QuickNotes | February 20245

In partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority and The Israel Museum, Southern Adventist University is the only scheduled location in the United States where visitors can see the first complete alphabetic sentence in human history ever found.
 
This oldest deciphered sentence is inscribed on an ivory lice comb, which was excavated by Southern archaeologists and dates to 1700 BC. The rare artifact is on display at the Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum on Southern’s campus on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority. The current exhibit, titled “The Ivory Comb: Lice and Literacy at Lachish,” is now open to the public through May 2.
 
“We’re very honored to be showcasing this ivory comb exhibit,” says Michael G. Hasel, PhD, professor of archaeology at Southern, director of the Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum, and co-director of the Lachish excavations. “Even though the comb itself is about twice the size of a postage stamp, it is significant to our understanding of the invention of the alphabet, which was the greatest breakthrough in human communication. The alphabet is still used by 75% of the world’s population today.”
 
The artifact was uncovered in 2016 during the fourth expedition to Lachish, which was one of the largest cities during the Canaanite period. The Bible mentions Lachish for the first time in Joshua 10, saying that the king of Lachish joined forces with a Canaanite coalition to defeat Israel.
 
The comb was later investigated for publication under microscopic analysis by scholars from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and its significance increased in 2022 when shallow scratches were deciphered on the ivory and confirmed as wording by an epigrapher. The inscribed sentence reads “May this ivory (tusk) root out the lice of the hair and the beard” in tiny proto-Canaanite letters, a predecessor to all modern alphabets. The microscopic analysis also revealed the remains of a louse between two of the comb’s teeth, indicating the successful execution of its intended function and creating a valuable archaeological connection.
 
Featured in The New York Times and Smithsonian as well as by CNN and BBC, the small but linguistically valuable comb was named the number one discovery in biblical archaeology by Christianity Today in 2022.
 
“The find cannot be overestimated. The invention of the alphabet was the most important contribution to communication in the last four millennia,” says Hasel. “Before this time, complicated systems of writing in Egypt and Mesopotamia limited literacy. Today, most of the world constructs sentences using the alphabet found on this comb.”
 
The opening night of the exhibit on Southern’s campus also included an archaeology symposium on January 27, featuring internationally recognized scholars who shared presentations relating to the moment of discovery, subsequent analysis and reading of the ancient script, and the implications for the development of the alphabet still used by billions of people around the world today.
 
Featured along with Hasel at the symposium were Yosef Garfinkel, PhD, professor emeritus of the Archaeology of Israel at Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Katherine Helser, ’19, PhD candidate at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, who was the Southern student in whose area the comb was uncovered; Madeleine Mumcuoglu, PhD, research fellow at the Institute of Archaeology at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who discovered the inscription in 2022; Daniel Vainstub, PhD, professor of Bible archaeology and Near East studies at Ben Gurion University of the Negev; and Christopher Rollston, PhD, department chair and professor of biblical and Near Eastern languages and civilizations at George Washington University in D.C.
 
See Hasel talking about the comb on the news. The public is welcome to visit the free exhibit at Southern until May 2, 2025. For open hours and additional information, visit southern.edu/museum.

– Becky (Baerg) Brooks, ’03, editorial manager

On January 20, Southern Adventist University students, employees, and alumni continued the university’s longstanding tradition of honoring Martin Luther King Jr. through service to the community. The tradition began in 1993 with the university’s first MLK Service Day and continues to garner enthusiastic support.
 
“It’s a Southern tradition to take time on MLK Day to make a positive difference in our community,” said Cheryl Craven, ’99 and ’21, director of Christian Service at Southern. “My hope is that our students experience the joy of service and make it a way of life, both during their academic career at Southern and following graduation.”
 
Approximately 1,000 participants joined together to serve organizations and community members in the Chattanooga area, including the Chambliss Center, the AIM Center Clubhouse, the Samaritan Center, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
 
Angel Guerrero, junior film production major, built bunk beds for children who don’t have a bed at the Sleep in Heavenly Peace warehouse in Chattanooga. “What impacted me was the realization that there are many people, even kids, without a bed,” he shares. “To me, service is sharing the love of God without having to talk. Actions speak louder than words.”
 
According to Esel Choi, freshman psychology major, “Service is giving without expecting anything in return.” She worked with a group writing letters to people who are dealing with depression. “It was a blessing to me that I was able to send messages of encouragement to people who are losing hope.”
 
Chehalis Eno, senior English major, pieced together puzzles for the Samaritan Center in Ooltewah, so the thrift store can be sure they aren’t missing any pieces before selling them. “Puzzles have always been a great social activity for me, and I’m glad to know that my work will enable someone else to experience the benefits of puzzles as well. I love any opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, and I’m so glad Southern has given me so many opportunities to do so.”

– Becky Brooks, ’03, editorial manager

Most evenings, Southern physics professor Kenneth Caviness, ’82, PhD, and his wife, Claryce (Sarr), ’81 and ’01, sit comfortably in their living room reading copies of books about genetic codes and Christian philosophy. Each month, their knowledge quest expands to include colleagues and friends in a conference room on Southern’s campus where faculty meet for the Faith-Science Discussion. Analyzing the background and current reports where these topics meet helps professors solidify their own faith and more easily explain to students the complexities that arise between these two core academic disciplines.
 
For nearly 20 years, professors from Hickman Science Center and the School of Religion’s Hackman Hall who come from diverse scientific and theological backgrounds have discussed books and articles about creation, origins, and worldview topics of mutual interest.
 
“With representation from biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, and religion, it’s an enriching collaboration to come together and share collective insights and perspectives,” says Greg King, ’81, PhD, School of Religion dean and founder of the Faith-Science Discussion. “Together, we have made a commitment to understanding God’s creation and purposes.”
 
In 2010, Southern affirmed its stance on creation and the origin of life after the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists released a statement calling on all Adventist institutions to uphold the one-week creation story found in Scripture. King considers the discussion group an active response to that directive.
 
The group’s study materials range from pieces by conservative authors, such as Nancy Pearcey and Don DeYoung, to Micheal Behe, Lee Strobel, and others who combine biblical and evolutionary views. During the Biology and Allied Health Department’s annual Origins Weekend each spring, one of the authors is often invited to speak for convocation, creating the opportunity for students to join in these critical discussions.
 
The office shelves of chemistry professor Mitch Menzmer, PhD, are full of printed works from years of participating in the group. “I want to have a solid understanding of what the Bible teaches and what we find in nature. Since I’m a scientist, I have greater exposure to scientific thinking and ideas, so I ask different kinds of questions than a theologian,” he says. “During our gatherings, we go through each publication in a methodical way, probing and critiquing and comparing ideas with our church’s view.” Menzmer’s favorite discussions have centered on thermodynamics and the origin of life from nonliving matter.
 
Beyond the monthly meetings, participants in the discussion group have the chance to frequently connect outside their respective academic disciplines with other faculty members and Southern administrators who attend. “Our discussions facilitate cross-campus comradery. There’s a symbolism in coming together and recognizing that we hold something in common,” says Stephen Bauer, PhD, theology professor in the School of Religion. During meetings, members verify each other’s assumptions and claims, respectfully communicate about current scientific discoveries, or correct one another on translations of a biblical Hebrew text. “It’s a very respectful and collegial environment,” he says.
 
“As we approach challenging topics in our classes, students have questions. We want to be able to speak intelligently about any surrounding issues,” Menzmer says. “We need to know who believes what and why, along with the reasons we hold certain positions as Adventists. That’s the big picture.”
 
Faculty are also able to keep abreast of differing trains of thought in their fields and share their insights with others off campus. Caviness has had opportunities to share some of the group’s collective ideas worldwide. “I started with one paper for a conference, and one thing led to another. Now I have 10 different presentations that I’ve used in South India, Ukraine, Argentina, and Germany as well as here in the United States,” he says. “God has put a burden on my heart to share that science and religion are not at war with each other. In fact, science is an act of worship. We study science because we are in awe of God’s creation.”
 
King expresses: “What a joy it is to work and teach with people who are committed to God as Creator. That belief brings us together in community and gives us the opportunity to know each other a little better while appreciating the insights of different disciplines.”

– Ana Zelidon, senior English major

Southern commends Fred Hutagaol, sophomore business administration major with a focus on health services and senior living, as the recipient of the Morning Pointe Scholars Endowment for the 2025-2026 school year. He grew up assisting his grandparents with household chores and lived with and assisted a family member who was passing due to cancer, leading to his interest in the healthcare field. He has held leadership roles in his church, as well as serving as head of logistics for a student entrepreneurial project with Enactus.
 
“Fred was nominated for this award on the basis of his scholarship and his heart for service,” said Lisa Kuhlman, ’10, associate professor of business at Southern. “He is focused on serving others and making a difference in the world.”
 
“The Morning Pointe Scholars Endowment is a powerful reminder to keep striving for excellence in my studies while sharing my passion for stewardship with others,” says Hutagaol. “It reaffirms the calling God has placed in my heart as I work toward earning my bachelor’s degree, with the hope of making a meaningful impact on the lives of seniors in my community.”
 
Morning Pointe Senior Living has been awarding the endowment scholarship since 2017 in response to the growing need for qualified caregivers and other senior living professionals. Each year, Southern selects a recipient who is majoring in health services and senior living administration.
 
“Morning Pointe values our relationship with Southern Adventist University and the quality of its healthcare administration program,” says Franklin Farrow, ’93, Morning Pointe Senior Living co-founder and CEO. “It is always a pleasure to award this endowment, and we were impressed with Fred and his obvious heart for serving seniors and dedication to his calling. We can’t wait to see how his career develops.”
 
Southern remains a leader in preparing competent young professionals to enter the healthcare administration industry by exposing students to every facet of the field through in-depth courses on administration, finance, human resources, and marketing that are specific to the health services environment. Students also each complete 1,000 internship hours, split between the different areas of care. The School of Business at Southern offers the longest-running program accredited by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards and the only Health Services Executive accredited program in the state of Tennessee.
 
Southern’s $20 million School of Business Leadership and Innovation Campaign will support a new building and program endowment that benefits students at Southern as they pursue careers in business. To learn more, visit southern.edu/gobusiness.

– Staff Writers