SPIRITUAL REVIVAL AT WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY: IMPACT OF W.I.S.E. WEEK
Written by: GIOVANNI TORRENTE
TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND – In the closing week of September, Washington Adventist University (WAU) illuminated the path to spiritual rejuvenation through a series of events. Daily, from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm, Sligo Church became a place of inspiration , where an eloquent speaker engaged the hearts and minds of students, faculty and staff with enlightening insights.
Appropriately named, “W.I.S.E (Week In Spiritual Emphasis) Week,” this initiative marked a significant moment for nurturing the spiritual evolution of WAU’s campus.
WAU has a steadfast commitment to fostering spiritual growth, as evident from its long-standing tradition of organizing a fall event spotlighting a renowned guest speaker. This practice is balanced by a fall and spring event where students take center stage, actively participating in service. The focus of this year’s fall edition resonated with the theme “Faith Factor.”
Dr. Ramone Griffith, a distinguished alumnus and a current adjunct professor at WAU, was the chosen speaker for the event. Dr. Griffith holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theology (Pastoral Ministry) and Music (Vocal Emphasis), a Master of Arts Degree in Religion, and a Doctorate in Ministry from Howard University. Presently, he serves as the Youth Director of the Allegheny East Conference.
WAU’s Chaplain, Paul Graham, expressed his profound respect for Dr. Griffith, noting, “His remarkable ability to connect with students, faculty, and staff has been a sight to behold. The profound influence of his speeches, further amplified by the musical interludes, has been truly heartening.”
In addition, Chaplain Graham highlighted a special finale to W.I.S.E. Week: a generous gift giveaway for students attending the climactic Saturday morning service.
Speaking of his hopes for the WAU community, Chaplain Graham articulated, “I desire for our community to be deeply connected and ardently await the manifold blessings such events bestow. As of now, nine souls have gravitated closer to the Lord, and we are optimistic that many more will join them. My chief ambition is to amplify student involvement and fortify the spiritual vitality of our esteemed faculty and staff.”
W.I.S.E Week has undeniably made a mark on WAU’s academic community, endowing them with spiritual insights and paths to self-reflection. Following the recent “Service Day,” the institution stands ready to channel these revelations into actions.
