WAU Media Students Attend Global Sports Launch, Connecting Course Learning to Real-World Industry Experience
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 29, 2025) — Students from Washington Adventist University’s Business Department media studies program stepped into a global professional arena this week, attending the high-profile launch of the World American Football League (WAFL) in Washington, D.C. Their participation aligned directly with coursework in Designing for the Media (GART-220), strengthening academic learning through real-world application.
WAU Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications Simonique Dietz was invited to attend the press conference, accompanied by students Raquel Perez Torrico, Hurrich Quentin Engoue Nkwedja and Samuel Damise. The event, hosted by Black Sun Private Equity, featured former NFL champions, media executives and international investors unveiling a 32-team global professional football league.
Students observed strategic communication practices, creative brand positioning, live media operations and stakeholder engagement, core competencies emphasized in GART-220.
“This was experiential learning at the highest level,” Dietz said. “Our students were able to see in real time how media strategy, design storytelling and global branding shape public perception and launch major enterprises. It’s an invaluable extension of what they are learning in the classroom.”
The press event introduced the WAFL’s plan to integrate U.S. franchises with international sports markets, leveraging partnerships with global soccer institutions. Two-time Super Bowl champion Gary Clark, who will serve as league president, underscored the initiative’s focus on equity, athlete empowerment and global fan engagement.
“This league represents opportunity, access and innovation,” Clark said. “We are cultivating a new generation of leaders in sports, media and business.”
For the WAU students, the experience served as a live case study in designing for multimedia environments, audience engagement, and cross-platform communication. Themes central to the GART-220 curriculum.
Perez Torrico, Engoue Nkwedja and Damise also engaged with executives and media personnel, gaining exposure to brand development, executive messaging and organizational leadership.
“This opportunity strengthened the bridge between academic theory and professional practice,” Dietz said. “WAU remains committed to preparing students to think strategically, communicate creatively and operate confidently in global media spaces.”
The experience supports WAU’s emphasis on applied learning and leadership development, embodying the university’s mission to prepare students to lead with excellence in communication, service and innovation. Learn more about academic and professional opportunities at wau.edu.
