WAU Commencement Program 2025 by Washington Adventist University

May2–May4, 2025

Commencement Weekend

May 2 – May 4, 2025

Mission

Washington Adventist University is a learning community committed to the Seventh-day Adventist Christian vision of excellence and service. This cosmopolitan institution challenges students to seize the opportunities for learning in the nation’s capital, in order to become moral leaders in communities throughout the world.

Class of 2025 Theme:

A Perceived End is a New Beginning

Class of 2025 Motto:

A New Day is Dawning; A Phoenix Rises from the Ashes

Class of 2025 Scriptures:

“Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

~Luke 1:78-79

Gateway to Service

Dear WAU Graduate:

Dear

WAU

Graduate:

Dear WAU Graduate:

Gateway to Service

Gateway Service 1904-2025

Congratulations on your outstanding academic accomplishment! A few years ago you entered through the Gateway to Service at Washington Adventist University seeking the required knowledge on your career pathway to become a competent moral leader in preparation to serve in communities throughout the world. We are excited that you chose WAU to support you on your career journey. Your success is not a surprise, even through the challenges of a pandemic, it is well earned. As you leave the University through the Gateway to Service, put knowledge into action and change the world by linking scholarship with service. Continue to be committed to a belief and value system that results in responsible moral choices and the care of the body, mind, and spirit.

Congratulations on your outstanding academic accomplishment! A few years ago, you entered through the Gateway to Service at Washington Adventist University seeking the required knowledge on your career pathway to become a competent moral leader in preparation to serve in communities throughout the world. We are excited that you chose WAU to support you on your career journey. Your success is not a surprise, it is well-earned. As you leave the University through the Gateway to Service, put knowledge into action and change the world by linking scholarship with service. Continue to be committed to a belief and value system that results in responsible moral choices and the care of the body, mind, and spirit.

The purpose of the Washington Adventist University experience is not only for you to earn a degree, but to prepare you to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Your earned degree is not designed to elevate you above others, but to vertically connect you to God and horizontally connect you with others in meaningful ways. Make every interaction with people an opportunity to leave people feeling a little better. Become a hero by submitting yourself to the needs of others. Class of 2022, put your academic accomplishments to work by serving your community; your every act of service makes a difference!

The purpose of the Washington Adventist University experience is not only for you to earn a degree, but to prepare you to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Your earned degree is not designed to elevate you above others but to vertically connect you to God and horizontally connect you with others in meaningful ways. Make every interaction with people an opportunity to leave people feeling better. Become a hero by submitting yourself to the needs of others. Class of 2025, put your academic accomplishments to work by serving your community; your every act of service makes a difference!

Please join me in expressing appreciation to our valued faculty and to the entire WAU learning community for their dedication and commitment to your success. You are now a distinguished alumnus of Washington Adventist University! You are now a lifelong partner in making the mission of WAU a reality for others!

Congratulations! May the Love of God, the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be your support throughout life’s journey!

Congratulations! May the Love of God, the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be your support throughout your life’s journey!

Congratulations! May the Love of God, the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be your support throughout life’s journey!

Sincerely,

Weymouth Spence, Ed.D., R.T. President

Weymout Spence, Ed.D., R.T. President

Prelude

Processional

Invocation

Musical Selection

Welcome

Scripture Reading

Consecration

Friday, May 2, 2025 • 7:30 p.m.

Ladrón de tu amor

Daniel Rodriguez, oboe - Gualberto lbarreto

Sofiia Yatsyshyna, cello - arr. Daniel Rodriguez

Trumpet Voluntary

Andre Salva, piano

Mark Di Pinto, organ - John Stanley

Christopher Banks, Dean

Betty Howard

Center for Student Success

Sage Asiel Hetsberger, marimba - Asiel Hetsberger

Mark Di Pinto, piano

Ralph Johnson, Vice President

Student Life

Luke 1:78-79

Richard Machado

Video Presentation Class of 2025

Video Presentation Music

Tribute

Musical Selection

Introduction of Speaker

Consecration Address

Adagio from Sonata in D Minor

Rachel Helm, violin - Johannes Brahms

Daniel Lau, piano

Flowers given to family, friends, Class of 2025 faculty, and staff

Surrender

Sabria Richardson, soprano - Sabria Richardson

Daniele Oduro Kyei Boahen, piano

Desca Samuel, Class President

Anwar Ottley, Associate Professor, Music Department

Class Response

Litany of Consecration

Consecration

Friday, May 3, 2024 • 7:30 p.m.

Tiara Best, Class Vice President

Joyce Johnson, Leader

Angelisa Andrade-Argueta, Faculty

Vannya Huarca, Graduate

Luz Huarca, Parent

Leader: Lord, in a time of crisis and opportunity we present this class of overcomers to You. May they focus not on worldly distractions but on you. May they take heart that God has overcome the world. May they commit their abilities to You.

Graduands/Graduates: As we begin our new roles, we accept the challenge of trusting the Lord and using our gifts to serve. We recognize that we are gifted differently—not because we should be separate or alienated from each other, but so that we can see our need for each other.

Faculty/Staff/Administration: During your years at Washington Adventist University, we have guided, nurtured, and shaped you. As you leave, we pray for your continued progress to serve in families and corporations, in businesses and schools, in hospitals and houses of worship—teaching, ministering, healing, and working for justice and equality.

Parents: Lord, may they use their talents for the good of humanity—knowing that their maturity will be judged by how well they are able to disagree and yet continue to love one another, cherish one another, and seek the greater good of one another.

Leader: Forgive us Lord for having treated with disdain the weak, the poor, the unemployed, the immigrants, the depressed, the “failures.” Forgive us for not living out your love.

Graduands/Graduates: Forgive us for not showing compassion and care—for making power and money the gods at whose altars we have bowed our knees. Give us the grace to trust You and to rely on You with all our heart.

Faculty/Staff/Administration: Lord, give them the courage to acknowledge their inadequacies, the wisdom to rely on You, and the compassion to act justly in this chaotic world.

Graduands/Graduates: Give us open minds to understand and open hearts to act honestly. Help us to use our diverse talents faithfully—not for personal advancement, but for ministering to our broken homes and fractured communities.

Consecration

Friday, May 3, 2024 • 7:30 p.m.

Congregation (Leader): Give them good judgment to be models of authentic living, so others can learn of Your love. Protect them from the gods of gold, of greed, of power.

Graduands/Graduates: As we leave the protection and support of this campus environment, we—the grounded champions—trust the Lord to grant us the desires of our hearts, and we pledge to serve both Him and humanity.

All (Leader): Dear graduates . . . stay focused, for God has promised to be with you. Lord, give them the audacious compassion to be the humble servants that this world cries out for.

Leader: Lord, help the graduates stay focused on this vision, to always have the courage in their hearts to be the change the world needs.

Graduands/Graduates: Lord, with our varied gifts and abilities, we accept the challenge and present ourselves for consecration to You, for active service to humanity.

~ Joan A. Francis, author ~ Updated 2025, Richard Grant

Musical Selection

Benediction

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Fernanda Rinza, soprano -arr. Tom Trenney

Daniel Lau, piano

Anwar Ottley, Associate Professor, Music Department

Recessional Rigaudon Mark Di Pinto, organ - Andre Campra

Processional

Welcome and Church Life

Baccalaureate

Saturday, May 3, 2025 • 11:00 a.m.

Crown Imperial March - William Walton

Keila Carmona, Pastor for Youth and Young Adults, Sligo SDA Church

Invocation Junior Aguilar, SA President

Hymn of Praise

Prayer

Anthem

Children’s Message

Crown Him with Many Crowns No. 223

Olive Hemmings, Chair Henry & Sharon Fordham Department of Religion

Concerto for Oboe in C Major, K 324

Daniel Rodriguez, oboe Adagio non troppo - W. A. Mozart

Tiara Best, Class Vice President, Andrew Darkes and Clifton Kollpillai

Scripture Reading Luke 1:78-79

Dania Charles

Introduction of Speaker Weymouth Spence, President

Anthem Poor Wayfaring Stranger - arr. Andrew Lloyd Blake

Baccalaureate Address “Living in the Light of Peace”

Pastor Jerry Lutz, President

Chesapeake Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Board Trustee, Washington Adventist University

Invitation to Give

Carissa Desjardins, ClassTreasurer

Baccalaureate

Saturday, May 4, 2024 • 11:00 a.m.

Offertory Concerto for Cello in A Major, Sofiia Yatsyshyna, cello Adagio, ma non troppo - Antonin Dvorak

Hymn of Dedication Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah No. 538

Benediction Lloyd Yutuc, Director of University Bookstore/Class Sponsor

Recessional March from “Athalia” - Felix Mendelssohn

Pro Musica of Washington Adventist University

Anwar Ottley, director

New England Youth Ensemble of Washington Adventist University Preston Hawes and Brian Liu, co-directors

Anwar Ottley, organ

Commencement

Sunday, May 4, 2025 • 10:00 a.m.

Presidential and Faculty Trumpet Voluntary Procession - Jeremiah Clarke

Processional Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 - Edward Elgar

Invocation Jiwan Moon, Chaplain Washington Adventist University

Welcome

Remarks

Scripture

Class President’s Address

SGPS Representatives

Luke 1:78-79

Talisha Searcy, Mayor of Takoma Park

Patrick Farley, Executive Vice President for Finance

Marcellus Robinson, Chair Board of Trustees, Washington Adventist University

Daniel Lau, Professor and Chair Music Department

Desca Samuel, Class President

Alisha Gill and Wilson Vaiphei, SGPS Representatives

Honors College Tiara Best, Class Vice President Representative

Conferring of Honors and Weymouth Spence, President; Awards Cheryl Kisunzu, Provost

Gateway to Service Award

Weymouth Spence, President

Musical Selection

Introduction of Speaker

Commencement Address

Conferring of Degrees

Presentation of Diplomas

Commencement

Sunday, May 5, 2024 • 10:00 a.m.

Laurie’s Song from The Tender Land Desca Samuel, soprano - Aaron Copland

Daniel Rodriguez, oboe

Sofiia Yatsyshna, cello

Andre Salva, piano

Weymouth Spence, President

Gwen-Marie Davis Hicks, President, Maryland Association for Justice

Weymouth Spence, President

Cheryl Kisunzu, Provost

Lynn Zabaleta, Registrar

School of Arts and Social Sciences

Bradford Haas, Director, Honors College

School of Health Professions, Science and Wellness

Alvin Fuentes, Professor Health Wellness and Physical Education

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

Joyce Johnson, Dean

Musical Selection

Refuge Carissa Desjardins, soprano; - Carissa Desjardins

Catusha Desjardins, Desca Samuel, Andrea Rinza, Josue Desjardins, Backup vocals; Valentina Anzola, Veronica Anzola, violins; Angel Contreras, viola; Ana Girarte, cello; Charis McRoy, piano

Commencement

Sunday, May 5, 2024 • 10:00 a.m.

President’s Charge Weymouth Spence

Class Appreciation Desca Samuel, Class President

Welcome to Alumni

Alma Mater Hail, Washington!

Benin Lee, President, Alumni Association

Class of 2025 - Clemen Vernon Hamer

Benediction Cheryl Kisunzu, Provost

Recessional Prelude from Te Deum - Marc Antoine Charpentier

Processional/Recessional Musicians

Anwar Ottley, organ

Jose Luis Oviedo, trumpet

President’s Excellence in Gateway to Service Award

Service is not just a word at Washington Adventist University. It is the educational formula that we use to prepare our students to serve and change the world. Service is built into the curriculum and the classroom and threaded throughout the fabric of the institution. Our valued faculty play a central role by incorporating our location in the nation’s capital into their curriculum. They see the adventures of service learning as an opportunity for students to shape their careers while helping them find a future to serve their communities that is uniquely theirs.

Equally important to this identity, is the distinctive faith-based atmosphere on campus. We see faith not just as an individual devotional experience (as crucial as that is), but also as the lens through which we interface with the world of ideas, and the desire to make a difference in the world through service and a ministry of hope. The desired outcome is that we want our graduates to make a difference through their chosen careers and by making community service an essential part of their lives. Resulting in a better person, a better community, and ultimately a better world.

During the annual commencement service we will recognize individuals who demonstrated exemplary community service – unparalleled dedication, unmatched performance, inspirational service that goes “above and beyond” – that makes a unique difference in making their communities a better place. Each of the recipients, in his or her own way have modeled the essence of the life and teachings of Jesus: “… When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” Mathew 25:35-36. CEV

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: “What are you doing for others?” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

HONORARY RECIPIENTS AND AWARDEES

WAU Honorary Doctorate: Doctor of Humane Letters

Nilima Nehra, Executive Producer & President, Global Television Network

President’s Excellence in Gateway to Service Award

Carol Pauline Varner, Washington Adventist Board of Trustee; Former City Council, Takoma Park

2022 Speaker Biographies 2025 Speaker Biographies

Speaker Biography

ATTORNEY GWEN-MARIE DAVIS HICKS

Attorney Gwen-Marie Davis Hicks, is the founding and managing partner at GDH LAW Firm headquartered in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is a 2002 graduate of Columbia Union College, now known as Washington Adventist University. She attended school on an athletic scholarship where she played basketball and volleyball for the school. While a student, she majored in Communications, Broadcast Media/Journalism. She interned and worked at WGTS 91.9 and BET (Black Entertainment Television). While meeting her requirements for her degree she took a Communications Law course, where she reignited her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. She was involved with the mock-trial team and the Center for Law and Public Policy. This provided her with a great steppingstone and exposure to the law. She attended the University of Baltimore School of Law. Upon her law school graduation, she obtained a prestigious judicial clerkship position.

She is the current President of the Maryland Association for Justice (formerly Maryland Trial Lawyers Association) which is the largest specialty bar association in Maryland. She is a current Board of Governor for the Maryland State Bar Association, a Fellow for the Maryland Bar Foundation, she is Peer Review Committee member for the Attorney Grievance Commission and is on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice, the largest national trial lawyers association. She is also the current secretary for the Women’s Trial Lawyers Caucus. She is on the leadership ladder to lead the Women Trial Lawyers across the country.

She is honored to have been selected as a Maryland Super Lawyers, in which only 2.5% of attorneys are selected and awarded as a Super Lawyer. She was also recognized by the Daily Record 2022 Power List.

God has blessed Gwen-Marie with many opportunities in her career. She is an advocate on behalf of her clients in Annapolis, MD. Her advocacy has afforded her the opportunity to work closely with legislators in Annapolis, MD and on Capitol Hill. She co-chaired through the Women’s Trial Lawyers Association, several Lobby Day events. She orchestrated for hundreds of attorneys from all 50 states to come to Capitol Hill and lobby on several bills, including Ending Forced Arbitration. During her time advocacy and protecting client’s access to the 7th amendment, she has been afforded the opportunity to meet United States Presidents, a Speaker of the House, US and Maryland Senators and Delegates, and has a personal connection with our current Governor of Maryland.

She was raised and lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is licensed to practice law in Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia state and Federal Courts. She is also barred in the United States Supreme Court.

She prides herself in providing excellent legal counsel, knowledge, energy and vigor to fight for her clients. Of all of her accomplishments, she is most proud to be a mother to Kenton, Kasmin and Kaylei Dawn Hicks, and wife to William Hicks.

Speaker Biography

PASTOR JERRY LUTZ

Jerry Lutz is the president of the Chesapeake Conference of Seventhday Adventists where he also served as Conference Secretary from 2014 - 2020. Prior to joining Conference Administration, Elder Lutz was the senior pastor of the Spencerville SDA Church in Silver Spring, Maryland for 18 years. Before he and his family moved to Maryland in 1996, he was senior pastor of three Central California Conference churches. Pastor Lutz graduated from Pacific Union College with a bachelor’s degree in theology and later received a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

As part of his administrative responsibilities as conference president, Elder Lutz serves on various Union, Division, and General Conference committees and boards, including two Adventist hospital boards and the Washington Adventist University board of trustees. Prior to accepting the position of conference president, and concurrent with his former ministry at Spencerville Church, Elder Lutz served as an adjunct professor at Washington Adventist University where he taught Church Leadership and Administration in the Graduate School of Professional Studies, Master of Arts program in Religion.

From 2010 to 2020, Elder Lutz was the host, moderator, and associate writer for the weekly television program, “The American Religious Town Hall Meeting”, which features prominent leaders of various faiths and religious traditions discussing issues of religious liberty, current trends in religion, and Bible doctrine. Elder Lutz was the 5th moderator to serve the Dallas, Texas based program since the broadcast began over 70 years ago, making it one of the longest running television programs in broadcast history.

Jerry and his wife, Janet, met while both were attending graduate school at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Janet is currently the Physician Relations Manager at Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. She has also served in similar capacities at National Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., and the University of Maryland Medical Center, in Baltimore. The couple has one adult son, Jarrod. Jarrod and his wife, April, have three children and reside in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Speaker Biography

ANWAR OTTLEY

Anwar Ottley is an Associate Professor of Music and the Director of Choral Activities at Washington Adventist University, where he leads university choirs and teaches courses in sacred music and musicianship. He also serves as the Director of Worship at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland where he oversees worship services, leads the worship ministry staff, and coordinates the church’s four ensembles, along with other worship-related ministries. A sought-after clinician, he has conducted clinics, festivals, and workshops on choral music and worship ministry.

He is a published arranger whose works have been performed in venues across the country, including the American Choral Directors Association Conference, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Dr. Ottley is currently a member and rehearsal conductor for the world-renowned choral ensemble Jason Max Ferdinand Singers and has served as a section leader and rehearsal conductor of the Washington Master Chorale. His list of teachers also includes Jason Ferdinand, Stephen Zork, Thomas Colahan, Claudio Gonzalez, Timothy Sharp, and James Bingham.

Dr. Ottley holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Washington Adventist University, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting with a secondary emphasis in Theory and Composition from Andrews University, and a Doctor of Worship Studies degree from Liberty University. While his passion is choral music, it is also his desire to equip the next generation of musicians with the tools needed for worship ministry and leadership. He, his wife Sharlene, and two sons currently reside in the Washington DC Area.

August 2024 Graduates: 18

December 2024 Graduates: 42

Class of 2025

May 2025 Graduation Candidates: 68

The 128 graduates are comprised of the following degrees**

Graduate degrees:

1 Master of Science in Nursing Education

1 Master of Science in Nursing and Business Leadership

7 Master of Business Administration

1 Master of Education in School Counseling

9 Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

8 Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

12 Master of Arts in Health Care Administration

Class Organization

Desca Samuel President

Tiara Best Vice President

Carissa Desjardins

Treasurer

Catusha Desjardins

Secretary

Alisha Gill and Wilson Vaiphei

SGPS Representatives

Grand Marshal

Fitzroy Thomas, Associate Dean

Betty Howard Center for Student Success

Candidates

August 2024 – May 2025

The list of degree and award recipients is tentative, and the University reserves the right to withdraw or add names. Official proof of degree completion is provided only by diploma and transcript.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE

Hiwot M. Dejene†

Radiologic Technology

Leah Christine Rachel Doornbos†

Radiologic Technology

Cum Laude

Dreyana Sade Hinton†

Radiologic Technology

Yawa Kpotoufe†

Radiologic Technology

Cum Laude

Abigail Elizabeth Litton†

Radiologic Technology

Sean Nathaniel O’Toole†

Radiologic Technology

Vivette A. Simpson†

Radiologic Technology

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE

Kyle Christopher Daniel de Castro

General Studies (Political Studies)

Cum Laude

Darius Iverson Holmes* General Studies (Fitness/Wellness)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Gehel A. Accilien† Business Administration (Marketing)

Titus Oluwaseun Aina# Nursing

Heidi Patricia Amaya# Nursing

Isaiah C. Anderson† Counseling Psychology

Brenda Sika Atutonu# Health Care Administration; Information Systems

Eryka Marie Avery† Health Care Administration

Savannah Morgan Bayles* Medical Imaging

Elizabete Duarte Camacho† Nursing

João Bruno Campana† Business Administration (International Business)

Rhodell Carter, Jr.* Health Care Administration

Dania L. Charles# Biology (Honors Interdisciplinary) Cum Laude

Luz Adriana Chavez# Nursing

Mikeah Carla Crowder† General Studies (Psychology and Science)

Estefany Yamileth Cruz# Nursing Cum Laude

Catusha L. Desjardins† Biology (Honors Interdisciplinary)

Josue Lael Desjardins† Accounting Cum Laude

Mitzi Joharis Estrada# Nursing

Scarlet Marely Estrada† Nursing

Lucas Fazzolari de Freitas Mendes† Business Administration (Entrepreneureship/Management) Cum Laude

Marion Imogen Frenche* Business Administration

Salena Joy Frost# Nursing

Patrice La’Shon Frye# General Studies (Allied Health and Social Science)

Abraham Kidanemariam Gebrehaweria# Nursing

Morganne D. Goaneh† Counseling Psychology

Elizabeth Gomes† Nursing Cum Laude

Haze Algier Green† Health Science Cum Laude

Rachel Lorraine Helm# Nursing Cum Laude

Dreyana Sade Hinton† Medical Imaging

Vannya Josselyn Huarca# Biology (Honors Interdisciplinary) Magna Cum Laude

Emanuel Mahmoud Hylton† Accounting

Kai Kamara† Nursing

Simonette Alex Nakama Kargbo† Nursing

Riku Kawano† General Studies (Business Administration and Religion/Social Science)

Susmita Kharel# General Studies (Business Administration and Mathematics/Social Science)

Francisca Victoria Kimbembe# Biology (Honors Interdisciplinary)

Jelani Z. Lee† Counseling Psychology

Abigail Elizabeth Litton† Medical Imaging

Richard Lemos Machado† Counseling Psychology (Honors Interdisciplinary) Cum Laude

Yvana Jorelle Mafokou Nguiffo† Health Science

Felix Roshon McGhee† Health Science Cum Laude

Anna Licia Larissa McGregor† Accounting

Naomi Aramide Mimiko† Health Care Administration

Daniel Alexis Monge* Business Administration (Finance)

Sherina Meenal Moses† Nursing

Jessica Nandipamu* Medical Imaging

Ritta Nkengfack Zemafie# Nursing

Onyinyechi Buyisiwe Nwadike# Nursing

Nkeiruka Ekwutosi Okoye† Nursing

Adejumoke Adesola Omotayo† Nursing

Olubukola Eunice Oyeyemi† Nursing

Carl E. Parker† Business Administration

Jamel-Ivone Ray Parker# Counseling Psychology

Bethsheba Samson Paul# Health Care Administration

Bertha A. Quist-Therson* Health Care Administration

Kelly Amanda Ramirez Garcia† Computer Science

Shawna Monique Reid* Health Care Administration

Darian M. Roberts† General Studies (Psychology and Mathematics/Religion)

Maria Andrea Romero Campos# Nursing

Morgan Ashley Ross† Nursing

David Andreé Rowe# Business Administration (Marketing) Cum Laude

Allendria Floydricka Russell* Medical Laboratory Science

Josue David Salmeron† Computer Science

Andre Shawn Zulueta Salva† General Studies (Music and Psychology)

Nofisat Abimbola Sanni# Nursing

Gopi Madhav Sunkara* Biology (Honors Interdisciplinary)

Christine Marie Taylor# Nursing

Eliezer Isaac Tineo# Health Care Administration

Cum Laude

Minh Ngoc Tran† Business Administration (Marketing)

Cum Laude

Armon A. Williams† Fitness and Sport Science

Laurence Yonkeu† Nursing BACHELOR OF MUSIC

Asiel Joseph Hetsberger# Music Performance

Sabria Larae Richardson# Music Therapy

Fernanda Sophia Rinza# Music Therapy (Honors Interdisciplinary)

Cum Laude

Daniel Antonio Rodriguez Rivero† Music Performance

Sofiia Yatsyshyna† Music Performance Cum Laude BACHELOR OF ARTS

Junior Nicolas Aguilar Cabrera† Theology (Honors Interdisciplinary) Summa Cum Laude

Tiara April Best† Theology (Honors Interdisciplinary)

Magna Cum Laude

Aaron Robert Burrow# Psychology

Andrew Jordan Darkes† Theology

Cum Laude

Carissa Yamilee Esther Desjardins† Music (Honors Interdisciplinary)

Clifton Bob Koilpillai† Theology

Locksley Ivanhoe McKoy# Theology

Jayson Alexander Pinilla* Theology

Desca Zanelle Samuel†

Music

Emma Janae’ Suggs* Political Studies (Honors Interdisciplinary)

Sarai Velasquez Molina† Psychology

Angelina Wong† Music

Summa Cum Laude

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING EDUCATION

Cecile M. Tchuenbou†

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING AND BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Annette Amoakohene*

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Eyuel Seleshi Bekele †

Belina Manuel Kiala†

Mike Ofori-Darkwa#

Leslie Rachell Salvador#

Josue Silvestre Calle†

Shannon Markita Nicole Smith#

Wilson Vaiphei†

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOL COUNSELING

Jessica Diane Roberts*

MASTER OF ARTS IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY

Kwesi Aaku#

Philip Paul Baptiste†

Arielle Renee Hartz#

Robel Crezahegn Helina†

Trevor Rush Irish*

Darian Diamond Lancaster*

Windell Evanso Reid#

Labria Monnette Terrell#

Bianca Dione Wheeler†

MASTER OF ARTS IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

Alimot Morenike Ajala*

Philip Paul Baptiste†

Tirzah Ruth Noelle Andrade#

Trevor Rush Irish*

Sandra D. Kenan-Miller#

Windell Evanso Reid#

Anna Gabrielle Suazo#

Labria Monnette Terrell#

MASTER OF ARTS IN HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

Sara J. Adalla†

Tafari Yohance Alves#

Kamell Kierra Benjamin†

Angela Jacob Chindrupu#

Jessereena David Kumar†

Alisha Gill†

Francillia Gabrielle Kimbembe†

Moncy Mol Lazer#

Gloria Haydee Puentes†

Tareka Nicole Salvador#

Yolanda de Jesus Semedo da Rosa*

Josue Silvestre Calle†

MUSIC THERAPY EQUIVALENCY

(Non-Degree Completers)

Wendy Lanxner

Eric Maring

Julia Reznikov

GUEST GRADUATE

Dr. Ricardo Flores

Virginia University of Lynchburg

Doctor of Healthcare Business Administration

* August 9, 2024 graduate

# December 31, 2024 graduate

† Graduating May 4, 2025 subject to completion of coursework (graduand)

‡ Music Therapy Equivalency Program completer

HONORS

ACADEMIC HONORS

Shown within the candidates list are the following Latin and departmental honors:

Latin Honors

Cum Laude - 3.50

Magna Cum Laude – 3.75

Summa Cum Ladue – 3.90

Designated GPA’s must be earned by the beginning of the final term in which the degree is expected. Both WAU GPA and Cumulative GPA must meet the standard to qualify for Latin Honors

Departmental Honors

Departmental Distinction

WAU and/or cumulative GPA’s below 3.5, but have earned 3.90 within the major requirements

The Washington Adventist University Honors College

The Washington Adventist University Honors College, the first honors college in the Seventhday Adventist higher-education system, offers exceptional students the opportunity to take unique interdisciplinary majors and minors, and to combine the breadth of the Honors curriculum with the more specialized knowledge in other degree areas. Honors Interdisciplinary Double Majors are required to combine two major fields of study, or a major and a specific pre-professional program, and must complete Leadership and Service requirements that prepare them for future endeavors. All Honors College students who meet the curricular and GPA requirements wear the Honors College seal medallion at graduation and also be easily identified by their distinctive red robes. In addition, students who have completed the Honors College major requirements also wear an antique gold tassel to recognize their curricular achievement.

HONORS INTERDISCIPLINARY TRACK:

Junior Nicolas Aguilar Cabrera†

HONORS INTERDISCIPLINARY:

Dania L. Charles#

Erin Greenlaw

Tiara April Best †

Vannya Josselyn Huarca#

William Johnson

Francisca Victoria Kimbembe#

Emma Janae’ Suggs*

Jenevieve Lettsome

Richard Lemos Machado †

HONORS INTERDISCIPLINARY DOUBLE MAJOR:

HONORS INTERDISCIPLINARY DOUBLE MAJOR TRACK:

Anna Karla Carreño

Carissa Yamilee Esther Desjardins†

Ava Movahed Abtahi

Fernanda Sophia Rinza#

Sofya Puyul

HONORS INTERDISCIPLINARY MINOR:

Catusha L. Desjardins†

Gopi Madhav Sunkara*

HONORS INTERDISCIPLINARY MINOR:

Ana Aguilar Piedra

Haze Algier Green†

Nicolas Cunningham

Sofiia Yatsyshyna†

Academic Regalia

The black caps and gowns worn by the students, faculty, and staff in the academic procession have been the traditional costume of scholars since medieval times. In the United States, it is more commonly referred to as academic regalia.

Most colleges and universities in the United States have adopted the uniform code for costumes, drafted by an intercollegiate commission in 1893 and later formally adopted by the American Council on Education in 1959. Each of the three academic degrees—bachelor, master, and doctoral—has its own distinctive gown and hood. The bachelor’s gown is distinguished by its long, pointed sleeve. The master’s gown has a longer, narrower closed sleeve extending below the knee; the arm fits through a slit at the elbow. The doctor’s gown has a full, bell-shaped sleeve trimmed with three bars of velvet. The velvet trim on the gown can be black or a color indicating the wearer’s general field of learning—for example, green for medicine or purple for law. A list of departments and colors follows:

Business Administration—drab Communications—gray Economics—copper

Education—light blue

Law—purple

Liberal Arts, Humanities—white

Library Science—lemon

Medicine—green

Music—pink

Nursing—apricot

Philosophy—dark blue

Public Administration—peacock blue

Public Health—salmon

Physical Education—sage green

Social and Natural Sciences—golden yellow

Social Work—citron

Theology—scarlet

The most colorful and distinctive part of the academic costume is the hood extending down the back. The doctor’s is the largest of the hoods, and the bachelor’s is the smallest.

Silk lining of various colors in the center of the hood indicate the college or university which conferred the degree. Consistent for all degrees is the cap, or mortar board, which has a tassel of black or another color indicating the field of learning. The tassel of the doctor’s cap can be gold.

Some institutions of higher learning include cords or stoles as a component of the academic costume to represent certain achievements and honors. Washington Adventist University graduates are awarded silver cords to represent departmental distinction and gold cords to indicate academic honors.

Graduation Events

Department of Medical Imaging

Pinning Ceremony

Department of Religion

Department of Medical Imaging

Thursday, May 1, 2025, 6:00 pm

Pinning Ceremony

Senior Dedication

Saturday, May 3, 2025, 4:00 pm

Sligo Church Atrium

Wednesday, April 27, 6:00 pm

Richards Hall Chapel

Honors College

Senior Dedication

Friday, May 2, 2025, 4:30 pm

Sligo Church Fellowship Hall

Sligo Church Atrium

Honors College

Senior Dedication

Department of Nursing

Pinning Ceremony

Saturday, May 3, 2025, 4:30 pm

Friday, April 29, 4:30 pm

Sligo Church Atrium

Office of Alumni Relations

Sligo Church Sanctuary

Alumni Association Induction Ceremony

Friday, April 29, 6:00 pm

Provost Blessing

Peters Music Center

And now may these blessings come and stay with you. As you are blessed in the city and blessed in the country. Your children will be blessed.

Department of Nursing

Pinning Ceremony

You will be blessed when you come in and when you go out.

Saturday, April 30, 4:00 pm

The Lord will help you defeat the enemies that come to fight you.

Sligo Church Atrium

The Lord will bless you with full barns and He will bless everything you do. You will lend to other nations, but you will not need to borrow from them.

The Lord will make you the head not the tail. (Deut. 28:3-13)

Department of Religion

Senior Dedication

This is my prayer, it is my declaration over you ...

Cheryl H. Kisunzu, Your Provost And now may these blessings come and stay with you. As you are blessed in the city and blessed in the country. Your children will be blessed.

The Lord will make you the head not the tail. (Deut. 28:3-13)

This is my prayer, it is my declaration over you ...

Saturday, April 30, 4:30 pm

Richards Hall Chapel

Cheryl H. Kisunzu, Your Provost