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!

Karla Riviera 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

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