BY JONATHAN GALLAGHER, United Nations Liaison director, General Conference

f we don't celebrate what we have, we could let it slip away. I'm proud of our colleges and universities," said North American Division president Don Schneider as he introduced the Monday afternoon segment featuring Adventist higher education.

Pacific Union College president Richard Osborn (above) presented the challenge: "According a study by Roger Dudley of Andrews University, we [the Adventist Church] are losing 40-50 percent of our young people by their mid-20s," he said, adding that as far as churches are concerned, "we are not having vibrant young Adventist programs in many places." He appealed to the delegates to work with the colleges and universities to place graduates in churches and to support Adventist higher education.

Gordon Bietz, president of Southern Adventist University, introduced the "Call to Renewal" document, explaining that scores of previously religious-affiliated schools in the US "have drifted away from their church roots. Our commitment is not to allow that kind of drift. Our desire as college and university presidents is to develop an even closer relationship to our church, and to develop strong, vibrant members."

Asked what the college/university presidents thought the audience could do to help, responses included:

"Be active participants on the board of trustees." -- Gordon Bietz

"Ensure consistent beliefs so they echo with those on the college campus." -- Delbert Baker, Oakwood College president

"Three times a day say something positive about your educational institutions." -- Larry Geraty, La Sierra University president

"Remember the 3 P's: Parents, Pastors and Professors-together we can work to save our children." -- Neil Erik Andreasen, Andrews University president

Atlantic Union College president George Babcock spoke of ongoing concerns over accreditation--an appeal against termination of accreditation was rejected by the accreditation agency just five days after his becoming president. However this has been deferred twice as the college continues to develop responses to the concerns. The education section closed with special prayer for Babcock's upcoming appearance at the accreditation agency on November 6.