Five Alums Honored at Awards Luncheon

PORTLAND, OR--Five Warner Pacific College alumni were recognized for outstanding achievement during the college's annual Alumni and Family Weekend event held on February 11, 2012.

The 2012 honorees included attorney Sonya (Cahl) Fischer '88, who was given the Distinguished Alumni Service Award; Gladstone School Superintendent Bob Stewart '75, was given the Distinguished Alumni Professional Award; missionary Ethel Willard '58, was given the Distinguished Alumni Ministry Award; and Pastor Robert I. Williamson '59 as given the Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award.

Doctor Ysu Umbalo '99—currently living and working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo-- was given the Distinguished Young Alumni Award. Unable to attend the award luncheon, Dr. Umbalo sent a heartfelt thank you to the awards committee: "I sincerely want to thank everybody involved in selecting, nominating, and awarding me this honor," said Dr. Umbalo. "I hope some day to be able to have you see what you are hearing from afar," he continued. "Until then, I will strive to improve the work I love so that good fruits will be visible and eternal. God bless you!"

Over the years, Warner Pacific has recognized over 30 distinguished alums since 1963. Selections are based on several factors for each category as follows: the Distinguished Alumni Service Award is awarded to an individual who has provided outstanding service in their field or the community. The Distinguished Alumni in Ministry Award is awarded to an individual or couple who have given their life to ministry. The Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award is awarded to an individual who has brought honor to the college with at least two generations of descendants attending Warner. The Distinguished Young Alumni Award is awarded to an individual who is making significant accomplishments in their field, ministry or community prior to age 41. And finally, the Distinguished Alumni Professional/ Academic Achievement is awarded to an individual who is accomplished in their profession or area of academic pursuit.

During the Alumni Awards Luncheon, President Andrea Cook said that she is happy Warner Pacific is continuing the tradition of acknowledging alumni for outstanding service. "We are so privileged to honor all of our alumni," said Dr. Cook, "especially those today receiving these awards."