Librarian Earns Honorary Degree

At Southwestern Adventist University's (SWAU) winter graduation this year, PUC director of library services Adu Worku spoke on "What a Difference Education Makes." He shared his own story of being a shepherd boy and not beginning school until the age of 15, going on to earn three master's degrees; he is now a great proponent of the value of Adventist education. "Seventh-day Adventist education is value-added education," he said during his address. "The education we provide is both timely and timeless. It is purpose driven with consequences for this life and for the life to come."

Following the address and the bestowing of degrees, SWAU president Eric Anderson, a former professor at PUC, surprised Worku by presenting him with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Anderson said that Worku's "life story is an illustration of the transforming power of Christian education,” adding that "today he is one of the most learned men I know.” Worku is a musician, poet, activist, teacher, and writer and has earned master's degrees in history, education, and library science.

Worku and his family also have connections to PUC in addition to his role at the library. Worku received his undergrad degree at Avondale, but at that time PUC and Avondale were affiliated so his degree was actually from PUC. His wife, Zewuditu Yimer, is a '92 PUC nursing grad and his sons Danny and Tad both graduated from here as well, Danny with a BBA in finance in '07 and Tad with a BBA in marketing in '08.