Mark your calendar and join fellow alumni and attendees for the ultimate Southern family celebration themed “Foundations for Eternity.” Honor classes include: 1956, ’66, ’76, ’86, ’96, ’01, ’06, ’16. Check out all the weekend activities at southern.edu/homecoming, or call 423.236.2827 for additional details.
QuickNotes | October 2026
Celebrating Incredible Alumni
Homecoming Weekend kicks off with the recognition of five alumni and three individuals who are welcomed into the Alumni Association as honorary alumni, thanks to the meaningful impact they’ve had on students over the years.
Join us in celebrating these alumni who represent thousands of people making a difference for those around them:
Distinguished Service | William “Rick” Norskov, ’76,
After more than two decades in medicine, Rick answered a call to teach and has since been helping students discover their purpose. Through mentoring, research and internship partnerships, and conversations about faith and vocation, his influence has shaped generations of Southern students pursuing careers in healthcare and service.
Alum of the Year | Bruce Coston, ’83, DVM
Bruce has spent a lifetime advancing veterinary medicine while investing in the people and institutions he values. A co-founder of Virginia’s first primary care veterinary hospital licensed for nuclear medicine, as well as an author and mentor, he has made a lasting impact on his profession, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Southern.
Young Alum of the Year | Jenée Lee, ’17, PhD
A scholar and advocate for vulnerable communities, Jenée has built an impressive record of research, service, and leadership in a few short years. Her work on housing insecurity and inequality has informed policy and practice, earned recognition as a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Columbus Local Lister, and connected families with critical resources.
Graduate Studies Alum of the Year | Francisco Ortiz, ’16
Driven by a vision of accessible, compassionate mental healthcare, Francisco founded District Counseling in Houston, serving individuals, couples, and families, particularly within the Spanish-speaking community. Licensed in six states, he also leads school-based counseling services, mentors future counselors, and provides pro bono care to underserved families.
Honorary Alumni | C.Y. Liu, MD, and Ruth Liu, EdD
Together, C.Y. and Ruth have devoted their lives to healthcare, education, and philanthropy. C.Y. pioneered gynecological endoscopic surgery techniques that transformed women’s healthcare worldwide, while Ruth built a distinguished career in nursing, higher education, and community leadership. Their generosity earned them recognition as 2025 Philanthropists of the Year.
Honorary Alum | Ken Parsons
Beloved by his students, Ken spent 26 years enriching Southern’s music program through high-level engagement with significant works for winds and percussion. The longest-serving band director in Southern’s history, he also established Adventist higher education’s first officially sponsored jazz ensemble and founded Southern Steel, the Tennessee Valley’s only steel pan ensemble.
Lady of the Year | Cherie (Merchant) Smith, ’91
Guided by faith and a deep love for people, Cherie has devoted her life to ministry, encouragement, and prayer, always helping others draw closer to God. Through 25 years of pastoral ministry, with prayer at its center, and during her years as Southern’s First Lady, she offered compassionate care, steadfast service, and a welcome that included thousands of homemade cookies for students.
Read their full biographies online and join the Kick-Off Banquet at 6 p.m. this Thursday, October 22, to celebrate with them during Homecoming!
~ Cheryl (Fuller) Torres, ’05, director of alumni relations
Southern Alumni Serve in Kenya
Thirty-seven alumni and friends traveled to Kenya this summer for Southern's first
alumni mission trip, which combined construction, education, healthcare, and church
outreach at Kimogoro Adventist Boarding Primary School.
In partnership with Maranatha Volunteers International, the group served June 17-29
in the mountain community of Kimogoro. Led by Karen (Larsen) Godfrey, ’88, Maranatha’s
vice president for advancement, volunteers worked primarily with Kimogoro Adventist
Boarding Primary School, which has grown from 35 students when it opened in 1996 to
more than 300 today.
Welcomed with singing and eager young faces, volunteers began by listening to the
local faculty and staff to understand their greatest needs. From there, they raised
block walls for a new administrative building, taught K–8 classes, led faculty training,
sewed uniforms, provided vision screenings, and distributed eyeglasses and sports
equipment. Together, the group raised more than $23,000 for technology, textbooks,
uniforms, and dormitory bedding.
Alumni and friends drew from their professional backgrounds throughout the trip. A
music educator taught students and teachers how to read music scores, while a first
responder led first-aid training. Social workers led social-emotional lessons, and
a therapist offered confidential support sessions for students and teachers. Educators
tutored students in math, science, and home economics and trained teachers in Microsoft
Office, while medical professionals taught anatomy and physiology and helped operate
a community eye clinic.
Construction on the new administrative office became a shared project for many volunteers,
with team members laying block and helping prepare the building for its dedication
on their final day at the school.
The group also worshipped and served with several area Seventh-day Adventist churches.
At Poroko Seventh-day Adventist Church, members welcomed each volunteer with a shuka,
the traditional colorful cloth of the Maasai people. At Kapsimotwo New Life Seventh-day
Adventist Church, volunteers helped lead music, a children’s church program, and the
sermon. Team members also attended a well dedication at Sigowet Seventh-day Adventist
Church, while a team of women helped construct a one-day church for Cheimen Seventh-day
Adventist Church.
For some volunteers, the experience recalled mission trips they had taken as Southern
students; for others, it was a first opportunity to serve internationally with fellow
alumni. Across generations and professions, the group found ways to contribute while
building relationships with the Kimogoro community.
Southern and Maranatha plan to return to Kenya June 16-29, 2027 for another alumni
mission trip focused on educational and building projects urgently needed for Kimogoro's
secondary students. The trip will again conclude with a safari in the Masai Mara National
Reserve. Learn more and register at southern.edu/alumnimission.
- Candy Dolcy, MSW, social work assistant professor and Field Education director; and
Jasmine Johnson, EdD, education professor and Master of Arts in Teaching program director
Homecoming Weekend 2026 Is Almost Here
Southern Adventist University has been awarded a $3 million Strengthening Institutions Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education to develop new workforce-focused opportunities through its Applied Technology program, housed within Southern’s School of Engineering and Physics.
The five-year grant will support Southern’s Accelerating Career and Workforce Readiness in Applied Technology project, including the development of two new non-degree certificate programs in welding and mechatronics. Current project timelines call for the welding certificate program to begin in Fall 2027 and the mechatronics certificate program in Fall 2028.
More than $1.2 million of the grant funding is designated for new equipment, and more than $1.4 million will support staffing needed to establish and operate the programs.
The short-term certificate programs are intended to prepare students for employment in high-demand technical fields, expand connections with workforce partners, and strengthen pathways for low-income and first-generation students. The concept builds on previous university strategic planning and an extensive review of institutional data, student input, labor market information, workforce trends, and other research.
The project is designed to expand Southern’s ability to prepare students with practical technical skills while responding to workforce needs in the region.
~ Becky (Baerg) Brooks,’03, editorial manager
Student Missions Stories Preserved
For nearly six decades, Southern students have answered calls to serve as student missionaries around the world. Now, thanks to a recent project by McKee Library called Living Memoirs: An Oral History Collection, their stories are being preserved for generations to come.
The initiative captures firsthand accounts from Southern’s student missionaries dating back to the program’s inception in 1967, including the joys, challenges, and spiritual growth that come from sharing Christ’s love across cultures.
“We wanted to let our students and alumni tell their experiences of the mission field authentically in their own words,” shares Bethany (Thornton) Howard, ’18, public services librarian, who led the project.
Under Howard’s guidance and with technical support from Research Services Librarian Jessica Spears, dozens of missionaries were interviewed by graduate research assistants Ali Leonor, ’22, and Savanna (Gregory) Stowell, ’24, to create a collection that highlights how missionary service shapes the lives, faith, and callings of those who participate.
Being Transformed
The interviews capture deeply personal accounts of former missionaries, many of whom credit those experiences with deepening their faith and setting them on lifelong paths of mission work or service-oriented careers.
Harry Nelson, ’70, whose story marks one of the earliest in the collection, credits his time as a missionary in Borneo with shaping his entire life’s direction. “The rich experience I had …was just a stepping stone into not only enjoying a professional career as a medical missionary but also being a supporter for our worldwide Seventh-day Adventist work,” he says. “I value my student missionary experiences as foundational.”
Marty Miller, ’83, accepted a call to teach on Majuro in the Marshall Islands during the early 1980s. Miller remembers the diversity of learning abilities in one classroom. “It was pretty staggering,” he says. “Teaching was not easy, but it was one of the best experiences of my life.” Miller credits his career in education to his formative experience on Majuro.
Nearly a decade later, Lori (Pettibone) Futcher, ’94, taught at the same school as Miller, and her experience on the island also provided life lessons. “It was a chance for me to really grow up and mature,” she explains. “It solidified that God did have a purpose for me, and I began to understand more about listening to the Holy Spirit.”
Changing Lives Today
The collection also includes more recent voices, such as Kasey Castellanos, ’26. Early in her life, her younger brother passed away due to medical complications, which took a toll on her spiritual life. Though she reconnected with God in high school, Castellanos still felt something was missing. A mission year to begin her college experience changed everything. Serving at Familia Feliz, a Bolivian boarding school for orphaned and abused children, she learned to rely fully on God.
“There were days when I was so physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted that I had to ask Him to give me the strength to go play with kindergarteners for hours,” Castellanos says. “It’s a lot easier now to ask God for help and for strength than before I went abroad.”
For Castellanos, some of the most meaningful moments came from forming strong connections with the children. “One student told me she never really felt like she was relating to anyone on staff until she met me,” Castellanos recalls. “That’s when I realized that my time in Bolivia wasn’t for nothing. My tears and laughter were all part of God using me to bless those kids.”
Preserving a Spiritual Heartbeat
Interviews in Living Memoirs: An Oral History Collection are preserved through audio recordings and transcripts, offering an inspiring glimpse into Southern’s mission tradition and ensuring these experiences continue to impact future generations. They are stored on Knowledge Exchange here: Living Memoirs.
~ Bethany Howard, ’18, public services librarian, and Chehalis Eno, ’26
Engineering Program Earns ABET Accreditation
Southern Adventist University’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering program has earned accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, an internationally recognized accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
“Reaching this important milestone is another evidence of God’s abundant blessing on Southern’s engineering program,” says Tyson Hall, PhD, dean of Southern’s School of Engineering and Physics. “ABET accreditation recognizes the strong foundation our faculty have built and gives our students additional confidence that their education meets rigorous standards for the engineering profession. We’re excited to continue preparing graduates who use their skills with excellence, integrity, and a desire to serve.”
The August 2026 accreditation follows another significant milestone for the program: Southern’s first Bachelor of Science in Engineering graduates completed their degrees in May 2025. Guided by the School of Engineering and Physics motto, “Think. Design. Serve.,” the program combines technical preparation with hands-on problem-solving and an emphasis on using engineering skills to serve others.
ABET accreditation assures that a program meets established standards designed to prepare graduates to enter innovative technical fields where quality, precision, and public safety are important. The voluntary peer-review process evaluates areas including curriculum, faculty, facilities, institutional support, and student learning. Reviews are conducted by teams of professionals from industry, academia, and government with expertise in the disciplines they evaluate, while accreditation criteria are developed by technical professionals from ABET’s member societies.
For more information about Southern Adventist University’s engineering program, visit southern.edu/engineering.
~ Becky (Baerg) Brooks,’03, editorial manager
Enrollment Jumps for Teaching Master of Arts
Southern’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program has grown quickly since its introduction
in Fall 2022, attracting students from across the country who are seeking certification
and excellence in the art of teaching.
Beginning with three students, enrollment in the MAT program jumped by 15 students
the following Fall semester, and in Fall 2024, 34 students were exploring classroom
management techniques while fine-tuning a philosophy of teaching, far exceeding projected
numbers.
“In response to the nationwide teacher shortage, our program is one of the best methods
for teachers to become certified,” shares Jasmine Johnson, EdS, EdD, program director
and associate professor in Southern’s School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling.
“Paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, and those switching careers can all learn
to manage and support their own classrooms.” For previously certified teachers, the
MAT helps meet continuing education requirements and can lead to new opportunities
and wage increases.
Johnson explains how being fully online is one of the benefits of Southern’s MAT.
“Graduate students often have families and full-time jobs. Having access to a degree
that individuals can work into their schedule is super convenient,” she says.
Another key element that sets Southern’s program apart is its Christ-centered focus.
“Students learn how to become the teachers who God has called them to be,” Johnson
says. “We encourage each other to emulate God’s role as Master Teacher while also
desiring to walk in His ministry and purpose. Our students are equipped not only with
the knowledge of best practices in the classroom but also the tools to teach others
about Christ.”
– By Chehalis Eno, senior English major
School of Business Students Excel
Students in Southern’s School of Business have been working hard, participating
in competitions and tackling projects simulating real-world business scenarios both
regionally and worldwide.
In a simulation of managing a startup company in the upper-level International Business course, one of Southern’s teams placed first out of the five locally competing teams, and in the 99th percentile of more than 1,000,000 simulation teams worldwide in 2024.
In another business strategy challenge, three of Southern’s teams ranked as Global Top 50 Performers out of 685 teams from 58 colleges and universities worldwide for the performance of their GLO-BUS business strategy simulations during the week of June 17-23, 2024.
Southern’s team of finance students also placed second among the 10 participating colleges and universities in last year’s Greater Tennessee Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge.
In the Fall 2024 semester, Southern participated for the first time in the HSI Battle of the Brains, a national intercollegiate pitch competition for Hispanic-serving Institutions. Southern’s team of students made it to the finals along with six other teams after formulating and presenting strategies to solve a business challenge that was presented at the start of the event.
Fabian Lubis, senior finance major, participated in the CFA challenge and shares how the practical experience helped him further develop his skills. “Beyond the competition, the experience was invaluable. It was one of the truer tests of putting what I learned in the classroom into practice,” he shares. “From late-night financial modeling to presentation prep, we continually had to think on our feet; defending our valuation, adjusting forecasts based on new data, and ensuring our story aligned across all financials. The CFA Challenge pushed me to develop sharper critical-thinking skills, refine my ability to communicate complex assumptions, and recognize the reality that finance is never just about the numbers, but the story they tell.”
– Becky Brooks, ’03, editorial manager
In a simulation of managing a startup company in the upper-level International Business course, one of Southern’s teams placed first out of the five locally competing teams, and in the 99th percentile of more than 1,000,000 simulation teams worldwide in 2024.
In another business strategy challenge, three of Southern’s teams ranked as Global Top 50 Performers out of 685 teams from 58 colleges and universities worldwide for the performance of their GLO-BUS business strategy simulations during the week of June 17-23, 2024.
Southern’s team of finance students also placed second among the 10 participating colleges and universities in last year’s Greater Tennessee Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge.
In the Fall 2024 semester, Southern participated for the first time in the HSI Battle of the Brains, a national intercollegiate pitch competition for Hispanic-serving Institutions. Southern’s team of students made it to the finals along with six other teams after formulating and presenting strategies to solve a business challenge that was presented at the start of the event.
Fabian Lubis, senior finance major, participated in the CFA challenge and shares how the practical experience helped him further develop his skills. “Beyond the competition, the experience was invaluable. It was one of the truer tests of putting what I learned in the classroom into practice,” he shares. “From late-night financial modeling to presentation prep, we continually had to think on our feet; defending our valuation, adjusting forecasts based on new data, and ensuring our story aligned across all financials. The CFA Challenge pushed me to develop sharper critical-thinking skills, refine my ability to communicate complex assumptions, and recognize the reality that finance is never just about the numbers, but the story they tell.”
– Becky Brooks, ’03, editorial manager
Southern in the News
We’re proud to see our students recognized through media outlets. Here are a few
recent highlights:
Student Creates Interactive Traffic Map to Help Reduce Accidents — Story on Local3News
Physics Club Students Teach Quantum Basics at Local Schools — Story on Chattanoogan.com
Hope Studios and Southern Adventist University Partner on Film — Story on Businesswire.com
Computing Podcast Makes Academic Research Accessible — Story on Chattanoogan.com
Student Creates Interactive Traffic Map to Help Reduce Accidents — Story on Local3News
Physics Club Students Teach Quantum Basics at Local Schools — Story on Chattanoogan.com
Hope Studios and Southern Adventist University Partner on Film — Story on Businesswire.com
Computing Podcast Makes Academic Research Accessible — Story on Chattanoogan.com
Upcoming Events
Alumni Homecoming Weekend | October 22-25
Southern Shuffle 5K | October 25
Walk or run this 5k race, which is open to all ages and skill levels on a cross-campus
course. Start time is 9 a.m. Online registration is available at southern.edu/fitforeternity, and on-site registration will be available from 8-8:30 a.m. the day of the race.
The event-day participation fee is $30 per person ($25 for online pre-registration).
The first 100 paid participants will receive a t-shirt and a finisher medal.
Car Show and Family Fun Day | October 25
Bring the entire family for a nostalgic event featuring antique and classic cars and
fun activities on Sunday, October 25, in the field in front of Classic 90.5 WSMC radio
station off Colcord Drive on campus. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just along
for the fun, there’s something for everyone beginning at 11 a.m. with free pony rides,
activities, games, and food (available for purchase). If you have a unique vehicle
you'd like to showcase, please register in advance at southern.edu/carshow.
Annual Nursing Keynote | October 27
Bestselling author and world-class adventurer Brian Dickinson is a former U.S. Navy
Aviation Rescue Swimmer who pushes the limits of human endurance from high-risk military
operations to conquering the world’s most dangerous peaks. He is the featured speaker
for this year’s Florence Oliver Anderson Lecture from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in lles
P.E. Center. Cost is $30 for a continuing education certificate, free for all others.
For more information and livestream options, see News and Events under southern.edu/nursing.
Alash Concert | November 5
Experience the extraordinary sounds of Tuvan throat singing as award-winning trio
Alash blends traditional music with modern influences, creating rich harmonies and
multiple pitches sung simultaneously. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday,
November 5, in Ackerman Auditorium, with tickets available for $10 per person for
community members. Find details at southern.edu/calendar.
Symphony Orchestra Concert | November 8
PreviewSouthern | November 12-13
Interested students are invited to take a campus tour, discuss majors with professors,
sit in on financial aid workshops, and enjoy a fun activity in Chattanooga. For more
information, call 1.800.SOUTHERN, email visit@southern.edu, or visit southern.edu/preview.
Annie Moses Band | December 1
Celebrate the Christmas season with an evening of festive music featuring the Annie
Moses Band, a family of Juilliard-trained musicians known for their unique blend of
classical, folk, and contemporary sounds. Join Southern Adventist University for this
special holiday concert on Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m. in Iles P.E. Center.