News

Board votes significant investment in radio station

“The only constant is change,” the old saying goes. Those words seem especially appropriate for the campus radio station at Southwestern Adventist University. At its last meeting in May, the University Board of Trustees voted to invest a “significant” amount in the station. The “spark,” so to speak, for this action happened last fall when lightning struck the station, causing a fire with significant damage to equipment and the building structure. “We felt we were at a turning point after the fire,” says Eric Anderson, president of Southwestern. “We were faced with a choice of making a significant improvement to the station or getting out of radio. Fortunately, the board voted to improve the station.”

Communication adds Red One camera

Student Rowdy Lofton uses the new RED ONE camera at Southwestern.

The communication department at Southwestern Adventist University has purchased a RED ONE Camera, a high-end digital camera that represents the latest trend in major motion picture and television show production. The RED ONE provides students access to a cutting-edge tool they can use to create the highest quality media. “We want students to have solid production experience with equipment they will see on the job,” says Randy Yates, assistant professor of communication. “We’re working hard to continue providing students with the latest technology.”

University holds summer writing workshop

Southwestern Adventist University held a writers workshop for teachers June 7-18. With the encouragement of Eunice Warfield, director of education for the Southwestern Union Conference, 18 teachers from around the southwest attended the workshop. Susan Gardner, a veteran of 20 summer workshops for Walla Walla University and the North Pacific Union and currently English professor at Southwestern, led the group of teachers in applying contemporary theories of writing. She was joined by Nancy Cross of Walla Walla University.

Southwestern visits the zoo tomorrow

Students at Southwestern Adventist University will have the opportunity to hang out with the monkeys and scamper around with the lions and giraffes at the Fort Worth Zoo tomorrow. The annual Zoo Day occurs on the last Sabbath of the school year (excluding graduation weekend), as students prepare for finals (or have started on finals, since finals started today). Tickets will be available for students at the zoo entrance from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Transportation will be provided for students without their own, with buses leaving from the Chan Shun Centennial Library parking lot at 1:15 p.m.

Church historian speaks for lecture series

Dr. George Knight spoke to Southwestern faculty and students, as well as the community, during last night’s Scholar’s Lecture series in Barron Chapel. Knight is an Adventist historian, educator, and an author as well, having written many books, including A Brief History of Seventh-day Adventists, Lest We Forget, and Sin and Salvation: God's Work for Us and In Us. He currently serves as a professor of church history at Andrews University. Knight discussed the topic "The Apocalyptic Vision and the Neutering of Adventism,” and had a question-and-answer segment afterward.

English Dept. hosts play "Steel Magnolias"

Southwestern’s Department of English debuts the play Steel Magnolias tonight at 8 p. m. in Wharton Auditorium. “The quintessential story of friendship and trust, Steel Magnolias serves up a southern slice of life that's as warm and comforting as sweet potato pie! In the world of Truvy's local-homegrown beauty salon, six very different women come together to share their secrets, fears and love for one another while engaging the audience in hysterical and neighborly gossip."

Rough Writers to host poetry slam April 24

Southwestern Adventist University’s student creative writing group, The Rough Writers, will host a Poetry Slam in Wharton Auditorium on Saturday, April 24 beginning at 8:15 p.m. “Students will be able to read their poetry to their peers while being accompanied by a music background,” says Dr. Glen Robinson, communication professor and sponsor of the Rough Writers, in an e-mail addressed to Southwestern students and faculty. “Come to share your poetry, or listen to the polished and not-so-polished work of fellow students.” The poetry slam will be followed by a concert by the Pleasant Earl band.

Biology professor to lecture at GC in Atlanta

Dr. Suzanne Phillips

Dr. Suzanne Phillips, associate professor of biology at Southwestern Adventist University is one of 33 Seventh-day Adventist theologians, scientists and students who will lecture on creation during the World General Conference sessions in Atlanta June 27-July 2. A specialist in biochemistry, Phillips will lecture on July 2 on “Compelling Evidence for Design in Nature.” Organized by the Geoscience Research Institute at the request of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the lecture series will feature an exploration of the theological and scientific implications of creation.

Saxon lecture series features discussion on evolution

Earl M. J. Aagard

The second lecture in this year’s Saxon Series in Science and Religion will feature Biologist Earl M. J. Aagard on Saturday, April 17. Aagaard thinks that Adventists and other evangelical Christians are confusing themselves when they talk about origins. A teacher with long experience teaching “controversial” subjects, Aagaard says we should stop labeling certain discussions as simply a matter of “evolution versus creation.” Christians who do so, he says, will lose the argument every time.

Gymnastics will present show this Saturday

Two Southwestern “SWAT” aerial performers wall jump and walk at last year’s Home Show. Photo by Jair Alcon

Southwestern Adventist University’s Acrobatics Team, “SWAT,” will be performing this Saturday, April 10, 8:30 p.m., at SWAU’s Leiske-Pultar Gymnasium. “Home Show: Encore Extravaganza” will feature acts by SWAT, as well as CTA, KAES, and Peterson Gym. Admission is free, and students and faculty are welcome to attend. Seating is limited, so come early.