In a remarkable milestone, Washington Adventist University (WAU)* is celebrating 120 years of dedicated service to education, faith, and community. Founded in 1904 in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU has been a steadfast beacon of higher learning and spiritual growth. To kick off this year-long celebration, WAU president Weymouth Spence initiated a special daily prayer initiative, at 1:20 p.m. ET, uniting the WAU community in faith and reflection.

The university’s rich history is steeped in the Seventh-day Adventist tradition, rooted in the values of compassion, service, and academic excellence. For 120 years, WAU has been a nurturing home for countless students, faculty, and staff who have come together to pursue knowledge, spirituality, and personal growth.

To mark the occasion, a series of events and activities have been planned throughout the year, allowing the WAU community to come together and celebrate the university’s legacy of service, leadership, and faith. These events and activities are listed below.

Open Convocation – A Grand Beginning

The celebration kicked off on Jan. 11, 2024, with an open convocation, a grand gathering of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of WAU. This event, held on the university’s campus at Sligo SDA Church, was an opportunity for the WAU family to come together and reflect on the institution’s remarkable journey over the past century.

Prayer Initiative – Uniting in Faith

As a symbol of spiritual unity and a reminder of WAU’s faith-based foundation, WAU president Weymouth Spence initiated a daily prayer initiative. Every day at 1:20 pm, members of the WAU community pause to offer their prayers, seeking blessings, guidance, and strength for the university’s future.

President Spence expressed his vision for this initiative, stating, “Our daily prayers at 1:20 pm are a powerful way to connect with one another and with the divine. It is a moment of reflection, gratitude, and hope as we embark on this exciting year of celebration.”

Year-Long Celebration – Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

Throughout the year, a diverse range of events and activities are planned to commemorate WAU’s 120 years of service. Each event will pay homage to the university’s heritage while also looking forward to the bright future that lies ahead.

During the convocation, WAU’s provost, Cheryl Kisunzu, spoke about the significance of this year-long celebration, stating, “This 120-year milestone is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth. As we celebrate, we also renew our dedication to our mission of providing a holistic education that prepares students for lives of service and leadership.”

Get Involved – Join the Celebration

As the WAU community joins together in celebration, alumni, friends, and well-wishers are encouraged to participate in the festivities. Whether you are a current student, a proud alumnus, or a supporter of WAU’s mission, your involvement is welcomed and valued. The 120th-anniversary celebration is an opportunity for all to connect, reminisce, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of WAU’s history. For more information about upcoming events and how you can be a part of this historic celebration, please visit WAU’s official website www.wau.edu.

* Washington Adventist University was formerly named Columbia Union College (1961 to 2009), Washington Missionary College (1914 to 1961), Washington Foreign Mission Seminary (1907 to 1914), and Washington Training College (1904 to 1907).