The Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) welcomes Dr. Bryan Edward Sumendap as the campus’ new Vice President for Student Services (VPSS) as he assumes responsibility in August 2015.
“I am delighted that the board has selected Dr. Sumendap as our Vice President for Student Services since he is in many ways a son of this community,” said Dr. Stephen Guptill, AIIAS president. “He has distinguished himself as a union leader in Indonesia and a man of missionary zeal. Dr. Sumendap has previously been a student leader at AIIAS and has great capacity to connect to student. We value his presence on our Administrative team.”
After an international search earlier this year, Dr. Sumendap was selected to fill the position left vacant by Dr. Paoring Ragui who served AIIAS for 37 years until his retirement in July 2015.
Dr. Guptill said, “The Raguis’ departure has signaled the end of an era. Few people have served AIIAS from the early days until the present day as has Dr. & Mrs. Ragui. He has contributed to administrative decisions a wealth of history and understanding. His contacts and relationships with the people in immigration and the state department has done much to bless AIIAS through the years with exceptional immigration services. Paoring and Puring will both be greatly missed.”
Dr. Sumendap will be able to lead and understand the students of which he was one. He received his Bachelor of Theology from AIIAS. He holds a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry both from AIIAS as well.
As an ordained pastor, Dr. Sumendap has served as church pastor, chaplain, and associate director of communications and youth. Prior to coming to AIIAS, he was serving in the East Indonesia Union Conference as communication and youth director, ADRA coordinator, Hope Channel Indonesia coordinator and Angkat Nafiri Radio director.
The VPSS of AIIAS provides leadership, guidance and oversight of student growth and student development in social, physical and spiritual life. The role is critical in creating and maintaining a learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed in a diverse, international environment. Watch out for the October 2015 issue of Flags Magazine to get to know Dr. Sumendap better and to find out some of the Raguis’ contributions.
Dr. Paoring and Puring Ragui
Above picture: Dr. Bryan Sumendap with his wife Joie and their kids Edward and Elyssa
By: Ingrid Oberholster
AIIAS Assistant for Institutional Writing
