For the first time since 1998, Walla Walla University hosted this year’s triennial Association of Seventh-day Adventist Historians (ASDAH) Conference, gathering over 60 Adventist historians at the Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory.
The conference, held in early September 2025, followed the theme of “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—view the 2025 ASDAH Conference program for presenters and topics. On Saturday, everyone gathered on Rosario Beach for worship, led by President Alex Bryan. For the rest of the day, attendants could enjoy a hike up Mount Baker, go whale watching, visit the area’s natural history exhibits, or explore Rosario Beach.
The ASDAH was founded in 1973 and held their first conference in 1995, establishing the conference as a series of triennial meetings at different Adventist universities and colleges. Now, the ASDAH has become an open community of scholars and laypersons who share the same common interests in fostering research not only on Seventh-day Adventist history but all aspects of history.
Greg Dodds, department chair and professor of history, has attended every conference since 1998, and this year, 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, sophomore history major, attended the conference as Tonia Jeffery’s—administrative assistant for the history department—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 that 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.
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 Department of History and Philosophy, visit wallawalla.edu/history.
Posted Oct. 1, 2025.
