DEEP Retreat 2009 Deepens OU/SAU Relationships

Oakwood University and Southern Adventist University share in planning the weekend retreat over alternate years, sponsored by the Southern Union Conference. Oakwood planned the January 16-18 event.  OU president, Dr. Delbert Baker, selected the shoreline as this year’s location and the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama, for its accommodations.  Attendees enjoyed the sights and sounds of ocean surf, seagulls cruising, and the pure white sands of Alabama’s Gulf Shores.  

In keeping with Baker’s theme of “Bridging Diverse Communication Barriers,” each institution designated six administrators, four faculty, four staff, and ten students, along with member spouses and children for a total of 80 attendees. Each year OU and SAU students room together, encouraging camaraderie, friendship and greater understanding.

The presenter, Dr. Janice Watson, conducted workshops over Friday evening, Sabbath morning and afternoon, facilitating group interaction, activity exercises, and dialogue. The event has proven once again to be a great concept, fueling friendships and broadening understanding between the institutions