Washington Adventist University Graduated 246 At Its 101st Commencement Ceremony
Takoma Park, Maryland (May 5, 2016) Washington Adventist University (WAU) hosted its 101st commencement ceremony on May 1 at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro. The class of 2016 totals 250 graduates comprised of the following degrees: 90 master’s degrees, 154 bachelor’s degrees and nine associate’s degrees.
The commencement speaker was Sarah Bloom Raskin, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Raskin focused on the macroeconomic impact of student loans and cyber security, as well as drivers that bolster and sustain U.S. and global economic growth and recovery. In her speech, she recognized the financial hardships faced by many of the graduates and mentioned the initiatives taken by President Barack Obama to help alleviate this burden. She reminded them to be proud of their accomplishment, because for many, they may be the first in their family to obtain a college degree.
This year’s Adrian T. Westney Award was a presented to Erwin Mac, a longtime supporter of education and WAU. The award recognizes unparalleled dedication, unmatched performance, and inspirational service that goes “above and beyond,” all that Adrian Westney demonstrated.
The senior class, led by the class treasurer Michele Etienne, delivered the class appreciation and presented the university with a Senior Scholarship of $15,000. This scholarship will assist senior students in need of financial assistance.
The commencement weekend debuted with various events planned especially for the graduates and their families. The Alumni Association Induction ceremony and Consecration, a sacred ceremony where God’s blessing is asked for the graduates, was held on Friday night. Baccalaureate, a church service to honor the graduates, was on Saturday, along with several honors programs and departmental pinning ceremonies later in the afternoon.
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Washington Adventist University is Montgomery County’s only four-year private college. Part of the Seventh-day Adventist system of higher education, Washington Adventist University has been educating college students since 1904 on a 19-acre campus in suburban Takoma Park, close to the nation’s capital. Approximately 1,100 students of all faiths participate in the university’s nine graduate and 30 undergraduate programs. The 2016 edition of U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington Adventist University among the best regional colleges in the north.
Media Contacts:
Angie Crews, 301-891-4134, acrews@wau.edu
Donna Bigler, 240-286-1169, dbigler@wau.edu