Southwestern Adventist University held its annual Convocation service on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church. Convocation is the ceremonial beginning of the new academic year, setting the tone for the campus for the entire year.
Led by Convocation Marshal Dr. Renard Doneskey carrying the ceremonial mace and Elizabeth Nuia presenting the University flag, faculty members dressed in full academic regalia marched in procession to a stirring tune performed on the organ by new music faculty member Jonathan Mamora. Students enjoyed more inspiring music as the Southwestern Chamber Orchestra played an anthem of praise, Nearer Still Nearer, arranged by Samuel Krahenbuhl, and the University Singers offered the choral response with a reverent rendition of Soon We Will Be Done, arranged by Kyle Pederson.
This year, the event was made even more special by the presence of Dr. Nadine Collins.
Dr. Collins, a renowned speaker and author, brought a refreshing message of empowerment and faith to the assembly. With a blend of warmth, wit, and wisdom, she urged students to break free from conventional molds and embrace the unique purpose God has for each of them.
She shared her personal story—not only as a tale of triumph over adversity but as an illustration of what happens when one dares to listen to that inner voice calling them to something more. While many of her peers pursued traditional careers, Dr. Collins felt a different pull. With no clear roadmap and facing financial obstacles, she did what she knew best: she prayed.
"Prayer kept me grounded," she said, recounting how her connection with God became her guiding force. Whether it was moving to another island for college or traveling halfway across the world to pursue her Ph.D., Dr. Collins trusted that if God was leading her, He would also provide for her. And He did—though not always in the ways she expected.
However, Dr. Collins didn't just share her journey; she issued a challenge. She spoke of fear—not as something to be avoided but as a tool to be harnessed. "Fear can cripple us," she acknowledged, "but what if I told you that fear could become your slave?" She invited students to reframe their relationship with fear, not as a barrier but as a catalyst for growth.
Her message was clear: when you align with God's purpose for your life, you become unstoppable. A bold statement, but one Dr. Collins lives out daily, empowering women across the globe to rise above limitations and embrace their God-given destinies.
As she brought her speech to a close, Dr. Collins left the SWAU community with a call to action: "It's time to get grounded in prayer and align with the purpose God has for your life." Her words were more than just advice—they were a reminder that each person in the room has a unique role to play in God's grand design.  

Learn more about Dr. Nadine Collins' ministry by visiting https://nadinecollins.com/
The Convocation service in its entirety can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/live/WolAzo8s_AA?si=O5-1_k3DxpYj65v8 
Photos of this event can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/southwesternadventist/albums/72177720319896820/