Battle Creek Academy

April 27-29, 2012

Alumni Weekend Guest Speaker

We are pleased to introduce this year’s special guest speaker for Alumni Weekend, Dr. Dick Tibbits, Vice-President and Chief People Officer for Florida Hospital in Tampa, Florida. This is the newest hospital to become a part of the Florida Hospital family and Adventist Health System.

Dr. Tibbits is an ordained minister, a licensed professional mental health counselor, a certified ACPE supervisor and an experienced hospital administrator.  During his career he has been a pastor, teacher and hospital administrator at Kettering Medical Center, Loma Linda University Medical Center, and Florida Hospital.

Dr. Tibbits’ work experiences and background in human resources, pastoral care and counseling give him a unique perspective on human nature. He’ll share those perspectives as he leads us in understanding how to overcome life’s difficulties, become strengthened and, ultimately, prepared for the return of our Savior.

His career accomplishments include the implementation of diversity training and awareness programs, diversity audits, and an intentional plan to advance the progression of minorities with demonstrated potential. In conjunction with Walt Disney Company, Tibbits designed and opened Florida Hospital Celebration Health in Celebration, FL (a member of the Florida Hospital family).

As an author, Dr. Tibbits book, Forgive to Live: how forgiveness can save your life, was based on original research using forgiveness to reduce high blood pressure caused by retained grievances. The book suggests that we “either become overwhelmed by life’s difficulties or we become strengthened by life’s hardest lessons. The difference is found in one’s ability to forgive.” The author’s premise is that forgiveness can effectively reduce our anger, drastically improve our health and put us in charge of our life again, no matter how deeply we’ve been hurt.

Our guest speaker holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion and Business from Atlantic Union College, Lancaster, MA; a Master’s Degree in Theology from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI; and a Doctoral Degree in Psychology from Andover Newton, Boston, Massachusetts.

Battle Creek Academy is pleased to have Dr. Tibbits, a frequent national speaker, join us for our Alumni Weekend, April 27-29, 2012. He will be speaking at the 10:30 am church service on Sabbath, April 28.

To learn more about Dr. Dick Tibbits, visit www.forgivetolive.net for inspirational stories, videos and a newsletter.

Introducing Our Alumni Officers

Justin Grove

On behalf of the Alumni Association, we are pleased to introduce and welcome Justin Grove, ‘08, as this year’s Alumni Weekend president. Justin is currently a nursing student at Kellogg Community College and will graduate with his Associate’s degree in May of 2012. He has an extensive background in working with the Alumni Program, having served as a student assistant in the Alumni Development office for four years while attending Battle Creek Academy.

We are excited to have his youthful enthusiasm and leadership this year. (See his letter to each of you.)

Phyllis Essex

On behalf of the Alumni Association, we are pleased to introduce and welcome Justin Grove, ‘08, as this year’s Alumni Weekend president. Justin is currently a nursing student at Kellogg Community College and will graduate with his Associate’s degree in May of 2012. He has an extensive background in working with the Alumni Program, having served as a student assistant in the Alumni Development office for four years while attending Battle Creek Academy.

We are excited to have his youthful enthusiasm and leadership this year. (See his letter to each of you.)

Letter From Alumni President

Dear Fellow Alumni:

I am excited to have the opportunity to serve the Battle Creek Academy Alumni as this year’s Alumni President. I urge each of you to get involved in the weekend, which is coming up rapidly: April 27-29, 2012. There are so many ways to participate in this fun weekend. If you would be willing to help just contact the Alumni Office.

I also have the privilege of working with Phyllis Essex, President Elect. Mrs. Essex, as I called her then, was my 2nd grade teacher at BCA. I have many fond memories of the activities that we participated in while a student in her class. 

I am privileged and honored to work with her on our upcoming Alumni Weekend. Most importantly, I encourage everyone to just come! Our only hope for a strong Alumni Association in the future is your yearly participation now. Call your classmates, make contact and encourage them to attend. I look forward every year to seeing my classmates and I hope to see all of you at this year’s Alumni Weekend! See you soon,

Justin Grove ‘08,

Alumni Weekend President

Alumni Weekend Schedule