Former students and staff members have returned to Avondale University for a weekend (August 23-24) of reconnection and reminiscing.
First presented in 1981, the annual Homecoming honours all alumni and celebrates classmates who reflect the values embedded in the university motto, “For a greater vision of world needs.”
Alumni had their first chance to reconnect at the opening reception, an informal and relaxed gathering hosted by 2023 Alumna of the Year Melanie Windus, who walked among attendees. She introduced honour year reunion hosts and citation recipients, acknowledged the youngest and oldest alumni and those who had travelled the farthest, and welcomed stories about favourite lecturers. Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Coulson presented the devotional. His message: we have taken different journeys, but we have returned to the same home.
“Stuff happens”: Saturday at Homecoming
Many more did so the following day. Host and 2023 Alumnus of the Year Dr Barry Oliver welcomed alum and their friends to Sabbath school, where they participated in an informative and interactive lesson led by Avondale Seminary Head Dr Wendy Jackson.
Inspired by hymns and songs from the decades, as performed by Avondale Chamber Orchestra and Avondale Singers, a full house gathered in the Big House—Avondale University Church. The church’s former minister Dr Bruce Manners (BA Theol, 1974) spoke about his own aging—a prognosis from his gerontologist of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). “My aim now is to go from MCI to OBWSFT—Old Bloke Who Sometimes Forgets Stuff,” he said. “Stuff happens. This happens to be my battle. I don’t know what your battle is, but whatever happens, God is there.”
Earlier in the worship service, Avondale Alumni honoured Dr Manners as Alumnus of the Year. His citation recognised the former Signs Publishing Company editor-in-chief as “a follower of Jesus who clearly communicates the very good news of the gospel.” Joining Dr Manners as an award recipient: Alumna of the Year Michelle Ward (Dip.Prim.Ed, 1974), a teacher and librarian who makes “learning accessible and enjoyable, for all ages,” and Young Alumnus of the Year Sheldon Omwamba (BN, 2018), an emerging leader in nursing who demonstrates “wholistic care that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
The heart of Homecoming: the honour year reunions. A large number—about a dozen—attended from the Class of 1954, with host Dr Don Wilson making personal contact with each in the lead-up to the event. Each host nominated a classmate—or classmates, with the Class of 1994 nominating two long-serving, single-school teachers—to receive a citation.
Class citation recipients
Like the awards, citations recognise dedication to transforming lives, engagement with learning and discovery, and commitment to service. Recipients are:
- Educator and academic Dr Owen Hughes (Accountancy, 1954), for shaping the lives of students and teachers while growing the influence of Seventh-day Adventist education across the South Pacific;
- Historian Dr Milton Hook (BA Theol, 1964), for his “quest for truth,” recognising the role it plays in helping Adventists understand more about their church and themselves;
- Teacher Joy Perkins (Biblical Studies Certificate, 1974), for her pastoral care of those in the classroom and in the community;
- Pastor and academic Dr Rick Ferret (BA Theol, 1984), for his pastoral care of church and community and his ability to move between the two;
- Teacher Bruce Dever (BEd, 1994), for his commitment to the ministry of teaching at Brisbane Adventist College;
- Teacher De’Arne Cassidy (BEd, 1994), for her passion and perseverance for building positive culture at Christchurch Adventist School;
- Teacher Chantelle Manoe (BEd, 2004), as an innovative educator dedicated to the all-round growth of her school community, and;
- Teacher Alex Afoa (BBus/BTch, 2014), for care of family, friends and faith, recognising how he uses this to help students reach their potential.
A Touch of Country
Homecoming closed with a concert presented by Rick Ferret and his friends, Covenant Quartet, which he formed, and mates Smiley Martin and Chris Means. With differing styles—southern gospel and country—the ensemble and the trio performed separately until the final song. The chorus of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” providing a fitting farewell. “There’s a better home awaiting / In the sky, Lord, in the sky.”
