by Paulette McLean Johnson, director - Eva B. Dykes Library 

Librarians and Adventist historians pause for a photo opportunity at the General Conference. (Photo by Ansel Oliver)

On May 22, 2013, library representatives from ten North American Division colleges and universities met at the General Conference (GC) to review progress and discuss issues relating to the Adventist Digital Library (ADL) now in development.

The ADL is a collaborative effort of the GC Office of Archives, Statistics and Research, the Ellen G. White Estate, the Center for Adventist Research (CAR), and the Association of Seventh-day Adventist Librarians.

The ADL is to serve the information and research needs of students and scholars around the world. It is expected to house images, audio and video files, dissertations and theses, books and other documents. The ADL is in its initial phase and no date has been set for its release.

Paulette McLean Johnson, library director at Oakwood University, was among the attendees.  

by Dr. Roy E. Malcolm, University Historian 

"Honoring the Past, Soaring toward the Future" was the theme of Bermuda Institute's (BI) 70th year Celebration held May 16-19, 2013. The school began in 1943, with 26 students in one room and one teacher. Growth in enrollment over the years demanded relocation for added classroom space. By 1965, the school was approved as a junior academy, and in 1968 produced 15 high school graduates, eleven of whom enrolled at Oakwood College that Fall.

 With a current enrollment of over 330 students and 40 faculty and staff members, BI is approved by three accrediting associations. BI's graduates have gone on to further studies abroad and are making significant contributions in their chosen professions. Many have returned to Bermuda to serve.

An example is The Honorable Craig Cannonier, J.P., M.P., Premier of Bermuda. "I am a product of the Seventh-day Adventist Education system," states the Premier, "and I can attest to the positive impact those teachings have had on my life and on the lives of my children."

The four-day celebration was a major success with strong support from the Atlantic Union, Bermuda Conference and BI Alumni. Lynn O'Donald Landy, M.A., Pastor of the Agape Faith Kingdom Ministries, was speaker for the opening ceremony at Thursday chapel. A BI alumnus, he donated $1,000 to the school/principal. The Sabbath worship speaker, Pastor David D. Steed, II, (another BI/OU alumnus) of the New Covenant SDA Church in Memphis Tennessee, stirred the hearts of the congregation in a dynamic message.

The music at all sessions was awe-inspiring featuring guest artists, Amber Bullock and the Award-winning group, Committed. Great music was provided also by outstanding local ensembles including the Academy Steel Band and Choir; Praise Teams, Heaven's Own, Spiritual Peace and the Alumni Mass Choir. Other presenters were Ru-Zelda Severin, vocalist; Pianists Lloyd Matthew, Owen Simons, etc.

The awards banquet held at the gorgeous Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel was extremely well-supported. Premier Craig Cannonier was the keynote speaker with music by Amber Bullock and Committed. It was a delight to see awards of appreciation for service presented to former principals, alumni, retirees, community devotees, outstanding faculty and staff, etc. Principal Dr. Lois Tucker deserves highest praise for a job well done. Congratulations also to the Alumni Planning Committee.

The celebration was not without elements of surprise. Speaking eloquently from memory, Principal Tucker (pictured, right, with Dr. Malcolm) enumerated the contributions made toward the achievement of senior academy status and the successful enrollment of BI graduates in colleges abroad, especially, Oakwood University.

Dr. Tucker then read the inscription on a plaque which she announced would be placed on one of BI's buildings in honor of your humble servant, Roy E. Malcolm. That was a real surprise, and greatly appreciated While we do not work as a rule for earthly rewards, it is rewarding to know that our work is a blessing to others. "The consciousness of well doing is ample reward."