Alumni Weekend 2025 - Convocation & Career Seminars/Fair

October 17, 2025, was the beginning of Andrews Academy’s alumni weekend. Hundreds of alumni will be returning to remember the fun times at AA and to renew friendships with each other and our God.

The weekend began with Convocation in the chapel for current Academy students. The senior class of 2026 led the gathering with singing, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Ruben Perez-Schulz, AA Principal, welcomed everyone to the event.

Alumna Joy Ngugi (’15) inspired students to dream big while reminding them to let God guide their paths, noting that God often dreams even bigger than we do. She shared highlights of her career journey, including her four years working at the White House, where she regularly met with the president and other government leaders. Joy concluded by encouraging students to hold on to Proverbs 16:3: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."

After Convocation, students went to various classrooms to participate in Career Seminars. Based on their interests, they were able to attend two career presentations of their choice. This was a valuable opportunity for students to explore potential career paths as Andrews Academy alumni shared insights about their professions. For example, Martha (Macey) Daggett (’95) presented on her work as a mental health professional, and Ivette (Ruban) Williams (’15) spoke about her career in speech-language pathology.

This is the sixth year of also having a Career Fair as part of the events of the day. Booths were set up in the gymnasium, many with interactive activities, to explain more about various careers. Various departments from AU were represented at the Career Fair. Thank you to AA Guidance Counselor Dionne Robinson for organizing the fair and to all who made this a successful opportunity for students to learn more about careers.

Thank you to Tonya (Hippler) Snyder (’96), Administrative Assistant Gina Meekma, and the alumni team for planning the entire weekend. And thank you to a whole host of volunteers for stepping in and helping make this weekend possible.

Alumni Weekend 2025 - Sabbath School & Church

Alumni Sabbath School began at 10:00 AM Sabbath morning (October 18, 2025) in the chapel with tributes, as well as special music by current student Daniel Kondrat. Through their tributes, presenters shared how Jesus used the faculty and experiences at Andrews Academy to change their lives. It was an inspirational time of sharing and seeing how God has blessed.

Alumni Proceedings were also interspersed throughout the Sabbath School program. Honor Classes were recognized by having each class stand. The 50 year honored class of 1975 was asked to come to the front of the chapel to be recognized and to receive gifts. Patricia Banks was honored with a Teacher Legacy Award. Dr. Katherine Koudele and Dr. Ellen (Munar) Tambunan (both class of ’75) were honored as alumnae of the year.  

AA Teachers Gina Pellegrini, Pastor Steven Toscano, and Pastor Gabriel Johnson, as well as several AA students, led out in Children’s Church. After a time of singing, the leaders shared a Bible story. This year’s story was about the three Israelites who refused to eat the king’s food and would not bow in worship to him. As a result, they were thrown into a fiery furnace—but they were not alone. Jesus appeared with them in the flames, protecting them. The children of alumni also participated in a craft activity that reinforced the story. A big thank you to all of the students who helped make Children’s Church a meaningful experience!

While the children were in the library, the Worship Service took place in the Academy Chapel. Pastor Raewyn (Hankins) Orlich, from the class of 2000, delivered a powerful sermon based on Hebrews 12:1–2. Several alumni from the Class of 2000 also participated by reading scripture, offering prayers, and sharing special music. The current Silhouettes choir invited alumni to join them in singing “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” It was a touching moment to see multiple generations of alumni singing together—parents and their children united in worship.

After the service, a meal was provided for alumni. Special thanks to the many parents, students, and faculty/staff who organized and served the meal. It was a wonderful opportunity for classmates to reconnect, share life updates, and reminisce about their academy days. Many expressed how deeply Andrews Academy had impacted their lives in a positive way.

During lunch, each of the honored classes gathered for group photos and enjoyed time in classrooms set aside for them to fellowship and catch up with one another.

Alumni Weekend 2025 - Shydepoke

The traditional Shydepoke game was held on October 18, 2025, in the Andrews University Andreasen Wellness Center's gym. Originally a flag football game since its inception in 1960, Shydepoke transitioned to a basketball format in 2023 due to logistical challenges and Michigan’s unpredictable fall weather. This year’s event was full of excitement, drawing a large number of players and audience.

In the first game, the female AA alumni faced off against the current female AA students. The school team took an early lead and maintained it throughout, securing a 45–27 victory.

The male AA alumni and current male students played a thrilling, back-and-forth game. Both teams traded the lead multiple times, but in the end, the alumni edged out a win, 47–45. Everyone enjoyed the spirited competition and strong community atmosphere.

MVP Awards 

• Doug Newberry Most Valuable Player Award: Carter Hayes

• Lydia Chong Most Valuable Player Award: Audrey Simpson

These awards honor two beloved physical education teachers from the 1980s.

The Andrews Academy Shydepoke tradition began in 1960 during the principalship of Mr. Knobby Mauro, originally as a single flag football game for male students. In the 1980s, the tradition expanded to include both male and female games. The term “Shydepoke” is derived from a Southern expression meaning a casual “get-together” or social event. 

Also during Mauro’s tenure, students were challenged to name the school teams. Gordon Johns (’66) accepted the challenge. He searched the dictionary and landed on the word “Acumen” early in the “ac” section. Defined as “the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions,” Acumen was chosen as the team name, and Gordon won a $10 prize for his submission.

A big thank you to the coaches, referees, announcers, and fans who made this a fun and successful alumni event!

Feast of Lights 2025

Andrews Academy’s fifty-second annual Feast of Lights, our gift to our community, was held on December 12, 2025. It was magnificent night of music, scriptures and drama honoring the King of Kings, a retelling of the glorious Christmas story. It spoke to our hearts of His wondrous love.

A big thank you to all the students who worked diligently in making this such a beautiful program. And a big thank you to the music directors, Mr. Daniel Cerna & Dr. Elsy M. Gallardo-Diaz.

aaalumni@andrews.edu