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Faculty chair a loving tribute to Betty and Clarence Frierson
All the sons and daughtersin-law of Betty and Clarence Frierson were on hand at the spring board of trustees meeting. From the left: Tannie and Jennifer Frierson, Paula and Chris Frierson, Ivy and Archer Frierson, and Christy and John Frierson. Inset: Clarence and Betty Frierson, taken during MidWinters in 2006; Clarence Frierson died in 2008.
T
he sons of Clarence and Betty Frierson have given Austin Seminary a $2.5 million gift to endow a faculty chair in their name. G. Archer Frierson II and his brothers, John B. Frierson, Clarence N. (Tannie) Frierson Jr. , and Christian B. (Chris) Frierson, of Shreveport, Louisiana, want The Clarence N. and Betty B. Frierson Distinguished Chair of Reformed Theology to be a lasting tribute to their parents, who were deeply interested in Reformed theology and have been long-time supporters and advocates of the Seminary. “When I think of Clarence Frierson’s lifelong interest in reading and talking Reformed theology, and of his and Betty’s deep love and nurture of this particular theological seminary,” said Austin Seminary President
Theodore J. Wardlaw, “I conclude that there’s no better way for the Frierson family to honor their parents’ faithful stewardship of the mind than by giving this particular distinguished chair in their name.” Though he was not formally trained in theology, Clarence Frierson was shaped by the Covenant Life Curriculum of the Presbyterian Church, U.S., which produced classical texts in Christian formation for adults and children. He was particularly influenced by Shirley Guthrie’s Christian Doctrine, which ushered him into a lifelong interest in Reformed theology. “A faculty chair in Reformed theology honors both the rich history and exciting future of Austin Seminary, particularly in light of its firm commitments to a church in and for
6 | Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
the world,” said Allan Cole, academic dean and professor in the Nancy Taylor Williamson Distinguished Chair of Pastoral Care. “The Frierson family’s longstanding generosity toward the Seminary is equaled by their faithful vision for substantive theological education. Their gift of this chair will help educate and form future generations of gifted church leaders, but will also enhance the development of scholars who benefit from the chair’s capacity to fund conferences, scholarly consultations, and related events. As a result, the church, the academy, and the world will be better.” The Frierson family,
prior to funding this chair, had also generously established two additional endowments that help fund faculty salaries—the G. Archer and Mary N. Frierson Faculty Endowment Fund and Mr. and Mrs. John C. Bolinger Faculty Endowment Fund. The Frierson family, along with the families of New Testament Professor John Alsup, also established the Alsup-Frierson Fellowship given to an outstanding graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in that area. Clarence Frierson Sr. served on the Seminary Board of Trustees for almost three decades, served as the chair of the board from 1978-1983, and was named Trustee Emeritus upon his retirement. Archer Frierson is currently serving on the board of trustees.