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The Monthly Newsletter of Warner Pacific University – December 2024

Hello Warner,

We're excited to share more stories with you about how WPU is empowering growth through Christ-centered education. Feel free to share this publication widely or, if you received this from a friend, sign up to receive future issues directly from WPU. Click the link to find the sign up as well as previous issues.

President's Message

Luke 1:37-38 “For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord;  be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.


The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.


Perhaps amongst the many faith-filled responses to a calling from the Lord found within the gospels, Mary’s simple expression, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; Be it unto me according to thy word,” is one of the most profound. To be sure, Mary did consider the circumstances: how might she be able to “conceive” and give birth to “the Son of the highest”—having known no man? Yet upon the angel’s encouragement to “Fear not,” she steeled herself according to two simple ideas: 1. She was the Lord’s servant. 2. Let it be according to His word and will…



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Ministry Corner

By Lorenzo Peterson, WPU Chaplain


Recently, I have been meditating on a quote from the Late Dr. Myles Munroe. He stated, "Your future isn't in front of you, it is inside of you." This statement stretches and challenges certain mindsets, because God gives us everything we need in the form of a seed. That seed is cultivated by the decisions we make on a daily basis. There is another quote that says, "When you were born, you look like your parents, but when you die, you look like your decisions".  Both statements cause me to reflect. During this season, as we celebrate the life of Jesus, although historically, we understand it is not his actual birthday, His story lends us lessons that are life changing.  


Matthew Chapter 2 tells us that after Jesus was born, King Herod became very insecure and felt that his throne would be threatened by this new king. He inquires about the birth of the child. The chief priests and teachers of the law refers to the prophecy that was written by the prophet in Micah 5:2, which is repeated in Matthew 2:6 "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel." In other words, at his time of birth, Jesus was located in Bethlehem in Judea…

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New Partnership Will Provide Tomorrow's Faith-Based Leaders


Warner Pacific University Expands Christian Ministry Offerings Through Partnership with Mid-America Christian University


Warner Pacific University (WPU) is excited to announce that it is expanding access to Christian ministry degrees and course offerings through a partnership with Mid-America Christian University (MACU). This partnership will bring robust, faith-centered academic offerings to Warner Pacific students, empowering them to grow and thrive in their Christian academic journeys.


In a signing ceremony that took place on Dec. 13, WPU welcomed Dr. David Hoag the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities president and MACU’s President Phil Greenwald to formalize the agreement…



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Inspiring Alumni and Donors

"Braking" the Cycle of Abuse


Rhona Mahl (Brant) '07 knows what it’s like to be disregarded, like a penny on the ground. People might notice you, but they don’t see your value.


That was the inspiration behind the penny floor in Braking Cycles, a Portland-based nonprofit Mahl founded that offers apprenticeship programs to marginalized youth. Mahl wants everyone to know their worth. More than 200 volunteers helped lay more than 148,000 pennies on the shop’s floor – a testament to their belief in the program and its young participants.


Mahl is the executive director of Transitional Youth, an organization dedicated to serving marginalized youth that are “caught in the cycles of abuse, poverty, addiction, sex trafficking, homelessness, and hopelessness.” Braking Cycles operates under the umbrella of Transitional Youth…

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Lead Gift Helps Prepare McGuire Auditorium for Next 50 Years


Plans for a major renovation of McGuire Auditorium, which includes restoration of the treasured glass spire, have moved forward thanks to a generous lead gift from the Williamson family of Tucson, Arizona. There $100,000 commitment is the first gift toward this $300,000 project scheduled to begin later in 2025. Work is expected to be complete by fall 2026 to coincide with the building’s 50th anniversary.


Dedicated on September 26, 1976, McGuire Auditorium is the social and spiritual heart of Warner Pacific. For the Williamsons, the gift is a philanthropic continuation of their family’s legacy. Dorothy (McGuire) and Lowell Williamson were the original lead donors for the building and chose to name it in honor of Dorothy’s parents, Lillie and Asa McGuire. Lillie was an ordained minister in the Church of God, as was Lowell’s father…

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Christmas Blessings to You and Yours!


As the Christmas season arrives and our students and staff head home to spend time with loved ones, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire WPU family. To our donors, alums, partners, prayer supporters, faculty, staff, students, and friends—thank you for walking alongside us throughout 2024. Your support makes it possible for us to continue living out our mission and serving those who come to us, equipping them to live lives With Purpose. We are truly blessed to have you as part of our community. May you have a joyful and peaceful holiday season!


Advance Your Career with an Accelerated BS in Psychology and Human Development!


At Warner Pacific University, our accelerated Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Development explores the nature vs. nurture debate and provides a strong, research-based foundation for a variety of career paths. Designed for working professionals who’ve completed some college, this flexible program offers in-person classes one night per week and online options. Whether you’re interested in family, community, or human services or planning to pursue graduate studies, our program prepares you for success. Take the next step in your career today!

Apply Today

Why your gift matters! Please help WPU serve more students.

Warner Pacific University provides scholarships, supports faculty development, enhances campus facilities, and fosters innovative academic programs. Your generosity, regardless of the amount, will have a tangible impact and help deserving students receive a transformational education rooted in our shared values.

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