Alumni Spotlight: Denry White

Every year, Andrews University opens its doors to alumni from across the years, welcoming them back to the campus they once called home. This is a chance for past students to share stories, reconnect with classmates and witness how the university has grown in the years they’ve been gone. Among those returning this year is Denry White (Class of 2015, D. Min.), who now lives in Benton Harbor, where he works as a pastor of the Highland Avenue SDA Church.

During his time at Andrews, White was deeply involved in student life. He served as the Seminary’s student body president and was engaged in many Black Student Christian Forum programs and events. “So I was really involved…sometimes too much involved,” said White. “But that was just campus life for me!” Having done his undergraduate studies at Oakwood University, he pleasantly reflected on the different cultures and people when arriving at Andrews. “I love the diversity here. I really had a great experience.”

One of his favorite campus traditions was simply the things the student body did together. “We did volleyball together and recreation, or families would do fun activities together, things like that.” He warmly reflected on how kind and welcoming everyone was, always willing to help each other and spend time together.

For White, stepping onto campus is quite familiar, but there’s one dramatic change that wasn’t there 10 years ago. “The Andreasen Wellness Center wasn’t here when I was. It was a parking lot or a grass field!” The Andreasen Center for Wellness is now a staple location for Andrews students, who get free memberships. “I would have loved to capitalize on that. And that spa? Wow! It does wonders!” he said.

In the years since he graduated, there have been plenty of changes and new things implemented academically and socially! One thing White wished he had taken advantage of was the dual degree opportunities. “Before you had the M. Div., which I did, and the MSW [Master of Social Work], but now they have M. Div. and MBA…lots of options. I would have loved to combine MSW and M. Div.”

One of the most important things White gained from his years at Andrews was timeless, meaningful friendships. To this day, he still keeps in touch with not only his friends, but his professors and mentors as well. “A lot of genuine people, professors too, seriously, I have some professors that I still go to their house to this day.” He noted that he still calls his old professors for advice, guidance or support anytime he needs it. 

After graduating, White went straight to his first church. He credits his time at Andrews with shaping that path. “Oakwood prepared me, Andrews polished me,” he explained. “I’m a pastor now, and there’s a lot of trial and error because we don’t get a full manual on how to do it. Each church is different. But because there are so many resources I’ve been given that I can fall back on and tap into, it’s helped me a lot.”

Now back for Alumni Homecoming Weekend, White shared some advice for current students. “Don’t rush. A lot of times college students try to rush out. Whatever opportunities you can take advantage of while you're here, take advantage of them. Even if it’s something not in your field,” he said. “Even if you’re an engineer, go do some projects with the math club or visit the biology club.” He explained it in a different way, “It’s better to have arrows in your quiver that you don’t need when you reach back and think ‘I don’t need this’. Then to reach back and think ‘oh man, I wish I had this, I don’t have enough.’”

As Alumni Weekend continues, White looks forward to reuniting with friends and attending events. Despite the new buildings and evolving traditions, he believes the heart of Andrews University is still the same. “Make friends! Get your people. Here you can build genuine relationships, and I love that.”