Welcome to the campus of Washington Adventist University for the Adventist Intercollegiate Association (AIA) Conference 2025! This year’s conference is being held from Oct. 15-19; and it is so great to see this incredible community of student leaders again. These next few days are all about connection, inspiration, and learning. We hope you leave energized, full of new ideas and proud of the colleges and universities you represent. Thank you for being here – let’s make this an unforgettable conference!
About Adventist Intercollegiate Association (AIA)
AIA cultivates strong leadership among the student organizations of the Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities across North America. It assists student governments in becoming more effective, beneficial, and responsive to the needs of their respective students by sharing ideas and tools. Our student bodies are stronger when we promote open communication, cooperation, and unification among student governments.
October 15, 2025
Hello!
My name is Zachary Lowe, and I have the privilege of serving as the President of the Student Association here at Washington Adventist University. On behalf of the students, administration, alumni, and surrounding community of Washington Adventist University, I want to give a warm welcome to all the officers and members of the Adventist Intercollegiate Association. It’s such a joy to host AIA this year, and we’re truly happy to have each of you here with us. We’ve been looking forward to these next few days and all the programs that have been planned for us to learn, grow, and connect together.
As we gather here in Takoma Park, I’m really excited to show you around our campus and the beautiful DMV area that we’re proud to call home. This weekend is a chance for us to build friendships, share ideas, and strengthen the connection between our schools and our shared mission. May God bless this conference, our universities, and each of us as we spend this time together. Welcome to Washington Adventist University!
With Blessings,
Zachary Lowe
WAU SA President| AIA 2025 Host President
October 15, 2025
Dear AIA Participant:
On behalf of Dr. Weymouth Spence, our University President, and the entire WAU community, it is my pleasure to welcome to Washington Adventist University and the 2025 Adventist Intercollegiate Association annual meeting! I am elated that you are finally here and I hope that you will have a great time while you are learning. Over the last year and a half, numerous hours of planning have gone into making this a very positive experience for you. Please take advantage of the AIA meeting offerings and the opportunity to interact with student association/government from across the North American Division of the Seventy-Day Adventist Church. The meeting schedule is very dynamic and has a plethora of opportunities for your holistic growth and development across all dimensions of your life.
We are particularly excited that we are able to visit the headquarters of the North American Division and the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists. You will have the opportunity to meet the President of the NAD and to have a tour of the GC headquarters. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to visit our nation’s capital and explore more closely some of our most valued memorials and monuments. But the most important aspect of the meeting will be your opportunity to engage with each other and to exchange ideas on how to enhance your leadership skills and improve your student associations back on your various campuses.
If you have any questions, the WAU staff and student leaders will be available and happy to assist you. Again, welcome and I hope that you will have a most memorable “Capital Experience!”
Sincerely,
Brother Ralph Johnson, Ph.D. WAU Vice President for Student Life Coordinator, AIA 2025
October 15, 2025
Dear Conference Participants,
Welcome to the 2025 Adventist Intercollegiate Associates (AIA) Conference! On behalf of the planning committee and our host institution, Washington Adventist University, I’m delighted to welcome you to a week of connection, growth, and inspiration.
I’m Ashlee Chambers, Dean of Halcyon Hall and Co-Coordinator for this year’s conference, and it is truly an honor to have you here. This year and every year, the conference centers on student leadership celebrating the creativity, courage, and commitment that young leaders bring to our Adventist campuses and communities.
Throughout the week, you will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking sessions, collaborate across institutions, and build friendships that extend well beyond these few days. We hope you take advantage of every moment whether it’s during a workshop, or a simple conversation over lunch to learn from one another and be reminded of the impact you can make.
Thank you for being part of this year’s AIA Conference. Your energy, ideas, and faith are what make this gathering so meaningful. We’re excited to see how you’ll lead, grow, and inspire throughout the week and beyond.
Welcome to Washington Adventist University and welcome to AIA 2025!
Warm regards,
Ashlee Chambers
Dean of Halcyon Hall | Co-Coordinator, AIA 2025
October 15, 2025
Hello Delegates,
We are very excited to have you at AIA 2025!
What an awesome opportunity we have to get together at Washington Adventist University, located close to the capital of the United States, the headquarters of our worldwide church offices, the General Conference and our North American Division Headquarters. Thank you, Washington Adventist University for hosting us.
This place is close to where history comes alive, but also where our church gathers, the same way we gather for this conference.
We come from our different campuses but are united in Jesus and the leadership we are called to do.
We hope that our gathering allows you to explore and grow in leadership while creating stronger relationships with other leaders from our sister schools.
Thank you for being here and making the time to be present.
Blessings,
Melody Ilacas
AIA Student Involvement Advisor
October 15, 2025
Dear Students and Staff,
It’s my honor to welcome you to this year’s AIA Conference! The Adventist Intercollegiate Association was founded on the belief that unity, faith, and purpose thrive when young Adventists come together to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and strengthen connections across our campuses.
This week is more than just an event, it’s a reminder of the power we have when we work together to serve, lead, and grow. As you participate in the activities, worships, and conversations ahead, I encourage you to be open to new friendships, new perspectives, and new inspiration for what God is calling you to do.
On behalf of the AIA Executive Committee, I’m so glad you’re here. Welcome to a week of connection, growth, and purpose.
Warmly,
Anjali Ramella President, Adventist Intercollegiate Association
Wednesday, Oct. 15 Thursday, Oct. 16 Friday, Oct. 17 Saturday, Oct. 18 Sunday, Oct. 19
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Registration/Check-In 7:00 – 8:00 am Breakfast 7:30 – 8:15 am Breakfast 9:00 am Breakfast 10:00 am Room Check-Out
4:30 – 7:00 pm Dinner 8:00 – 8:40 am Devotion 8:30 – 9:15 am Devotion 9:45 am Sabbath School
6:00 pm
Opening Plenary Session 8:45 am Depart Campus for the NAD Office 9:30 am Depart for DC on University coach 11:00 am Sligo Church Service (Main Sanctuary) 11:15 am GLOW Worship (Youth Room)
7:30 – 9:00 pm AIA General Meeting Position Roundtables 9:30 am Arrive at NAD 10:15 am Depart for the National Mall and museums near 12:30 pm Brunch 11:30 am Depart the NAD for the GC Office Tour 4:00 pm University coach departs for campus 1:30 pm Afternoon open 1:00 pm Depart the GC for Campus 5:00 - 6:00 pm Dinner 6:00 pm Closing Banquet 1:40 pm Lunch 7:00 pm Vespers 8:00 pm Social Events
2:30 – 3:30 pm Workshop I Workshop II Workshop III
3:45 – 4:45 pm Workshop IV Workshop V Workshop VI
5:00 – 6:00 pm Position Roundtables 6:15 – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:15 – 8:30 pm Free Time for Students Sponsors’ Meeting
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Registration/ Check-In Wilkinson Hall Lobby (Bldg. 1)
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM Dinner Wilkinson Dining Hall
6:00 PM
7:30 PM– 9:00 PM
Opening Plenary Session Welcome by WAU
Administration and City Officials
Keynote Speaker - Dr. Marcellus Robinson, President
Columbia Union of SeventhDay Adventists
AIA General Meeting/Position Roundtables
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time
Student Activity Center (SAC) (Bldg. 5)
Student Activities Center Health Science Building
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast Wilkinson Dining Hall
8:00 AM – 8:40 AM Devotion
Ali Bryan, AIA Religious VP
Daniela Cruz, WAU Religious VP Student Activities Center
8:45 AM
Depart Campus for the North American Division (NAD) Office Halcyon Hall Parking Lot
9:30 AM Arrive at NAD
Keynote Speaker – Dr. G. Alexander Bryant, NAD President
NAD Tour NAD 9705 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046
11:30 AM
Depart the NAD for the General Conference Office Tour Ellen White Estate General Office
1:00 PM
Depart the GC for Campus
1:40 PM Lunch Wilkinson Dining Hall
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Workshop I: Room 210
Workshop II: Room 206
Workshop III: Room 215/217
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Workshop IV: Room 210
Workshop V: Room 215/217
Workshop VI: Room 206
Health Science Building
Health Science Building
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Position Roundtables Student Activities Center Health Science Building
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM Dinner Wilkinson Dining Hall
7:15 PM – 8:30 PM Free Time for Students
Sponsors’ Meeting Health Science Building Room 209
Friday, October 17, 2025
Time
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM Breakfast Wilkinson Dining Hall
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM Devotion
Keila Carmona, Associate Pastor for Youth & Young Adults, Sligo SDA Church Student Activities Center
9:30 AM
Depart for DC on university coach (Bus leaves from the Halcyon Hall Parking Lot) Visit the MLK, Jr. and Lincoln Memorials
10:15 AM Depart for the National Mall and Museums
4:00 PM University Coach departs for Campus Meet by the Museum of African American History
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Dinner Wilkinson Dining Hall
7:00 PM Vespers Student Activities Center
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time Event Location
9:00 AM Breakfast Wilkinson Dining Hall
9:45 AM Sabbath School Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu, Washington Adventist University Provost Student Activities Center
11:00 AM
11:15 AM Sligo Church Service GLOW Worship Main Sanctuary Sligo Youth Room
12:30 PM Brunch Wilkinson Dining Hall
1:30 PM Afternoon open
6:00 PM Closing Banquet Wilkinson Dining Hall
8:00 PM Social Events (hosted by WAU Student Association) WAU Commons/ Athletic Field
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Time Event Location
10:00 AM Room Check-Out Residence Halls
*Officers’ Lounge: Wilkinson Hall, Rm. 108 (WAU SA Office)
*Sponsors’ Lounge: Health Science Building, Rm. 209
Workshop I & IV
Title: Innovative Approaches to Problem Solving - How to Be the Smartest Person in the Room
Speaker: Andy Howell
During these collaborative, hands-on sessions you'll work together to rapidly identify problems, and then develop and test your novel solutions. You'll learn new methods for rapidly improving processes and getting to the core of tricky issues. Best of all, you'll learn a few tricks for inspiring people to be more empathetic, more focused, more creative.
Workshop II & VI
Title: I Move, I Move, I Move!! - The Basics of Parliamentary Procedures
Speaker: Dr. Ralph Johnson
The presenter will walk through the fundamentals of Robert's Rules of Order and outline how to have effective organizational meetings.
Workshop III
Title: Basic Principles for Student Leaders
Speaker: Dr. Rosemary Ascencio
In this workshop, you’ll explore what it means to lead with integrity, communicate effectively, and work well with others. You’ll walk away with practical skills to make better decisions, handle challenges, and create a positive impact in your student government role.
Workshop V
Title: I Was Born for This!
Speaker: Dr. Ramone Griffith
Explore Christ- centered strategies to enhance leadership capabilities and create impactful change.
Dr. Ralph Johnson has spent just over 42 years as a Student Affairs professional. He's been on staff in various capacities at Florida State University, the University of Arkansas, the University of South Carolina, and Johns Hopkins University. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Center for Student Life at Washington Adventist University.
Dr. Ramone Griffith is a Pastor, worship leader, singer, and lover of all things Jesus! Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and was flavored by the cultural seasonings of his parents’ home island of Barbados.
By the grace of God, in his educational journey, Pastor Griffith earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theology (Pastoral Ministry) and Music (Vocal Performance), and a Master of Arts degree in Religion with an emphasis in Metropolitan Ministry, all from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland. he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Howard University School of Divinity in Washington, D.C.
He is as an Adjunct Professor of Religion at Washington Adventist University and serves as Children’s, Youth and Young Adult Director for the Allegheny East Conference. Ramone is also an AIA alum.
He is married to Dr. Cavena Griffith, an Elementary School Principal.
Dr. Rosemary Ascencio holds a BS in Finance and Business Administration from Washington Adventist University, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). She currently serves as an Operations Manager at UMGC and teaches part-time, bringing both professional expertise and a passion for student success to her work. Rosemary is also and AIA alum.
Keila Carmona is originally from South Bend Indiana, loves spicy food and is deeply passionate about what she calls Trauma Informed Discipleship.
In May of 2021, she graduated from Andrews University a second time, where she completed a Masters of Arts in Youth & Young Adult Ministry from the Andrews University Theological Seminary as well as a Masters in Social Work, with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy and as well as an emphasis Trauma Informed Practice.
In June of 2024, she began in her role as the Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adult at Sligo Church and she loves it! If there's one thing to know about Keila, it’s that she truly believes that God’s love can make unbelievable transformations in anyone’s life, including yours.
Dr. Jiwan S. Moon serves as University Chaplain and Pastor at Washington Adventist University, bringing over 30 years of experience in youth and young adult ministry. A third-generation pastor and fourth-generation Seventh-day Adventist, he is deeply committed to God’s mission and Adventist identity, and passionate about walking with students in their spiritual journeys. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies with a minor in Practical Theology from Southern Adventist University, as well as an M.A. and DMin. in Youth and Young Adult Ministry from Andrews University.
From 2014 to 2020, he served as the inaugural Director of Public Campus Ministries at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, providing global leadership and vision for Seventhday Adventist Campus Ministries worldwide. His motto as University Chaplain is: “Every student, a missionary.”
Andy Howell is an independent consultant working in the areas of policy, strategy, innovation, and organizational transformation. Andy has spent decades helping government agencies address strategic issues. He is a prolific writer of top-tier government documents and an adjunct professor of innovation at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland. Andy is a retired Coast Guard officer who has performed homeland security missions in boats, ships, and aircraft. He has also worked in technology and research and development, fostering solutions for issues relating to law enforcement, search and rescue, national defense, acquisitions, diversity, and human resources. Andy is an English major and has a Master's in Public Administration from George Washington University. Andy grew up in the marsh on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and now lives in Alexandria, Virginia. He is married to Caroline, an experienced oncology nurse, and they have three kids ages 18, 16, and 13.
Cheryl Harris Kisunzu serves as the Provost of Washington Adventist University. She received her BSN from Andrews University. Dr. Kisunzu completed her MSN/Family Nurse Practitioner studies at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s University in Chicago. She is certified as a Malcolm Baldrige Reviewer. Accordingly, her PhD in Educational Leadership from Andrews University has as its emphasis, leading for distinctive organizational change as defined by the Malcolm Baldrige criteria for performance excellence. Dr. Kisunzu’s life service is inspired by the Negro spiritual which reminds us that it’s when we help somebody as we travel along – it is then that our living will not be in vain.
Elder Marcellus Robinson is a native of Cumberland, Virginia. He is an ordained minister of the gospel who has pastored churches in Lake Region and Allegheny East Conferences over forty years. Dr. Robinson has served as Ministerial Director, Director of Stewardship/Philanthropy and Trust Services, the Executive Secretary/Vice President of Administration, and President for Allegheny East Conference. On March 24, 2024, Columbia Union Conference Executive elected him to serve as president.
Over the years, Elder Robinson has served on various church and community boards including Lake Region Conference Executive Committee and the White Oak Medical Center (previously Washington Adventist Hospital) Board of Trustees. Presently, Dr. Robinson serves on the General Conference and North American Division Executive Committees and the Andrews University, Adventist Healthcare, Adventist Media Ministry, Kettering College, Oakwood University, Mid-Atlantic Adventist Healthcare Board of Trustees. He serves as the chair of Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee, Kettering Health, and Washington Adventist University Board of Trustees. Elder Robinson is married to the former Maryann Lewis of Nassau Bahamas. They are both graduates of Andrews University. Dr. Robinson received his BA (1981), MDiv (1984) and the Doctor of Ministry (2008) degrees from Andrews University. Maryann is a registered nurse with a PhD in Behavioral Organizational Management and serves as a Captain in the United States Public Health Service. To their union of over 45 years, they have two adult daughters (Marquita and Marcia), two sons through marriage (Karl Burnett and Brian Moore), three granddaughters (Malia, Meagan, and Maya), and one grandson (Malachi). Dr. Robinson would like for all to remember: “If we meet and you forget me, you have lost nothing, but if you meet Jesus Christ and forget Him, you have lost everything.”
Glenward Alexander (“Alex”) Bryant, DMin, currently serves as president of the North American Division and vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Prior to his current role, he served as executive secretary of the North American Division and president of the Central States Conference, as well as superintendent of education and director of Temperance, Youth, Pathfinders, and National Service Organization. He also spent a year as a student missionary in Japan.
Dr. Bryant earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and business administration from Oakwood College in 1981. In 1982, he began his pastoral ministry in Springfield, Missouri, as well as in Coffeyville and Independence, Kansas. He was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1986 and received his Master of Divinity from Andrews University in 1988. In December 2011, he completed his Doctor of Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary.
In October 2008, during its session in Manila, Philippines, the General Conference Executive Committee, recognizing Dr. Bryant’s God-given gift of leadership, elected him to serve as executive secretary of the North American Division and associate secretary of the General Conference.
In his capacity as NAD executive secretary, he served as a spokesperson for the church in news venues such as Meet the Press, MSNBC, and other media outlets.
Driven by a deep passion for evangelism, he has conducted numerous evangelistic meetings across Africa, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and London, England. He has preached the gospel all over the world, planted several churches, and his ministry led to the baptism of thousands of souls into the family of God.
He is married to the former Desiree Wimbish, who currently serves as the director of the NAD Ministerial Spouses Association. They are the proud parents of Travis (married to Jacquelyn), Traven (deceased), and Terrence. They are also blessed with three granddaughters Talia, Kyra, and Theory.
Dr. Bryant loves serving God with all his heart and looks forward to the day when he, along with his family and loved ones, will be able to stand together on the sea of glass in the heavens and the new earth.
(Conference Theme Song)
Before I tell them, Lord, please tell me
Before I serve them, Lord, please serve me
How can I lead where I've not been?
How can I show if I don't know?
Before I tell them, Lord, please tell me
Before I teach them, Lord, please teach me
Before I reach out to them, Lord, reach out to me
How can I lead where I've not been?
How can I show if I don't know?
Before I tell them, oh, Lord, tell me
Before I tell it my way
Sit me down and make me silent
And give it to me your way
Please don't let the things I do
Distract me from hearing a word from you
Before I tell them, Lord, tell me
Before I serve them, please serve me
Before I say one word or sing one word
Say it or sing it in me
Before I tell them, oh, Lord, tell me
Teach me, show me, reach out to me
Tell me
Restaurants within Walking Distance
Koma Cafe
Mansa Kunda Restaurant
7-Eleven
Tijuana Mexican Cafe
Peter’s Sub Shop
Beijing Delight
Eastern Carryout
El Golfo Restaurant
Naz’s Halal Food
Wing Stop
Sardi’s Pollo a La Brasa
Subway
Charley’s Cheesesteaks
Pollo Campero
McDonald’s
Delivery (Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc.)
Chipotle
Chick-fil-a
Taqueria Los Perez
Shake Shack
BIBIBOP Asian Grill
Sakura Japan
Pizza Boli’s
Three Brothers Italian Restaurant
Pho Tan Vinh
Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken
Kusshi
SushiJin
BBQ Chicken
Mid Atlantic Seafood
How to Get Around!
The six Metro lines
• Red Line: Runs between Shady Grove, Maryland, and Glenmont, Maryland. It is the oldest and one of the longest lines, running through downtown D.C. via the Metro Center and Gallery PlaceChinatown stations.
• Orange Line: Connects Vienna, Virginia, with New Carrollton, Maryland. It shares tracks with the Blue and Silver Lines through much of downtown D.C...
• Silver Line: The newest line, running from Ashburn, Virginia, to Downtown Largo, Maryland. It extends service to Dulles International Airport and shares tracks with the Orange and Blue Lines through the central part of the system.
• Blue Line: Runs from Franconia-Springfield, Virginia, to Downtown Largo, Maryland. It shares tracks with the Orange and Silver Lines for a significant portion of its route.
• Yellow Line: Travels from Huntington, Virginia, to Mount Vernon Square, D.C. It shares tracks with the Green Line for much of its route and provides service to Reagan National Airport.
• Green Line: Connects Branch Avenue, Maryland, to Greenbelt, Maryland. Along with the Yellow Line, it primarily runs north-south through the city.
Look for: This is the Station Entrance
Read the obelisk and it will tell you name of the station and the color of the line you are on.
How to get back to WAU:
If you still need help, use apple or Google maps to direct you
The main way to get is using the Green Line to Fort Totten then switch to the Red Line and go to the Takoma Park stop. Then you can either Uber, get picked up, ride a bike or walk.
PhotoCircle
:
will be the platform we will use to collectively capture the memories of AIA 2025. Further instructions will be given during the opening ceremony.
