Echoes
Official Publication of the Baptist Missionary Training School Fall 2017
Dear Sisters and Friends of the Baptist Missionary Training School, It is my great pleasure to present to you the Fall 2017 Issue of Echoes. Keep your news coming! The BMTS Legacy continues to thrive at CRCDS as we train and prepare women in ministry. I hope you enjoy the enclosed article about your BMTS Scholarship recipient, Katelynn Roffo. CRCDS recently announced that Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS) and Nazareth College began informal conversations focused on looking at opportunities for collaboration between the two schools. We are in the process of setting up the first meeting between representatives of CRCDS and Nazareth and are eager to begin our collective exploration. The ultimate outcome and direction of these talks is as of yet unknown. While these conversations unfold, CRCDS continues to plan for the transfer of the campus to Top Capital, LLC. President McMickle will provide you with regular updates as these conversations take shape and, as always, welcome any questions you have for him or his team.
Lisa A. Bors Director of the Annual Fund, BMTS Honorary Alumna ‘07
Please continue to send news and/or address changes to BMTS@crcds.edu or you may mail your news to Echoes, CRCDS, 1100 S. Goodman St., Rochester, NY 14620. As your liaison it is my pleasure to serve and honor the tradition of the BMTS. Blessings to you all, Lisa A. Bors
BMTS Honorary Alumna ‘07
Inside this Edition News From the Sisters
2
In Memoriam
8
Celebrating Birthdays
10
BMTS Scholarship Recipient 11
Echoes
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News From
the
Fall 2017
Sisters
Ruth Ann Milliken Dudley (‘45) Ruth Ann and her husband, Ed, live in the Ashlar Village retirement community in Wallingford, CT. Ruth Ann recently celebrated her 97th birthday and a week later she and Ed celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. They live comfortably at Ashlar, moving about using four-wheeled walkers, with help nearby when needed. After graduation from BMTS, Ruth Ann came East to study at the Hartford Seminary (CT). While there, she worked part-time at the Christian Activities Council (CAC), an organization providing services to Hartford area churches. In 1948, she met Ed, who was a waterfront counselor for a CAC summer camp. During the next year both Ruth Ann and Ed stayed on at CAC working full-time, and they married in Hartford in 1949. For the next twelve years, Ruth Ann was busy as a homemaker with their family of three children: Paul (1951), Anne (1954) and Tom (1958). Two highlights from this period: Ruth and Ed reconnected with Kay Deal Ferguson (‘45) and established a close and enduring relationship with the Ferguson family; also during this time, the couple spent the year 1953-54 in Denmark as students in a folk high school. Annie was born there early Easter morning, 1954. In 1962, Ruth Ann began study at Yale Divinity School, getting an MAR degree in 1965. Then, after serving as Christian Education (CE) director in two local churches, she joined the CE department of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, becoming head of the department in 1974 – the first woman executive in the 200-year history of the Conference! While there, Ruth Ann created a resource center – a media resource for the use of Christian educators in the then-278 UCC churches in Connecticut.
The Ruth Dudley Resource Center – so-named by the Connecticut Conference – remains in use these forty years later. Upon retirement in 1985, Ruth Ann and Ed went to Turkey for two years to work at a UCC-related school in Izmir. Ed was a math teacher and Ruth Ann a volunteer. Her job description – in response to her request for one question – was ,“Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do.” And there was – library, bookmobile, tutoring, and on and on. In 1987 Ruth Ann and Ed returned to their North Haven, CT home – which had been lived in and cared for during their absence by their two sons and their wives. Ruth Ann picked up again with her church and community activities. Both she and Ed had been members of groups developing and managing non-profit housing for elderly and families of low income, and then re-engaged in that. Living into their 80’s with increasing infirmity, Ruth Ann and Ed decided to sell their 150-year old house, which too was showing the frailties of age. They moved eight miles up the road to their current residence at Ashlar Village where they are enjoying life. Marilyn Cook Partin (‘48) Phoebe Brown O’Dell (‘52) wrote Lisa Bors (H ‘07) stating that she has had communication with Marilyn’s daughter, Ruth Clements, who is answering Marilyn’s emails. Marilyn has moved into a skilled nursing section of her retirement home. She fell and broke her hip this past Christmas and had to have major surgery. Marilyn’s speech is difficult to understand at times and they think might have had a stroke. Audrey Brown Lightbody (‘49) As a prelude to her 90th birthday, Audrey just published her fifth book: Journaling the Byways of Lifetime Journeys. It is a fictionalized account of a woman’s journey through her lifetime and the many byways that changed her life. The book is available at Barnes and Noble.
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Emma Enoch (‘51) Emma shares, “Echoes is a wonderful gift from CRCDS. Thank You! It was good to see the photo of the BMTS gathering in Chicago. Age is catching up to us, but you all look good.” Emma’s cane and walker help her attend church and family events. She shares an apartment with her sister. They enjoy sitting out on their patio where they are able to get acquainted with their many neighbors as they walk by heading to the garbage dumpster. Emma says, “it makes me think of Esther Davis (Honorary Alumna ‘81) and others as they served in the Christian friendliness missions.” Their neighbors are from Turkey, India, Honduras, Africa and many Spanish-speaking countries. Emma joins with other New Jersey American Baptist women to aid the White Cross. The group fills mission boxes with requests from our ABC Missionaries. Emma says, “We enjoy meeting together to roll bandages for the Congo. Each day seems to find new ways to serve God. Hope you find interesting neighbors where you live!” Lois Kawamura Toyama (‘51) Lois says, “It’s so great reading Echoes. I look forward to the many happenings of our BMTS Alumnae.” Lois’ two sisters, Joy, age 84 and Elsa, age 90, went home to be with the Lord. Lois says, “God’s grace and comfort have been sufficient for our family and BMTS Memories are so precious in my 93 years of age!!”
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Jewel Asbury (‘52) Jewel is 90 and lives at The Palm in Fort Myers, FL., where she is now in memory care. She loves living in Florida. If anyone would like to write to Jewel, she receives her mail at her niece’s home: Karen Wolfe Holberg, 18440 Telegraph Creek Lane, Alva, FL 33920.
Jewel in 1948, Freshman class of BMTS Chicago
Jewel today in Fort Myers, FL
Jewel Asbury wrote on the back of this photo: “Graduation 1952 with mother, dad and niece, Donna.” They came to Chicago from Charleston, WV to see Jewel graduate from college.
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Olgha Sierra Sandman (‘52) On February 27th, Olgha turned 90, celebrating with her children and grandchildren for three days, just like they do in some Middle Eastern villages. Olgha’s family attended the celebration on Saturday the 25th. Guests included: son Bob, his wife Kathy (from Maine) and their son Jesse (from Cincinnati); daughter Linda and her husband Rich Wheelock (from Oak Park) and their sons Richie (from Boston) and Danny (from DC); son Rodney and his wife Karin (from Chicago) and their children John, Jacob and Ann Luz; niece Brenda and her husband Edgar (from Peoria).Karin decorated the church fellowship hall for a Monday luncheon and Olgha had a huge cake to share with the Oak Trace residents where she lives. Olgha has lived in a retirement community for the last four years and although limited by reduced energy, she continues to be involved with Social Justice issues, especially those related to immigration and farm worker organizing. Olgha says, “While regretting the current antagonistic political situation, harsh and cruel towards the poor, the immigrants and the homeless, we trust in the Holy Spirit to be on our side.”
Olgha was greatly surprised and deeply grateful for her award as CRCDS Distinguished Alumna in 2017.
Olgha’s children, grandchildren from Maine, New York, DC, Boston, Cincinnati, Chicago, and Oak Park gathered with her to celebrate her 90th birthday.
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Pat Doolittle Tingley (‘52) At age 86, Pat has created a wall-size painting in the garage of her home at St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge (Webster, NY) where she has lived for the last 8 years. Her painting shows natural wonder scenes where her and her late Pat with her puppy, Buddy husband, Rev. Rollin Tingley, visited. The painting is a montage of four scenes: Sunset of the West Coast, Mid-day at the Rio Grande Rift in New Mexico, Dawn at Acadia National Park in Maine and pre-dawn on Lake Ontario in New York. “It is inspired by the feelings, conversations and impressions we had at these places.” Pat refers to the painting as, “the folding and unfolding of creation” referencing theologian Paul Tillich who said, “God is the Ground of Being.” Included are references to animal life, plant life, and human life on land, at sea, and in the air. At the far right of the painting is a birch tree, Rollin’s favorite. Traveling was a part of life for the Tingley’s. As a pastor in the American Baptist Churches/USA, Rollin served churches in several states over the years. Pat and Rollin had three children, Kathryn, Robert, and Donald. After Rollin’s retirement in 1980, he and Pat began traveling for pleasure. Photos from these trips are among the source materials she used for her painting. Rollin’s health began to fail and he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. At the time of his death, they had been married 61 years. The painting has helped Pat deal with his loss. “I had healing to a depth I never thought I‘d have to the loss of Rollin,” she said. “I got beyond hurting to healing.” Pat works on her wall mural.
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As a lifelong lover of the outdoors, she feels strongly about the natural world and believes people should treat it with care and respect. “We can improve it or we can destroy it,” she says. “It’s beauty that shouldn’t be destroyed.” The painting will be hung along an entire wall of Pat’s living room, where it’s sure to be a conversation piece for the many friends she has made at Cherry Ridge. (Article and photos provided by St. Anne’s Community.)
Pat with her garden. She supplies parsley to the Cherry Ridge kitchen.
Pat completed the mural and hopes to have it hanging in her living room soon. The completed mural includes a birch tree, Rollin’s favorite tree, at one end. You can see the mural in it’s entirety on page 15
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June E. Fehrm Jacobson (‘53) June and Lois Kawamura Toyama (‘51) chat on the phone every so often. Since hurricane Irma, she has tried to get in touch with Elinor Frey Geer (‘51) by phone, however her phone is disconnected. June lives alone in Los Angeles. Her son lives in Florida and her two daughters live in Northern California. June has signed up to have some help from Home Instead Senior Care. June’s mother lived until she was 99. June says, “I am 86 and doubt if I’ll make it for 13 more years. It’s weird to be the only one left of this generation – there is no one I can ask about the olden days in the family.” Betty Anderson Warren (‘53) On June 30, 2017, seven BMTS Alumnae met at Betty’s home in Plano, IL for a plentiful and delicious pot luck lunch. Those attending were: Joan Devening Criswell (‘51), Peoria, IL; Eleanore Wurster Friberg (‘54), Schaumburg, IL; Joyce Parker Farr (‘60), Kokomo, IN; Carol Parker Gillam (‘60), Kokomo, IN (who served as Secretary in the Student Recruitment & Public Relations Office from 1958-1960).; Betty Choate Murray (‘53), Elk Grove Village, IL; Dorothy Stoddard Klyn (‘53), Ottumwa, IA; Betty Anderson Warren Plano (‘53), Plano, IL. Betty said, “It was a great time for sharing memories of our time at 510 Wellington, along with some pictures of students in the late 40’s & 50’s. (We don’t look any older now!)
Betty Warren shared this photo from the recent BMTS gathering.
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Betty shared, “There was a lot of great conversation, laughter and just plain fun being together. And, Lord willing, we hope to do it again next year. The attached photo was taken by Garland Criswell, Joan’s husband and we appreciate so much his doing this for us and making us look so young!” Joyce Farr’s son-in-law was their official photographer and Carol’s granddaughter chauffeured them from Kokomo; Betty’s son, Stephen, was a big help to his mom setting things up and carrying things from the car. Gudrun Engler Busch (‘54) Gudrun sent this note: “BMTS Friends, you are all remarkable to keep on going enthusiastically! I wish I could too – but because of health problems I am just not up to it anymore. But I will be with you in spirit, wishing everyone well. Soon I will be going into a Retirement Apartment – so there is a lot to plan and do because of the move. I have lived here for 57 years. Warm best wishes to all!” Elia Robledo Duran (‘54) Elia wrote in that God’s little children from east to west remain blessedly joined by BMTS and SABS Alumnae through the years, maintaining communication through the BMTS and SABS—Gurrola Baptist Foundation newsletters. Among a small group are Tally D’Aboy-Vasquez (‘28), Elia Robledo-Duran Elia with her (‘54), DeliaVelderrainbrother, Jonas Perez (‘55), Emma OrnelasGordoa (‘58) and Raquel Gurrola. Elia met Tally D’Aboy (Helen Tate D’Aboy’s daughter) at BMTS and they became close friends; Delia met Tally at Green Lake and became close friends; Delia met Emma at Green Lake and became best friends. Emma met Elia when she came to follow her position at the Phoenix Christian Center. During Elia’s student days, her brother, Jonas Robledo, who was in the U.S. Airforce, visited her at BMTS and became a forever friend with
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many of the BMTS students and has maintained some communication with Delia and Emma. A note on Jonas – when he first appeared at BMTS in 1952/53, the person at the front desk was calling the staff administrator to get clearance on allowing Jonas into the building. Ms. Kosi took a look at Jonas Emma and said, “let him in, he is a Ornelas-Gordoa replica of Elia.’’ Thus, BMTS’ (‘58) door was open to Jonas even after Elia’s graduation. FAST FORWARD to the present, Elia met Raquel Gurrola’s son Joseph Gurrola at an SABS alumnae meeting at Atherton Baptist Retirement Home. Of interest is that she had known not only Raquel (his mother), but also his grandparents, who are among the historical leaders and founders of the southern California Mexican American Ministries. Joseph is the founder and editor of the Gurrola Baptist Foundation newsletter designed to keep churches, ministers, leaders and friends connected.
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Doris Farnsworth (‘56) Lisa Bors (H ‘07) spoke to Doris two days before Hurricane Maria hit the island of Puerto Rico, where Doris lives. Lisa tried to call Doris to see how she is doing and as of October 19th her cell phone was not working. Lisa will continue to try to contact her. If you have any updates or have spoken to Doris, please contact Lisa. Please keep Doris in your prayers.
Alida Struze (‘57) Alida says, “Life is full of changes and 2017 brought a big one into my life.” At 96, stairs were getting difficult for her in a house that was 100 years old. Alida had lived in her home for 83 years. It was extremely difficult for her to leave it but she decided it was necessary to move to Wesleyan Village, a place where people from Alida’s church live and are well taken care of. Friends who Alida calls “my kids” were concerned because she was alone at night. Alida has lost quite a bit of weight and has hired women from Home Instead Care to come to her home from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. They make sure Alida has meals and snacks. Alida says, “I have felt that God has sent me where He wanted me to be. I believe He wants me to be at Wesleyan for some reason. I am Joy Denlinger Gale (‘54) Joy and her husband, Bob, moved into continuing glad that Echoes is back so I am able to know what is happening to all of my sisters. After 68 years, I care at Stroudwater Lodge in Westbrook, ME. may no longer send my Christmas letter because They wanted to make the move so their sons of low energy. Know wouldn’t have to do it for them. They have been there for over 5 months and everything is working that the prayers and love will always be well for them. with you. I am grateful B. Joy Alderman (‘55) for all the fond Joy says, “It is always a happy time to receive memories we have of Echoes and hear about my BMTS friends.” Joy BMTS and for CRCDS recently concluded 24 years of pastoral ministry for remembering with the elderly and shut-ins at First Baptist BMTS articles.” Church of Wakefield, MA. Poor health has brought Joy into the loving care of hospice and “I have told you this so to an assisted living facility. Joy says she, “is that My own joy may continuing to learn more and more about ‘leaning be in you and your joy on the everlasting arms of Jesus Christ’.” She may be complete.” prays that she may know the role He has for her John 15:11 to play in this place at this time. She says, “May I The Risen Christ by the Sea be faithful in responding to His call and let Him fulfill His purposes through me.”
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Lily May Douglas (‘57) Lily is now retired and living at her home which she bought with her sisters years ago. All of Lily’s immediate family has passed in the last few years including her sisters and her niece who attended Lily’s BMTS graduation and her brother. Lily remains independent although a bit thinner than she was in the past and is now being cared for by the Comfort Keepers several days a week which has been better than New England Home Care. New England Home Care had several people a day coming to her house which was tiring for her. Lily says “God is good and has continued to bless me.”
Lily May Douglas
Janet Sedam Roberts (‘58) Janet caught up on many alumnae at an MMBB event held at Atherton Homes. “I talked briefly with Delia Veldrrain Perez (‘55) who was on her way to run an errand.” Then she had a delightful visit with Irene Velez Magana (‘41). Janet says Irene, “is an amazing woman!” Their visit was the day before the Spring issue of Echoes arrived. On June 27th, Irene celebrated her 99th
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birthday. She will be 100 in June 2018. Irene does simple exercises, attends Bible studies and always enjoys visiting Janet. In July, Janet was in a group meeting with the new General Secretary of ABC/USA, Lee Spitzer. Janet says, “His story of how God worked in his life is astounding. His vision for our spiritual renewal, creative service and church growth is marvelous. I am awed by evidence of God’s provision of incoming leaders.” Janet has had several phone visits and notes from classmate Susan Hall Soria (‘58). Janet’s life continues to be busy and blessed. Her days and weeks fly by with DVD lectures on the Foundations of Western Civilization and Wonders of National Parks, numerous kinds of meetings, visiting neighbors and enjoying musical events. At church, Janet attends a beginning study of Genesis, sings in the choir, and thrives on worship plus other celebrations. In September, they began to observe the 130th anniversary of her church, which was organized on November 13, 1887. She listens to stories of their beginning, their building, and the founding of the University of Redlands, which began with her church. Janet’s pastor, Shawn Zambrows, recently finished a sermon series on Romans and began Philippians. Janet’s church is frequently blessed by missionary visits. Janet is anticipating the visit of her sister and niece and the beginning of the Redlands Symphony Season.
In Memoriam
April 2017-October 2017 Viola Berry Hefta ‘44 Letta McLeod ‘50 Catherine Hermann Raycroft ‘50 Marge Thrash Wahler ‘57 Daisy VeZain ‘60 Ruth Ruiz Mayoral ‘62
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Susan Hall Soria (‘58) Susan is grateful for the reappearance of Echoes. She is well except for macular degeneration, which has made her stop driving. This past summer, Susan’s family gave her a lovely unique gift of a plaque on the Memory Walk at Green Lake Conference Center. She feels that BMTS should have a plaque there. Susan has spoken to several alums this summer including Janet Sedem Roberts (‘58), Alice Peck Reeves (‘58), Ruth Aust Foster (‘60), Joyce Parker Farr (‘60), and Betty Anderson Warren (‘53). Susan missed the Chicago get together because she isn’t able to drive. Susan says, “God is good and I am grateful for life and health and strength.” Roxie Jester Ash (‘59) Roxie and The Rev John T. Ash recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at The Presbyterian Church in Mays Landing, NJ, where John served as Pastor for 54 years. On August 26, 1967 they were married in the First Baptist Church of Moorestown, NJ where Roxie served as Director of Christian Education.
The Rev. John T. Ash and Roxie Ash
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Plaque honoring Susan Soria (’58) Dedicated June 2017 Green Lake Conference Center Memory Lane
Ellen Aust Foster (‘60) Ellen is working to complete book seven of her medieval mystery series entitled, “Usurper’s Curse,” as well as trying to get an English agent and an American agent to promote her books. Ellen says, “I have to say, I enjoy writing but can’t say I enjoy all the stuff required at the business end of publishing.” Ellen and her husband, Lou, are living in a very comfortable retirement home and they have more services now than ever before. The retirement home does the cooking, cleaning, some of the laundry and keeps watch over them! Ellen and Lou continue to offer a variety of programs to local groups within the Chicago area. Some are about Ellen’s books, some are travelogues about England where they lived for four different years and some are about France, Italy and northern Spain where they enjoyed traveling.
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Celebrating Birthdays October
through
February Date Class
October Alida H. Struze 4 Patricia W. Doolittle Tingley 7 Danalee Ragsdale Nelson 9 Sandra Miller Duke 14 Lovila Sojka Rinaldo 15 Betty J. Erickson Dransfield 16 Betsy McKinney Vasquez Swain 17 Angeline Tumine Steinke 18 Nancy Baker Dunbar 21 Barbara Alderman 22 Ruthine Blevins Boddie 23 Shirley Tolbert Juchems 25 Mary J. Logan Honey 26 Norma S. Crader 30 November Rita C. Fox Landrum 2 Katherine Brownell Kosak 4 Audrey Brown Lightbody 4 Gudrun Engler Busch 6 Christine Adams Johnson 10 Mary Hunt Tungsvik 16 Nancee Iverson Peterson 17 Ernestine Comegys Taylor 17 June A. Olsen Brown 19 Esther E. Burger Young 19 Patricia A. Bollinger Campbell 22 Janet Bentley La Croix 24 Faith I. Charlot Rohrabaugh 25 Marilyn Morris Markwald 26
‘57 ‘52 ‘52 ‘61 ‘54 ‘48 ‘61 ‘64 ‘51 ‘55 ‘62 ‘54 ‘49 ‘49 ‘54 ‘49 ‘49 ‘54 ‘45 ‘58 ‘60 ‘51 ‘48 ‘48 ‘52 ‘61 ‘51 ‘49
Date Class
December Barbara Jacob Parker 1 Ada P. Walker 3 Mary M. Smith Sheets 8 Betsy Musselman Johnson 14 Roxie Jester Ash 16 Barbara Matteson Haines 16 Kathryn Powers 17 Marian (Katie) Prindle Gerecke 20 Ethelmae Walter 22 Dorothy Stoddard Klyn 23 Joanna P. Payne-Jones 23 Sandra McCrory Nye 23 Mary A. Williams Iffert 27 Virginia Wakeman Bishop 28
‘59 ‘61 ‘49 ‘57 ‘59 ‘57 ‘51 ‘52 ‘49 ‘53 ‘58 ‘61 ‘62 ‘49
January Rosa V. Ferguson James 1 Betty Loun Wright 1 Doris Farnsworth 3 Florence Allen Jensen 8 Dorothy Estabrook Griffith 8 Wilma-Jean Evans Lancaster 12 Virginia Schmidt Graham 30
‘59 ‘58 ‘56 ‘52 ‘00 ‘62 ‘50
February Irene McDowell Conover 12 Ruth Smith Huff 14 Mary Wilson Shrader 20 Elia Robledo Duran 25
‘45 ‘51 ‘54 ‘54
If we missed publishing your birthday, please let us know. BMTS@crcds.edu or Echoes 1100 South Goodman St. Rochester NY 14620 Do you want to get in touch with your BMTS Sisters, but don’t have their addresses? Contact Lisa Bors at 585-340-9647 or bmts@crcds.edu.
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BMTS Scholarship Recipient Meet Katelynn Roffo
Katelynn Roffo, like many students, did not have a particular career choice in mind when she went to college. Her parents, the first in their families to attend college, instilled in Katelynn and her siblings that any path other than a college education was not an option. When it was time to choose an undergraduate school, Katelynn chose LeMoyne, for the simple reason that her mother was an alumna. Katelynn spent a year at LeMoyne before transferring to Cayuga Community College. She spent three years taking courses that interested her, and discovered she really liked Science and Criminal Justice. She accepted a job at Byrne Dairy, testing dairy products, making sure they were safe for human consumption. Katelynn says, “It was neat work, but after a couple of promotions, I reached a ceiling. To continue to excel, I knew I’d need a Bachelor’s degree. Since LeMoyne was just down the street from work, I re-applied, and was graciously accepted.” Katelynn was blessed in many ways at LeMoyne: in 2014, she learned about an opportunity to receive a paid fellowship to conduct research with a Biology professor if she added either a Religious Studies or Philosophy minor. Built into LeMoyne’s liberal arts curriculum was the caveat that all students must take coursework in each major subject. Katelynn had already studied Religious Studies (World Religions, The Book of John and Comparative Social Ethics), and decided Religion and Theology would be a good fit. Katelynn made an appointment with the department chair and was approved as a Biology major, with a minor in Religious Studies. During that meeting, she noticed a poster on the office wall, announcing an opportunity for a two-week “travel abroad” course to Vatican City, Venice, Florence, Cinco Terra and a wine tour through Tuscany.
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Katelynn says, “I was the first to sign up. This course was the beginning of what changed my life! I didn’t know a single student in the course, or the Religious Studies department, but everyone welcomed me with open arms —we had wonderful discussions and friendships and memories to last a lifetime.” Following her amazing trip, she continued coursework in various world religions including Islam, Judaism, Religions of Asia, and others. In the meantime, it became clear that her options at Byrne were limited. Katelynn sought a more challenging job and accepted a position as a “Tech II” working for the Halal chicken plant in Fulton, NY. The company was close to home and had a religious culture, which appealed to her. She was given additional responsibilities including supervising two other technicians, but consistently felt a pull to go in another direction. Ultimately, after several major changes within the company, Katelynn realized her intended plans might not become her future reality. She decided to focus all of her energy into her coursework, and to make her final classes at LeMoyne count. Katelynn says, “re-evaluating my life and the decisions I was making, I decided I wanted to take courses on scripture and change my minor to a double major in Biology and Religious Studies.” Katelynn took two classes on scripture during her last semester at Le Moyne – Old Testament with a Rabbi and the Synoptic Gospels with a Christian professor. She also began working with Father Dolan in Le Moyne’s Campus Ministry. During her last semester, Katelynn had conversations with her current professors, academic chair and Fr. Dolan, all of whom recommended a few seminaries around the greater New York area. Among the suggested schools was Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School! She sent requests for additional information from several schools, but she said that CRCDS was the first to respond and with big, wide open and welcoming arms! She was
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pleasantly surprised that after sending a request for information, Melissa Morral, Vice President of Enrollment Services, emailed her the next day. An information and application packet arrived two days later. Katelynn came to CRCDS for a campus visit within a few weeks of that time, spent some time in class speaking with students, brought her mother during a second campus visit and participated in the May Intensive course on the Incarnation. She was thrilled and excited to apply to CRCDS as a Master of Divinity student— and was accepted while on campus for the May intensive! Katelynn is in her first year at CRCDS and she says, “after graduation I am not exactly sure what God is asking me to do, however I do know that there are numerous career choices with a Masters of Divinity. I am interested in participating in CPE coursework and love that it is offered as an elective here at CRCDS. There is also a class in the Spring of 2018 on Faith and Medicine that I plan to take and am excited to see what I learn. Chaplaincy, education, counseling, pastoral care and even preaching are all careers I’m exploring. For now, I’m eager to learn and excited to see where God is leading me in this life.” Among her many blessings, Katelynn counts “an amazing, close-knit family” at the top. Her parents, only twenty when Katelynn was born, were confronted with major responsibilities after her brother Anthony, who is on the autism spectrum, was born two years later with hydrocephalus. Her brother, Kenny, was born two years later, and her sister Sarah followed a year after later. Katelynn says “four little babies all within five years! Everyone told my parents they were crazy, but they created an amazing little family.”
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Katelynn’s mother is a fifth grade elementary teacher at Gillette Road Middle School in North Syracuse and her father is a supervisor for the Physical Plant at Upstate Medical University Hospital. Every other summer they rented a minivan, all of their children in tow, camping and exploring different states’ National Parks. Katelynn proudly remarks that all four children became Junior Rangers. All four children are also extremely close. In the summer of 2016, Katelynn flew to Gottingen, Germany to visit her little brother Kenny, who was studying at Max Planck Research Institute for Solar Systems and Beyond. Katelynn and Kenny spent two weeks together exploring Germany, and Katelynn says she was absolutely thrilled to take a weekend trip to Paris. All four dreaded growing up and possibly growing apart. Katelynn says, “I knew once we graduated college, our lives would lead us in different places, but we still try to keep in contact with each other. Thank you, technology!” Katelynn’s parents and brother, Anthony, still in Syracuse, NY. Katelynn’s little brother, Kenny, is now a Software Engineer for NASA at their Jet Propulsion Laboratories in California. Her “ little” sister Sarah is a graduate student at Binghamton University. Katelynn has two adorable little puppies: “Puppy” is a Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix and “Chuggles” is a Chihuahua-Pug mix.
Chuggles (left) and Puppy Katelynn with her siblings
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In her spare time, Katelynn enjoys painting and crafting and attending various concerts, events, and road trips. She studies the history of each place she visits and loves to visit new places. Fall is her favorite time of year, “not just for comfy sweaters, but for festivals popping up everywhere. These community happenings are not only enjoyable, but they have a way of bringing the community together.” Katelynn openly shares how she came to her current physical and philosophical place: “I can say that I have always been curious about life, even from a very young age. I can remember being a child, lying on the trampoline or swinging outside, staring up at the sky and just pondering what life is. As I grew older, I was drawn to Biology, which became my major. Physically, I understood how the human body works: hook a body up to machinery and we can make a heart beat, blood flow and organs operate with the use of equipment. But there is more to life than just the physical finite matter. As I said earlier, I began to realize that my career was not going as I had expected it to, and I was still just as curious about life as I had been when I was younger. I began to work with campus ministry and changed my major to both Biology and Religious Studies. In my last few courses with Le Moyne I really began to discern scripture. In a spiritual exercise program with the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse, I began to explore my own spirituality and found many of my questions were the same as the questions of others. When I visited CRCDS, took the intensive course and experienced what seminary was like, I knew this was where God intended me to be. I like to think that God has always been with me, but when I got to college I was confused and overwhelmed with my freedom. Listening to God from my heart this past year has been the revelation I have been seeking my entire life and I am so enthusiastically excited to see where God is taking me in this life form.” Katelynn says, “the biggest challenge for women in ministry will always be to be taken seriously. I was shocked at the response I received when I first began to discuss seminary with people.
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Several of my professors were helpful. However, there were a few people I encountered that had given me the dismaying immediate response of, ‘It’s a dying field.’ My response came in question form: ‘How can faith die?’ Some people equate a seminary education with a difficult career path. Many women I’ve spoken to have shared how hard it was for them to gain respect, once ordained. To wear the collar or not to wear the collar, that is the question! Some falsely believe that there are no women in the Bible, nor any women in power. The way to resolve this is to study and learn and interpret scripture as it was meant historically and as it is interpreted in the various cultures inhabiting our current world today. In response to the decline in church attendance, I think social media is going to be a big part of reconnecting those that have lost their way—finding ways to engage elders as well as involve the whole family.” Katelynn is excited to be at CRCDS especially because she is expanding her knowledge of Christian scripture from both an historical and living context. She is excited to explore her own spirituality and further strengthen and deepen her relationship with God. She is looking forward to the ecumenical education offered and participating in interfaith dialogue. Katelynn has learned about various world religions, which has given her the ability to see other perspectives on the meaning of life as a valuable resource rather than a threat to the Christian faith. Katelynn says, “At CRCDS, I look forward to strengthening my Christian faith and gaining insight and learning to embody the traditional practice of theology overall. I am intrigued by the small student to professor ratio and the small campus size. All of these things, along with the extensive coursework in Scripture, Christian Faith, Black Church History, Women in Ministry, Practices of Theology, courses dealing with a multicultural society and the lecture series are all things that will allow me to enrich and better myself for the world we are continuously creating.”
Echoes
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Fall 2017
Katelynn writes, “I have a great appreciation to the BMTS alumna for the financial support given to the Baptist Missionary Training School Scholarship. This scholarship is going to enable me to focus full time on my theological studies here at CRCDS’ Masters of Divinity program. It will allow me to concentrate on obtaining a highquality theological education while reducing the financial stress that comes along with affording a basic living through such an intense program. Thank you so much for your generosity and support of CRCDS’s mission of training leaders in ministry. Scholarships such as this make it possible for students like me to follow our true calling. CRCDS is grateful for Katelynn and for all of the Alumnae and Friends of the BMTS who help to make her education possible. Additional Scholarship Recipients
Katelynn Roffo bundled up for the cold!
Other BMTS Scholarship recipients for the 20172018 academic year are Pamela Dayton, Tamara Razzano and Jen Lessard.
Frequently
asked questions about the
BMTS Scholarship
Who decides and chooses the recipient of the BMTS Scholarship each year? Each year, the Director of Financial Aid reviews women who are attending CRCDS on a fulltime basis. The BMTS Scholarship is awarded based on financial need and academic promise. How much does each recipient receive? The amount each recipient receives varies based on individual need and the overall number of recipients in a given year. How long does the recipient receive the scholarship? The BMTS recipient changes every academic year. Awards are announced in the Fall semester. What is the market balance as of October 2017? The balance of the BMTS Scholarship as of June 30, 2017 is $378,972.
Fall 2017
Echoes
Pat Tingley’s completed wall mural (minus the birch tree). It’s just too big to get it all in one photograph!
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1100 South Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14620 www.crcds.edu Follow us: @crcds Like us: facebook.com/crcds
Horizon Society BMTS Alumna who make legacy gifts to the BMTS Scholarship, the BMTS Chair or CRCDS in their estate plans play a key role in our ability to educate women for leadership in the Church and beyond. Your gifts help grow the endowment, providing essential financial support for women. Legacy gifts through wills, charitable gift annuities or other estate gifts ensure the continued vitality and development of CRCDS from one generation to the next. Help support the future of women by including CRCDS in your estate planning. For more information, please contact Tom McDade Clay, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at (585) 340-9648 or tmcdadeclay@crcds.edu.
Echoes is published two times a year. The next issue is Spring 2018. Submissions are due by March 2, 2018. Send your news to: Echoes CRCDS 1100 South Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14620 (585) 340-9647 or BMTS@crcds.edu