Gateway Magazine | Fall/Winter Edition 2022/23 | Virtual Issue

The Value of DEI on a University Campus

A Message From The President

Dear Alumni and Friends:

It is with a sense of deep gratitude and honor on behalf of the entire Washington Adventist University learning community to say thank you for your continuous support and prayers to make our Mission and Vision a reality for our students and employees. The years of the pandemic have been difficult. We had to lead tough conversations, make difficult decisions, and spend hours on Zoom – all to support our valued students and employees. We are now emerging through one of the most challenging times we have ever faced in higher education. During the pandemic, we were determined to keep our workforce whole and safe as we continued to teach and satisfy the learning needs of our students. To God be the glory I can report to you that our dedicated faculty and staff made the necessary adjustments for virtual and limited face-to-face teaching and learning without any major infections on campus or loss of life. Due to the resiliency, flexibility, responsiveness, and commitment of our workforce learning continued at WAU. The state of the university is even stronger.

There is a revitalized spirit of community. A greater dependence on God and a welcoming of our diversity of faith, culture, race, and learning styles. Our revenue-generating departments are discovering new ways and fine-tuning the old ways of generating revenue to continue the Mission for the next hundred years. The enrollment team members are energized to recruit and encourage all of God’s children to gain the wonderful and lasting rewards of Christian education in the nation’s capital.

Alumni and friends of the university this issue of the Gateway will provide you with a flavor of how we are continuing to engage minds and transforming lives. Let me take this opportunity to also share with you some major accomplishments that demonstrate the continuing growth and vision for WAU:

• Middle states accreditation completed a successful site visit, waiting for the final results.

• Board of Trustees approved Vision 2030: Distinctive Excellence in Student Success

• Adoption of the principles of Relationship Rich Education – how human connections drive success in college.

• Action is taken to offer a fixed tuition rate of $12K to all members of the Columbia Union Conference to be in alignment with the Union’s strategic initiative to make SDA Christian education affordable and accessible.

• Academic Partnerships with the University of Baltimore Law and Capital Technology University to provide seamless transitions into professional career pathways.

• Received over $7,000,000 in federal, state, and personal gifts primarily to support the affordability gap for students, their COVID-related expenses, and for COVID-related institutional support between March 2020 and the present.

• Our Hispanic student population continues to grow and is now twenty-five percent of our current enrollment - welcome!

• Montgomery County’s Mini Master Plan for the 21st Century infrastructure development for the combined Washington Adventist University and Washington Adventist Hospital site was presented to the community.

• Established a well-equipped and stocked food pantry for residential and community students.

• Student Association 2022-2023 theme: Be Still – Defend the House

• Commencement transitioned from an off-campus event to an on-campus event.

• Plans are in place to partner with the Columbia Union Conference and reintroduce the teacher education academic offering to address the North America Division teacher shortage.

Together we will continue to grow to become the best place for students to learn and for employees to work. Your support as a partner in Christian higher education at the nation’s capital will ensure, for the next hundred years, that WAU will graduate all students on time with little or no debt and be ready for the workplace and eternity. Our strategic focus is to rebound from the pandemic, grow enrollment, and distinctive excellent in student success.

Thank you for being a valuable partner and for all you have done to help students obtain their educational aspirations in a Christian environment. We celebrate the richness of diversity in human resources, personality, culture, and contributions.

This is Washington Adventist University!

Sincerely,

Weymouth Spence

Content

P2 President’s Message

P6 World-Renowned Opera Singer

Latonia Moore Performs for the Annual Anna H. Wang Presidential Concert Series

P10 How to Celebrate Different Countries and Cultures

P12 Washington Adventist University Achieves Historic Milestone

P16 Nevertheless, She Persisted

P20 Feature Article: The Value of DEI on University Campuses

P24 Visionaries Gala 2022

P28 Alumni Spotlight

P32 Meet the New Advancement Team and Message from the New Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations

P34 Message from the President of WAU Alumni Association & Three Year Fiscal Giving Comparison

P36 Giving Societies

P40 Class Giving

Vice President for Integrated Marketing and Communication: Everett Wiles

Writers: Ludane Thaw, Shannon Smith, Naomy Rodriguez, Simonique Dietz, and Jennifer Albury

Copy Editing: Andrea Wiles

Photographers: Richard Castillo, Randolph Robin, Ross Patterson, Everett Wiles, Takudzwa Madhovi and Tijuana Griffin

Design and Layout: Everett Wiles

Photo Credit: Everett Wiles

2022 Commencement on The Commons at WAU

Singer Latonia Moore

Performs for the Annual

at Washington Adventist University.

Written by: Naomy Rodriguez

Maintaining its superior quality in caliber and production, the Anna H. Wang Presidential Concert Series secured a recital at Takoma Park SDA Church on the evening of September 24th. This event was supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (masc.org), granting access to the community and friends of the university. With a vision directed to student success, the Music Department at WAU ensured that free tickets were made available to all students upon request.

“Latonia Moore is a superb top-of-the-line soprano and top professional,” says Dr. Deborah Thurlow, vocal performance coach, and professor at WAU. “She gave a beautiful and heartfelt recital along with the truly wonderful pianist Laura Ward, who was both wonderful and sensible.” Thurlow continues, “the repertoire was very appropriate to her and enjoyed thoroughly by her audience. Grateful for her and Ms. Ward for agreeing to come to us.”

At the end of her recital, Ms. Moore shared her excitement to conduct the Masterclass the day after. Ms. Moore’s passion for coaching and empowering students to use their voice and own their presence on stage was inspiring and insightful even to those sitting in for the class. “One of the best masterclasses I have witnessed,” says Dr. Daniel Lau, Music Department Chair. He continues, “so pleased that Dr. Spence dropped by and ended up staying for the entire session. We had heard so much about Ms. Moore and chose her not only because she is currently one of the best sopranos in the world but also because she loves to teach.” Lau adds, “Latonia Moore was the perfect fit for this, a person of the highest character, who would represent the Anna H. Wang concert series well and stands for the mission of what we do here at WAU. “

Participating students can be seen in the featured picture, from left to right Marcela JonesMoreno, Carissa DeJardins, Daniela Cruz, Fernanda Rinza, Jasmin Crossfield, and Richard Machado. With only about 2 hours for the Masterclass, Ms. Moore was able to coach all six pre-selected students who performed their best selection and received instant feedback. “Ms. Moore was able to immediately meet the highest need of each student and transform their singing at the moment,” Dr. Thurlow commented. “Her delivery was absolutely professional and rich in experience.” Thurlow commends Moore for her warmth, “She was supportive and knew how to draw out from each person at the moment - that is the mark of a superb teacher and professional.”

Dr. Thurlow also shared the reactions she received from other students who did not get to participate but found immense value in this and took copious notes. This was a shared sentiment for everyone who took the time to attend. The audience was diverse, comprising current vocal performance students, music education students, piano majors, and even alums of WAU and supporters of Ms. Moore, who came specifically to see her.

After the Masterclass, she lingered for a while, answering questions, and even gave mini lessons for at least an hour to those who sought her coaching and expertise. Dr. Thurlow, who was present for the duration of her stay, said, “She went absolutely above and beyond the call of duty. Extremely appreciative of how Ms. Moore gave of herself tremendously for us.”

One of the coached students, Daniela Cruz, shares her experience, “Being in the presence of Latonia Moore will forever be a note-worthy experience in my life. Her encouraging advice and lively manner made anyone fall in love with music again. No judgment, just genuine care and admiration for her/the student. I would do a masterclass with her again if ever given a chance!” Cruz is a Freshman MezzoSoprano vocal performance major who wowed the audience with the amount of progress she made in such a short time.

Another success story is that of Richard Machado, who was the only male singer featured that morning. Machado is highly appreciative of this opportunity and has a lot to share. “First of all,” he says, “I want to thank Latonia Moore for both an ethereal concert and a truly inspiring masterclass! Her singing seemed so effortless and smooth. Her facial expressions gave us a vision of the emotions she wanted to portray, and her ability to switch characters in only a few seconds was astonishing. A night I can’t really ever forget!” He continues, “The way she did the Masterclass was so thoughtful and supportive of each participant’s levels and progress. While there were universal things for all the participants to learn, she captured the unique differences in our voices and helped us get on the path to mastering those differences. I think she wasn’t kidding when she said she was more excited for the Masterclass than the concert!” Machado concludes by sharing how unique this experience was for him and his colleagues. “I’m truly thankful that she came out to conduct this masterclass, and I hope that the next time she sees me, I’ll be a completely different tenor.” Richard is a Psychology and Honors major pursuing a minor in music.

Finally, we hear from Dr. Spence himself, who was present at the evening recital on Saturday with his family and made an appearance for the Masterclass on Sunday morning. Spence shared this was his first time attending a masterclass. “This remarkable opportunity for our students is not available to many institutions.” Dr. Spence also shared his “great appreciation to Anna Wang and her family for their contribution in making this happen.” He adds, “an exclusive opportunity for our students to not only listen but have her conduct a masterclass for them is a lifelong experience. The class was simply remarkable.”

Latonia Moore performing during the WAU Anna H. Wang Presidential Concert.

Photo Credit: Takudzwa Madhovi

Latonia Moore (center left) with WAU President Weymouth Spence (center right), Dr Ruth Liu (left) and Dr. Cy Liu (Right).

Photo Credit: Takudzwa Madhovi

Latonia Moore (center) with WAU students after the masterclass.

Photo Credit: Takudzwa Madhovi

Student Gallery

How to Celebrate Different Countries and Cultures

Written by: Ludane Thaw

With advances in modern technology, anyone can fly to a new destination to experience diverse customs and foods or distinctive music and dancing styles. But these days, universities are taking intentional strides to bring those experiences to campus by recruiting diverse candidates and employees — to everyone’s benefit. As the campus community expands to include different cultures, it’s a great opportunity to learn how to celebrate and appreciate these different cultures and groups.

But with more and more diversity on campus, it can be hard to interact responsibly with people from different countries and cultures without falling into stereotypes, misconceptions, or appropriation. And without the intentional promotion of cultural variety, minority students can feel isolated and disconnected from anything familiar.

Campuses with multiple cultures raise a key question: How can universities encourage a responsible celebration of different countries and cultures?

Listen First

Talk to the members of the different cultures represented on campus. You can learn about different customs, cultures, and ways of interacting through open, honest dialogue. Everyone holds stereotypes and misconceptions about different cultures. But by talking to members of those communities and asking questions you can better understand and appreciate those groups.

Provide Spaces

In a group photo or video, people typically look for themselves first. In the same way, people are looking for others who look like them and share their experiences in the spaces they occupy. Employee Resource Groups, student cultural clubs and groups, heritage celebrations, and awareness days and months are great ways to create spaces for people from different cultures and backgrounds to gather and celebrate their heritage. With forethought and planning, you can create intentional ways to allow people to feel seen and valued.

Let Community Members Take the Lead

It is important to provide space for different groups to gather, maintain, and affirm their identity. But for lasting impact and success, the key is ensuring that members from those communities take the lead in creating and maintaining those spaces. As those spaces take shape and formalize, the campus at large can learn more about different cultures directly from members of those communities. Reach out to community members and encourage them to create spaces and opportunities for campus-wide education and appreciation.

Provide Financial Support

Keep in mind that while it’s nice to encourage diverse students to create spaces and opportunities for people to celebrate, it’s an additional responsibility that requires time, effort, and most importantly, budget. Institutions should provide financial support to any students or community leaders that emerge to help create opportunities for a cultural celebration.

Bridge Gaps Between Different Cultures and Communities

As various cultural communities find their voices and spaces on campus, each group can seek opportunities to bridge gaps and connect with others. For example, hosting regular multicultural days or international food fairs are fantastic ways to simultaneously expose the campus community to various cultures. Universities can also work to form planning committees that include members from various cultural groups to organize these large-scale events. The goal is to help bridge gaps and demonstrate that human beings are more alike than they are different.

The Benefit of Celebrating Different Cultures

Celebrating different countries and cultures is a fantastic way to bring a global experience to the local campus level. Each group is unique, and everyone benefits from responsibly celebrating another culture. Inclusivity and a sense of belonging are key to the success of any university. And as the world becomes increasingly diverse, universities that encourage cultural celebration and awareness will better equip their students for the global economy.

There’s a relationship between campuses and the cultural communities they serve. Like with interpersonal relationships, admit when you need additional guidance. Always start with listening to members of those communities. By hearing from them, you increase the likelihood that you’ll appreciate, rather than appropriate, their cultures. But keep in mind that mistakes are inevitable. Cultural groups will need a safe space to voice when appreciation misses the mark. And universities should be prepared to listen, learn, and apologize. Campuses that create this open dialogue around cultural celebration will find that there is no one best way to show appreciation — it’s a continuous journey of learning, iterating, and improving together.

Washington Adventist University Achieves Historic Milestone

Written by: Simonique Dietz

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

Founded over a century ago, in 1904, Washington Adventist University (WAU) had the distinction of establishing the first baccalaureate nursing school in the state of Maryland. Now, for the first time in the program’s history – not only is the pre-licensure course of study fully accredited for a maximum of ten years – but, also its graduate programs of nursing. These programs are fully accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education through 2031, says Dr. Cheryl Harris Kisunzu, Provost of Washington Adventist University. Dr. Kisunzu acknowledges that this historic achievement occurred through the leadership of the program’s director, Dr. Tijuana Griffin. Of additional significance is that this achievement occurred during the unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic during which the nursing shortage worsened from both the national and global perspectives.

In a 2020 Columbia Union Conference article “Washington Adventist University and Adventist HealthCare Renew Ongoing Partnership,” Adventist HealthCare President, Terry Forde, noted that “we hire over 2000 nurses in our system. Therefore, to partner with our denomination’s local university is significant for us as we respond to our nursing and human resource needs.” An example of the Adventist HealthCare legacy commitment to distinctive excellence in patient care delivery through distinctive excellence in nursing education is its support of the WAU Nursing Program’s inaugural endowed chair. Furthermore, Adventist Health Care continues to provide financial incentives through loan assistance to newly hired graduates upon successful completion of their NCLEX-RN licensing exam and as defined by their terms of employment.

In accordance with USA Today, August 2022 article “Nurses of color look for ‘action’ after an official apology from American Nurses Association,” data, which identifies the fact that 73% of the nation’s registered nurses are white; 8% are black, 5% are Asian, 10% are Hispanic or Latino and fewer than 1% are indigenous. The WAU Nursing Program provides opportunities to a diverse complement of learners, many of whom have English as a second language. Academic and licensing success is therefore proactively affirmed through personalized instruction from diverse faculty, virtual simulation, and post-graduation tutoring until successful completion of the required NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Furthermore, WAU Nursing Students experience learning that blends Career, Calling, and Christo-centric Compassion through which, in response to our healthcare crisis - healing in our world is actively affirmed.

Dr. Dhaya Nandipamu supervising skill master for essential skills for delivery of safe nursing care.

Photo Credit: Tijuana Griffin

WAU nursing student practicing oral care.

Photo Credit: Richard Castillo

Professor Rachel Loukota providing instruction on newborn well-baby care.

Photo Credit: Tijuana Griffin

Professor Basava Jitta ensuring safe injection technique.

Photo Credit: Tijuana Griffin

Nevertheless, She Persisted!

Written by: Shannon Smith

Like any other educational institution, Washington Adventist University is home to many students, each of whom comes from all walks of life. From a young age, Carla Figueroa knew she was meant to do great things. She aspired to work in the medical field and felt that it was her call to serve others. Though faced with many challenges throughout her life, Carla was determined. As a mother, wife, and nursing student at WAU who is projected to graduate in December 2022. Carla had to overcome several obstacles before attending WAU and has continued to overcome them throughout her college career.

Carla Figueroa was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, but moved to El Salvador along with her three sisters when she was nine years old. She returned to the US only three years later and has lived in Maryland since. While attending middle school, she had to drop out of the 8th grade due to her falling pregnant. At the age of 15, she suddenly had to deal with motherhood and never finished middle school or high school—becoming a mother to four children by the age of 26. However, Carla’s dreams of going back to school never died: “Inside me, I always had the aspiration to continue school—I’ve always loved the medical field.”

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

Around this time, Carla became sick and had to get her appendix removed. It was her first medical emergency, and she felt vulnerable; she wondered what would happen to her and what would become of her children. Her oldest son was starting high school, and she had encouraged him to finish his education; however, she realized that she couldn’t push him into something Carla herself had yet to achieve. She wanted to be an inspiration for her kids, to tell them, “If I can do it, you can do it too.”

After recovering from her surgery, Carla decided to go to Frederick Community College (FCC) and ask how she could get her GED. At the time, Carla worked as a receptionist; she would go to work full-time in Takoma Park and then go to her 6:30 pm class every day in Frederick. Despite the hardship, Carla was impassioned: “I just felt that I was meant to do it, and I believe that passion came from the Lord.” With the help of FCC, Carla received her GED in 15 months. Acquiring her GED gave Carla the confidence to go even further, and she resolved to pursue higher education. She asked God for guidance, praying that she could find a different job to work at night. She prayed for the stability to quit if she had to because Carla felt called by God to fully dedicate herself to going back to school. Less than a month later, she was promoted to Office Manager at her job in Takoma Park, which would allow her to work at night; it was an answer to her prayers.

Carla continued going back and forth between Frederick and Takoma Park, searching for a place to continue her education. One day, she happened to pass Washington Adventist University and saw a sign advertising the Masters in Nursing program. She went in and asked what she needed to become a nurse. Carla recalls the kindness of the people who helped her: “They asked me about my educational background… And they never rejected me or made me feel like it was impossible.” With WAU’s help, Carla was admitted— a “big milestone,” in her words. “...I just felt supported, and I just knew that the Lord provided that.” Today, Carla is only a month away from her final exam, which will allow her to graduate with a BA in Nursing. “It is a dream come true…I was telling my son that I could still obtain my doctorate in Nursing, and my son said to me, ‘Mom, if you become a doctor, I’ll become [one] too.” This meant the world to Carla; now, her children are also attending college or following Carla’s example of pursuing their dreams. Carla will be the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Carla (right) with her daughter Emily Turcios (left) at the 2022 WAU Visionaries Gala.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin Carla (center) with the Chair of the Nursing Department, Dr. Tijuana Griffin (left) and WAU President Dr. Weymouth Spence (right) at her pinning ceremony.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

Carla at the 2022 WAU Visionaries Gala.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

Carla marches in the processional at her pinning ceremony.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

Carla is all smiles at her pinning ceremony.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin Carla speaks at her pinning ceremony.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

Carla also credits her family for helping her to achieve her dreams: “This journey has been a family project, and we see it as a family achievement.” Her husband helps run the household in her absence, and her two oldest children help take care of her two youngest as she studies. Carla’s youngest daughter loves neurology and quizzes her on different topics, which helps Carla with her nursing studies. Through it all, her husband of 24 years has been by her side. “He was my first boyfriend, and I always knew he was meant to be my husband…we started parenting life very young, and he has always supported me 100%.” The full support of her family has allowed Carla to do things like participating in the clinical student program at Johns Hopkins, of which she was selected from 600 applicants. There, she can gain hands-on experience working in different departments like the NICU.

Despite all of the hardships Carla has overcome, she doesn’t regret her educational journey one bit. Although she was scared and hesitant at first, ultimately, she “felt a calling in [her] life” that led her to pursue her dreams and she encourages others in similar situations to do the same. “I may be challenged for a few years of my life, but the future…will be so rewarding. Money can perish and lose value, but education, no one can take from you. Ten years of hardship are no greater than 40 years of enjoying doing what you love.” With this in mind, Carla dreams of obtaining a dual Doctorate of Nursing Practitioner in both pediatric primary and acute care. And once she graduates, there’s no stopping her.

Carla Figueroa (center) with her nursing professors, Dr. Rachel Loukota (left) and Dr. Oluwakemi Opanubi (right) at her pinning ceremony.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

The Value of DEI on University Campuses

Written by: Ludane Thaw

The need for more diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces within higher education in the United States (U.S.) has been around since the 1800s. But in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death in 2020, racial justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion were thrust to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness, sparking national conversations. Since then, workplaces, corporations, and institutions for higher education alike have increased their commitment to providing support for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

With more than 20 million U.S. students projected to be enrolled in undergraduate and graduate studies in 2022, it’s worth exploring the value DEI brings to not only students but the institution and society at large.

But first, what do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean?

Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Although racial diversity is often the most discussed, the term diversity covers the wide range of human differences one might find on campus. Diversity includes but is not limited to differences in race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, socio-economic status, culture, national origin, religion or spirituality, age, (dis)ability, and military or veteran status, and political perspective.

Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure all campus community members can thrive. It encourages people and institutions to acknowledge and address structural inequalities — historic and current — that advantage some and disadvantage others. Importantly, equity is not equality. Equality implies treating everyone as if their experiences and opportunities are the same.

Inclusion refers to a campus community where all students, faculty, staff, and administration members are and feel respected. Inclusive campuses have a sense of belonging and encourage everyone to participate and achieve their full potential. Since a campus can be both diverse and non-inclusive simultaneously, diversity is key but not sufficient on its own.

The Benefits of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts should not be a standalone university initiative or a siloed department,” explains Michael Nixon, Vice President for University Culture and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Andrews University, the most ethnically diverse college in the U.S. “DEI needs to be central to the institution’s mission, vision, and values — it’s necessary work that directly impacts the success of the university and its students.”

Indeed, studies from McKinsey & Company show that businesses with gender, ethnic and cultural diversity were more likely to outperform ones with less diversity. In 2019, the businesses in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity outperformed those in the fourth quartile significantly — by 36 percent in profitability. Likewise, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25 percent more likely to have above-average profitability.

The benefits of DEI for institutions of higher learning are no different. Furthermore, encouraging inclusion and awareness also helps students with different backgrounds succeed and feel supported.

“The impact is even more pronounced as students move into the job market,” explains Nixon. “Students shaped by a diverse institution are better equipped to operate in different settings and have practical experience that benefits employers who are increasingly invested in fostering inclusive workplace environments.”

Data indicate that students enrolled in diverse schools have higher test scores and that those diverse environments allow students to concentrate better and push themselves further. Moreover, it equips students for the global economy and prepares them to thrive in an increasingly diverse world and workforce.

Educating students on how to relate to people from different backgrounds is more important now than ever. In his book Strategic Diversity Leadership, Damon A. Williams notes researchers have demonstrated that diverse learning environments lead to more creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Diversity then, helps students achieve what the Association of American Colleges & Universities refers to as “essential learning outcomes.”

Williams continues. “Students who acquire these outcomes are better able to envision multiple perspectives, explore diverse social and cultural contexts, and engage with the challenges and opportunities of a society and economy that are now globally connected,” he states. “They are, in other words, best able to compete in the global economy, and become productive members of an increasingly diverse American society.”

For universities, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not simply about fulfilling moral and social responsibilities. Instead, DEI is inextricably connected to how students thrive, academic and institutional success, and has a direct correlation to the strength of our society at large.

Visionaries Gala 2022

Washington Adventist University’s 9th annual Visionaries, hosted by Bruno de Faria, took place Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. This is a yearly opportunity where the university shares its vision with its most committed patrons and partners. President Weymouth Spence offered the reason for this evening while expressing the goals of Vision 2030, Distinctive Excellence in Student Success. The night began with highlighting student success stories giving the audience an unfeigned and heartfelt account of the life of two WAU students, Lisa Vallado and Carla Figueroa– who overcame adversity in their lives through hard work, grit, and determination. Both testimonies were moving in their ways, capturing the audience’s attention and filling the room with a loud silence charged with profound inspiration. This was the most heartfelt part of the evening, followed by a unified standing ovation in recognition of both students who were in attendance.

Senior Nursing major, Carla Figueroa, was accompanied by her daughter, Emily Turcios, who is now 19 and shares a deep respect and admiration for her mother’s story. “She [Emily] wrote an essay about my testimony for her college application and let me read it after she was accepted. It was so moving to see what I have been through – through her eyes,” said Carla. This is the first time Carla has attended a Gala. “I was so honored to be invited and be there. It’s very rewarding that my journey has been able to encourage other students who may see themselves in me.” Carla is in her last semester at WAU and will be graduating this December.

Written by: Naomy Rodrigues/Jennifer Albury

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

In addition to sponsors, students, and special guests, the Columbia Union Executive team was represented respectively by its President, Dave Weigley, Executive Secretary Celeste Ryan Blyden, and Treasurer Emmanuel Asiedu. The Columbia Union has been an active partner in support of making WAU’s Vision 2030 a reality.

Other significant components of the Gala were the awards presented to distinguished individuals in their workplace and community in addition to their excellence in leadership and initiative. This year’s honorees included alumna and entrepreneur Clarissa Williams, accompanied by her husband and family. In her acceptance speech, Clarissa shared how grateful she is to her mom, who has been her inspiration and role model. She received the Excellence in Entrepreneurship & Business Development Award.

Honored for his Excellence in Service as a Young Entrepreneur of Faith and Distinction, Ruben Harris, during his acceptance speech, took time to acknowledge the importance of Christian Education. He ended his piece with a Bible verse found in Habakkuk 2:2-3, “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. [3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

The final honoree of the evening was our very own CFO, Vice President Patrick Farley, who was awarded for Excellence in Service and Contribution to the WAU community. VP Farley gave a lively acceptance speech and graced the audience with a medley of impersonations that filled the room with laughter and rendered him a standing ovation. The latter is not only for his ingenious performance but, most importantly, for the strong legacy he has built and maintained at WAU over the years. VP Farley completed 20 years of service and contribution to the WAU community on March 18th. “It takes a team,” says Farley, “you’re only as good as the people working under you and with you.” Upon being recognized and presented with the award, Farley shared a few words with the audience. The golden thread of his acceptance speech was his gratitude to his team and the departments he has worked with. Farley also shared his commitment to the success of the institution he calls “God’s school.”

WAU President, Dr. Weymouth Spence (left) with the Columbia Union President and Chair of the WAU Board of Trustees, Dr. Dave Weigley (right).

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

WAU President, Dr. Weymouth Spence (left) with the Columbia Union Executive Secretary and Vice Chair of the WAU Board of Trustees, Celeste Ryan-Blyden (center) and her husband Austin.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

Left to right - WAU President Dr. Weymouth Spence, Honorees - Patrick Farley, Clarissa Williams, Ruben Harris and Gala MC, Georgette “Gigi” Godwin.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

2022 WAU Visionaries Gala Honoree, Clarissa Williams

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

2022 WAU Visionaries Gala Honoree, Ruben Harris

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

2022 WAU Visionaries Gala Honoree, Patrick Farley

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

Farley has been a loyal administrator and servant of WAU, seeing it through various phases and evolution over the years. VP Farley is conducting a 100K fundraiser for a student scholarship dedicated to supporting and bridging the gap for students with past balances and in great need of financial assistance. In his speech, Farley was intentional about listing several departments and individuals with whom he has directly worked over these two decades. “I am immensely grateful to my assistant, Dacia Barnwell, who has been here longer than I have. She has been fundamental in the process of getting things done and my ultimate success.” In his own words, all the different members of the team have a part to play.

Jennifer Albury, Executive Director of Development, Advancement and Alumni Relations, shares her satisfaction with the engagement and turnout of this year’s Gala. “I want to thank the Gala team, VP Wiles, and all those who partnered with us to ensure the success of our annual gala.” Additionally, she expressed deep appreciation to the donors and sponsors for their commitment and support to WAU, in addition to the Music Department for providing such high-quality music and performance throughout the evening.

Still, time to support Vision 2030

Even though the Gala is over, there is still time make contributions to the university. To make donations visit the link below or scan the QR Code.

https://www.wau.edu/give/where-to-give/

Scan for WAU Giving Priorities

2022 Visionaries Gala Honoree Clarissa Williams receiving her award.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

2022 Visionaries Gala Honoree Ruben Harris receiving his award.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

2022 Visionaries Gala Honoree Patrick Farley receiving his award.

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

WAU student Fernanda Rinza performing “Think of Me” from the Phantom of the Opera for the Gala attendees

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

WAU President, Dr Weymouth Spence (center) with WAU Visionaries Gala MC and President and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Georgette “Gigi” Godwin (right) along with her husband Jeff (left).

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

WAU Faculty/Alumni String Quartet performs for the guests attending the 2022 Visionaries Gala. Left to right: Dr. Preston Hawes, Dr. Brian Liu, Alexander Marte and Shanti Seidel

Photo Credit: Randolph Robin

Written by: Shannon Smith

Since its establishment in 1907, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church has become a landmark synonymous with Washington Adventist University’s campus. Every student that has passed through the archway of the Gateway to Service shares memories with Sligo SDA church, either attending weekly Convocation or the occasional Sabbath service in the church’s sanctuary. Maybe they remember the classes taught by Sligo pastors in the H.M.S. Richards Hall Religion building, directly adjacent to Sligo Church. Either way, it’s bonds like these that foster Sligo’s historical connection with Washington Adventist University— not only its current students but alumni as well.

Sligo Church has employed several WAU graduates throughout the years with the purpose of preparing graduates for moral and competent leadership—who have each contributed much to the campus community, especially through ministry. That tradition continues today, with the current employment of Pastors Barrientos, Fielder, and Gantt: all WAU alumni.

Photo Credit: Ross Patterson

Alex Barrientos

Before graduating in 2011, Pastor Barrientos transferred to WAU after feeling unsatisfied with his previous schools. At first, he wasn’t sure what to expect but soon realized that it was the best decision he had ever made. “WAU’s Department of Religion is not afraid to [ask] real questions about life, about God, its text, sources, and how they speak about God,” Pastor Barrientos explained. “What you found here was diversity, educationally and culturally…while also making sure that pastoral vocation was harnessed for ministry in the real world.” He values the genuine connections he made in the religion department and its policy in preparing its students to anticipate ministry from different perspectives. At the recommendation of one of his professors, Pastor Barrientos began work as a part-time pastor in the Potomac Conference his junior year; as soon as he graduated, he began working there as a fulltime pastor. After serving over 15 years in ministry, in 2021, he was appointed to serve as the Senior Pastor of Sligo Church.

Pastor Pranitha Fielder set a precedent for ordained ministers as the first ordained female Adventist pastor of Indian descent. From the young age of 14, she knew that she wanted to be in ministry. Although her family and community were against her decision, Pastor Fielder felt called to help others through pastoral ministry. When she attended what was then Columbia Union College (CUC), she considered doing a double major in Biology and Theology to open prospects of continuing her ministry through medicine. However, it did not feel like what God had intended for her to do. She then understood that full-time ministry was the only path that made sense for her, and she was determined to fulfill that reality despite the challenges she faced. Sligo Church was always a strong supporter of her ministry, from when she worked as a leader in youth ministries at 17 to after she graduated from CUC in 2007 and became a working pastor, later being asked to return to Sligo as the Pastor for Youth & Young Adult Ministries. In 2014,

Pranitha Fielder

Photo Credit: Ross Patterson

Photo Credit: Ross Patterson

Pastor Fielder was ordained by the Potomac Conference at Sligo and later transitioned to the role of Pastor of Discipleship and Congregational Care. Currently, she serves as Sligo’s Pastor for Administration.

Jonathan Gantt

Our third pastor, Jonathan Gantt, Pastor for Youth & Young Adult Ministries at Sligo Church, remembers the connections he made at Washington Adventist University. He had visited other universities looking for the right school to help him achieve his goal of becoming an academy Bible teacher, but he ultimately felt that WAU was the place to be. The community appealed to him; the thought-provoking conversations, counsel, and guidance he received from his professors helped to shape him. He also formed lifelong bonds with the people he met in the Religion department and on tours with the band and orchestra in the Music department. And when he fulfilled his dream of becoming a Bible teacher, he was ready, thanks to his experience at WAU. “It prepared me to deal with questions students would have, how to engage with the Bible and how to think about God… from a knowledge standpoint to practice. All of the same skills and knowledge that I learned that helped me as a teacher now help me as a pastor as well.”

Each of these graduates branched out towards their goal of serving others through ministry. Gathering new knowledge and experience out in the field, each of them returned to continue their ministry at Sligo SDA Church. In the same position as their former mentors and leaders, these pastors seek to continue the legacy of the close-knit relationship between Sligo and Washington Adventist University. They have elected to do so in new ways; Pastor Gantt has begun to work in conjunction with Chaplain Jason Dietz to connect WAU students to the Sligo Church community and Youth & Young Adult Ministries. Recently, this culminated in a joint weekend camping trip at Boonsboro. WAU students are invited to join GLOW (God Lighting Our World), the Young Adult church service that takes place in Sligo’s Memorial Chapel. Senior Pastor Barrientos currently serves as WAU faculty, teaching classes in the Religion department and encouraging students to engage their faith and community, “This is not just a place where you can get an academic degree. This is a place where [it is possible to create] the sort of spaces where people have opportunities to develop in a way that you would not at any other campus.” In these ways and many others, WAU alumni continue to foster the relationship between church and school.

Photo Credit: Ross Patterson

Meet the New Team for Advancement and Alumni Relations

Dear Alumni and Friends,

As we walk into 2023 – let us focus on being intentionally kind. We have all experienced many new things in the last 3 years and I have no doubt we all have impactful stories – many that need to be shared.

As you are reading, YOU have a new Advancement/Alumni department. Jennifer, Karla and I are very excited to get to know you and support your vision for Washington Adventist University’s future. We have many goals to achieve this year and we need you - our alumni, our donors and your daily prayers.

My memories of Forest Lake Academy and Newbold College, hands down, are some of the happiest times of my life. The deep friendships made, memories that make me laugh and cry, and knowing how hard my precious parents worked to put three of us through private Adventist education. It humbles me today to think about. I never understood the depth of my appreciation for what they graciously provided until later in life. I can’t imagine having a better education because we learned the love of God, belief in the Bible and an assurance this earth is only a stop over as HE prepares a place for us. My dear sisters and I were set up for success because of our parent’s belief in Christian education. This has proven true many times in my life when things were a bit bumpy, I have always been shocked at how a Bible text will come to memory, word by word, guiding me in that moment, or a song will sing in my mind which is so comforting. I often feel as though God is hugging me and saying “all is well – just believe”.

My personal goal going forward will be centered on LOVE. Love of education, love of our students, love of our new students, love of our campus, love of our staff, love of our church, love of our gracious creator God. As we read in Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, Love, but the greatest of these is LOVE. I can’t wait to meet you!

Message from Carolynn Yakush Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations

Karla Rivera Curtis Director of Alumni Relations

Soprano Karla Rivera enjoys a career as a soloist, ensemble vocalist, recording artist, and educator. Ms. Rivera’s operatic and concert engagements have featured her on stages throughout the world, including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. Ms. Rivera was particularly honored to play the role of Older Mary in the 2010 Carnegie Hall premier of “Oh My Son,” an operatic tableau about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. She has performed with Washington Adventist University’s New England Youth Ensemble, ProMusica, and The Columbia Collegiate Chorale.

Away from the main stage, Ms. Rivera is actively involved in charitable organizations that use music as a platform for community outreach and engagement, such as LiveFor1 and Voices of Inspiration. She directs the Choir of the Church of the Little Flower in Bethesda and sings at The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., teaches voice for multiple studios, and has worked for the Office of the Provost at Washington Adventist University for 5 years. Previous appointments include a nine-year tenure as director of the Georgetown Presbyterian Chorale in Washington, D.C.

Despite her demanding schedule, Ms. Rivera has found time to record. Her most recent Christmas album, “Born To Set Us Free”, was released in December 2019.

Ms. Rivera holds a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University) and a master’s degree in vocal performance from University of Maryland, College Park.

Jennifer Madera Administrative Assistant

Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations

Christian education is highly important for developing skills in young adults and is essential to helping them reach their God-given potential.

I am grateful for this opportunity to work at Washington Adventist University because we share the same Christian values. I have worked with Pastors and church leaders to complete all department projects and I look forward to using my skills to reach the alumni community. Outside of work, I love to spend time with family, and travel.”

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Isincerely hope that this message finds you in good health and that God has been blessing you and keeping you throughout the years.

As we reflect on the past and the time we spent at Washington Adventist University (WAU), it is my hope that the memories that flood your mind are great ones, memories that bring joy to your life and puts a smile on your face. WAU has been a place where many of our lives were transformed, where we met friends who have lasted over the years. Many found their significant other here on campus and for many this is where we found ourselves.

As we look to the future of WAU and the plans being laid out for the next 100 years, the future of WAU looks bright, but this future can only be possible if we preserve a mutually beneficial, enduring relationship among us as alums and the University.

I urge you to become an active alum and share in the exciting activities and opportunities this University has to offer. There are a variety of ways you can show appreciation and play a part in WAU’s continued success. This includes attending events, cheering for our teams, staying connected to each other and the University, and of course, offering your time and gifts to help WAU students.

Wherever you are, at whatever stage of life you are in, there’s something that you can do to help. I encourage you to stay connected with the University and if for whatever reason that connection has been severed, I urge you to find a way back home so that the connection can be rebuilt. Thank you for what you have done and what you will continue to do to ensure that WAU will grow from strength to strength. God Bless you all.

Stephen Brennwald, Class of 1981 President, WAU Alumni Association

Message from the WAU Alumni Association President

Schedule of Weekend’s Events

Thursday, April 13, 2023

5 - 7 pm - Alumni Check in and Registration

Friday, April 14. 2023

8 - 10 am - Alumni Check in and Registration

1:30 - 3:00 pm - State of the University Tour

5 - 6:45 pm - President’s Reception

7 - 9 pm - Vespers “Where We Began” & Singspiration

Sabbath, April 15, 2023

8 am - Edyth T. James Department of Nursing

Breakfast

10 am - Sabbath School

11:15 am - Sabbath Worship Service

Speakers: Jose & Joanne Cortes

1 pm - Luncheon & Honor Class Photo

2:30 - 3:30 pm - Honor Class Reception

4 pm - New England Youth Ensemble at WAU

Concert

7:30 pm - Alumni Banquet

Sunday, April 16, 2023

10:30 am - Alumni Brunch & Business Meeting

12 - 5 pm Family FunFest

Three Fiscal Year Giving Comparison

Giving Societies

Visionaries Society ($10,000+)

$612,064.22

Adventist HealthCare

ALA American Library Association

Gerald L. Anderson

Andrea Bertrand

Bouland and Brush, LLC

Phoebe Chang

Columbia Union Conference

Frank S. Damazo

ECMC

Friedenwald Memorial Fund, Inc.

Janet Haas

Melanie Kwan

C. Y. Liu

Medical Group Foundation, Inc.

Matthew J. Nixon

Leroy & Lois Peters

Prince George’s County Council Member

Henok Tesfaye

The Herbert N. Gundersheimer Foundation, Inc.

Lester D. Thompson

Versacare, Inc.

Founder’s Society ($5,000+)

$92,580.38

Aladdin Food Management Services, LLC

ANONYMOUS

H. D. Bouland

LeRoy G. Cain

Vijayan Charles

Marta L. Cheatham

Patrick K. Farley

Michael V. Gentry

Patricia, & Kenneth Gentry

M. L. Haas

Holiday Inn-College Park

Anderson Montez

Matthew Raj

Jerome E. Rhodes

Charles W. Scriven

Weymouth P. Spence

Ekaterina Y. Tomenko

James Lawhead Society ($1,000+)

$56,159.67

Ronald L. Anderson

Anonymous

Seth Bardu

Alice N. Cunningham-Spindler

Donald Melnick, MD

Eventbrite

Friedenwald Memorial Fund, Inc

Lawrence Geraty

Charles J. Goodacre

Independent College Fund of Maryland

Cynthia L. Isensee-Boyle

Raymond Jimenez

Iyanrick W. John

Jonee W. Johnson

Young S. Kim

Benjamin Krol

Benjamin Lau

Michael T. Lee

Loma Linda University Center For Christian Bioethics

Sandra M. Loughlin

Roscoe L. Marter

Mishel C. Oliphant

Marta Perez

Leslie H. Pitton

Sharon Reese

Alicia Robertson

Roberta J. Summers

Beth Svendsen

Lennart G. Wahlne

Douglas Wear

HMS Richards Society ($500+)

$23,298.20

Ronald Anderson

Anonymous

Edward L. Barnette

Robert M. Barton

Celeste Blyden

Robert W. Boggess

Dorothy J. Bostian

Alfred C. Burris

Giving Societies cont...

Alexander Carpenter

Edwin C. Chapman

Elvira M. DiLibero-Gurubatham

Joy K. Faehner

Benjamin Y. Giang

TiJuana G. Griffin

Kimberly Hall

Leslie Hardware

Kathy E. Hecht

Lenward C. Hood

Linda G. Howard

Christine Ince

Richard H. Knierim

Mary E. Krum

Life Tree Health Inc.

Hillary Macaluso

Brenda McCafferty

Milton D. Morris

Rodney Mussenden Ellis

Kathryn Prall

Panarat Rohleder

Victor F. Scott

Shevy Shafie

Kevin T. Shaw

Genevieve Singh

Frank Spellman

Fitzroy T. Thomas

Christine Williams

John R. Young

Gateway Society ($250+)

$9,871.36

Scott P. Aijo

Cynthia Anderson

Rosemary Ascencio

Lydeé M. Battle

Catherine Berenato

John Cake

Brenda Chase

Blanca R. Davis

Thomas B. Day

Ruth E. Francis-Williams

Leon I. Garey

Stanley M. Grube

Deborah A. Hill

Ralph Johnson

Edward Keoppen

Cheryl H. Kisunzu

Gordon O. McWatters

Timothy L. Nelson

Janette R. Neufville

John D. Ramsey

Scott A. Reifsnyder

Ruth M. Rivera

Bogdan Scur

Charles Shyab

Ronald Somervell

Robert J. Wagner

Dorothy A. Walker

Paul Weir

Gerald Winslow

Angeli Yutuc

Lloyd Yutuc

Pioneers Society ($100+)

$9,736.76

Charmaine R. Allen-St. Bernard

Michael Allsopp

Vinette E. Anderson

Barbara L. Baldwin

Becky Barker

Maxine E. Blome

Sansanee Boontaveekul

Marika Brown

Roland H. Caton

Myrna L. Chapman

Llewelyn Crooks

Shalini G. David

Charles W. Davis

Cynthia D. Douglas

David A. Faehner

Richard D. Fearing

Emmanuel Fortin

Dorothy M. Gardner

Sarah Garfio

Thomas Goldpaugh

Grace E. Gourdine

Drusilla V. Heidar

Giving Societies cont...

Nancy J. Heine

Misael Henriquez

Alfred E. Hess

Constance Heyward

Jonathan Hills

Stella M. Hubbell

Andre L. Johnson

Alun Jones

Jamila S. Jones

Ibrahim S. Kabbah

Betty J. Kannenberg

Cheryl Kauffman

Sarah A. Khan

David V. Kon

Benin A. Lee

Ricardo Leitao

Linda J. Lundberg

Wilfred L. Madison

Joyce Martin

Lorena Martinez

McDowell Family Charitable Fund

Carol L. Minnich

Rebekah S. Moore

Clover J. Morgan-Barrows

Frederick A. Neigel

Ronald Osborn

Florence J. Pelham

Penny E. Perry

Margaret R. Peterson

E. R. Powell

Gwen Powell

Donald S. Prosise

Sharmila Raj

Rebecca Ratana

William Raub

Cheryl S. Rice

Alice F. Rich

Curtis K. Roberts

Barbara A. Sauder

Phillip C. Schmidt

Pamela Schwartz

Michael K. Shelton

Phyllis Y. Simons

Claudia Smith

Kathleen Staudt

Lois J. Suhrie

Cecile M. Tchuenbou

Michelle J. Thomas

Jonh Van Vleet

David P. Vicenty

Mark L. Wantz

Edward E. Wheeler

Gerald W. White

Delicia Williams

Earl Williams

Helen Wilson

Rory Young

Charlotte C. Zane

Jean C. Arthur

Aurelio S. Baca-Asher

Ora R. Battle

Cynthia Benjamin

Angela Bernard

Brenda G. Blackburn

Steven A. Blake

Charles F. Brown

Tiffany Brown

Marcelo Carrica

James Chaconas

Melinda D. Chapman

Joan Collier

Satina L. Cotton

Albert M. Ellis

Sandra E. Farwell-Williams

Herbert J. Fevec

Demi Garduque

Arloene Y. Goley

Patrick D. Gollegly

Bernadette L. Gray

Sonia E. Green

Robert W. Hathaway

Mary J. Hawbaker

Louise L. Henderson

Evans Jean

James A. Jetton

Amir Khademi

Sustainers Society ($1+) $2,615.42

Giving Societies cont...

Rebecca Kokos

Charlotte A. Kyle

Liam Lang

Oerlin LaTouche-Capers

Ann M. Laurence

Adalia Leahy

Lori J. Leonard

Vivienne F. Lettsome

Dianne Lorenz

Carolyn V. Marcus

Jemimah Mayanja

Kentricia F. McClease

Shirley Medina

Richard Meier

Douglas F. Morgan

James Morrison

Laverne A. Morse

Tara Neel

Northern California Conference

Felicia A. Ojo

Carol Onuska

Oliver S. Palmer

Jonathan D. Peter

Jonathan A. Peters

Devie L. Phipps

Helen J. Pike

Thomas E. Pillgreen

Deborah W. Pulliam

Dmitry Y. Puyul

Marvin A. Quintero

Paul Robichaud

Marcelo Rojas

Donald J. Russell

Brian J. Smith

Daryl SMith

Valry B. Smith

Dawn Stretar

Sanjay S. Thomas

Julie Vandeman

Alexandra Vasquez

Russell C. Walker

Carol J. Wallington

Cherrie-ann Walters

Margaret E. White

Angela J. White-Narain

Betty J. Wood

Class of 1950 ($300)

Barbara L. Baldwin

Richard D. Fearing

Class of 1951 ($50)

Arloene Y. Goley

Class of 1952 ($100)

Alfred E. Hess

Class of 1953 ($2,050)

Alice N. Cunningham-Spindler

Roberta J. Summers

Class of 1954 ($590)

Herbert J. Fevec

Mary E. Krum

Donald J. Russell

Class of 1956 ($375)

Maxine E. Blome

Mary J. Hawbaker

Phillip C. Schmidt

Betty J. Wood

Class of 1957 ($250)

Stella M. Hubbell

James A. Jetton

Barbara A. Sauder

Class of 1958 ($100)

Ann M. Laurence

Helen J. Pike

Margaret E. White

Class of 1960 ($725)

Robert W. Boggess

Albert M. Ellis

Charlotte C. Zane

Class of 1961 ($4,450)

Stanley M. Grube

Young S. Kim

David V. Kon

Class Giving

Class of 1962 ($100)

Phyllis Y. Simons

Class of 1963 ($650)

Benjamin Y. Giang

Drusilla V. Heidar

Charlotte A. Kyle

Class of 1964 ($5,720)

Ronald L. Anderson

Dorothy J. Bostian

Dorothy M. Gardner

Leon I. Garey

Betty J. Kannenberg

Milton D. Morris

Frederick A. Neigel

Carol Onuska

Oliver S. Palmer

Gerald W. White

Class of 1965 ($650)

David A. Faehner

Ruth M. Rivera

Robert J. Wagner

Carol J. Wallington

Class of 1966 ($1,000)

Richard H. Knierim

Kathryn Prall

Class of 1967 (18,100)

Cynthia D. Douglas

Janet Haas

Leslie H. Pitton

Class of 1969 ($100)

Lois J. Suhrie

Class of 1970 ($600)

Linda J. Lundberg

Charles Shyab

Class of 1971 ($500)

Edward L. Barnette

Class of 1973 ($200)

Rebekah S. Moore

Class of 1975 ($5,150)

H. D. Bouland

Robert W. Hathaway

Class of 1976 ($717.50)

Sonia E. Green

Joyce Martin

Fitzroy T. Thomas

Class of 1977 ($750)

TiJuana G. Griffin

Nancy J. Heine

Class of 1978 ($100)

Margaret R. Peterson

Class of 1979 ($390)

Penny E. Perry

Brian J. Smith

Mark L. Wantz

Class of 1980 ($5,500)

Jerome E. Rhodes

Class of 1981 ($7,200)

Patrick K. Farley

Class of 1982 ($1,370)

Vinette E. Anderson

Cynthia L. Isensee-Boyle

Clover J. Morgan-Barrows

Valry B. Smith

Class of 1983 ($245)

Charmaine R. Allen-St. Bernard

Jean C. Arthur

Carol L. Minnich

Class of 1984 ($10,834.70)

Brenda G. Blackburn

Roland H. Caton

Kathy E. Hecht

Lester D. Thompson

Class of 1985 ($40)

Sandra E. Farwell-Williams

Class of 1986 ($350)

Scott P. Aijo

Sansanee Boontaveekul

Class of 1987 ($3,200)

Marika Brown

Linda G. Howard

Raymond Jimenez

Roscoe L. Marter

Claudia Smith

Class of 1988 ($350)

Ruth E. Francis-Williams

Class of 1989 ($25)

Bernadette L. Gray

Class of 1990 ($375)

Charles F. Brown

Florence J. Pelham

Scott A. Reifsnyder

Class of 1991 ($250)

Benin A. Lee

Felicia A. Ojo

Alice F. Rich

Class of 1992 ($720)

Melinda D. Chapman

Elvira M. DiLibero-Gurubatham

Evans Jean

Lori J. Leonard

Vivienne F. Lettsome

Marvin A. Quintero

Class of 1993 ($250)

Dorothy A. Walker

Class of 1994 ($200)

Misael Henriquez

Class of 1995 ($30)

Thomas E. Pillgreen

Deborah W. Pulliam

Class of 1996 ($10)

Laverne A. Morse

Class of 1997 ($1,100)

Iyanrick W. John

Wilfred L. Madison

Class of 1998 ($100)

Andre L. Johnson

Class of 1999 ($20,325)

Satina L. Cotton

Shalini G. David

Matthew J. Nixon

Donald S. Prosise

David P. Vicenty

Class of 2002 ($2,000)

Sandra M. Loughlin

Mishel C. Oliphant

Class of 2003 ($137)

Louise L. Henderson

Jonathan A. Peters

Cheryl S. Rice

Russell C. Walker

Class of 2004 ($50)

Aurelio S. Baca-Asher

Class of 2005 ($5,200)

Jamila S. Jones

Michael K. Shelton

Ekaterina Y. Tomenko

Class of 2007 ($250)

Gordon O. McWatters

Class of 2008 ($600)

Grace E. Gourdine

Kevin T. Shaw

Class of 2009 ($20)

Angela J. White-Narain

Class of 2010 ($420)

Joan Collier

Ibrahim S. Kabbah

Angeli Yutuc

Class of 2011 ($423.28)

Timothy L. Nelson

Class of 2012 ($250)

Patrick D. Gollegly

Cecile M. Tchuenbou

Class of 2013 ($200)

Sarah A. Khan

Class of 2014 ($40,750)

Leroy & Lois Peters

Class of 2015 ($230)

Jonathan D. Peter

Curtis K. Roberts

Class of 2016 ($60)

Steven A. Blake

Dmitry Y. Puyul

Class of 2017 ($372)

Rosemary Ascencio

Devie L. Phipps

Class of 2019 ($1,020)

Jonee W. Johnson

Kentricia F. McClease