http://www.southwesternadventist.org/ en-us Latest news from the Southwestern Union Conference http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1724 http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1724 During commencement May 4: Southwestern Adventist University - The 194 members of Southwestern Adventist University's Class of 2008 were graduated during the three-day weekend of ceremonies on May 2-4. Highlighting commencement services on Sunday were special recognition of Leroy Leiske, president of Southwestern Adventist College from 1971-1974, and of Ellen Kewusha Jackson, who was one of the first five black students to be admitted to Southwestern 40 years ago. Southwestern Adventist University graduates 194 Four of the 2008 Southwestern Adventist University graduates, from left: Chris Petr, Marcelle Nugent, Lubasi Ngonda, and Liliana Molano. SWAU graduated a total of 194 students this year. http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1723 http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1723 Southwestern Adventist University - Almost 4,300 people witnessed the dramatization of the Passion Week during the Resurrection Pageant presented on the campus of Southwestern Adventist University on Saturday, March 22. The pageant is a theatrical reenactment of Jesus Christ's ministry, death, and resurrection. This is the third year that the Keene church, the university, and the community have joined together to present this production. Resurrection pageant draws thousands for third year Jesus invites the children to come unto Him during the resurrection pageant, a dramatization of the Passion Week. http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1698 http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1698 Shreveport First - (Shreveport, La.) If you want to make all heaven sing, do evangelism! Get your members active in a soul-winning experience. That's the case of the small Spanish group meeting at the Shreveport First church. With the support of church leaders and the blessing of the conference, the few Hispanic members stepped out in great faith and began a Spanish radio ministry called "La Esperanza de Gloria." Hosted by Pastor Joe Arellano and using sermon presentations by Pastor Andres Portes, the broadcasts began on Sunday morning, March 23, airing from 8 to 9 a.m. on 92.1 FM, La Invasora, a local radio station. Pastor Portes pioneered these presentations in his church district and the Lord has blessed this ministry tremendously. Radio ministry reaches Hispanic community Hispanic members of the Shreveport First church have started a Spanish radio ministry called "La Esperanza de Gloria." Pictured is Pastor Joe Arellano in the radio station's studio. http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1726 http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1726 Southwestern Union - Recently, the Southwestern Union office helped sponsor a mission trip that included two people from our office--Pat Humphrey and Marcella Bayless--as well as students from Southwestern Adventist University. This is the report of one of the students. Called to be a missionary Southwestern Adventist Univeristy student Aurora Rodriguez was one of the volunteers who went on the Mexico mission trip this spring. http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1711 http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1711 Fourth Annual Music Festival for 7th and 8th graders: Keene - (Tex.) "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before his presence with singing" (Psalm 100:1-2). The 7th and 8th graders from schools across the Texas Conference were given the opportunity to praise God during their 4th Annual Music Festival held in Keene, Texas, on February 21, 2008. The annual event was under the direction of David Anavitarte, professor at Southwestern Adventist University. Dr. John Boyd contributed his expertise on the piano. Making a joyful noise Dallas Adventist Junior Academy presents a drama that illustrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1722 http://www.southwesternadventist.org/news.php?storyid=1722 Southwestern Adventist University - Southwestern Adventist University marked the 40th anniversary of its first black students as both "a victory and a failure," according to university president Eric Anderson. Speaking to a special assembly, he honored five African-American students, but also asked, "What took us so long?" 40th anniversary honors first black students at SWAU Southwest Region Conference president Bill Wright is honored by Southwestern Adventist University for being one of the first black students at SWAU.