News
Andrews University Music Department Receives Instrument Donations
The Department of Music at Andrews University has recently received several generous donations in the form of musical instruments. These instruments will be housed in either Hamel Hall or the Howard Performing Arts Center and will be used by various music students, faculty, and performers.
Bread and Better Life Café to Launch Summer 2025
In late March, the Southwestern Union hosted preview events in anticipation of the launch of a new community outreach initiative, the Bread and Better Life Café. The development of Bread and Better Life Café has been spearheaded by Southwestern Union Health Ministries director Randall Phillips, along with leaders from the union and a partnership with the North American Division.
Washington Adventist University Recognized as an “Opportunity University” in New Carnegie Classification
Washington Adventist University has been officially recognized as an Opportunity College and University (OCU) in the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction awarded to only 16 percent of more than 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide.
International Concert Pianist, Alumnus Jonathan Mamora Returns as Assistant Professor to La Sierra University
On April 9, Mamora landed among the final field of 30 pianists selected for the Van Cliburn. The extensive selection process began in October 2024 with 340 pianists from 45 countries. Competition performances took place from May 21 to June 7 in Texas, just weeks before Mamora and his wife, Stephanie, were set to embark on a new chapter in their lives. Effective July 1, Jonathan will begin his new role as an assistant professor of music and director of keyboard studies at La Sierra University’s Department of Music.
Walla Walla University Short Film "Color of Threads" Wins International Award
“Color of Threads,” a film produced by Walla Walla University’s Center for Media Ministry (CMM), continues to make waves after its strong start in the independent film circuit. Written by WWU alumna Josie Henderson, the story follows five women who move to the Pendleton Valley in 1909 in an effort to rebuild their lives. London Director Awards, a film festival based in London, England, named Richard L. Ramsay, the director of “Color of Threads,” the best U.S.A. Director of 2025. The short film also won the title of Best Western 2025 at the Los Angeles Short Film Awards.
Adventist Educators Establish Worldview Studies Center at La Sierra University
On January 28, 2025, La Sierra University celebrated the opening of a new center at the Zapara School of Business where students, educators, business and community leaders can explore various worldviews and their effect on informed decision-making, leadership development, and academic and professional growth.
One Day Last Year
One day in February 2024 an unusual assortment of North American Division leaders walked into the president’s office. Those represented included the Ministerial Association, vice presidents, the president’s office, Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI), Professional Services, and communication. After prayer and an exchange of pleasantries, the leaders looked to president G. Alexander Bryant. “What do you all remember about Pentecost?” he asked. Typical answers surfaced referencing the Acts 2 account. “What if we were to do something like that at the NAD? What if we could get all our churches involved? What if we focused on prayer, outreach, and proclaiming the gospel message?”
North American Division Ministries Unite to Provide Training Experience for Sabbath School Leaders
On February 7-8, 2025, more than 900 Sabbath School teachers, ministry leaders, and Bible students gathered to livestream the North American Division Do It Together Sabbath School Conference. The event aimed to discuss new and innovative ways to connect to the Sabbath School lesson while engaging students of every age.