On April 13, 2025, Southwestern Adventist University hosted its annual A Night at the Meyerson event at the renowned Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas. The event marked the culmination of the Fine Arts Festival weekend, formerly called Music Festival, bringing together students, faculty, and community members for an evening of exceptional musical and artistic performances.
 
The Fine Arts Festival, which began with the Scholarship Showcase Concert on Wednesday night, provided an opportunity for high school and university students to refine their musical and artistic skills. This year, for the first time, art students participated in the weekend with workshops led by guest artists Mavis L. Mann-Rojas and Jo Ann Davidson, who guided the students as they honed their craft. The festival also included Friday Night Vespers, led by Jo Ann Davidson, and the Southwestern Hymn Festival, where students performed hymns after church.
 
A Night at the Meyerson celebrated the achievements of both music and art students. During the evening, seven music scholarships and four art scholarships were awarded to deserving students, who were recognized on stage for their talent and dedication.
 
The night featured guest conductor Dr. William Chien, leading the Festival Concert Winds, Nathan Amaral, a guest violinist whose powerful performance captivated the audience, and Jonathan Mamora, SWAU’s own music professor and internationally acclaimed pianist.
 
Thanks to the generous support of attendees and donors, the event raised $155,000 to support scholarships, ensuring students can continue to pursue their education and artistic endeavors.
 
The success of A Night at the Meyerson is a testament to the power of collaboration and community support. President Ana Patterson expressed her gratitude to the participating academies and high schools, highlighting the value they bring during the festival. “Thank you to the participating academies and high schools. We greatly enjoyed having you become a part of our campus throughout the week,” said Patterson. The event was not just a celebration of student talent but also a reminder of the collective efforts that make such an evening possible. George Vander Veer, VP for Advancement, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. “We are deeply grateful for the support of our community,” Vander Veer remarked. “This year’s Meyerson event was a tremendous success, and it’s a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together in support of our students.”
 
Special thanks to the event’s sponsors, including the Sensabaugh Family, Texas Health Huguley Fort Worth South, La Moderna, Southwestern Union, Texico Conference, Arkansas-Louisiana Conference, Southwest Region Conference, Oklahoma Conference, Texas Conference, Pinnacle Bank, and Todd and Melinda Goodman. Their generosity has made a lasting impact on SWAU’s Fine Arts program.
 
With 1,108 attendees and $155,000 raised, A Night at the Meyerson once again demonstrated the power of community and the transformative impact of the arts.

View the 2025  A Night at the Meyerson photo album here.