The chandeliers of the Congressional Country Club glittered like constellations as the guests arrived — leaders from politics, business, law, athletics, and the arts. They gathered under one roof to honor Washington Adventist University’s (WAU) 12th annual Visionaries Gala. Faith diversity and vision are central to Washington Adventist University’s ethos. The Faith Diversity and Service Shine at WAU Visionaries Gala 2025. The air buzzed with elegance and expectation. Yet the heart of the evening was not luxury, but legacy.
For over a century, WAU has defined itself as a place where education and service walk hand in hand. And on this night, that mission came alive in every speech, every smile, and every standing ovation.
The Atmosphere of Unity
The evening opened with a hum of conversation and the quiet strains of music played by WAU’s celebrated students. This was a reminder that talent and discipline are nurtured within these very walls. Tables glowed with candlelight, while dignitaries mingled with alumni, students, and community leaders.
It was a scene that could have belonged to any prestigious university gala. Yet, as several speakers would remind the audience later, Washington Adventist University is unlike any other.
Jesse and Tarar: Two Voices, One Vision
At the heart of the gala were Dr. Jasdip Singh Jesse and Dr. Sajid Tarar. They served as the evening’s co-chairs and torchbearers of WAU’s interfaith and multicultural spirit.
Dr. Jesse began by recalling his journeys across the world’s top universities — Harvard, Yale, Cambridge, University of Maryland. Yet, he confessed that what he discovered at WAU could not be measured in rankings or endowments.
“We saw faith, we saw love, we saw joy,” Jesse told the audience. “Students here don’t just chase degrees; they embody compassion and positivity. That spirit was missing in many other places.”
He painted a portrait of WAU as a “hidden gem.” He noted how students had partnered with his organization to develop music therapy programs. These programs now touch the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “This,” he said, his voice carrying across the hall, “is true love from God in action.”
If Jesse’s remarks were grounded in reflection, Dr. Sajid Tarar’s address brought both gravity and levity. Opening with greetings in five languages — As-salamu alaikum, Namaskar, Sat Sri Akal, Good evening, and Shalom — he reminded the audience that WAU was founded with a vision of inclusivity. This vision transcends religion and culture.
“Look at this evening,” he said. “A Sikh from India, a Muslim from Pakistan, a Catholic from Colombia — all serving one university, one vision. This is the dream of Ellen G. White fulfilled.”
Tarar saluted WAU President Dr. Weymouth Spence as “a man of God, of words, and of character.” He then lightened the room with his trademark humor. His playful story about children, apples, and cookies underlined his point: joy is as essential to faith as discipline.
“All of us carry stress — bills, traffic, daily burdens,” he said. “But tonight is about food, music, love, and laughter. That is what WAU stands for.”
The hall erupted with applause, sealing the sense that these two men had set the tone for a night of gratitude and generosity.
The President’s Call to Action
When Dr. Weymouth Spence, WAU’s president, took the stage, his words were both celebratory and urgent. He reminded guests that the gala was not simply an annual ritual, but a lifeline for students.
“For over a decade,” Spence said, “this gala has helped open doors for young men and women who long for the gift of Christian education.”
He unveiled the university’s Vision 2030 priorities. These include expanding scholarships, transforming the campus, and ensuring that WAU thrives for another century. He spoke candidly about funding challenges, like the withdrawal of certain federal supports for minority-serving institutions. He urged the audience to fill that gap.
“When you give tonight,” Spence declared, “you are not just writing a check. You are opening a door, lifting a burden, and telling a student: your future matters.”
The hall rose in a standing ovation.
Honorees Who Embody the Mission
The night was also a celebration of individuals whose lives reflected WAU’s mission of service and leadership:
- Dr. Nilima Mehra, Fox 5 broadcaster and proud WAU alumna, invoked the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., pledging to do “small things in great ways” to touch lives worldwide.
- Anand Poojari, recognized for entrepreneurial excellence, shared his remarkable journey from a small Indian village to becoming a successful restaurateur in America. His story was a testament to resilience, community, and gratitude.
- Gary Clark, NFL legend, honored Dr. Spence’s leadership style: “People don’t work for him, they work with him. That makes all the difference.” His simple yet powerful praise drew nods across the room.
- Gwen-Marie Davis Hicks, award-winning attorney and social justice advocate, delivered one of the evening’s most heartfelt addresses. “When I serve others, even on bad days, it brings a smile to my face,” she said. “WAU gave me the discipline that became the foundation of my purpose.”
Their journeys, though different, converged on the same themes — discipline, service, faith, and the courage to change the world.
Civic Voices and Community Support
Angela Franco, CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, served as master of ceremonies. In her speech, she credited WAU with transforming her own life and called on the audience to rally behind student scholarships.
The presence of civic leaders — Montgomery County Vice President Will Jawando, Council Member Laurie-Anne Sayles, and Mayor Talisha Searcy of Takoma Park — underscored the university’s importance beyond academia. WAU, they emphasized, is not just a school. It is a partner in building stronger communities.
Beyond Celebration: A Shared Responsibility
As the evening drew to a close, the message of the gala became unmistakably clear. The Visionaries Gala was not simply about awards or applause. It was about sustaining a mission that bridges faith and knowledge, diversity and unity.
Dr. Tarar’s final blessing lingered long after the applause:
“God bless you, God bless America — and let’s carry this vision forward together.”
And in the candlelit glow of the Congressional Country Club, that vision — of a university where love, service, and learning are inseparable — seemed not only possible, but already alive.
✨ Washington Adventist University’s Visionaries Gala 2025 was more than an event. It was a reminder that education, when rooted in faith and service, has the power to transform not just students, but entire communities.