During the first weekend of May, 380 undergraduate and graduate students donned their caps, gowns and regalia for commencement ceremonies at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich. Friends and family from around the world gathered on campus to honor the graduates.
On Friday evening, Pierre Quinn (B.A., '04), coordinator of annual giving for Andrews University, addressed the graduates at the consecration service. Quinn challenged the graduates to strive for excellence in all aspects of life as reflection of the Andrews motto: "Seek knowledge. Affirm faith. Change the world."
Speaking to the graduates on Sabbath morning, May 3, Bill Knott (M.Div., '83), editor and executive publisher of Adventist Review, gave the graduates of 2008 a spiritual send-off with his baccalaureate address, "Jericho in the Mist." The days to come will be filled with celebrations and gifts, followed by job interviews and relocation for the soon-to-be graduates, but the message Sabbath morning served as a reminder, "Do not mistake the crossing of the river for the taking of the city. You'll find being on the other side of Jordan is not all it's cracked up to be," he cautioned.
On Sun., May 4, commencement services were held at Pioneer Memorial Church. Author, consultant, management educator and Andrews University alum Gary Hamel (B.S., '75; M.B.A., '76) addressed graduate students on the subject of "Exceeding Expectations." Hamel, who was recently ranked No. 1 on a list of influential business thinkers by The Wall Street Journal over journalist Thomas Friedman and former CEO Bill Gates, encouraged Andrews graduates to think and do outside the box. Hamel also received an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.
Jeff Fettig, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, spoke at the undergraduate commencement ceremony. His address, "Innovation: Your Career Lifeblood," spoke about the importance of innovation, having worked with a company that went from good to great through creative ideas, people and products.
On behalf of the faculty, Patricia Black Mutch was awarded the John Nevins Andrews Medallion in recognition of her many contributions to Andrews University.
The dust will eventually settle and the responsibilities of real life will begin to sink in, but for some students the culmination of their studies at Andrews felt like a dream. "Graduation was a bit surreal for me," said pre-med music major Paul Byssainthe. "I don't think it really has hit me that I am a college graduate."
Keri Suarez, media relations specialist, University Relations
