Congratulations to Oakwood University student Jezer Castillo on winning the Weniger Fellows Student Award for Oakwood University. As in previous years, each awardee is recommended by the School of Theology for consideration. Castillo was selected because at Oakwood University he represents the values of Charles E. Weniger: spirituality, academics, civic service, and leadership.
Organizers of the event consider these awards as the “Oscars” of the Seventh- day Adventist Church.
The Charles E. Weniger Society awards scholarships to one student from each of 13 higher education institutions in the North American Division. The $750 scholarship from the Weniger Society is matched by the recipient’s institution. The award ceremony was held at the Loma Linda University Church on February 18, 2023.
In addition to student awards, each year the Weniger Society honors individuals who have experienced distinguished careers. The 2023 awardees:
• John Brunt – former vice president for academic administration, Walla Walla University; pastor.
• Charles Sandefur – former president, ADRA and Mid-America Union; rural health care administrator; leader of the largest Zoom Sabbath School class in the Church.
• Serena Hasso Tonstad – prominent physician focused on public health and preventive medicine, formerly at Loma Linda University and currently in Norway.
• Wedgwood Trio – Jerry Hoyle, Bob Summerour, and Don Vomer – significant contributions in their own fields but also honored for impact on Adventism through their music
The Charles E. Weniger Society was established in 1974 by the late Congressman Jerry Pettis; Clinton Emmerson, D.D.S.; and church leader John Osborn, to preserve and project the qualities of inspiration, motivation, and excellence that were paramount in the life and service of Charles Elliott Weniger, Ph.D., beloved Seventh-day Adventist educator. Over his career, Weniger served Seventh-day Adventist higher education at Pacific Union College, Columbia Union College, the SDA Theological Seminary, and Andrews University.
Oakwood University | June 2023
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