GATEWAY 2021 FALL/WINTER ISSUE
W A S H I N G T O N
A D V E N T I S T
RISING
U N I V E R S I T Y
Elevating The Impact Of Upward Social Mobility
A Message from the President Dear Learning Community, Alumni, and Friends of the University: Washington Adventist University is continuing its journey of excellence to engage minds and transform lives. We are now emerging from the impact of a pandemic with a compelling and resilient strategic vision, Vision 2030: Distinctive Excellence in Student Success. We are executing the most ambitious action plans in WAU’s history. Through a dynamic, collaborative process of assessment and implementation, we are moving the needle on the value proposition of a WAU graduate. Our excellence will be measured by the distinctive success of our graduates as they enter the workplace and or continue their education into professional schools. I am in full agreement with the President of the Association of American Colleges and Universities’ statement that, “Obtaining a college degree is still the single most effective means for achieving economic mobility in the United States.” Please help us tell the world that our graduates are competent moral leaders, job ready on day one, with 21st Century skills that will exceed the expectati,ons of their employers, and or exceed the criteria for acceptance into professional continuing education. We are diligently addressing access, affordability, completion, and providing our graduates with credentials that employers believe are essential in the 21st Century. We are partnering with students to graduate on time with little or no debt. We are adopting the Education Advisory Board recommendation to bridge the gap between student expectations and the WAU experience by implementing customized onboarding, frictionless service, flexible academic pathways, holistic well-being support, and proactive career preparation. Greater emphasis is being placed on faith development in a Christian learning community that promotes social justice, equity, inclusion, service to humanity, and love. Our greatest assets are our valued and committed employees. Our focus during this strategic growth period is to hire, retain, recognize and fairly compensate them for work well done. WAU must be the best place for employees to work and for students to learn. We are continuing to upgrade and renovate the infrastructure, buildings and technology, to 21st Century standards. When the action plans are fully implemented, every student, employee, program and infrastructure will be transformed in order to be competitive and relevant. It is important for you to know, my friends, that we cannot do it alone, we must continue to partner with you, employers, vendors, foundations, state and federal governments to prepare our students to be competent moral leaders, graduating on time with less debt or better yet no debt. This is Washington Adventist University. Sincerely, Weymouth Spence President
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CONTENT
P26 HONORS COLLEGE | PRE-LAW
P4 VISION 2030
Distinctive Excellence in Student Success.
P8 WAU’S UPWARD SOCIAL MOBILITY Steadily growing in excellence
P14 ERIN GREENLAW
Excellence in leadership. Meet Weniger Fellos Student Scholarship recipient
P20 BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY
MoU between WAU and Univ. of Baltimore Law into effect. Alumni updates
P26 ATHLETICS
Jeryd Lyons appointed Interim Athletics Director. Gym renovations and updates.
P38 2021 VISIONARIES GALA P42 JAVIER GONZALEZ
Alumni Success Story. Meet Opera singer and founder of Live for One
P46 SLIGO WELCOMES NEW SENIOR PASTOR Meet WAU graduate Pastor Alex Barrientos
P48 CELESTE BLYDEN
makes history as first female Executive Secretary for the Columbia Union
P50 VP JACKSON, 25 YEARS OF SERVICE Read more about VP Jacson’s longstanding history & legacy
P52 ALUMNI LETTER
Thanking all of our donors and faithful supporters.
Exciting new updates and innovations to rthe departemnt
Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Communications: Richard Castillo Student Professional/Copy Editing: Naomy Rodrigues
Photographers: Richard Castillo, Randolph Robin, Ross Patterson, and Erica Calhoun Cover Art by Richard Castillo
Executive Director of Development: Jennifer Albury
The Gateway is the official magazine of Washington Adventist University.
Copy Editing: Simonique Dietz
Design & Layout: Richard Castillo
wau.edu
7600 Flower Ave. Takoma Park, Maryland 20912 800.835.4212
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QUALITY
Partner with students to achieve a 100% graduation rate, as defined by the Federal Department of Education. Re-engineer and develop academic programs of distinction and excellence that are aligned with Mission, market, and margin. Ensure the implementation of a rigorous academic and non-academic assessment plan. Ensure the holistic development of all students by investing in niche academic programs enriched by a comprehensive array of co-curricular opportunities, experiences, and programming through student activities, residence life, leadership development, and other out-of-classroom initiatives. Establish academic connections for degree/career completion. Link internship with academic programs and provide internship for all students. Achieve 100% successful entry into the labor market and/or continuing education into professional or graduate school upon graduation. Continuous quality improvement for all operational units of the university.
PEOPLE
Provide market wages for all employees. Partner with employees to increase employee engagement to 100%. Intentionally embrace diversity and intercultural understanding. Actively promote a learning environment where students, faculty, and staff feel valued. Enhance faculty and staff development.
SERVICE
Partner with students to increase student satisfaction to 100%. Create a culture around customer satisfaction. Create a student-centered learning environment. Implement a marketing and communication plan that support the Pillars of Excellence. Create a culture of accountability that establishes priorities and desired outcomes.
VISION
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VISION 2030 FINANCE
Average student graduation debt at $20K. Move Composite Financial Index (CFI) score to 5 by: Producing budgets with margins for future stability. Developing prudent cost-cutting or cost-containment measures and seeking to diversify revenue growth. Establish working capital equivalent to nine months of operation. Significantly strengthen the external funding of the university. Align capital and operational budgets to the Vision 2030 WAUPLAN.
GROWTH
Increase while maintaining the diversity of the student population. Achieve the optimal balance of number and types of athletic teams that is in alignment with mission, budget, culture, and student population. Expand the summer academic course offerings. Offer industry certification within existing courses/programs. Acquire and develop the WAH site to be a revenue source for WAU.
COMMUNITY
Promote a culture of Christ-centered friendship, love, and wellness. Create a campus atmosphere in which service permeates life and learning. Connect with other like minded institutions of higher education to engage in activities of mutual benefit. Establish strong, enduring, multifaceted relationships with regional, national, and international businesses and industry. Fully integrate the resources of the nation’s capital into the WAU learning community. Identify and cultivate partnerships with Sligo Church, Columbia Union, North American Division, and the General Conference to enhance the Mission. Transform governance and the physical campus.
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Photo credit: Randolph Robin Dr. Brian Liu, NEYE
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AU welcomes all God’s children—this is our ideology, both philosophically and in practice. Our population is incredibly diverse as we welcome students of all ethnicities from across the United States and around the globe. Many of our students are people of color, Latinx, and first-generation Americans, all of whom have discovered a sense of belonging coupled with the perfect balance of faith and learning. We do not turn away students from low-income families or underserved communities. All are welcomed, encouraged, and supported to pursue their dreams. WAU students of today represent the promise of tomorrow. We are the Gateway to Service—symbolically, as service is imprinted in our identity, and it also refers to the physical gateway on campus. Our freshmen walk ceremonially through the gateway at the end of New Student Orientation week, and when they graduate, they walk out of the gateway into the world.
What Are We Doing Right?
In addition to our inclusive enrollment practices and emphasis on removing barriers through granting programs and other financial aids, our mission and vision extend to all aspects of the institution. Our hiring practices underscore our commitment to upward social mobility as we prioritize diversity and inclusion in our faculty, governance, and leadership. We embody our commitment to uplifting women, Latinx, people of color, and individuals of all abilities, as we recognize how such diverse perspectives enrich our objectives and inform the way forward. We maintain strong upward social mobility in our area based on several factors: • Accessibility is in our DNA. Our tuition rate is more accessible than neighboring institutions, meaning we can provide opportunities for more students without compromising quality.
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What is upward social mobility? What is upward social mobility? To put it concisely, the term refers to an increase in status or movement from one societal stratum to the next. Without social mobility, people would be stuck in a pre-destined rut, either because of their socio-economic status from birth or other inequities that impede forward movement. Poor social mobility is amplified by inequality, undermining growth both at a personal and societal level and ultimately leading to less-than-ideal outcomes for individuals and communities.
Upward Social Mobility Matters
U.S. News’ Social Mobility index states that economically disadvantaged college students are less likely to complete their degrees. However, some colleges—WAU among them—defy this trend by enrolling, educating, and graduating high proportions of underserved students, often with the support of federal Pell Grants and other financial aid. In prioritizing diversity in all operational and academic aspects, WAU helps its students and employees achieve upward social mobility. When underserved populations have the opportunity to reach their full potential, society, as a whole, benefits from improved outcomes in health, income, and innovation.
• We provide consistency. We take pride in that when tuitions go up around the country, WAU maintains an almost flat rate. We are committed to accessibility, and we keep our promises. • We are making a difference. We provide a way forward for low-income families as we are making education indiscriminately accessible. • We provide alternatives. Rather than exclude students that cannot reach the minimum thresholds for undergraduate studies, we offer them options. Through our Rising Scholars Program, we engage student whose GPAs have not yet met admission criteria and assist them to overcome barriers to learning and advancement. Vision 2030: Distinctive Excellence in Student Success Vision 2030 seeks to align every student, program, employee, and infrastructure associated with the uni10
versity. It reflects our journey to excellence, acting as a guide to inform our advancement and transformation into an exceptional institution defined by its students’ success. Students who graduate from our institution are seen as competent moral leaders who bring competence and leadership to their communities. As in the promise of Proverbs 18:16, “an individuals gifts open doors for them causing them to stand before the great…” This is a statement often heard spoken by our Provost, Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu. With Vision 2030 to light the way, we will continue to implement strategies that support WAU’s position as an aspirational, inspirational place to learn, study, and work. To learn more about Vision 2030, we invite you to read about the plan here.
How WAU Will Continue to Grow and Move Upward? We’ve heard members of our faculty express that our upward social mobility is attributable to our strong belief in God and the blessing He has bestowed upon our institution. Despite the many hurdles we face, God continues to bless our mission and allow it to excel and grow. Deuteronomy 28:13 talks about how we are called to be the head and not the tail. We listen carefully, observe and follow His commandments; therefore, we shall only move upward and never downward.
How You Can Help?
As a friend of WAU, we sincerely hope you will continue to walk with us in our transformational journey. There are many ways you can help and support our vision of continuing to educate and equip the competent moral leaders of the future as they march through the Gateway to Service and into the world. We have accomplished much in our journey, and so it continues. Our efforts to improve upward social mobility for people of color, Latinx, low-income, and underserved peoples in the United States and worldwide are our mission and the basis for our vision of inclusive and equitable education for all. If you are so inspired, there are many ways you can help. Your donations help support student scholarships and financial aid programs, the STEM Laboratory Building project, Health Professions Building, WAU Music Center, or fulfill Vision 2030 initiatives. We have built an institution that is not only special to us but has transformed the lives of our students, faculty, and employees. In providing a place to learn and grow with God, we become stronger together and continue our mission to enrich others—and the world we live in. You can become a part of our story, our progress, and our process. You can support our mission by giving back, and even through prayer—for the faculty, staff, students, and the administrative leadership as they continue to lead us into the future. 11
STUDENT GALLERY
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ERIN
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GREENLAW H
ailing from the Golden State, California, Erin recounts the journey that brought her to WAU. As a senior at Washington Adventist University she is one of the most involved students on campus.
Greenlaw’s face represents many of our departments and programs. She is known by many as a softball catcher and utility player. “Being a student-athlete opened many doors and opportunities to me,” said Greenlaw. Given that she had a vast pool of options to choose from, one might ask, why WAU? Greenlaw says, “I chose WAU because WAU chose me first.” Despite the many scholarship opportunities softball provided her, the offer at WAU was the one that captured her heart. Leaving her West coast home to come to the DMV was not an easy move. But Greenlaw is grateful for the friendships she made here, the memories, and the experiences that have groomed her into the leader she is today. “Ironically, I was not involved in any leadership positions as a freshman,” Greenlaw said. “I was shy and had never taken such a role before, because I didn’t think I would be good at it.” According to Greenlaw, during her sophomore year she experienced many changes. Her brief encounter with First Year Experience Coordinator, Ms. Becky Barker, was the push she needed to come out of her shell. “What I saw was an infectious smile and willingness to serve,” says Becky Barker, FYE Coordinator. “I wanted to stretch the leader out of Erin. I wanted to develop, strengthen and grow her leadership skills.” Now, Greenlaw is thankful that she said yes. Her positive experience compelled her to stay on the team and now she is the FYE Student Captain. “I am thankful for the pressure,” says Greenlaw. “Deep inside, I wanted to do it but I wasn’t sure I would be good at it. It took someone believing in me and giving me that push.” Greenlaw is now doing it all from the gym to the field, to the classrooms and the music halls. She serves as the class president for her senior class, the student president for the Honors College, and the secretary for the National Leadership Honor Society, ODK.
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Her exemplary leadership and outstanding service to the WAU learning community have granted her a nomination to receive the Weniger Fellows Student Scholarship. A scholarship awarded to students who have demonstrated excellence in spirituality, academics, civic service, and leadership at all thirteen Adventist academic institutions of higher education. Greenlaw is the fourth recipient of this award at WAU. Greenlaw will be graduating next Spring ‘22 with a double major in Health Science and Honors. Upon graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and pursue her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). “As an athlete, I’ve been in and out of therapy multiple times,’’ says Greenlaw. “I know how hard it can be as a patient. I want to help others get through physical therapy, not just physically but also mentally.” Greenlaw also has a passion for acting and music. Her most recent venture included participation in a student-written and produced Musical, “Becoming,” where she played one of the main characters, the storyteller. Washington Adventist University is proud of Greenlaw and the leader she has become. Greenlaw, the WAU community and family commends you for your hard work and applauds you for your achievements. May you continue to be the servant leader you have demonstrated to be, and may your light shine ever so brightly everywhere you go.
Written by: Naomy Rodrigues
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Erin assists Becky Barker on the First Year Experience Team. Each Semester begins with a trip to the ropes course.
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Photo Credit: Richard Castillo
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ENERGIZED
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THE DEPARTMENT OF
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BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY
reenergized Biology and Chemistry Department at Washington Adventist University (WAU) was palpable on October 18, 2021, when about 90% of the students in the department, with the attendance of Dr. Spence, the university president, and Richard Castillo, the Vice President for Integrated Marketing and Communication, witnessed the unveiling of the new department Logo. The final design of the logo originated with ideas by students in the Spring of 2020 amidst the pandemic lockdown. Almost one year and a half later, Dr. Spence approved the final and professionally rendered logo by Richard Castillo. In addition to this recent event, this excitement is a shared sentiment among students and faculty for the fundamental changes occurring in this department over the last three years. “I have observed a steady increase in the number of focused students who embrace the challenge while recognizing that their department professors care about their academic success and personal growth; a combination I deem unique for higher education in current times,” Dr. Samuel Perez, the department chair says. He adds, “What we are experiencing is the product of a collective effort by the faculty and staff who have passionately been implementing curricular improvements and activities designed to foster academic excellence as well as the development of personal and professional skills in the context of what professions in the life and health sciences require.” Dr. Perez also acknowledges the vital partnership with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment formerly led by Ms. Wanda Canales. She has a clear understanding of the labor market and the philosophy of the Department of Biology and Chemistry at WAU, which has resulted in the type of students that can be successful in the programs offered by the department. There is no doubt that our collaborative efforts are moving our department forward, and we are exceedingly grateful for that,” adds Dr. Perez. The goals of the Department of Biology and Chemistry at WAU are bold yet within reach. A trajectory has been defined towards accreditation by a repudiable academic organization in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, a multidisciplinary field of undergraduate training in the Life Sciences. In essence, the goal is to implement a comprehensive plan becoming a competitive option for students seeking foundational
continued next page... 1. Window to the wonders of a living cell via versatile high grade microscopy 2. Use of analytical spectrophotometry in the Freshman Biology laboratory 3. Cell culture laboratory experiments with the use of reliable incubators in the Microbiology and Immunology laboratories 4. For separation of the smallest biomolecules nothing better than a high-grade ultracentrifuge 5. Any sample volume can be spun with the rotor adaptors of the high speed ultracentrifuge 6. Enough micropipettes to handle microvolumes in the molecular biology laboratory applications
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training for technical and professional careers in the biotechnology/bioinformatics sector, clinical laboratory occupations, allied health, medicine, and dentistry professions, in this rightsized faith-based institution located in the nation’s capital.
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This trajectory started in 2018 with the implementation of activities designed to increment academic engagement in students. The department plans activities such as the Science Seminar, where students exercise critical thinking skills and deductive reasoning to arrive at appropriate diagnoses of clinical cases. The SCISet freshmen orientation prepares new students for their first year in the increasingly competitive Biology BS program at WAU. The Stepping Up Forum, is where students and faculty gather to openly discuss learning strategies, test-taking skills, study methods, and internship and career opportunities. As the next phase of the academic enhancement has begun, the department has already started to reallocate its budget from areas of low impact to practical hands-on activities aimed at offering students technical and occupational skills they will encounter in careers in the Life Sciences. For this reason, thanks to our internal department endowment and institutional financing, the upgrade of laboratory equipment and the acquisition of modern analytical instruments for biochemical analysis have provided freshman laboratory courses with the right tools to perform small scale science projects and for students in upper-division courses, the chance to engage in research activities. Above all, the essence of the Department of Biology and Chemistry is that of a family with lots of positive energy. “It is so impressive to see how passionate about their course work and eager to mentor new students those upperclassmen are!” says Taylor Jones, a student taking the Freshmen Biology course. This positive energy fueled a couple of donors who financed the installation of three big-screen monitors to feature department and university content in the science building so that students can stay in their building and appreciate all the activities their department and the university offers. Indeed, a renaissance is being experienced in the Department of Biology and Chemistry because the desire to innovate in a caring environment can inspire graduates to give back and maintain a vibrant department for years to come.
7. Pipetting into cuvettes - Ready to measured bacterial cell concentration per sample volume with a spectrophotometer 8. Autoclave - To sterilize laboratory instruments and solutions nothing better than a clinical-grade nothing autoclave 9. Enough microscopes for students to use when exploring living cells 10. Slide on a microscope platform - The powerful microscopy techniques to visualize cells in the histology lab
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11. Research team - The Department Research team under the leadership of Dr. Sam Perez reflects the poise and diversity of science students at WAU
TOP ROW: Jason Garcia, Jonathan Kitching, Samuel D. Perez BOTTOM ROW: Achsha Hembrom, Sofya-Albina Puyul, Ava Movahed Abtahi
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Photo Credit: Richard Castillo
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“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying you something else is the greatest accomplishme -Ralph Waldo Emerson Honors College President’s Dinner Photo Credit: Richard Castillo
g to make ent.”
WAU Honors College Launches Enhanced Pre-Law Curriculum & Historic Partnership Washington, D.C. has always been a center for studying and practicing law and public policy. The Honors College at Washington Adventist University uses its location near the Nation’s Capital to offer unique and innovative options for students. MoU between WAU and University of Baltimore Law School offers dual-enrollment law school options. During the Fall 2021 semester, WAU signed a memo-
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Photo Credit: Richard Castillo
randum of understanding with the University of Baltimore School of Law to develop a dual-enrollment law program. The agreement was initiated by WAU President Weymouth Spence and signed by Spence and University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke. The agreement creates an expedited pathway for eligible WAU students to complete the first year of law school that will also count for the senior year at WAU! This marks the first time that an Adventist college or
WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY
HONOR S COLLEGE university will grant law school credits. WAU graduates have strong ties with the University of Baltimore School of Law. Recent graduates include WAU Honors Program (now Honors College) alumni Natalie Hynum and Bradley Moore. Renée Battle-Brooks, a member of the WAU Board of Trustees, also graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law. WAU Honors College revitalizes the Pre-Law curric-
ulum. The MoU with the University of Baltimore comes on the heels of a newly re-designed pre-law curriculum that continues to allow students in any major to complete a Pre-Law pre-professional program. Administered by the Honors College, the revised curriculum merges traditional pre-law courses with innovative seminar-style classes that explore a wide range of in-depth legal topics seeing through the lens of the law, and that rely heavily on our proximity to the people and institutions in Washington,
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Sara Devaraj, WAU ‘20, Legislative Assistant at Percy Public Affairs, LLC in Oxen Hill, MD.
Sonny Moretta, WAU ‘20, 2nd year law student at Univ. MD, Francis King Carey School of Law
D.C. Our first seminar course, ‘Supreme Court Seminar,’ will be offered during the Spring 2022 semester. It will examine some of the most important and influential Supreme Court cases in American history. The course will take advantage of our location by including expert guest lecturers from the region and trips to D.C. Future legal seminar courses will cover topics related to healthcare, constitutional law, public policy, and international legal issues.
are for what the program did to prepare them for law school, and we think some of our recent initiatives will only help the program grow. WAU is proud of our recent Pre-Law graduates, who consistently represent the university well at law schools around the country. Two recent Honors College graduates are either attending or planning to attend law school in the region. Sonny Moretta (2020, Honors Interdisciplinary Studies and Political Studies) is in his second year at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Sara Devaraj (2020, Political Studies and Biology) will enroll in law school in the Fall of 2022 and is currently deciding among a number of schools in the DMV. Sara has spent the past year as a Legislative Assistant at Percy Public Affairs, LLC in Oxen Hill, MD.
Kaplan LSAT prep options developed for WAU PreLaw students. A final development in the new PreLaw program is a collaboration with Kaplan to offer LSAT prep courses to students while they are at WAU. Students will now be able to prepare for the LSAT with customized course offerings from Kaplan that can be done on a self-paced basis or as part of a formal class for academic credit. WAU has also partnered with Kaplan to offer a similar review course for those interested in taking the MCAT, an exciting development for our Pre-Med students. Our Pre-Law alumni are making us proud. WAU PreLaw graduates continue to tell us how grateful they
The Pre-Law program at Washington Adventist University is both targeted and flexible – providing unique pathways to degree completion with multiple content delivery options. It’s exactly the kind of program that will meet the needs of students in 2022 and beyond. 29
Photo Credit: Randolph Robin WAU Homecoming Game 2021
2021 Homecoming Game Women WAU 73 OAKWOOD 51 Men WAU 85 OAKWOOD 66
JERED LYONS NAMED INTERIM DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Jered Lyons, Sports Information Director, Compliance Coordinator, and Head Women’s Basketball Coach, has been named the Interim Director of Athletics for Washington Adventist University. Lyons has been the Sports Information Director/Compliance Coordinator at WAU since 2014. In his role as SID & Compliance Coordinator, he oversaw all the content posted on wauathletics.com and social media platforms. Since he has arrived, he has bolstered the department’s graphics content & marketing. Lyons also ensures that all student-athletes are cleared through the NAIA eligibility center, tracks their academic progress through graduation, and informs staff/ coaches of compliance rules. Before WAU, he spent time as an assistant coach at Hood College, Salisbury University, and Eastern Mennonite University. In addition to his SID/Compliance Coordinator position, he leads the women’s basketball team. Since his arrival, the team has reached the Association of Independent Institutions Semifinals three times. The team’s last three seasons have etched a place in the history books with three consecutive winning seasons (19-12, 2010, 18-12) for the first time in program history. Lyons is the longest-tenured coach in program history and holds the most wins in program history. In the 2019-20 season, he recruited the AII. Newcomer of The Year in Sarah Shamdeen, an award that has never been given to a player in the A.I.I. program.
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Lyons holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in graphic design from Eastern Mennonite University. He holds a Master’s Degree from Salisbury University in Post-Secondary Higher Education.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT JERED LYONS “Jered Lyons is an excellent choice to lead the WAU Athletics program moving forward. He is a compassionate leader with people skills that will transcend WAU to the next generation of leadership. He is a man of God who will value student-athletes ‘ whole development. I learned more from him than he did from me; I’m very happy for Jered and his family.”- Patrick E. Crarey, II (Head Men’s Basketball Coach St. Thomas University) “Coach Lyons has always impressed me not only by his winning attitude, commitment to integrity, and competitive nature but also his commitment to student-athlete success and development off the court. He has done an incredible job with the women’s basketball program on and off the court, and I’m excited to see how his vision and expertise will shape the larger Washington Adventist University athletic program and community.” -Maria Giovannetti (Assistant General Manager of the Washington Mystics) “I have known that Jered Lyons would impact many other lives since I had the opportunity to coach him in high school. He is a relationship builder, a servant leader that adds value to others. He is hard-working, intentional, a great listener, always striving for excellence over success. This role allows him to impact more than just his team and the programs at Washington Adventist will love his commitment and care for each of them.”- Josh Merkel (Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Randolph-Macon / #1 Ranked NCAA Men’s Basketball Team)
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Photo Credit: Randolph Robin
WAU’S GYM GETS UPGRADES & RENOVATIONS
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ashington Adventist University has completed a three-phase renovation process for the Gymnasium. With the approval of Washington Adventist University President Weymouth Spence, Ed.D., Vice President Patrick Farley, The Class of 2021, and the help of Facilities Steven Lapham and the vision of former Athletic Director Patrick E. Crarey, II. The renovations have been completed in time for the winter season. Since 1955, the WAU Gym has been home to WAU’s finest athletic teams— the Men’s Basketball team, which has won 78% of their homes games in the past three years, Women’s Basketball, Volleyball team, and the Acro-Airs, which hosts the well attended Home Show. Our student-athletes exemplify the meaning of Shock Pride, and providing them with a space to excel and grow in their talents only enhances the strength of that pride. “We are blessed to have these upgrades,” said Jered Lyons, Interim Athletics Director. “Our student-athletes are dedicated and committed to WAU, and having a project such as this shows them that we value and appreciate what they do.” This renovation project means a lot to the continued success of the Athletics Department. WAU Athletic Department has completed all phases of the renovation project. The old bleachers are gone, and the gym floor is carefully sanded down to its original wood. In addition, a fresh new floor design was put in place. Finally, the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) logo is now on the gym, stamping the finishing touches to the floor. The second phase included updating the baskets in the gym to hang from the ceiling giving more floor space for the student-athletes. The final phase was the addition of new bleachers gifted by the Class of 2021. From the project’s jumpstart by the former Athletics Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Patrick Crarey, and the support from the WAU administration, facilities, and the Class of 2021, the Athletics Department was excited and determined to be able to see this vision through. “We are appreciative to Dr. Spence, Vice President Farley, Steven Lapham, former Athletic Director Patrick E. Carey, II, and the Student Government Association for making this a reality,” said Lyons. “The completion of the project has brought great excitement, and we hope that in the spirit of community, we continue to have great support at home games.” The Athletics Department will announce the creation of the Hall Of Honor in December, recognizing the contributions of past student-athletes and their accomplishments. The department will also create for the first time the WAU Athletics Club geared towards enhancing the experience for student-athletes and connecting them with Alumni.
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Photo Credit: Randolph Robin
2021 VISIONAIRIES GALA
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ashington Adventist University’s 8th Annual Visionaries Gala took place on Sunday, September 19th, 2021. It was held at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Around 225 guests arrived to take part in this annual fundraising event. The evening began with a reception serenaded by a quartet from WAU’s Music Department. Screens around the reception hall displayed views of campus from unique vantage points, and guests were able to view drawings and designs for the new Science building/Library renovations. Next, guests walked out onto the Congressional Country Club veranda, bathed in the afternoon sunlight, amidst the beautiful backdrop of green manicured lawns and trees. This year’s Honorees included U.S. Congressman Jamie Raskin, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Gigi Godwin, and Drs. Ronald and Beverly Anderson. Dinner was served amid the sponsored tables in the main ballroom. The program was led by the night’s Emcee and Alumni Association President, Stephen Brennwald. President Weymouth Spence offered the reason for the evening and expanded on the new Vision 2030, “Distinctive Excellence In Student Success.” WAU Board Chair, Dave Weigley, presented a toast toward Vision 2030, Our distinguished honorees, and the future of WAU. As a surprise to end the evening, Provost Cheryl Kisunzu, CFO Patrick Farley, and Board Chairman Dave Weigley took to the podium to offer a special honor to President Weymouth Spence and Rebecca Spence for their indelible efforts to support Washington Adventist University and its community of students, faculty, and staff. Each year, the Visionaries Gala is presented to raise money for the Needs Grant, given directly to students falling under needs-based criteria. Visionaries Gala 2022 will be held on September 18th at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. If you’d like to reserve a table, learn about sponsorships, donate, or offer feedback on the event, please reach out to the Office of Advancement and its director, Jennifer Albury, jalbury@wau.edu.
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Columbia Union President Dave Weigley and WAU President Weymoth Spence Photo credit: Randolph Robin
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ALUMNI
Photo Credit: Randolph Robin
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Javier Gonzalez
Class of 2002, 2004
Originally from San Fernando, California, Javier Gonzalez attended San Fernando Valley Academy until his family moved to New Mexico, where he went to public school for the rest of his secondary education. Initially, he had decided on going to Southwestern University due to its closeness to home and connections to his father, who worked as a pastor for the Southwestern Union. But his heart was always connected to music and ministry; starting singing at five years old, he was heavily involved with singing in churches growing up and felt it was something that God was calling him to do. In his junior year of high school, he was prompted by his uncle to consider other options before making an official decision. With the help of a recruiter friend, they discovered that the top two schools for music and pastoral ministry programs were Andrews University and then Columbia Union College (CUC). “My uncle challenged me, saying, ‘Don’t just limit God to one thing,” Gonzalez said. So, they put it to prayer, and in his senior year of high school, he went to audition for the Music Department and ultimately decided that CUC was the place that he needed to be. Gonzalez looks back on his time at CUC fondly, expressing that if he hadn’t decided to go, he would have missed out on what God had in store for him. Being deeply a part of the Music Department, in the Columbia Collegiate Chorale and the select choir, ProMusica, rehearsing every day of the week and going on tours and performing most weekends, he experienced some of the most fun and powerful moments. “Both Dr. Virginia Rittenhouse and Dr. James Bingham were very heavy on having the groups out there [performing],” Gonzalez said. “All the academic techniques that I was learning were so useful because I was using them in practicum when we were out there, but then we were doing it in the context of ministry. So, it wasn’t just performance for performance sake--we were out there witnessing.” Dr. James Bingham, the former Chair of the Music Department, was someone Gonzalez considered to
have had the most impact on his academic and spiritual growth at CUC. As a performer, it can be challenging to separate yourself from the performance aspects, focusing on putting on a good show and receiving attention from your audience. However, the essential aspect of music performance is its ministry to others. Both Dr. Bingham and Dr. Virginia Rittenhouse, the founder and former director of the New England Youth Ensemble, were what Gonzalez called “a powerhouse team.” They both were solid characters in their own right, but brilliant musicians,” he said. “What made them so special was that the approach was always about service and how we can reach others through the power of music, music that is, obviously, written and performed for God’s glory.” Having a double major, in 2002, Gonzalez graduated with a Bachelor’s in Pastoral Ministry, and, in 2004, he completed his degree cycle with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Planning to remain in Maryland, Gonzalez continued to support the choir as an alumnus. He worked several gigs as a local musician but ultimately wanted to be a singer full-time. During his senior year, right before he graduated, he had decided to audition for the Washington National Opera, which was then directed by Plácido Domingo, who had been an idol for Gonzalez since he was a child. He was given a position right away and continued with the opera for about three to four years. There was one opportunity where he got to audition for Domingo to join the Young Artists program. However, he was unable to get in. It was a devastating outcome for him, but in retrospect, Gonzalez called this one of his life’s pivot points. “During that time,” he began, “I was trying to do ministry and opera at the same time, and things began to come into conflict in my own life, personally and spiritually, where pillars of my faith were being questioned, doubted, shaken...at the end of it all, I couldn’t do both.” So, after being turned away from the Young Artists program, ministry became a more central focus for Gonzalez, and more opportunities made themselves available. 45
Family photo with wife CUC alumna, Jill Walker Gonzalez, son Ian, and daughter Ella Naria
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Left to right - Karla Rivera, Paulette Jumalon, Rachel Hyman, Javier Gonzalez, Alessandra Sorace, Rudy Micelli
Around the same time, Gonzalez had also been working from the North American Division, which at the time was housed at the General Conference. He was a part of a non-profit organization called Hope for Humanity, which allocated funds for projects inside and outside of the US. It was a unique experience for him to see what the church did firsthand, outside of pastoral ministry. Then, after meeting and marrying his wife, Jill Walker Gonzalez, they both made the difficult decision to move to the West Coast in New Mexico to work on their graduate degrees. There, they both attended the University of New Mexico (UNM), Gonzalez working on a Master’s in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting. As a recipient of the UNM vocal assistantship award, Gonzalez was required to teach a certain amount of voice students over the course of every semester. Over time, he learned to appreciate and share his experience and knowledge with his students. “Teaching was never one of those things I had envisioned for myself, but I’ve come to be very good at it,” Gonzalez said. “I see it as part of the service I give back because going out and performing and seeing the reactions of the people--that to me is awesome the impact you have on their life--the same impact and the reward I saw in my students’ lives, what they are accomplishing now.” After graduating from the UNM, he accepted a vocal faculty position at La Sierra University and moved to California. In 2015, the Gonzalezs founded a non-profit ministry called Live for One. Live for One’s mission is to help refugees who are being persecuted for their faith in
the Middle East. Partnering with organizations that are directly involved in saving refugees, Live for One travels nationally and internationally to set up concert events with the intention of spreading awareness and raising funds that go towards relocating families and providing and giving access to resources like food and medical care. Though setting up events and traveling to continue their ministry through music has become more difficult due to the pandemic, they are continuing to help families in Jordan and those grievously affected by the ongoing Syrian War. If you would like to support the Live for One mission, please visit livefor1.com for more information. Now, Gonzalez lives with his family in New Mexico, continuing to teach voice at La Sierra University online due to COVID-19 restrictions while balancing performing and working for the mission of Live for One. For the students currently enrolled at Washington Adventist University, he encourages them to maintain their faith throughout every trial and achievement. “Don’t forget where you’ve come from. And when I say that, I don’t just mean it as people would understand it, meaning your neighborhood, your family--that’s important. But the basis for life has to do with your faith because, in the end, nothing and no one can save you except your faith in Christ. We cannot rationalize by compromising our faith and what it is that God wants us to do. Because if we are willing to compromise on certain matters for our career or for our future, then what we are saying is that we are willing to compromise for our salvation as well. Always keep that as the main component of how you do your education, what you plan to do with that education when you are finished.” 47
PASTOR ALEX BARRIENTOS Washington Adventist University’s own alumnus, Alex Barrientos, has been appointed to serve as Senior Pastor at Sligo Church. Pastor Barrientos had previously worked in the Potomac Conference and is now returning to the place where it all began. His antecedent position was Associate Pastor at Spring Meadows Seventh-day Adventist Church, Florida. His friends, colleagues, and former professors highlight his thoughtful and engaging Biblical preaching and a proven commitment to inclusive ministry. Pastor Barrientos is grateful for WAU and how it impacted his perception of his role as a minister of the gospel and commitment to his community as a local neighbor, “whose role is no less burdened for the common good,” he says. “The University gave me the opportunity to work within my field of study and provide me with a community of students curious to learn from much of the world ahead of us.” Both Sligo Church and Washington Adventist University are fortunate to have Pastor Barrientos and are excited to see the Lord’s work through him. He is looking forward to furthering the partnership and collaboration between the two institutions by combining efforts to community engagements, educational advancement, and reorienting the perception of Adventist education.
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SENIOR PASTOR SLIGO CHURCH
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Celeste Ryan Blyden Celeste Ryan Blydan, an alumna of Washington Adventist University, formerly CUC, was recently named Executive Secretary for the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She is the first woman to fill the role in the union’s 114-year history. “So many women who have worked tirelessly for the Church we love never got this opportunity. In this historic appointment, the door has been opened for all of us!” Celeste graduated with a degree in Journalism/ Public Relations and Counseling Psychology in 1993 from WAU and went on to get her master’s degree in Organizational Communication from Bowie State University. She first joined the union in January 2002 and has been climbing the ranks ever since. She started out as the Communication Director and editor of theVisitor Magazine then became vice president for Strategic Communication and Public Relations She began her new role as executive secretary--one of the union’s three executive officers-- on January 1, 2022. “Celeste has demonstrated a real passion for mission and effective leadership in her current position,” says Dave Weigley, Columbia Union Conference President. “She has been a pastor, shepherd, and encourager to those around her, as she led her department very effectively over the years.” With this new and exciting role, Celeste is also working to obtain her master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. She has left a lasting impact on the people around her. She will continue to create a legacy as she makes history as the first female Executive Secretary in the C-suite of the Columbia Union Conference.
Executive Secretary Columbia Union
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WILLIAM JACKSON
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he Vice President of Marketing and Recruitment at Washington Adventist University (WAU), William Jackson, will be retiring in December 2021 after 25 years of service.
Under his leadership, the university achieved the highest enrollment in its history. Jackson attended WAU, formerly Columbia Union College in 1970. He met his wife of 48 years while in college during his second year. They started dating in 1971, got engaged in 1972, and then got married at Sligo SDA Church in August 1973, officiated by Pastor Robert Zamora. For four years (1974-1978), they lived in Toronto, Canada, and then spent 16 years at Highland View Academy (1978-1994), where Jackson was a teacher, work coordinator, and vice-principal. He started working at WAU in 1996 as Director of Marketing and Admissions for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. In 2009 Jackson transitioned to the General Admissions office, where he became Vice President of Admissions, Marketing, to his present position as the Vice President of Recruitment and Admissions. In addition to his service to the students of WAU, Jackson has served his colleagues and the university just as
VP Jackson and wife Rejane at the Annual Visionaries Gala Photo Credit: Randolph Robin
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Bill (left) and wife Rejane (middle) were featured on the cover of this Columbia Union College publication.
enthusiastically. "He taught me how to see employees not as just numbers but as human beings needing to be equipped for success. He made me feel part of his extended family by always listening and teaching me Christian-Adventist values," said Wanda Canales, former Director of Admissions and Recruitment. William and Rejane have five children, all of whom graduated or attended WAU. Cleidson Jackson (attended) is a manager at American Airlines. Monica Jackson-Nudd graduated from WAU in 2005 and from the University of Maryland in 2011 with her graduate degree. She currently works at Andrews University. Veronica Hurst graduated twice from WAU, first with her undergraduate degree in 2008 and later a graduate degree in counseling, 2010. She is currently a full-time parent of four. Her husband is also a graduate of WAU, with both an undergrad and graduate degrees. Ryan Jackson graduated from WAU in 2012 and from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Law school in 2019. He is currently an Assistant State's Attorney in Maryland. Danica Jackson, their youngest, graduated WAU in 2019 and currently works for the State of Maryland. With his professional ties to WAU coming to an end after December, Jackson hopes to enjoy his retirement, spending time with his family, especially his wife.
(left to right) Monica Nudd, Jared Nudd, Cleidson Jackson, Veronica Hurst, Kendall Hurst, Danica Jackson, Ryan Jackson, Rejane Jackson, Bill Jackson
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Dear Alumni and Friends: On behalf of our students, faculty, and staff, thank you for supporting the mission of Washington Adventist University with your prayers and financial gifts. Vision 2030 – Distinctive Excellence in Student Success will require a visionary community that is synchronized and aligned behind the desired commitment to produce outstanding graduates. Moving forward together will help our institution emerge as a premier private Christian university that engages minds and transforms lives. One of the most significant challenges is bridging the financial gap for many students who struggle with the finances needed to obtain a Christian education. However, thanks to your contributions and prayers, we have much to celebrate. When you give to WAU, you know you are making a direct impact on the life of a WAU student. With your help, a student will be prepared to return to their community for a life of service. Real success is a result of having real engagement! Washington Adventist University is thankful for individuals and organizations who contributed cash gifts or gifts in kind during 2021. We thank each of you for sharing our mission, values, and vision. We apologize for the missing Alumni & Donor’s Report. Due to the cyber incident that occured recently we are working to reorganize our data. We plan to offer our community a full report on giving as soon as possible. This is Washington Adventist University!
M. Jennifer Albury Executive Director of Development
P.S. Make plans to attend Alumni Weekend, March 31-April 3, 2022.
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