Andrews University's first Celebration of Research and Creative Scholarship was held on Thursday, Apr. 2, in the Howard Performing Arts Center. This scholarly event was jointly sponsored by the Office of Research & Creative Scholarship and the Office of the Provost.

The evening unfolded in two parts. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., students, faculty and staff were invited to an open exchange of research. The information sharing included more than 120 poster and video presentations covering a wide range of topics—from the scientific, "Converting Cow Manure and Disposable Water Bottles into Fiberboard," to the literary arts, "A Good Man is Hard to Find." The presenters showcased analytical literary reflections, pedagogical findings, creative arts exhibits and a wide range of other conclusions, assertions and proposal research from 21 University departments.

Heather Knight, provost, served as emcee for the second part of the Celebration of Research, which featured seven faculty presentations. Knight thanked John Stout, director of the Office of Research & Creative Scholarship, for helping transform her dream of a research celebration into a reality, saying the event demonstrates an appreciation of scholarship. "We want this event to show we support research at Andrews," she stated.

Niels-Erik Andreasen, president, also addressed the audience and reiterated the need for research. He outlined three reasons for research. "Because it's fun," he said. "It's good for students," and "it adds to the common good." Discouraging participation in research for material gain, Andreasen said, "Don't think of research as something to do to get a promotion. Do it because it's good for the students."

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of preliminary research findings of a National Science Foundation funded grant that studied the unusual success of Andrews biology students. Preliminary findings spoke well of Andrews academics, crediting students' higher than average success on the biology major field exam to strong teacher-student relationships and exposure to strong teaching methods.

Stout described the main purpose of the evening was to "make the Andrews University faculty and student body aware of just how much research/creative scholarship was actually happening."

Stout acknowledged plans to make the Celebration of Research an annual event. He called the night a fusion of research into mainstream Andrews' life. "We, the president, provost, research office and many others, feel this event laid the foundation for more effectively weaving research and creative scholarship into the educational fabric that students, faculty and administration create together at Andrews University."

Andre Weston, intern, Office of Integrated Marketing & Communication