When Alice Hansen was baptized four months before attending Walla Walla University her sophomore year, she had no idea God would lead her to a 44-year career as an administrative assistant for the Adventist Church.
As a young adult, she took Voice of Prophecy's Jesus, Light of the World Bible-study lessons.
"It was the best thing I could have done," Hansen says. "The doctrine lessons were Christ-centered — the way they should be."
After obtaining her secretarial science degree, Hansen accepted an offer to work for the General Conference Youth Association as the Missionary Volunteers department secretary.
During this time, Hansen began helping children and adults achieve greater literacy. Throughout the years, she has tutored people from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Russia, Romania, Ukraine and elsewhere.
Hansen dedicated 42.17 years of her career to Washington Conference as a confidential secretary for seven presidents: William L. Murrill (1968–1972), James Chase (1972–1978), Glenn Aufderhar (1978–1985), Bruce Johnston (1985–1986), Leonard Jaecks (1987–1997), David Weigley (1997–2002), and John Freedman (2002–present).
Washington Conference marked Hansen's retirement with a celebration on March 29 featuring a gathering of past and current colleagues, words of affirmation for her faithful service, and a musical tribute.
As Hansen retires after 44.32 years of service, she offers this advice: "Keep your focus on Jesus. Keep your connection with God and His word. God has been my strength. There is power in knowing Jesus."
From typewriters to computers, Alice Hansen knows how to work with a variety of technology. She retires this year after 44.32 years of serving the Adventist Church. (Heidi Martella)
