News Articles

Walla Walla University President and Other Members of University Community Honored with Weniger Award

February 21, 2024 | College Place, Wash. | Emma Dodds

Charles E. Weniger awards presentation 2024 at the Loma Linda Adventist Church — Screenshot from the livestream of the 48th annual awards presentation of the Charles Elliott Weniger Society for Excellence, held at the Loma Linda University Seventh-day Adventist Church in California on Feb. 17, 2024.

John McVay, president of Walla Walla University, was selected as a 2024 recipient of the Charles Elliott Weniger Award for Excellence. The award was presented at the annual award presentation on Feb. 17, 2024, in Loma Linda, California.

The awards are given in honor of Charles E. Weniger, dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., from 1948–1958, who inspired and mentored a generation of ministers, chaplains, and theologians. Weniger modeled the charismatic public speaking that he expected of his students and encouraged them to explore through the worlds of literature, drama, and music. The awards recognize individuals who exemplify the values of humility, kindness, and professionalism demonstrated by Weniger.

Every year, a student is recognized from each of the 13 accredited Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities in the North American Division. Weniger Student Fellows receive $750 provided by the Weniger Society matched by $750 from the institution. This year, Juliana Zollbrecht, junior exercise science major, was chosen and will be celebrated at the WWU Awards CommUnity. WWU alumna Ginger Ketting-Weller is also a 2024 recipient of the Weniger award.

The 48th annual awards presentation of the Charles Elliott Weniger Society for Excellence took place on Feb. 17, 2024, at the Loma Linda University Church. The event was live streamed, WATCH HERE.

— Emma Dodds is a Walla Walla University Relations student writer.

50 Ministerial Spouses Unite for Community Service, Fellowship, and Training During the 2024 NAD Year-End Meeting

Community service, fellowship, and training sessions made up the spouses’ meetings during this year’s NAD Year-End Meetings, with roughly 50 spouses of conference leaders in attendance.

Report on 2024 Consolidated Enrollment

The Association of Adventist Colleges and Universities (AACU), comprised of the presidents and other top leaders from 13 Adventist colleges and universities in North America, has determined that the latest consolidated fall enrollment numbers for all 13 institutions totals 20,828 students. This increase of 256 students from the previous year marks the second consecutive year of total growth.

Charting a New Path: 2024 Administrators’ Conference Unites Leaders to Shape the Future of the Church in North America

It’s been 10 years since conference and union presidents, executive secretaries, and treasurers gathered in one room to brainstorm how best to carry out the church’s mission in North America. A long-awaited follow-up, the 2024 administrators’ conference hosted more than 200 conference and union officers at the NAD’s headquarters on Oct. 30-31.

In the Middle of It: A Thanksgiving Reflection

It’s easy to express gratitude when the outcome is favorable, when the struggle has passed, and when we can see the fruit of our perseverance. But what if we could learn to give thanks not just at the end of the journey but “in the middle of it”? What if we could cultivate the kind of gratitude that doesn’t wait for the resolution, but chooses to acknowledge God’s faithfulness even while the outcome is still unknown?

Promoting Healthy Minds at Southern Adventist University

Experts across America have gathered statistics that point to a mental health crisis for college students. Anxiety concerns have risen from 56 percent in 2013 to 65 percent in 2023, according to the Center for Collegiate Mental Health. The center also found that the number of students seeking help has steadily increased from 2009 until the pandemic. In response to the crisis, Southern Adventist University is working to ensure that students have access to various high-quality mental health resources.