president’s perspective · 2018. 7. 18. · classes are offered in the mornings, leaving...

t is important to me to express my deep appreciation to Chairman Dave Weigley

and the officers of the board of trustees and its entire membership for giving Rebecca and me an opportunity to wake up every morning for the past nine years to play a key role in transforming the lives of our valued students. Personally, I have had the joyous opportunity to work with an

amazing collection of faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, community leaders, and trustees in developing and implementing strategic and operational plans to make our shared vision to produce graduates who bring competence and moral leadership to their communities a successful reality. I strongly continue to believe in the words of Ellen G. White, words she used in a June 15, 1904, letter to fellow workers: “My hopes for this place are high. The country for miles and miles around Washington is to be worked from here. I am so thankful that our work is to be established in this place. Were Christ here upon this ground, He would say, ‘Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.’ We have work to do in leading precious souls onward step by step. Many will have to be taught line upon line, precept upon precept. The truth of God will be applied, by the Spirit’s power, to the heart and conscience. We must present the truth in love and faith and hope and courage.”

Washington Adventist University has strategically transformed Christian education since its founding in 1904. Now in its 113th

year, the university continues to build on the solid framework established by the founders, who acted on the vision to establish an institution of higher education in the nation’s capital. We are still committed to the original mission of challenging students to seize the opportunities for learning in the nation’s capital in order to become moral leaders in communities throughout the world.

The presidency, in partnership with trustees, bears the fiduciary responsibility for the university. But merely managing the institution will no longer be enough. It is essential that we pursue

President’s Perspective

Sincerely,Weymouth Spence, Ed.D.President

Vision 2020 — Growing with Excellence with bold, innovative strategies for promoting academic excellence while keeping costs under control. This fall we are launching Honors College (a first in Adventist higher education); revitalizing the motto Gateway to Service to prepare graduates to transform their communities and change the world; placing greater emphasis on blending faith and learning throughout campus life; opening the Gail S. and Bruce E. Boyer Health Professions and Wellness Center; implementing action plans to drastically improve the WAU student experience from application to graduation; expanding enrollment pipelines; establishing partnerships with local, national, and international educational institutions; and working toward creating service, leadership, and internship requirements for degree completion.

Washington Adventist University has always been acknowledged as a teaching, service, and learning institution that is now reclassified as a private not-for-profit Master’s University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. We are moving forward with a single shared purpose: Vision 2020 — Growing with Excellence. This will bring recognition to the institution by accrediting agencies, the academic community, and the general public as a premier university of quality and distinction.

The priority is the success of our students. This must continue to be the mark of a successful university. Emphasis must be placed on the educational model Jesus experienced — growth in wisdom, in physical development, and in the relationship with God and humanity — the blending of faith and learning.

On behalf of our students and the entire learning community, thank you for your prayers and financial contributions. Your gifts provide significant support to our students in making Christian education affordable. We are making significant progress in making the university a desired place for employees to work and for students to learn.

This is Washington Adventist University!

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DEPARTMENTSFEATURESBusiness & Communication History & Political StudiesNursingOffice of Advancement & Alumni RelationsPsychology & CounselingReligion Athletics: Patrick E. Crarey II

THE FIRST ADVENTIST HONORS COLLEGENew Honors College to Open in September at WAU

BUILDING FOR THE FUTUREGail S. and Bruce E. Boyer Health Professions and Wellness Center: Coming Full Circle to Fulfill a Dream

PARTNERING FOR THE FUTUREAdventist HealthCare Partners with WAU for Wellness

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITYAdventure and Achievement Come Alive for Students Who Study Abroad

SHALINI DAVIDPresident & CEO (cofounder) of Christalis, Inc.

KONSTANTIN KULAKOVAuthor, Excavating the Sky

EUGENE SIMONOVWAU Alumnus and Director of Video and Creative Marketing for the University’s Radio Station

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1,000 CAREER POINT PLAYERSElliott Meredith IIIOlivia Turner Eric Lindsey

Brian BridgeforthTyrus Fleetwood

President: Weymouth Spence, Ed.D.Editor: Angie CrewsContributing Editors: Chrys Sbily, Marshall Moya;Donna Bigler, Kinetics Marketing and Communications;Emeraude Victorin; Tyrus Fleetwood; Charles Vines

Photographers: Ross Patterson, Focal Point Photography; Randolph RobinDesign: Marshall MoyaPrinter: Mount Vernon Print Communications Cover: Bruce E. Boyer and his wife, Gail S. Boyer

The Gateway Magazine is published annually by the office of corporate communications, Washington Adventist University, 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912

Letters and photos to the editor are welcome and may be considered for publication. Send to Angie Crews at [email protected].

WashingtonAdventistUniversity

wau.edu @WashAdventistU@thisiswau

@thisiswau

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2 THE GATEWAY | SPRING 2017

An Honors College will be launched in September 2017 at Washington Adventist University (WAU) to further enhance its academic offerings and move the university another step closer to achieving the Vision 2020 — Growing with Excellence plan, which seeks to attain excellence at all levels of the institution. This will be the first Honors College in the Seventh-day Adventist system of higher education.

THE FIRST ADVENTIST HONORS COLLEGE

“The Honors College is an important addition to Washington Adventist University, as it will help us provide students with an exceptional and meaningful education,” said WAU President Weymouth Spence, Ed.D., R.T. “Our goal is to produce graduates who bring competence and moral leadership to their communities, and the Honors College will boost their success.”

Although Washington Adventist University has long had an active Honors Program on campus that provides learning opportunities outside of the classroom, the new Honors College will significantly expand that effort to serve gifted and talented students who want to be at a Christian school in the nation’s capital.

3THE GATEWAY | SPRING 2017

“In the Adventist tradition, Washington Adventist University nurtures the growth of its students in mind, body, and spirit by providing a strong academic, healthful, and spiritual environment,” said WAU Board of Trustees Chair Dave Weigley, Ph.D., who is also president of the Columbia Union Conference, Seventh-day Adventist Church. “This new Honors College

further strengthens the university’s academic opportunities so that students can better sharpen their knowledge and skills in preparation for success in today’s competitive workforce.”

The new Honors College is expected to be in place for the 2017 fall semester. Work is commencing to develop interdisciplinary honors degrees, enhanced scholarships, accelerated curricular pathways, service learning courses, and competitive internships, as well as partnerships with other institutions — such as Newbold College near London, England — for on-location learning opportunities abroad.

“This initiative will help to ensure that WAU provides distinctive holistic faith-informed learning opportunities for students with exceptional academic and character competencies so that they will become the competent moral leaders as desperately needed to respond to the challenges and opportunities of our global society,” said WAU Provost Cheryl Kisunzu, Ph.D.

Current Honors Program Director Bradford Haas, chair of the WAU English Department, has been leading the Honors College transformation process. “We want to situate the Honors College so that it can serve the entire WAU community. The goal is to help other academic departments expand what they can offer to gifted and talented students, and hopefully to draw those students to WAU. While some people think that honors espouses an ivory tower mentality, the tenet of the WAU Honors College is active engagement across the university,” said Haas. ■

For more information about the Honors College, contact: Alexa Minesinger, Administrative Coordinator: [email protected].

TRIBUTE Richardson Chatham was a distinct presence in the Honors Program with a combination of intellect, affability, spirituality, and moral

integrity. He was recognized with an Honors Program Award for outstanding academic achievement, and he graduated summa cum laude from WAU in 2013. At the Honors Retreat in 2012 Richardson gave his “Last Lecture.” As we explain at the beginning of

each round of “Last Lectures,” the concept is hypothetical, that seniors are asked to present something as if it will be the last time they ever address the honors community. Richardson’s record-breaking talk lasted far beyond the normal five minutes allotted for these presentations. We often encourage students to create legends each retreat, and Richardson certainly became one that evening. While Richardson subsequently spoke publicly on a number of other occasions, his “Last Lecture” did, ironically, become the last time he spoke directly and exclusively to the

members of the honors community, and it was true to who he was. He took the prerogative to share what was closest to his heart with us.

As a tribute to Richardson and the memory of his epic presentation in 2012, the “Last Lectures” given by seniors at every Honors Retreat will be known officially as “The Richardson Chatham Last Lecture Series” and colloquially referred to as the “Chatham Lectures.”


NEWS BRIEFS


This year, Enactus commenced a new project titled Women’s Empowerment, aimed at assisting immigrant women by endowing them with the skills and support needed to find a job and enter the workforce. The project, based in Hyattsville, will seek sustainable work and career opportunities for women and families in the Langley Park area.Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot and other

elected officials celebrated the Enactus students as they were recognized for their creative solutions designed to help local small businesses thrive. Additionally, the club recently earned first place in the national Enactus Competition’s Sam’s Club Project, which awards teams with the most creative solutions for resolving community issues. ■

NEWS BRIEFS

estled on the fourth floor of the H.M.S. Richards Hall is the Department of History and Political Studies here at

Washington Adventist University. Provided here are excellent opportunities for students interested in history, law, government, and politics. Faculty in the department hold a strong commitment to education and strive to lead by example. They encourage the students to develop strong critical thinking

as well as strategic and analytical skills through research and synthesis, critical reading, and careful and clear writing and speaking. Demonstration of scholarly excellence in the study of history may bring membership in WAU’s chapter of the honor society, Phi Alpha Theta. The Washington Adventist University Chapter is Kappa Epsilon.


ELONEY PERRY-RYAN

“I believe this internship is offering me a look into the real world.”

A third-year political studies student minoring in psychology and fulfilling pre-law emphasis, Eloney was captain of the Mock-Trial Team for the past two years, president of the Pre-law Club, and former member of the Student Senate. The Mock-Trial Team recently took part in the Regional Competition and won against Queensborough and Mount St. Mary’s University, with Eloney as the team captain and head lawyer for the plaintiff. In addition to her current school load, she is interning with the Office of the City Administrator of DC. “It has been an eye-opening experience,” says Eloney. “I believe this internship is offering me a look into the real world.”

The department has made internships a mandatory part of the program to give students the opportunity to meet career professionals while learning to deal with the challenges faced in the workplace.


NEWS BRIEFS | HISTORY AND POLITICAL STUDIES

“The History Department gave me the opportunity to expand my worldview, challenge myself, and become an informed citizen. I learned many skills in the areas of historical research, critical reading, and analysis that will help me not only in my future career but also in my daily life.”

KERSTIN SMITHGraduating Senior, History Major


DR. DOUGLAS MORGANRegional Editor for the North American Division

Dr. Morgan was selected and given release time this past year as the regional editor for the North American division for what will soon be the New Encyclopedia of Adventists, which will feature authoritative information on the history of the Adventist Church and its position on many different issues. The estimated time for completion is spring 2020.




DR. WILLIAM ELLISProfessor

Dr. Ellis’ recent research focuses on the political and religious views of Seventh-day Adventist academics, and political and social implications of certain themes in Bible prophecy. He has been especially interested in the biblical Jubilee and its practical effects on the economy of the time.

DR. JOAN A. FRANCISChair of the Department

Dr. Francis is a member of American Historical Association, Association for

the Study of African American Life and History, and National Council on

Social Studies.


Every fall, the department takes a day trip to New York City for a tour of the United Nations building and a special briefing by one of the NGO’s senior analysts. Students are allowed a great opportunity to see one of the centers of world diplomacy and learn the history behind it.

A history class held at the Takoma Park City Hall.The faculty and students meet every month in departmental meetings to discuss and share.

12 THE GATEWAY | SPRING 201712 THE GATEWAY | SPRING 2017

NEWS BRIEFS

The Department of Nursing at Washington Adventist University (WAU) was among the first nursing programs established in the state of Maryland, dating

back to 1909. In the beginning, it was offered as a three-year hospital-based program, but the university now offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing through the

traditional program, along with three master’s programs in nursing in an accelerated evening format geared to accommodate working adults.


The journey continues with both the baccalaureate degree in nursing and master’s degree in nursing programs receiving accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education in the fall of 2016. A few months later, on December 18, the department held a pinning ceremony to celebrate the accomplishment of seven students graduating from the program. “It was very satisfying for me to observe the fulfillment and joy of the seven WAU Florence Nightingale Scholars who made the decision to trust us in the rehabilitation of this signature program on the campus,” said President Spence. “I was overwhelmed as I sat there and reflected on the program’s journey from withdrawal to full accreditation.”

These seven students were affectionately named the Nightingale Scholars to represent their persistence and faithfulness to the program at WAU despite the rocky patches faced by the department.

Elizabeth Barrera, Katarina Harvey, Lucy Hernandez, Avery Huggins, Carly Pereira, Amanuel Tereffe, and Jerin Valliath weathered the storms and made it out victorious. They have completed their program with the university and anticipate beginning their transition into a nursing career.

“It’s been quite the journey, but I couldn’t have chosen a better family to go through this experience with,” says Carly Pereira, Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate. “My classmates were my rock and inspiration, and I expect nothing short of greatness from them.”

NEWS BRIEFS | NURSING DEPARTMENT’S JOURNEY

“WE ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE A TEAM.”

Senior Clinical at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.Pictured from left to right: Jerin Valliath, Elizabeth Barrera, Lucy Hernandez, Carly Pereira, Avery Huggins, Katarina Harvey, Amanuel Tereffe.

Nursing students are given an opportunity to demonstrate the nursing department learning objectives through community service with clinical rotations and on mission trips.


NEWS BRIEFS

ashington Adventist University (WAU) is excited to announce that Tanya Sweeney has joined the team. Tanya worked for

almost 20 years in sales and marketing in the telecommunications industry with AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and COMNET International Co., a Chicago software development company, before making the transition from the corporate world to the nonprofit arena in 2006. At that time she began working as resource development director for the United Way of Greater Union County in Elizabeth, New Jersey; she then worked as director of major gifts for the Epilepsy Foundation in Landover, Maryland; and most recently was director of development at Friendship Place in Washington, DC, a homeless services provider. She joined WAU in March 2017.

“The board of trustees, faculty, and staff are happy to welcome Tanya to the WAU community,” said President Spence.

Tanya holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from Tufts University, an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a certificate in executive management from Northwestern University.

Knowing how God has guided her life, she holds Proverbs 3:5-6 as her favorite scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your paths.”

“It’s an honor to join the WAU community. The growth and changes that have been taking place over the last decade demonstrate the passion and dedication our community has. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support the mission and look forward to connecting with our alumni and friends,” said Tanya. ■

Tanya’s office is located in the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations in Wilkinson Hall. She welcomes visitors and guests to drop by, or you may contact her at 301-891-4133 or [email protected].

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Welcome to Our New Executive Director for Development

Tanya Sweeney

New Executive Director for Development Tanya Sweeney


D E PA R T M E N T O FP SYCH O LO GY & CO U N S E L I N G

DEGREES OFFERED

The Department of Psychology offers two four-year curricula leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and the Bachelor of Science degree in counseling psychology. The department also offers two Master of Arts degree programs. One M.A. degree is offered in psychology, and the other M.A. degree is offered in counseling psychology. Both degree programs are offered through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at WAU.

ACCOLADES

Washington Adventist University (WAU) was ranked among the “30 Great Small Colleges for a Counseling Degree.” The listing appears in the March 2015 online “Best Psychology Degrees: Your Guide to Top PsychologyDegree Programs.”

PARTNERING FOR PROGRESS

WAU renewed an agreement with the Argosy University Ed.D. program for Counselor Education and Supervision matriculation for the M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program graduates, which includes discounted tuition at Argosy for students who earn their master’s degree at Washington Adventist University. The partnership agreement was initiated by Argosy University President David Erekson, Ph.D., and Argosy Counseling Department Chair Simone Lambert , Ph.D., when they noticed that the graduates from Washington Adventist University’s M.A. program demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the counseling profession and academic studies.

NEWS BRIEFS


This year’s Alumni Weekend marked the 55th anniversary of the psychology program.

WAU’s Psychology program is theoldest in the Seventh-day adventist denomination.

Former psychology faculty member and guest from the Ellen G. White Estate spoke.

55th

A NNIVERSARY

out of over 4,000 colleges and universities

for graduating African American students with master’s degrees in psychology! — Diverse: Issues in Higher Education 2016 Top 100 Minority Degree Producers

placement for students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

RANKS#

NEWS BRIEFS

RELIGIONDEPARTMENT

Dear friends,Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Religion Department of Washington Adventist University has a distinctive vision to advance the cause of God and His Kingdom in every sphere of human life. The department endeavors to offer an example of selfless service through rigorous preparation, seeking to form Christian moral leaders who think theologically, engage and serve globally,

and live biblically. Through our new strategic plan we strive to progress in excellent academic instruction; maintain relevant curricula at both undergraduate and graduate studies; nurture our precious students in the development of their faith, passion for God, and moral integrity; and serve the wider constituency of the Church and the public, especially the DC metro area, where we are providentially located. In order to maintain the highest quality of education and life in the department we have recently hired a few new adjunct teachers, revised our curricula to match the need for relevancy, strengthened our ties with Conferences of the Columbia Union, recruited new students interested in studying theology in specific urban settings, closely monitored the progress of our existing students, revived the liturgical life of the department, and reinforced the Ministerial Field Evangelism program, while constantly elevating the ethical dimension of our ministry.

We humbly acknowledge that all these goals may be attained only through faithful submission to the power of God’s grace revealed and demonstrated in the example of Jesus the Christ. For this reason, we give God’s glory all our accomplishments toward the service of humankind.

With best wishes,

Aleksandar S. Santrac, D.Phil., Ph.D., Professor of Ethics and Philosophy,Chair of Religion Department, Washington Adventist University

The Religion Department, in collaboration with the Marketing Department of WAU, Columbia Union and North American Division, is proud to invite featured speakers and experts in preaching and urban ministry (Pastor/Dr. Dwight Nelson, lead pastor of Pioneer Memorial Church, Andrews University [our keynote speaker]; Dr. Stephen Bauer, professor of ethics and religion from Southern Adventist University; Ms. Patty Prasada Rao, adjunct teacher of urban ministry from Washington Adventist

The event is open to all who are interested, especially ministers, youth pastors, lay pastors, church planters, undergraduate and graduate students of theology, WAU faculty and students, academy students, youth interested in preaching and mission, etc. Please, make sure you register on time at https://www.wau.edu/symposium

University; and Dr. Aleksandar S. Santrac, professor of religion and ethics and the chair of Religion Department, WAU).

In addition, we will have a concert of gospel music with Laura Moreno (Thursday evening) and powerful preaching of our devotional speakers (Pr. Brenda Billingy from NAD and Pr. Cesar Grassiotto). The fee of $150 covers all the meals for the event, materials from our presenters, and one academic credit for undergraduate or graduate students of preaching and/or metropolitan ministry. ■


When completed, the Gail S. and Bruce E. Boyer Health Professions and Wellness Center will accommodate WAU’s health professions and sciences programs. It will also support community health and wellness activities by providing space for the university to partner with the city and the county.

He speaks in a soft and gentle tone, almost hushed at times. But make no mistake about it. He is determined. He is passionate. And he is full of pride. In a few months, Bruce Boyer and his wife, Gail, will step onto the WAU campus, and into a brand-new Health Professions and Wellness Center, one which will bear their names.

Specifically, the facility will house eight classrooms, two fitness centers, a multipurpose room, five laboratories, 11 group and individual study areas, and 23 offices. Just shy of 21,000 square feet, it will also include a student lounge, faculty lounge, two conference rooms, two work rooms, and two reception areas.

FEATURE

COMING FULL CIRCLE TO FULFILL A DREAM


For the Boyers, it was important that the center inspire interest in both the sciences and wellness. “I hope this facility brings educational opportunities for students to learn skills and commitment to improving not only their own health, but also the health of those they come across in their personal and professional lives,” Bruce commented. “There is only so much that medicine can do. Healthy living can do wonders for people.”

The fact that the center is coming to fruition in a few short months is truly the culmination of a dream for the Boyers. “To bring this here, for WAU and the surrounding community — that excites me,” Bruce said. “And on a global scale, this is the future of health for our world.” ■

“THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH THAT MED IC INE CAN DO . HEALTHY L IV ING CAN DO WONDERS FOR PEOPLE . ”

The long-awaited center will be built as a renovation and addition to the existing Health Professions building. “We are incredibly grateful to the Boyers for their dedication and support,” said WAU President Weymouth Spence. “The Center will offer exciting and endless possibilities for this university as we find new ways to enhance the education of our students in the health and sciences professions, promote healthy living, and improve community wellness.”

In January 2014, the Boyers presented a $1 million check to the Washington Adventist University Board of Trustees to jump-start fundraising efforts for the new facility.

A board member for more than 40 years, Bruce has close ties to WAU. But the story of his personal connection to the university started much earlier, when he was a young child.

“My first memory of the university is walking by it as a child,” he recalls. “I think I was about nine years old. My father was in the Adventist Seminary in Takoma Park, and we lived about four or five blocks from campus.”

From a very early age, Bruce knew he was interested in health. Though he enrolled and took classes at WAU, he did not complete his degree at the university. “I was asked not to come back,” he said and added, with a bit of mischief in his voice, “I guess they figured I was expendable.” Though asked to switch gears and pursue his degree elsewhere, he did not abandon his fondness for the university and his passion — one that would take him to a successful 45-year career in healthcare. Today, he is the president and chairman of Sloan Management, Inc., and Premier HealthCare, Inc., and he has developed nursing and assisted living facilities across the Mid-Atlantic.

And so, it was a special day on May 10, 2016, when the Boyers gathered on the campus of WAU with students, alumni, faculty, and community members to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the $9.7 million Gail S. and Bruce E. Boyer Health Professions and Wellness Center. In addition to the Boyers’ gift, the center is being funded in part through the WAU Annual Visionaries Gala, along with a $4 million matching grant from the State of Maryland Governor’s Office.


ashington Adventist University is grateful to have received a $100,000 donation from Adventist HealthCare, Inc., for the

university’s new $9.7 million Gail S. and Bruce E. Boyer Health Professions and Wellness Center, which is being built as a renovation and addition to the existing Health Professions building on campus. The check, which represents the second largest donation to the university for this project, was presented by President and CEO Terry Forde at a September 2015 Washington Adventist University Board of Trustees meeting.

Adventist HealthCare, Inc., operates Washington Adventist Hospital, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, and other healthcare institutions. “We are proud to be affiliated with Washington Adventist University, an institution that helps educate and prepare talented students for the healthcare profession,” said Adventist HealthCare president Terry Forde. “This is consistent with and supportive of our mission. We appreciate the role that Washington Adventist University plays in our community and are happy to support its efforts to improve the lives of those who live in the Greater Washington area.”

When completed, the 20,794-square-foot center will accommodate Washington Adventist University’s health professions and science programs, along with community health programs

and activities. The building will also provide opportunities for the university to partner with the city and county in offering wellness activities.

Funding for the new Health Professions and Wellness Center comes from the university’s annual Visionaries Gala fundraising event, along with support from the State of Maryland through a $3.2 million matching grant from the Governor’s Office. The ribbon-cutting is scheduled for September 16, 2017, and the architect for the project is Hord Coplan and Macht. ■

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Partnering for the Future

President and CEO Terry Forde

24 THE GATEWAY | SPRING 2017 Overlooking Roman fortification castle in Port Sagunto, Spain.

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY


FEATURE

With a mixture of excitement and anticipation, Danny Rosette boarded the plane. It was the fall of 2015 and he was headed to Spain, where he would be studying for the next two semesters. It was his first trip to Europe, and he was looking forward to a great experience. But he had no idea just how life-changing the next nine months would be.

anny was heading to Escuela Superior de Español de Sagunto (Sagunto College) in Valencia, a 25-acre campus that overlooks

the towns of Port Sagunto and Sagunto, flanked by the Mediterranean Sea. The nearby remains of a fortress dating from before Roman occupation in the first and second centuries BC is a daily reminder of the rich cultural and historic heritage of Spain, giving students a compelling perspective of time and place.

Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) is a consortium of Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities in North America and Australia. The consortium provides opportunities to qualified undergraduate students for study in other countries while completing requirements of their programs at their home colleges. Students are immersed in the culture and life of another country while becoming conversant in its language. Through such experiences students also may gain an appreciation of and perhaps an inspiration for mission or other multicultural service.

According to a study conducted by Hanover Research titled International Study and Student Outcomes, students who studied abroad were more likely to complete their studies and even to realize increases in their GPA after their experience. Studying abroad not only improves intercultural understanding, but can also enhance communications skills that

are critical to sustained learning. For this reason and many others, the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), names study abroad as one of its recommended “high-impact practices.”

“Here at WAU, we have realized that many students don’t know about ACA,” comments Violeta Donovan, the Adventist Colleges Abroad coordinator. Since joining the faculty at WAU this past August, Dr. Donovan, a professor in the English and Modern Languages Department, has been determined to use different means to raise awareness of the program, so more students can take advantage of it.

In Danny’s case, family members and friends encouraged him to study abroad. Currently a junior majoring in health and fitness management, Danny encourages his classmates at WAU to consider the program. “People older and more experienced than me told me to visit other places and experience other cultures so I could understand more of the world I live in,” he said.

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“You learn at your own pace, but you are completely immersed in the language, which was very cool. I learned to speak very fluent, professional Spanish.”

Adventure and Achievement Come Alive for Students Who Study Abroad


Danny, whose family has Mexican roots, had some basic knowledge of Spanish before entering the program, where the entire curriculum is taught only in Spanish. “You are tested and placed with students at your level of proficiency,” he explained. “You learn at your own pace, but you are completely immersed in the language, which was very cool. I learned to speak very fluent, professional Spanish.”

Dr. Donovan concurs and adds, “Students return not only more proficient in the language of the country visited but also knowledgeable about other cultures and customs. They experience immeasurable personal and professional growth, which is evident throughout their lives.”

Classes are offered in the mornings, leaving afternoons open for students to explore and travel.


Tabitha Osindo, who is currently studying in Spain, decided to study abroad to experience living in a different culture. According to the third-year student and political studies major, “The most positive thing about studying abroad is getting to meet new people and making friends from all over the world. Another positive thing is being able to travel to many different countries nearby and making memories that will last forever.”

Today, Danny describes his year in Spain as “the number one experience of my life.“ Classes are offered in the mornings, leaving afternoons open for students to explore and travel. “There was so much history, and so many places to visit,” Danny recalls.

In preparation for the experience, Danny recommends students get a part-time job to save money to be able to fully take advantage of taking day trips and excursions during breaks from classes and studying.

Additionally, Danny, who is on WAU’s Acro-Airs team, took the opportunity to coach young students in gymnastics during his time abroad. Because the campus of the school is a seminary, high school, lower school, and language school, Danny met many young students. He began mentoring some of the boys and girls, an endeavor that turned into a more formal coaching role. Working with a large group of enthusiastic gymnasts, he put on a formal production for the school and parents, much to the admiration and delight of the entire community.

“The number one experience of my life.”

FEATURE


Danny’s sister, Christina, studied in Spain during the summer of 2014. “From my dorm room balcony,” she remembers, “I could see the campus, an orange orchard, the new buildings of Sagunto and the buildings from the medieval era, a theater carved into the rock by the Roman Empire, and above that a fort built by the original Ibero people. Being in a place where I could see and touch things from the age of knights and lords, the Roman Empire, the Moor Empire, and the original tribes…made history come very much alive for me.”

Christina also took advantage of free time to explore nearby cities. “The most valuable experience for me was deciding, planning, and going on my own international trip during Christmas break. It showed me that I was more capable than I thought I was and gave me a huge confidence boost.”

Dr. Donovan hopes that sharing these experiences will encourage other students to consider participating in the study abroad program. She adds, “We anticipate that many WAU students will make ACA a part of their academic options. As they do so, they will go through the Gateway better equipped to serve where God leads.”

Danny, who looks forward to becoming a physical therapist and eventually owning his own clinic, says, “I came back with such a great appreciation for what I have. I am much more open to trying new things, and I look forward to new adventures. It was a complete paradigm shift.” ■

FEATURE

ACA registration for summer 2017, fall 2017, and spring 2018 is now open. (The program is not limited to WAU students.)

To learn more, contact Dr. Violeta Donovan at [email protected] or 301.891.4065.


Faith, Family & Friendship

1,000 CAREER POINT PLAYER

Elliott Meredith came to Washington Adventist University from Bedford, Ohio, after learning about the possibility of a basketball scholarship here. He sent in a demo tape and heard from the coach, “We could use you.” He says, “I knew this was for me. I could use my talent to play basketball to help me get through school.”

He started playing for the WAU Shock basketball team while beginning his studies in physical therapy. “On our campus, the basketball team has been the biggest winning sports team, and so a lot of students attend the games. Being on the team gives me the chance to be a positive influence on the other players and connect to the other students,” says Elliott. Along with three other seniors, he reached 1,000 career points in the 2016-17 season.

Three years ago, Elliott tore his ACL in his knee and had surgery. It took lots of physical therapy and a full year to recover. This only strengthened his interest in being a physical therapist so that he can help other athletes or people who have similar injuries.

Elliott also works for the campus radio station WGTS 91.9. “In the midst of playing basketball and being a student, this is a job I won’t forget. I’m part of something that affects not only the local area, but also something that helps listeners who are grateful for the friendship and support of the station.”

In the summer of his senior year, Elliott married his fiancée, Kellie, who is also a WAU and Acro-Airs alumna. His hometown church is the Southeast Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. They now attend the New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church. Elliott graduated at the end of April as the vice president of his class. ■

“MY TEAMMATES ARE TRULY MY BROTHERS FOR LIFE. THAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE OR NOTHING WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE AWAY FROM US. NOT WINNING, NOT LOSING, NOT GRADUATING AND MOVING ON WITH LIFE. THIS TEAM CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE DUPLICATED .“

ElliotT Meredith iii #24

Elliott Meredith, men’s basketball team captain, giving his heart to Christ.

WAU Dean of Students Tim Nelson; Elliott and Kellie Meredith; and Pastor of Grace Community Seventh-day Adventist Church Dr. MyRon Edmonds.

Faith, Family & Friendship


“WAU HAS GIVEN ME THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR MY FUTURE. IT HAS BEEN THE PLACE FOR ME TO CHASE MY DREAMS. I HAVE FOUND WHAT I NEEDED HERE: A CAREER PATH, A SPORT THAT I LOVE TO PLAY, A JOB WHERE I CAN HELP PEOPLE, AND A PLACE TO DRAW CLOSER TO GOD.”


FAST FORWARDsenior forward FROM CLINTON, MARYLAND


OLIVIA TURNER #50

Welcoming Olivia Turner, the Hagerstown Community College transfer, was a big step in the right direction for women’s basketball head coach Jered Lyons and the Lady Shock.With her passion and energy for the game, Olivia helped

move the program to new heights. In her first year as a junior transfer, she led the Lady Shock to its first playoff bid, along with receiving All-American honors. Olivia made quite the adjustment and did an excellent job on and off the court with her academics. Her passion for school and basketball has helped propel the women’s basketball team and her teammates’ GPA as a whole. After the 2015-2016 season, success for Olivia and the Lady Shock did not stop there. As a team, they held a cumulative 3.6 GPA. ■

Olivia graduated as a counseling psychology major in the spring of 2017. She plans on taking a year off to work in the sports field as a sports psychologist assistant aide. Then, after a year, she will move on to getting her master’s at Bowie State University.

Olivia Turner with her family during the last home game for women’s basketball.

FAST FORWARD senior forward FROM CLINTON, MARYLAND



Eric Lindsey #11

As a freshman in 2013, Eric exceeded expectations when receiving All-American honors and being part of the National Championship team. He has experienced the highs with the lows, but through it all he has remained the same. Eric will leave a huge stamp on not only the men’s basketball team but also on the university.

As a communications major, he has never been short on words and is naturally the life of the party. Looking back on everything, Eric has helped shape a winning family culture here at WAU, and he looks at everybody involved as forever his family. While Eric leaves his mark on the university, it has also left a mark on him. Before attending, he didn’t really pay much attention to religion, but since he has been here he has started to adopt a spiritual foundation. “It’s been interesting to me. I’m a much more spiritual person now than when I first arrived,” said Eric. ■

Eric plans on graduating in 2018, going overseas to play professionally, and eventually getting married. He wants to get his master’s in education and become a teacher near the Churchton, Maryland, area. He wants to help local kids growing up in Maryland be proud of where they come from while passing on the wisdom he has gained at WAU.

“THE PAST FOUR YEARS HAVE TAUGHT ME THAT A FIRE LOSES NOTHING WHEN LIGHTING ANOTHER FLAME.”

Senior STYLE senior guard from Churchton, Maryland

Senior STYLE senior guard from Churchton, Maryland


“BEING HERE TAUGHT ME WHAT SACRIFICE AND UNSELFISHNESS REALLY MEAN. IT TOOK ME A LONG TIME TO UNDERSTAND AND TO GROW. THE TIME I SPENT HERE WITH THESE GUYS HAVE BEEN THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE.”


tall order senior forward from washington, dc


You can’t teach height. And in the case of our Washington, DC, native, Brian Bridgeforth, who stands at 6’10”, there is a lot of it. Affectionately referred to by his team as “RichB,” Brian is a talented entrepreneur, physical education graduate, and athlete.

Honored for reaching 1000 points in his athletic career this year, his goal is to become an athletic trainer. He credits WAU for helping him mature and bring him closer to God. Being a native of Washington, DC, he believed the school was a good fit for him, and after connecting with the men’s basketball coach and athletic director Patrick Crarey, he made the decision to attend.

Brian transferred to WAU from Seward Community College in Liberal, Kansas, in 2015. The two-time Player of the Year has made the most out of his time at the university and says that it has helped him grow as a man.

After school Brian plans on being the father he never had by raising his daughter with his fiancée, Deon-Pilar Petgrave, and taking his basketball skills as far as they will take him. This means, watch out for him in the NBA!

Brian and his friend started a clothing line in 2015 called BabyElephant. They aim to enrich their communities by hiring locally. They are currently based in the District of Columbia and in Atlanta, Georgia. For additional information on Brian’s clothing line, visit their website, www.thebabyelephant.bigcartel.com. ■

“BEING HERE HELPED ME SEE THAT THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE IN THE WORLD, AND I DON’T HAVE TO ALWAYS HAVE MY GUARD UP AND NOT TRUST PEOPLE JUST BECAUSE WE DIDN’T GROW UP TOGETHER. THEY WANT THE BEST FOR ME.”

Brian Bridgeforth #13

Brian proposing to his girlfriend during the men’s basketball team’s last home game of the year. @thebabyelephant202 / @thebabyelephantkids / @thebabyelephant404

You may also follow the company on Instagram at:

tall order senior forward from washington, dc


commanding CAPTAIN senior point guard from HAGERSTOWN, Maryland


Sometimes taking a chance on someone is all it takes. From no offers to national champion, Tyrus Fleetwood came to WAU from Hagerstown, Maryland, as a freshman counseling psychology major and joined the Shock basketball team. Even through adversity he continued to do what he knew best — keep moving forward. For Tyrus,

there has never been an easy road, and if you ask him, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

While attending WAU, he received a number of basketball awards and reached his 1000th career point in the 2016-17 season. Off the court, he serves as vice president of the Black Student Union and was an intern in the Office of Corporate Communications.

TYRUS FLEETWOOD #4

“The leadership positions, the balancing between books and ball, everything that I have encountered here at the school has opened up new doors for me and closed some as well. Being on the basketball team has allowed me to connect inside and outside of the community, which is a blessing because as an athlete and given our level of success over the years, it draws a lot of attention. As a leader of the team, I tried my best to lead by example and use that attention to help those around me grow and get better during my time here.” ■

“WITH SOME PLAYERS YOU HAVE A MAJOR IMPAC T ON THEIR LIVES AND THEN THERE ARE THOSE PLAYERS THAT HAVE A MAJOR IMPAC T ON YOUR LIFE. FOR ME, THAT PLAYER IS TYRUS,” SAID PATRICK CRAREY, HEAD COACH AND ATHLE TIC DIREC TOR.

Tyrus Fleetwood giving his heart to Christ

Tyrus with his sisters, Micaela and Grace Fleetwood

As a 2017 graduate, Tyrus plans to pursue a pro career in basketball and study for a master’s in kinesiology.

commanding CAPTAIN senior point guard from HAGERSTOWN, Maryland


“I HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN THROUGH A NUMBER OF PEAKS AND VALLEYS, ESPECIALLY DURING MY TIME HERE AT WAU. BUT I TAKE IT FOR WHAT IT IS AND CONTINUE TO WORK HARD. THAT IS WHAT HAS BEEN INSTILLED IN ME FROM A LITTLE BOY AND IT HAS STUCK WITH ME TO THIS DAY.”


RELATIONSHIPSTHEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

PATRICK E. CRAREY II

When Patrick E. Crarey II joined Washington Adventist University, his first goal was to change the culture of athletics on campus. That culture would grow from student academic success, spiritual influence, and competitive championships.

A native Washingtonian, Patrick graduated from nearby Takoma Academy, where he met his high school sweetheart, Emily Tong, who later became his wife and the mother of their son, Patrick Crarey III.

After high school, he attended La Sierra University in Riverside, California. His senior year he started coaching an eight-year-old club team and fell in love with his impact on the game. Patrick then was an assistant at La Sierra Academy before becoming the head assistant for La Sierra University. He returned home to Maryland to become the head coach at Takoma Academy for one season; his professional development continued on to the present at Washington Adventist University, where his impact has been vast.

As one of the most talented young coaches in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), he has reached 100 career wins and captured national attention. He is known for his leadership on and off the court, as he looks to give overlooked student-athletes a chance to continue their education and play at the next level. As athletic director, he leads the operations and strategic planning of the athletic department.

When asked about coaching, he doesn’t mention games or wins; he talks about relationships. On the court, he demands greatness, off the court, a brotherhood that cannot be broken. For Patrick, this goes beyond the games and winning. Relationships and culture are everything, and the team displayed this message as its theme for the year, “Culture Matters.”

“HE SHOWED ME THAT IT’S NEVER TOO LATE AND THAT YOUR SUCCESS IN LIFE IS DEPENDENT ON YOUR PREPARATION AND YOUR UNDYING DESIRE/PASSION.” — CHARLES VINES, JUNIOR GUARD

RELATIONSHIPSTHEN CHAMPIONSHIPS


The testimonies of his players speak for themselves. When asked what sold them on WAU, most will tell you that it was the connection they felt with Patrick that convinced them to pick this school and this team. ■

“The countless hours that are spent on the road and preparing do not go unnoticed. Going into his eighth season as athletic director and head coach for our men’s basketball team, I have witnessed him build some of the strongest relationships and young men we have on campus. He has developed a winning culture, and you can see the change in mentality in all our athletic programs,” said President Spence.

The relationships he builds go on to have lasting impressions and teach valuable lessons both on and off the court.

“Winning is the goal, but you get there through building relationships.” — Elliott Meredith, Senior Forward

“Coach Pat has been someone I can talk to whenever and about anything. He has been there from the beginning and gave me the opportunity to come out and be successful in both ball and life, period.” — Tyrus Fleetwood, Senior Point Guard

“He showed me that it’s okay to trust people and let people in. There are people that actually care, and not everyone in the world is bad for you.”— Brian Bridgeforth, Senior Forward

“As a coach, your dream is to win championships; just like in life our dream is to be successful. Though we are never taught that relationships are the key to our successes, through the foundations of relationships with trust, loyalty, discipline, and

most important, love, all of our dreams are attainable. ‘Relationships then Championships’ has been our motto all year and will continue to be the driving force that pushes me for the rest of my life.”

— Patrick E. Crarey II


Dear Washington Adventist University Alumni,

I would like you to join me in extending a special welcome to the class of 2017 to the Alumni Association! The Alumni Association is an organization of over 15,000 members worldwide. Our experiences as graduates connect all of us in a very special way, so I hope you will use this magazine, our website, and social media to keep that connection current, no matter where life takes you. Membership in the Alumni Association is free and takes effect the moment you graduate. Membership offers many benefits, as your relationship with Washington Adventist University should not end at graduation. There is much the university can do for you throughout life and much that you can and are encouraged to do in support of your alma mater.

I invite you to return to campus for Reunion and Homecoming; follow us on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook (our social media handle is thisiswau), and support the students who are following in your footsteps. Get involved in your community through one of our alumni chapters, help us recruit talented students to WAU, or simply send a note to our magazine editor to let us know of any big changes in your life. Your classmates will be happy to hear from you. Thank you for taking the time to stay connected with your alma mater. Please remember to update your mailing address and contact information through the Office of Advancement & University Relations at [email protected] or 301-891-4133.

Sincerely, Shawn Fordham ʻ14President, Washington Adventist University Alumni Association

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

S H A L I N I DAV I D

PRESIDENT & CEO (COFOUNDER) OF CHRISTALIS, INC.

It has been more than a dozen years since Shalini David (’99) first visited Uganda on a mission trip. Although she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, her trip to Uganda was life-changing, and she is now president & CEO of Christalis, Inc., which operates an orphanage she cofounded in Kasese Town, along with programs for poor and orphaned children.

Her journey began in 2004, when Shalini participated in a young adult speaker program at her church. She addressed the topic of evangelism, and an invitation to travel to Uganda came soon after. During the two-week trip that July, she saw hundreds of children who appeared to be in need.

“I saw children with so much sadness in their eyes, and I knew I needed to do something to help them,” said Shalini. Before leaving Kasese Town, Shalini spent three days interviewing children, and she knew she wanted to help those needing food, shelter, spiritual guidance, and education. She found a house to rent and girls to help care for the orphans.

“I saw children with so much sadness in their eyes, and I knew I needed to do something to help them.”

Thanks to a family friend who left her nursing job and moved to Uganda to manage the new orphanage, it began operations in January 2005. Soon after, Christalis, Inc., started an assistance program to help other needy children in the community.

ALUMNI FEATURE


In 2015, the orphanage moved to a newly constructed building on its own property. Although still in need of a fence and some finishing touches, the new structure can house 40 children. “It’s a constant dependency on God, and there’s not a single moment when I can get by without God,” said Shalini. “He rescues us at the moment when there’s no other way. He rescues us over and over, in ways far different from the ways we expect.”

Shalini’s nursing degree has helped her navigate health issues for the orphans, and she is happy to have it. She lives in Beltsville with her husband, Tony Poulose, and their daughter, Eva. ■

For more information about Christalis, to sponsor a child in need, or to help support the organization financially or as a volunteer, go to www.christalis.org.


onstantin Kulakov (’13) is appreciative of his undergraduate years at Washington Adventist University, and he believes that

the experiences he gained and the constellation of people he met along the way have been instrumental in his success.

Konstantin is an award-winning poet whose collection of poems, Excavating the Sky, was published last year to glowing reviews. He is also a preacher, and he collaborates with other artists on multimedia projects that return poetry to its original communal, musical, and oral context. “Poetry was meant to be performed,” said Konstantin, who notes that poets may revive poetry book sales so long as they bridge the gap between text and performance.

During his years at WAU, he loved that the campus location is so close to Washington, DC, and he valued the spiritual environment and culturally diverse student population, which prepared him for life as a poet and minister.

Konstantin earned a bachelor’s degree in English at WAU, where he was a member of the Honors Program and participated in open mic nights at

Busboys and Poets on U Street. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

He was born in Zaoksky, where he joined a family of dissident Soviet pastors including his grandfather, Mikhail P. Kulakov, who founded the Institute for Bible Translation, and his father, Mikhail M. Kulakov, D.Phil., a professor of theology at WAU, who took a

K

“There is a connection between art and ministry, for me,” said Konstantin.

“Art is spirituality, and spirituality is art.”

KO N S TA N T I N K U L A KOV

AUTHOR, EXCAVATING THE SKY

ALUMNI FEATURE


Last summer, Konstantin initiated a diverse panel on Art and Activism in his role as community minister for the Judson Memorial Church in New York City. He also preaches, writes poetry, and develops media design and content for Dialogue Foundation Inc.

For more information about Konstantin Kulakov and his work, go to www.konstantinkulakov.com.

five-year sabbatical in 2015 to complete the project of translating the Bible into Russian. ■


Eugene Simonov, WAU alumnus and director of video and creative marketing for the university’s radio station, was awarded second place in the 37th College Television Awards, presented by the Television Academy

Foundation. An Emmy for Best TV Series — Unscripted was awarded to Eugene as producer of the WGTS video series at the

May 25 ceremony in Los Angeles, California.

The College Television Awards follow the tradition of the Emmy Awards and recognize student innovation and achievement in storytelling. Of the more than 600 submissions, only 37 received recognition. Award winners received cash awards and were flown to California for the presentation ceremony, held at the Skirball Cultural Center.

“WAU has made a huge impact on my life, both personally and professionally,” said Eugene. “Growing up in Russia, I could only dream that one day I would be in Hollywood accepting a student Emmy Award for my film project. Now this is a reality, and I want to thank WAU and WGTS. Washington Adventist University has not only been my gateway to the United States, but also my partner in achieving my dreams!”

WGTS 91.9 General Manager Kevin Krueger said, “We are truly grateful. Words of Hope was the only faith-based project in the competition.”

WGTS is a listener-supported, noncommercial radio station that is a subsidiary of Washington Adventist University. Located on the university’s campus in Takoma Park, Maryland, the Christian radio station serves the Washington, DC, area and beyond with music, prayer, and messages of hope and encouragement.

The number of people who listen to the station each week averages more than 498,000. ■

ALUMNI FEATURE

E U G E N E S I M O N OV


Report of GiftsThe following represents those who contributed cash gifts or gifts in kind to Washington Adventist University during calendar year

2016. Overall giving in calendar year 2016, including cash, gifts in kind (non-monetary), and pledges, totaled $1,767,908.82. Of this amount, $854,911.57 was received in cash. Thank you for selecting Washington Adventist University as the recipient of your donation.

We are also thankful for the organizations in the community that share our mission, values, and vision. If we have inadvertently left your name off the list, please accept our apology and contact the Office of Advancement at 301-891-4133. Gifts given by Seventh-day

Adventist Conferences under the direction of the president are listed by conference name.

NAME CLASS OF

Aladdin Food Management Services/Michael Womack, Manager

Evelyn J. Bata

Judith Cichosz

Keller Brothers, Inc., and Keller Construction Management

LeRoy G. Cain

Michael Lee

Michael V. Gentry

Office Care, Inc./Dr. Richard Rajarathinam, CEO

Weymouth P. Spence

FOUNDER’S SOCIETY $5,000+

JAMES LAWHEAD SOCIETY $1,000+NAME CLASS OF

Adventist HealthCare – Community Partnership Fund

Alex & Melissa Romain

Angus W. McDonald 1974

Anita N. Olsen

Anonymous

Baraka Muganda

Carl & Glenda Sobremisana 2016

Cheryl H. Kisunzu

Chinyere D. Nwaoha 2015

Clara L. Cobb 1977

Cory S. Chambers 1968

Vincent & Damayanti Gurubatham

Dennis & Linda Currier

Donald & Pamela Melnick 1971

Douglas & Elisabeth Wear

Dynamic Campus Solutions, Inc.

Elvira M. DiLibero-Gurubatham 1992

Esponsor Now, Inc.

Hord Coplan Macht, Inc.

James Bingham

Janet F. Stoehr 1969

Jessica L. Baccus 1999

John & Lilya Wagner

Jose A. Fuentes

Kezia & Gajram Singh 1989

M&T Bank

Leroy & Janet Haas

Roderick & Margaret Glatter

Mary A. Hensinger 1960

Milton & Merrillie Morris 1964

Ouida E. Westney 1959

Patrick A. Williams

Patrick K. Farley 1981

Smith & Penchom Ho 1974

Philip & Sheryl Singh 1990

Prateep Chirakiti 1966

Ricoh USA, Inc.

Ronald & Beverly Anderson 1964

Ruben Smith

Russell & Nancy Arnold 1959

NAME CLASS OF

Adventist HealthCare

Columbia Union Conference & Conference officers —Dave Weigley, Donovan Ross, Robert Vandeman, Seth Bardu

Farid Srour 1949

John Y. Chang 1962

Leroy & Lois Peters 2014

Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities Association

Medical Group Foundation, Inc.

The Herbert N. Gundersheimer Foundation, Inc.

Vijayan & Jill Charles

Western Adventist Foundation (Erma L. Landis Revocable Trust)

VISIONARY’S SOCIETY $10,000+


HMS RICHARDS SOCIETY $500+NAME CLASS OF

Alan & Kathy Hecht 1987/1984

Anette B. Guldhammer-Beals 1965

Anita Pastan

Beltram & Cavel Melbourne

Bogdan Scur

Dorothy M. Gardner 1964

Fitzroy & Jennifer Thomas 1976/2003

Frank & Anna Damazo

Genevieve Singh

Gerald & Ruby Anderson

Glenda Alexander

Henry & Sharon Fordham

Hilton & Doris Suddarth 1950

James & Jane Lanning 1992

Jerry & Jane Baugher 1970

Joseph & Juanita Gurubatham 1966/1974

Kathryn S. Pearson 1984

Kinetics Marketing and Communications

Linda G. Howard 1987

Lloyd Yutuc

Lou Ann A. Goans-Rector 1990

Lydee M. Battle

Marilyn J. Herrmann 1965

North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists

Potomac Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, William Miller, President

Raymond & Sheila Wheltle/Martec Facilities

Robert & Marian Wagner 1965

Sandra M. Loughlin 2002

Sanjay & Mia Thomas

State Farm Companies Foundation

Surendra & Mercedes Gill

Ted & Elizabeth Howe

Terry & Marijade Forde

Timothy L. Nelson 2011

Washington Cardiovascular Institute

William & Bernie Albright

William Ellis

NAME CLASS OF

Aleksandar Sandrac

Anne V. Saggurthi 1996

Becky Barker

Charles R. Ryan 2000

Charles & Rosie Davis

David Remy

E. Albert & Sharon Reece

Ellie R. Barker 2011

Erytheia Lambert-Jones

Gordon O. McWatters 2007

Grillmarx, LLC

James & Fran Brown 1953

Janel S. Ware 1995

Janette R. Neufville

Jo Ann K. Mackey

John L. Murdoch 1959

Juan & Elizabeth Fresse 1998

Lahna Farver

Ralph Johnson & Maria Lee-Johnson

Michael K. Shelton 2005

Mikhail M. Kulakov

New Jersey Conference of SDA, Jose Cortes Sr., President

Nicole Currier

Paul Weir

Phoenixville Mission Group Seventh-day Adventist

Frederick & Polly Dengel

Rebecca J. Alignay 1999

Richard & Norma Osborn 1969

Robert & Alyce Boggess 1960

Ruby A. Rice 1956

Russell J. Wetherell 1974

Ruth M. Rivera 1965

Thomas L. Diggs 2009

William E. Jackson 1974

Young S. Kim 1961

Zelma Edwards

GATEWAY SOCIETY $250+Leif & Sharon Christiansen 1977

Shawn L. Fordham 2014

Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church

Gerald & Stella Hubbell 1957

The Benevity Community Impact Fund

The M&T Charitable Foundation

TiJuana G. Griffin 1977

WGTS 91.9

NAME CLASS OF

Adelheid Chow

Adeline Kisanga Mwakibinga

Admire G. Russell 2003

Adrienne Matthews

Akosoa McFadgion

Alan S. Hecht 1987

Alana L. Pabon 2016

Albert M. Ellis 1960

PIONEERS SOCIETY $100+


REPORT OF GIFTS

Alexandra Willis

Alfred E. Hess 1952

Alice N. Cunningham-Spindler 1953

A’lisa D. Andrade

Amalia DiLibero

AmazonSmile Foundation

America’s Charitites

Andrea Baldwin

Andrew S. Lay

Angeli Yutuc 2010

Angie A. Campos

Angie S. Crews 2016

Angus Crawford

Ann M. Juneau

Arnold Medina 1986

Arthur L. Calhoun 1968

Ashley Blazek

Audrey M. Colvin 1976

Barbara H. Thurlow 1956

Barbara L. Baldwin 1950

Basava R. Jitta

Becky A. Ratana 1989

Benin A. Lee 1991

Bernie Lajoie

Bernie T. Albright

Betty Giang

Betty J. Kannenberg 1964

Beulah Manuel

Beverly L. Jansheski 1968

Boddie

Bonnie Franckowiak

Brenda G. Blackburn 1984

Brian C. Luthers 2011

Brittany L. Penner 2006

Bruce Peifer

C. D. Libero, Verde Pomodoro LLC, DBA Fresh Green Tomato

Carl L. Hartman 1956

Carol A. Davis 1976

Carol J. Wallington 1965

Carol J. Wallington 1983

Carol Onuska 1964

Carol Y. Wright 1996

Caron S. Sobers 1994

Cecilia A. Johnson 1996

Celeste P. Ryan Blyden 1993

Cephas Greenidge 1956

Charles B. McDermott 1974

Charles F. Brown 1990

Charles J. Goodacre

Charles J. Kovalchick

Charles P. George 1972

Charles Shyab 1970

Charlotte C. Zane 1960

Cheryl A. Haag-Schaeffer 1973

Cheryl S. Rice 2003

Chiem B. Logan

Chiramal Mathew

Christine E. Waring 1974

Cindy Gowan

Cindy S. Ascencio 2016

Claudia Smith 1987

Clinton M. Harrington 1988

Courtney E. Daley 2013

Cynthia D. Douglas 1967

DaMario R. Cobb 2006

Dania J. Wurster

Daniella S. Williams 2013

David C. Smith

David E. Neimeyer

Dean Sadat-Aalaee

Deborah A. Thurlow 1986

Deborah J. Szasz 1975

Delores W. Johnson 2003

Derek Ross

Desiree R. Dixon 2012

Devie L. Phipps 2014

Dolores M. Bouland 1952

Donald Essex

Donald J. Russell 1954

Dorothy L. Creveling 1953

Dorothy O. Clennon 2010

Dorsey Van Horn

Douglas Morgan

Edna Maye M. Loveless

Edward G. Rosaasen 1967

Edward L. Barnette 1971

Edwin Monge

Eleanore L. Smart 1951

Eliane M. Beach 1959

Elizabeth E. Matthews 1958

Elizabeth S. Norris 1981

Ella Goddard 1948

Ellen J. Agard 1989

Ellis Contee

Elmer L. Malcolm 1957


REPORT OF GIFTS

Esther K. Ghazi 1990

Eugene F. Durand 1951

Evans Jean 1992

Evelyn Zuniga-Sanchez 2011

Ezequiel J. Valladares 2013

Faith D. Housen 1984

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Florence J. Pelham 1990

Frank Di Memmo 1969

Frank R. Peden

Franklin H. Scheib 1989

George H. Sutton 1956

Glenn S. Rea 1969

Grace B. Pitcher 1944

Gunnar G. Leitma 1978

Gwendolyn F. Jones 1989

H Lee Cronin 2000

H. D. Bouland 1975

Hanover SDA Church

Harold E. Rhodes 1961

Harold Whitman

Harrodine Greene

Hattie J. Williams 1970

Haywood T. Weatherford 1970

Helen I. Peace 1968

Helen J. Pike 1958

Helen M. Anderson 1952

Hubert Cisneros

Imogene Akers 1956

Ivett Shields

James C. Groomes 2004

James E. Butler

James M. Hammond

Jamila S. Jones 2005

Janet Brode 2011

Janet D. Gibson 1967

Janet E. Karpenko 1968

Jean C. Arthur 1983

Jeanette Bryson

Jenese Jackson

Jermey N. Matthews 2000

Jerry M. Shier

Jesse K. Henderson 1999

Jessica Kisunzu

Joan Collier 2010

Joann Witta

John A. Davidson 1955

John E. Benko 1966

John F. Bohner 1952

John M. Best 1991

Jon Palks

Jonathan D. Peter 2015

Jonelet S. Bange

Jonelle Matthews 2010

Jose Cortes

Josephine Y. Loh 1970

Joy Doggette Peifer

Joyce Martin 1976

Joyce Minton 1954

Joyce Passer 1945

Juanita Womack

Judy K. Reese 1974

Justice Ike

Kathy L. Williams 1975

Kimberly S. Wright 2012

Krista Byrd 2013

Lana L. Greaves-Benjamin 2014

Lawrence R. Show

Lee M. Roberts

Lillian Matthews 1971

Linda J. Lundberg 1970

Linda L. Steinberg

Linda W. Oliphant 1996

Linthicum Seventh-day Adventist Church

Lisa Krueger

Lissette Wright

Lois J. Suhrie 1969

Lorena Martinez

Lyle O. Botimer 1959

Lyndrey A. Niles 1963

Lynn Zabaleta

Manal Alharbi

Marcia A. Dunbar 1961

Marette R. Spencer 2016

Margaret von Hake

Marilyn A. Wallace 1960

Marshall E. Conner

Marthanne L. Glenn 1976

Mary D. Lambert

Mary G. Degrezia

Mary J. Hawbaker 1956

Massaud Ahmad

Matthew Shephard

Maxine C. Sutherland

Meghan Fakeye

Melanie K. Fonder

Melissa Henley


REPORT OF GIFTS

Michael B. Tracy

Michael E. Dunn 1973

Michael Jakobsons

Mildred A. Greer 1968

Mildred E. Wright 1978

Mildred L. Graham

Milton D. Westberg 1957

Mylander Builders, LLC

Nan Whalen 1988

Nancie Crespi

Nancy J. Heine 1977

Nancy L. Cross-Hall 1957

Nikita G. Thompson 2013

Nkula Goma

Olive Hemmings

Oliver S. Palmer 1964

Pamela E. Palmer 1970

Patience Wilson

Patricia B. Kimble 1950

Patricia Budd

Patrick Crarey

Paul A. Imbraguglio 1970

Paula C. Barnes

Pauline Maxwell 1951

Penny E. Perry 1979

Phyllis Edmonds

Phyllis Y. Simons 1962

Pierre Ramseier 1967

Rabaut Dorval 1997

Ralph Johnson

Ray Hartwell

Raysa Creque

Rebekah S. Moore 1973

Reginald Garcon

Richard Boskind

Richard D. Fearing 1950

Richard G. Ruhling 1962

Richard Grant

Richard L. Philbrick 1955

Richard R. Remmers

Rita D. Jenoure 1998

Robert A. Yingst 1966

Robert E. Lemon 1973

Robert Gurtler

Robert N. Smith

Robert Vandeman

Robert W. Sauer 2004

Robin M. Kinard 2001

Rojet Evans

Roland F. John 1952

Roland W. Halstead

Ronald B. Halvorsen

Ronald E. Krum 1956

Rose Gamblin

Rosemary Ascencio

Roy A. Willis 1976

Ruth M. Krum 1956

Samantha S. Wilson-Martin

Sandra Clatterbuck 1974

Sandra E. Farwell-Williams 1985

Sandra L. Van Buskirk 1998

Sandra Pace

Schwab Charitable Fund

Scott P. Aijo 1986

Selica R. Gordon-Black 2015

Shake Shennar 1962

Shareyl S. Simons

Sharon Pelton 1984

Sharon R. Ford

Shelliaan Thorpe

Shirley Copeman

Solomon J. Isaac 1992

Steven & Brenda Blackburn 1984

Takoma Bicycle LLC

Terrence W. Hill 1965

Terri J. Vincentich 1981

Thelda Van Lange-Greaves

Thellian Myers

Valerie J. Halliwell Smith 1969

Vel E. Kotter 1965

Vera Blake

Vera E. Chandler 1972

Vernice V. Newson 1970

Vernon R. Schubert 1971

Vernon T. Waters 1995

Vicki S. Rosette 1986

Victoria K. Lawrence 1960

Violeta Mack Donovan

Walter J. Nixon 1969

Wayne A. Smith 1986

Welton L. Ingram

William C. Cunningham

William D. Dorch 1988

Wilma J. Raub 1994

Winston K. Young 1970

Wynell N. Marandure 1998


REPORT OF GIFTS

NAME CLASS OF

Adelheid Chow

Adeline Kisanga Mwakibinga

Akosoa McFadgion

Alana L. Pabon 2016

Albert M. Ellis 1960

Alexandra Willis

Alice N. Cunningham-Spindler 1953

Amalia DiLibero

AmazonSmile Foundation

America’s Charities

Andrew & Colleen Lay

Angie A. Campos

Angie S. Crews 2016

Angus Crawford

Ann M. Juneau

Arnold Medina 1986

Ashley Blazek

Barbara H. Thurlow 1956

Bernie Lajoie

Beulah Manuel

Beverly L. Jansheski 1968

Boddie

Brian C. Luthers 2011

Bruce Peifer

Carl L. Hartman 1956

Carol A. Davis 1976

Carol L. Minnich 1983

Carol Onuska 1964

Carol Y. Wright 1996

Caron S. Sobers 1994

Charles F. Brown 1990

Charles Shyab 1970

Chiem B. Logan

Chiramal & Grace Mathew

Cindy S. Ascencio 2016

Clinton M. Harrington 1988

Courtney E. Daleyq 2013

DaMario R. Cobb 2006

Dania J. Wurster

Lynval & Daniella Williams 2016/2013

David & Jean Marie Smith

David E. Neimeyer

Derek Ross

Devie L. Phipps 2014

Donald Essex

Donald J. Russell 1954

Edward & Judith Rosaasen 1967

FRIENDSJames & Ella Goddard 1953/1948

Ellen J. Agard 1989

Elmer Malcolm & Cynthia Carter-Malcolm 1957/1979

Esther K. Ghazi 1990

Eugene & Evelyn Durand 1951/1969

Evans Jean 1992

Evelyn Zuniga-Sanchez 2011

Ezequiel J. Valladares 2013

Florence J. Pelham 1990

Frank Di Memmo 1944

George H. Sutton 1944

Grace B. Pitcher 1944

Grant G. Leitma 1978

Gwendolyn F. Jones 1989

H. Dean Bouland 1975

Harold E. Rhodes 1961

Harold & Nona Whitman 1952

Helen J. Pike 1958

Imogene Akers 1956

Janet D. Gibson 1967

Janet E. Karpenko 1968

Jean C. Arthur 1983

Jeanette Bryson

Jenese Jackson

Jerry & Cathy Shier

Joan Collier 2010

John & Lois Benko 1966/1991

John M. Best 1991

Jon Palks

Jonathan D. Peter 2015

Jonelle Matthews 2010

Joyce Martin 1976

Joyce Minton 1954

Judy K. Reese 1974

Justice Ike

Kathy L. Williams 1975

Kimberly S. Wright 2012

Krista Byrd 2013

Lana L. Greaves-Benjamin 2014

Lillian Matthews 1971

Lissette Wright

Lyle O. Botimer 1959

Lynn Zabaleta

Manal Alharbi

Marette R. Spencer 2016

Margaret von Hake

Marilyn A. Wallace 1960

Marshall E. Conner


REPORT OF GIFTS

Marthanne L. Glenn 1976

Mary D. Lambert

Mary G. Degrezia

Mary J. Hawbaker 1956

Massaud Ahmad

Matthew Shephard

Sian & Maxine Sutherland

Meghan Fakeye

Melanie K. Fonder

Michael & Beth Tracy

Michael Jakobsons

Mildred A. Greer 1968

Mildred L. Graham

Milton D. Westberg 1957

Nan Whalen 1988

Nikita G. Thompson 2013

Pamela E. Palmer 1970

Patience Wilson

Patricia B. Kimble 1950

Patricia Budd

Patrick Crarey

Paula C. Barnes

Pauline Maxwell 1951

Pierre Ramseier 1967

Raysa Creque

Reginald Garcon

Richard & Martha Boskind Attended

Richard G. Ruhling 1962

Richard Grant

Rita D. Jenoure 1998

Robert A. Yingst 1966

Robert Gurtler

Robert & Tiffany Smith

Robert W. Sauer 2004

Robin M. Kinard 2001

Rojet Evans

Roland F. John 1952

Rose Gamblin

Rosemary Ascencio

Samantha S. Wilson-Martin

Sandra Clatterbuck 1974

Sandra Pace

Selica R. Gordon-Black 2015

Shareyl S. Simons

Ronald & Sharon Pelton 1978/1976

Sharon R. Ford

Shelliaan Thorpe

Shirley Copeman

NAME CLASS OF

Aladdin Food Management Services/Michael Womack, Manager

Bill Howells

Densil & Janette Neufville 1992

Duane Merrill

Ellie Barker 2011

Estate of Roger M. Adelman

Evelyn Bata

Jack Jennings & Steve Molinari

Milton & Merrillie Morris 1964/1966

Nkula Goma 2013

Standard Office Supply

GIFTS IN KIND 2016

Solomon J. Isaac 1992

Terri J. Vincentich 1981

Thellian Myers

Valerie J. Halliwell Smith 1969

Vel E. Kotter 1965

Vera Blake

Vera E. Chandler 1972

Vernice V. Newson 1970

Vernon R. Schubert 1971

Vernon T. Waters 1995

Victoria K. Lawrence 1960

Wayne A. Smith 1986

William & Wendy Cunningham

Wynell N. Marandure 1998


Giving ReportOFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT AND UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

WAU tracks and reports giving on an annual basis on two different timelines: calendar year giving or fiscal year giving. Calendar year giving starts January 1 and continues through December 31. Fiscal year giving

begins July 1 and continues through June 30. The report below reflects total fiscal year giving from 2013 to 2016. For future reference, please use these numbers for total annual giving.

I. CALENDAR YEAR INCLUSIVE GIVING DATA: COMPARISON AND STATISTICS

• OVERALL CALENDAR YEAR GIVING COMPARISON

2,500,000.00

3,000,000.00

2,000,000.00

1,000,000.00

1,500,000.00

500,000.00

0.00

Overall Giving Cash Received Gift in Kind PledgesOutstanding

Calendar Year 2013 1,226,823.11 876,110.61 350,712.50 0.00

Calendar Year 2014 1,633,450.12 882,260.15 1,189.97 750,000.00

Calendar Year 2015 2,822,006.87 1,265,978.87 1,275,788.00 280,240.00

Calendar Year 2016 1,767,908.82 854,911.57 12,997.25 900,000.00

• DONOR AND GIFT CALENDAR YEAR COMPARISON

1,000

1,200

800

400

600

200

0

Number of Donors Number of Gifts

Calendar Year 2013 437 1,089





Overall Giving Comparison:Reflects overall giving of cash received, gifts in kind (non-monetary gifts), and pledges over the same time period, accurately reflecting where giving was last year at the same time.

Calendar Year 2013 Total Giving Amount $1,226,823.11Calendar Year 2014 Total Giving Amount $1,633,450.12 Calendar Year 2015 Total Giving Amount $2,822,006.87 Calendar Year 2016 Total Giving Amount $1,767,908.82

Cash Received Giving Comparison: Reflects overall cash received over the same time period, accurately reflecting where giving was last year at the same time.

Calendar Year 2013 Cash Received Calendar Year 2014 Cash Received Calendar Year 2015 Cash Received Calendar Year 2016 Cash Received

II. ALUMNI GIVING DATA: COMPARISON AND STATISTICS

• ALUMNI GIVING COMPARISON• ALUMNI GIVING COMPARISON

Number of Donors

Number of Gifts

Calendar Year 2013 210 483




500

600

400

200

300

100

0

250,000.00

300,000.00

200,000.00

100,000.00

150,000.00

50,000.00

0.00

Overall Alumni Giving

Cash Received Alumni Donors

Outstanding Pledges

Calendar Year 2013 325,220.51 325,220.51 0

Calendar Year 2014 286,866.42 286,866.42 0

Calendar Year 2015 461,728.16 437,488.16 24,240

Calendar Year 2016 275,980.25 275,980.25 0

350,000.00

400,000.00

450,000.00

500,000.00

Number of Donors Comparison: Reflects overall the number of donors who contributed over the same time period, accurately reflecting where giving was last year at the same time.

Calendar Year 2013 Total Donors 437Calendar Year 2014 Total Donors 340Calendar Year 2015 Total Donors 428Calendar Year 2016 Total Donors 439

Number of Gifts: Reflects overall the number of gifts to the institution over the same time period, accurately reflecting where giving was last year at the same time.

YTD Calendar Year 2013 Total Gifts 1,089YTD Calendar Year 2014 Total Gifts 1,026YTD Calendar Year 2015 Total Gifts 1,017YTD Calendar Year 2016 Total Gifts 1,004

$ 876,110.61$ 882,260.15$1,265,978.87$ 854,911.57


Alumni Overall Giving Comparison:Overall giving includes cash received, gifts in kind (non-monetary gifts), and pledges from alumni-specific donors.

Calendar Year 2013 Total Alumni Giving Calendar Year 2014 Total Alumni Giving Calendar Year 2015 Total Giving Amount Calendar Year 2016 Total Giving Amount

Cash Received Alumni Giving Comparison: Reflects overall cash received from alumni donors over the same time period, accurately reflecting where giving was last year at the same time.

Calendar Year 2013 Cash Received Calendar Year 2014 Cash ReceivedCalendar Year 2015 Cash Received Calendar Year 2016 Cash Received

Number of Donors Comparison: Reflects overall the number of donors who contributed over the same time period, accurately reflecting where giving was last year at the same time.

Calendar Year 2013 Alumni Donors 210Calendar Year 2014 Alumni Donors 169Calendar Year 2015 Alumni Donors 235Calendar Year 2016 Alumni Donors 238

Number of Gifts: Reflects overall the number of gifts to the institution over the same time period, accurately reflecting where giving was last year at the same time.

Calendar Year 2013 Total Donors 483Calendar Year 2014 Total Donors 466Calendar Year 2015 Total Donors 496Calendar Year 2016 Total Donors 461

*YTD OVERALL NEW DONOR GIVING

100

120

80

40

60

20

0

New Donors

Calendar Year 2013 131




140

III. NEW DONOR GIVING DATA: COMPARISON AND STATISTICS

*OVERALL NEW DONOR GIVING

250,000.00

300,000.00

200,000.00

100,000.00

150,000.00

50,000.00

0

Overall New Donor Giving

Calendar Year 2013 329,074.10




350,000.00

New Donor Giving ComparisonOverall giving includes cash received, gifts in kind (non-monetary gifts), and pledges from first-time givers.

Calendar Year 2013 Total Giving Amount Calendar Year 2014 Total Giving Amount Calendar Year 2015 Total Giving Amount Calendar Year 2016 Total Giving Amount

Number of New Donors Comparison: Represents the number of new first-time donors who contributed.

Calendar Year 2013 New Donors Calendar Year 2014 New Donors Calendar Year 2015 New Donors Calendar Year 2016 New Donors

$329,074.10$ 35,164.09$169,376.89$ 43,228.93

131 78118 92

$325,220.51$286,866.42$ 437,488.16$275,980.25

$325,220.51$286,866.42$461,728.16$275,980.25

7600 Flower AvenueTakoma Park, MD 20912

THANK YOU TO COMPTROLLER OF MARYLAND PETER FRANCHOT, 2017 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Peter Franchot is currently serving his third term as Maryland’s 33rd comptroller. As comptroller, Peter Franchot has been an independent voice and fiscal watchdog for the taxpayers of Maryland. As a member of the powerful Board

of Public Works and vice-chair of the State Retirement and Pension System of Maryland, Franchot has worked tirelessly to keep Maryland competitive in the knowledge-based economy, create a climate of economic equality and opportunity, and protect Maryland’s parks, waterways, and open spaces.

In recognition of his work on behalf of Maryland taxpayers, the Association of Government Accountants awarded Comptroller Franchot their highest honor, the William R. Snodgrass Distinguished Leadership Award.

Franchot has been a friend to WAU and a special supporter of our Business and Communications Department Enactus Team. In 2015 and 2016, Franchot took time to recognize business students for helping local small businessesfind success.

Not only is WAU proud to have Franchot’s friendship and support, we are also honored to have him as an honorary alumnus, and were proud to have him address the Class of 2017 as our commencement speaker.

COMMENCEMENT Consecration: Fri., April 28, 8pm, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7700 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912, Speaker: Chaplain Kumar Dixit of WGTS 91.9 Baccalaureate: Sat., April 29, 11:15am, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7700 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912, Speaker: Pastor Jose Rojas of the Movementum Ministry Commencement: Sun., April 30, 10am, Showplace Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, Speaker: Peter Franchot 62 THE GATEWAY | SPRING 2017

7600 Flower AvenueTakoma Park, MD 20912

COMPTROLLER OF MARYLAND NAMED 2017 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Peter Franchot is currently serving his third term as Maryland’s 33rd comptroller. As comptroller, Peter Franchot has been an independent voice and fiscal watchdog for the taxpayers of Maryland. As a member of the powerful Board

of Public Works and vice-chair of the State Retirement and Pension System of Maryland, Franchot has worked tirelessly to keep Maryland competitive in the knowledge-based economy, create a climate of economic equality and opportunity, and protect Maryland’s parks, waterways, and open spaces.

In recognition of his work on behalf of Maryland taxpayers, the Association of Government Accountants awarded Comptroller Franchot their highest honor, the William R. Snodgrass Distinguished Leadership Award.

Franchot has been a friend to WAU and a special supporter of our Business and Communications Department Enactus Team. In 2015 and 2016, Franchot took time to recognize business students for helping local small businessesfind success.

Not only is WAU proud to have Franchot’s friendship and support, we are also honored to have him as an honorary alumnus.

COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND SCHEDULE Consecration: Fri., April 28, 8pm, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7700 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912, Speaker: Chaplain Kumar Dixit of WGTS 91.9 Baccalaureate: Sat., April 29, 11:15am, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7700 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912, Speaker: Pastor Jose Rojas of the Movementum Ministry Commencement: Sun., April 30, 10am, Showplace Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, Speaker: Peter Franchot

president’s perspective · 2018. 7. 18. · classes are offered in the mornings, leaving...

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