ALUMNI LETTER

WILLIAM JACKSON

The 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

Bill (left) and wife Rejane (middle) were featured on the cover of this Columbia Union College publication. 52

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

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.