Campus Update

Spring 2019 graduation Two honorary doctorates awarded

Andrews University’s spring gradua- Marianne Thieme, co-founder and Dutch tion took place May 3–5, 2019, celebrating parliamentary leader of the Party for the the conferral of degrees to 465 students on Animals, spoke for the 11 a.m. Commence- the platform of Pioneer Memorial Church. ment. Her address was titled “Talking About Glenn E. Russell, associate professor of a Revolution.” This service was for students religion and chair of the Department of graduating from the College of Arts & Sci- Religion & Biblical Languages, presented ences. At this service, Thieme also received the Consecration address, “What Time Is an honorary Doctor of for her passion- It?,” on Friday, May 3. ate commitment to stewardship. On Saturday, May 4, Kenneth A. Thieme studied at Erasmus Universi- Denslow, assistant to the president of the ty in Rotterdam. In her role as North American Division of Seventh-day of the , the first elect- Adventists, offered the Baccalaureate ed political party in the world that focuses address “Homecoming!” for both the grad- on the importance of the whole planet and uate and undergraduate services. all its inhabitants, Thieme works to make On Sunday, May 5, Chief Justice and the protection of animals, nature and the president of the Supreme Court in the environment a focus of political parties. Republic of Kenya David K. Maraga spoke In March 2017 she led another successful for the 8:30 a.m. Commencement service election campaign with the party winning for graduates of the School of Education five seats in the Dutch Parliament, making and the Seventh-day Adventist Theological the party even more influential. Thieme Seminary. His address was titled “From became interested in the Seventh-day Grass to Grace.” During this service, Mara- Adventist Church because of its focus on ga received an honorary Doctor of Laws for and care for our planet as a his lifelong commitment to service, integri- way of good stewardship. ty and the development of the law. She says, “The honorary degree I In response to receiving the degree, he received from Andrews University is so says, “There is no greater witness one can much more than simply a recognition of give for Christ than, by God’s grace, living my personal efforts to raise political and out one’s professed faith.” societal awareness of the suffering of Maraga holds law degrees from the Uni- animals. Andrews University stands out for versity of Nairobi and a Diploma in Legal its commitment to raise a next generation Practice from the Kenya School of Law. In of global leaders that is able and willing to addition to being the Chief Justice, he is the think beyond our man-centered interests.” chair of the Judicial Service Commission Ernesto Medina Jr., director of alumni (JSC), the body with the responsibility of engagement and assistant professor of overseeing the operations of the judiciary. preventive care at Loma Linda University Prior to joining the judiciary, Maraga was School of Public Health, and member of a legal practitioner in private practice for the Andrews University Board of Trust- 25 years. His contribution to the develop- ees, presented “Sam’s Seven Secrets to FROM TOP: Ken Denslow presented ment of the law has been immense, and the Success,” for the 2 p.m. Commencement. "Homecoming!" for the Baccalaureate services  Glenn Russell was the speaker for transformative effect of his work has made This service was for students graduating Consecration  David K. Maraga was awarded him one of the most sought-after speakers from the School of Architecture & Interior an honorary Doctor of Laws and spoke for the both locally and internationally. Maraga Design, School of Business Administra- first Commencement service  Marianne Thieme is a God-fearing man and a member of the tion, School of Distance Education & was the speaker for the College of Arts & Sciences Commencement and also received an honorary Seventh-day Adventist Church where he International Partnerships and School of Doctor of Laws  Ernesto Medina Jr. spoke for serves as an elder in his local church. Health Professions. the final Commencement on Sunday, May 5

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