William Loveless, Former Pennsylvania Conference and WAU President, Dies

Story by WAU Staff

William A. Loveless, who served as the president of the Pennsylvania Conference 1976 to 1978 and then Washington Adventist University (WAU) 1978 to 1990, died last month. Loveless served as the university’s president when the institution was known as Columbia Union College.

“William Loveless was an extraordinary influence on this university,” says Weymouth Spence, current WAU president. “Under his leadership, this university was among the first in the nation to launch an evening program designed specifically to meet the needs of working adults. That program today is known as our School of Graduate and Professional Studies.”

In addition to his years as university president, Loveless was pastor of two of the largest congregations in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America: the Loma Linda University church in Loma Linda, Calif., in the 1980s and the WAU campus’ Sligo church in the 1960s. As a pastor, he was a compelling preacher, and extraordinarily gifted at relating the Bible to contemporary life.

A memorial service will be held at the Loma Linda University church Sunday, September 28, at 2 pm. The family has requested no flowers but asks anyone wishing to make a contribution to honor Loveless’ memory to consider giving to the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Calexico Mission School or Loma Linda Broadcasting Network.