Dr. Amy Leukert – Big Franks or Super Links?: Quantifying Adventist Culture (Lecture Series Fall 2025)

Exploring Faith and Culture Through Research

Sacramento Adventist Academy welcomed Dr. Amy Leukert from
Pacific Union College for the Lecture Series Fall 2025 event.
Her presentation, Big Franks or Super Links?: Quantifying Adventist Culture, explored the shared experiences and habits that shape Adventist identity across North America.
Through humor, stories, and data, Dr. Leukert showed how cultural traditions like favorite foods, Sabbath customs, and church language reveal the deep connections that unite Adventist communities.

She also shared insights from her doctoral research at Claremont Graduate University, where she examined how parental religiosity influences school choice.
Her findings prompted students to reflect on how belief and belonging interact, connecting directly with the SLO Think Critically and with Curiosity.

Academic Growth at SAA

The Lecture Series is reflects SAA’s dedication to advanced academics and spiritual growth.
Each event brings university scholars and community leaders to campus, encouraging students to engage with original research and higher education concepts.
This approach reinforces SAA’s commitment to preparing graduates who read deeply, ask questions, and pursue truth with integrity.

Students learned about the process of academic research, from forming a question to collecting and analyzing data.
Dr. Leukert’s presentation makes higher education accessible and inspiring, connecting what students study in class to the real world of scholarly work.

Faith and Inquiry in Action

Dr. Leukert’s message encouraged students to separate faith from tradition while still appreciating the value of culture.
She reminded listeners that while traditions and practices shape community, true faith is grounded in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Her closing challenge asked students to consider what kind of culture they will create as the next generation of leaders in the church.

Open Invitation to Our Community

SAA’s Lecture Series takes place twice each year and is open to everyone—students, parents, alumni, church members, and community members.
The Fall 2025 event reflected the SLO Embrace Positive Citizenship by connecting academic learning with community dialogue.
Through events like this, Sacramento Adventist Academy continues to cultivate an environment where faith and scholarship meet.

Learn more about past and upcoming Lecture Series events and SAA’s academic programs by visiting the Lecture Series page.

Key Takeaways