WAU Opens Spring Semester with Inspiring 2025 Convocation
Written by: IMC Director Simonique Dietz
TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) welcomed students, faculty, and staff to the spring semester with its first convocation of 2025 on Wednesday, January 15th. The program, set a hopeful and inspiring tone for the new year with a focus on faith, growth, and academic excellence.
Junior Aguilar, president of the Student Association, addressed the audience with an empowering message on perseverance and success. Drawing on personal experiences and examples from athletics, Aguilar encouraged students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
“This is the year for winners,” Aguilar said. “Being a winner means working together, overcoming failure, and striving to achieve our goals. As a community, we have what it takes to succeed.”
Following Junior Aguilar’s presentation, Chaplain Jiwan Moon led a segment of spiritual renewal, reminding attendees of the importance of faith in navigating the complexities of academic and personal life. Through prayer, Chaplain Moon asked for wisdom, protection, and guidance for students, faculty, and staff in the year ahead.
“We are a community grounded in faith,” Moon said. “May this semester be a time of spiritual and academic growth for everyone.”
ProMusica followed with a moving rendition of “Wayfaring Stranger,” setting the stage for the keynote address by Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu, WAU’s provost.
Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu, WAU’s provost, served as the event’s keynote speaker and delivered a stirring message based on Habakkuk 1:5: “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Dr. Kisunzu’s address emphasized the importance of living with expectancy and trusting in God’s transformative plans.
“This new year is not just about turning the page on a calendar,” Dr. Kisunzu said. “It is about embracing the extraordinary ways God is working in and through us. Let us enter 2025 with a prayerful heart, looking to God to guide us as we prepare to serve the world.”
The convocation marked the start of what Dr. Kisunzu described as a “distinctive year,” highlighting 2025 as an opportunity for growth and achievement. She encouraged students to embrace WAU’s mission of preparing competent moral leaders to serve both locally and globally.
Dr. Kisunzu also closed the convocation, reiterating her challenge to the WAU community to look for and celebrate the blessings in each day, no matter how small. “Watch for the amazing things God will do,” she encouraged.
The program closed with a sense of unity and purpose, leaving attendees inspired to pursue excellence in academics, faith, and service.
“Let us move forward with the confidence that God’s plans for us are greater than we can imagine,” Dr. Kisunzu concluded. “Together, we will make this a year to remember.”