Annual Report 2022

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSIT Y

2021-2022

BEAUTY from ASHES Fires force a family in a new direction. p. 4

MEMORABLE TRIPS Life changing trips, and expanded horizons. p. 8 and 12

AWARD-WINNING FILMS Southern film students take the stage at the SonScreen Festival. p. 10

GIVING DAY

More than 500 donors make a difference for the School of Nursing. p. 22

FINANCIAL REPORTS See the impact of your gifts on our campus. p. 24

THANK YOU Students express gratitude toward donors. p. 26

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Ken Shaw speaks to attendees during his Presidential Inauguration.

The university president engages students during the International Student Breakfast.

One Gracious Blessing After Another

G

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

Get more out of the Annual Report!

Scan this QR code to:

2 | Southern Adventist University

• Register for a virtual town hall with President Ken Shaw

• Watch a video of a short-term mission trip to Romania

• Visit with student missionaries currently serving abroad

• Listen to a podcast about Merge worship on campus

• See highlights of a student’s adventures in Scotland

• Hear scholarship recipients tell their story

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19

SOUTHERN MOMENTS

26

MISSIONS

4

THANK YOU

FEATURE STORY

14

20

LEGACY SOCIETY

SERVICE

6

27

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ACADEMICS

16

22

send address changes to:

Advancement Southern Adventist University Post Office Box 370 Collegedale, TN 37315-0370

YOUR IMPACT

  

SPIRITUAL LIFE PRESIDENT

| Ken Shaw, ’80

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT | DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT



Ellen Hostetler

| Kenny Turpen, ’09

DIRECTOR OF PLANNED GIVING

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS |

Cheryl Torres ’05

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS | John

| Robert Bovell, ’89

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS | ANNUAL GIVING MANAGER

| Kimberly Bobenhausen Boone ’21

DATABASE MANAGER

4 2 3 . 2 3 6 . 2 82 9 4 2 3 . 2 3 6 . 1 82 9 advancement@southern.edu southern.edu/advancement

Lucas Patterson

| Sandra Araújo-Delgado

| Eric Baerg, ’07

DONOR RECORDS COORDINATOR | ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Candy Reichert

| Lori Thompson 2022 Annual Report | 3

F E AT U R E S T O R Y

BEAUTY from ASHES 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

4 | Southern Adventist University

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 woman-at-thewell experience.

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.

At the time of the Camp Fire, she was working as a secretary for the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist church while also homeschooling her boys, who

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, 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.

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.

“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 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.

— Staff Writer

Nursing graduate, Brittany Franks, ’22, surrounded by her family.

ACADEMICS

6 | Southern Adventist University

ACADEMICS

STUDENTS CONDUCT REAL-LIFE RESEACH AT O A K R I D G E N AT I O N A L L A B O R AT O R Y

Last summer, two Southern physics majors helped conduct research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

Suzuki had dreamed of the opportunity to work at ORNL and was thrilled to be invited by Andrianarijaona.

“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

Physics student Tim Suzuki, who graduated in May, works on a research project at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Eastern Tennessee.

2022 Annual Report | 7

ACADEMICS

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 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.

Southern Scholars graduate Julia Ciasca, ’22, enjoys views of the city of Edinburgh.

8 | Southern Adventist University

Ciasca was stretched academically and personally.

“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.” — Staff Writer

NEW PROGRAMS

EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES IN DIGITAL FIELDS

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.

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.

“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.

“Skills in cybersecurity and web development are highly valuable in today’s market,” said Rick Halterman, PhD, dean of the School of Computing.

“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.”

— Madison Reinschmidt senior mass communication major

2022 Annual Report | 9

SOUTHERN STUDENTS WIN AWARDS AT S O N S C R E E N F E S T I VA L

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:

“Like Paper” Michaela Hounslow best in festival

“As You Are” Tyler Whitsett & Sid Ramirez

“Truth is Stranger” Michael Moyer

& best in drama

best in documentary

best in art experimental

“Life of Walter”

“We Are People”

“Spark”

best in comedy

jury selection

Michael Moyer

Marcus Maynes

Ashton Weiss & Michael Rackley audience choice

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.

“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; 10 | Southern Adventist University

we’re coaching the next generation of Christian filmmakers.”

Michaela Hounslow, a senior, felt humbled to receive the highest award and credits her crew for their perseverance.

“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.”

— Stefanie Green senior public relations major

MISSIONS

2022 Annual Report | 11

MISSIONS

STEPPING into the CRISIS The tragedy unfolding in the war in Ukraine deeply impacted Southern’s community and inspired our resolve to make a difference...

But, where there is crisis, there is also

Mi ran da Delg ado , ju

opportunity.

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publ ic rel ation sm

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 12 | Southern Adventist University

ajor, s hares a mome nt with a Ukra inian

child .

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.

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.”

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

Rachel Ibarbia, senior animation major (center), was baptized during an Evangelism Resource Center mission trip.

DECISIONS FOR JESUS 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.

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.

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.” — Staff Writer

As the days went by, Ibarbia realized she wanted to be rebaptized. She had been considering it for some time but

Ev eli n

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.

“Every day I would look forward to going to church and spending time with my new friends,” she said.

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.

DOING HER PART 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.

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.

“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 part.”

Additionally, Velinova made use of her film production major while there, gaining experience in her field

r film production m enio s ajo , r va no i l e V

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.

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.”

— Stefanie Green senior public relations major 2022 Annual Report | 13

SERVICE

14 | Southern Adventist University

SERVICE

MLK SERVICE DAY TRADITION EXPANDS TO FULL WEEKEND 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.

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 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.”

— Madison Reinschmidt senior mass communication major

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS SERVE LOCAL REFUGEES 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.

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.”

items for refugee families entering East Tennessee. Both student organizations intend to continue these partnerships into the future.

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.

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.

— Amanda Blake sophomore journalism major

Approximately 25 refugee families from various Middle Eastern countries participated, along with 15 Southern students.

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.”

“That was the best community service I’ve

“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.”

So far, the group has helped Bridge Refugee Services organize storage and conduct a charity drive to collect basic household

2022 Annual Report | 15

SPIRITUAL LIFE

16 | Southern Adventist University

SPIRITUAL LIFE

MERGE WORSHIP SERVICE

A TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE 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.

aspects of the worship service. They provide direction, conduct programs, and are often the main speakers, as well as musicians.

Collegiate pastor Reginald Horton, ’91, DMin, who oversees Merge, remembers how it began seven years ago.

“We empower them,” Horton asserts.

“We make it clear that Merge is theirs.”

“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

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.”

Stories like this one testify to the difference Merge is making in the lives of current and former Southern students.

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 says, “It’s 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.

— Staff Writer 2022 Annual Report | 17

SPIRITUAL LIFE

INVITING GOD TO TAKE THE DRIVER’S SEAT 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.

“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.” 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.

R

“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

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de

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lan ast

r d, senio theology

ma

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on my knees and ask Him, ‘What do You want me to do?’”

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 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.”

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!”

“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.”

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.

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.

“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.”

— Madison Reinschmidt senior mass communication major

18 | Southern Adventist University

2021-2022 SOUTHERN MOMENTS

Physics and engineering professor Vola Andrianarijaona with students

Nursing students practicing

SonRise Resurrection Pageant 2022

May Graduation 2022

Students pray during vespers

Missions vespers

Freshman Service Day

Latin American Club night

Meet the Firms and Graduate Schools

Wind Symphony performance

Board of Trustees during ribbon cutting for Bietz Center for Student Life

Humanitarian Engagement dental clinic in Romania

Student doing longboard tricks in front of Bietz Center

Symphony Orchestra performance

Scholarship recipients with donor

2022 Annual Report | 19

LEGACY SOCIETY

745

$ Alumni and friends have chosen to support Southern through planned gifts and are recognized as Legacy Society members.

To learn more about joining the Legacy Society, visit southern.edu/plannedgiving.

97,695

H AV E B E E N AWA R D E D IN LEGACY SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS TO

32

STUDENTS SINCE

2016

20 | Southern Adventist University

Josnel Lache-Veloz, '22, a Legacy Society Scholarship recipient, volunteered during a dinner thanking Legacy Society donors.

LEGACY SOCIETY

SCHOLARSHIPS BRIDGE THE GAP 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

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parents’ concerns, she decided to enroll at Southern and cover the costs on her own.

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Since arriving at Southern, Moraga has held at least two

Mo ra

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enior health scie

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different jobs each semester and worked the maximum

“Donor-funded scholarships play a significant role in

hours allowed in order to pay her student bill. The Legacy

decreasing a student’s financial burden,” says Paula

Society Scholarship, awarded to Moraga and four other

Walters, ’05, director of Student Finance. “Most often they

students this year, was “heaven sent,” she says, because

bridge the gap, allowing students to see their dream of

it allowed her to cut back on work to dedicate more time to

attending Southern come true.”

challenging science courses.

The impact is huge! In the last 10 years, 6,321 students This year, 600 students received $1.7 million in endowed

received a portion of the $9.36 million awarded in donor-

scholarships made possible by generous donors. This

funded scholarships.

means that a first-generation college student can attend Southern with a work-match scholarship, or students such

“It’s remarkable to see the difference these funds make

as Moraga can work two jobs instead of three, investing

in the lives of our students,” Walter says, “and I’m forever

more time in their studies. Scholarships are also making a

grateful for the generosity of our donors.”

difference for high-achieving students, by recognizing their potential and motivating them to work even harder.

— Staff Writer

2022 Annual Report | 21

Y O U R I M PA C T

MORE THAN 500 DONORS

SUPPORT SCHOOL OF NURSING DURING GIVING DAY 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. 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.

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.

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

GIVING DAY BY THE NUMBERS

2022 Annual Report | 23

Y O U R I M PA C T

2021-2022 TOTAL GIVING

3,480

$

234,450 Contributed through gifts of $100 or less

$

200,145

CORPORATIONS FOUNDATIONS

Capital Projects

ALUMNI FRIENDS STUDENTS

$

$

1,051,119

Named Endowed Scholarships & Chairs

$

996,848

Non-Endowed Scholarships & Awards

$

4,670,396

1,156,515 Academic Areas

$

collectively gave to impact our

565,070 Missions

students, and our community

$

243,123

Campus Support

$

164,782 WSMC

$

174,074

The Southern Fund

$

78,400 Gifts in Kind

$

40,320 Other

$

4,670,396 GRAND TOTAL

24 | Southern Adventist University

“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 Ngugi, ’19 Master of Social Work student at Southern

2022 Annual Report | 25

Thank you!

Were it not for the scholarships I received, I wouldn’t be at Southern.

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.

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.

Thank you!

Issac Abraham senior nursing major

2021-2022 Legacy Society Scholarship recipient

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. T ​ his 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.

Thank you!

2021-2022 Legacy Society Scholarship recipient

Deborah Kim

senior accounting major

WE CELEBRATE OUR PARTNERSHIP by including your names on our recognition pages.

Scan this QR code for access to our lists of donors.

26 | Southern Adventist University

LIVING THE DREAM For as long as she can

was invited often to the

Janssen, ’99, dreamt of one

times stayed over during

remember, Jennie (Dee)

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

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

in her dream. After discovering

dream and prepared her to live

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

provided a launch pad for her 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.

the impact of working in

As busy as she is, Jennie stays

department. “We were a

giving back. She knows from

what is now the Audio Visual family,” she recalls. Frank

Di Memmo, who headed the

department, cared about each DONATED BY ALUMNI TO SOUTHERN IN 2021-2022

tornado watches. While at

instant. He also loved sharks;

but more than that, he believed

Jennie (Dee) Janssen, ’99, feeding a whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium

Di Memmo’s home and at

student individually. Jennie

connected to Southern by

personal experience that it takes the support of many for dreams to take flight.

— Staff Writer

2022 Annual Report | 27

P.O. Box 370 Collegedale, TN 37315-0370 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Save the Date October 27–30, 2022

Honor Classes: 1942, ’52, ’62, ’72, ’77, ’82, ’92, ’97, ’02, ’12 j o i n u s i n p e r s o n o r v i r t u a l ly f o r o u r

annual Southern family celebration!

Visit southern.edu/homecoming for the latest information and updates.

423.236.2830 alumni@southern.edu southern.edu/alumni