WAU Inspires Students at Shenandoah Valley Academy Visit
SHENANDOAH VALLEY, Va. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) made a lasting impression during a recent visit to Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA), bringing 30 students and staff, including President Weymouth Spence, representatives from the Office of Enrollment, and Campus Ministries. The day was filled with recruitment efforts, spiritual engagement, and collaborative activities designed to connect with prospective students.
From 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the WAU recruitment team operated an information booth, sharing details about academic programs, campus life, and scholarship opportunities. By the end of the day, 31 students had decided to apply to WAU.
President Spence addressed the student body with an inspiring devotional, which resonated deeply with both students and faculty. “The energy was great, and we felt a warm connection with the students,” said Director of Enrollment Stephen Williams. The visit also laid the groundwork for a future soccer tournament involving Columbia Union Conference academies, fostering community through athletics.
A highlight of the day was the two mock trial demonstrations led by Zach Lowe and Shea Standish, WAU’s Mock Trial team captain. The interactive sessions were so captivating that students lingered past the class period to continue the discussions.
“The students in Shenandoah Valley Academy’s senior government class were fully engaged from start to finish—and even after the class ended,” said Lowe. “They were impressed with the depth of knowledge we shared, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The professor even asked how to start a mock trial team and if we could assist with planning.”
The WAU team enjoyed a meal in SVA’s dining hall, building personal connections with students and faculty. The day concluded with a vespers service led by WAU’s Gideon 300 ministry team, featuring a worship thought from Chaplain Jiwan Moon.
“At the end of the Friday vespers service, one student approached me, eager to join Gideon 300, a group of student missionaries committed to fostering a spiritually vibrant campus,” said Chaplain Moon. “During the service, I asked, ‘Are you a missionary or a mission field in need of a missionary?’ I believe the students understood that we are all called to be Christ’s missionaries.”
Moon also shared an inspiring quote from Ellen G. White’s The Desire of Ages: “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary.” Reflecting on the visit, he added, “The spiritual commitment of the SVA students was evident, and we look forward to welcoming mission-minded students to join us in transforming the world for Christ.”
The visit reinforced WAU’s dedication to building strong relationships with regional academies, encouraging students to pursue higher education, and fostering spiritual growth. Both WAU and SVA students found the experience deeply meaningful, highlighting the impact of collaboration, service, and faith-based connections.
