Antillean Adventist University: A Legacy of Education and Service
The Antillean Adventist University (AAU), known in Spanish as Universidad Adventista de las Antillas (UAA), stands as a private institution deeply rooted in the Seventh-day Adventist tradition. Located in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, AAU is situated on a picturesque 284-acre campus that offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, providing an inspiring environment for learning and spiritual growth. The university's sponsorship and affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church underscore its commitment to a holistic educational philosophy that integrates faith, academic rigor, and community service.
A Historical Journey: From Cuba to Puerto Rico
The origins of Antillean Adventist University can be traced back to Cuba in the early 1900s. Following an initial, albeit disrupted, educational endeavor in 1911, the institution found its footing and was formally established in 1923 as a college. In 1939, a significant decision was made by the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists to relocate the campus from Bartle, Oriente Province, to Santa Clara. This move was accompanied by an upgrade, transforming the institution into a junior college. At that time, it held a unique position as the sole educational institution within the Antillian Union offering Spanish-language courses beyond the primary grades.
The turbulent era of the Cuban Revolution profoundly impacted the institution. The decisive Battle of Santa Clara, which occurred in December 1958 just miles from the college, brought the realities of conflict directly to its doorstep. Walter J. Brown, then president of the college, provided a vivid eyewitness account of these events for the Adventist flagship journal, the Review and Herald. During the final days of December 1958, bombing disrupted transportation routes, leaving approximately two hundred students stranded on campus during the Christmas season. On Saturday, December 27, all off-campus activities were cancelled, and special prayers were offered for protection and peace.
As midnight approached on Saturday night, two armed individuals, described as "barbudos" from Ernesto "Che" Guevara's column, were posted to guard the college buildings. Other rebel forces had occupied the university across the highway. The college community observed these "men from the hills," noting their weariness yet evident conviction. The college folk soon realized the rebels were not hostile. Charles R. Taylor, from the Bible department, offered a sleeping bag to one of the soldiers, who took turns resting in it. The college community also visited the university entrance, where they encountered a large number of rebels. Despite appearing tired and hungry, the rebels were friendly. They were offered cold milk from the college dairy, an act for which they expressed their gratitude.
Brown further recounted the significant interaction with Dr. Ernesto "Che" Guevara, who had previously been acquainted with Adventists. Guevara, accompanied by an assistant, was observed studying a map of the city. He approached the college representatives and requested that the school provide food for doctors, nurses, and others who might pass through in the coming days. When informed of difficulties in obtaining milk and food, Guevara declared they were in the "Free Territory of Cuba" and assured them that rebel soldiers would ensure their needs were met. At noon on that first day, around one hundred men arrived for dinner. Mrs. Pena, the acting matron, explained their cafeteria procedures and their custom of asking God to bless the food. Mr. Santos, the food-factory manager, offered a prayer, during which the rebels, who had been seated, stood up, turned in respect.
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The conflict escalated on Wednesday, December 31, when the Battle of Santa Clara directly impacted the college. Observers witnessed a bomber fly past, followed by another plane heading for the college, dropping its bomb on college land. For over an hour, planes engaged in machine-gun attacks on the campus. Students, teachers, and rebels who were in the dining room sought refuge in the laundry facilities located in the girls' dorm basement. Others fled to the shower rooms in their dorm's basement. Married families and teachers found shelter on the lower floor of the new industrial building. The farm manager, on horseback, was bringing in the cows for milking when a plane targeted him. His assistant and a student, plowing in the field, were unaware of being machine-gunned until after the plane had passed, due to the tractor's noise. Professor Taylor, engaged in private devotions in a bamboo grove, narrowly escaped a strafing plane by jumping into a nearby ditch and then swimming up a creek, keeping only his head above water until the attack ceased. Miraculously, there were no injuries among the people or the animals. That night, the government fell, and Castro's forces emerged victorious. Rebel doctors and troops remained with the college community on Thursday, January 1, 1959.
A few days later, during a celebration across the road, the college choir participated. On New Year's Day, 1959, it appeared that the college would continue its operations in Cuba, as the new Cuban leadership initially allowed religious institutions to function without restrictions. However, three years later, after all other religious institutions had been closed or severely restricted, the new Cuban government ordered the closure of the school on December 15, 1961. For the 1961-1962 academic year, Antillian College operated with two campuses: one in Cuba and another in Puerto Rico. By March 1962, the Cuban government permitted a seminary to continue operating on the Cuban campus.
Academic Excellence and Social Impact
In contemporary times, Antillean Adventist University has established itself as a significant institution of higher learning in Puerto Rico. A testament to its dedication to educational access and student success, AAU was recently ranked second in the "Top Performers on Social Mobility" category for the southern region of the United States. This distinction, encompassing over 300 universities evaluated, highlights the school's commitment to educational fairness and its position as a university with significant cultural diversity in Puerto Rico.
Dr. Edwin Hernández, president of Antillean Adventist University, emphasized that this No. 2 ranking in social mobility is a reflection of the university's dedication to educational fairness and student achievement. Educational experts define social mobility as a university's capacity to positively alter the economic trajectory of its students, particularly those from low-income families. A Pell Grant, a federal grant awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, further supports students at AAU.
According to Dr. Hernández, this recognition transcends a mere ranking; it signifies the institution's profound ability to transform lives, especially those of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. "It measures how many of them we manage to enroll, accompany, and graduate, breaking cycles of economic limitations and opening new life opportunities," he stated. Dr. Hernández also underscored the intrinsic connection between education and a life dedicated to service. "At AAU, we firmly believe that education should be a bridge to new opportunities and an instrument to serve the community," he emphasized.
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Fostering Faith and Ministry
As Christians are called to love God, love people, and live faithfully according to God's Word, Antillean Adventist University offers programs designed to cultivate these principles. The Bachelor of Pastoral Theology program, for instance, is meticulously crafted to equip students with the essential tools needed to effectively study Scripture and theology, thereby expanding their spiritual gifts and ministry skills. While the standard program length is outlined, completion time can vary based on transferable credits and individual course load preferences. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to embark on their vocational journeys, with many proceeding to seminary or graduate school, while others enter ministry directly.
Embracing Distance Learning and Diversity
Antillean Adventist University is actively expanding its reach and accessibility through innovative academic initiatives. The "Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Graduate Opportunities through Distance Learning" (PPOHA Project P031M240020) is a testament to this commitment. Through this ambitious project, UAA aims to deliver cutting-edge academic programs that address the evolving demands of students and society, leveraging the power of distance learning to offer a flexible and superior educational experience. The university invites prospective students to explore this platform and discover how the PPOHA Project can serve as a catalyst for their professional growth, providing the necessary support to achieve aspirations and transform lives through education.
The Department of Education has recognized UAA's capability to execute forward-thinking educational initiatives, as evidenced by the successful navigation of a rigorous evaluation process for the PPOHA Project. The project, slated to commence on October 1, 2024, involves the development of master's degrees and postgraduate certificates offered via a flexible distance-learning modality. These programs are designed to align with contemporary trends in higher education and address the growing need for accessible learning pathways.
Complementing these academic advancements, the PPOHA Project prioritizes the strengthening of essential support services, including academic advising, therapeutic counseling, professional assistance, and mentoring, available in both face-to-face and virtual formats. Significant enhancements to UAA's technological infrastructure are also part of the initiative to ensure the delivery of exceptional academic programs. All offerings will adhere to andragogical principles, promoting effective adult learning practices.
The PPOHA Project is a significant undertaking dedicated to expanding postgraduate educational opportunities, particularly for Hispanic students. It includes exclusive scholarships for eligible students enrolled in UAA's master's programs and graduate certifications. Scholarship applicants are evaluated by a dedicated committee based on criteria such as GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of financial need. These scholarships, awarded subject to fund availability, can amount to annual awards of up to $1,880 ($626 per term) for eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents who meet additional requirements.
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