News
Unearthing History: The Dino Dig Experience at Southwestern Adventist University
For many, the pull of uncovering ancient relics and the mysteries of the past is an irresistible draw. Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) offers a unique opportunity to step back in time with its Dino Dig Experience, a dinosaur excavation research project in the Lance Formation of eastern Wyoming, United States. This program, held annually in June, brings together students, families, and international participants to uncover and study dinosaur fossil remains.
Gillette Residents to Be Welcomed to “Night at the Camporee”
In just five weeks, the International Pathfinder Camporee will have moved west to Gillette, Wyoming. From August 5-11, 2024, roughly 60,000 young people from 100 countries will transform the Gillette Cam-Plex Facilities into a tent and RV city. Over numerous site visits since 2020, camporee officials have found significant interest among community members in attending the nighttime mainstage events. However, because minors attend the camporee, background checks would be necessary for these additional guests. Thus, camporee leaders decided to host a “night at the camporee” on August 4, which will offer community members a 90-minute sneak peek of the "Believe the Promise" evening program.
It is Written Wins 14 Telly Awards
It Is Written is pleased to announce that it has won 14 Telly Awards this year. The awards received highlight It is Written’s versatility and excellence in media production, with several programs earning multiple honors.
Common Ground
On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, North American Division leaders met with student leaders from universities across the division. The goal was to determine what young people are concerned with and discuss what they might want church leadership to know. “We really want to know what you have to say,” stated Tracy Wood, director for youth and young adult ministries at the NAD, at the start of the online meeting. “The voices of students from your campuses can and do have a significant impact across North America.” In addition to five church leaders from both union and division levels, eight students were also present, representing Adventist and non-Adventist campuses across the country.
MANS Welding Students Create Commissioned Sculpture for City of Lacombe
Tessa Potts, who graduated from MANS in June 2020, and Eileen Firingstoney, currently a grade 11 student, spent approximately 150 hours with their welding teacher, MANS high school vice-principal Mike Willing, to create the sculpture "Miweyihtowin." Firingstoney and Potts donated a significant part of their earnings to help cover MANS’ COVID-19-related expenses.
Aiding Hospitality, Service Workers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
When the Shelby County, Tennessee, Health Department placed significant restrictions on area restaurants and other businesses in December 2020 because of the coronavirus, Adventist Reginald Coopwood, M.D., and his family decided to do something to help those impacted. The Coopwoods set up the “Pay It Forward Mid-South” campaign, which ran through Jan. 31, 2021. By the end of the campaign, close to $500,000 had been raised.
Andrews Academy Alumna Part of NASA Team Looking for Early Signs of Life on Mars
Like many, NASA scientist R. Aileen Yingst (Andrews Academy alumna) was home watching as the NASA engineers at the Jet Propulsion Lab in California skillfully landed the small car-size rover after its seven-month journey in space. But as a member of the Sherloc instrument team, she’s responsible for helping to analyze photographs of the planet’s geology, looking for any clues in rocks or sand grains that might tell scientists whether Mars could have supported life. So when she heard the words, “Touchdown complete,” it was an emotional culmination of years of hard work.
La Sierra University Health Services, Virology Lab Join Forces in Corralling COVID-19
Widespread testing has long been touted by public health officials as one of the best ways to control the COVID-19 pandemic and save lives. In January, in keeping with this guidance, La Sierra University bolstered its disease detection efforts with the rollout of new, rapid-test equipment. On Jan. 13, 2021, the university’s student wellness services department deployed a rapid point-of-care PCR Cepheid GeneExpert Express molecular testing system.