Zoom out across the global Adventist movement and a pattern becomes clear: education is not a side ministry, it’s central to the church’s identity and mission. From kindergartens to high schools, from undergraduate programs to graduate degrees, Adventist institutions around the world aim not only to inform minds but to transform lives.

At the 2025 General Conference Session in St. Louis, the Inter-European Division (EUD) presented this vision vividly through a collaborative booth. With a layout designed like a neighborhood, the space brought together departments, unions, hospitals, media, publishing houses, and at the heart, its educational institutions.

“We had two goals with the exhibit,” Paulo Sérgio Macedo, communication director for the EUD, said. “First, to celebrate 150 years since John Andrews came as the first official missionary to Europe. Second, to highlight our unity in mission and show how we are growing together.”

Despite logistical challenges (including a returned shipment due to US import restrictions), the EUD team adapted quickly, showcasing rich visual stories from institutions across the territory. Among them, five Adventist universities stood out: Adventus University Cernica (Romania), Collonges Adventist University (France), Friedensau Adventist University (Germany), Sagunto Adventist College (Spain), and Italian Adventist University Villa Aurora (Italy). Together, they represent different languages, cultures, and academic models that share one calling: education that transforms.

Adventus University Cernica: Rooted in History, Reaching for the World

With one of the largest student groups represented at the exhibit, Adventus University Cernica stands out for its warm energy. 

“We’re a European-accredited university with a 100-year heritage in theology,” said the university’s rector, Laurențiu Moț. “We currently offer undergraduate programs in theology, social work, and education and are working toward launching a nursing program.”

What’s next? “Internationalization,” he added. “We want to expand our collaboration with global Adventist institutions and develop our master’s degrees in theology and education further, even in English.”

For Mark, a fourth-year theology student, Adventus has been transformative. “I’ve grown so much, not just in how to study and write theological papers, but in how I approach Scripture deeply and technically. I think spiritual growth doesn’t require a theology degree, but this gives you tools to go further.”

“Adventus University Cernica shaped me not only as an educator but as a person,” said Emina, a graduate student at Adventus. “The values, knowledge, and experience I gained during my bachelor’s and now in my master’s studies have prepared me to nurture children with both skill and compassion. Today, as a kindergarten teacher, I see education as a calling to bring light into young lives.”

Collonges Adventist University: 35 Percent of Students Are Women

Located near Geneva, France, Collonges is home to the Adventist Theological Seminary and a variety of academic programs that have shaped pastors, educators, and church leaders across Europe for decades. Known for its multilingual, multicultural environment, Collonges exemplifies the blend of intellectual rigor and spiritual formation that defines Adventist education. Students come from more than 20 countries and eight divisions, creating a truly global learning community.

"We offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology,” seminary dean Eurico Correia said. “For a master’s in French Adventist education, Collonges is the place to be. Around 35 percent of our students are women, some go on to become pastors, while others choose to serve in missions or pursue deeper theological studies. Not all follow the pastoral path, but each finds a meaningful way to contribute.”

Friedensau: Small Classes, Big Opportunities

Friedensau Adventist University’s approach reflects a strong emphasis on accessibility, mentorship, and wholistic growth, a perfect fit for students seeking depth in their studies and service.

William, a master’s student in theological studies, described Friedensau as “a safe, peaceful place” with unique academic advantages. “Classes are small, which means you have direct access to professors,” he said. “And the campus offers lots of opportunities: mission trips, archaeological tours, joint projects. It’s part of the Newbold network, so you feel connected to a broader Adventist academic family.”

Sagunto Adventist College: Deep Roots in Scripture, Rich Encounters with Culture

Located near Valencia, Spain, Sagunto Adventist College is a hub for theology, language, and science education. Professor Laurențiu Ionescu highlighted its unique offerings:

“We have the only master’s program in faith and science in the Adventist Church. We also offer accredited master’s in theology, both in-person and online.”

Beyond academics, Sagunto is known for its Spanish language program accredited by the Instituto Cervantes. Through the Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) program, students immerse themselves not only in language but also in culture, faith, and mission. Jeremy, originally from Southern Africa and studying at Pacific Union College in California at the time, joined the ACA summer program in 1995, and he says it changed his life. 

“That was my first exposure to Spanish, and I loved it,” he said. “I ended up doing the full-year ACA program in Argentina, where I met a young woman and we got married. It changed my life in a very amazing way.”

Villa Aurora: A Place to Encounter Faith, Purpose, and Family

Italian Adventist University Villa Aurora, located near Florence, Italy, combines theological education with cultural immersion. It offers accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology, with plans to launch a PhD program. A language department also welcomes international students to study Italian language, history, and culture, either for a summer program or full academic year.

Housed in a historic Renaissance villa, the campus is part of Italy’s protected heritage. “Aurora means ‘dawn,’ a fitting name for a place that nurtures hope and learning,” Professor Tiziano Rimoldi said. 

Melissa first came to Villa Aurora for just three months but ended up staying for seven years. “I made friendships that will last a lifetime, and I created a community,” she recalled. “I wasn’t Adventist when I arrived, but through my experience, I decided to be baptized.”

She spoke with deep emotion about the chaplain who guided her journey, and how education at Villa Aurora transformed her view of God, faith, and herself. “It totally changed my life,” she said. After studying, she stayed on as a volunteer and eventually staff member.

Villa Aurora’s impact is proof that Adventist education doesn’t just prepare people for careers; it prepares them for calling.

From classrooms to campuses, from faith to vocation, these Adventist universities, among many others, remind us that true education is a journey of transformation, touching the heart as much as the mind.

For more coverage of the 2025 General Conference Session, including live updates, interviews, and delegate stories, visit adventist.news and follow ANN on social media.