Summer Graduation 2017

Maurice Valentine II speaks for Commencement

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Andrews University’s Summer Commencement is scheduled for the weekend of August 4-6, 2017. Graduation weekend events begin Friday evening with the Consecration service in Pioneer Memorial Church and will continue with the Baccalaureate church service, Sabbath afternoon certification and dedication services, Saturday night vespers and the President’s reception, and conclude with Commencement on Sunday, August 6.

Robert Zdor, professor of biology, will offer the Consecration address titled, “Life in the Quarry,” at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4.

As a native of the Centennial state, Colorado, Robert Zdor enjoys the mountains and the solitude of the wilderness. He has taught biology at Andrews University for the past 25 years and helps introduce students to the rigors of the biological world. He obtained his PhD in plant pathology from the University of Missouri and specializes in the field of plant microbiology, in which he continues research. He also serves as an editor of the journals for the Society for Applied Microbiology. He is privileged to be married to his wife, Barbara, and proud of their two sons, one of whom is graduating this weekend with a physical therapy degree.

On Saturday, Aug. 5, John Wesley Taylor V, associate education director for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, will present the Baccalaureate address titled, “Life, a Journey. God, the Guide.” during the 11:45 a.m. service at Pioneer Memorial Church.

Taylor was born in Puerto Rico and has served as teacher and administrator in various institutions in Mexico, the Philippines and the U.S. He has taught at the elementary through graduate levels in a dozen different countries. He holds bachelor’s degrees in health science and in religion, master’s degrees in educational administration and instructional technology and doctorates in curriculum and instruction and in educational psychology—gifted and research. Since 2010, Dr. Taylor has served as an associate director of education, as well as an editor of College and University Dialogue and chair of the Advisory Board for The Journal of Adventist Education.

On Sunday, Aug. 6, Maurice Valentine II, executive secretary of the Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, will give the Commencement address, “Rise and Shine!” at 9 a.m. in Pioneer Memorial Church.

Valentine’s journey in pastoral ministry has covered five states and eleven churches, and for a decade he has served as departmental leader and administrator for three conference institutions: Mid America Union, Central States Conference and Lake Union. He has trained over 500 church leaders in strategic planning, leadership coaching, conflict management, marital enrichment and team-based discipleship systems, and has shared his faith in Canada, the Caribbean and England. Valentine holds degrees in communications and theology from Oakwood University and a Masters of Divinity from Andrews University. 

Commencement seating is by ticket only. A live streaming link will be provided at andrews.edu/graduation on Friday, Aug. 4. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit andrews.edu/graduation.