Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2025, Andrews University Fri, 3 Oct 2025 17:25:00 +0000 Fri, 3 Oct 2025 17:25:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Death of Jacqueline Wright http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68394 Jacqueline "Jackie" Marva Cook Wright was born Oct. 1, 1935, in Dayton, Ohio, to Rev. Charles and Elizabeth Cook. Raised in the Baptist church—her father as pastor and her mother as organist—Jackie grew up surrounded by faith and music. From a young age, her soulful voice touched hearts, carrying her across the country and around the world. ... While music was central to her life, Jackie's greatest joy was her family. She and her husband Walter raised four children while she supported his more than 40 years of ministry. Jackie also built a career as an administrative assistant at Kettering College of Medical Arts, the Southwest Union and Andrews University. Through every role-wife, mother, professional, singer—Jackie lived with grace, strength and unwavering faith. ... She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and extended family who cherish her legacy of love and faith. Jackie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elder Walter L. Wright Sr., her parents, sister Yvonne, and niece Sharon. Jackie trusted God's promises and lived in hope of reunion with her loved ones. Today, she is finally "home at last." Read Wright's full obituary <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dayton/name/jacqueline-wright-obituary?id=59607724">here</a>. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:48:43 +0000 Memorial Service for Russell Staples http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68368 Friends and colleagues are invited to a memorial service for Russell Staples, former chair of the Department of World Mission and longtime member of the Andrews University community. The memorial will be in the Seminary Chapel at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5. Light refreshments will follow. Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:25:12 +0000 Death of Victor Hilbert Jr. http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68349 Victor Charles Hilbert, Jr., 86, of Delta Township passed peacefully on Jan. 29, 2025, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI. Victor (Vic) was born on May 7, 1938, in Stoneham, MA, to Victor C. Hilbert, Sr. and Sara E. Hilbert, and God blessed them with a son who lived a life marked by dedication, compassion and achievement. Vic’s passion for music was evident from a young age. He pursued this passion as a music major at Atlantic Union College. His rich voice graced the television program Faith for Today as bass in the quartet from 1960 to 1962, a time that saw him travel from NYC to Nova Scotia, sharing his talents with a wide audience. In 1962, Vic and his wife Jan moved to Andrews University in Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree. Vic and Jan, with baby John Kevin (JK), moved to Shenandoah Valley Academy, VA, where Vic taught choral and voice for six years. Vic worked on his MA degree for three summers at Andrews University, culminating in a master’s degree in choral and voice. ... Victor is survived by his loving wife, Janet Hilbert, and his children John Kevin Hilbert, Pamela Sue Hilbert Sock (Larry Sock), and Jeffrey Todd Hilbert. Vic also carried in his heart a special love for his grandchildren Eric, Jack, and Jagger and great-grandchild, Brody; and many nieces and nephews who express that same love for him today. Vic was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Theodore Hilbert and wife Sandra Hilbert, his sister June Hilbert Harris and husband Ronald Harris. Read Hilbert's full obituary <a href="https://www.millsfuneral.com/obituaries/Victor-Hilbert-Jr?obId=35165018">here</a>.  Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:02:03 +0000 Celebration of Life for Maxine D. Pittman http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68339 Maxine Dowden Pittman, born Jan. 19, 1939, in St. John's, Newfoundland to Theresa Rose Jones Dowden and Malcolm Earnest Dowden, died on Sept. 10, 2025, in Berrien Springs at home. Those who knew her will remember her love of books, music, art, lively conversation and impeccable surroundings. She was a registered nurse by training, but her great passion was creating—whether through food or home décor. She taught her family and friends to value honesty, integrity, generosity, hospitality, beauty and love. A woman of abiding faith, she departed this life at peace with her Maker. Maxine graduated from Kingsway College (Oshawa, Ontario) in 1959, and studied nursing at Glendale Adventist Hospital (Glendale, Calif.) where she earned her R.N. in 1961. Maxine married Thomas D. Pittman on April 12, 1964 (Glendale, Calif.). Maxine and Thomas both worked in health care for their whole professional lives. Maxine is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Thomas D. Pittman; her daughter, L. Monique Pittman, son-in-law, Paul D. Smith Jr.; her nieces: Cheryl Dowden and Lori Mitchell Roeser and her nephew, Kenneth Mitchell. Arrangements have been made with Allred Funeral Home. The celebration of life will be at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4 in the Seminary Chapel on the campus of Andrews University.  Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:19:24 +0000 Death of Daniel Drazen http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68318 Daniel Joseph Drazen, a man whose kindness and generosity were as unfailing as his commitment to his faith and service to his community, passed away on June 24, 2025, in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Born on Dec. 29, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, Daniel's journey through life was one marked by love, dedication and an unwavering desire to make the world a better place. Daniel's academic accomplishments were significant, having earned a master's degree from Andrews University, which set the stage for his remarkable career. He devoted his professional life to the service of Andrews University, where he worked tirelessly as a periodical editor. His contributions to the University's publications enriched the lives of both students and faculty, resonating his passion for education and the printed word. Read Drazen's full obituary <a href="https://www.allredfuneralhome.com/obituaries/daniel-drazen">here</a>.  Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:55:08 +0000 Death of Russell Lynn Staples http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67583 Russell Lynn Staples, a cherished patriarch, esteemed educator and beacon of kindness, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, in Niles, Michigan, at the venerable age of 100. Born on Nov. 4, 1924, in the picturesque town of Oudtshoorn, South Africa, Russell's journey was marked by a profound dedication to family, faith and the pursuit of knowledge. Russell's early years in South Africa laid the foundation for a life characterized by determination and a love for learning. His academic pursuits culminated in earning a PhD in from the Princeton Theological Seminary, a testament to his intellectual rigor and spiritual devotion. His passion for theology and education led him to a fulfilling career as a Seminary professor at Andrews University, where he inspired countless students with his wisdom and gentle guidance. ... Russell's legacy is lovingly carried on by his devoted daughters, Jillian (John) Hamer and Dianne Staples, who remember their father as a pillar of strength and love. His four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren will continue to be guided by the values he instilled and the memories they cherish. Russell's life was a tapestry of close-knit family bonds, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis (Ingle) Staples, his parents, Albert and Rhoda (Scott) Staples, and his siblings, Helen Staples, Warren Staples, Doreen Staples-Clifford and Shirley Staples Gregory, Russell's memory will be honored as a testament to a life well-lived and a character well-loved. Read Staples' full obituary <a href="https://www.allredfuneralhome.com/obituaries/russell-staples">here</a>.  Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:17:06 +0000 Memorial for Delmer Davis http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67548 A memorial service for Delmer Davis, professor of English, emeritus, who passed away unexpectedly on June 2, 2025, will be held in the Pioneer Memorial Church Youth Chapel on Sunday, July 27, at 3 p.m. A light meal will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Delmer I. and Margaret L. Davis Endowed Fund to support the Andrews University Department of English. (Checks must be payable to Andrews University with the name of the fund placed in the memo line. Donations can be forwarded to the Office of Planned Giving & Trust Services). Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:38:23 +0000 Death of Emilie Oosterwal-Tilstra http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67314 <div> Emilie Oosterwal-Tilstra, of Berrien Springs, MI passed away Friday, January 10, 2025 at Caretel Inns St. Joseph at the age of 94.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Emilie was born July 7, 1930 near Dortmund, Germany to Sjoerd “George” & Martha (Böbisch) Tilstra. She attended Newbold College of Higher Education in England. On October 31, 1957 she married Gottfried Oosterwal in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. After living in Indonesian New Guinea, the Philippines and The Netherlands, the Oosterwals settled in Berrian Springs. Emilie taught upholstery and woodworking at Andrews University before setting out on an entrepreneurial endeavor. Emilie was active in the Berrien Springs community as the owner of Blossomland Flower Shop for over 20 years. After retiring from her flower shop, Emilie volunteered at Neighbor to Neighbor in Berrien Springs and was part of the Antiquarians of St. Joseph. She enjoyed flowers as an avid gardener, was a voracious reader and loved to travel. Emile had a heart of gold and enjoyed being around children and animals.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Emilie is survived by her daughter Verona Valentine; sons Dantar Oosterwal and Erik (Susan) Oosterwal; grandchildren David Valentine, Audrey (Robert) Miller, Eva (Mason Bailey) Oosterwal, Erik-Philip (Kayla) Oosterwal and Matthew (Kate) Oosterwal; great-granddaughter Sophia Oosterwal; and brother Adolf Tilstra. Read Oosterwal-Tilstra's full obituary <a href="https://www.wsjm.com/2025/05/27/emilie-oosterwal-tilstra/">here</a>.</div> Thu, 29 May 2025 10:03:29 +0000