Long-serving teacher Erica Borgas was honoured as the Outstanding Alumna of the Year at the 2010 Avondale Homecoming.  Erica graduated from Avondale’s primary teaching course in 1950, and then served in the classroom, mostly at Avondale School, over almost forty years. Even after retiring she continued to serve, teaching scripture classes at the Dora Creek and Wyee Public Schools. Her friendliness, graciousness, and willingness to help anyone, anywhere, are characteristics that now serve Erica well in her role as an elder and Sabbath School leader at Avondale Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church. Erica’s former roommate at Longburn Adventist College and Avondale said, “She endeared herself to all. It seemed her mission was to leave every person she met much happier.”

Dr Tim Gorle received special recognition for his lifelong contribution to Christian education and community service. After graduating from Helderberg College in South Africa, he accepted mission appointments in Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Kenya. He subsequently served as Education Director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in East Africa, then as Principal of Solusi College (now Solusi University), Zimbabwe, and as Education Director of the then Trans-Africa Division. Dr Gorle served as Assistant Principal of Avondale College from 1979 to 1994 and as Acting Principal in the first half of 1989. After retirement he accepted responsibility as Director of the Cooranbong Community Services Centre, where he continues to serve as Secretary and Public Relations Officer.

Eight Avondale alumni, one from each honour year, also received citations at Homecoming: Pearl Toepfer (1940); Pr John Lee (1950), retired church administrator and educator; Pr Richard Anderson (1960), retired long-serving Adventist educator; Pr Peter Roennfeldt (1970), Adventist minister and church planter; businesswoman Cornelia Szeszeran (1980); musician Peter Dixon (1985); businessman Stephen Chan (1990); and Adventist minister Pr Kylie Ward (2000).

Leading Adventist evangelist Pastor John Carter, an Avondale graduate of 1961, presented the Sabbath sermon. Pastor Carter has preached the gospel of Christ around the world, with major programs in Russia, Africa, India, China, Australia, America and the Caribbean. In Russia more than 100,000 people have given their lives to God in response to his preaching. His television program, seen around the world, has brought many thousands more to Christ. “I caught the vision at Avondale College,” he said. “There I was taught by lecturers whose lives inspired me to follow Christ. I will never forget the debt of grace I owe to this Christian institution of higher learning.”

 

“You are the man!” Nathan (Eldon Rosenberg) rebukes David in Son of Jesse.

Son of Jesse reveals creative talent

The Homecoming concert featured a high-quality performance of Son of Jesse, a musical drama on the life of King David jointly composed by Associate Professor Daniel Reynaud, dean of Avondale’s Faculty of Arts, and Adrian Bell, an experienced choir conductor and composer. The production featured the Avondale Singers, Avondale Chamber Orchestra and sixteen actors and soloists. Seventeen-year-old Justin Watson sang and acted the lead role of David with confidence and maturity. The contemporary relevance of the story was highlighted by screen clips of a TV newsreader announcing key developments in the narrative, with headlines streaming at the base of the screen. The producer and music director of the performance, Dr Robb Dennis, senior lecturer in music at Avondale, commented: “David is a multitalented individual who let leadership go to his head, but through some major blunders found his ultimate purpose, to be a tool in God’s hands.”

Next year’s Homecoming, 26-28 August 2011, will feature students of each tenth year from 1931 to 2001, and students of 1986.