Andrews University Names Wellness Center

In honor of Niels-Erik Andreasen, president emeritus of Andrews

(Photo by Darren Heslop, University Communication staff photographer)

Andrews University is pleased to announce that their new wellness center is being named the Andreasen Center for Wellness in recognition of Niels-Erik Andreasen, president emeritus of Andrews.

“When the fundraising campaign for the wellness center began, a donor stepped forward with a gift in the millions,” says President Andrea Luxton. “This donor said the gift was not for personal recognition but was intended to honor Niels-Erik Andreasen, someone whose work at Andrews made an outstanding contribution to the University. Because of the initial donation, others were motivated. Five large gifts, all connected with the first overwhelming gift and in addition to a number of smaller gifts, made the eventual groundbreaking of the Center for Wellness possible.”

Andreasen served 22 years, from 1994–2016, as the fifth president of Andrews University. His vision for Andrews inspired the necessary financial support for multiple capital improvements on the campus, including the Seminary Hall addition, the Howard Performing Arts Center, the J.N. Andrews Boulevard and Welcome Globe, a new milking parlor at the Dairy, renovations to Dining Services, the Undergraduate Learning Center (Buller Hall and renovations to Nethery Hall) and Damazo Hall. These improvements enhanced the physical footprint of campus, improved the academic experience for students and faculty, and provided significant ways to welcome the surrounding community to campus.

Andreasen’s ability to relate to others on an individual level has had lasting results, as well. “I have closely observed Andreasen in conversation with musicians, scientists and biblical scholars. One can tell that he has a depth of interest and understanding in many disciplines,” says Charles Randall, co-chair of the President’s Council. “He shows interest in and is gracious to those he meets. His stature in Adventist leadership around the world helped make Andrews University a diverse and premier academic magnet school.”

“The Center for Wellness is the culmination of the many contributions Andreasen has made to Andrews,” says Paul Stokstad, co-chair of the President’s Council. “Through the enlargement of the Seminary, Andrews has had a great impact on providing leadership to our fellow churches around the world, while Buller Hall sends a strong message that Andrews is a liberal arts institution of the first order. The Center for Wellness has been a dream of Dr. Andreasen’s for many years, and now it becomes reality. “‘Corpus’ takes its rightful place next to ‘mens’ and ‘spiritus’ as a goal for all of Andrews.”

The $17.5 million, 70,000-square-foot Andreasen Center for Wellness is scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. It will have an indoor salt-water pool, a hot whirlpool with special features, saunas, a steam bath, an outdoor wellness courtyard, a recreation center with basketball and multipurpose courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, assessment and coaching elements, as well as space for educational wellness programs.

For more information, visit andrews.edu/wellnesscenter. You can also connect with University Wellness on Facebook (facebook.com/aulivewholly), Instagram (instagram.com/aulivewholly) and Twitter (twitter.com/AUlivewholly).