Andrews University’s spring graduation will take place May 3–5, 2024. Photo credit: Darren Heslop
The weekend’s events will include a Friday evening Commencement service, Baccalaureate services on Sabbath morning and two additional Commencement services on Sunday morning.
All Commencement services will take place at the Howard Performing Arts Center, and the Baccalaureate services will take place at Pioneer Memorial Church. Please note that in order to provide more seating for families and friends of graduates, Commencement is held in three separate services and is by reserved seating only. Overflow seating for the Commencement services is available in the Seminary Chapel.
Additional academic and cultural programs are planned throughout graduation weekend. Consult the online schedule for a complete listing at andrews.edu/graduation/schedule.
On Friday, May 3, at 5:30 p.m., Jo Ann Davidson, senior research professor of systematic theology, will speak at the Commencement service for the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and the College of Education & International Services. Her talk is titled, “One Last Time.” Davidson received her MA from Andrews University and her PhD from Trinity Evangelical School. She was the first woman to teach in the Department of Theology & Christian Philosophy in the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Davidson is the author of several articles, book chapters and books, including “Toward a Theology of Beauty” and “Glimpses of our God,” and she has a column in the journal “Perspective Digest.”
Honorary degree candidate Donovan Noble, president of Maranatha Volunteers International, will be recognized at this service for his dedication to mission and support of churches, schools and communities around the world. Noble obtained his bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Oregon and went on to serve in the United States Air Force. He received his MA in religion from Andrews University in 1980. After holding several teaching positions at Christian academies and an executive position at a management consulting company, he became president of Maranatha in 1983. He has since spent over four decades leading out construction projects in 88 countries, involving nearly 100,000 volunteers in mission service around the world.
On Saturday, May 4, Jim Micheff, president of the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, will offer the address “World Changers” for both the 9 a.m. (graduate) and 11:45 a.m. (undergraduate) Baccalaureate services. Micheff began his pastoral ministry in 1994 in the Rocky Mountain Conference. Prior to his presidency, he was the executive secretary for the Michigan Conference from 2007–2017, where he also previously served for seven years as youth director and as a local pastor.
Two Commencement services will take place on Sunday, May 5. At the 8:30 a.m. service, Annetta Gibson, professor emerita of accounting, will give the Commencement address “Mind the Verbs” for graduates of the College of Health & Human Services and College of Professions. Prior to her retirement from Andrews University in 2013, Gibson served as a professor, department chair and, from 1995–2006, dean of the School of Business. She holds a BA in business, an MBA, and PhD in accounting, and she is also a licensed CPA. Currently, Gibson conducts financial seminars around the world and provides treasurer training materials for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Honorary degree candidate Dorothea Robinson will be honored at this service for her dedication to mentoring young people and preparing them for lives of service around the world. After graduating with a BS in nursing in 1962 and, later, an MA in education in 1973, Robinson spent her career as a nursing professional and educator. Over the course of her life, she has given special support to many youth ministries within the church and has spent time advancing several educational initiatives for students. With her husband, Byron Robinson, she currently works for the Byron Robinson Educational Foundation, a nonprofit that advances students’ academic journeys through scholarships and financial support.
Mickey Kutzner, professor emeritus of physics, will deliver the address “Terminal Degree” at the 11:30 a.m. Commencement service for graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences. Kutzner received his BS in physics and mathematics in 1982 and MS in astronomy in 1984. In 1989, he obtained his PhD in physics from the University of Virginia. A dedicated educator, he began working as a professor at Andrews University that same year and continued to serve both Andrews and Griggs University until his retirement in 2022. Also a prolific researcher and writer, he has published numerous articles, books and scholarly papers. In recognition of his contributions to the field of physics, Kutzner has received several fellowships, grants and awards.
Select graduation services will be livestreamed. For details, visit andrews.edu/graduation.
Founded in 1874, Andrews University is a premier institution of higher education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and offers more than 150 areas of study, including advanced degrees. Its main campus is in Berrien Springs, Michigan, but the University also provides instruction at colleges and universities in more than 25 countries around the world.
Office of University Communication, Andrews University
