with loved ones, but a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “com- whose parents are Kermit munication blackout” made for increased con- and Ronalee Netteburg, cern—and two sets of worried parents. recent employees of The Sunday-night tempest meant a long night Andrews who now live in for Lois and Kristopher Zygowiec, Krystian’s Maryland. parents, who are employed by Andrews. “Of all After a joyful reunion nights for an electrical storm, why did it have with parents and relieved to be on the night when my son was playing friends, there was little else adventurer?” said Lois Zygowiec. Needless to to do but rest. During the say, she didn’t sleep a wink. car ride back to Berrien Springs, both exhausted adventurers fell fast asleep in the back seat. But now that they are awake—and fully recovered—there’s time to dream of the next great adventure. Back in the 16th century, Magellan circumnavigated the world in a Portuguese galleon. And in the first moment of the 21st century, two young Berrien Springs explorers want to make some history of their own. Lake Michigan? A mere warm-up. “There’s a rowing race across the Atlantic in 2001,” said Zygowiec. “Olen and I have been trying to look for sponsors, but so far no luck.” ȱ The Zygowiecs and Netteburgs welcome the way-faring Whoever said the “Age of kayakers at Union Pier beach. From left: Lois Zygowiec, Krystian Exploration” is over hasn’t talked Zygowiec, Kristopher Zygowiec, Olen Netteburg, Ronalee Netteburg to these guys. and Kermit Netteburg . (Photo by Jonathan Zygowiec.)
Their communication impasse was caused by the 10-foot high waves which took every bit of Jack Stenger is associate director of university rela- their energy, they said. “We were just doing tions. The map was designed by Amy Litzenberger, everything we could to keep from being tipped staff designer, Office of University Relations. over,” Zygowiec said. “And besides, we figured
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 27 ALUMNI NEWS ......
...... BSCF alumni reunited in July on campus “We’ve Come This Far by Faith!” True to tradition was the Sabbath After almost 18 years of reunions, the afternoon concert with a capella num- BSCF alumni organization is very bers by Blessed; instrumentals by Ron much alive and keeping the faith. Dickerson, guitarist; and gospel and The annual weekend was held July spirituals by Deliverance Choir. 4HE 7ORLD 24-26, beginning with a presentation Harpist Sharon Strange was the con- )S /UR on Friday night by L.I.F. E. Ministry, a cert’s featured artist. A silent auction of 1 drama group composed of current original artwork by Franklin Francois #LASSROOM Andrews students. was held Saturday night. Alumni and friends were able to par- Sunday morning “BSCF Alumni ticipate in an old-fashioned Sabbath 2000” was presented by the president, Alumni Homecoming School in Johnson Auditorium. Ulrick Graham, at a brunch and busi- Weekend 9 Rebecca May, director of Andrews ness meeting. Other officers include alumni services, and ELISE DIXON- La Shawn Henderson, vice president; April 22-25, 1999 ROPER (BBA ’87), past president, gave Angela Jackson, secretary; Baldwin heartfelt welcomes to the alumni. Elise Barnes; public relations, Loretta Jones; REUNIONS OF ALL managed to surprise SARITA MAYHAWK chaplain, David Rand; faculty sponsor, ANDREWS TOURS. (BA ’85), former convention services Desmond Murray; advisers/liaison, director/coordinator for BSCF alumni, Wanda Cantrell and Sarita Mayhawk. DUST OFF 9 with the Alumnus of the Year award— We still need to fill the conventions YOUR SLIDE a well-deserved honor for her many services and development positions. If COLLECTIONS! years of hard work and you would be interested dedication, not just to the in either of these offices, organization, but to fami- please call (616) 471-3344. ly, church and the com- Or you can send e-mail to 9 munity as well.
28 FOCUS s FALL 1998 CLASS NOTES ......
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S General Conference Organists in Denver the S Insurance and Adventist summer of 1998. For the SUE SUMMEROUR-MAGOON Book Centers. The past five years, her husband MICHAEL ENGLAND (BS ’77, (BA ’44) is a retired Pritchards moved to Ocala, RICHARD YUKL, MD (BA ’67) EdD ’97) is an assistant elementary school teacher Fla., in April 1997 and love has been the medical professor of education at who lives in Collegedale, to share the warm joy of the director for trauma at the Southwestern Adventist Tenn. She received her MEd South with friends who HealthONE hospital University in Keene, Texas. from the University of travel near. corporation. His wife LORENE (BSW ’77) Tennessee at Chattanooga in is a 6th-grade teacher at the 1972. Her brother, BROOKE FARRELL GILLILAND II (BA Keene Adventist Elementary FRANKLIN SUMMEROUR, MD S ’65, MA ’66) is the seventh- School. (BS ’42) of Dalton, Ga., died and eighth-grade teacher in 1991 and is survived by JOYLIN CAMPBELL-YUKL (BA and principal at the Three NORMA VELAZQUEZ four children. ’68, MA ’69) is doing Angels School in Wichita, HARRISON (BA ’74, MAT ’79) chaplaincy work in the Kan. In October, he and is the director of the nearly 120 of the nation’s Huntsville Center for S top classroom teachers came Technology’s graphic arts together program, which was named HERB PRITCHARD (BA ’52) in Washington, D.C. for the the most outstanding and JUDY (SYKES) PRITCHARD 1998 Teacher Forum to technical education program (att. ’46-48) celebrated their discuss ideas for teacher for the state in the career/ 50th-wedding anniversary involvement in the change technical division for the with a cruise/tour to needed to improve teaching 1997-98 school year. The Alaska, sponsored in part by and learning in America’s program trains students in their two daughters and schools. He was one of three many areas of print media. their husbands—Penny and teachers chosen from the Norma teaches for the Richard Clarke of Tonasket, state of Kansas and Center and also works as a Joylin Campbell-Yukl Wash., and Nancy and represented the Kansas- freelance graphic designer Robert Wetmore of Jessup, Nebraska Conference of for the Huntsville City Md. HealthONE Clinical Pastoral Seventh-day Adventists and Schools and various other Herb retired as the Lake Education (CPE) program in the private schools of the companies. Union Conference treasurer Denver, Colo., where she state. He is married to in 1992. He worked 40 years co-led her first group of DELORES (FOLL) (att.). VALERIE LEE (MA ’73) is an for the SDA church as a students in their basic unit associate professor of conference treasurer in of CPE. She graduated in PAUL AND EILEEN PIERSON English and women’s May 1998 from the (former staff ’68-74) work at studies at Ohio State Iliff School of Black Hills Health and University and has returned Theology with an Education Center in S.D. to Denison University as the MDiv degree. Not Paul is in charge of the Laura C. Harris to lose touch with greenhouse and gardens. Distinguished Visiting her musical life, she “We were blessed with a Professor to teach courses in was on the Steering number of Eileen’s Green women’s studies. She Committee as the Glass family attending our served on the faculty at Program Book 50th wedding anniversary Denison University from Coordinator for the the weekend of March 28. It 1976 to 1991, leaving to 44th National would bless our hearts to accept the position as an Herb and Judy Pritchard Convention of the hear from more of you!” interdisciplinary scholar and American Guild of teacher at Ohio State, where
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 29 CLASS NOTES ......
...... she earned her doctorate in FRED MANCHUR (BA ’74) has ARTHUR M. SLAGLE (MA ’79) In addition, Slagle and crew English. Lee has been the been appointed president- has nearly completed a six- members had the recipient of many teaching elect of Adventist Health/ month deployment to the opportunity to visit France, awards including the OSU Southern California. He will Mediterranean Sea and Greece, Italy, Spain and Alumni Distinguished become president of both Arabian Gulf aboard the Turkey where crew Teaching Award, the Juanita White Memorial Medical aircraft carrier USS Dwight members participated in Barkstall Outstanding Center in Los Angeles and D. Eisenhower to maintain a community relations Educator Award and the Glendale Adventist Medical U.S. presence and provide projects in the host Association of Independent Center. He will also chair rapid response in times of countries. Slagle joined the Colleges and Universities of the governing board of Simi crisis. While deployed, Navy in August 1984. Ohio Excellence in Teaching Valley Hospital and Health Slagle’s ship has conducted Award. She has also written Care Services. strike warfare exercises in VONNIE STRAUGHAN (MAT two books: Granny Midwives Manchur, who has been the Adriatic Sea. It also ’79) is a Vista volunteer and Black Women Writers: president of Adventist participated in Matador tutor-trainer for the Bladen Double-Dutched Reading and Health/Central California Livex ’98, a combined-forces County Literacy Council in Invisible Man’s Literary for the past two years, exercise. Slagle’s ship Elizabethtown, N.C. She Heritage: Benito Cereno and brings to his new position received the 1997 Ship’s trains volunteers in the Moby Dick. She teaches and nearly 25 years of health- Store Best Sales and Service Laubach Way to Reading publishes in the areas of care experience. Since 1987 Award in the Atlantic Fleet. program so they can teach literary criticism and he has been the president of San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield, A photographic tour of Calif. In addition, he has held administrative positions at two other 4HE ,AKES AND Adventist Health facilities: Hanford Community -OUNTAINS OF Medical Center in Hanford, Calif., and Feather River Hospital in Paradise, Calif. #ENTRAL %UROPE He will assume these new responsibilities January 1, The 1999 European Tour 1999. He and his wife Mary Marleen and Stephen Land Kaye have a son and a with tour director Merlene Ogden daughter. and photographer Donald May feminist theory and folklore. CAROLE (MORRISON) SANNES MARLEEN (GALVAN) LAND (BA ’70) is a teacher at *ULY (BA ’75) is a credit manager Indianapolis Junior for Fisher Radio in Seattle, Academy. She serves as Approximately $3485 to include round-trip air fare Wash. She is also organist church organist and enjoys from Chicago to Munich, coach transportation, for the Newport Presbyter- decorative painting during hotels, breakfasts and dinners, entrance fees and ian Church and an her spare time. She is excursions. accompanist for the Pacific married to Robert, a Northwest Ballet. She was statistician for the state of ȱǯȱȱǰȱ ȱ¢ǰȱ married in October 1997 to Indiana. They have two ȱǰȱ ȱȱŚşŗŖŚȱȱDZȱŜŗŜȬŚŝŗȬřřřŞȱ Stephen Land, an economist children, Holly and Lisa. ¡DZȱŜŗŜȬŚŝŗȬŜŘŚŜȱȱȬDZȱȓ ǯ for Tacoma Public Utilities. Lieutenant Commander
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...... others to read. She also Pastor Allen has managed and tourism management (BEDEAU) (BSN ’90) is a coordinates the Reading for the creation and from Virginia Polytechnic cardiothoracic nurse in the Success program for third- establishment of the AWR Institute and State cardiac surgical intensive graders in the public school Pro-gramme Resource University. She is the care unit at Beth Israel system. When not busy with Centre, which serves department head of the Medical Center in New York these projects, he tutors in Adventist producers hospitality management City. They have two algebra, geometry worldwide. program at Tuskegee children, Desiree and and calculus. He is also University in Alabama. To Jonathan. jointly access more information on GLORIA BROWN responsible what she has done for the THOMAS WALTERS (MAT ’85) WRIGHT (BA ’70) for training program, refer to www.tusk. is currently an associate presented a paper at AWR edu/ DOCS/hiegrg. the 15th Biennial program htm> on the Web. Conference on producers Chemical Education and has JUD LAKE, JR. (MDiv held in August at the hosted ’85) is an associate University of AWR’s daily professor of pastoral Waterloo, Ontario, English theology at Southern Canada. The title of Ray Allen Language Adventist University the paper was Service in Collegedale, Tenn. “Teaching Chemistry magazine He received his in 3-hour Time Blocks: program since 1993. Several DMin from the Toward a more Student- of his Sundays are taken up Reformed Theolog- centered General Chemistry with training local church ical Seminary and is Classroom.” It can be members in preparation for currently a PhD accessed at
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 31 PHILANTHROPY ......
...... Student’s enthusiasm today’s Andrews students,” affects annual giving reported one recent alum. Janel’s work supervisor, Lisa /2 Jardine, at the Office of Alumni Just who is Janel Sabnani and why is she writing me letters?
Writing heartfelt letters, inviting alumni support for the annual giv- ing campaign, came easy for the senior elementary education major from Maine. “I really think Andrews is the best school around, and I wanted to do what I could to make a dif- ference in this year’s campaign,” Janel explained. “It would be easy to just sit back and hope that peo- ple give, but I’m glad I was able to Janel Sabnani help out. I really believe what I said in the letter!” Services, has glowing things to say Alumni have commented that about Janel. “She’s a great person Janel’s letter prompted them to to depend on. Her letter—and our send in a contribution. “It’s good alumni—are making a difference to see such enthusiasm from in this year’s efforts.” ...... WAUS breaks success proves it,” said Sharon fund-raising record Dudgeon, station general manager...... More than $55,000 were raised The Campaign for Andrews II: during the WAUS fall fund drive, (figures as of Nov. 15, 1998) held Nov. 3 to 12. Totals for the 3EMINARY EXPANSIONRENOVATION event came to $56,090. Goal: $5,949,879 4HE 7ORLD Pledged/received: $5,366,404 The figure surpasses the classical Percent of goal raised: 92% )S /UR #LASSROOM1 radio station’s previous record of 5NDERGRAD LIBERAL ARTS COMPLEX $53,430 reached during the fall Goal: $4,157,560 1996 drive. Pledged/received: $2,035,946 Alumni Homecoming During this fall’s event, more Percent of goal raised: 48% Weekend 9 than 200 listeners became new .ETHERY (ALL RENOVATION members through pledges of Goal: $2,523,400 April 22-25, 1999 financial support, and more than Pledged/received: $1,278,839 600 listeners to 90.7 FM renewed Percent of goal raised: 52% !RCHITECTURE BUILDING EXPANSION REUNIONS OF ALL their station memberships. Goal: $754,600 ANDREWS TOURS. 9 “Michiana recognizes the impor- Pledged/received: $439,564 tance of both classical music and Percent of goal raised: 59% public radio, and our fund-raising 9
32 FOCUS s FALL 1998 FOCUS wants to know . . . CLASS NOTES . . . about you ...... Name
Address
...... City/State/Zip
Hospital in Chattanooga, Imaging Group. He is a Telephone Tenn. She was voted an member of the Australian Andrews University honored Institute of Radiography. E-mail alumnus in 1991. MICHAEL SONG (BA ’90, Degree(s) received from Andrews MMus ’95) is a high school S music teacher in Guam. He is Year(s) of Graduation or years attended currently the chair of the KIMBERLY (BRUNDAGE) school’s fine arts department Current Occupation/Employer FIEBELKORN (BS ’91) is and director of the concert marketing manager for the band and the select choir, Location (City/State) Henry Ford Health System in which has toured Korea and Detroit, Mich. She graduated Japan. Special contributions to church or society, professional from Loma Linda University The select choir has been development or promotions, additional degrees or cer- in 1997 with a master’s in featured on national tificates, travel, hobbies, volunteer work or anything else interesting about you or your spouse. public health, which included television in Japan, and this a double major of health year they will tour the east administration and health coast of the United States in promotion/education. She May in addition to releasing a worked at the Cleveland CD, says Song. Clinic Foundation for three Last spring Song received a years as a marketing associate “Resolution” from the Guam until her husband JEFF (att.), legislature, commending him was promoted to the Detroit on his work with choral region as a sales groups. Song writes: “My . . . about your family representative for the M&M/ select choir has won first Name Mars Incorporation. They live place two years in a row in in Novi, Mich. the Pacific Basin music Degree(s) received from Andrews/ competitions.” Year(s) of Graduation or years attended JEFF TOYOHIKO HONGO (BBA ’95) was selected for The Current Occupation/Employer Order of the Coif for academic excellence from the Location (City/State) top ten percent of the graduating class at Children Date of birth Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. He received a JD from the School of Law in May.
After living in Adelaide, Newcastle and Sydney, ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ¢ȱȱȱ Australia, ANTHONY VAN ǯȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȬ SCHOONHAVEN (MBA ’90) is Dzȱȱ ȱȱȱȱǯ now living in Melbourne, ȱ¢ȱȱȱȱǯȱ ȱ¢ȱȱ working as the deputy chief ȱ¢ȱvoluntaryȱȱȱȱ radiographer for the ќѐѢѠȱȱ¢ǵȱȱǞŗŖȱȱȱȱǯ Melbourne Diagnostic
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 33 LIFE STORIES ......
...... and MENKER FELEKE (BA ’94, Patricia Pinheiro and IVAN He is survived by his wife "IRTHS MDiv ’97) were married GOLUBIC (BBA ’98) were Isabel, whom he married in July 26, 1998, and now married Sept. 20, 1998, and 1945; a daughter, MARIJANE To Samantha and MARK reside in Loma Linda, Calif. now reside in Chicago, Ill. MOSHER (BA ’71) of Haslett, COUPLAND (att.), Warburton, Mich.; two sons, CARRELL Australia, a girl, Jacinta KAYLEITH PIERCE (BSW ’97, SHULER II (BA ’73) of Rose, Dec. 26, 1997. MSW ’98) and TIMOTHY $EATHS Berrien Springs and PETER PELLANDINI (BS ’96, MSPT JON SHULER (BS ’82) of Palo To PAMELA (STREIDLE) ’97) were married Aug. 16, Alto, Calif.; a sister, Joann ANDERS (MAT ’85) and Jay 1998, and now reside in CARRELL V. “B UD” SHULER Herford of Berrien Springs; Anders, Chattanooga, Tenn., Bath, Mich. (att. ’51-55) was born Jan. 4, and four grandchildren. a girl, Allison Janelle, March 1925, in Berrien Springs and 27, 1998. MEGAN STEMBRIDGE (BS ’97, died Aug. 23, 1998, in St. CARL D. ANDERSON (MA MSPT ’98) and ARVIN Joseph, Mich. ’57) was born April 2, 1912, To DAWN (NESMITH) (MA DELACRUZ (BArch ’97) were A lifetime resident of in Baltimore, Md., and died ’91) and BYRON BURKE (BS married Aug. 30, 1998, and Berrien Springs, Mr. Shuler May 30, 1998, in St. Helena, ’88), Prairie Village, Kan., a reside in Berrien Springs. was a great supporter of Calif. girl, Erin Amber, Aug. 23, Andrews University, He received a master’s 1998. JENNIFER INGELS (BS ’96, enrolling his own children degree from Andrews MSPT ’97) and Michael and encouraging his University in church Jenks were married Sept. 6, grandchildren who have history. 7EDDINGS 1998, and now reside in attended Andrews over the Belleville, Mich. years. continued on page 36 MELONEE RANZINGER (BA ’86) and James Patterson were married May 23, 1998, $AVID 7 3WAINE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS WAS BORN $EC IN 'LOUCES and now reside in Redondo TER %NGLAND AND DIED /CT FOLLOWING A LENGTHY ILLNESS IN "ERRIEN 3PRINGS Beach, Calif. He grew up in Africa, where his parents Technology. He com- were Seventh-day Adventist missionaries pleted both a mas- TIM ROSENBOOM (MDiv ’77) in Kenya and South Africa. ter’s degree and a MARY NELL BOND In South Africa, Swaine attended PhD in economics at and Helderberg College, graduating with a The University of (current staff) were married business diploma in 1954. Notre Dame in the June 28, 1998, and now For several years he served in the SDA 1980s. reside in Berrien Springs. church in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), first He is survived by as an accountant and later as a treasurer. his wife Lois of TAMI FINNELL He and his wife Rona (who preceded Niles, Mich.; two (BS ’97) and him in death) moved their family to the daughters, Carla MARK BOWARD (BS ’98) U.S. in the late 1960s when he studied at Ann Borresen of were married July 5, 1998, the Northrop Institute of Technology in Son, Norway, and and now reside in Benton California. He graduated there with a BS David Swaine Ingrid Smalling of Harbor, Mich. in engineering technology. He then com- Neptune Beach, Fla.; pleted an MS degree in operations man- three stepsons, J. J. D agement in 1974. In the same year he was Thomas Vetne of Valparaiso, Ind., Josef Natalie Hook and ARIN invited to join the faculty at Andrews Vetne of Niles, Jason Vetne of Arlington, PATZER (MBA ’97) were University to teach mechanical engineering Va.; a stepdaughter, Shiromi Payne of married July 19, 1998, and for the College of Technology. Indianapolis, Ind.; three grandchildren and now reside in Paw Paw, After four years of teaching at Andrews, three stepgrandchildren; his brother, Swaine joined the School of Business as an Dermot Swaine of Cape Town, South Mich. assistant professor in economics, with a Africa; and his sister, Sharon Searle of R MEGESA EHEMA (BS ’98) joint appointment in the College of Armadale, Australia.
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4HE !NDREWS 5NIVERSITY FAMILY WAS SADDENED TO NOTE THE DEATH OF ARTHUR O. COETZEE -! 0ROVOST %MERITUS ON /CT 4HE FOLLOWING IS THE EDITED ,IFE 3KETCH READ BY .EWTON (OILETTE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD IN 0IONEER -EMORIAL #HURCH /CT
Arthur O’Callaghan Coetzee was born March 30, 1931, near the With a strong conviction that educators should constantly town of Maltahohe in the African country of Namibia. improve their own skills and knowledge, Arthur came to With the great drought of 1931 and the ensuing depression, the Andrews University where he earned an MA in educational family moved to Mariental where his older brothers worked to administration in 1967. earn a living for the family of one girl and six boys. His brothers’ After serving as the Director of Education in South Africa, act of sacrifice in service for the family was not lost on Arthur, Arthur earned his EdD in 1972 in educational administration and in a way it was to shape his own life of service. Recalling from the University of Knoxville where he had been a research these hard times, Arthur remembered having to carry his shoes fellow as a facility planning consultant for the state of Tennessee, to school in his hands so as not to wear them out. an appointment through the university. Arthur was attached to the dry, dusty surroundings of his He then became president of Helderberg College. Arthur suc- native Namibia and sometimes described himself as a “man of cessfully focused his expertise and energies on the process of the soil,” referring to his affinity for nature which resulted in a complete racial integration which eventually developed into an respectable collection of insects, birds’ eggs and butterflies, and a open-admissions policy. He also developed a master plan, imple- lifelong interest in bird watching. mented it, developing, renovating and beautifying the physical Arthur’s loyal commit- plant. ment to Christian education Arthur also emphasized academic improvement with structur- began at the age of 12 when al administrative changes and the development of accredited his mother sacrificed to send degrees. He was named the Helderberg College Alumnus of the him to Helderberg High Year in 1986. School. After school, Arthur In 1979 Arthur joined Andrews University as associate profes- enrolled in the South sor of educational administration and director of affiliation and African Police College. He extension programs, where he focused attention on the universi- became a constable and ty’s international influence with multiple affiliation and exten- shortly afterwards the sion sites worldwide. A new and unforgettable era began. youngest detective in the He held numerous positions during his 18 years at Andrews. Namibian police force. As dean of the School of Graduate Studies, he restructured grad- At the height of his career uate education at Andrews. As vice president for academic as a police detective, Arthur administration, he became the spokesperson for academic quali- felt convicted that he could ty and the architect of policies which have resulted in providing make a more positive the structure for a more consistent and rational university envi- impact on society by help- ronment. As provost for strategic planning, he began to imple- Arthur Coetzee ing young people shape ment the strategic plan with vigor and a clear view of Andrews’ their lives, rather than by future. Arthur also had a keen interest in Christian philosophy bringing criminals to justice. and church history, subjects he cherished, enthusiastically stud- He returned to Helderberg College and majored in botany, zoolo- ied and taught at the SDA Theological Seminary. gy and history. And so began his dedication to serving others. In 1992, Arthur received the John Nevins Andrews Medallion While at Helderberg, Arthur met Cynthia Bradfield, and they from Andrews University. He retired officially in 1996, but con- were married on July 9, 1956. This romance was to continue for tinued to be of service to the institution. 42 years and three months. Arthur fought a long and valiant battle with lymphoma, ini- After graduation, Arthur accepted a teaching position at tially diagnosed in 1991. He passed away peacefully on Oct. 9, Sedaven High School in South Africa, where he served as boys’ 1998. He wanted to be remembered as a caring husband, father dean, full-time teacher, maintenance director, and later as vice and grandfather, uncle, a loyal employee, a credible leader, and a principal. Although a keen disciplinarian, Arthur truly had a gift trustworthy colleague and friend. for earning the love and respect of young people, thus becoming He is survived by his wife Cynthia of Berrien Springs; a a mentor for many workers in South Africa. daughter, LYNDA HURLOW (att. ’82) of Berrien Springs; a son, While living at Sedaven, the Coetzees’ two children—Lynda ANDREW (BBA ’83) of Lakewood, Calif.; and four grandchildren. and Andrew—were born. The family then moved to Cape Town, where Arthur served at Hillcrest Secondary School as teacher and principal.
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 35 Want to make a gift... LIFE STORIES and receive ...... He taught in a number of being struck by a car while Adventist schools, including she attempted to cross US31 guaranteed Canadian Union College, in Berrien Springs. Oakwood College and She attended elementary Weimar Institute. He taught school, academy and college income? at Andrews Academy from on the Andrews campus, 1966 to 1968. and she received a degree in Consider the benefits of a Charitable Gift He is survived by his wife physical therapy from Loma Annuity. It’s a contract between you and Lois M. Ferren-Flory, a son, Linda University in 1976. Don D. Anderson, a Survivors include her Andrews University. You exchange a gift of cash daughter, Jean L. Calvert, mother BETH (’42, former or property for guaranteed, fixed income for life. two grandchildren, and staff) of Berrien Springs; two three great-grandchildren. sisters, MERRY BETH KNOLL The annuity can be funded with cash, stock, (BS ’68) of Staunton, Va., bonds, or real estate. HARRY A. WOHLERS (BA ’31) and CHEERI LEE ROBERTS (BS was born March 23, 1899, in ’70) of Ballston Spa, N.Y. You receive: Bunker Hill, Ill., and died May 29, 1998, in Holly, MERRIDITH SMITH- zincome for life Mich. DICKERSON (BS ’74) was z a rate of return as high as 12% He was employed by the born March 27, 1951, in zan up-front charitable deduction Adventist church for 43 Ypsilanti, Mich., and died zpartial tax-free quarterly income years, serving as an Oct. 13, 1998, in Berrien za meaningful gift for the Lord’s work accountant and business Center, Mich. zavoidance of estate and probate manager at Indiana After graduating from expenses on gift asset Academy, Broadview Andrews Academy in 1969, Academy and Adelphian she studied nursing at Academy. He retired in Andrews. She worked as a For a free, no-obligation quote: 1971. nurse in Ohio, Michigan He is survived by his wife and Maryland. Evelyn, whom he married in She is survived by her Name 1976; two daughters, parents REGER (BA ’49, Harriette Mason of former faculty) and Address Springhill, Fla., and Vesta KATHERINE SMITH (BA ’71, Gutsche of Sunland, Calif.; former staff) of Berrien City/State/Zip two sons, Dorison Wohlers Springs; her sons, Frank III of Holly and Fred Wohlers of Berrien Springs and of Centerville, Ohio; 15 Kevin of Germantown, Date of Birth grandchildren; 19 great- Ohio; two sisters, MARJORIE grandchildren; and two BATES (BS ’79) of Heidel- Spouse’s Date of Birth great-great-grandchildren. berg, Germany, and SUSAN He was preceded in death SMITH (BS ’86) of Izmir, I am interested in an annuity of by his son Dale Wayne Turkey; and a brother, Wohlers and his first wife of REGER JR. (BS ’76) of 54 years, Vesta Belle Columbia, Md. ( ) $5,000 ( ) $10,000 ( ) $______Wohlers. ( ) Please have a planned giving officer contact me. LINDA JOY HABENICHT (att. Send birth, wedding and PLANNED GIVING & TRUST SERVICES ’76) was born March 19, funeral announcements and day-time telephone number to ANDREWS UNIVERSITY, ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 302 1953, in Flint, Mich., and Life Stories, FOCUS, BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI 49104-0645 died Oct. 9, 1998, in Andrews University, Berrien PHONE: 800-784-3292 / FAX: 616-471-6543 Kalamazoo, Mich. Springs, MI 49104-1000. Or Ms. Habenicht died from e-mail the information to E-MAIL: TRUST ANDREWSEDU injuries sustained after
36 FOCUS s FALL 1998 FALL 1998 s FOCUS 37 AT RANDOM ...... by Amber Mihm
College or Bust— or Both! n October I visited Andrews University for College teria at Andrews an A. I was rather pleased, especially Days, and I can describe my experience in one word: since my favorite meal in the world is a cold sandwich Overwhelming. I attend Great Lakes Adventist and a pop. I had that for each meal during College Days, Academy (GLAA) where there are only 240 students. and I was thrilled. Really, the only complaint I had during IAll of the buildings are strategically positioned in a my visit was the freshman dorm rooms. They did leave rectangle so you can walk out of any build- something to be desired, but, of course, no ing and see all the others lined up neatly ...... college can have the best of everything. before you. My overall opinion of the Andrews expe- What a contrast to the Andrews campus! rience is that it’s an excellent school. Lamson Hall alone seems bigger than our Unfortunately, the better the college the flat- entire campus. If you’ve ever tried to find a ter the wallet. There are ways to work certain room in the girls’ dorm, you know around the costs of education, I know, but what I mean. It’s a maze! Also for the other coming from a fairly low-income family, I buildings, well, all that brick tends to look know tuition is a major consideration for suspiciously like all that other brick after me. This is where college selection becomes awhile. I couldn’t find my way from one frustrating. I don’t want to be strapped with place to the next without concentrating very debt this early in my life. A logical move hard. would be to choose a cheaper community Don’t get me wrong—a big campus isn’t college over the student loan, but I would such a bad thing once you learn your way hate to sacrifice a better education and around. Comfortable as it may be, I get higher pay down the road for that lower quite tired of the brick rectangle that consti- price tag now. The perplexities are endless. tutes the GLAA campus. However, in the Each college has strong and weak points. grand scheme of things, the size of the I have a very Each is right for someone, and none is right campus is not what I’m using to determine for everyone, not even Andrews. my choice of a college. important decision I guess I have a very important, yet diffi- In my search, the most important factor is to make. cult, decision to make, and that decision the academics. After all, the point of going will affect the rest of my life on earth. This to college is to learn, right? On that scale, decision cannot and will not be made with- Andrews University ranks at the top of my ...... out the Master Professor, so I really don’t list. As I toured different departments, a need to worry. In the meantime, I am doing common phrase was repeated over and over: “We’re at the my homework on different colleges. And through all my top of this field.” I was impressed that an Andrews educa- research I have reached only one unvarying conclusion: I tion can prepare me to be the best in whatever field I think I want to stay in high school! might choose. Other than academics, two very important factors are the food and lodging on a college campus. I give the cafe-
Amber Mihm is a senior at Great Lakes Adventist Academy in Cedar Lake, Michigan. She lives in Holland, Mich., and enjoys music and participating in the GLAA school gymnastics team, Aerokhanas. We hope she decides to attend Andrews University in the fall.
38 FOCUS s FALL 1998 PHOTO ALBUM ......
...... photo supplied by Meredith Jones Gray photo supplied by Meredith he promotional brochure for the Andrews University 1977 European Study Tour said nothing about posing for goofy hat pictures along the road in Great Britain. But, then, Merlene Ogden’s famous TEuropean study tours have always included a whole lot more than what’s advertised! Front (from left): Gary Hill, Suzanne Harris, Carol Sample, Beverly Matiko, Merrie Jones, Faith Slikkers, Merlene Ogden. Back (from left): Leonard Hill, Warren Matiko, Marjorie Gillespie, Lester Christoffel, Cornelia Sanderson, Laura Luke, Olive Squires, Becky Snyder, Jack Tetz. Alumni Homecoming—The World Is Our Classroom—this spring will feature reunions of all Andrews tours. So, mark your calendar for April 22 to 25, 1999, and start sorting slides!
FALL 1998 s FOCUS 39 ANDREWS AFIELD
іљљȱюџђȱǻȱȂşŖǼȱand юћȱѢџёѦ ǻȱȂşśǼȱatop Long’s Peak (14,255 ft.) in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. In the distance rises majestic Andrews Peak (13,000 ft.)— that’s a whole lot of school spirit for one photo!
ђџіȱ юєєђџѡѦ ǻȱȂşŜǼȱat the World Trade Center in New York City.
юћѐѦȱ ђџюџёȱǻȱȂŝŝǰȱȱȂŞŗǼǰȱher dad ћќяяѦȱюѢџќȱǻȱȂŚŞǼȱand her brother ѡђѣђȱюѢџќȱǻȱȂŝřǰȱȱȂŝśǰȱ ȱȂŞŝǼȱat Joshua Tree State Park in southern California.