Aware Magazine | Summer 2017

AWARE A Quarterly Publication of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

magazine Summer 2017

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US EXCEED OUR $100 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GOAL! Stybergs Put the $100 Million Forging Our Future Campaign over the Top

The 160th Commencement and the Class of 2017

The Generations Gala Celebrating 45 Years of CBE

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Aware Magazine • Summer 2017 Jerre Stead, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and President Lallene J. Rector celebrating the completion of the Forging Our Future Capital Campaign.

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Contents 3 | Presidential Perspective 4 | Ernest and Bernice Styberg Put

the $100 Million Forging Our Future Capital Campaign over

the Top 6 | Thank You for Helping Us

Forge Our Future!

The Class of 2017 Page 10

8 | Hildreth Speaks at 160th Commencement 9 | Crutchfield and Dahl Receive

Distinguished Alum Awards Rev. Jesse Jackson, President Lallene J. Rector, and Bishop Henry M. Williamson (GTS 1974) celebrating 45 years of CBE at The Generations Gala.

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10 | The Class of 2017 14 | The Generations Gala:

Celebrating 45 Years of CBE 15 | Alum News and In Memoriam

Aware is published quarterly by the development

office for alums and friends of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church.

Founded in 1853, the seminary serves more than 500 students from many denominations and various cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction.

Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy, and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alums serve church and society around the world.

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary 2121 Sheridan Road | Evanston, IL 60201 800.SEMINARY | www.Garrett.edu

PRESIDENT Lallene J. Rector EDITORIAL BOARD Ceciley Akins Katharine Duke David L. Heetland Krista McNeil Shane A. Nichols Tasha Sargent PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Burlingham of Burlingham Productions Shane Nichols

Presidential Perspective “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps lit ... Much will be demanded from everyone who has been given much.”

(Luke 12:35, 48, CEB) These verses come to us as part of a warning Jesus gives to his disciples to be prepared for the arrival of “the master.” While it is not an admonition to an institution, I believe the teaching is worthy of our attention at the seminary, especially as we continue to live more deeply into what it means to be a servant seminary.

I have just returned from six annual conference visits where shared good news from the seminary and where I was inspired again by the transformative leadership and ministries in which so many of you are engaged.

It is clear that Garrett-Evangelical has “received much” in the diverse students who come to us and in the privilege and responsibility we bear to equip and prepare leaders who will not only embody the love of God and neighbor, but who will also nurture and guide others to do the same.

We have received much in excellent and dedicated faculty, staff, and trustees who work above and beyond the call of duty to make it possible for us to accomplish our mission.

We have received much from our alums who, in addition to their ministries, also have kept the seminary in the top 10 percent of alumni giving for the last 31 years, and in this last year, made us number one in percentage of alums supporting the seminary!

Keep it up!

We have received much from all the friends of the seminary who send us students, who pray for us, who help us network with other potential friends, and who most recently have helped to secure our future with the completion of our historic, Forging our Future $100 million capital campaign.

We have received much from our partners in the community who provide venues for service and preparation of our students in ministry. These many partners include: Support by The United Methodist Church as one of its 13 seminaries, “Strengthening the Summer 2017

Black Church for the 21st Century” congregations and other congregations around the Chicago area and beyond, hospitals and agencies, the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) in helping us sponsor a CDF Freedom School for the last two summers in the fifth ward of Evanston, Northwestern University and the Kellogg School of Management, and the Lilly Endowment Inc. in its generous support of new initiatives in preaching, financial literacy for clergy, and young adult ministries.

Indeed, we have received much. However, we must also be “dressed for service,” and we must keep our lamps of learning lit. We must continually be prepared to respond in relevant ways to the needs of the church and the world as we equip ordained and lay leadership.

This year, we see particular fruit of this “readiness for service” in the completion of a revised master of divinity curriculum, in the development of two new master of arts degrees—one in spiritual direction and formation, the other in public ministry—and in a new connectional learning program that makes learning opportunities more accessible to you, where you are.

It has been a wonderful year for Garrett-Evangelical.

We persevere in our efforts to be a servant seminary and to be good stewards of these precious human, social, spiritual, and financial resources. Thank you for the many ways in which you keep us honest and continue as our partners in serving Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Let’s all stay dressed for service and ready with lamps lit!

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Ernest and Bernice Styberg Put the $100 Million Forging Our Future Capital Campaign over the Top Stybergs Inducted into Founders Society and the Seminary’s Library Renamed the Ernest and Bernice Styberg Library

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arrett-Evangelical trustees were greeted with some wonderful news when they met on campus on May 11: Ernest and Bernice Styberg had put the seminary’s $100 million Forging Our Future campaign over the top with a $5 million commitment to unrestricted endowment. The trustees received this news with a standing ovation.

The campaign began years earlier with a more modest goal of $35 million when the seminary celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2003. Ernest and Bernice were named as honorary co-chairs of the sesquicentennial campaign, and they made the lead gift. Their original $5 million commitment endowed a faculty position in worship, a faculty position in preaching, and a preaching institute.

When the campaign goal was raised from $35 million to $60 million in 2006, the Stybergs made an additional commitment to endow five leadership scholarships and to make a significant gift to unrestricted endowment.

Thus, the Stybergs led the way in addressing all four of the seminary’s major campaign goals: unrestricted endowment, endowed scholarships, endowed faculty chairs, and endowed program support.

The campaign goal was again raised in 2009 to $100 million, and once again, the Stybergs played a key role, informing the seminary that they had included GarrettEvangelical in their estate plans for a significant gift.

Thus, they have not only made a transformative

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difference in this campaign, but they will also continue to transform Garrett-Evangelical for generations to come through their estate planning.

It was not surprising that the Stybergs would play a pivotal role in The Final Lap of Forging Our Future since they have been an essential part of the campaign since its inception. Their most recent $5 million commitment, which put the campaign over the top, makes them the lead donors in this historic marathon campaign. In recognition of their outstanding leadership, Garrett-Evangelical trustees named the seminary library the Ernest and Bernice Styberg Library and inducted them into the Founders Society, a recognition society that publicly honors its foremost benefactors.

Their commitment to Garrett-Evangelical goes back much further than this campaign however. Rev. Dr. David L. Heetland, vice president for development, said, “It has been a privilege and joy to know the Stybergs for nearly 30 years and to watch their interest in and commitment to the seminary grow over the years.”

That interest began when Ernest took a course in world religions at Garrett when he was a student at Northwestern. Ernest and Bernice were married at First Methodist Church in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1951 by Rev. Dr. Clarence Seidenspinner, the pastor who had confirmed Ernest years earlier. Seidenspinner was also an adjunct faculty member at Garrett, where he taught Summer 2017

worship and preaching. Ernest and Bernice became active church members under Seidenspinner’s leadership, and they grew to appreciate his thoughtful sermons, his understanding of liturgy, and his ability to craft meaningful worship services. As committed United Methodists, they came to recognize the importance of strong church leaders like Seidenspinner.

“We want to make sure that The United Methodist Church has strong leadership in the future,” Ernest noted.

“If we can help prepare such leaders, it will give us much satisfaction.” And so, in the 1980s, they made a $25,000 commitment to the seminary’s Endowing for Excellence campaign to establish the Dr. Clarence Seidenspinner Scholarship in memory of their beloved pastor.

In the 1990s, they again played an important role in the seminary’s second capital campaign, Bold Leaders for a New World, by making a $150,000 commitment to the Seidenspinner Scholarship. They continue to add to that scholarship each year, making it one of the seminary’s premier leadership scholarships.

Thus, it was only natural for the Stybergs to play a leadership role when the seminary launched its sesquicentennial campaign in 2003. Little did they know—and little did the seminary know— that it would eventually grow into a $100 million campaign.

Without their magnificent support, that goal would not have been achieved. President Lallene J. Rector summed up the feelings of the Garrett-Evangelical community when she said: “Thank you, Ernest and Bernice, for all you do and for all you mean to GarrettEvangelical! We have been incredibly blessed by your friendship and your leadership over the years.” n To watch the Founders Society Installation and Styberg Library Dedication Service, go to YouTube.com/GarrettSeminary.

The $100 Million Endowment Campaign for Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Final Report as of June 30, 2017 Campaign Component Unrestricted

Goal

Commitments to Date

Percent of Goal

$

45,000,000

$

53,334,534

118.5%

$

40,000,000

$

38,210,629

95.5%

Faculty support

$

12,000,000

$

8,139,879

67.8%

Program support

$

3,000,000

$

2,314,958

77.2%

Total

$100,000,000

$102,000,000

102.0%

(including facility renovation)

support Scholarship

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Thank You for Helping Us Forge Our Future!

New Scholarships, New Faculty Chairs, Innovative Programming, and More “Thank you” seems like an inadequate response to the overwhelmingly successful capital campaign that concluded on June 30 with a grand total of $102 million. Nonetheless, it is heartfelt and sincere. Thank you to all who helped us achieve—and exceed—this historic $100 million goal!

The results are something to shout about. In October 2003, as a part of it sesquicentennial celebration, the seminary publicly launched Honoring Our Heritage, Forging Our Future, a $35 million capital campaign.

We knew this goal would stretch us significantly as it was nearly three times larger than a previous campaign goal in the 1990s. Nonetheless, this original goal was reached, and so the trustees raised the goal to $60 million in 2006 in order to address many still unmet needs. When this goal was reached at the end of 2009, Jerre Stead, chair of the board of trustees, challenged the trustees to raise the goal to $100 million and extend the campaign deadline to December 31, 2017. The trustees unanimously accepted his challenge.

To have met and exceeded this goal ahead of schedule gives us real cause to cheer. It is all the more remarkable when one realizes that the campaign continued unabated through two recessions and four seminary presidencies: Ted A. Campbell, Jacob Martinson (interim president), Philip A. Amerson, and Lallene J. Rector. What began as a sprint ended up being a marathon, with President Lallene J. Rector running the final lap. More than 17,300 people contributed to the success of this campaign.

Our gratitude increases even further when we realize all the good things these magnificent results will make possible for Garrett-Evangelical.

A stronger endowment:

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Donors to unrestricted Createdcontributed a strongermore endowment: endowment—$53.2 million—than to any Donors contributed more to unrestricted other campaign goal.million—than This is good news, endowment—$53.4 to any as an unrestricted endowment is vital to the other campaign goal.

This is good news, long-term strengthendowment of the seminary.

Needs strategic as an unrestricted is vital to theand longgoals change from to time.

Earnings from an term strength of thetime seminary.

Needs and strategic unrestricted allow seminary to address goals changeendowment from time to time.the Earnings from an those needs and goals and stay on the cutting edge of unrestricted endowment allow the seminary to address theological those needs education. and goals and stay on the cutting edge of theological education.

Enhanced faculty support: Individuals donated $8.1 million to endowsupport: faculty Provided more scholarship positionsgave in theology, preaching, worship, Donors $38.2 million to endowed and spiritual formation, thusgood ensuring that scholarships, which is also news, there will alwaysadequate be professors in these since providing scholarship areas tobiggest teach our students. supportcritically is one ofimportant the seminary’s challenges.

The earnings from this significantly increased scholarship endowment pool will enable the seminary More scholarship support:so that all qualified to provide more assistance Donors gave $37.4 to endowed students will be ablemillion to pursue their callscholarships, to ministry. which is also good news, since providing adequate scholarship support is one of the seminary’s biggest challenges.

The earnings from Enhanced faculty support: this significantly increased scholarship Individuals donated $8.1 million to endowment pool will enable the endow faculty positions in theology, seminary toworship, provideand more assistance to preaching, spiritual students so that all qualified students formation, thus ensuring that there willwill be able be to professors pursue their tocritically ministry.important areas always incall these to teach our students.

Strengthened distinctive programs: Donors provided $2.3 million to endow some of the seminary’s distinctive programs, such as a preaching institute, the Center Center for for the the Church Church and and the the Black Black the Experience, and the seminary’s library.

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This overwhelming response to the campaign positions the seminary well for the future. Rector notes that “the generosity of so many will assure increased scholarship support for students, an enhanced seminary curriculum, strengthened programs, and a growing endowment that will allow Garrett-Evangelical to say ‘yes’ to innovative ideas that grow out of our strategic planning process.”

While Garrett-Evangelical is extremely grateful for this tremendous response, Rev. Dr. David L. Heetland, vice president for development, reminds us that the success of the campaign does not mean the seminary has met all of its financial goals. He notes that 31 percent of the campaign commitments are in the form of deferred gifts that may not be available to the seminary for many years.

“These are challenging times for theological education,” he states, “but we are hopeful that we can continue to build on the momentum of this campaign. We still want

to endow faculty positions in world religions, United Methodist studies, and theology and ecology. We still need to renovate the Sherman Avenue apartments. And we’d like to pay off $13 million in loans taken out to renovate Loder Hall as soon as possible.”

“We are pausing a moment to celebrate this significant milestone in the seminary’s history,” he notes, “but we will continue to explain to as many people as possible the challenges facing us if we are to remain a premier school of theology. The need for additional scholarship, faculty, curriculum, and unrestricted support will continue into the foreseeable future.”

We hope every alum and friend of this seminary will join us in celebrating the overwhelming success of our capital campaign, Honoring Our Heritage, Forging Our Future. To all who helped make it happen, we voice our warm and heartfelt thanks! n

David L. Heetland Honored for Completing Capital Campaign Rev. Dr. David L. Heetland, vice president for development, was honored with the Eliza Garrett Distinguished Service Award for the successful completion of the Forging Our Future capital campaign, raising more than $100 million. President Lallene J. Rector presented Heetland with the award at the Board of Trustees meeting on May 11, 2017.

Heetland came to Garrett-Evangelical in 1983 and has been fundraising ever since. With the completion of the Forging Our Future capital campaign, Heetland has overseen the most successful capital campaign in the seminary’s history, raising more than $100 million and doing so six months ahead of schedule. Worth noting, the seminary did not rely on a professional firm or consultants for any part of this capital campaign, but trusted Heetland to lead every step of the way.

When presenting the service award to Heetland, Rector said: “During David’s tenure at Garrett-Evangelical, Summer 2017

the seminary has held the distinct honor of being the only seminary in the United States to be recognized as one of the top seminaries in fundraising for 31 years in a row. Now, with the completion of this historic campaign, David has secured the future of this institution. For this, and so much more, the seminary will be forever indebted.”

While the gifts and expertise Heetland has brought to the seminary during the last 34 years are immeasurable, perhaps his greatest contribution is his commitment to understanding fundraising as a ministry. Time and again, the seminary has seen the results of his ministry through what he calls “happy surprises,” or simply put, that inspired moment when someone says “yes.” Through every phone call, appeal, visit, Small Informational Gathering, Ministry Sunday, and more, Heetland has modeled a theology of stewardship.

Upon receiving the distinguished service award Heetland said: “I love to be the bearer of happy surprises, but I am totally surprised. Thank you!” n

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Hildreth Speaks at 160th Commencement Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, 12th president and chief executive officer of the nation’s largest private, independent historically black academic health sciences center, reminds graduates to stand for what is just and right.

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary celebrated its 160th Commencement on Friday, May 12, at First United Methodist Church in Evanston.

The seminary awarded nine doctor of philosophy, five doctor of ministry, two master of arts in pastoral care and counseling, two master of arts in spiritual formation and evangelism, four master of theological studies, and 37 master of divinity degrees.

The seminary also recognized the class of 1967 and awarded distinguished alum awards to Rev. Dr. Carmichael D. Crutchfield, who received a doctor of philosophy degree in 2010 from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Dahl, who received a master of divinity degree in 1967 from Garrett Theological Seminary.

Garrett-Evangelical awarded Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, president and CEO of Meharry Medical College, an honorary doctor of humane letters. In presenting the degree, Trustee Steven E. Poole said: “Propelled by his spirit of care for others, Dr. Hildreth has dedicated his life to rectifying injustices faced by those in marginalized communities. His story, his humility, and his life devoted to public service resonates deeply with Garrett-Evangelical’s values and the seminary’s commitment to equip students to work for the wellbeing of all persons. We are proud to have him as this year’s commencement speaker and the recipient of an honorary doctorate of humane letters.”

In his commencement address titled, “Don’t Let What You Learn Negate What You Know,” Hildreth talked about what it means to know something. He defined knowledge as a “familiarity or an awareness or understanding of someone or something that results from studying, discovering, or perceiving.”

Because “knowledge itself is mutable and changes over time,” Hildreth urged the graduates to be wary of knowledge. “I would just like to suggest that you don’t

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put too much stock in what you learned, but rather you anchor yourselves in that which we know.”

According to Hildreth, the philosophers teach us that there are four ways of knowing: through our senses, through logic, through language, and through intuition or emotion. “All of these modes are important, and we all use them,” he said.

“But I think that the fourth way might be the most important. . . This form of knowing transcends gender, transcends race, transcends time and place, and even transcends human understanding.”

Although Hildreth has degrees from Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and Oxford University and has studied physics, mathematics, chemistry, philosophy, social sciences, and history, he said he is careful to not let what he learned negate what he knows. And, what he knows is, “God has a plan for my life and that He has ordered my steps.”

When Hildreth was 11 years old, his father fell ill and died without receiving proper care. “I knew there were hospitals with doctors in them, but the hospitals and the doctors and my father never met. Why? Because I was poor and because I was black, and I lived on the wrong side of town,” he said.

Three months later, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and because he was so enraged, Hildreth did not speak for several months. Yet, he said, he did not let what he learned about the world and his place in it affect his dreams or the direction of his life. “Because what I learned. . . might have made me so apathetic that it crippled my hopes and my dreams. But I did not let what I learned negate what I knew,” he said.

He concluded by urging the graduates to “never let what you learn diminish your sense of knowing that comes from a relationship from God.” “That knowing,” he said, “will empower you to make the right decisions, to stand up for what is just, and to stand up for what is right.” n Summer 2017

Crutchfield and Dahl Receive Distinguished Alum Awards Each year, the seminary presents distinguished alum awards at commencement to two alums who have rendered extraordinary service. The 2017 recipients were Rev. Dr. Carmichael D. Crutchfield and Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Dahl.

Rev. Dr. Carmichael D. Crutchfield is a native Tennessean. He received a master of divinity with honors and a doctor of ministry degree from Memphis Theological Seminary. He received a doctor in philosophy in Christian education and congregational studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2010.

Crutchfield is the general secretary of the Department of Christian Education for the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church; associate professor of Christian education, spiritual formation, and youth ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary; and the pastor of Lane Chapel CME Church in Humboldt, Tennessee. He presently serves as a trustee for Lane College, Paine College, and Phillips School of Theology. Throughout his pastoral ministry, Crutchfield has had an impressive history of service in the community and on numerous boards.

Crutchfield, an established author who has written numerous books and articles, has been recognized for his contributions in the classroom, church, and community with numerous awards. Recently, GarrettEvangelical’s Center for the Church in the Black Experience named him as one of its 45 outstanding alums in honor of the Center’s 45th anniversary.

During the commencement service, Crutchfield expressed a deep gratitude to all the people and institutions who shaped his life and ministry journey.

In his remarks, he said, “I’m grateful to Garrett for accepting me, a very non-conventional applicant, into a PhD program and providing me an excellent theological education under the tutelage of Drs. Blount, Crain, and Seymour, that affords me now to research, teach, and learn with those who explore theological education across the world.”

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Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Dahl knew from an early age that he would study for the ministry and seek ordination within what is now the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC).

That calling led Dahl to pursue a master of divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary in 1967. Dahl served as assistant and then senior pastor of various churches. These roles provided him with unique missional settings preparing him for his future ministry.

In 1985, Dahl was appointed to serve as the president and CEO of Bethany Methodist Communities (BMC).

During the past 30 years, Dahl has profoundly influenced BMC’s governance, management, and operational structures; its role within the Church; and its impact on the communities in which its facilities are located.

Dahl contributed significantly to the body of seniorand health-care knowledge and practice in churchrelated workplaces across the country. He advocated for the UMC, its annual conferences, and their respective agencies to use the gifts of connection to strengthen their shared ministries on behalf of God’s people served by those many bodies. During his decades-long leadership with the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries, he served in multiple board roles, most recently as chairman and the immediate past chairman.

“Thank you to Garrett-Evangelical,” said Dahl in his remarks. “I’m reminded of the firm foundation that theological education provided my journey in ministry. The world today is not unlike the 60s— divisiveness and nationalism rampant—and I’m reminded of the Wesleyan tradition when John Wesley said it’s the world that’s our parish. And that’s because God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ, in whose name we carry as mission and ministry.” n

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The Class of 2017 At the 160th Commencement on Friday, May 12, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary awarded 59 degrees, including nine doctor of philosophy, five doctor of ministry, two master of arts in pastoral care and counseling, two master of arts in spiritual formation and evangelism, four master of theological studies, and 37 master of divinity. Each year at graduation, we not only celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments in seminary, but also look to their future. Eight of this year’s graduates reflect on their time at Garrett-Evangelical and share their hopes and plans for their future ministries.

Lamon Caldwell II Master of Divinity What is your hometown and educational background?

Chicago is my hometown. I graduated from Mount Carmel High School and Portland State University.

How has your time at Garrett-Evangelical shaped your ministry and calling? My time at GarrettEvangelical has shaped my ministry and calling as a contextual theologian who is passionate about interfaith engagement and community organizing.

What is your most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical? My most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical is the heartfelt support and prayers I received from the seminary community during my medical leave for a kidney transplant in fall 2011 and during my recovery in spring 2012. I am forever indebted to the entire community, especially our former dean of student life, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson, who ensured I had a smooth return.

What are your plans or your hopes for your future?

My plan for the future is to finish my final year of graduate matriculation at Loyola Chicago School of Social Work. My hope for the future is to open a clinical social work and spiritual counseling practice.

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Cassidhe Hart Master of Divinity What is your hometown and educational background? I was born in Evanston, while my mother finished her master of divinity at Garrett-Evangelical, but I grew up primarily in Bloomington, Indiana. I went to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I studied theatre and English. I had no intention of going to seminary, but the theological nature of theatre fascinated me—the moments of incarnation, the invitation into the “empty tomb” of a theatrical space—and I experienced God in these rituals of storytelling. It took a sojourn in Ukraine by way of Taizé, France, for me to finally accept my call to ministry, but I am grateful for the years of non-profit work between my undergraduate and graduate education and for the lessons on organization, patience, and passion.

How has your time at Garrett-Evangelical shaped your ministry and calling? When I came to GarrettEvangelical, I was relatively certain about the shape and direction of my call. As each year passed, however, I delved into more and more vocational questions and came up with fewer answers. Garrett-Evangelical has been a place where I felt free to question the church and my call, knowing that my questions were held with care. Life at Garrett-Evangelical has also given me the opportunity to explore passions and gifts.

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Through coursework on eco-theology and on worship and through working with the chapel program, I have discovered a hidden passion: writing liturgy centered on God’s liberating justice.

What is your most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical? There are two memorable experiences that spring to mind. I worked at the Styberg Library each year I was in school, and the library is the unique beating heart of campus. It is here that students catch up, laugh, eat lunch, brainstorm paper ideas, and get impromptu pastoral care. It’s also where we make up ghost stories about the mummy and have surprise dance parties when stress levels are high. Working at the library, and thus spending a good deal of time there, has been a key part of my time at Garrett-Evangelical.

In November 2016, as the situation at Standing Rock, North Dakota, was reaching a peak, our ethics and ecology professor, Dr. Timothy Eberhart, invited students to join him at a Clergy Solidarity gathering on the reservation. There were 15 of us who made the long trip out to Standing Rock, and it was a time of both prophetic action and deep listening. We forged friendships, witnessed courage in the face of oppression, and struggled with our own complicity in neo-colonialism. This experience is one that I continue to process and that informs my ongoing commitment to the just flourishing of all God’s creation.

What are your plans or your hopes for your future?

If seminary has taught me anything, it’s to hold your plans loosely and to water your hopes well—the Holy Spirit is unpredictable, untamable, and always faithful to promises of Christ. I hope to write worship resources that invite the Body of Christ into the justice, mercy, and shalom of God’s work in the world. I hope to work with communities committed to the radical love of Jesus and to sharing life with one another and with their neighborhoods. And I hope to continue exploring the connections between spiritual formation and the work of justice. I’m not yet sure how all of these hopes will emerge into realities, but I am cultivating a holy curiosity to the work of the Spirit.

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Woong Kee Kim Master of Divinity What is your hometown and educational background? My hometown is Seoul, South Korea.

For my undergraduate degree, I studied strategy and management consulting at Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

How has your time at Garrett-Evangelical shaped your ministry and calling? I believe I am called to pursue full-time ministry, and my time at GarrettEvangelical has reassured me of my calling. I am interested in young adult ministry in the local church, but I am also interested in serving the local community through ministries by non-profit organizations. I still have time before I complete my ordination process in The United Methodist Church, and the discernment process will continue as I do ministry in the future.

Hence, I consistently ask God and seek where God is calling me to be.

What is your most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical? My most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical was serving the Korean community as the president of the Korean Student Association during my second year. I could not put in as much effort as I had wished because of school work and church duties. However, it was a blessed time for me to think about and act for my community.

What are your plans or your hopes for your future?

My immediate plan after graduation is to serve in the Korean military. I have to serve because it is mandatory. However, I would like to use this time to learn to better work with a team and to develop leadership skills. After my military service, I would like to come back to the United States to continue my ordination process in The United Methodist Church and serve the church as an elder.

(Continued on page 12)

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The Class of 2017 (Continued) Julia Puac-Romero Master of Divinity What is your hometown and educational background? I grew up having two hometowns. Being an immigrant allowed me to claim Guatemala City, Guatemala, as my birth hometown and having residency in Louisiana allowed me to call Mansfield, Louisiana, my hometown. I received my high school degree from that same hometown and later went on to get my bachelor of arts in sociology from Centenary College of Louisiana.

How has your time at Garrett-Evangelical shaped your ministry and calling? I can’t say enough about how Garrett-Evangelical has shaped my ministry calling. I entered into this space not really sure just what kind of ministry I was called to or how to really use my voice. During my time at Garrett-Evangelical, I have grown in my liberation/Mujerista theology, which greatly helped in fostering where my voice is located.

I am called to intersectional ministry and multicultural ministry. With the help of Garrett-Evangelical’s field education program, I grew in my hospital chaplaincy experience and the pastoral care trait of just being present. I also served at Humboldt Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC) and was able to see just what it means to serve a healthy Latinx immigrant congregation that works toward the social justice work of immigrant rights.

What is your most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical? My most memorable experience has to be my field education sites. I never knew I would grow so much and learn so much outside of the classroom in the way that I did with both of them. While at times there was a lot of grief and heartache with the hospital chaplaincy, it was good growing pains. HPUMC helped me grow as someone who embodies the journey that comes with being an immigrant, but also taught me how to preach and hear the pain of the congregation and bring in my seminary education in a simple, church way.

What are your plans or your hopes for your future?

My current plan is to move back to my home annual

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conference in Louisiana. I will be appointed as the associate pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge. The scary and interesting part of this appointment is that I will be their first woman of color/ Latina clergy, and the surrounding United Methodist churches are about to begin talking about how to grow their Hispanic/Latinx ministries. This could either mean a great time for growth in the life of the church I will serve or a roller coaster of an adventure to build up God’s Kingdom.

Michael Bramble Master of Divinity

What is your hometown and educational background? I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana, and I graduated from the University of New Orleans with a bachelor of arts in pre-law studies.

How has your time at Garrett-Evangelical shaped your ministry and calling? Since being at GarrettEvangelical, I’ve learned how to be more accepting of other people and their particular theologies. I also understand the reason behind United Methodist traditions and the reasons why our churches follow them.

What is your most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical? My most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical by far was spending time with Rev. Dr. Gennifer Brooks and Dr. Andrew Wymer in their preaching classes. Having my preaching style (or lack thereof) get broken down time and time again and reformed into something that I now feel I can use in my church was one of the most helpful experiences. I also dreaded it each and every week.

What are your plans or your hopes for your future?

I am appointed as the pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Enid, Oklahoma. I plan on working with the Oklahoma Conference to plant churches and engage in church planting initiatives. It is my hope and dream to plant a large, progressive church in Oklahoma.

Summer 2017

Kit Evans-Ford Doctor of Ministry What is your hometown and educational background? I was born in the small town of Mebane, North Carolina. I hold a bachelor of arts in communications studies from the University of North Carolina, a master of arts in teaching: special education from Trinity Washington University, a master of arts in social justice and community development from the School for International Training Graduate Institute, a master of divinity from the Pacific School of Religion, and now a doctor of ministry in spiritual direction from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. I am a Teach for America and United States Peace Corps alumna. I have been blessed to study, work, and serve in England, Japan, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts, and Nevis.

How has your time at Garrett-Evangelical shaped your ministry and calling? The doctor of ministry degree in spiritual direction provided me with the tools to become a more focused and grounded minister. I will use these resources in spiritual direction to assist me in helping women and girls heal from violence and abuse through spiritual retreats and a safe, creative space for healing from trauma. The program is providing me with a touch of boldness in knowing that this work is possible and needed.

What is your most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical? My most memorable experience is taking classes within a special cohort with my advisor, Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Schmidt. We journeyed together as a colleague team, and he was with me and us every step of the way! He helped us understand what it means to be a spiritual director, accompanying others on their journey with God. Schmidt and my classmates were my academic guides, challengers, and colleagues. Over time, we all became friends!

What are your plans or your hopes for your future?

I am now a spiritual director, which is exciting! I currently am a Hospice chaplain as well as a national outreach action organizer for Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service. I also serve as a minister at Grace City Summer 2017

Church in Moline, Illinois. My doctor of ministry degree will afford me the opportunity to start my own spiritual direction practice, where I hope to journey with people in understanding what God is saying to them and for them. I will also continue to lead support groups and spiritual retreats for survivors of sexual violence. I ultimately hope to take my research entitled, “Overcoming the STORM: Using Photovoice in Spiritual Retreats for African American Female Survivors of Sexual Violence,” and start a Women’s House for Healing and Hope. I pray that this vision can provide daily resources for women healing from violence and abuse.

Kayla Roosa Master of Divinity What is your hometown and educational background? I grew up in Wheeler, Michigan, and graduated from Breckenridge High School. I graduated from Northwood University with a bachelor of business administration in banking, finance, and management.

How has your time at Garrett-Evangelical shaped your ministry and calling? I am thankful for the time that I have had at Garrett-Evangelical. It has been an immense resource to me while I’ve been appointed as a student pastor to a rural congregation in Michigan.

I have grown in my understanding of God and the ministry that we are called to as the Body of Christ.

What is your most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical? My most memorable experience at Garrett-Evangelical was my cross-cultural experience with Dr. K. K. Yeo for the Holy Land Trip this past year. Walking in and through the historical and traditional sites was such a wonderful blessing that will be cherished for many years to come.

What are your plans or your hopes for your future?

On July 1, I will be appointed as the pastor to Freeland United Methodist Church in Michigan. n Aware Magazine

13

The Generations Gala Celebrating 45 Years of CBE

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5 1. Rev. Dr. Barbara Morgan (G-ETS 2001), Rev. Dr. Barbara Fears (G-ETS 2005, 2006, 2015), and Rev. Dr. Michele Watkins (G-ETS 2010, 2017) 2. Rev. Jesse Jackson, President Lallene J. Rector, and Bishop Henry M. Williamson (GTS 1974) 3. Dr. Tara Sutton (G-ETS 1989) and Rev. Dr. James Foster (G-ETS 2005) 4. Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram (G-ETS 1975) 5. Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount (G-ETS 2006)

For photographs and a video highlight of The Generations Gala, go to Garrett.edu/CBEGala

14 Aware Magazine

On Wednesday, May 10, alums and friends of The Center for the Church and the Black Experience (CBE) gathered to commemorate 45 years of the Center’s work at The Generations Gala. Garrett-Evangelical Black Seminarians (G-EBS) from the class of 2017 and 45 Black alums were recognized at the gala. The 45 alums were nominated by their fellow alums, peers, and the administration for their impact on the Church, the academy, and our world. We encourage you to read more about each of them at www.CBE45.com.

With more than 200 in attendance at the gala, Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, delivered the keynote address. Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., 52nd Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of service to the church and his work as founder and CEO of One Church One School Community Partnership Program.

Rev. Dr. Myron McCoy, chairperson of the CBE Endowment Committee, publicly launched the Living Into Our Purpose CBE Endowment Campaign. In the first phase of the endowment campaign, CBE seeks $1 million to permanently endow the center. This will ensure that academic and vocational initiatives focused on the multifaceted nature of Black life remains an essential component of the seminary’s institutional identity and curriculum. It will also preserve the seminary’s legacy and further distinguish CBE as a center dedicated to improving the quality of life for Black people, the Black Church, and all people.

Join us in making certain that future generations benefit from CBE’s work by giving to the Living Into Our Purpose CBE Endowment Campaign. In honor of the 45th anniversary of CBE, alums and friends may consider a small gift of $45 or $450 ($45 semi-annually over five years) or a larger gift of $45,000 ($4,500 semi-annually over five years). Each gift, small or large, will help us continue to support Black seminarians, congregations, and communities.

To give now, go to www.Garrett.edu/Giving, or contact Brian Smith, director of development, at 847.866.3923 or brian.smith@garrett.edu. n Summer 2017

Alum News Jennifer Long (G-ETS 1997) received her doctor of ministry degree from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkley, California. Her dissertation title was, “Dance Theology from Word to Praxis: Embracing the Body in Preaching, Teaching, Prayer, and Pastoral Care.”

Christian Coon (G-ETS 1998) released his first book, Failing Boldly: How Falling Down in Ministry can be the Start of Rising Up (Discipleship Resources, 2017). The book goes through the missteps and mistakes Coon took as the co-founder of the Urban Village Church and shows how failure can serve as a springboard to new possibilities.

Amy Valdez Barker (G-ETS 2006 and 2015) was recently named executive director of Global Mission Connections of Global Ministries of the UMC.

Reginald Blount (G-ETS 2006) received the “Award of Merit” at the 2017 Associated Church Press Awards for his column, “Discipleship 101,” in the April 2017 issue of The Christian Recorder.

Johnny Bernard Hill (G-ETS 2006) is the new dean of the Shaw University Divinity School. He had been serving as an associate professor of philosophy and religion at Claflin University.

Adrienne Trevathan (G-ETS 2009) was recently named Administrative Coordinator of The Connectional Table of the UMC. Trevathan has served in parish ministry throughout Northern Illinois for seven years in Christian Education, administration, and curriculum design. She looks forward to living into her call as a Deacon through “administry” on a denominational level.

In Memoriam Our Christian sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the following alums who have died in Christ: 1940s Robert Charles Smith, GBI 1946, Grand Rapids, MI, died April 20, 2017.

Richard Odgers, GBI 1958, Lincoln, NE, died June 1, 2017.

Ermalou M. Roller, G-ETS 1979, Lisle, IL, died March 22, 2017.

Howard Loren Lewis, GBI 1959, Saukville, WI, died June 9, 2017.

1980s

Kenneth Pohly, ETS 1947, Dayton, OH, died April 21, 2016.

Fred Sapp, ETS 1959, Central Point, OR, died September 20, 2016.

Walter Sieck, GBI 1947, Perry, IA, died March 1, 2017.

1960s

1950s Orin Dale Watson, GBI 1952, Concord, NH, died March 26, 2017.

David L. Crawford, GBI 1954, Grand Rapids, MI, died April 15, 2017.

Carl Lemna, ETS 1956, New Manchester, IN, died February 23, 2017.

Summer 2017

Fred Thomas, GBI 1961, Plymouth, MN, died April 10, 2017.

Dorothy Creager, GTS 1965, Englewood, CO, died March 24, 2017.

Reginald Olson, GTS 1968, Monroe, OH, died April 23, 2017.

1970s David J. Brown III, ETS 1974, Albert Lea, MN, died May 6, 2017.

Orlando Chaffee, G-ETS 1983, Solon, OH, died December 18, 2016.

Jenny Temple Schroeder, G-ETS 1985, Green Bay, WI, died May 17, 2017.

Raymond Sundell, G-ETS 1989, Ionia, MI, died April 15, 2017.

1990s Priscilla Jean Seward, G-ETS 1990, Hale, MI, died April 22, 2017.

2000s Dora Gutierrez, Course of Study 2001, Sandusky, MI, died February 14, 2017.

Aware Magazine

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