PRESIDENT’S REFLECTION

To God be the Glory, we completed another successful academic year. Deep appreciation to our valued faculty and staff for their outstanding nurturing and support to the 184 graduates who exited through the “Gateway to Service” to provide moral leadership in communities throughout the world.

As I mentioned in my introductory letter, we are now preparing to begin the 120th year of Adventist Christian education in the nation’s capital. From Washington Missionary College to Columbia Union College and now Washington Adventist University, the purpose of this institution of higher education remains the same. It continues to be distinctively in alignment with the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education. George R. Knight states it very well: “The primary function (purpose) of Christian education is to lead young people into a transforming, saving relationship with Jesus Christ. In [the] context of that relationship, such secondary functions as academic achievement, character development, the formation of a Christian mind, and education for social responsibility and the world of work must of necessity take place.”

We welcome a diverse learning community that allows the freedom of academic discourse and thought, but not to the extent of replacing biblical truth. Christianity is a revealed religion – God’s truth. We strive for a greater dependence on God and a welcoming of the diversity of faith, culture, race and learning styles. Every day, we are engaging minds and transforming lives. Shown in the feature story of this issue of the Gateway are some of the recent accomplishments of our students, alumni and our amazing Honors College. The WAU Honors College, the first honors college in the Seventhday Adventist higher-education system, offers exceptional students the opportunity to take unique honors interdisciplinary tracks, which contain a unique curriculum for students to enhance their individual degrees.

Together, we will continue growing to become the best place for students to learn and employees to work. Your support as a partner in Christian higher education in the nation’s capital will ensure that WAU will graduate all students on time with little or no debt and be ready for the workplace and eternity.

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