Al Reece, Distinguished Scientist and Scholar, Appointed to Board of Trustees

Reece in Chemical Hall 150Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, E. Albert Reece, MD, Ph.D., MBA, has been appointed to the Washington Adventist University (WAU) Board of Trustees. He will serve on the board’s academic affairs sub-committee.

With his distinguished record of academic achievement, career experience, and leadership, Reece is expected to add tremendous value to the work of the board as the university’s oversight body.

Douglas K. Walker Named Interim General Manager WGTS 91.9

Douglas Walker

The board of directors of WGTS 91.9, named Douglas K. Walker interim general manager, effective Thursday, January 17, 2013. Walker’s appointment comes in the wake of the death of vice president and general manager John Konrad on January 2.

“We hired Doug to make sure the station’s ministry continues in a strong and stable manner while the search for the next general manager is conducted,” said chair of WGTS board, Rob Vandeman. “Doug has great managerial experience, as well as a long and positive history with WGTS as both a volunteer and a board member, and the radio station staff is very comfortable with how he fits the ministry’s profile.”

Hundreds Paid Tribute to WGTS’s John Konrad

John KonradHundreds of people gathered at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, January 12, to celebrate the life of John Konrad, Vice President and General Manager of Washington’s contemporary Christian music station, WGTS 91.9. Konrad, 43, died at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, January 2, after a short illness.

Pastor Al Konrad, John’s father, spoke in loving memory of a son whom he said approached life with a special kind off exuberance.

First Generation Ambassadors Program Models Service Committment

TutoringThe First Generation Ambassadors Program (FGAP), an auxiliary of Washington Adventist University’s (WAU) Center for Student Success, is gearing up for his annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

On Sunday, January 27, the group will clean up the King Memorial on the National Mall. FGAP Coordinator, Kassie May Edwards, says the group is marking the day a week later because of Inauguration Day activities on January 21.

Celebration of John Konrad’s Life, January 12

President SpenceA celebration for the life of John Konrad, Vice President and General Manager of Washington’s contemporary Christian music station, WGTS 91.9, will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 12, at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7700 Carroll Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912

Konrad, 43, died at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, January 2, after a short illness.

New President of Allegheny East Conference, Henry Fordham III, to Serve on Board of Trustees

Henry FordhamPresident of Allegheny East Conference, Henry Fordham III, is a new appointee to the Washington Adventist University (WAU) Board of Trustees. Fordham, who replaces retired President Charles Cheatham, will serve on the board’s advancement subcommittee.

“Pastor Fordham is a gifted and humble leader and I know WAU will benefit enormously from his contribution,” said Dave Weigley, President of the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Chair of the WAU Board of Trustees. “He represents a valued part of our constituents and student body.”

Ministry Department Lends a Hand to Hurricane Victims

Ministry Department Lends a Hand to Hurricane VictimsIn a clear manifestation of the spirit of service, Washington Adventist University’s department of ministry lead a team of students in providing assistance and comfort to residents of storm-ravaged New Jersey. Led by Chaplain of Ministry, Kaneil Williams, 16 students embarked on the three and a half hour journey to Pleasantville, New Jersey, November 11.

New Chair Eager to Grow Nursing Department

Washington Adventist University (WAU) has appointed Emily Mize, RN, Ph.D., to serve as chair of the department of nursing. The Edyth T. James Department of Nursing is part of the University’s School of Health Professions, Science and Wellness.

“The department is at a point of transitioning from a college program to a university program. I am excited about this opportunity to give back to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and to nursing education,” Mize said. “I am passionate about teaching and mentoring both students and faculty.” 

Music Groups Inspire on Fifth South African Tour

South Africa Music Trip 2From Takoma Park to Pretoria, Washington Adventist University’s Collegiate Choral and New England Youth Ensemble, serve and inspire through the gift of music.

On their fifth visit to South Africa this summer, partly sponsored by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, the group performed at the University of South Africa, Pretoria; Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg; University of the Free State, Bloemfontein; and Stellenbosch University. Concerts were also given in four cathedrals – St. George’s, Cape Town; St. Michael and St. George, Grahamstown; St. Michael and All Angels, Queenstown; and St. Paul’s, Durban, among others.

Community Renews Commitment to Mission, Vision and Core Values

Staff Dedication 2012-250The Washington Adventist University (WAU) community celebrated its annual Dedication Sabbath at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Saturday, September 8. Scores of students, faculty and staff attended the worship service, symbolizing renewed commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of the University.

“WAU Sabbath at Sligo was beyond an amazing experience,” said Regina Johnson, Chaplain of Ministry. “God most definitely spoke to us and seeing so many students, faculty and staff on one accord was wonderful.”