AUP Alumni gathered for a sabbath alumni worship at the newly finished sanctuary of the Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church, located in Missouri City, Texas. The event, held on July 19, 2025, brought together alumni, family, and friends for a day of worship, testimony, and thanksgiving under the theme “Shine On Together: God Is Limitless!”

The worship service was led entirely by alumni, featuring musical offerings and testimonies that pointed to God’s leading.

The Sabbath School lesson was led by a panel consisting of Ruby Karamihan, Marc Amado, Michael Aquitania, and Millard Dalida, and was moderated by Sam Palomero. The discussion centered on God’s guiding hand during challenging beginnings and affirmed His faithfulness through transitions and trials.

Professionals from healthcare, ministry, education, and science shared how their University experience shaped their journey, both spiritually and professionally.

Dr. Lawrence Gayao, Class of 1966, expressed gratitude for his early education at the University. He continues to champion the gospel through digital media and biblical literature, remaining active in spiritual outreach.

Leah Almazora-Par, Class of 1995, reflected on how her AUP nursing education empowered her not only in healthcare but also in ministry. “The training I received at AUP equipped me to serve in both the clinic and the church,” she said.

Pastor Rodel Liwanag, currently serving in New Mexico and the Texico Conference as Health Ministries Director, shared his deep appreciation for AUP’s spiritual and academic foundation. “AUP’s nurturing of faith, character, and excellence has been instrumental in shaping the servant of God I am today,” he said. “Thank you for being a vital part of my calling and mission.”

Memorie Joy Abuel-Diaz, Class of 1996, proudly identified herself as one of the first graduates under the University’s new name, AUP. “It is an amazing feeling to know that God has made me shine for Him as I touch lives every day,” she said. “Forever, I will shine on for Him until Jesus comes.”

Dr. Jerry Tamayo recounted how an unexpected visit to the campus in 1987 changed the course of his life. After earning his bachelor’s degree in life sciences elsewhere, he followed God’s leading into graduate studies and teaching at AUP, later completing his PhD in molecular genetics and nutritional biochemistry. “It was at AUP where I first sensed God’s call in my life. It became the place where I was transformed, and where I first introduced Jesus to my students.”

Pastor Abner Razon, also from the Texico Conference, traced his journey back to his elementary days at AUP. “AUP shaped me not only academically, but also spiritually and morally,” he shared. “To my beloved AUP, shine on forever. Never grow tired of your mission to educate, inspire, and consecrate young lives for God’s work. I will carry your legacy with pride, hope, and gratitude.”

Following the lesson, Pastor Rolando Baysa, host pastor of Metropolitan SDA Church, introduced Dr. Arceli Rosario, president of AUP, as the Sabbath speaker. In her message, Dr. Rosario emphasized the transformative value of Adventist education, calling it an excellent evangelistic avenue of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “In our Adventist schools, our are children trained for service, the young people are trained to become missionaries who will go far or near to preach the second coming of the Lord and to prepare a people to meet Jesus when it comes this is the reason why we exist this is who we are our identity and our mission.”

After the morning worship, attendees enjoyed a fellowship lunch filled with laughter, memories, and reconnections. The afternoon continued with a gospel musical program, featuring alumni, families, and friends offering songs of praise and testimonies that gave glory to God.

Dr. Rosario also presented updates on the University’s current growth, academic progress, and the active spiritual life of students, strengthening the sense of shared mission among the alumni.

This Texas Sabbath gathering served as a powerful reminder of the lasting legacy of Adventist education and the shared calling to witness for Christ. From the classrooms of Silang to the churches of Texas, the mission continues, carried forward by alumni committed to faith, service, and the message to shine on, forever.