ROOTED IN
THE POWER OF LEGACY
Occasionally, we witness the power of legacy—how one life, one gift, one connection can ripple through time to change a future. At Southern Adventist University, that legacy comes to life through the faithful impact of our alumni and friends.
This year, we celebrated a defining moment as alumni, employees, students, and friends signed a steel beam for the new Ruth McKee School of Business. As the beam was lifted into place, I was reminded that every gift, every prayer, every story is building something lasting.
We felt the power of legacy during the memorial service for Jack Blanco. His handwritten drafts, now on display in the Bietz Center for Student Life chapel, remind us how one life can inspire generations.
From alumni leading fundraising efforts for the renovation of Miller Hall and a new nursing simulation lab, to employees supporting students through Southern’s Angel Tree, to the Alumni Council championing student missionaries—your fingerprints are everywhere.
With more than $64M in Southern’s endowment, your generosity has fueled scholarships, enhanced academic programs, and provided state-of-the-art facilities for our students.
Scan the QR code to:
• Register for Homecoming Weekend (October 23–26)
• Join the Lights Volunteer team
• See Gym-Masters’ Peru mission highlights
• View Ruth McKee School of Business construction updates
• Watch stories from scholarship recipients
This annual report is a testament to God’s faithfulness through people like you. Your prayers, your generosity, and your passion for Southern are educating, equipping, and sending servant leaders into a world that desperately needs them.
Thank you for walking with us!
Advancement Team
Cheryl Torres, ’05 Director of Alumni Relations
Candy Reichert
Donor Records Coordinator
Ellen Hostetler
Vice President for Advancement
Eric Baerg, ’07 Database Manager
Janel Anderson Campus Call Center Manager
John Boone, ’21 Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Kathryn Stiles Philanthropy Officer
Kimberly Bobenhausen Director of Planned Giving
Lori Thompson
Administrative Assistant
Lucas Patterson
Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships
Robert Bovell, ’89 Director of Advancement
Sandra Araújo-Delgado Associate Director of Annual Giving
Sandy James Associate Director of Community Events
Annual Report
Annette Heck, '01 Cover Photo
Crystal Preyer, ’16 Graphic Designer
Send address changes to:
Advancement
With deep appreciation,
Ken Shaw, ’80, EdD President
Southern Adventist University PO Box 370 Collegedale, TN 37315-0370
Contact Us
423.236.2829
423.236.1829
advancement@southern.edu southern.edu/advancement
4 FEATURE STORY
Southern's future is shaped by alumni legacy
6 ACADEMICS
Growth and innovation chart new paths for student learning
10 SPIRITUAL LIFE
Faith journeys are deepened as students take next steps
11 MISSIONS
Lives are transformed in the mission field
15 PHILANTHROPY AT WORK
Southern thrives through donor support
16 YOUR IMPACT
Numbers show the power of gifts at Southern
17 GIVING DAY
Academic departments are strengthened by widespread support
22 LEGACY SOCIETY
Student stories are made possible by legacy donors
24 SOUTHERN MOMENTS
Campus life is captured in vibrant snapshots
27 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Charting a path from first-gen to first job
Rooted in Service: How Alumni Continue to Shape Southern
I step into the office expecting a meeting, but what I find feels more like a family reunion.
Linda Marlowe, ’97, Barbara (Davis) James, ’75, PhD, and Sylvia (Davidson) Mayer, '73 and ’75, greet me with warm smiles and easy laughter, their conversation already in motion. Names of former students, faculty, and alumni float through the room like old friends— some from decades ago, others from just last year. Their connection to Southern Adventist University hasn’t faded with time. It has only deepened.
But this meeting isn’t just about reminiscing—it’s about building. As key volunteers, these women play a vital role in a fundraising initiative supporting the renovation of Miller Hall, where new stateof-the-art spaces will soon house expanded simulation labs for the School of Nursing.
Together, these three women represent nearly a century of service to Southern’s School of Nursing. James, a former dean, helped shape the school’s vision and programs. Marlowe, a former employee, maintains strong ties to the university, and Mayer, a former faculty member, still brings passion for teaching, mentoring, and staying deeply engaged in Southern’s story.
They couldn’t stay on the sidelines, so now they are supporting future generations. “The call to serve doesn’t stop when you graduate or retire,” Mayer shares with conviction.
That same call echoes across campus. Last year alone, 2,222 alumni participated in Southern events, reconnecting with classmates, students, and the mission that shaped them. More than 175 served as volunteers—mentoring students, speaking in classes, or planning events. And 1,351 gave financially, investing in scholarships, programs, and facility upgrades like the new simulation labs.
Some return as adjunct instructors, offering real-world expertise to the next generation. Others extend the legacy by encouraging their children, church members, and community to attend Southern. Even informal moments—like a student encountering alumni in unexpected places—highlight how Southern graduates represent the university in the marketplace, affirming the value of a Southern education. Alumni also inspire when they share their accomplishments— from publishing books to performing at Carnegie Hall. “At its core, alumni impact is about sharing the Southern Experience with each coming generation, doing what each of us can in our own way,” says
Cheryl Torres, ’05, director of
“There’s a deep sense of community and shared purpose among Southern alumni,”
Alumni Relations.
Barbara James
“People have given generously—not just financially, but with their time, encouragement, and advocacy. It’s been truly inspiring.”
Staying connected is simply part of life for Marlowe, James, and Mayer. Marlowe continues to serve on the Employee Events Committee and regularly attends campus
“Alongside Linda and Barbara, I’ve had the privilege of helping organize the annual Ladies’ Luncheon during Homecoming Weekend,” Mayer shares. “I find satisfaction in knowing the faculty,
and enjoying a meal together. It’s a meaningful way to connect alumni and community while celebrating our shared mission.”
“Our experiences at Southern helped shape who we are,” James says. “Giving back honors that and ensures the next generation has even greater opportunities.”
The trio is now leading outreach efforts to engage former faculty and staff of the School of Nursing, encouraging them to invest in the future of the program they once served. So far, $31,363 has been donated toward the creation of the Former Nursing Faculty and Staff Conference Room—a tribute to the vision and legacy of those who once taught in the school.
“Southern’s mission of faith, service, and excellence continues to shape lives,” James says. “It’s a privilege. I’m honored to still play a part in that legacy.”
As the meeting wraps up and the women gather their notes, one truth stands out: legacy isn’t defined by time. It’s defined by heart. And Southern is stronger because people like Marlowe, James, and Mayer continue to give theirs.
— Sandra Araújo-Delgado, associate director of Annual Giving
Linda Marlowe
Sylvia Mayer
Built to Serve: A Milestone Year in Engineering
In just its second year, Southern Adventist University’s School of Engineering and Physics has already exceeded expectations
With 88 students—double what was projected by this point—the program is running two years ahead of its original growth plan. “We’ve had to add multiple sections of core courses like CAD (Computer Aided Drawing and Modeling),” says Tyson Hall, PhD, dean of the school. “But what’s even more exciting is that our first four seniors have now graduated and passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, the first step toward licensure.”
That graduating class marked more than just a symbolic milestone. It allowed the School of Engineering and Physics to officially begin the 18-month evaluation process through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, a significant achievement that underscores the program’s academic credibility and commitment to professional standards.
But academics aren’t the only story. Under the mentorship of associate professors Sean Walters, PhD, and Jay Anders, PE, the first senior capstone team put faith into action through a mission project for VIDA Internacional, a ministry focused on fighting poverty through education and health in Honduras. Students
designed and partially implemented infrastructure systems for the remote campus—including improved electrical distribution, a pressurized water system, and a climate-control solution.
“I want students to get connected to Christ. I want them to be great engineers, and I want them to be great employees. This project allows us to do all three,” Anders shares.
The work was demanding and unpredictable. Equipment had to be redesigned on-site due to unavailability, and original plans evolved as students encountered real-world constraints. “That’s engineering,” Hall says. “You plan, you design, and then you adapt in the field.”
In the evenings, students led a Vacation Bible School for local children, embodying the program’s motto: Think. Design. Serve. “Our goal isn’t just humanitarian service—it’s kingdom service,” Hall explains. “We want students to use their technical skills to meet real needs and then point people to Christ.”
—
Sandra Araújo-Delgado, associate director of Annual Giving
FRESHMAN STUDENTS ENROLLED FALL 2024 703 FULL TIME
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT BODY EVER
ACT AND SAT AVERAGE SCORES ARE ABOVE NATIONWIDE AVERAGES
STUDENT BODY REPRESENTS
48 STATES
35 COUNTRIES
Record Enrollment Brings Growth
In 2024-2025, Southern Adventist University welcomed its largest undergraduate student body totaling 2,929 students.
With 703 freshmen (second-largest class in history) and 100 transfer students, the campus brimmed with excitement.
“Our reputation for excellent faculty, strong academic programs, and a Christcentered environment continues to draw students,” says President Ken Shaw,
'80, EdD. “We’re thrilled to see so many young people eager to grow academically and spiritually.”
To meet the needs of the growing student body, Southern has expanded campus housing with the addition of Southern Mountain Cottages and introduced a second Friday night vespers to maintain a personal worship experience.
Growth has also been evident across academic departments. Biology and Allied Health welcomed 122 freshmen—well above the average of 95—prompting the addition of evening labs to preserve
and Opportunity
one-on-one instruction. Meanwhile, the new Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree, launched in Fall 2023, now has 88 students enrolled.
Caleb Mohns, senior engineering major, reflects on his experience in the engineering program, saying, “Professors equip us with tools and mentoring while connecting us with professionals in the field.”
While Southern celebrates these numbers, its focus remains unchanged: to transform lives for God’s service—one student at a time.
— Chehalis Eno, senior English major
Business Students Excel Regionally as well as Globally
Students in Southern Adventist University's" School of Business have been working hard, participating in competitions and tackling projects simulating real-world business scenarios.
In a simulation of managing a startup company in the MGMT 364 International Business course, one of Southern’s teams placed first out of the five locally competing teams, and in the 99th percentile of more than 1,000,000 simulation teams worldwide in 2024.
In another business strategy challenge, three of Southern’s teams ranked as Global Top 50 Performers out of 685 teams from 58 colleges and universities worldwide for the performance of their GLO-BUS business strategy simulations during the week of June 17-23, 2024.
Southern’s team of finance students also placed second among the 10 participating colleges and universities in last year’s Greater Tennessee Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge.
In the Fall 2024 semester, Southern participated for the first time in the HSI Battle of the Brains, a national intercollegiate pitch competition for Hispanic-serving Institutions. Southern’s team
of students made it to the finals along with six other teams after formulating and presenting strategies to solve a business challenge that was introduced at the start of the event.
Fabian Lubis, senior finance major, participated in the CFA challenge last year and shares how the practical experience helped him further develop his skills. “Beyond the competition, the experience was invaluable. It was one of the truer tests of putting what I learned in the classroom into practice,” he shares. “From late-night financial modeling to presentation prep, we continually had to think on our feet; defending our valuation, adjusting forecasts based on new data, and ensuring our story aligned across all financials. The CFA Challenge pushed me to develop sharper critical-thinking skills, refine my ability to communicate complex assumptions, and recognize the reality that finance is never just about the numbers, but also the story they tell.”
— Becky Brooks
, ’03, editorial manager
AI Meets Fossils: A Breakthrough
Southern Adventist University’s School of Computing is celebrating a historic milestone: a peer-reviewed scientific journal has published a research article co-authored by graduate student Jacob Bahn, ’23.
He collaborated with Harvey Alférez, PhD, director of the Center for Innovation and Research in Computing, and Keith Snyder, PhD, chair of the Biology and Allied Health Department. Bahn is the first student from the School of Computing to be part of a published research team.
“This achievement reflects the maturity of our research,” says Alférez. “It’s also our first step in applying AI to paleontology—one of the many ways research testifies to God’s power at Southern.”
The study focused on identifying fossilized dinosaur teeth from the species Pectinodon bakkeri, a process traditionally done by hand. Bahn’s team used artificial intelligence to streamline and standardize the work.
They measured 459 teeth from the Hanson Ranch Bonebed in Wyoming, noting traits like crown height and number of serrations. Using machine-learning techniques—principal component analysis and k-means clustering—they grouped the teeth by shared features. These clusters trained a convolutional neural network, an AI tool that recognizes visual patterns to successfully classify the teeth into two distinct categories with high accuracy.
This project highlights how emerging technology can accelerate scientific discovery by providing faster, more objective analysis. It also underscores the growing role of AI in interdisciplinary research, combining computer science with fields like biology and paleontology in powerful new ways.
— Sandra Araújo-Delgado, associate director of Annual Giving
Ancient Artifact Draws Crowds
A rare archaeological artifact made a historic impact this spring at Southern Adventist University.
The Ivory Comb: Lice and Literacy at Lachish exhibit, which featured the oldest known deciphered alphabetic sentence, drew a record-breaking 2,451 guests to the Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum on campus in just three months—more visitors than any other exhibit has received in a full year.
Inscribed with a 1700 B.C. Canaanite inscription and excavated by Katherine Hesler, ’19, and a team of Southern archaeologists in Lachish, Israel, the comb was on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority and credited with making a massive contribution to the understanding of early literacy.
“Even though the comb itself is about twice the size of a postage stamp, it is significant to our understanding of the invention of the alphabet, which was the greatest breakthrough in human communication,” says Michael G. Hasel, PhD, professor of archaeology and museum director at Southern.
A dedicated team of student and community volunteers led 47 tours during the exhibit’s run. February 2025 marked the highest monthly attendance in the museum’s 20-year history.
Visitors came from across the United States, traveling from California, Texas, Maine, and even Alaska, many drawn by headlines about the comb and its historic message.
— Staff Writer
Scan to read full research article co-authored by Bahn
Fai th in Ac tion at Southern
This past year, Southern Adventist University’s Office of Ministry and Missions continued its endeavor to nurture Christ-centered lives through initiatives that promote learning, service, and spiritual growth.
Key programs such as Vision Trips, Student Missions, LifeGroups, and vespers offered students opportunities to deepen their faith both on and off campus.
Vision Trips, which are short-term mission experiences, allow students to step beyond campus and meet realworld needs through service. These immersive trips make a meaningful impact: 92% of participants said the experience helped them grow spiritually.
Ongoing spiritual growth extends into programs like Next Steps Vespers, which helps students prepare for life after graduation by connecting them with local churches. Through powerful speakers, practical spiritual resources, and opportunities for relationship building, students are encouraged to remain engaged in their faith communities beyond Southern.
Throughout the year, 34 students led Bible studies under the mentorship of the associate chaplain, and spiritual decisions were made during campuswide Weeks of Worship.
104
LIFEGROUPS
“At Southern, our desire is for every student to hear the call of Jesus and engage fully in His mission.”
On campus, LifeGroups play a vital role in fostering connection and discipleship. With 104 groups meeting regularly and more than a thousand students participating throughout the semester, these small-group Bible studies are helping students grow in faith and community. For student leader Sophia Schwartzrock, senior film production major, her LifeGroup involvement led to studying the Bible with her home church pastor as she prepares for baptism.
Southern also sent a record 74 student missionaries around the globe—the most since 2014. Madalyn Fisher, attended, served in Senegal and shares, “I’ve realized I missed opportunities to serve my community and share God with others back home. Wherever I am, I want to find a way to connect and be a missionary.”
“At Southern, our desire is for every student to hear the call of Jesus and engage fully in His mission,” says Joseph Khabbaz, vice president for Spiritual Life. "This past year, we witnessed students grow in their walk with Jesus and boldly take the next step in their faith. We remain committed to equipping them to serve with purpose and to experience lasting transformation through the power of His Spirit."
— Staff Writer
34 1, 303
88 EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATED IN LIFEGROUPS STUDENTS GIVING BIBLE STUDIES STUDENTS IN LIFEGROUPS
86
STUDENT LEADERS RECEIVED SPIRITUAL & LEADERSHIP COMPETENCY BADGES
A Life Impacted in Timor-Leste
The Recent Vision Trip to TimorLeste changed everything for me—my career path, my faith, and the people I now call family.
I came with a heart ready to serve, equipped with cultural training and resources, but nothing prepared me for the beauty and faith I’d encounter in this community.
As a pre-med student at Southern Adventist University, I was eager to observe and learn from the doctors and dentists. Their creativity in the face of limited resources amazed me—substituting broken tools with anything they could find, always pressing on to serve more patients. I’ll never forget a moment when a dentist paused to pray earnestly with a mother and her child. That kind of love shaped my understanding of Christ’s character and showed me the kind of doctor I want to become.
The faith I witnessed was humbling. Rosa, a brave woman, chose to follow Jesus and was met with hate from her neighbors. She and her children lived in isolation, facing violence daily. Another young woman my age, with dreams like mine, shared how she fled her village to be baptized safely after receiving threats on her life.
But the moment that broke me was when a group of children asked me to pray for them. They told me, with tears in their eyes, that teachers beat them for skipping Saturday classes to honor the Sabbath. Ten of them stick together to encourage each other, praying daily for their teachers’ hearts to change.
These stories showed me a kind of faith I had never known—deep, unshakable, and brave.
What began as a trip with strangers ended with lifelong friends, mentors, and a global prayer circle. God didn’t just send me to serve—He changed me through the faith of the people I came to serve.
—Heaven Robles, junior biology major
OF THE SUPPORT OF FOR STUDENTS TO
DONORS
MAKES IT POSSIBLE
MISSIONS IMPACT
MISSION-MINDED EXPERIENCE THE IN THEIR LIVES.
The Timor-Leste trip was financially out of reach for most students— until a generous donor stepped in, offering a subsidy to every participant in last year’s Vision Trips.
This transformational gift will bear fruit in ways that reach far beyond what we can see today.
Heaven Robles, junior biology major (right), posing with other student missionaries in Timor-Leste.
The Blue Mat Church in the Mountains
We call ourselves the “blue mat church.” It’s a Southern Adventist University Gym-Masters thing— our ministry happens on mats instead of pews with flips instead of sermons.
However, on a Vision Trip in Peru, we didn’t have our mats. What we did have was mud, concrete, grass, and some of the most unforgettable people I’ve ever met.
Our first full day, we squeezed into two 15-passenger vans—32 of us bumping along roads that barely deserved the name. During two hours of winding through the Andes mountains on narrow, washed-out dirt trails, we passed homes made of mud with three walls and no roofs. Just when it felt like we would never get there, we pulled up to an orphanage tucked into the mountains.
The kids were waiting for us with balloons, homemade signs, and huge smiles. We performed a 30-minute show right there in the mud, then led a Bible story and connected with the kids. They had probably never seen anything like our acrobatics and pyramids, but it wasn’t about impressing them. It was about showing them Jesus through the gifts He has given us.
A few days later, we traveled to a village known across Peru for its history of witchcraft. As soon as we got off the bus, our mission
leader pointed out the building where the spiritualists stayed—just 100 yards away. We prayed. A lot. And then we performed with everything we had. Afterward, the village women cooked for us. And then—completely unplanned—they asked us to sing.
So we did.
We sang "How Great Thou Art," standing in a village built on fear, and you could feel God’s presence like a blanket wrapping around the whole team. It didn’t matter that we weren’t a choir. In that moment, we were a testimony. A blue mat church without mats, worshiping without walls.
That’s what made this trip different. It wasn’t just about doing good—it was about using the gifts God gave us, even in the most unexpected places. Using gymnastics to serve showed me how small, everyday moments can reveal God’s love in powerful, unforgettable ways. And that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me long after the mats are packed away.
— Brianna Trott, '25
Santia
When I arrived in Chad as a student missionary from Southern Adventist University, Santia came to our hospital from a neighboring town.
We were told she had a hip fracture that hadn’t been treated, leading to a severe infection and a massive wound on her right leg. She was malnourished, with muscles exposed from knee to hip.
Over the months that followed, I had the privilege of walking with her through her fight. I was there for her operation— scrubbing in to manually mesh skin for a graft. After surgery, I held her hand through hundreds of painful dressing changes. With each passing week, IVs became harder to place. She would call my name every time I stepped away for supplies. My role became simple—hold her hand until she went under anesthesia, then begin helping again.
Her little sister, Irís, became a ray of sunshine. We played hand games every time I passed their spot on the sidewalk— where they slept, ate, and lived. There weren’t enough nurses, so family members were the caregivers. With no space in the wards, most families lived outside on blankets, cooking under the mango tree or in the communal pavilion.
I grew close to Santia’s mom and grandfather. Her mother battled malaria several times, and I made sure she got her medication. Her grandfather was unwavering—waiting outside the operating room for hours, praying, always speaking God’s name.
Eventually, Santia’s body grew too weak. The graft didn’t take. She couldn’t eat. In the early hours one morning, she passed away. Her family left before I could say goodbye.
I longed for her pain to end, but my heart broke. She was around 15. A friend later reminded me, “Even those Jesus raised from the dead died again. The miracle is not in the living—it’s in the loving.”
That’s what Jesus had been showing me. The miracle isn’t in saving every patient. It’s in the trying. It's in the handholding, crying, laughing, and loving.
I hope you’ll show God’s love to someone, in honor of Santia.
— Katie Hamilton, junior health science major
Service Missions
STUDENT MISSIONS
MISSIONARIES
103%
INCREASE BETWEEN
73 LOCATIONS STUDENTS SERVED IN 20
VISION TRIPS
MISSIONARIES
102
EVANGELISM RESOURCE CENTER
MISSIONARIES
166
CLINIC PATIENTS SERVED: CLINIC PATIENTS SERVED:
102
1,280 2020-2024
COUNTRIES
6
5 6 LOCATIONS COUNTRIES
SERVICE HOURS CONTRIBUTED 9, 386
53 PROJECTS
742
53 VOLUNTEERS 1, 988 ORGANIZATIONS SERVED
SOUTHERN SERVES DAY MLK SERVICE DAY
1,141 VOLUNTEERS
48
ALASKA, BOLIVIA, HONDURAS, PERU, TIMOR-LESTE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, MEXICO, BELIZE, EL SALVADOR, PERU, ZAMBIA
Beyond Bricks and Wires
I carefully stepped over an extension cord and adjusted my camera angle to hide the gaping hole in the ceiling where a bundle of cables was hanging down.
I snapped a picture of a room of drywall, not yet taped or plastered, with concrete dust all over the floor. It looked like a disaster zone; not an up-and-coming space of innovation, technology,
School of Engineering and Physics:
Engineering is equipping and staffing their maker space lab and finalizing their application for ABET accreditation. The first Bachelor of Science in Engineering class walked down the aisle in May.
Goal: $3.5M / Still Needed: $749K
School of Nursing:
and education. I sent it to a gentleman who had named the room in honor of his alum daughter. He replied, “This made my day.”
Progress takes time and a lot of cables and dust. But the three big projects on the campus of Southern Adventist University are about to make the day for thousands of individuals as parents and students experience the missional, professional quality of education in these new spaces.
—Ellen Hostetler, vice president for Advancement
A new roof, wiring, and HVAC have all been completed for the Nursing Simulation Lab. A large simulation classroom, six simulation patient rooms, control centers, and debriefing spaces will occupy Miller Hall and be ready for students this school year.
Goal: $2.5M / Still Needed: $600K
Ruth McKee School of Business:
All four floors are poured, electrical wiring is done, HVAC is going in, and the exterior walls are being sealed. We expect to welcome students to this new educational space in Fall 2026.
Goal: $24M / Still Needed: $2.3M
90% $ 22 MILLION IN SOUTHERN AID OF STUDENTS RECEIVED
438
1,145
163
Bridging Alumni With the Next Generation
Southern Adventist University’s Alumni Council is more than an advisory group—it’s a bridge.
In close partnership with the Alumni Relations office, the council helps connect graduates to each other and to the university’s ongoing mission.
A team of 15 alumni from different decades and backgrounds, the group comes together monthly to give back to their alma mater.
“Your voice and presence still matter here,” says Kris Eckenroth ’99, senior president of the council. “We want every alum to know they still have a place in shaping what Southern is today.”
For Eckenroth, service is about more than nostalgia—it’s about stewardship. “God used Southern to impact us spiritually,” he says. “Now we can be part of doing that for the next generation.”
Alumni Council Impact
That conviction was evident in how the council embraced Giving Day 2025. Rather than responding passively to fundraising emails, it chose to champion Student Missions, helping the program raise more than double its original goal.
But financial gifts aren’t the only way the Alumni Council invests. This year, it launched a weekly alumni prayer call, open to all. Parents of current students dial in from across the country. Faculty and staff are prayed for by name. Student missionaries have joined the call from time zones away. “We pray over dorm life, spiritual battles, even challenges like distraction or isolation,” Eckenroth says. “It’s a powerful way to stay engaged.”
From Homecoming Weekend to Zoom prayer gatherings, the council fosters meaningful opportunities for alumni to serve, give, and connect.
“These are people who give time like they’re on a church board,” Eckenroth shares, referring to council members.
“They’re passionate about representing alumni— and contributing to something eternal.”
At Southern, alumni don’t just look back—they lean forward, prayerfully and practically supporting the mission that shaped their own lives.
—Sandra Ara ú jo-Delgado, associate director of Annual Giving
100 +
50 + 1, 000 MORE THAN SUPPORTS ALUMNI RELATIONS IN PLANNING HOMECOMING WEEKEND WITH EVENTS & ATTENDEES FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS PRAYED FOR BY NAME EVERY WEEK SERVICE BY COUNCIL MEMBERS IN 2024-2025
150 + HOURS OF VOLUNTEER FOR STUDENT MISSIONS ON GIVING DAY 2025 MORE THAN DOUBLE THE ORIGINAL GOAL HELPED RAISE $ 11, 063
AND PARENTS ENGAGED THROUGH THE WEEKLY PRAYER CALL
Danny Houghton, ’98, Eric Dunkel, ’99 council member, Kris Eckenroth, ’99 council president, Jason Dunkel, ’99.
SouthEast Bank Nearly Doubles Scholarship Contributions
Executive leadership from SouthEast Bank hosted a special meal in Ooltewah, Tennessee, on April 8 to honor five undergraduate students from Southern Adventist University who received large, renewable scholarships provided by the business.
Although these lunches happen every year, this spring’s gathering included a special surprise as the bank announced $30,000 of increased funding for Southern, including the creation of two new graduate student scholarships.
President Ken Shaw, ’80, EdD, and Ellen Hostetler, vice president for Advancement, were both in attendance and took the opportunity— as did the students—to express heartfelt thanks for SouthEast Bank’s transformative partnership with the university.
SouthEast Bank, which was founded in 2002 and includes 14 locations in Tennessee, began working with Southern in 2011 and has systematically added to its scholarship funding. As a result of the April announcement, SouthEast will contribute $65,000 annually for tuition assistance beginning in academic year 2025-2026. That total includes five $9,000 undergraduate student scholarships (various majors) and two $10,000 graduate student scholarships (education and nursing majors).
SouthEast will contribute $65,000 annually for tuition assistance beginning in academic year 2025-2026.
When this scholarship fund was first conceptualized, bank administrators saw clearly how the program would make a difference for students and envisioned it freeing them up to experience college more fully, with less time spent working and worrying about finances.
“This program is a significant part of our commitment to the areas we serve, because we believe that removing obstacles for students to earn a degree pays dividends into their families and communities,” says Linda White, SouthEast Bank’s senior vice president.
Southern students, especially those who have benefited from four years of tuition assistance, wholeheartedly agree. Jensen Hoffman, ’25, shares, “As a direct result of this scholarship, I’ve been able to invest more energy in my education, pursue meaningful opportunities, and take steps toward launching my career with confidence and purpose.”
— Lucas Patterson, associate director of Strategic Partnerships For information about funding existing scholarships or establishing new ones, call 423.236.2829.
Jensen Hoffman ’25, poses with Linda White, SE Bank’s senior vice president.
Paying it Forward
“I graduated from Southern Adventist University in 1982 with a degree in accounting. Back then, I was responsible for covering 100% of my tuition, and during my junior year, I found myself short on funds.
I remember going to the financial aid office hoping there might be a scholarship for business students—but there weren’t any. By God’s grace, the funding came together, and Southern was part of that solution. That experience shaped me. I promised myself that if I ever had the chance, I would create a scholarship for business students so no one would face that same roadblock.
That’s why I established the Looking Forward Endowed Scholarship—to support business students at Southern for generations
to come. From first grade through college, I was a recipient of worthy student funds. I’ve been so blessed by others’ generosity—and now it’s my joy to give back. I truly believe that when you give, you help create not just success stories, but strong Christian leaders who will make a difference in our business communities. I’m just grateful to be part of that.”
—Rhonda Champion,
’82
I’ve been so blessed by others’ generosity, and now it’s my joy to give back.
Watch Rhonda tell her story and learn more about endowments.
We Can Do More
At Southern Adventist University, adjunct instructor in the School of Journalism and Communication Sam Nkana, PhD, and his wife, Cynthia Nkana, MD, an anesthesiologist, are quietly making a difference
They are building an endowed scholarship and providing emergency funds for students in crisis. They host dozens of students in their home each semester for Sabbath meals. They stock Sam’s classroom with healthy snacks so no one goes hungry, and Cynthia puts together discreet care packages filled with toiletries and essentials—“just little reminders that someone cares,” she says.
But their story didn’t start here.
Years ago, the Nkanas were living comfortably in Peoria, Illinois. They had just built a new home when Cynthia watched a Mission Spotlight video that stirred something in her heart. “I just knew,” she says. “We can do more. For our family, our marriage, our faith—it was time to go.”
Cynthia wrote letters to several mission hospitals, and Bella Vista Hospital in Puerto Rico responded. Despite Sam’s resistance, the family visited. “I told the kids we weren’t going,” Sam admits. “But when we got there, the Spirit came over me. I stood up and said, ‘We have been called.’” Puerto Rico became the place that changed everything. Sam became a teacher—something he had never imagined—and discovered a love for children and service.
That same calling led them to Sam’s hometown in Uyo, Nigeria, where they launched a long-term mission project. Over the years, they have helped build a new church, supported Vacation Bible Schools, dug wells for clean water, and supplied school uniforms, sandals, and food.
“When we saw children walking to school with no shoes, drinking from a creek, or going hungry—we couldn’t walk away,” Cynthia says. Today, the school has grown from 85 students to more than 300, and the church they helped build now serves more than 100 members.
Through every season, the Nkanas have remained deeply committed to serving wherever God calls. “We are ordinary people,” Cynthia says. “The only difference is that we’re willing— willing to see a need and say, ‘Lord, use us.’”
— Sandra Araújo-Delgado, associate director of Annual Giving
God Did His Thing
When I prayed about coming to Southern Adventist University, I told God honestly, “I can’t afford this.” My parents couldn’t either. They had already done so much—leaving Uganda in search of a better life, bringing us to the United States, and making sure we had a roof over our heads and food on the table. But when it came to college tuition, I was on my own.
Still, I applied. I asked God to open a door if this was where I was meant to be. And then the engineering scholarship came through. That was my sign. God was saying, “This is where you belong.”
But the need didn’t end there. Even with that scholarship, the financial burden was heavy. Last semester, I had to find a way to pay more than $2,000 every month. It was overwhelming.
I work in campus maintenance—fixing beds, ACs, and anything that breaks—but it was barely enough to chip away at the cost. I didn’t know how I would come back for another semester.
Then, something incredible happened. I received a $4,500 Legacy Society Scholarship. That changed everything. Now, my payments are more manageable. It’s still not easy, but it’s possible. I can finally focus on my studies instead of constantly stressing about money. I don’t know how it all came together—except to say, “God did His thing.” He always does.
Coming from a place where my parents never finished elementary school, being here—at a university, studying engineering—is a miracle. I’m the oldest of seven kids, and I carry the weight of that responsibility with me. I want to succeed not just for me, but for my whole family.
To those who gave to make this scholarship possible: thank you. Your generosity met me in a moment of deep need. Without you, I wouldn’t be here. God used you, so that I can keep moving forward to answer His call on my life.
— Moses Matimano, sophomore electrical engineering major
From left back row, 2024-2025 Legacy Society Scholarship recipients: Moses Matimano, sophomore electrical engineering major; Juan Hernández, junior nursing major; Nina Montejo, junior liberal arts education major; Alaine Rempart, sophomore finance major; and Jocelyn Couron, sophomore nursing major.
Not Forgotten
This past year was incredibly difficult. I didn’t have the money to cover my Winter semester at Southern Adventist University, and my parents—who have already overcome so much—weren’t able to help financially. I was heartbroken and overwhelmed. I wanted to be here more than anything, but I didn’t know how I could afford it.
I came back early during Christmas Break to work additional hours at the Village Market. By the time the semester started, I had scraped together enough—and with the help of a matching fund, I was able to register for my classes. I was so grateful. But I was still facing debt I couldn’t manage, and I felt completely alone trying to figure it all out.
That’s when your support came through.
The Legacy Society Scholarship meant more than just paying a bill—it reminded me I wasn’t forgotten. It gave me the chance to stay in a place I love, to keep learning and growing, and to continue chasing my dream of becoming a nurse.
I’m working hard, balancing classes and my job, and trusting God every step of the way. Thank you for believing in me—before you even knew my name.
Thank you so much for helping me stay at Southern.
— Jocelyn Couron, sophomore nursing major
Southern Moments
1. Students pose with Forrest, Southern’s mascot.
2. A student takes a zipline ride.
3. A student poses in McKee Library.
4. Students walk along the promenade.
5. Student missionaries record a podcast.
6. Students play during an SA event.
7. School of Journalism and Communication students and professors receive awards at the Society of Adventist Communicators conference.
8. Timor-Leste Vision Trip participants visit the country’s president at his palace.
9. Alumni and friends on Alumni Association Tour 2025: The Best of Britain pose at a historic site.
10. Students prepare food during Asian Night.
11. Guests enjoy the evening at A Taste of Southern.
12. An employee offers to pray with students during finals.
13. Students volunteer during Southern Serves day.
14. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound perform during A Taste of Southern.
15. Graduates pose with friends.
16. Gym-Masters display strength and skill in a straps routine during the Home Show performance.
17. Students performs during Asian Night.
18. Nursing students and professors pose in front of AdventHealth Hall.
19. The 2025 SA president cheers after receiving his diploma.
20. The Die Meistersingers choir performs during its 50th anniversary reunion concert.
21. Bob Jimenez, ’87, hosts an Orlando-area alumni event at his art gallery.
22. Students sign the final beam of the new Ruth
McKee School of Business building.
A Story Worth Telling
In June of this year, graduate of Southern Adventist University’s School of Visual Art and Design Avery Kroll, ’22, MFA, attended the Tribeca Festival in New York, where her animated short, “The Piano,” was featured. Her submission was chosen for a collection of animated shorts curated by actress Whoopi Goldberg, who highlights that the short “evokes the most emotion of an animated film since ‘Up.’”
“This was our first major film festival experience, and it was very special,” says Kroll, who had the opportunity to screen the film to a live audience alongside her team. “I could never have dreamed this story would be where it is today. I truly believe God has opened doors for us through this amazing opportunity.”
Inspired by her own experience as a child, “The Piano” features a young girl who sneaks out of bed one night to hear her father play the instrument, a moment that grows into a tight bond between the two.
“I believe being a storyteller is an act of service,” she says. “At its core, the purpose of a story is to pass on information about life’s journey.”
After exploring the visual art program at Southern, she decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. “I truly enjoyed my time at Southern,” Kroll says as she looks back on her experience. “The level of one-on-one collaboration and dedication from the teachers set me up to be a better Christian filmmaker.”
While attending, Kroll started working on the short film, a project that took more
than four years to finalize. Her ideas for what eventually became “The Piano” came alive through storyboarding work done for a required thesis assignment.
Kroll aims to continue to use her artistry for the benefit of others. “Being an animator is a painful but beautiful struggle that presents opportunities to resonate, inspire, and make a difference in someone’s life,” she shares. “Connecting with and impacting others make the process meaningful to me.”
— Isabele Barreto Freitas, sophomore nursing major
Dream Big, Mija!
Graduation day in 2019 was a whirlwind. Just a few hours after walking across the stage at Southern Adventist University my Enactus team headed to a national business competition.
The next day, we presented, and by the following night I had boarded another plane—this time to backpack through Europe.
People kept asking, “What’s next?” I didn’t know. I’d smile and say, “God knows.” And I meant it. I’m a first-generation college student, and my parents always told me, “Sueña en grande.” Dream big. I just didn’t know what that dream looked like yet, and I didn’t have a job lined up.
That fall, I was in conversations with the Obama Foundation for a possible job when everything changed. My sister suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. I dropped everything and became her full-time caregiver. When she got the green light
to return to school, the COVID pandemic hit. Suddenly, the world was on pause, and I was applying to hundreds of jobs with no results.
“I know I have a good resume,” I prayed. “Why is nothing working out?” I was networking, consulting for small businesses, helping my parents, and even doing DoorDash. It was humbling. I remember kneeling one morning and saying, “God, I’m done. I’ve done all I can. Now it’s yours.”
One day, while cleaning a house with my mom, I met someone from EY (formerly Ernst & Young)—a multinational professional services network and one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. I told him about my background, and he offered to connect me. But weeks passed with no response.
Three months later, I heard back and was offered my dream job. I’m coming up on five years now. I never imagined working at EY, but with every experience, every challenge, every growth opportunity, God was preparing me.
Today, I’m a senior financial services consultant with EY, where I’ve supported international clients and grown in areas I never expected. EY’s mission to “build a better working world” aligns deeply with my values. I’ve led a diversity and inclusion learning stream, launched a podcast, and started EY Girl Power, introducing firstgeneration students to career paths they may never have imagined.
As part of the Alumni Council and the E.A. Anderson Lecture Series through the School of Business, I stay connected to Southern. I get to pour back into students who are exactly where I once was. Whether it’s offering advice I wish I’d heard or helping students network before graduation, I see it as a way to invest in the legacy that shaped me.
I wake up each day with a prayer: Let me be a light. Let me steward well what You’ve placed in my hands. Southern taught me to lead with mission, and EY gives me a platform to live it.
— Eileen Flores, ’19
