Washington Adventist University Celebrates a Year of Global Achievement and Student Success
TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) is celebrating another successful academic year as its international students continue to make significant contributions in academics, leadership, service, and campus life. Representing more than 60 countries, WAU’s international student community exemplifies the university’s commitment to preparing graduates for lives of purpose, leadership, and global service.
Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, international students distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement, leadership roles, professional success, and meaningful engagement in campus ministries and community life. The accomplishments reflect WAU’s mission of combining academic excellence with service and spiritual growth.
International Graduates Reach a Major Milestone
The university celebrated 16 international graduates during its 2026 commencement season, recognizing students who earned degrees across a wide range of disciplines, including nursing, business administration, music, counseling psychology, computer science, healthcare administration, medical imaging, health science, and theology. Their achievements represent years of perseverance and dedication as they pursued higher education far from home.
Ana Girate Neria (BA Music – Honors Interdisciplinary), Blessy Napod (BA Music Therapy), Christine Arvinth (BS Nursing), Edwardo Gabriel Fontes (BA Bus. Admin.), Hurrich Engoue Nkwedja (BS. Computer Science)), Rhea Juneja (BS Counseling PSYC), Leah Doornbos (BS Medical Imaging), Nah-Fonhatti Nage (BA Gen. Studies), Sabdi Guimac Cubas (BS Health Science), Travis James (BS Computer Science), Abosede Akosile (MA Healthcare Admin.), Ernest Agyemang (MBA), Giovani Baptista Fiorio (MBA), Justin Josh (MA Counseling PSCY), Patience Juwa (MA Counseling PSYC), Tanya De Silva (MBA).
Academic Excellence Continues
International students also demonstrated exceptional academic performance during the year.
At WAU’s Annual Academic Awards Day on April 16, 2026:
- Sixty percent of undergraduate international students earned cumulative GPAs between 3.0 and 4.0.
- Eighty-eight percent of graduate international students achieved GPAs between 3.5 and 4.0.
- Overall, 72 percent of international students maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher during the Fall 2025 semester.
- Several students were inducted into prestigious honor societies, including Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Chi.
Building Community Beyond the Classroom
One of the year’s highlights was the fifth annual Cherry Blossom Trip to Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin, organized by the Office of the International Student Program in partnership with the Betty Howard Center for Student Success. The annual tradition gave students the opportunity to experience one of the nation’s most iconic spring events while building friendships across cultures.
Students described the excursion as an opportunity to create meaningful connections, strengthen community, and experience the beauty of the nation’s capital together.
Here are a few reflections by students who went on the trip:
“I had a wonderful experience during the Cherry Blossom DC Trip. It was truly a joy to connect with students from different corners of the world that made this trip meaningful and memorable. A special shout-out to Dr. Beulah Manuel for making this trip possible every year, and to Dr. Jason Wynter for accompanying us” said Yolanda de J da Rosa.
“Going on this trip made it very special to me as it gave us the opportunity to connect, have meaningful conversations, and build new friendships. The Cherry Blossoms were absolutely beautiful! I sincerely appreciate the effort by the university and the International Student Department in planning such a meaningful experience for international students” said Rishitha Chinta.
“Thanks for making our presence here creative, unique, fun and educational. I look forward to more activities and time spent with our international interactions.” said Neeke Rancharan.
5th Annual Cherry Blossom Photo Contest Winners
The winners of the 2026 Cherry Blossom Photo Contest were awarded cash prizes of $40, $30, and $20 and a certificate. “The Essence of Beauty” was the theme for this year’s contest. A team of four judges (WAU faculty, staff, current student and alumnus) evaluated the photos. Congratulations to the winners!
First Prize: Neeke Rancharan
Second Prize: Sanchitha Nagaraj
Third Prize: Rishitha Chinta
The university also celebrated the election of international student Princeton Samuel as Student Association President for the 2026–2027 academic year.
A theology major enrolled in the Honors Interdisciplinary Program, Samuel has been actively involved in campus ministries since arriving at WAU in Spring 2024. As Student Association president, he pledged to lead with transparency, care, and a renewed commitment to serving the student body.
Service and Spiritual Leadership
International students continued to play an important role in the spiritual life of the university by participating in mission trips, Service Day projects, weekly convocations, Gateway Church worship services, and numerous outreach initiatives.
Their involvement reflects WAU’s mission of developing graduates who embrace moral character, academic excellence, and service to others.
Recognized for Professional Excellence
Sophomore biology major Melquisedec Merchan Nino was nominated as Student Employee of the Year by the Biology and Chemistry Department. The recognition acknowledged his outstanding work ethic, leadership, professionalism, and commitment to excellence while balancing academics and campus employment. His nomination reflected the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness competencies.
Graduates Launch Successful Careers
WAU also celebrated the career success of international STEM graduates Henrique Soares Bernardes Da Silva and Allendria Russell, both of whom received approval for STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing them to gain valuable professional experience in the United States.
Da Silva, a 2024 biology graduate, is employed as a medical assistant at New York Pain Relief Medicine, while Russell, who completed her medical imaging degree in Fall 2025, serves as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist II at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. The university currently has 11 undergraduate and graduate international students participating in Optional Practical Training programs.
A Home Away From Home
The academic year concluded with the International Students’ Monthly Tea Time celebration, recognizing another successful year of learning, friendship, and cultural exchange. The Office of the International Student Program reaffirmed its commitment to providing every international student with a welcoming environment and a supportive “home away from home” throughout their educational journey.
With students representing more than 60 nations, Washington Adventist University continues to cultivate a vibrant global learning community where academic achievement, leadership, service, and cultural diversity prepare graduates to make an impact around the world.
This is Washington Adventist University – Gateway to Global Service.