Friends, family, faculty and staff attended graduation ceremonies May 1–3 as the 130th graduating class took their place among the nearly 37,000 Andrews University alumni. On that day, 227 undergraduate and 150 graduate students received their diplomas on the main Andrews University campus.
Friday evening, Verlyn Benson, dean of the College of Technology, delivered a thought-provoking address, "Life Isn't Fair. Oh Wait, Yes It Is!" for Consecration. Don Livesay, president of the Lake Union Conference, offered graduates a glimpse at the years ahead during the Baccalaureate service with his sermon, "In the Center of a Tight Spot." A Sabbath Vespers tribute to parents, faculty and students at Pioneer Memorial Church was followed by the President's Reception for graduates and their families in the lobby of the Howard Performing Arts Center.
Sunday morning, graduates were greeted by a colorful array of international flags against a clear blue sky as they marched into Pioneer Memorial Church. As the dean of each school/college announced the candidates, graduates walked across the stage to receive their degree from Niels-Erik Andreasen, president. Andre Weston, B.A., English/writing, cum laude, testified that the president's grip was still surprisingly firm even after shaking the hands of hundreds of graduates.
Esther Diaz, former dean of the Cuban Adventist Seminary in Havana, Cuba, was the keynote speaker for graduate Commencement. For her leadership in overcoming the prejudices and stereotypes concerning women in ministry, the faculty of Andrews University presented Diaz with an honorary Doctor of Divinity.
Lawrence Geraty, president emeritus and professor of archaeology at La Sierra University in California, was the keynote speaker for the undergraduate Commencement ceremony. Because of his dedication to higher education, research and cultural diversity, Andrews University presented Geraty with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
During Commencement, the J.N. Andrews Medallion, an award recognizing significant achievement in the advancement of knowledge and education by Seventh-day Adventist teachers, scholars and writers, was presented to Shandelle H. Henson and Jane Thayer. Shandelle M. Henson, professor of mathematics in the College of Arts & Sciences, was awarded in recognition for her contributions to the field of mathematical biology and concern for the environment. Jane Thayer, associate professor of religious education, emeriti, in the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, was recognized for her abiding concern for the spiritual growth of University students.
Keri Suarez, media relations specialist, Office of Integrated Marketing & Communication
