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Brenton Stacey
Public relations officer

Students choosing to attend Avondale College effectively challenge themselves to make their education a counter influence to that offered at other higher education institutions. This statement formed the core of Dr Ross Grant's address at opening convocation today (February 27).

Grant, chief executive officer of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific's Australasian Research Centre, lamented that, in the interest of economic survival, "Australian universities are focussing on the vocational education of the individual while neglecting the broader needs of civility and morality."

He suggested a whole-of-life education, which emphasises the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual, would be more appropriate. "Is it possible that an accumulation of knowledge without a sound moral or ethical framework in which to apply those skills will not, overall, benefit society?" asked Grant. "[Knowledge] can equip and inspire but often for the exploitation of others and our natural resources," he added.

Referring to a statement by Adventist Church pioneer Ellen White, in which she described much of the education in her time as "a perversion of the name," Grant said Christian education served as a counter influence, "not one motivated by selfish ambition, greed for power and the exploitation of the rights and needs of humanity."

Grant said students would find this counter influence at Avondale. "This institution was not founded to simply teach professional skills, but rather as its popular motto states, to provide 'degrees with a Christian focus,'" he said.

Grant referred to Avondale's mission, which states that the college aims to produce competent graduates with a commitment to faith, integrity and justice. "This is the Christian difference, the counter influence, the high ideal that will have, that can't help to have, a great and positive impact on your future," said Grant.

He concluded by noting students who choose to study at Avondale expose themselves to the challenges of accepting "the very highest calling, a calling for a greater vision-your greater vision-of world needs. Once you have that vision, it's your privilege to use the professional skills you have gained to make a difference, a positive difference."

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