BEAUTY from ASHES MEMORABLE TRIPS AWARD- WINNING FILMS Fires force a family in a new direction. Life changing trips, and expanded horizons. Southern film students take the stage at the SonScreen Festival. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY 2021-2022 p. 8 and 12 p. 10 FINANCIAL ourofSeeREPORTStheimpactyourgiftsoncampus. p. 24 THANK donors.towardgratitudeexpressStudentsYOU p. 26 GIVING MoreDAYthan 500 donors make a difference for the School of Nursing. p. 22 p. 4
Ken Shaw speaks to attendees during his Presidential Inauguration. Adventist University
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• Visit with student missionaries currently serving abroad See highlights of a student’s adventures in Scotland
• Listen to a podcast about Merge worship on campus
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Get more out of the Annual Report! Scan this QR code to: The university president engages students during the International Student Breakfast.
od is good. During this past year at Southern Adventist University, I have seen so much evidence of this simple truth. As I listened to an experienced team of faculty and staff and took time to learn about students’ dreams and ambitions, I knew this was a very special place. We were blessed from the beginning of the school year, as we received the largest freshman class we have had in the past 10 years. Last winter the reaffirmation team from our accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), provided us a clean report with no recommendations for change. What a blessing! We transitioned from COVID-19 restrictions to an open campus, bringing back alumni and friends to beloved events such as the Christmas Tree Lighting, SonRise, and Homecoming. As valued members of our Southern family, you are also one of our blessings. Your support and engagement made the Southern experience possible for many students, as you will see in this report. I hope you will take time to read about the amazing things God did for Southern this past year through your faithful generosity. As a bonus, I invite you to join me in a virtual town hall to talk about some of my favorite stories in the Annual Report and answer any of your questions. Thank you for your partnership this last year. I pray that God will continue to bless you, as you have blessed us. With gratitude, Ken Shaw, ’80, EdD President
• Hear scholarship recipients tell their story
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• Watch a video of a short-term mission trip to Romania
• Register for a virtual town hall with President Ken Shaw
One Gracious Blessing After Another
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
send address changes to : SouthernAdvancementAdventist University Post Office Box 370 Collegedale, TN 37315-0370 264 FEATURE STORY 6 ACADEMICS 11 MISSIONS 14 SERVICE 16 SPIRITUAL LIFE 27 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 20 LEGACY SOCIETY 22 YOUR IMPACT 19 SOUTHERN MOMENTS THANK YOU PRESIDENT | Ken Shaw, ’80 VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT | Ellen Hostetler DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT | Kenny Turpen, ’09 DIRECTOR OF PLANNED GIVING | Kimberly Bobenhausen DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS | Cheryl Torres ’05 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS | John Boone ’21 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR | Robert Bovell, ’89 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS | Lucas Patterson ANNUAL GIVING MANAGER | Sandra Araújo-Delgado DATABASE MANAGER | Eric Baerg, ’07 DONOR RECORDS COORDINATOR | Candy Reichert ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT | Lori Thompson 423.236.1829423.236.2829 southern.edu/advancementadvancement@southern.edu 2022 Annual Report | 3
Brittany’s mind was racing, anxiously searching for what to do. “Should I grab something? But if I do, will someone else think they need to grab something, too?” Without any time to lose, she “literally got nothing,” she remembers. “No clothes, nothing.”
It was a brisk November morning in 2018. Brittany and Tim Franks drove through flames with their four boys, leaving Paradise, California, in the rearview mirror. By the next morning, the deadly Camp Fire had swept through their community, ravishing everything in its path. In the midst of so much loss, Brittany was still grateful. She had her family, and she had her faith. The Franks had become Adventists only six years earlier. She remembers the time when she started to notice a change in her atheist husband. He was kinder, more helpful, and he was reading the Bible. “I thought he was going crazy,” she recalls with a smile. But after a year, she too became interested in this new thing her husband had discovered. After almost a year, Brittany accepted Jesus. As the Franks studied the Bible together, their desire to meet with other Christians grew. One day God led them to an Adventist Church through a modernday wellwoman-at-the-experience.
FEATURE STORY BEAUTY from ASHES
At the time of the Camp Fire, she was working as a secretary for the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist church while herhomeschoolingalsoboys,who
4 | Southern Adventist University
Brittany went to a public well to get drinking water for the family. While she waited, her eyes settled on a sign that read, “If you want more information on the Living Water, call this number.” Brittany called, thinking it was ionized water, but she found so much more —a family of faith she would soon call her own.
— Staff Writer
range in age from 4 to 12. But the fire had uprooted her family and her plans for the future. What would they do now? Where would they live?
With nowhere to call home,
“There were times when I didn’t know what was going to happen next financially. Sometimes I could only work a few hours, because I was at risk of not passing a class. I knew that God was just telling me, ‘You need to trust me.’ And He used the kindness of the Southern family to bring me closer to Him.”
Brittany sent her transcript to various out-of-state schools. After visiting several of them, she arrived with her husband at Chattanooga State Community College, hoping it would be the one, but God had other plans. Brittany’s transcript had not arrived, and the admissions officer refused to meet with them. With five days left in the Chattanooga area and no other plans, she decided to visit Southern Adventist University.
Brittany had not considered Southern, thinking it was out of her reach, but she scheduled a visit anyway. She toured Hickman Hall and AdventHealth Hall and loved everything about the campus, but she doubted she could cover the cost. At first glance, her fears were confirmed. But a door opened when she spoke to a Student Finance counselor, who told her she qualified for several scholarships as well as financial aid. Out of the ashes, God was painting a beautiful picture of hope for Brittany and her family. But that was only the beginning. God continued to provide for their needs through the generosity of alumni and friends of Southern.
Brittany graduated in May with an associate degree in Nursing because she stepped out in faith to answer God’s calling on her life. Today, as an registered nurse she is eager to be an instrument of healing and hope to those in need.
Brittany found herself desperately praying to God for direction. One day as she prayed, she sensed God telling her to leave California and become a nurse. Trying to process this strange idea, she shared it with her husband, who told her that he had sensed God calling him to be a stay-at-home-dad. Now it all made sense.
Nursing graduate, Brittany Franks, ’22, surrounded by her family.
ACADEMICS 6 | Southern Adventist University
STUDENTS CONDUCT REAL-LIFE RESEACH AT OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY
“The work is very engaging, requiring critical thinking and good problem solving,” Dovald said. “This is an important step toward entering the world of physics research.”
“The most important lesson that I learned from working at the lab was that in real life, problems do not have simple solutions and that to overcome these challenges, a flexible mind is absolutely necessary,” Suzuki said.
— Madison Reinschmidt senior mass communication major
2022 Annual Report | 7
Last summer, two Southern physics majors helped conduct research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
“This is a big deal for undergraduate students,” Andrianarijaona said. “These students will be likely to write a science poster with the research results from their own work, not just the results of someone else’s work. That’s real-life experience for the researcher.”
ACADEMICS Physics student Tim Suzuki, who graduated in May, works on a research project at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Eastern Tennessee.
Vola Andrianarijaona, PhD, a physics and engineering professor at Southern, invited Timothy Suzuki, senior physics major, and Arian Dovald, junior physics major, to help with two of his research projects. Located in Eastern Tennessee, the laboratory is the largest (by size) science and energy national laboratory in the Department of Energy system. Research access is mostly reserved for those working at the doctoral level.
During their time at ORNL, the students worked on two main projects. The first involved building a specific square wave using a multi-pulse generator to ensure that the ion beam would send a specific number of pulses. The second involved achieving an ultra-high vacuum environment within the merged ion beamline, checking for leaks that would prevent the system from reaching desired vacuum pressure.
Suzuki had dreamed of the opportunity to work at ORNL and was thrilled to be invited by Andrianarijaona.
8 | Southern
“This was a godsend—just what I needed to graduate on time,” Ciasca recalls. She was thrilled to learn that the Women Abroad Scholarship would cover her tuition, making it possible for her to take this life-changing trip.
There was so much to see and do in Scotland’s capital. Art, culture, and history called from every corner. Enjoying the chilly summer air with classmates from all over the world, Ciasca took walks through Princes Street, with its mixture of Georgian architecture and high-end boutiques, and hiked up the cobblestone road to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. As amazing as it was to be in this dynamic city, Ciasca’s fondest memories are of time spent with strangers who soon became friends. Teachers and classmates welcomed her warmly. She also forged a special bond with her Danish roommate while they were quarantined in an apartment for 10 days before school began. Ciasca was stretched academically and personally.
SCHOLARLY ADVENTURES
IN SCOTLAND
Taking a two-week literature course during the summer of 2021 at the University of Edinburgh was an adventure of personal discovery for Julia Ciasca, '22, a graduate with degrees in business administration and accounting. During her junior year, Ciasca was encouraged by then Southern Scholars director Linda Tym, PhD, to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
“This experience challenged me to figure out who I am, what I believe, and how I can be a witness outside the ‘Adventist bubble’ I’ve been in,” she says. Looking back, “it was just the most perfect experience.”
Southern Scholars graduate Julia Ciasca, ’22, enjoys views of the city of Edinburgh. Adventist University
ACADEMICS
— Staff Writer
“Southern’s computing graduates have always been desirable to employers, but these options will provide students with skills that are immediately needed by companies for their success.”
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NEW PROGRAMS
The School of Visual Art and Design is giving students the opportunity to develop skills in user experience and web design through a new Bachelor of Fine Art in Web and New Media Design.
Southern Adventist University has expanded the academic options it offers in digital fields such as web design and cybersecurity. Two new degrees and several additional concentrations became available this fall. Developed in response to high demand from prospective students and employers, these options are included in Southern’s academic master plan.
“The new programs add breadth to Southern’s academic portfolio, allowing us to better meet the needs of our constituents,” said Robert Young, PhD, senior vice president for Academic Administration.
OPPORTUNITIESEXPAND IN DIGITAL FIELDS
“Skills in cybersecurity and web development are highly valuable in today’s market,” said Rick Halterman, PhD, dean of the School of Computing.
— Madison Reinschmidt senior mass communication major
“This new program is exciting because it builds on our strong graphic design program and combines it with more technical skills needed in this field,” said Randy Craven, MFA, dean of the School of Visual Art and Design. “We anticipate that this combination will be highly desirable.”
Additionally, the School of Computing has added a new master’s degree, the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science, which includes a choice of four certificates: Data Analytics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Web Development. At the undergraduate level, two new concentrations— Security and Web Development—are available as part of several different degrees, including the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
During the Sonscreen Film Festival in April, film production students in Southern’s School of Visual Art and Design were recognized for excellence in filmmaking. Seven Southern students won awards:
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The Sonscreen Film Festival gives young filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their purposeful, relevant productions centered on social awareness, outreach, and uplifting entertainment. This year, 23 Southern film students attended the festival, held at the Loma Linda University Church in California. While Southern students have been attending the festival for almost 20 years, this year’s group was the largest.
Marcus MaynesMichael Moyer Ashton Weiss Michael Rackley
best in festival & best in drama best in documentary best in art experimental jury bestselection in comedy audience choice 10 | Southern Adventist University
Tyler Whitsett Ramirez
Michaela Hounslow, a senior, felt humbled to receive the highest award and credits her crew for their perseverance.
“Screening your work for an audience and fielding questions is such a valuable experience and reward for any filmmaker,” said Nicholas Livanos, ’07, associate professor of film at Southern. “I’m so thankful my students got the chance to share their hard work with peers and industry professionals; we’re coaching the next generation of Christian filmmakers.”
Stefanie Green senior public relations major “As You Are” “Truth is
“Making films is a vulnerable, exhausting process, and when that work is rewarded, it’s a special kind of encouragement,” Hounslow said. “I strive to tell stories that highlight a sense of humanity in places where people don’t expect to see any. Stories have preserved our thoughts, ideas, fears, and hopes for generations, and I’m honored to be a part of that tradition.”
&
Michaela Hounslow
Michael Moyer
Stranger” “We Are People”“Life of Walter” “Spark”
“Like Paper”
& Sid
SOUTHERN STUDENTS WIN AWARDS AT SONSCREEN FESTIVAL
MISSIONS 2022 Annual Report | 11
STEPPING into the CRISIS
When it was all over, an estimated 700 people received the blessing of medical and dental care during the two weeks of the clinic, plus hundreds of children received toys and care packages. We also received a blessing, one we won’t soon forget, and a motivation to find more opportunities to share the love of Jesus.
— Sandra Araújo-Delgado annual giving manager
MISSIONS
12 | Southern Adventist University
Abby Vega, junior nursing major, recalls her experience: “Connecting with the children was so meaningful to me. The language became less of a barrier as we spent time together. We didn’t need to understand each other fully to become friends.”
Miranda Delgado, junior public relations major, shares a moment with a Ukrainian child
The tragedy unfolding in the war in Ukraine deeply impacted Southern’s community and inspired our resolve to make a difference... opportunity.
But, where there is crisis, there is also Jet-lagged and sleep-deprived, we stepped onto the street under the hot Bucharest, Romania, sun to catch bus 116 to PreMed, the Adventist clinic. It all started to sink in as we listened to the sounds of an unfamiliar language and watched the streets lined with grand old buildings painted with graffiti. After 35 minutes and a change in buses, we arrived at our stop. It was time to work. Our group of 23 Southern students and sponsors joined the Adventist Medical Evangelism Network (AMEN) team providing support for a medical and dental clinic serving Ukrainian refugees in Romania. Southern students got busy with a variety of tasks. They set up the outdoor clinic, assisted dentists and doctors, handled logistics, triaged patients, prayed with them, and provided activities for children. It was slow at the beginning, but after the first day, our mission clinic was running at full capacity, often having to re-schedule patients for the next day. Yegor was one of those displaced children who captured our hearts. He was part of a judo team from Ukraine that was brought to Romania at the onset of the war. The team of 30 boys and girls, ranging in ages between 11 and 17, had been separated from their families for months. Some didn’t know the whereabouts of their fathers, who were fighting in the war. Despite these tragic circumstances, Yegor’s spunky personality was a magnet. He spoke a little English, so he was often our contact in communicating with the others. During the day and a half the judo team spent with us, they slowly warmed up to our students. As we played games and exchanged names and pictures from back home, we were moved by our shared experience. We weren’t very different, after all. When it came time for them to leave, through tears and hugs we said goodbye to our new friends.
EvelinVelinova,senior flm production major
At first, Ibarbia was nervous about speaking in public, but as the week went on, she became more comfortable with her church, and her confidence grew.
— Staff Writer
Velinova helped care for a group of 16 boys and girls ranging in age from 1 to 17. Throughout the day, she kept an eye on those too young to be in school, helped the older students with their homework and chores, assisted with meals and evening worship, and in general was there for the kids. After a full day, her shift ended by 8 or 9 p.m. and she got to relax or visit with other volunteers.
Ibarbia was hoping for better weather the following week. She wrestled with God, asking Him to make the rain go away. Incredibly, not a single drop of rain fell the next week, which brought blue skies and more people.
During the first week of meetings, there was heavy rain every night. Because most members walked to church, attendance was low and those who came had to “squeeze water from their hair,” Ibarbia recalls. Seeing their resilience, she was humbled and felt motivated to preach well to make their trek through the downpour worthwhile.
Mornings started early for Evelin Velinova, a senior film production major who was serving as a student missionary at Familia Felíz orphanage in Bolivia. She tried to fit in exercise— often a run—and devotional time before the children she watched over woke up. Spending time with God was a priority for Velinova, because it gave her strength for her day. By 7 a.m., she headed to the group home to spend the day with “her” kids.
“We would have worship and breakfast together, as a typical family would,” she said.
“Every day I would look forward to going to church and spending time with my new friends,” she said.
DECISIONS
FOR JESUS
As the days went by, Ibarbia realized she wanted to be rebaptized. She had been considering it for some time but was afraid others would judge her. With love, the pastor encouraged her to make the decision to be baptized on that final Sabbath. When the day came, Ibarbia was among eight people who gave their lives to Christ. It was an incredibly moving experience for her. “I would always hear people said that God can use anyone, but after this trip, I wholeheartedly believe it,” she said. “I am not a preacher, and most nights I was very nervous and stumbled over my words. But God was able to use me to form a friendship with this church and touch people’s hearts.”
— Stefanie Green senior public relations major
DOING HER PART
Velinova felt God’s presence at Familia Felíz. “He helped me to be there for the kids in the way that they needed me to be,” she said. “I don’t know what He has planned right now, but I know that as long as I keep seeking His guidance, He will accomplish His will through me.”
Rachel Ibarbia, senior animation major, arrived at her assigned church in La Concordia, Ecuador. She was one of 14 Southern students who went to Ecuador as short-term missionaries with the Evangelism Resource Center (ERC) this May. At the Consuelo Seventh-day Adventist Church, she was warmly greeted by the head elder. The sanctuary was small. Outside, chickens and dogs were running around, but she knew God would be there during the evangelistic meetings.
2022 Annual Report | 13
“The children poured out their love to us volunteers,” Velinova said. “I may never see the impact I made on these kids in the long run, but that’s okay, as long as I did my Additionally,part.”Velinova made use of her film production major while there, gaining experience in her field and capturing the work she and other student missionaries were doing. She is helping to create a professional promotional video for the Familia Felíz website, as well as videos the SMs could send to their churches back home.
Rachel Ibarbia, senior animation major (center), was baptized during an Evangelism Resource Center mission trip.
SERVICE 14 | Southern Adventist University
The Middle Eastern Club, which formed last school year, joined with Adventist Muslim Friendship Association to hold a family fun day for refugee families in the area. Approximately 25 refugee families from various Middle Eastern countries participated, along with 15 Southern students.
MLK SERVICE DAY TRADITION EXPANDS TO FULL WEEKEND
Southern’s Adventist Peace Fellowship chapter, also a student-run organization, recently began volunteering with Bridge Refugee Services. Isabella Eklund, junior social work major and club president, explains that the students felt impressed to partner with a refugee agency after Taliban militants took over Afghanistan.
This year in mid-January, Southern Adventist University expanded a tradition it began in 1993, moving from one day of service to spending the entire holiday weekend serving the community in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Southern students and employees helped at assisted living facilities, schools, animal shelters, and much more. In fact, approximately 900 volunteers participated in more than 60 service projects over four days.
— Madison Reinschmidt senior mass communication major
One project involved collecting and distributing groceries for individuals facing food insecurity in the area around the campus. As an ongoing partnership between Southern and the Chattanooga Food Bank, community members in need are invited to campus twice a month to receive groceries. Over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, volunteers gathered more than 6,000 food items from community members, packed bags of groceries, and distributed them to those in need.
The students, who took part in cultural training beforehand, visited with the families and helped facilitate games for the kids. Kilah Runnels, Middle Eastern Club secretary and junior social work major said she “enjoyed listening to the refugees’ stories and learning about their struggles.”
— Amanda Blake sophomore journalism major
“The most impactful part for me was talking to the people who came for groceries,” said Bailey Krall, senior music major, who helped coordinate the project. “Several of them opened up about their challenges, such as job loss, health problems, and debilitating accidents. Everyone was so gracious, and their kindness left an impression on me. This experience helped me recognize our shared humanity.”
In response to an increased need in the Chattanooga, community, two student-led organizations at Southern have partnered with local non-profits working with refugees.
“After seeing how quickly people’s lives can get uprooted, we decided we wanted to help care for refugees,” Eklund said. “We want to be a welcoming community for them.”
“That was the best community service I’ve ever done,” she said. “Those interpersonal connections are key for me. It’s one thing to study about cultures and another thing to talk to people and immerse yourself.”
So far, the group has helped Bridge Refugee Services organize storage and conduct a charity drive to collect basic household items for refugee families entering East Tennessee. Both student organizations intend to continue these partnerships into the future.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS SERVE LOCAL REFUGEES SERVICE 2022 Annual Report | 15
SPIRITUAL LIFE 16 | Southern Adventist University
If you attend a Merge worship service on any given Sabbath morning, you will be moved by a soulful multicultural worship experience led by Southern students.
As students serve and worship at Merge, they are also finding community. One day, Horton opened an envelope to find small bills totaling $50. The accompanying note from an alum brought tears to his eyes. It said: “I want to thank you. I was suicidal, and it wasn’t until I started attending Merge that the Spirit of God saved me. I just want to bless you with some money.”
A TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE SPIRITUAL LIFE 2022 Annual Report | 17
“It’ssays,where my heart is happiest.” She loves the environment because she can “worship freely and deeply,” and like many others, she is eager to continue to worship and serve there.
This year 21 young men and women were baptized through this ministry. Looking ahead, the Merge leadership team dreams of growing beyond the realm of worship. Streaming the worship service is high on the priority list, as well as community outreach and social activities for students. Merge is playing a significant role in the spiritual experience of Southern students such as Lizbeth RodriguezDiep, junior public relations major. She
Collegiate pastor Reginald Horton, ’91, DMin, who oversees Merge, remembers how it began seven years ago.
MERGE WORSHIP SERVICE
— Staff Writer
Stories like this one testify to the difference Merge is making in the lives of current and former Southern students.
“We started with 15 students, very little resources, and a service once a semester,” he says. Today Merge is part of the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists. It has grown into a weekly service with an average attendance of 250 students from all backgrounds. From the onset, Horton saw an opportunity to help students develop their spiritual gifts and stay active in church after they left Southern. In fact, students play a key role in designing all aspects of the worship service. They provide direction, conduct programs, and are often the main speakers, as well as “Wemusicians.empower them,” Horton asserts. “We make it clear that Merge is theirs.”
RaidenEastland, seni o r theology major Southern Adventist University
Eastland continued toward his goal of becoming a mechanic, earning an associate degree and eventually working with his father to open a shop—finally fulfilling his childhood aspiration. It was hard work, but he loved it. Then, at the end of one fastpaced shift, Eastland felt intense lower back pain. An X-ray revealed a herniated disk in his spine.
“This caught my attention,” Eastland said, “because my friend didn’t regularly practice his faith, yet he saw potential in me. I told God that if this was what He wanted me to do, He would have to pick the school and help me graduate debt-free.”
— Madison Reinschmidt senior mass communication major
At this point, God had answered his prayer of where to attend, but his finances were still up in the air. Then Eastland’s pastor approached him and said that he and the church were willing to help pay his costs to study theology at Southern. Between the church’s help and Eastland’s qualification for financial aid, everything fell into place. Now Eastland is on track to graduate in 2024 with his bachelor’s degree in theology. He has found a spiritual community at Southern, serving as a LifeGroup coach in the Office of Ministry and Missions. The road to finding God’s calling was never easy, but he is grateful to experience God on a personal level.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
For Raiden Eastland, there was never a doubt that he would become a mechanic. He developed a passion for the work early on while fixing up old cars with his dad, and he dreamed of opening his own auto mechanic shop. During high school, Eastland began modifying cars to be faster, racing them on the street. Although he grew up Adventist, he lost interest in God as his passion for cars and racing grew. Then, one day someone stole his favorite car from his driveway in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
INVITING GOD TO TAKE THE DRIVER’S SEAT
At church one Sabbath, he met a family he had never seen before. As he visited with them during potluck, his struggles to find a new career path came up. Eastland was shocked to learn that the man had a friend with an almost identical story.
The man suggested that Eastland should pray about whether or not God was calling him to become a pastor. Eastland began praying, and later that week, he received a text from an old friend. As they caught up, Eastland told him about his challenges, and his friend responded, “I could see you as a pastor!”
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“I’ve gone through ups and downs, but God was with me the whole time,” Eastland said. “I told God that I didn’t just want to learn what was being taught at Southern; ultimately, the thing I want is to see who He truly is. I don’t care where I go, as long as that’s where God wants me.”
Eastland began the application process for both Southern and a university closer to home. Before he had even submitted the applications, he received a call from Southern’s Admissions office. He took this as a sign of where God wanted him, and he was accepted at Southern shortly afterward.
“That was a wake-up call,” Eastland said. “The Holy Spirit was pressing on my heart and telling me that my passion for cars had become my god. That’s when I decided to stop modifying cars and racing in order to focus on God.”
“The doctor told me I needed intense therapy and had to change my career field to one that would be easier on my back,” Eastland said. “Before entering mechanics, I hadn’t sought God’s counsel; I did it because it was what I wanted. Now, I had to get on my knees and ask Him, ‘What do You want me to do?’”
“The friend was a mechanic who ended up with the same back injury that I have, and like me, he didn’t know what to do with his life,” Eastland recalls. “However, after praying, the mechanic felt called to become a pastor.”
SOUTHERN2021-2022MOMENTS SonRise Resurrection Pageant 2022 Nursing students practicing May Graduation 2022 Missions vespers Student doing longboard tricks in front of Bietz Center Scholarship recipients with donor Latin American Club night Humanitarian Engagement dental clinic in SymphonyRomaniaOrchestra performance Students pray during vespers Physics and engineering professor Vola Andrianarijaona with students Meet the Firms and Graduate Schools Wind Symphony performance Board of Trustees during ribbon cutting for Bietz Center for Student Life Freshman Service Day 2022 Annual Report | 19
745 Alumni and friends have chosen to support Southern through planned gifts and are recognized as Legacy Society members. STUDENTS SINCE $ 97,695322016To learn more about joining the Legacy Society, visit southern.edu/plannedgiving. HAVE BEEN AWARDED IN LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPSSOCIETYTO LEGACY SOCIETY Josnel Lache-Veloz, '22, a Legacy Society Scholarship recipient, volunteered during a dinner thanking Legacy Society donors.20 | Southern Adventist University
The impact is huge! In the last 10 years, 6,321 students received a portion of the $9.36 million awarded in donorfunded scholarships.
SCHOLARSHIPSSOCIETY
HannahMoraga, senior health science major Hannah Moraga, senior health science major, valued Christian education and felt called to attend Southern. She knew there would be financial challenges, but despite her parents’ concerns, she decided to enroll at Southern and cover the costs on her own.
This year, 600 students received $1.7 million in endowed scholarships made possible by generous donors. This means that a first-generation college student can attend Southern with a work-match scholarship, or students such as Moraga can work two jobs instead of three, investing more time in their studies. Scholarships are also making a difference for high-achieving students, by recognizing their potential and motivating them to work even harder. “Donor-funded scholarships play a significant role in decreasing a student’s financial burden,” says Paula Walters, ’05, director of Student Finance. “Most often they bridge the gap, allowing students to see their dream of attending Southern come true.”
LEGACY
Since arriving at Southern, Moraga has held at least two different jobs each semester and worked the maximum hours allowed in order to pay her student bill. The Legacy Society Scholarship, awarded to Moraga and four other students this year, was “heaven sent,” she says, because it allowed her to cut back on work to dedicate more time to challenging science courses.
— Staff Writer 2022 Annual Report | 21
BRIDGE THE GAP
“It’s remarkable to see the difference these funds make in the lives of our students,” Walter says, “and I’m forever grateful for the generosity of our donors.”
In an expression of gratitude, Gadd said: “We say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our donors. Every bit of support makes a difference and touches student lives. We’re trying to prepare students for Heaven, not just for a job, and donors are part of our mission.”
— Staff Writer
YOURMOREIMPACT THAN 500 DONORS SUPPORT SCHOOL OF NURSING DURING GIVING DAY 22 | Southern Adventist University
“We wanted it to be fun, and we wanted people to know that even small gifts are appreciated, because they make big things possible,” says Holly Gadd, PhD, dean of the School of Nusing and Southern’s AdventHealth Chair of Nursing Education. Honoring the life of Professor Bonnie Hunt as part of the Giving Day effort became a driving force for many. Hunt contributed to the success of student nurses at Southern for 45 years. After retiring in 1997, she faithfully came into the office nearly every day, mentoring and encouraging students and colleagues until December 2021. She passed away on March 30 at the age of 90. This Giving Day brought together many who were grateful to Hunt, to help carry on her legacy.
In an unprecedented show of support, 524 alumni, students, parents, employees, and friends made gifts to the School of Nursing on Giving Day. Contributions of all sizes added up to $67,543 to support simulation and tutorial services that benefit students. With such overwhelming participation, the School of Nursing took first-place in several challenges, bringing in an additional $12,500 in prizes. It was a team effort spearheaded by Kerry Allen ’91, ’98, and ’09, associate professor for the School of Nursing. Students, professors, and alumni took to social media and invited friends to be part of this fundraising campaign. In addition, a friendly competition between nursing levels kept the momentum going during the 28 hours of Giving Day.
The impact of these gifts will be evident in an expansion of the current Simulation Lab. Plans include growing the number of beds to 10 and increasing simulation offerings for each class, including the graduate program.
GIVING DAY BY THE NUMBERS 2022 Annual Report | 23
2021-2022 TOTAL GIVING Contributed through gifts of $100 or less $ 234,450 3, 480 $ 4,670 , 396 collectively gave to impact our students, and our community $ 4,670,396 GRAND TOTAL ALUMNI FRIENDS STUDENTS CORPORATIONS FOUNDATIONS $1,156,515 Academic Areas $174,074 The Southern Fund $565,070 Missions $243,123 Campus Support $164,782 WSMC $40,320 Other $78,400 Gifts in Kind Capital Projects $20 0 ,145 $1,051,119 Named ScholarshipsEndowed&Chairs $996,848 ScholarshipsNon-Endowed& Awards YOUR IMPACT 24 | Southern Adventist University
Ngugi, ’19 Master of Social Work student at Southern 2022 Annual Report | 25
“I have spent many days and nights praying that I can make it to the finish line and follow God’s call on my life. He has opened so many doors for me through generous donors like you, and I’m so grateful.”
Beatrice
I was on the brink of leaving Southern, but God had my family’s back, and He provided the financial help before every deadline. I know that my journey here at Southern would have been cut short if not for the generous donations of the Southern family. My success in life will be a direct result of my education at Southern, and it wouldn’t be possible without your help.
on
Thank you!
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With my father as the sole provider for our family, we struggled when he temporarily lost his source of income during the COVID-19 shutdowns.
As the youngest of seven children, it always weighed on me to see how hard my parents worked to provide my siblings and me with a Christian education. Moved by their sacrifice, I decided long ago that I would pay my way through college, even if it meant taking out student loans. I have always held a job during the school year and have also worked summers to pay for my education. Financial aid and scholarships from alumni and friends have greatly lightened my load and helped me stay in school. This year, receiving the Legacy Society Scholarship has been a huge blessing and has helped reduce my financial stress. I am filled with gratitude to the donors who, without knowing me, have contributed to my education, and I am motivated to give back to others what I have received.
Deborah Kim senior accounting major your names our recognition pages.
Thank you!
Issac Abraham senior nursing major 2021-2022 Legacy Society Scholarship recipient 2021-2022 Legacy Society Scholarship recipient
26 | Southern Adventist University
WE CELEBRATE OUR PARTNERSHIP by including
Thank you!
Were it not for the scholarships I received, I wouldn’t be at Southern.
— Staff Writer
DONATED BY ALUMNI TO SOUTHERN IN 2021-2022 2022 Annual Report | 27
LIVING THE DREAM
For as long as she can remember, Jennie (Dee) Janssen, ’99, dreamt of one day swimming with sharks. It was still on her mind when she arrived at Southern as an undecided freshman. One day, after a general Biology class, Jennie started a conversation about sharks with Professor William Hayes, PhD. The connection was instant. He also loved sharks; but more than that, he believed in her dream. After discovering her passion, Hayes connected Jennie with a shark biologist at the Tennessee Aquarium, which lead to a four-year research internship. At the aquarium, Jennie was able to do original research and present it at professional society meetings, an incredible opportunity that would spark her love for learning new things through research. There were others during Jennie’s Southern experience who encouraged and supported her. She remembers the impact of working in what is now the Audio Visual department. “We were a family,” she recalls. Frank Di Memmo, who headed the department, cared about each student individually. Jennie was invited often to the Di Memmo’s home and at times stayed over during tornado watches. While at Southern, Jennie’s mom passed away. She dropped everything and went home to Maryland. To her surprise, days after, she answered her front door to find that Di Memmo had driven from Collegedale to attend her mother’s funeral. Jennie’s Southern experience provided a launch pad for her dream and prepared her to live it out. For the last 20 years, she has specialized in the care of both elasmobranchs and jellyfish at various public aquaria. Today she is the President and Co-Founder of Minorities in Aquarium & Zoo Science (MIAZS, an organization that promotes diversity and inclusion in the aquarium and zoo sciences), an Assistant Curator at the National Aquarium, and a Research Associate at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. As busy as she is, Jennie stays connected to Southern by giving back. She knows from personal experience that it takes the support of many for dreams to take flight.
Jennie (Dee) Janssen, ’99, feeding a whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium
Save the Date October 27–30, 2022 annual Southern family celebration! Honor Classes: 1942, ’52, ’62, ’72, ’77, ’82, ’92, ’97, ’02, ’12 Visit southern.edu/homecoming for the latest information and updates. 423.236.2830 alumni@southern.edu southern.edu/alumni join us in person or virtually for our P.O. Box Collegedale,370 TN 37315-0370 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
