Triumph in Adversity
Takoma Park, MD (August 23, 2018) Washington Adventist University congratulates Lebrent R. Walker on his recent graduation and acceptance to Louisiana State University. Walker completed his Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness Management and accepted a Graduate Assistantship at LSU.
His basketball journey started at Central Arizona College where he played juco basketball and continued at Midland College in Texas, where he graduated with an Associate’s degree before arriving on WAU’s campus in 2014. He said that being at WAU was a new atmosphere for him, one that was vastly different from his neighborhood and the tough childhood he had growing up. He insisted that if he took the time to tell everything, there would be enough to write a book. Once at WAU he met Coach Patrick Crarey and Professor Alvin Fuentes who, he says, helped him from the moment he arrived.
“Fuentes, that is my guy, and you can quote me on that!” exclaimed Walker. “He helped me through everything.”
His second year on campus was difficult. He discovered that he and his girlfriend were expecting a child and later on she developed complications. Initially, Walker decided to withdraw from one class to stay with her at the hospital. However, the next semester he withdrew from school completely in order to work to provide for his family.
Upon his return, he was met with faculty and staff who helped get him into the right classes and on the path to completing his degree. He attributes his success to his professors and Senior Financial Aid Advisor Curtis Roberts in Student Financial Services who did everything within their powers to help him, including allowing him to bring his daughter to class. Walker is grateful to WAU for giving him an opportunity and providing him with the tools he needed to succeed.
Unfortunately, Walker was not able to participate in the spring commencement. That did not stop his department from putting together a special ceremony just for him. On Thursday, August 16, after completing his summer classes, Lebrent R. Walker had the opportunity to don his cap and gown and walk the lobby of the Boyer Building to receive his diploma.
“Lebrent is a respectful and dedicated student and athlete,” Shared Professor Fuentes. “I kept in contact and encouraged him to continue the journey that God has already set up for him. I reminded him of Jeremiah 29:11 and he took that to heart and finished his degree. I am very proud of him!”
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 42 undergraduate programs. The 2017 edition of U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington Adventist University among the best regional colleges in the north.
Media Contacts
Emeraude Victorin, 301-576-0193, news@wau.edu