WAU SENDS MORE THAN 200 COMPETENT MORAL LEADERS INTO THE WORKPLACE

The graduating class of 2022 for Washington Adventist University (WAU) was encouraged to “never give up” by the commencement speaker, Dr. Dave Weigly, President, Columbia Union Conference and Chair, Board of Trustees, WAU at its recently concluded Commencement held on May 1, 2022, under the theme “Victorious” on the campus commons.  In his address entitled “The Cost of Making a Difference,” he counseled the graduands that as they go out, they should “endure the pain to challenge the status quo…” to get comfortable with getting outside of their comfort zone and not be afraid to encourage others to step outside of theirs.  He told them to have courage to do bold things and finally, he told them not to go through life alone, to trust God to be with them along their journey, surrendering their life to Him, and trusting that He will guide them.

More than 200 graduands were conferred with degrees from several disciplines stemming from the university’s School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Health Professions, Science and Wellness, School of Graduate and Professional Studies and the Honors College.  WAU Provost, Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu in her welcome stated that coming out of the pandemic it was a joy to be celebrating in person with every member of the graduating class. “What word could we use to describe your journey and we chose the word Victorious…” she said. “Because you have been victorious through the pandemic, you have been victorious through virtual learning, you have been victorious through a cyber assault, and you are victorious because in Christ you are more than conquerors.” she continued.

Erin Greenlaw, Class President stated in her speech that she would have never imagined that “a shy kid from California who believed that all she would do at WAU was play softball and try to get good grades” would be standing on a stage presenting a speech at commencement. “Nature knows when a butterfly is ready to emerge” she said is something that she learned at WAU because of the “great teachers, dedicated staff and strong friends” she also stated that at WAU they “were challenged and given the opportunities they never thought possible to become leaders, scholars, stronger Christians and unique individuals with new dreams and new passions.”

Washington Adventist University (WAU) is located in Takoma Park, MD, near our nation’s capital. The university offers a dynamic blend of professional and liberal arts undergraduate and graduate degree options as essential for today’s career opportunities. WAU also offers you opportunities for spiritual enrichment and growth through its ministries at Sligo, our University Church. Founded in 1904, this institution provides a distinctive learning environment, through which Christian Education is experienced by students from diverse global communities. Its location allows proximity and access to professionals and unique internships where global workforce competencies are refined and critical decisions are made.  Our vision is to provide a “Gateway to Service” for graduates who bring competence and moral leadership to our world.