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WAU Convocation Celebrates Student Mission, Music, and Dedication

Washington Adventist University (WAU) held a powerful convocation service on Wednesday morning that blended worship, student leadership, and a call to mission. The event marked the dedication and pinning ceremony of the university’s Gideon 300 initiative — a spiritual movement inspiring students to live missionally and serve their communities with Christ-centered purpose.

University Chaplain Dr. Jiwan Moon opened the service by sharing campus announcements that reflected WAU’s ongoing focus on holistic education and faith-based engagement. Highlights included a reminder of the upcoming BSU Black Student Union Gospel Night on November 1, a Crisis Management Workshop led by Pastor Celeste Ryan Blyden the Executive Secretary of the Columbia Union Conference, and an innovative Comedy and Ministry Conference, hosted through a partnership between the Honors College and Student Life. The conference aims to explore how humor can serve as a creative avenue for sharing the gospel.

During the convocation, three student ministry leaders introduced ongoing spiritual initiatives on campus.

  • Shyann, who serves as Sabbath School Superintendent, invited students to Gateway Church’s weekly Sabbath School, a safe space to explore faith and ask tough questions.

  • Bella, another student intern pastor, highlighted the vibrant Friday night Vespers program, featuring testimonies and worship. This week’s service will feature student leader Yanick Laville, known for his infectious optimism and inspiring faith.

  • Pastor Ken, a student minister, previewed Sabbath worship at Gateway Church, where he encouraged students to join in community-centered praise and reflection.

Following these student presentations, Chaplain Moon introduced the keynote speaker — Raul Velazquez, a 9th-grade student from Atholton Adventist Academy (AAA) who aspires to be an engineer. Recognized as a young musician with a heart for ministry, Raul performed three hymns, including “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!” and “How Great Thou Art.” His musical testimony reminded the audience of the power of worship to unite hearts and glorify God.

The service culminated with the Gideon 300 Pinning and Dedication Ceremony, a symbolic moment recognizing students who have committed to serving as spiritual ambassadors on campus, in churches, and in the broader community.

“The vision of Gideon 300,” Chaplain Moon explained, “is to transform students into ambassadors and missionaries of Christ’s love — in colleges, churches, communities, and the world.” He emphasized the movement’s motto: “Follow Jesus. Embrace His mission. Change the world.”

Each inductee recited the Gideon 300 Missionary Pledge, vowing to live a life of mission and service, to embody biblical truth, and to represent Christ faithfully in all areas of life.

2nd Batch of WAU Gideon 300 Members

  1. James Alignay

  2. Daniel Allen

  3. Daniel Amapo

  4. Ena Amoakohene

  5. Mychel Baron (Campus Ministries Assistant, Student Chaplain)

  6. Elibeth Breton

  7. Shyann Brooks (Sabbath School Superintendent, Student Chaplain)

  8. Cami Castro

  9. Jonathan Collings

  10. Dulce Espinal

  11. Michelle Fernando

  12. Jenae Harris

  13. Ife Henry

  14. Saniya Hymes

  15. Nikki Isembert

  16. Travis James

  17. Yanick Laville (Student Pastor)

  18. Isabella “Bella” Lopez (Campus Ministries Assistant, Student Pastor)

  19. Jeremy Lopez

  20. Allison Xicara Lopez

  21. Zandile Mawela

  22. Gabriel McLean

  23. Hannah Moon (Campus Ministries Assistant, Student Pastor)

  24. Daniel Ntakirutimana

  25. Asaani Offer

  26. Dennis Ortiz Vazquez

  27. Melissa Perez-Delgado

  28. Seowon Pyo

  29. Neeke Rancharan

  30. Kenneth “Ken” Rodriguez (Student Pastor)

  31. Ian Sanchez

  32. Jordyn Schaeffer

  33. Joel Stapleton

  34. Patrick Thompson

  35. Sofia Valles

As the service concluded, Chaplain Moon expressed deep pride in WAU’s students, affirming, “Under their spiritual leadership, we will continue to experience the revival that the Holy Spirit has begun here on campus.”

The convocation exemplified WAU’s mission as “The Gateway to Service,” cultivating leaders who not only excel academically but also dedicate their gifts to God’s work — at home, on campus, and beyond. Find more pictures here.