Andrews Honors Those Lost
Andrews in the News
| Posted on October 9, 2025
Andrews University has experienced an unprecedented series of losses, from students to faculty either through natural causes or through off-campus accidents. In a letter from University President John Wesley Taylor V, they honor and grieve the three lives lost.
Mike Harrington had been a campus employee in multiple capacities for nearly 40 years. Working as a machinist at College Wood Products, a security guard, took multiple roles in the on-campus Dairy before it closed, and finally working for Custodial Services. He passed away in July after being hospitalized from a car crash.
Takura Carlos Rukuni, an Andrews University MDiv student passed away on Oct. 2, “after a long, valiant and painful battle”, with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Though Rukuni would be buried in his home of Zimbabwe, the University hosted “a special gathering of prayer and music at the Seminary Chapel as we lift up Takura’s family. We invite all who would like to show their love and support for Takura and his family to attend.”
Finally, Micah Harris was a 19-year old student who died on Oct. 4, while swimming in Lake Chapin Saturday afternoon. The business major had attempted to swim with his companions to the bridge pylons but fell behind and disappeared underwater. Multiple attempts were made by the other swimmers and nearby boaters to find Michah. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team later recovered his body at 7:57 p.m. that same day. The case is still under investigation.
Michah’s family drove the four and a half hours from Xenia, Ohio to the campus. Friends and teachers of the student reportedly went above and beyond to comfort and support the grieving loved ones. A memorial service will be held in Ohio on Sunday, October 12 however the University will provide a shuttle bus for mourners to attend the service and return safely.
In President Taylor’s address of these losses, he encouraged those to remember that even in our grief, we as believers have hope.
“In the days and weeks ahead, please know that grief doesn’t follow a timeline or a rule book. You may feel shock, anger, sadness, confusion or even numbness. Sometimes all at once. All of these are normal and valid.”
He then followed by adding that mourners must allow themselves to grieve, reach out and connect, seek professional support, take care of their physical health and finally hold on to hope without rushing through grief. Taylor celebrated the lives of those lost, honoring their impact on the lives of those who met with them.
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Contact:
PR
pr@andrews.edu
PR
pr@andrews.edu
