Waynesburg University’s February trip to the annual Jubilee Conference in Pittsburgh is over this year, but preparation has begun for next year. Chaplain Anthony Jarrell discussed what his expectations are for next year’s conference.

“Every year Jubilee is an incredible experience each. I expect next year to be another incredible opportunity for students to be equipped with holistic understanding of the gospel in their lives,” Jarrell said. 

Jarrell explained a goal he has for himself before the conference next year. 

“My goal is to know students better so I can help prepare them better for the conference and to help them plan which workshops and opportunities they would most benefit from considering,” Jarrell said.

Jarrell also discussed what he and upper classmen who have gone will say to incoming freshmen to interest them in going next year. 

“Jubilee will change your life for the better. I believe it’s the best conference for college students anywhere, and we are lucky it’s held in Pittsburgh,” Jarrell said.

Jarrell talked about what could be changed before next year’s Jubilee. 

“Every year is a new lineup of speakers and workshops, so it’s exciting to look forward to,” Jarrell said.

Jarrell’s assistant, Rebecca Juliano, commented on why this event receives a huge turnout every year. 

“I think the biggest reason so many students go is because students from the previous year’s talk about what an incredible experience it was and encourage others to attend while also going back again themselves.  We also try our best to personally invite as many students as we can and we have generous donors who provide scholarship money, so it is more affordable for students to go,” Juliano said.

Juliano also explained the reason for how this event started. 

“The conference was started by the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO) to reach students and provide a space to explore what it means to live every area of life to the glory of God.  The CCO has always been about sharing the news that God cares about all aspects of our lives,” Juliano said.

Juliano is also a member of the Coalition for Christian Outreach.

Michael Coles, a sophomore foreign exchange student for the 2025-2026 school year, discussed his experience with Jubilee and what he would tell his fellow students who have yet to go.

“I would tell other students to go for it. This was a fantastic way to spend time with other students and a chance to spend more time in the bible and grow in your faith in Jesus,” Coles said.

Coles also explained what it was like for him being outside of the United States going to the Jubilee conference. 

“It was exciting. I heard so many good things about Jubilee from other students who went last year. It was great to also meet and spend time with people from other universities and colleges across the country,” Coles said.

The Jubilee Conference website opens with a “save the date” note that Jubilee 2027 will be held Feb. 12-14.