Washington Adventist University Students Embody Service During Fall 2025 Service Day
Written by: IMC Director Simonique Dietz
Washington Adventist University (WAU) students, faculty, and staff united across the region for the university’s Fall 2025 Service Day, embodying WAU’s motto as “The Gateway to Service.” More than 200 participants served at over 20 community sites across the Washington metropolitan area, dedicating the day to hands-on acts of compassion and community engagement.
From nursing homes to food banks, and from urban farms to local schools, WAU volunteers made an impact that reflected the university’s commitment to service learning and Christ-centered leadership.
Community Partnerships in Action
Groups of students served at key partner sites including the Capital Area Food Bank, Shepherd’s Table, and Strength to Love 2 Urban Farm, assisting with food distribution, meal preparation, and sustainable farming efforts. At the Friends of Sligo Creek and Takoma Park City Gardens, volunteers participated in environmental cleanup projects, helping beautify local green spaces and promote environmental stewardship.
The Eltern Haus Nursing Home, Sunrise Nursing Home, and Father Judge Missionary Cenacle also welcomed WAU teams who spent the day engaging residents through conversation, music, and care activities.
Local Impact on Campus and Beyond
In addition to community outreach, several campus-based initiatives were led by students and departments. The WAU Nursing Department offered free health assessments at Veterans Plaza and wellness promotion activities under the Living Well initiative. The Business Department hosted a campus beautification project, while the Gateway Church and Facility Services teams led service efforts across the WAU campus.
At Veterans Plaza, students hosted a variety of outreach activities including the Living Hope Water Campaign, Silver Spring Downtown Beautification, 10-Second Testimony Project, and a Mini Concert featuring student musicians, creating an atmosphere of faith, joy, and community connection.
Student Engagement and Spiritual Growth
More than 30 student assistants, WAU Gideon 300, Campus Ministries student leaders, coordinated logistics across the event sites, ensuring a smooth and organized experience. At Takoma Academy Preparatory School, WAU students collaborated with younger students in educational and creative service projects, inspiring future generations to serve.
Dr. Weymouth Spence, President of Washington Adventist University, expressed pride in the campus-wide effort:
“Service Day reflects the heart of our mission—to prepare graduates for lives of moral leadership and selfless service. I am proud of our students for demonstrating what it means to lead through action and faith.”
A Special Partnership with Capital Spanish Church
Starting with this Service Day, the university decided to partner with at least one Adventist church for each Service Day. This initiative allows the WAU family to bless neighboring Adventist faith communities by serving their members and fulfilling their needs. The students and their sponsor assisted in beautifying the church, and their service was warmly received and deeply appreciated by the congregation. The smiles captured in the photographs reflected how much everyone valued and enjoyed serving together as members of the family of God.
Dr. Jiwan S. Moon, University Chaplain and Pastor at Washington Adventist University (WAU), emphasized the importance of the WAU community also serving the needs of its constituency churches: “We must provide care and support for our communities by meeting their needs, but we also need to assist our own constituency churches as a demonstration of our deep appreciation for their continued support of their one and only Adventist university in the Columbia Union Conference.”
A Legacy of Service
By the close of the day, every participating department had contributed to WAU’s ongoing mission of transforming lives through service. Whether distributing meals, offering health screenings, or caring for the environment, students once again proved that learning at WAU extends beyond the classroom—into the community and the world.
About Washington Adventist University:
Washington Adventist University, located in Takoma Park, Maryland, is a Christian institution committed to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service. Through initiatives like Service Day, WAU continues to develop students into competent moral leaders dedicated to community impact.
For photos click here.