Andrews University faculty, staff, and board members enjoyed their annual banquet on Mar. 7. The banquet featured “An Evening in New York,” complete with genuine New York emcees—Jack Mentges, director of social recreation, and David Faehner, vice president for university advancement—musical entertainment, and prizes.

Mentges alerted Michael Bloomberg, New York City mayor; George Pataki, New York state governor; and Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn borough president, to the university’s plans for the themed evening. All three sent letters of good wishes and congratulations on Andrews' commitment to educational excellence. Governor Pataki wrote, “Not only in the Empire State, but all across our nation, we recognize those outstanding educational institutions that foster the intellectual growth and enrichment of our young people. Religious schools, in particular, strengthen the spiritual and moral fortitude of the community by imparting solid values in the excellent education they offer.”

Six staff members received Excellence in Service awards: Joshua Baltazar (James White Library), Karen Wade (financial records), Tamara Condon (enrollment management), James Lim (information technology services), Pat Spangler (university relations), and Renee Copeland (student services). Seven faculty members were awarded the Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching Award: Delyse Steyn (communication), Kathy Berglund (physical therapy), Laun Reinholtz (technology), Tom Lowing (architecture), Mary Ann Hofmann (business), Hinsdale Bernard (education), and Jon Paulien (seminary).

Patricia Mutch, vice president for academic administration, presented the Excellence in Teaching awards and said, “[These teachers’] excellent work in their departmental environments makes Andrews a very special place to learn. We are very proud to honor them in this way.”

Katie Shaw, newswriter