Earlier this month, a cherished tradition returned to Warner Pacific University for the first time since 2019. On Saturday, December 6, the McGuire Auditorium was filled with the warmth of reunion as 65 alumni, trustees, students, faculty, and community friends gathered for the 2025 Advent Brunch. The morning was centered around a powerful theme, “United in Christ, Our Light in the City,” highlighting how Jesus brings the WPU community together to illuminate not just Portland, but wherever we are called to go.
The event was designed to steward our current supporters and reengage our alumni family by sharing stories of student impact and preparing our hearts for Christmas. The program opened with worship, as sisters and students Susan and Sarah Asaya filled the room with the melodies of “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful”. Following an invocation by Pastor Lorenzo, our Student Chaplain, Ja’Shawn Young, read from Isaiah 9:6-7, sharing a touching reflection on how these verses have applied to his own journey as a student. We were further moved by Tammy Rodgers, a recent graduate of the Ministry and Community Engagement program, who offered a testament to faith and perseverance as she recounted how God led her to Warner Pacific.
Between these moments of reflection, guests enjoyed a time of fellowship and a meal provided by Sodexo, featuring crowd favorites like candied bacon, Amish baked oatmeal, and baked brie. As the morning progressed, Corey Falls, Faculty Chair and Associate Professor, drew our attention back to the Word with a reading from John 1:14. President Doug Wade then shared university updates, celebrating the good news of our men’s soccer team making the top 8 in the NAIA National Tournament.
We were especially blessed by alumna Nike Greene, who delivered an enthralling keynote message about our call to reflect Christ’s light on campus, at work, and in our families. She emphasized that light is present in the darkness because it has a purpose, a truth that applies directly to our daily lives. The celebration concluded with the beautiful sounds of the choir and band from the Allen Center for the Performing Arts, arranged by alum Jeffrey Scott. Joshua Carothers, Director of Advancement, sent us out with a call to engagement, encouraging the community to continue supporting WPU students through their time, talent, and treasures. It was a morning that truly reflected our mission to equip our diverse student body through faith and education.