News

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.

On April 10, 2025, two Southwestern Adventist University students, Gabriel Molina and Kaleb Gonzalez, took a step into the spotlight, sharing their groundbreaking research with the Texas Capitol. For these young scholars, this was not just a milestone; it was a chance to showcase the hard work they’ve poured into their academic journeys. Their presentations highlighted the exceptional research happening right here at SWAU.
Gabriel Molina, a Biochemistry major, presented his research on the growth of bacteria in vended water. The research focused on the risks of bacteria thriving in five-gallon water coolers, a common method of obtaining water in many lower-income communities. Gabriel tested the water and surfaces for harmful pathogens, including Pseudomonas, and analyzed the data to better understand the potential health impacts. His research has the power to change how we think about sanitation and public health in underserved areas.
Gabriel shared his excitement about the opportunity: “Presenting at the Capitol was a huge honor. It gave me the chance to share what I’ve been working on with a larger audience and interact with other researchers. It felt incredible to represent SWAU and show how important this kind of research is for real-world applications.”
Kaleb Gonzalez, also a Biochemistry major, presented his exploratory research on the protective effects of fatty acids like Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) against oxidative stress. His work dives deep into the mechanisms of neuropathic pain—a field that has fascinated Kaleb since his early interest in neuroscience. Though exploratory, Kaleb’s research could serve as a foundation for future breakthroughs in pain management and treatment.
“I never imagined being able to present my work at the Capitol,” Kaleb said. “It’s a huge honor and a reminder that I’m on the right path. This experience really motivates me to keep pushing forward in my research.”
Both Gabriel and Kaleb’s research journeys were shaped by the guidance and mentorship of their professors at SWAU. Gabriel credits his faculty advisors, Dr. Ryan Sinclair and Dr. Pablo Gonzalez, for their unwavering support throughout his research process. Kaleb expresses similar gratitude for Dr Gonzalez and his mentor at Loma Linda University, Dr Marino de Leon.
As they look ahead, both students are determined to continue expanding their research. Gabriel’s work on water sanitation could evolve into a more expansive study, while Kaleb plans to continue exploring the many unanswered questions within the field of neuroscience.

Southwestern Adventist University is pleased to announce the appointment of Chad Giles, CPA, as its new Vice President for Financial Administration, effective mid-May 2025.
Giles brings over 25 years of experience in auditing, financial strategy, and nonprofit administration to his new role. A licensed CPA in both Maryland and Texas, he most recently served as Director in the Nonprofit Assurance Department at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) in Fort Worth. Prior to his time at CLA, Giles spent two decades in leadership roles at the General Conference Auditing Service, where he provided financial oversight and strategic insight across North America and internationally.
“Chad brings a rare combination of financial expertise, mission alignment, and a servant leader’s heart,” said Ana Patterson, President of Southwestern Adventist University. “His deep experience with nonprofit institutions, particularly within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, makes him uniquely qualified to help lead us into a financially strong and mission-focused future.”
At CLA, Giles was recognized for his ability to streamline audit workflows, implement innovative technologies, and mentor high-performing teams. He led assurance services for a wide range of nonprofit organizations and was instrumental in expanding CLA’s nonprofit footprint in Texas, adding six new clients in less than a year.
Giles is a graduate of Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration. He later completed a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Accounting at the University of Maryland.
An active member of his local church and community, Giles currently serves as Finance Chair at the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. He and his family reside in Burton, Texas.
In an internal announcement to faculty and staff, President Patterson acknowledged the excitement of this transition while also expressing gratitude to Interim Vice President for Financial Administration, Ron Wehtje. “Ron’s service has been invaluable, allowing us to conduct a thoughtful and thorough search for the right candidate,” she said. “We are deeply appreciative of his continued support during this transition.”
Reflecting on his new appointment, Giles shared:
"It is a privilege to join Southwestern Adventist University—a campus with a clear mission and a vibrant future. I look forward to supporting our students, faculty, and staff through faithful financial stewardship and strategic growth."
 

Southwestern Adventist University is thrilled to announce that Nathan Amaral, recently awarded the Grand Prize of both the Concert Artist Guild (CAG) and Young Concert Artists Trust (YCAT) competitions, will be the featured guest performer at this year’s Night at the Meyerson performance. Nathan, who is also the first prize winner of the 2024 Sphinx Competition, has established himself as one of the most compelling and dynamic musicians of his generation.