For the first time since 1998, Walla Walla University hosted the 2025 triennial Association of Seventh-day Adventist Historians Conference, gathering more than 60 Adventist historians at Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory.
The conference, held in early September 2025, followed the theme “Tides and Transformations.” It supported five days of sharing historical research, discussing pedagogical questions and enjoying community with fellow historians, all while surrounded by the outstanding natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
The first few days were filled with paper presentations and roundtable discussions. On Saturday, everyone gathered on Rosario Beach for worship, led by Alex Bryan, WWU president. For the rest of the day, attendants enjoyed a hike up Mount Baker, whale watching, visiting the area’s natural history exhibits and exploring Rosario Beach.
ASDAH was founded in 1973 and held its first conference in 1995, establishing the conference as a series of triennial meetings at different Adventist universities and colleges. Now, ASDAH has become an open community of scholars and laypersons who share the same common interests in fostering research not only on Adventist history, but all aspects of history.
Greg Dodds, WWU history professor and department chair, has attended every conference since 1998, and at this conference, he was selected as the new ASDAH president. Looking to the future, Dodds hopes to continue to support and expand the ASDAH Conference — improving the mailing list system and potentially hosting online meetings during off years.
More than professors and professionals, this conference is a special opportunity for current and graduate college students to network with faculty who work for organizations students may want to join someday.
Audrey Bryan, WWU sophomore history major, attended the conference to assist Tonia Jeffery, WWU history department administrative assistant. She helped ensure each event ran smoothly throughout the trip and enjoyed the opportunity to learn from such a variety of professional historians.
Bryan said, “It made me even more sure of my major and future career choices, too. The whole trip allowed me to make connections with adults who have already researched and studied historical events. It was so fun!”
Dodds believes this event is an important opportunity for both intellectual growth and keeping history education strong throughout Adventist universities and colleges. “In addition to all of this, it’s also fun to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as we work and worship together,” said Dodds.
Are you looking to host your own conference or retreat at the WWU Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory? Learn more about renting Rosario facilities at wallawalla.edu/rosario. For more about the WWU department of history and philosophy, visit wallawalla.edu/history.
