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Close Encounters

Photo by Andrew Shurtleff/AP

Story by David Pluviose / Photos by Andrew Shurtleff/AP and Kelly Coe

Columbia Union Conference schools are in the process of rolling out the Adventist Encounter Bible curriculum in elementary and high school classes. A key goal of this new curriculum, slated to be implemented in all union schools by Fall 2018, is to foster a deeper relationship with God and each other. The curriculum uses the Bible as the primary textbook, rather than the assortment of textbooks used by the old Bible curriculum, says Ileana Espinosa, associate director of elementary education for Columbia Union schools. 

The Old and the New Retrospective Art Exhibition Marks Transition of WAU Honors Program to Honors College this Fall

Story by Donna Bigler

A retrospective art exhibition, “The Old and the New” will open at Washington Adventist University (WAU) on Wednesday, March 1, with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m.  Both the reception and exhibition will be located in the Department of English and Modern Languages, lower level, Wilkinson Hall, 7600 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park, Md. The exhibition, which will remain on display through April 28, is open to the public during office hours on weekdays.

Pine Forge Academy Receives $50,000 Grant From TE Connectivity for STEM Space

Pine Forge Academy students join academy trustees and Thomas Lynch, CEO of TE Connectivity

Story by Dinah Jordan

TE Connectivity, a global leader in connectivity and sensors, recently awarded Allegheny East Conference's Pine Forge Academy a $50,000 grant for the implementation of a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program. These funds, part of TE’s global program supporting STEM education, will help establish an engineering, robotic and technology program at the school located in Pine Forge, Pa.

Seventh-day Adventist World Church President To Speak for Washington Adventist Alumni Weekend

Story by WAU Staff

The featured speaker for Washington Adventist University’s Alumni Weekend, April 6-9, is alumnus Ted N.C. Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church. He will be sharing his thoughts and experiences on April 8 at the 11 a.m. worship service at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church on the school's campus in Takoma Park, Md.

Wilson graduated from Washington Adventist University (WAU) in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree double major in religion and business administration. He began his church career as a pastor in 1974 in the Greater New York Conference. He has been married to physical therapist Nancy Louise Vollmer Wilson since 1975.

Blue Mountain Academy Opens New Health Food Store

Story by Dave Morgan

When one door closes, God opens another! The Adventist Book Center, which was located on the campus of Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) in Hamburg, Pa., recently closed. Many shoppers wondered what could replace this conveniently located store, with its friendly environment and familiar, well-loved products. “It was very disappointing when we drove up Sunday and saw the sign ‘Permanently Closed,’” says customer G. Russel. “We shopped there on a regular basis, and it was one of the ways we supported the school.”

BMA leadership saw an opportunity to remedy this concern. They would open their own store and offer students the ability to gain business experience as part of their vocational education program, while generating revenue for the academy.

Washington Adventist University Hosts Choral Festival

James Bingham directs the Columbia Union Choral Festival at Spencerville Adventist church

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

About 140 students participated in Washington Adventist University’s (WAU) Columbia Union Choral Festival last weekend.

Students from Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pa., Highland View Academy in Hagerstown, Md., Pine Forge Academy in Pine Forge, Pa., Richmond Academy in Richmond, Va., Spring Valley Academy in Dayton, Ohio, Takoma Academy in Takoma Park, Md., and WAU participated in the event.

WAU Mourns the Passing of Former President And Alumnus George Hillry Akers

Story by Washington Adventist University Staff

Washington Adventist University (WAU) is mourning the recent passing of a former president and alumnus, George Hillry Akers, Ph.D. Akers was president of his class when he graduated from the university in Takoma Park, Md., (then known as Columbia Union College) in 1947. He later returned to serve as president of his alma mater from 1970-1974, a school he credited for being instrumental in his Christian development, and for greatly molding his life.

WGTS 91.9 Listening Family Sponsors More than 950 Children

WGTS AM Show hosts Jerry Woods & Blanca Vega, WGTS Midday host Becky Alignay, Compassion’s Mark Hollingsworth, Sharemedia’s Dave Kirby, WGTS general manager Kevin Krueger.

Story by Jerry Woods

WGTS 91.9 listeners gave an early Valentine’s present to more than 950 children. The listeners stepped up to sponsor children through Compassion International during WGTS’ Days of Compassion Event. The two-and-a-half day event spotlighted the stories of children growing up in poor areas of the world and provided listeners the opportunity to meet the needs of those children.

Adventist HealthCare CEO Named Influential Marylander by The Daily Record

Story by Tom Grant

The Daily Record has selected Terry Forde, president & CEO of Adventist HealthCare, to receive the 2017 Influential Marylander award.

Fifty-one Influential Marylanders were selected by the editors of The Daily Record for their significant contributions to their respective fields and for their leadership in Maryland in the following areas: health care, civic leadership, communications, education, finance, freestyle, general business, law, philanthropy, real estate and technology.  The Daily Record launched Influential Marylanders in 2007 to recognize those who are leaving a mark on the community throughout the state.