Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary THE 2017-2018 PRESIDENT’S
ANNUAL REPORT
THE 2017-2018 PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Be Dressed for Service and Keep Your Lamps Lit 2-3 Embodying Responsive and Relevant Theological Education 4 Creating Hospitable, Equitable, and Inclusive Community 5 Maintaining a Vibrant Seminary for the Future 6 President’s Activities
7 Staff Highlights 8-9 Faculty Highlights 10-13 Faith in Action: Public Theology Year-in-Review 14 Student Body: Facts and Figures 15 Development and Financial Highlights 16 Administration and Faculty
BE DRESSED FOR SERVICE AND KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT
LUKE 12:35 CEB
Dr. Lallene J. Rector, President of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
This Bible verse has been a guide for us during the 2017-2018 academic year. We began this year reflecting on our blessings as a strong school with nearly 165 years of service, while also challenging ourselves to be vigilant in the midst of not only the changing landscape of theological education, but also the challenging socio-political climate. The pace of change is rapid and we must continue to find ways to be as nimble and responsive as we can be while remaining true to our mission and vision. As I reflect on this year, I see how we have continued to build on our strengths while using our strategic plan as a roadmap to think creatively in implementing responsive and relevant theological education, providing a more equitable and inclusive space, and creating a vibrant future. This report highlights the ways we will “keep our lamps lit” ensuring we are prepared to serve our students, and ultimately the church and the world for generations to come.
LOOKING AHEAD WITH JOY! • In the next year we will be celebrating 165 years of history. • We continue to receive significant support from The United Methodist Church. As a denomination, it remains one of the greatest funders of its seminaries in contrast to other denominations. • We have one of the most diverse student bodies amongst United Methodist seminaries. Through the work of admissions and recruitment, we continue to look for ways to increase this diversity. • Per our mission, we are entrusted with the great responsibility of equipping and preparing students as skilled, bold, and articulate leaders who nurture and guide others in the transforming love of Jesus Christ. We have faculty, staff, and trustees who are dedicated to Garrett-Evangelical and work tirelessly on our behalf. • We have faithful alums who give of their time, talent, and treasure. Garrett-Evangelical has been ranked in the top ten of alum giving for 30 years and this last year we were ranked number one! • Finally, we are blessed by generous friends and partners. There are many friends of the seminary who also contribute abundantly of their time, talent, and treasure. Through field education, we have partnerships with many churches and unique ministry settings, including the benefits of cross-cultural learning opportunities like Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century. In Evanston, we benefit from being on Northwestern University’s campus, through our partnership with the Kellogg School of Management’s Center for Nonprofit Management, and in working with the Evanston community on the successful Garrett-Evanston Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools Program. president’s annual report
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EMBODYING RESPONSIVE AND RELEVANT THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION
Over the last year and a half, we have just about completed a self-study in preparation for our Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation visits that take place in Fall 2018. Assessment is an essential and on-going part of reviewing our educational programs and seminary practices. It provides the opportunity to review our programs in more detail and to refine our assessment practices based on how best to determine if our programs are still fulfilling our mission and vision while also measuring their effectiveness. This is one way we ensure our educational programs remain responsive and relevant. As a seminary committed to shared governance, faculty, staff, students, and trustees have had the opportunity to provide information and feedback that is incorporated into these accreditation reports. We hope to receive affirmation from the Board of Trustees during our May 10, 2018, meeting and to submit these reports in early summer. Last year, I was able to share news of our new MDiv curriculum launched in Fall 2017. The new MDiv curriculum was designed to create graduates who are grounded in spiritual practices and who will be adaptive leaders equipped with skills for a variety of ministerial duties and contexts. While ensuring relevance to the needs of today’s world, it also reflects of our commitment to preparing public theologians who seek the wellbeing of all persons and creation. In addition to the new curriculum, we are expanding our delivery format to provide half of the MDiv degree online. 2 | PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
In late spring of 2017, ATS approved two new master of arts degrees, a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction (MASFD) and a Master of Arts in Public Ministry (MAPM). These new degrees continue to support our core purpose, “…to know God in Christ, and, through preparing spiritual leaders, to help others know God in Christ.” The MASFD degree provides students with advanced training in the spiritual and devotional practices that lead to both personal and communal growth. Included are modules in spiritual direction which, when successfully completed, lead to a certificate in spiritual direction. The MAPM degree will educate lay and faith leaders for wise, courageous, and transformative public ministries in the broader community. For those students interested in a specific area but who may not be able to commit to the full degree program or may already have an MDiv, we are creating credit-bearing certificates in each concentration of the MAPM degree: Ecological Regeneration, Racial Justice, and Child Advocacy. We are finding that one key element of maintaining a compelling programmatic future is our attention to the global environmental crisis and the need for ecological regeneration. Late last spring, GarrettEvangelical was selected to join a cohort of five other theological schools participating in the Green Seminary Certification Program led by The Green Seminary Initiative. This organization believes religious communities have a unique calling to address human-caused environmental degradation and to participate in bringing all of creation into health and wholeness. Furthermore, theological schools have a growing responsibility to equip future clergy and religious leaders with the tools necessary to lead congregations, communities, and organizations in protecting and restoring creation. The Green Seminary Certification Program will assist in integrating care for
creation in five key areas: (1) education and spiritual formation, (2) liturgy, ritual, and worship, (3) building and grounds management, (4) community life, and (5) public leadership. In Fall 2017, we completed an audit of these five areas and, as a result, are developing a two-year action plan. In addition to the Green Seminary Initiative, the Hope for Creation Campaign will also strengthen our capacity to address the urgent environmental crisis. The campaign seeks to (1) educate ecologically literate leaders for faithful service to the church and the world; (2) integrate sustainable practices and ecological awareness throughout the life of the seminary; and (3) expand our public engagement for the sake of environmental and social regeneration. We continue to grow our Connectional Learning programs. Connectional Learning offers online, regional, and on-campus programs to meet our learners where they are and connect them with the education they need, when they need it. Since January 2017, we have held 23 Connectional Learning offerings and events with more than 900 registrants (328 alums and 446 non-alums, and many of these participating in more than one offering). The word is getting out! Our programming for the next few years will focus on continuing existing offerings and developing new programming that (1) fills gaps in theological education and the practical leadership and management skills needed to lead a thriving church or nonprofit organization; (2) encourages public ministry, activism, and evangelism; (3) prepares laity for leadership in the church; (4) supports spiritual formation and direction, and (5) inspires youth and young adults to engage with the church and consider a future in ministry.
present, especially in areas further away from campus. To this end, we are in the midst of creating a learning hub at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. The purpose of the hub would be to provide accessible Garrett-Evangelical education to those seeking a future in ministry. We are conducting research and collecting data to help determine what programs are most needed.
The conditions today in which clergy and laity try to live out their commitments to ministry and faith is changing rapidly. We are all called to seek the information and training we need to be engaged in what is happening in both the church and the world. Continuing education is one of the ways we can not only remain relevant in our work, but also be on the cutting edge of what is to come. Our Connectional Learning programs challenge clergy and laity (including working professionals) to think of their ministry and their faith in new and exciting ways while staying true to the foundation of what it means to be Christian. I believe Connectional Learning is a great manifestation of living out the seminary’s mission.
-Ms. Erin Moore, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Our strategic plan has included, “considering an ‘operating entity’ to gather and serve professionals in the field.” The success we have seen in Connectional Learning, in particular with our “Garrett on the Road” events, has further emphasized the need for us to be more regionally PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT | 3
CREATING HOSPITABLE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
Our mission statement declares, “our teaching and learning settings will be places of hospitality where we pursue respect and reconciliation in all encounters.” Since we began our strategic plan in 2016, each year we have completed initiatives to create a community that reflects these values. This year, a Community Statement Ad Hoc Committee was formed with representatives from faculty, staff, and students. The committee wrote a draft Community Statement which names, celebrates, and affirms the diversity of persons we encounter here and also challenges the seminary to grow in its commitment to serve all persons equally and justly. Staff and students have provided feedback the faculty will use to refine the statement as part of the Faculty Retreat in late summer. All constituencies will have the opportunity to review the statement in early fall and we will bring it to the Board of Trustees for approval during our October 2018 meeting. The Staff Council organized two separate training opportunities for staff and the leadership team to support greater ethnic cultural competence and LGBTQIA cultural competence. Both training events were well-attended with positive responses from attendees. At students request, we have provided “LGBTQ 101” and “Racial Justice and Equity” training workshops to better prepare them for leadership in ministry settings.
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Student programs and services has been re-structured into a more cohesive unit. Student Life, Enrollment Management, Vocational Networking, Financial Aid, and Residential Ministries now constitute the new Student Services Department. Rev. Becky Eberhart, Vice President of Student Services, supervises the department and working with the Dean of Students, Rev. Benjamin Reynolds, they immediately engaged feedback processes to improve international students’ transition to the United States and to Garrett-Evangelical. They also explored ways Student Services can better support the needs of all students. Actions already taken include: (1) providing a more substantive international student orientation in Summer 2018; (2) seeking church partnerships to support these students and to identify host families; (3) improving communication and tracking of I-20 requirements for new international students; (4) developing a new DMin tuition payment plan; and (5) providing full tuition scholarships for PhD students. The Student Services Department will be revising their strategic plan through assessing existing programs and services, as well as considering new programs and services. Finally, caring for the quality of the work environment of our employees is another priority. We have given more attention to ensuring our institutional policies and procedures are updated and clear. Staff Council has led the school in developing a new-hire orientation and is currently updating the annual review form and process. The Staff Council also supported professional development opportunities for staff as well as opportunities for fellowship and fun!
MAINTAINING A VIBRANT SEMINARY FOR THE FUTURE In addition to keeping our educational programs visionary and compelling, another dimension of remaining a vibrant seminary includes the assurance of a secure economic future. Last year, we celebrated reaching our $100 million capital campaign goal. We have spent this year evaluating the capital campaign and conducting a feasibility study to determine fundraising priorities for the future. On May 1, Mr. Joseph (Joe) Emmick joined GarrettEvangelical as Vice President for Development. Emmick will supervise the daily operations of the Development Office and lead future capital campaigns. In July, Rev. Dr. David Heetland will become Senior Vice President for Planned Giving. We remain dedicated to Generational Stewardship as an institutional priority. We are working consistently and diligently with trustees throughout the year to balance the need to deliver responsive and relevant educational programs–the heart of our mission–and at the same time be responsible stewards with our annul budgeting processes, our five-year budget projections, and attaining a more sustainable draw on our endowment. Our trustees have been magnificent in this work and we look forward to continued collaboration in the shared goal of a vibrant future. As you can see, Garrett-Evangelical remains strong, even as we face similar challenges that many schools of theology are facing today. In our commitment to shared governance, we have sought the input of faculty, staff, students, and trustees about strategic priorities for 2018-19. We are confident that we are working together to accomplish these goals. And, so, we now look ahead with joy to the new thing God is doing in our
midst. We are dressed for service, with lamps lit, and ready to grow more into the servant seminary to which we have been called. n With deep gratitude for our Garrett-Evangelical community here and beyond,
Lallene J. Rector President
I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Joe Emmick, who I believe can take the seminary’s development program to new heights. Joe comes to Garrett-Evangelical with more than 20 years of experience leading successful university capital campaigns, cultivating and soliciting individual major gifts, and creating and executing strategic plans.
Joe will build on the development office’s outstanding record of accomplishment, including its recent historic $100 million campaign, and will continue its commitment to provide the necessary financial undergirding so the seminary can fulfill its core purpose as a premier institution of theological education. -Rev. Dr. David L. Heetland, Vice President for Development
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PRESIDENT’S ACTIVITIES IN 2017-2018 June 2017 June 3: Michigan Annual Conference, Acme, MI June 5: Northern Illinois Annual Conference, St. Charles, IL June 8: Indiana Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN June 11: Iowa Annual Conference, Des Moines, IA June 16: Wisconsin Annual Conference, Middleton, WI June 19: Advisory Committee on Candidacy and Clergy Assessment, Nashville, TN June 21: Minnesota Annual Conference, St. Cloud, MN June 24: Memorial Service for Eugene Winkler, Barrington, IL June 26: Center for Music and Worship Meeting, General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, TN June 27: Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy Opening Chapel Greetings
July 2017 July 27: Course of Study Graduation
August 2017 Aug 1: Trip to Israel, Co-led with Rabbi Yehiel Poupko, Jewish United Fund Aug 15: GHBEM on Personnel Policies and Practices Board Meeting, Nashville, TN Aug 28: Faculty Retreat, Northbook, IL
Sept 18: North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops Meeting, Columbus, OH Sept 21: Greetings at COSROW Board Meeting, Chicago, IL Sept 24: Preached at First United Methodist Church, Mason City, IA Sept 25: Sioux Falls Seminary Visit, Evanston, IL
October 2017 Oct 2:
Interfaith Luncheon with Northwestern University, Featuring Dr. Brent Waters, Garrett-Evangelical
Oct 9:
All Employee Meeting
Oct 11: Visiting Retired Garrett-Evangelical Faculty, Claremont, CA
December 2017 Dec 1:
Faculty and Staff Holiday Luncheon
Dec 1: Rev. Dr. Jack Seymour Retirement Reception
Mar 17: 6th Global Forum Against Anti-Semitism, Panelist, Jerusalem, Israel
Dec 4:
Mar 25: AUMTS Meeting, Dallas, TX
All Employee Meeting
Dec 5: ATS President’s Intensive Seminar, Workshop Presenter with David Heetland, Pittsburgh, PA
January 2018 Jan 15: Interfaith Martin Luther King, Jr., Service, Alice Millar Chapel, Evanston, IL Jan 17: Town Hall Meeting Jan 20: YMCA Gala, Evanston IL
Oct 13: Women in Theological Studies, Austin, TX
Jan 22: Led Clergy Retreat, “Sabbath Rest,” Grand Rapids, MI
Oct 17: Catholic Theological Union Annual Ecumenical Lecture, Chicago, IL
Jan 25: University Senate Board Meeting, Atlanta, GA
Oct 26: Board of Trustees Meeting
Jan 31: Preached at the Black History Month Opening Chapel Service
Oct 27: Faculty Retreat
February 2018
November 2017 Nov 1:
Conversations with President Rector
Nov 6:
All Employee Meeting
Nov 16: AUMTS Meeting, Boston, MA Nov 18:
American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature, Garrett-Evangelical Reception, Boston, MA
Nov 20: GBHEM Editorial Board Meeting, Boston, MA
Feb 1:
Leadership Team Retreat, University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, IL
Feb 13: All Employee Meeting Feb 17: Garrett on the Road, Minneapolis, MN Feb 24: Garrett on the Road, Madison, WI Feb 28: ATS Women in Leadership Conference, Pittsburgh, PA
March 2018 Mar 5: All Employee Meeting
Sept 6: Preached at the Academic Year Opening Chapel Service
Nov 29: National Association of Corporate Directors Gala Honoring Mr. Jerre Stead with the B. Kenneth West Lifetime Achievement Award, New York, NY
Sept 11: All Employee Meeting
Nov 30: Holiday Potluck
Mar 9: LGBTQIA Cultural Training
September 2017
Mar 6: Lilly Young Adult Meeting, Indianapolis, IN Mar 7:
Conversations with President Rector
Mar 13: GBHEM Board Meeting, Nashville, TN
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Mar 15: UMC Anchor Institution Meeting, Dallas, TX
April 2018 Apr 3:
All Employee Meeting
Apr 7:
Women in Theological Studies, Austin, TX
Apr 9:
Association of Chicago Theological Schools Meeting, Chicago, IL
Apr 11: Farewell Reception for Rev. Dr. Stephen Ray Apr 17: Pastoral Care Student Dinner, President’s House Apr 19: Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD Apr 23: All Employee Meeting Apr 25: Farewell Reception for Rev. Dr. Angela Cowser Apr 26: Reception for Rev. Dr. Stephen Ray, Jewish United Federation, Chicago, IL Apr 30: Interfaith Luncheon with Northwestern University Featuring Dr. Claire Sufrin, Northwestern
May 2018 May 1: “Just Desserts” Gathering for Graduating Women, President’s House May 3: Retirement Reception for Ms. Wendy Kneer May 7: Farewell Reception for Rev. Vince McGlothin-Eller May 9: Class of 2018 Graduates Luncheon May 10: Board of Trustees Meeting May 11: 161st Commencement
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS 2017-2018 Staff Recognition Awards In 2015, President Lallene J. Rector created the Staff Recognition Award as a way to recognize and reward two staff members each year who are exemplary in their performance. Our 2017-2018 recipients were Ms. Mechelle Moore-Carter and Ms. Tasha N. Sargent.
Ms. Mechelle Moore-Carter Staff Accountant and Cashier
Moore-Carter began working at GarrettEvangelical in 2006. In 2016, she served on the committee for the staff retreat and at the end of June 2018, she will complete her term as treasurer of the Staff Council. She brings a helpful and joyful spirit to her work with students, staff, and faculty. Upon receiving this award, Moore-Carter said, “I am grateful to be a part of the Garrett-Evangelical community and extremely honored by this recognition.”
Ms. Tasha N. Sargent Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
Sargent is a 2013 Master of Divinity alum. She joined the Marketing and Communications Office in 2014 as Communications Coordinator and was promoted to Assistant Director in 2016. “My work in the Marketing and Communications Office allows me the opportunity to work with nearly every office in the seminary and alongside many of our faculty,” Sargent said. “It’s a joy to learn from and work with so many talented colleagues and help share the seminary’s story. I am truly grateful and humbled by this recognition of my work.”
New Staff • Ms. Jillian A. Barker Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator • Rev. Kathryn E. Chambers Director of Vocational Networking and Program Coordinator for the Faith and Finance Initiative • Ms. Alicia B. Howell Administrator for Academic Affairs
Promotions •
Ms. Ceciley R. Akins Director of Stewardship and Development Operations
• Ms. Jacqueline Azpeitia Assistant Director of Course of Study and Manager for Event Planning • Rev. Rebecca J. Eberhart Vice President of Student Services
• Mr. Joseph Emmick Vice President for Development
• Mr. Eduardo Canchola Director of Apartments, Buildings, and Grounds
• Rev. Cora E. Glass Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alum Relations
• Ms. Cheryl R. Larsen Director of Campus Facilities and Contracted Services
• Ms. Cassidhe P. Hart Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students
• Ms. Krista J. McNeil Director of Academic Studies and Registrar
• Ms. Emily N. Lutz Assistant Director of Gift and Donor Records
• Mr. Robert J. Morris Information Technology Manager
• Rev. Paul I. Ortiz Director of Residential Ministries • Mr. Sebastian Sanchez Maintenance Technician •
Ms. Rae A. Schneider Systems and Digital Services Librarian
• Mr. Shane A. Nichols Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Retirements • Ms. Wendy H. Kneer Associate Director of Field Education, 20 Years of Service
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FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS Promotions and Recognitions
New Faculty
Rev. Dr. Cheryl B. Anderson Receives Exemplary Teaching Award
Rev. Dr. Trina A. Armstrong Named President of the Society for Pastoral Theology
Anderson, Professor of Old Testament, received the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Exemplary Teaching Award. This program expresses the church’s support of and appreciation for faculty who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, excellence in teaching, service to students, and commitment to education. President Lallene J. Rector and Academic Dean Luis R. Rivera reviewed course evaluations which testified to Anderson’s strengths as an educator and advisor.
Armstrong, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, was named President and Chair of the Society for Pastoral Theology (SPT) at their 33rd Annual Meeting. Prior to this post, Armstrong as the Vice President of the steering committee before beginning her term as President and Chair on June 17, 2017. As President and Chair, Armstrong is responsible for leading SPT’s steering committee in planning its annual meeting and providing vision and oversight for the overall affairs of the society.
Junker (G-ETS 2003), who returned to her alma-mater in 2015, stepped down from her role as Dean of International Students to accept this faculty position in Christian education. In addition, she continues to serve as the Director of the Hispanic-Latinx Center. Through an interdisciplinary approach to education, Junker’s areas of interest range from Paulo Freire’s work, critical pedagogy, global citizenship, intercultural and postcolonial studies, cultural-historical theory activity, and liberation theologies.
Dr. Wonhee Anne Joh Historic Promotion to Full Professor
Joh was promoted to full Professor of Systematic Theology by unanimous vote of the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Board of Trustees. This historic promotion made Joh the first Korean American female full Professor of Systematic Theology in the United States and the first Asian American female to earn full professor in the seminary’s 164-year history. 8 | PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
Dr. Luis R. Rivera named In-Trust Board of Director
Rivera, Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary was elected to the board of directors for In Trust Center for Theological Schools. The In Trust Center for Theological Schools’ mission is to strengthen theological schools by connecting their resources for mission vitality. With over 30 years of professional experience in theological education, Rivera was one of three newly elected members.
Dr. Débora B. Agra Junker named Assistant Professor of Christian Education
Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran appointed Associate Professor of Religious Education and Practical Theology
Tran (G-ETS 2004) joined the faculty in July 2018, as Associate Professor of Religious Education and Practical Theology. She brings a wealth of experience including cuttingedge scholarship, expertise in practical theology, and critical cultural interpretation skills. Tran has traveled extensively and studied and/or taught in 12 countries. She is an ordained elder of the CaliforniaNevada Conference of The United Methodist Church.
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS After 26 Years of Service to Garrett-Evangelical, Rev. Dr. David A. Hogue Retires Hogue (G-ETS/NU 1985), Professor of Pastoral Theology and Counseling, retired from GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary on January 1, 2018. Over his 26-year career at the seminary, Hogue distinguished himself as a leader among the faculty, a mentor to students, and an unparalleled scholar at the intersection of pastoral care, theology, and neuroscience.
2017-2018 Faculty Sabbatical Lectures September 12, 2017 Dr. Khiok-Khng (K.K.) Yeo, Harry R. Kendall Professor of New Testament “Dissenting Voices of Biblical Interpretations: The Spirit Blows How it Wishes”
In the classroom, and as a mentor to students, Hogue was known for his commitments to critical reasoning and creative approaches for justice and social change. His interdisciplinary approach to pastoral care challenged students to actively incorporate theology, ethics, science, and liturgy into their studies and work. Students and alumni remember Hogue’s gifts for and modeling of dialogue that seeks understanding and reconciliation.
November 14, 2017 Rev. Dr. David A. Hogue, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Counseling “Déjà vu All Over Again: Memory, Ritual and Hope in Pastoral Care and Counseling”
Hogue held many governance posts leading to the strengthening of the life of the faculty and shared governance between the Board of Trustees and the faculty. He served as faculty representative to the Board of Trustees; on the Committee on Faculty; and as chairperson for numerous faculty searches, promotion, and tenure review committees. From 2012 to 2016 Hogue served as director of the PhD program. Under his leadership, the PhD program received and implemented a grant from the Wabash Graduate Programs Teaching Initiative to assist with a review of the program’s practices and effectiveness in preparing graduates for teaching at the college, university, and seminary level.
April 17, 2018 Dr. Jaeyeon Lucy Chung, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Styberg Library Director “The Redeeming Connection: A Pastoral Theological Reflection for Transformative Practices of Care”
“I will be forever grateful for students committed to ministry and to study, for colleagues and friends who have enriched my scholarship and teaching, and for the encouragement to make contributions beyond the school to the academy, the church, and to theological education around the world.”
April 24, 2018 Rev. Dr. Osvaldo D. Vena, Professor of New Testament Interpretation “Reclaiming the Subversive Nature of Baptism” To watch any of the 2017-2018 sabbatical lectures online, go to YouTube.com/GarrettSeminary. PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT | 9
FAITH IN ACTION: PUBLIC THEOLOGY YEAR-IN-REVIEW
Summer 2017
September 2017
In late June, we completed an energy audit as one of the first steps in our participation in the Green Seminary Certification Program led by The Green Seminary Initiative. In the next three years, GarrettEvangelical’s Green Team will integrate care for creation into areas of education and spiritual formation; liturgy, ritual, and worship; building and grounds management; community life; and public leadership.
On September 9, Garrett-Evangelical held the 2017 Coloring Mental Health Collective Annual Symposium, advocating for the mental wellness of black and brown people. This year’s conference focused on disrupting intimate partner violence and featured Rev. Dr. Monica A. Coleman, scholar, activist, and author of The Dinah Project: A Handbook for Congregational Response to Sexual Violence and Rev. Dr. Neichelle R. Guidry (G-ETS 2017), founder of shepreaches and author of Curating a World: Sermonic Words from a Young Woman Who Preaches.
In July through early August, Garrett-Evanston Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools Program ran for its second year. In 2017, we had fifty students in the program. The following are some of the results:
On September 13, Garrett-Evangelical welcomed Rev. Dr. Susan HenryCrowe, General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of The United Methodist Church, as its keynote speaker for the 2017 Academic Convocation. The title of her address was, “Be On Your Way.” Henry-Crowe also spent time with our student group, Seminarians for Justice, to see how we could be further connected to GBCS.
• Most children (83.9%) maintained or gained in instructional reading levels and did not experience summer learning loss. • Over half of children (56.1%) improved in instructional reading levels as measured by the Basic Reading Inventory. • Children who were reading below grade level at the beginning of the summer improved their reading levels at rates that were greater than those of children reading on or above grade level. • Children were ready to participate in social action, demonstrated self-empowerment, obtained conflict resolution skills, and engaged in academic activities after participation in the program. • More than 90% of parents perceived positive changes in their child’s social and academic confidence. • Servant Leader Interns, some who are Garrett-Evangelical students, reported that participation in the program made a positive difference in their leadership skills, self-empowerment, and academic and career development. Summer 2018 will be our third year to offer this vital program in the 5th Ward of Evanston. 10 | PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
On September 26, the Stead Center Lecture Series featured Dr. John H. Evans, Professor of Sociology and Associate Dean of the Social Sciences at the University of California, San Diego. His lecture was titled, “Theological Anthropology and Its Competitors in the Public Mind: The Impact on Human Treatment.” October 2017 During the month of October, Student Council supported a student-led and campus-wide effort in support of victims of Hurricane Harvey. The seminary community donated diapers and other needed supplies through the Sylvester and Narmaly Knight Ministry to support mothers and babies affected by the hurricane and flooding.
FAITH IN ACTION: PUBLIC THEOLOGY YEAR-IN-REVIEW
On October 3, the Center for the Church in the Black Experience, the Hispanic-Latinx Center, and the Asian/Asian-American Ministries Center of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary wrote an open letter on the rescinding of DACA.
During this same meeting, the Board of Trustees affirmed our existing legal non-discrimination statement. With this affirmation, we ensured it was incorporated into all of the appropriate handbooks and applications that govern our relationships with students, faculty, staff, and trustees.
On October 4, the Hispanic-Latinx Center held “Courageous Conversations on Immigration and DACA” as part of their Let’s Talk: Brown Bag Lunch Series. The speakers were Cristina Sandoval, Compliance and Implementation Specialist at the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), and Emma Lozano, the founder of Centro Sin Fronteras, one of Chicago’s oldest existing Mexican organizations.
November 2017
On October 11, Garrett-Evangelical faculty members Rev. Dr. Stephen Ray and Rev. Dr. Cheryl Anderson were joined by Mr. Taurean Webb, a Garrett-Evangelical doctoral student, to provide, “A Teach-In on DACA.” They explained the theological implications of rescinding DACA and made connections between the need to support DACA, #BlackLivesMatter, and other struggles for justice.
On November 2, the Asian/Asian-American Ministries Center welcomed Dr. Joas Adiprasetya, Dean of Public Relations and Lecturer in Constructive Theology at Jakarta Theological Seminary in Indonesia. He provided a lecture titled, “The Good Yet Missing Innkeeper and the Possibility of Open Ecclesiology.”
On October 25, Trustee Roxane White, Morgridge Innovator in Residence at Ascend at the Aspen Institute, offered a webinar titled, “Using Your MDiv in the Public and Social Sector.” This webinar was designed to help participants think creatively about potential vocational opportunities in the public and social sectors and how to pursue them. To view a recording of the webinar go to, Garrett.edu/Webinars. During the October Board of Trustees meeting, the trustees approved a resolution affirming our commitment to the Green Seminary Certification Program and our overall readiness to further weave care for creation into the fabric of who we are as a seminary.
For a third consecutive year, Garrett-Evangelical was recognized as a Seminary that Changes the World by The Center for Faith and Service on November 1. Each year, The Center for Faith and Service identifies a select group of seminaries and divinity schools offering innovative courses, programs, and opportunities for students seeking to engage in social justice and service work while in seminary.
On November 10, the Hispanic-Latinx Center and the Center for the Church and the Black Experience organized a trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum. The trip provided an opportunity to hear and dialogue about the events that resulted in the Holocaust, while also reflecting how the current narrative in the United States is contributing to new waves of racism and prejudices targeting specific minority groups. On November 16-17, the Styberg Preaching Institute held “Proclaiming Justice: The Challenge for the Church.” Nearly 100 people attended from Garrett-Evangelical, other local schools, churches, and nonprofits. (Continued on Page 12) PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT | 11
FAITH IN ACTION: PUBLIC THEOLOGY YEAR-IN-REVIEW Keynote speakers Father Michael Pfleger, Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, and Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, and panels of leading scholars and pastors addressed some of the pressing issues of injustice that infect our society and call for a response from the church. December 2017 The seminary created a Community Statement Ad Hoc Committee including faculty members Drs. Cheryl Anderson, Barry Bryant, and Débora Junker; staff members Rev. Dr. Ken Ehrman, Rev. Benjamin Reynolds, and Ms. Erin Moore; and students Mr. Cody Wiswasser and Mr. Toar Hutagalung. The committee was tasked with creating a draft Community Statement naming, celebrating, and affirming the variety of different persons we encounter here, as well as continues challenging the seminary in its commitment to grow and serve all persons equally and justly. January 2018 In January, we helped sponsor the McGaw YMCA Gala that took place on January 20. Representatives from Garrett-Evangelical attended the gala. It was a great event and reminder of the YMCA’s work in our community. We continue to consider how we might partner with the YMCA through our MA in Public Ministry. February 2018 In recognition of 2018 Black History Month, the Center for the Church and the Black Experience, Northwestern University, and numerous churches and organizations worked collaboratively to create a community project entitled, “Out of the African Diaspora to Evanston, Illinois: A Mosaic of Human Community.” This month-long event educated and informed the Evanston community, particularly youth and young adults, on Black history. 12 | PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
On February 17, Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church (UMC) in Minneapolis, MN, hosted us for “Hope for Creation.” Rev. Dr. Timothy Eberhart, Assistant Professor of Theology and Ecology, led a series of workshop sessions that explored how Christians are called to share in the healing of creation. Participants from Hennepin Ave UMC and the surrounding community reflected on the spiritual implications of environmental degradation, examined the relevance of Christian beliefs to an ecological perspective, and explored practical ways people of faith are engaged in mission and justice for the good of the earth. On February 24, First United Methodist Church of Madison, WI, hosted us for “Something Inside so Strong: Faith, Education, and the Sacredness of All Children.” This one-day workshop included interactive lectures, a panel of Madison educators, and small group discussions among interested and engaged laity, community members, educators, faith leaders, and public servants. The event was led by Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Assistant Professor of Formation, Youth, and Culture, and Rev. Dr. Virginia Lee, Associate Professor of Christian Education and Director of Deacon Studies. In February, the Green Team received feedback on the GarrettEvangelical Green Seminary Initiative audit they submitted at the end of 2017. The Green Team spent February and March noting the items they wanted to prioritize in each area of the audit for the next two years.
FAITH IN ACTION: PUBLIC THEOLOGY YEAR-IN-REVIEW March 2018
In early March, the Community Statement Ad Hoc Committee completed the draft statement. Based on the suggestions from the community, the faculty will spend time during their August retreat to review the feedback and revise the statement. On March 6, Garrett-Evangelical students participated in the “Vigil, Procession, and Human Chain to Protect Immigrants” event promoted by Justice for Our Neighbors of Northern Illinois. On March 14-15, the Hispanic-Latinx Center held its annual Cátedra Paulo Freire titled, “Resistencia: Contesting Racist Legacies.” The keynote speaker was Dr. Donaldo Macedo, Professor of English and a Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts and Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Rev. Dr. Osvaldo Vena served on a panel and lead a discussion group along with Dr. James Kirylo and Dr. Frances Aparicio. On March 20, Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey (G-ETS 2005), Academic Dean of Meadville-Lombard Seminary, provided a Public Theology lecture titled, “Pushing Limits on the Body.” On March 24, Garrett-Evangelical students participated in the Chicago March for Our Lives protest to advocate for gun control. April 2018 In April, we had our annual spring environmental focus. SustainGETS, the Garrett-Evangelical sustainability group, planned a variety of events and activities for Garrett-Evangelical students, faculty, and staff to learn, engage, and discuss environmental care and sustainability.
On April 4, Garrett-Evangelical students travelled to Washington D.C. to participate in the “A.C.T. to End Racism Rally.” As we mark 50 years since the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on April 4, 1968, this rally was a commitment to eradicate the entrenched racism that grips the United States and paralyzes our ability to see every human being as equal.
On April 13, we held the 8th Annual Graduate Theological Conference titled, “Influencing the Political: Religious & Theological Thought in Political Spheres.” This year’s conference featured seven student paper presentations, a panel, and a keynote address by The Very Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, dean of the Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary. Her keynote address was titled, “Claiming God’s Justice When Whiteness Stands Its Ground in a Diversifying Nation.” On April 23, we offered a Racial Justice and Equity Workshop for students titled, “We Who Believe in Freedom: An Introduction to Racial Justice & Equity.” The workshop covered language and terminology, systems of oppression, and tools for diversity and equity work. May 2018 On May 1, Dr. Barry Bryant invited faculty, staff, and students to join his theology course, “Race: America’s True Religion,” for a movie showing of Not Quite White: Arabs, Slavs, and the Contours of Contested Whiteness. The movie showing was followed by a discussion with one of the film’s directors, Jamil Khoury. In May, the Garrett-Evangelical Green Team finalizes its action plan for the next two years in line with the timeline provided by the Green Seminary Initiative. PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT | 13
Student Body: Facts and Figures STUDENT ENROLLMENT SUMMARY
STUDENTS ENTERING IN 2017-2018
141 32 17 62 66 22 8 6 47
Master of Divinity Master of Arts Master of Theological Studies Doctor of Ministry Doctor of Philosophy BGTS/Deacon Studies UMC Certification Advanced Course of Study Special Students
50% 50%
Male Female
50% 27% 15% 7% 1%
White African-American/Black Asian Hispanic Two or More
401
Total Enrollment
119
DENOMINATIONAL INFORMATION
FIELD EDUCATION
31 denominations are represented in the student body.
In 2017-2018, 69 students participated in a field education placement.
Episcopal: 2% Presbyterian: 2% Lutheran: 3% UCC: 3%
STUDENTS BY REGION Midwest: 64%
Northeast: 5%
17% health-related chaplaincy and clinical pastoral education (CPE)
Non-denominational: 5%
9% non-profit settings
Baptist: 7% Pan-Methodist: 7%
New Students
West: 4%
South: 12%
3% university chaplaincy UMC: 57%
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71% participated in a church placement
15% of our students represent the countries of Brazil, Canada, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Liberia, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Peru, South Korea, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom
DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS We are grateful for the many alums, friends, trustees, churches, foundations, and corporations who have supported GarrettEvangelical this year with their prayers, wise counsel, and generous financial gifts. As of March 31, 2018, Garrett-Evangelical has received $2.9 million in outright gifts for the 2017-18 fiscal year. The following is an update on the three areas of gift support: Gifts to Current Operations Gifts to current operations totaled $1,708,755 as of March 31. We are especially pleased to note that Ministerial Education Fund support to current operations achieved a five-year high, as did support from planned gifts. Gifts to Endowment While Garrett-Evangelical completed the seminary’s $100 million Forging Our Future campaign on June 30, 2017, with commitments totaling $102 million, gifts continue to be received for the endowment. As of March 31, gifts to the endowment totaled $1,220,147. Planned Gift Commitments A total of $289,558 was received in new planned gift commitments as of March 31. The seminary is now aware of 826 planned gift commitments, with an estimated value of $38.2 million. This bodes well for the future of Garrett-Evangelical as planned gift
commitments are essential for the seminary’s long-term financial wellbeing. We hope that many more alums and friends will include Garrett-Evangelical in their estate planning in the months and years ahead so that GarrettEvangelical can continue to fulfill its mission of preparing bold Christian leaders well into the future! Feasibility Study and Staffing In addition to securing gifts in each of the above areas, the development office conducted a feasibility study to assess the internal and external readiness to embark on another capital campaign. A feasibility study report will be presented to the trustees at the May board meeting for their action. Several staff changes took place this fiscal year. At the beginning of the fiscal year Ms. Emily Lutz joined the development team as Assistant Director of Gift and Donor Records, and Rev. Cora Glass joined the team as Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alum Relations. Rev. Douglas Vernon announced his intention to retire from his part-time position as Development Associate at the end of this fiscal year. Rev. Dr. David Heetland will assume a new role in July as Senior Vice President for Planned Giving. Finally, Mr. Joseph Emmick joined the development staff on May 1 as the new Vice President for Development. n
Garrett-Evangelical Financial Highlights Fiscal Year 2016-2017 | Ending June 30, 2017
EXPENSES 6,879,318 2,155,650 2,890,630 1,926,376 13,851,974
Compensation & Benefits Financial Aid General Operations Auxiliary Expenses Total Expenses
REVENUES 4,180,720 6,263,357 2,955,852 2,163,109 15,563,038 8,381,895 868,471 9,250,367
Student Tuition & Fees Endowment and Investment Income Gifts, Grants, and Bequests Auxiliary and Other Revenue Total Operating Revenue Restricted Gifts Received Restricted Endowment Investment Income Total Non-Operating Revenue
PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT | 15
LEADERSHIP TEAM
FACULTY
Joseph Emmick
Cheryl B. Anderson E. Byron Anderson Trina A. Armstrong Nancy E. Bedford Reginald Blount Gennifer B. Brooks Barry E. Bryant Jaeyeon Lucy Chung
David L. Heetland
FACULTY EMERITI
Lallene J. Rector President
Rebecca J. Eberhart Vice President of Student Services
Vice President for Development Vice President for Development (Through June 30, 2018)
Dale R. McClain
Vice President of Business Affairs and CFO
Elizabeth C. Lwanga Executive Assistant to the President
Erin B. Moore
Phyllis A. Bird Alva R. Caldwell Donald F. Chatfield Margaret Ann Crain Ruth C. Duck Dwight H. Judy Taylor McConnell Larry G. Murphy James N. Poling
Charles H. Cosgrove Angela R. Cowser Julie A. Duncan Timothy R. Eberhart David A. Hogue Wonhee Anne Joh Anna M. Johnson Débora B. Agra Junker
Rosemary Radford Ruether Jack L. Seymour K. James Stein Richard Tholin Barbara B. Troxell Kenneth L. Vaux Dwight W. Vogel Douglas E. Wingeier Henry J. Young
ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF
Shane A. Nichols
Ceciley R. Akins Jacqueline Azpeitia Jillian A. Barker Lynn A. Berg Kevin J. Blazek Eduardo Canchola Kathryn E. Chambers Jean R. Crawford Kenneth Ehrman Katherine L. Fahey
Benjamin Reynolds Dean of Students
Luis R. Rivera
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean
Mark R. Teasdale Mai-Anh Le Tran Osvaldo D. Vena Brent P. Waters Khiok-Khng Yeo
AFFILIATE FACULTY
Director of Strategic Initiatives Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
Virginia A. Lee G. Brooke Lester James L. Papandrea Hendrik R. Pieterse Lallene J. Rector Luis R. Rivera Stephen G. Ray, Jr. Frederick W. Schmidt
Jason M. Gill Cora E. Glass Zdravko Grahovac Cassidhe P. Hart Alicia B. Howell Tércio B. Junker Wendy H. Kneer Cheryl L. Larsen Andrea M. Leftwich Drazen Lovrinovic
Diane M. Capitani Haw-Young Chong Mark A. Fowler Diane W. Hogue Elizabeth Hopp-Peters
Margaret M. Kemper Karla M. Kincannon René Such Schreiner Steven Trefz Stephanie Perdew VanSlyke
Emily N. Lutz W. Vincent McGlothin-Eller Krista J. McNeil Jennifer Moe Mechelle Moore-Carter Robert J. Morris Joseph A. Oliphant Paul I. Ortiz Mary-Carol E. Riehs Judith C. Russell
Sebastian Sanchez Tanya J. Saeed Tasha N. Sargent Rae A. Schneider Tina N. Shelton Jordan N. Sprunger Robert H. Sutton Douglas W. Vernon
The 2017-2018 President’s Report is produced by the President’s Office and the Marketing and Communications Office of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary under the direction of Lallene J. Rector, President, Erin B. Moore, Director of Strategic Initiatives, and Shane A. Nichols, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. Photography: Burlingham Productions and Shane A. Nichols.
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Our Mission Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is a graduate theological school that prepares skilled, bold and articulate leaders who share the transforming love of Jesus Christ. Related to The United Methodist Church, with an ecumenical and international reach, we prepare leaders who are equipped to live and proclaim the Gospel and to teach in diverse congregations and educational settings. Our teaching and learning settings will be places of hospitality where we pursue respect and reconciliation in all encounters.
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary 2121 Sheridan Road | Evanston, Illinois
www.Garrett.edu