Andrews University Celebrates Women in Leadership

Buller Hall on the campus of Andrews University. (Photo by Jackson John)

Lake Michigan College and the Andrews University Office of University Culture & Inclusion are proud to host “Speaking Up With Women,” an event aimed at supporting and encouraging women. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Newbold Auditorium, Buller Hall, 8488 East Campus Circle Drive, on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

“Speaking Up With Women” is open to the public and will feature leaders from across southwest Michigan. The event will start at 4 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. Attendees will experience an afternoon filled with inspiration, networking and learning from outstanding women in the region.

The event will begin with a tribute to the late Gladys Peeples Burks, PhD, a member of the first graduating class of Benton Harbor Junior College, now Lake Michigan College. She later earned an EdS and PhD from Michigan State University. Burks was a strong advocate for public education and was recognized on the national level for her work in elementary education.

Keynote addresses will be given by Cam Herth, dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Lake Michigan College, and Michael Nixon, vice president for University Culture & Inclusion at Andrews University. The program will then feature student presenters Nicholas Gunn and Khaylee Sands of Andrews University, followed by an intermission with food provided by Base Bowls & Company, a local female-owned and operated business in St. Joseph, Michigan.

The second half of the event will feature a panel discussion with prominent women leaders in the region, including Laura Goos, mayor of St. Joseph; Danielle Pilgrim, PhD, Andrews University chaplain; Afiya Latham, co-owner of Express Employment Professionals in St. Joseph; Charmae Sanders, Lake Michigan College Start to Finish program director; Stephanie Ott, owner of Base Bowls & Company; and Dashuna Robinson, president of the Benton Harbor Area School Board. The panelists will share their experiences, insights and perspectives on various issues affecting women today.

In addition to honoring exceptional women leaders in the region, "Speaking Up With Women" will recognize locally owned businesses and organizations that are owned and operated by outstanding female entrepreneurs.

The diversity offices at Lake Michigan College and Andrews University will honor Summit Financial Wellness, Princella Tobias, publisher of the Benton Spirit newspaper, Chelsea Lake of WAUS 90.7 FM, and Andrea Luxton, the first female president of Andrews University, with certificates of appreciation for their service and dedication to leadership.

“Speaking Up With Women” will be a tremendous opportunity for women in the region to connect, share experiences and support one another.

For more information about the event, please contact Michael Nixon (michaeln@andrews.edu), Cam Herth (cherth@lakemichigancollege.edu) or Nicholas Gunn (gunnn@andrews.edu).