Relocate Andrews University's Graduation Ceremony
Relocate Andrews University's Graduation Ceremony
The Issue
[This petition is focused on a negotiation rather than a specific location.]
ISSUE: On February 26, 2025, the Andrews University Administration announced a change: the Spring 2025 graduation will be held in the Andreasen Wellness Center—a gym. The Administration has made no further comment explaining why other options aren’t being considered. This is a decision which many students believe diminishes the importance of such a pivotal moment, reducing what should be a dignified ceremony to an event in an athletic facility. Meanwhile, both Andrews Academy and Ruth Murdoch Elementary School will continue to hold their graduations in the Pioneer Memorial Church, raising concerns about why the university graduates are not granted the same level of respect.
CONTEXT: For decades, Andrews University has honored its graduates with a commencement ceremony in a space befitting the significance of the occasion. Until 2021, graduation was held in the Pioneer Memorial Church, a setting that reflects the solemnity and celebration of this milestone. From 2022 to 2024, the ceremony took place in the Howard Performing Arts Center, another venue designed for formal and meaningful events.
The Graduation Committee Chair, Rosemary McKenzie, has stated that the gymnasium will be refurbished by the addition of carpeting and a stage/backdrop including draping covering the back wall and scoreboards. Additionally, screens will be available throughout the gymnasium to provide an adequate view of the graduates. However, it is important to consider that two alternatives—PMC and HPAC—are already equipped in this way (providing accessibility, AV equipment, and seating) to accommodate larger-scale events.
SOLUTIONS: Possible alternatives proposed by students include PMC, HPAC, and even the Flag Mall on campus. Whatever the outcome, the goal is for students to have a say in their own graduation.
We urge the administration to reconsider this decision and select a space worthy of the achievement graduation represents.
Sign and share this petition to support the call for a more appropriate venue for Andrews University’s Spring 2025 commencement as well as future ceremonies.
Make change happen, World Changers.
308
The Issue
[This petition is focused on a negotiation rather than a specific location.]
ISSUE: On February 26, 2025, the Andrews University Administration announced a change: the Spring 2025 graduation will be held in the Andreasen Wellness Center—a gym. The Administration has made no further comment explaining why other options aren’t being considered. This is a decision which many students believe diminishes the importance of such a pivotal moment, reducing what should be a dignified ceremony to an event in an athletic facility. Meanwhile, both Andrews Academy and Ruth Murdoch Elementary School will continue to hold their graduations in the Pioneer Memorial Church, raising concerns about why the university graduates are not granted the same level of respect.
CONTEXT: For decades, Andrews University has honored its graduates with a commencement ceremony in a space befitting the significance of the occasion. Until 2021, graduation was held in the Pioneer Memorial Church, a setting that reflects the solemnity and celebration of this milestone. From 2022 to 2024, the ceremony took place in the Howard Performing Arts Center, another venue designed for formal and meaningful events.
The Graduation Committee Chair, Rosemary McKenzie, has stated that the gymnasium will be refurbished by the addition of carpeting and a stage/backdrop including draping covering the back wall and scoreboards. Additionally, screens will be available throughout the gymnasium to provide an adequate view of the graduates. However, it is important to consider that two alternatives—PMC and HPAC—are already equipped in this way (providing accessibility, AV equipment, and seating) to accommodate larger-scale events.
SOLUTIONS: Possible alternatives proposed by students include PMC, HPAC, and even the Flag Mall on campus. Whatever the outcome, the goal is for students to have a say in their own graduation.
We urge the administration to reconsider this decision and select a space worthy of the achievement graduation represents.
Sign and share this petition to support the call for a more appropriate venue for Andrews University’s Spring 2025 commencement as well as future ceremonies.
Make change happen, World Changers.
308
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on March 4, 2025