Washington Adventist University Alumni Weekend 2026
Legacy Leveraging the Power of
The Power of Community
The Power of Service
The Power of Praise
April 10-12, 2026
Recognizing the WMC/CUC/WAU Graduating Classes of: 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT WEYMOUTH SPENCE
Dear Alumni and Friends:
Welcome to Alumni Weekend 2026 at Washington Adventist University!
This special gathering, held April 10–12, is a time to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the enduring spirit that unites us all. This year’s theme, “Leveraging the Power of Legacy – the Power of Community, Service, and Praise,” invites us to honor the foundation laid by those who came before us while inspiring the impact we continue to make today.
Each of you is a vital part of WAU’s story. Your experiences, achievements, and contributions embody the strength of our community. Whether through service to others, uplifting one another in fellowship, or lifting our voices in praise, we carry forward a legacy rooted in faith, purpose, and excellence.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our alumni—whose continued engagement, generosity, and passion make weekends like this possible—and to our dedicated event planning team. Your creativity, vision, and thoughtful coordination have shaped a meaningful and memorable experience for all. The spirit of excellence reflected in every event and activity is a testament to your commitment and care.
As you return to campus, we encourage you to reconnect with classmates, engage with current students, and celebrate the shared values that continue to define Washington Adventist University. Together, we are not only preserving a legacy—we are strengthening it for future generations.
Welcome home, and may this weekend be filled with joy, inspiration, and renewed connection.
This is Washington Adventist University
Weymouth Spence President
ALUMNI BOARD
Benin Lee, (’91) President Biology
Stephen Brennwald, (’81) Immediate Past President Psychology
Henrique Da Silva (‘24) Member at Large Biology
Ruth Francis, (’88) Member at Large Health Science
Kathy Hecht, (’82 & ’84) Member at Large Communications & Library Science
Ross Patterson (’14 & ’17) Member at Large
Business Administration; Public Administration MA
Junior Aguilar (‘25) Member at Large Theology
Mark Tyler, (’94) Member at Large Journalism
Brandon White, (’94) Member at Large Theology
Lee Wisel, (’74) Member at Large Home Economics
LETTER FROM THE ALUMNI PRESIDENT BENIN LEE
Washington Adventist University
To every student who has ever walked these halls: welcome home.
Here is a profound truth: the legacy you carry is not measured by the year on your diploma, but by the lives you choose to heal. Whether you graduated in 1985 or 2020, we embody the Gateway, which symbolizes this university’s deepest mission—to serve, to restore, and to uplift.
I reflect on the work of Campus Ministries and the many lives that were impacted through programs such as Big Brother Big Sister, Teach a Kid, Student Missionaries, and other outreach initiatives. Those experiences did not end with graduation; they became the blueprint for our life’s work. How many of us now pour ourselves into professions that lift the fallen and bring healing to the broken?
That work continues today. Under Dr. Moon’s leadership, the university’s community-based outreach still carries both a local and international impact. The torch has not been dropped—it is burning even brighter.
Some of you may not realize the influence you had on others. In Introduction to Communication and many other classes, your participation in debates and the sharing of personal experiences encouraged others to express their perspectives, fostering thoughtful and informed dialogue. The spiritual growth I experienced on this campus is something I credit to the believers who shared their testimonies during Singspiration.
This community and the friendships formed here have been a source of strength for more than 40 years.
Benin Lee (‘91) President, Alumni Association
SCHEDULE
Friday, April 10
President’s Reception
Alumni Meet and Greet
Hors d’oeuvres
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Votaw House
7700 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD
Vespers Program: Leveraging the Power of Praise
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church
7700 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD
Main Sanctuary
Featuring:
Personal testimonies of alumni and current students through word, song and dance
Silent Judah
Praise and Worships teams
Black Student Union (BSU) Choir
Testimonies from Dr. Kwang Rim
Chough and Dr. Verne F. Kemerer, Jr.
Singspiration Reunion
8:30pm – 10:00pm
Richards Hall Chapel
Richards Hall, Building #10
Relaxed music and praise service
SCHEDULE CONT...
Saturday, April 11
Edyth T. James Department of Nursing Breakfast
9:00am Boyer Health & Wellness Center, Lobby Nursing Alumni ONLY
Sabbath School
10:00am Sligo Church WAU Campus Ministries
Worship Service
11:00am Speaker: Chaplain Paul Anderson (‘86)
Sermon Title: From Detours to Destiny
Fellowship Luncheon/Honor Class Photos
12:30pm Wilkinson Hall Dining Hall, Building #1, 2nd Floor
Alumni pay at time of meal, or prior to Sabbath through RSVP
Guided Tours
2:30 pm
Leave from Wilkinson Hall Lobby. Building #1. See how the campus has evolved over the years.
Halcyon Hall & Morrison Hall
Biology and Chemistry, Science Building #3, Room 102 Psychology, Wilkinson Hall Building #1, 4th Floor
Sigma Beta Delta Induction Service, Morrison Hall, Room 10
Library Open House Weis Library, Building#2
2:30 pm Yearbooks and campus memorabilia on display
Music Department Concert
4:00 pm Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church
7700 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD Main Sanctuary
SCHEDULE CONT...
Saturday, April 11 cont...
Alumni Reunion Celebration
7:00pm Wilkinson Hall Lobby
Alumni Vespers in the recently renovated Wilkinson Hall Courtyard (Morrison Hall side)
Ice-breaker Games
Dinner
Recognition of Lloyd Yutuc with the Honorary Alumnus Award
Reconnecting Activities
Bookstore open with WAU merch
Campfire sing-a-long on the Commons.
Sunday, April 12
5K Family Fun Run/Walk
9 AM WAU Commons
Registration and check in Weis Library
Route through section of Sligo Creek Parkway
Awards and wrap up at Weis Library
Alumni Business Brunch & Information Meeting
11 AM Wilkinson Hall Dining Hall
Recognition of Board members present
Association business and goals for the next year.
Announcement of the new Alumni President.
Presentation of the Alumni Ambassador Program.
Presentation from university leadership on the
present and future of the school
Date of Alumni Weekend 2027.
Sunday, April 12 cont...
Leveraging the Power of Service
2-5 PM On Campus Projects
Meet at Weis Library
Pizza & Ice-cream
afterward
Acro Airs Home Show
7:00 PM WAU Gymnasium
ORDER OF SERVICE
VESPER SERVICE - APRIL 10, 2026
Welcome & Prayer
Special Performance
Praise Worship
Alumni Testimonials
Main Feature 1
Special Music
Main Feature 2
Special Music
Student Testimony
Student Missionary Legacy
Student Mission Offering
Appeal Song & Offering
Intro to “Side by Side”
Singing “Side by Side”
Prayer of Blessing
Naomy J. Rodrigues, Dr. Jiwan Moon & Mr. Benin Lee
Silent Judah
WAU Praise Team led by Daniela Cruz
Kathy Hecht & Ruth Francis
Dr. Kwang Rim Chough
Black Student Union (BSU) Choir
Dr. Verne F. Kemerer, Jr.
Melquisedec Merchan Nino & Naomy J. Rodrigues
Mychel Baron
Gideon 300 Missionaries
Dr. Jiwan Moon & Naomy J. Rodrigues
Isaiah Robinson
Dr. Weymouth Spence
WAU Praise Team led by Daniela Cruz
Dr. Cheryl Harris-Kisunzu
CHAPLAIN PAUL S. ANDERSON, D.MIN.
(Andrews University), a Master of Education in Counseling (University of Maryland), a Master of Sacred Theology (Boston University), and a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership (Wesley Theological Seminary).
Chaplain Anderson leads two ventures: Paul Anderson Coaching and Training and Chaplain Services LLC. Through these platforms, he offers coaching, leadership development, and pastoral care. With a focus on reconciliation and spiritual renewal, he remains committed to sharing the hope of Christ, especially with those on the margins of faith.
A Christ-centered, grace-filled, and hopedriven leader, Chaplain Anderson believes that no one is beyond the reach of God’s restoring love. His ministry motto, “God restores,” reflects the heart of his leadership and life.
He and his wife, Debra, have been married for 44 years. They are the proud parents of two adult children, and grandparents of four. Chaplain Anderson lives by the promise of Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”
ORDER OF SERVICE
SABBATH SERVICE
- APRIL 11, 2026
Welcome & Church Life
Alumni Roll Call and Remembrance (Moment of Silence)
Fellowship
Hymn of Praise #88 “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
Prayer
Anthem “The Wonder of It All”, arr. Larry Nickel
Pastor Keila Carmona (‘11)
President Weymouth Spence
Benin Lee (‘91 )
Zachary Lowe (’26)
Columbia Collegiate Chorale of WAU
Invitation to Give Daniela Cruz (‘26)
Offertory “Brother James Air”, by Harold Dark
WAU New England Youth Ensemble
Introduction of Speaker Stephanie Grant (‘16)
Scripture Reading Scripture: Genesis 50:19-20
Music for Meditation “If I Can Help Somebody”, arr. N. Carter
Fitzroy Thomas (’76)
Columbia Collegiate Chorale of WAU
Sermon: Chaplain Paul Anderson (‘86)
Sermon title: From Detours to Destiny
Hymn of Reflection #99 “God Will Take Care of You”
Benediction Chaplain Paul Anderson(‘86)
Postlude “Rhosymedre”, Vaughn Williams
WAU New England Youth Ensemble
Organist: Anwar Ottley (‘07)
Ensemble: Columbia Collegiate Chorale of Washington Adventist University
Orchestra: WAU New England Youth Ensemble
Chorister: Deborah Thurlow (’86)
Soloist: Marcela Jones-Moreno
Announcements:
Join WAU for a 5K Family Fun Run/Walk to support students in need. Awards for fastest time and most sponsored donations. 9 a.m. Sunday, April 12, WAU Commons. $35 per participant 12 and up. If you can’t walk with us you can still support someone else.
CLICK/TAP THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Lahna Farver
Ruth Francis ‘88
Kathy Hecht ‘82, ‘84
Jennifer Madera
Ron Somervell
Genevieve Singh
Ross Patterson ‘14, ‘17
Alvin Fuentes
Leonardo Martins
Weymouth Spence
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors for supporting Alumni Weekend 2026. Your contributions have made this celebration possible, helping us create meaningful moments and lasting memories. Thank you for your continued commitment to our alumni community!
THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING ALUMNI WEEKEND WITH US!
Thank you to all our alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff, and supporters who joined us for Washington Adventist University’s Alumni Weekend. Your presence made the weekend truly special as we celebrated our shared theme, “Leveraging the Power of Legacy.” Together, we honored the faith, service, and commitment that continue to shape the WAU story across generations.
As we reflect on the strength of our legacy, we invite you to remain actively connected and continue supporting WAU through your prayers, mentorship, advocacy, and generosity. Your ongoing partnership helps ensure that the legacy we celebrate today continues to inspire tomorrow’s leaders.
Thank you for being an essential part of the WAU family.
Washington Adventist University Map
BUILDING 1 – Wilkinson Hall
Accounting Services
Admissions
Advancement and University Relations
Betty Howard Center for Student Success
Bookstore
Campus Dining Hall
Career Services
Cashier
Columbia Room
Communication, Department of Dean of Betty Howard Center for Student Success
Dean of SGPS
Education, Department of English and Modern Languages, Department of Financial Administration
Fireside Room
Human Resources
Institutional Research
International Student Program
Mailroom
Ministry, Office of President
Provost
Psychology, Department of Registrar
School of Graduate and Professional Studies
Social Work, Department of Student Accounts
Student Association
Student Financial Services
Student Life
Writing Center
BUILDING 2 – Weis Library
BUILDING 3 – Science Building
Biology and Chemistry, Department of Computer Labs
Computer Science, Department of Math and Physics, Department of Museum
Weinstein Lecture Hall
BUILDING 4 - Transportation
BUILDING 5 – Student Activity Center & Gymnasium
BUILDING 6 – General Services Building
Facility Services
Information Technology Services Safety and Security
BUILDING 7 – Boyer Health and Wellness Center
Athletics
Athletic Field
Medical
Department of
Department of
BUILDING
Center
BUILDING
