164th Academic Year of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Baccalaureate Service
Augustana Lutheran Church
Saturday, May 18, 2024 + 4:00 p.m.
Commencement
St. Paul & the Redeemer Episcopal Church
Sunday, May 19, 2024 + 2:30 p.m.
The Rev. Erik Christensen, presiding
The Rev. Dr. Kim L. Beckmann, preaching Kylee Bestenlehner, assisting Michael Terry Caraher, musician
Items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate that the assembly is invited to assume a posture of reverence, which might include standing or sitting, hands raised or at rest, or other postures. Text that is bold marks the assembly’s responses.
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
Fantasia Super: Komm, Heiliger Geist (BWV 651) JS Bach (1685-1750)
*GATHERING SONG Holy Spirit, Descend
Text: Emmanuel F. Y. Grantson Music: NYAME NE SENSE, Ghanaian traditional
Text ©1999 Augsburg Fortress. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.
*THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
... Your steadfast love fills the earth. Your steadfast love fills the earth.
The service continues with gathering song. As a reminder of the gift of baptism, the assembly may be sprinkled with water during the singing.
*GATHERING SONG O Spirit, All-Embracing
Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939. Music: THAXTED, Gustav Holst, 1874-1934. ©2020 GIA Publications Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.
During this time, the presiding minister and the assembly greet each other. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
*SONG OF PRAISE
*PRAYER OF THE DAY
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING: Acts 2:1-11
Believers are filled with the Spirit to tell God’s deeds.
Tanya Vinod, lector
1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
5Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
PSALM: Psalm 130
The psalm for the day is sung.
1Out | of the depths
I cry to | you, O Lord;
2O Lord, | hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my | supplication.
3If you were to keep watch | over sins, O Lord, | who could stand?
4Yet with you | is forgiveness, in order that you | may be feared.
5I wait for you, O Lord; | my soul waits; in your word | is my hope.
6My soul waits for the Lord more than those who keep watch | for the morning, more than those who keep watch | for the morning.
7O Israel, wait for the Lord, for with the Lord there is | steadfast love; with the Lord there is plen- | teous redemption.
8For the Lord shall | redeem Israel from | all their sins.
SECOND READING: Romans 8:14-17, 22-27
Dr. Marvin Wickware, lectorThe Holy Spirit has made us God’s children who eagerly await the glorious future God has prepared for all of creation. While we cannot fully see what God has in store for us and creation, we eagerly anticipate it in hope. Even when we are unable to pray, the same Spirit prays for us.
14All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with Christ so that we may also be glorified with Christ.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The assembly rises to welcome the gospel.
Haleluya, Puji Tuhan (Praise the Lord)
*GOSPEL
John 7:37-39
Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as living water, quenching the thirst of all who come to him and filling the hearts of believers until they overflow.
The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
37On the last day of the festival of Booths, the great day, while Jesus was standing in the temple, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 38and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” 39Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
Silence for reflection follows the sermon.
*HYMN OF THE DAY
Rev. Dr. Kim L. Beckmann
O Holy Spirit, Root of Life
Text: Jean Janzen, b. 1933; based on Hildegard de Bingen, 1098-1179. Music: PUER NOBIS, European tune; adap. Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621. Text ©1991 Jean Janzen, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.
*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
An assisting minister leads the prayers, ending each petition, “Merciful God.” The assembly responds, “receive our prayer.”
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace, and may say, “Peace be with you,” or similar words in the many languages spoken within our community.
The assembly is seated.
OFFERTORY
OFFERING
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
Choral Varié sur le thème du Veni Creator (Op. 4) Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986)
The offering taken this evening will go to support the humanitarian and development work being carried out by the Lutheran World Federation. For more information, visit www.lutheranworld.org. To make a donation online, go to https://lstc.edu/make-a-gift-chapel/ or scan the QR code.
During this time, the table is set. After the offering is gathered, the assembly stands. Bread, wine, money, and other gifts may be brought forward.
*OFFERING PRAYER
*GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
*PARISUTHAR, PARISUTHAR, PARISUTHAR (HOLY, HOLY, HOLY)
Tamil:
Sënaigaludaiya karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar
English:
Sënaigaludaiya karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts
Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya magimaiyal
Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya magimaiyal
Sënaigaludaiya karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar
N iraindhirukkinrana
Niraindhirukkinrana
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya magimaiyal
U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna
N iraindhirukkinrana
Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna
Hosanna in the Highest
K artharin naamathinaal varugiravar
Kartharin naamathinaal varugiravar
U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna
Sthôtharikkappattavar
Sthôtharikkappattavar
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord
K artharin naamathinaal varugiravar
Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna
U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna
Sthôtharikkappattavar
U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna
Hosanna in the Highest
The presiding minister continues, with the assembly offering the following responses: as we proclaim the mystery of faith. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
... Come, Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us, in the many languages and traditions by which we have been blessed.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
The assembly may be seated.
COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG
Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947. Music: WID MOUNTAIN THYME, Irish melody, adapt. Alfred V. Fedak, b. 1953. Text ©1996 Pilgrim Press. All rights reserved. Music ©2011 Alfred V. Fedak. Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.
Anne
*PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Response after the prayer: Amen.
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
*BLESSING
*SENDING SONG Thuma mina (Send Me, Lord)
*DISMISSAL
The assisting minister sends the assembly into mission. Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND SOURCES
Marche Episcopale
David Briggs (1962-)
Many materials contained within this order of worship are protected under copyright laws and are used with the express permission granted by One License, License Number A-721113. All rights reserved. All Augsburg Fortress copyrighted liturgical texts, liturgical music, and service music is licensed under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License number SAS019574.
The intercessory prayers for this service have been prepared by Kylee Bestenlehner, Class of 2025. The gospel acclamation, “Haleluya, Puji Tuhan,” (Praise the Lord) is found in Sound the Bamboo: CCA Hymnal 1990, published by the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music and the Christian Conference of Asia (1990), “Parisuthar” (Holy, Holy, Holy) is from the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church hymnal and order of service.
Text: Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., b. 1923. Music: CWM RHONDDA, John Highes, 1873-1932. Text ©2000 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638, www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.
ACADEMIC PROCESSION
Mark N. Swanson, Faculty Marshal
The graduates, faculty, board, and guests enter LSTC Festival Procession arranged by Keith Hampton
GATHERING SONG God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Response after the prayer: Amen. The assembly is seated.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
James Nieman, President
Barbara Rossing Professor of New Testament, LSTC
MUSIC SELECTION: Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit (Traditional Spiritual) arranged by Moses Hogan
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES, DIPLOMAS, AND AWARDS
INTRODUCTION
PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES
Kylee Bestenlehner, soloist
Linda Thomas
Interim Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs
James Nieman
Candidates for the Certificate in Theological Scott Chalmers Education for Emerging Ministries Dean of Student Services Candidates for the Master of Arts Degrees
Candidates for the Master of Divinity Degree
Brooke Petersen Director of MDiv, MA, and MAM Programs
Brooke Petersen Candidates for the Master of Theology Degree
Candidates for the Doctor of Ministry Degree
Mark Swanson Director of Advanced Studies Programs
Mark Swanson Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree
PRESENTATION OF THE EDGAR KRENTZ PRIZE FOR GREEK EXEGESIS
PRESENTATION OF THE JAMES KENNETH ECHOLS
Mark Swanson
Barbara Rossing
Kim L. Beckmann PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN PREACHING Auxiliary Faculty in Homiletics and Ministerial Leadership
PRESENTATION OF THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS AWARD
Mark Swanson
Harold S. Vogelaar Professor of Christian-Muslim Studies and Interfaith Relations; Associate Director of A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice
PRESENTATION OF THE LEANDER RUFUS VETHANAYAGAMONY MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP
RECOGNITION OF THE LSTC FACULTY, STAFF, AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESENTATION OF THE SENIOR CLASS GIFT
WELCOME FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD
BLESSING
Response after the prayer: Amen.
RECESSIONAL: Finale from Suite for Organ
Mark Swanson
James Nieman
Katie Mueller
Melissa Dailey
Michael Fick (2004, MDiv) Alumni Board Chair
Florence Price, composer
The Rev. Dr. Barbara R. Rossing is professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where she has taught since 1994. She is an avid environmentalist who loves to teach and preach about the Bible, including the Bible’s role in public life.
Rossing received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College with a major in geology; a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University Divinity School (where she honored with the Alumni Award for Distinction in Theological Education); and Doctor of Theology degree from Harvard University.
Ordained in 1982, she served as pastor of a congregation in Minnesota, director for Global Mission Interpretation for the American Lutheran Church, pastor at Holden Village Retreat Center, Chelan, Washington, and chaplain at Harvard University Divinity School.
Rossing has lectured and preached widely, including synod assemblies and international theological conferences. She has served on the executive committee and council of the Lutheran World Federation (2003-2010), chaired the Lutheran World Federation’s theology and studies committee, and chaired the LWF climate delegations to the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) in Copenhagen and Cancun.
As a public theologian her media appearances have included “CBS Sixty Minutes” as well as The History Channel, National Geographic, Living the Questions, and numerous print and radio interviews.
Her publications include The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation (Basic Books, 2004); The Choice Between Two Cities: Whore, Bride and Empire in the Apocalypse (Trinity Press, 1999); two volumes of the New Proclamation commentary (Fortress Press, 2000 and 2004); a nine-session Bible study, “Journeys Through Revelation: Apocalyptic Hope for Today” (Presbyterian Women, 2010); and articles, book chapters, commentaries and Bible studies on the Apocalypse and ecology.
Dr. Rossing will be retiring from her position as Professor of New Testament this year.
Sandra Gillespie*
Annelisa Jean Burns
Arun Mosses
CANDIDATES FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN + THEOLOGICAL
Walter Gillespie*
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF ARTS +
Sweetry Noverlindra
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF ARTS IN MINISTRY +
Kornelius Frieder Koeppel
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF DIVINITY +
Vicky Carathanassis* (B)
Melissa Cailyn Dailey (B)
Laura Elizabeth Frost
Delwin Todd Hubbard
Eric Scott Jensen
Liz Kuster
Kathryn Anne Linthicum
Katherine Alice Mueller
Aaron William Musser
Michelle Leigh Pyskaty
Miriam Schmidle (B)
A Completed requirements for African Descent Emphasis
B Completed requirements for Biblical Studies Emphasis
C Completed requirements for Christian Theology and Ethics Emphasis
E Completed requirements for Environmental Ministry Emphasis
H Completed requirements for Hispanic Ministry Emphasis
I Completed requirements for Interfaith Emphasis
*In absentia
Martha Ernest Ambarang'u
Hannah C. Grove*
Wu Mee
Luckmal Dewappriya Panditharantha
FOR
Helena Elisabet Carlberg
THESIS: Preaching Near the Abyss: A Homiletical Strategy for Engaging Existential Questions
Vickie DeCarlos Johnson
THESIS: Prioritizing Self-Care in Preaching to Strengthen Pastors’ Ability to Care for the Congregation and Self Amidst the Trauma of Violence
FOR
Francisco Herrera
DISSERTATION: ‘Rainbow Church’: An Ethnographic Exploration of Intersectionality in Christian Mission
Mark Steven LaChonce
DISSERTATION: Defining Success in the Context of Loss: Middle Eastern Christian Theology of Success and Victory from the Seventh to Fourteenth Centuries
Crystal Silva-McCormick
DISSERTATION: Latine Christian Zionism: Examining the Matrices of Latine Identity, Politics, and Religiosity
Vinod John Wesley
DISSERTATION: A Dalit Grassroots Environmental Theological and Ethical Perspective: An ‘Ecowomanist’ Reading of Tamil Nadu Women’s Collective
A Completed requirements for African Descent Emphasis
B Completed requirements for Biblical Studies Emphasis
C Completed requirements for Christian Theology and Ethics Emphasis
E Completed requirements for Environmental Ministry Emphasis
H Completed requirements for Hispanic Ministry Emphasis
I Completed requirements for Interfaith Emphasis
*In absentia
For over two decades, Barry Hopkins has been an integral figure at the JKM Library, culminating in his impactful role as the interim director. Throughout his tenure, Hopkins significantly contributed to the academic, intellectual, and spiritual development of the students, faculty, and staff of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and McCormick Theological Seminary. He has also supported the work of theological scholars from around the country and the world through interlibrary loan. In all of his roles, he has navigated through momentous changes and challenging times with dedication and foresight.
Hopkins joined the LSTC library staff in 2000. He has served in various roles throughout the years and has undertaken great challenges with confidence and grace. One of the most memorable times for Hopkins working at LSTC was when he and a maintenance worker, Larry Alexander, took on the monumental task to reconfigure the library's physical space by reorganizing two hundred fifty volumes.
Another defining period for Hopkins was during his tenure in the library between March 2020 and August 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic closed the seminaries' doors. Despite the pandemic, JKM patrons still needed access to library resources to support their personal and academic pursuits. Hopkins and his colleagues rose to the occasion and made a difficult situation work so that members of our community had the opportunity to continue to consult valued materials.
In the library’s recent transition due to LSTC's relocation, Hopkins remained on staff, working with our outside consultants to determine which volumes will be retained by the JKM collection and where those volumes are most appropriately housed. He also helped plan for the year ahead and served as an advisor to our respective faculties and boards regarding the vision and strategy for JKM moving forward.
Hopkins officially retires this year, but his efforts have ensured that the legacy of JKM will continue to support theological scholarship long after.
Emilie Pulver, who served in various roles within the JKM Library, retired December 31, 2023, after nearly 40 years of service. As the library’s metadata specialist, Pulver helped shape the library's legacy through her diligence and integrity and through her support of student scholarship.
Since she first joined the JKM Library staff in 1984, Pulver earned a reputation in the library world as a beacon of meticulous curation. Having spent most of her professional time cataloging for the library, Pulver’s experiences go back to the early days of the Jesuit Krauss McCormick Library when it served three schools: The Jesuit School of Theology; the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago; and McCormick Theological Seminary. “All three schools had classrooms in the LSTC building, and the library contained books and periodicals for all three faith traditions. It was an exciting time to see scholars from those three traditions mingle,” Pulver said.
Pulver also noted that her favorite part of working at the library was cataloging the Ph.D. theses from the LSTC doctoral students. “I enjoy seeing the results of their scholarship, reading their acknowledgments, and finding out who supported them on their journey,” she recalls.
Emilie Pulver will be remembered at LSTC for her expert librarianship, kindness and support of students. Pulver's dedication to her work not only served LSTC's scholarly pursuits but also upheld the library's reputation as a trove of genuine scholarship. Her presence at the JKM Library leaves a profound impact on the academic community she served.
Dr. Karri Alldredge
Assistant Professor of New Testament
Candace Kohli
Assistant Professor of Lutheran Systematic Theology and Global Lutheranism
Rafael Malpica Padilla
Damm Chair in Leadership and Director of Latine Ministry and Theology
Esther M. Menn
Ralph W. and Marilyn R. Klein Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible
Brooke Petersen
John H. Tietjen Chair of Pastoral Theology, MDiv/MA/MAM Program Director, Director of Candidacy
Barbara R. Rossing
Professor of New Testament
Mark N. Swanson
Harold S. Vogelaar Professor of Christian-Muslim Studies and Interfaith Relations
Linda E. Thomas
Professor of Theology and Anthropology
Peter Vethanayagamony Professor of Modern Church History
Marvin E. Wickware, Jr.
Assistant Professor of Church and Society and Ethics
Terrence Baeder
Director Emeritus of Field Education
Kathleen D. Billman
John H. Tietjen Endowed Chair in Pastoral Ministry: Pastoral Theology, Professor Emerita of Pastoral Theology
Philip Hefner*
Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology and Senior Fellow, ZCRS
Kurt K. Hendel
Bernard, Fischer, Westberg Distinguished Ministry
Professor Emeritus of Reformation History
Richard J. Perry Jr.
Professor Emeritus of Church and Society and Urban Ministry
David M. Rhoads
Professor Emeritus of New Testament
José David Rodríguez
Augustana Heritage Professor Emeritus of Global Mission and World Christianity
Michael Shelley
Director Emeritus of A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice
Harold S. Vogelaar
Professor Emeritus of World Religions
Christine Wenderoth
Director Emerita, JKM Library; Associate Professor Emerita of Ministry
*Dr. Philip Hefner, distinguished emeriti faculty member at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago died on April 27, 2024.
Ghulam-Haider Aasi
Distinguished Affiliate Professor
Mercedes Garcia-Bachmann
Professor of Old Testament
Antje Jackelén
Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology/Religion and Science
Carol Schersten LaHurd Professor of World Religions
Craig A. Satterlee Professor of Homiletics
Benjamin Stewart Professor of Worship
Audrey West
Associate Professor of New Testament
Gayle E. Woloschak Professor of Religion and Science Studies
Niclas Blåder
Caroline Edlund
Ola Fornling
Kim L. Beckmann
Ruben Duran
Doug Hoffer
Veronica Johnson
Craig Mueller
Tina Johansson
Carina Sundberg
Johan Svedberg
Brian Sauder
Christian Scharen
Ben Stewart
Rosanne Swanson
Gayle Woloschak
James R. Nieman
President
Samantha Adindu
Events Coordinator
Carlos Carillo
Controller
R. Scott Chalmers
Dean of Student Services
Erik Christensen Pastor to the Community and Director of Strategic Initiatives
Aaron Copley-Spivey Director of Human Resources; Title IX Coordinator
Vimary “Vima” Couvertier-Cruz Director of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice
John Damer
Senior Director for Advancement
Patti DeBias
Assistant to the President
Samantha DeBias
Accounting Coordinator
Keisha Dyson
Executive Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
Bradley Arnette Erz
Registrar
James Foster
Director of Security and Operations
Laura Frost
Interim Director, JKM Library
Matt Frost
JKM Services Coordinator, JKM Library
Jami Galindo
Assistant Director of Facilities & Maintenance
David Glover
Editorial Assistant, Zygon Journal, Project Administrator, Zygon Center
Keith Hampton
Cantor to the Seminary Community
Marvis Hardy
Staff Accountant
Stephanie Holding
Metadata & Technical Services Librarian, JKM Library
Cheryl Hoth
Assistant to the Interim Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Jessica Houston
Alumni & Congregational Engagement Officer
Michael Huckelberry
Director of Maintenance and Engineering
Peter Iversen
Philanthropic Engagement Officer
Alicia Jakubowicz
Advancement Operations Coordinator
Rhiannon Koehler
Assistant Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
Josh Larson
Donor Engagement Specialist
Bianca Leoni
Housing & Student Employment Manager
Sandra H. Nelson
Vice President for Advancement
James Nieman
President
Cassandra Olivier Director of Admissions
Arthur C. Petersen
Editor, Zygon Journal of Religion and Science
Nathaniel Ramsey Director of Financial Aid
Marji Shannon
Director of Contextual Education
Jennifer Stone Advancement Services Manager
Ariana Strahl
Philanthropic Engagement Officer
Linda Thomas
Interim Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Sara Trumm
Director, A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice
Gloria Vicente
Advanced Studies Coordinator
Richard Vivian
Vice President of Finance and Operations
Jake Williams
Interim Director, Educational Information Technologies
I Will Put My Spirit Within You (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
The artist commissioned to produce materials for this year’s program is Ann Gerondelis AIA, IDSA. Ann is the Head of the Design Department in Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. A passionate design evangelist and inclusive leader, she draws on her broad range of experiences in educational innovation and design in multiple disciplines.
Reflecting on her design for this year’s commencement, Ann said, “I began this work signing the word Spirit in American Sign Language. Two hands begin at the body center with one spiraling and lifting above. The gesture is one of strength and hope. With color in hand, the movement then emerged as Pentecost flames, rising with power, bringing new life to places beyond. This work, Spirit Within, is crafted as a prayer for the graduates on this day of Pentecost, that they may always know the gift of God’s spirit singing within them, bold and strong, offering light and love to the many places they are called.”
LSTC recognizes that our school stands on the lands of the Potawatomi, Miami, and Peoria peoples. For thousands of years before their forced removal, this was their traditional homeland, and it continues to hold their ancestral stories and wisdom. We honor and thank the elders of these and other nations, past and present. These lands are still home to many indigenous people, and we are grateful to learn in this place.
As a Reconciling in Christ seminary, LSTC seeks to offer hospitality and welcome to all who enter LSTC’s academic programs. Following Jesus Christ, whose reconciling love bridged barriers and made strangers friends, we seek to welcome and learn from one another’s particularity—including but not limited to one another’s race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical ability, social status, and theological diversity.