Graduating the Class of 2019, Southwestern Adventist University wrapped up its 125th year of providing knowledge, faith and service through Christ-centered education. As the newest alumni bid farewell to campus, many embarked on their professional journey of service and leadership equipped by their well-rounded experience at the university. Below we share three students’ experiences.

“Southwestern Adventist University is where I found my passion for healthcare,” says Veronica Carvajal, who graduated from Southwestern Adventist University at the top of her business class. She has begun a career at AdventHealth through the hospital’s finance and accounting residency program.

From the moment she first stepped onto campus, Carvajal felt cared about personally, academically and spiritually. Her professors often prayed with her and focused on her success.

Carvajal shares that classroom learning was transformed to hands-on experiences through her work in the President’s Office, involvement in campus clubs and an internship with AdventHealth. “My experience at Southwestern Adventist University helped me realize that whether it be at home, work or school, I should always act with high character and be a shining example for His glory.”

“I love Southwestern Adventist University because it gave me countless opportunities to make lifelong friends, get involved in spiritual programs and serve as a student leader.” Some assume that mission work is meant for theology majors, but for Matthew Hanson, the desire to learn about communication from Southwestern Adventist University’s Emmy award-winning professors didn’t get in the way of his passion for service.

During his time at Southwestern Adventist University, Hanson took full advantage of the university’s opportunities in and out of the classroom. He served as a student missionary, worked in the university’s spiritual life office, took part in varsity sports and led as Student Association President. Hanson will use the experiences he gained inside and outside of the classroom as he begins his life of service. “Southwestern Adventist University prepared me for a life of service by giving me opportunities to learn through hands-on experience. I was able to gain many practical skills to bring to the next stage of service.”

“My professors at Southwestern Adventist University challenged me academically in order to best equip me for my future endeavors. They helped me learn the importance of serving others and empowered me to fully immerse myself as I fulfill my vocation.” For Emily Hernandez, Southwestern Adventist University’s caring faculty and staff guided her path to academic success and prepared her for a master’s degree program through Baylor University.

The university’s unique campus culture was evident for Hernandez through the professors who went the extra mile to ensure that she was not only successful in the classroom but also equipped for her future career and endeavors. Hernandez shared that the faculty and staff often stayed late to answer her questions and confirm that she understood the materials. Hernandez studied Biological Sciences and in the fall she will take what she learned at Southwestern to pursue a graduate degree in Public Health at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. “Southwestern Adventist University’s caring faculty and staff paired with excellent curriculum and small class sizes allowed me to explore my passion and prepare for my future spiritually, personally and professionally.”