Busy weekend at Union: ReUnion and Leaders Building Leaders Conference

Union Adventist University (UAU) hosted an exciting weekend of events from April 3-6, 2025. The annual ReUnion welcomed alumni back to campus, featuring a special Concert Winds reunion. Simultaneously, the 11th Annual Leaders Building Leaders Conference provided an insightful experience for current students, alumni, and professionals. One student shared their excitement prior to the events, stating, “I’m excited for this weekend. I love when alumni come to campus because it sort of makes me envision my future. I like starting up conversations with them because there’s always something for me to learn. Which is also why I’m excited for the conference!”

The Union Adventist University ReUnion is an annual tradition that invites alumni to reconnect with former classmates, professors, and the university community. This year, the event featured a special Concert Winds ReUnion, bringing together past and present members of the university's band program.

ReUnion began on Thursday, April 3, with registration from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ortner Center Lobby. In the afternoon, prospective students and alumni engaged in the Alumni Student Preview Day from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees enjoyed a dinner buffet at 5:30 p.m. in the Woods Auditorium, followed by an evening band rehearsal in the Thunderdome.

On Friday, April 4, the Golden Club Breakfast welcomed long-standing alumni at 9 a.m. Registration continued, alongside the highly anticipated Leaders Building Leaders Conference. Band rehearsals and a walking tour of campus kept attendees engaged throughout the day, leading up to a community vespers service at College View Church at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 5, offered spiritual enrichment, including two church services at College View Church at 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m., followed by a Sabbath haystack lunch. Honor class meetings and photos were held in the afternoon, culminating in a vespers service led by Cheri Carrick at 7 p.m. The highlight of the weekend, the Concert Winds ReUnion Band Concert, took place at 8 p.m. in the Thunderdome, showcasing the university’s rich musical legacy.

The weekend wrapped up on Sunday, April 6, with a Squirrel Fun Run/Walk at 9 a.m., offering a fun and active way to conclude the festivities.

Running concurrently with ReUnion, the Leaders Building Leaders Conference is an annual event hosted by UAU’s Business Program. This year’s conference, held on Friday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featured industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who shared their insights on leadership, innovation, and success.

The conference kicked off with a session by Mike Gerdes, Chairman of Silverhawk Aviation, titled “Using Your Passion to Define Your Profession.” Gerdes discussed his journey from working the front desk to leading an aviation company.

Attendees chose between two presentations during the second session at 10 a.m. Simon Liversidge, JD, Lead Pastor at College View Church, presented “Living in Balance: The Biblical Key to Living (and Loving) Well,” which explored how maintaining balance in intellectual, physical, spiritual, and relational health leads to a fulfilling life. Alternatively, Merlin Wehling, MD, Director of Anesthesia, delivered “Aspirepreneur - Aspiring to Become an Entrepreneur When All You Know is Medicine,” a personal account of his transition from medicine to entrepreneurship.

At 11 a.m., participants attended either “Leading with Purpose: Building a Legacy of Compassion and Excellence” by Denyse Bales-Chubb, President & CEO of AdventHealth, or “Bourne to Optimize” by Shayne Daughenbaugh, Founder of Improvement Evolutions, which drew leadership lessons from the Jason Bourne series to optimize organizational efficiency.

The conference concluded with a keynote panel discussion over lunch at 12:15 p.m., featuring Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Travis Stovall. Titled “Leadership in Action: Insights from City Mayors for Future Business Leaders,” the discussion provided perspectives on leadership, decision-making, and community impact.

With a wide range of activities, ReUnion and the Leaders Building Leaders Conference offered UAU alumni and students a chance to reconnect, learn, and celebrate the institution’s legacy. Whether through music, networking, or professional development, the weekend proved to be a meaningful experience for all attendees.

By: Oliva Sweet