2025 Commencement Program

•

• United Theological Seminary Saturday, May 17 th

2025 Commencement

Christian Life Center | Dayton, Ohio

•

•

Please turn off all cell phones and other devices which may disturb the ability of others to participate prayerfully in the liturgy.

The asterisk (*) indicates that you are invited to stand for that portion of the liturgy.

Oakwood Brass

PRELUDE *THE ACADEMIC PROCESSIONAL

Dr. Tesia Mallory, Dean of the Chapel

*OPENING SENTENCES LEADER: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

ALL: And also with you.

The risen Christ is with us.

Praise be to God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Alleluia! Amen!

*HYMN

Crown Him with Many Crowns

Verse 1 Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne, Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee, and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Verse 3 Crown him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways from pole to pole, that wars may cease, and all be prayer and praise.

His reign shall know no end, and round his pierced feet fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet.

Verse 2 Crown him the Lord of life, who triumphed o'er the grave, and rose victorious in the strife for those he came to save.

His glories now we sing, who died, and rose on high, who died, eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Verse 4 Crown him the Lord of love; behold his hands and side, those wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified.

All hail, Redeemer, hail!

For thou hast died for me; thy praise and glory shall not fail throughout eternity.

*OPENING COLLECT

Dr. Elvin Sadler, Associate Dean for Doctoral Studies

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son. We pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Dr. Kent Millard, President

GREETINGS AND WELCOME

Colossians 1:9-14 Tracy Winters, Master's Graduate

LESSON FOR THE DAY

2025 Commencement

President Millard Dr. David Watson, Academic Dean

AWARDING OF HONORARY DOCTORATE AND DEAN EMERITUS STATUS

Honoring | Rev. Dr. David F. Watson Senior Vice President, Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, United Theological Seminary President Millard

INTRODUCTION OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS:

“READING FOR RENEWAL” REVISITED

Dean Watson

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS STUDENT AWARDS

Dr. David Watson, Academic Dean Dr. Vivian Johnson, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

The William and Carolyn Anderson Applied Theology Competition | Susan Hitts This award is given for a paper submitted in competition that demonstrates a student’s ability to think critically on theological issues he or she applies to contemporary social concerns. It is given through the generosity of Dr. William and Carolyn Anderson.

The Ruth Pippert Core Memorial Award | Jean Gardy Dorimain Perpetuating Ruth Pippert Core’s lifelong interest in peace, unity, and the arts, Professor Emeritus Arthur C. Core established this award to provide enrichment in the arts, ecumenics, and aid to exchange students.

The Robert E. and Mary Elizabeth Cramer Award | Kaitlin Jackson The Robert E. and Mary Elizabeth Cramer Award is given each year to an outstanding student who has completed two thirds of the required semester hours for their degree to recognize and encourage academic achievement.

The Robert M. Daughtery Award | Ezra Smith The Robert M. Daughtery Award is given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional promise for pastoral ministry.

The Harry L. Eckels Award | George Bud Fickley The Harry L. Eckels Award is given each year to a person who has completed at least two-thirds of the required semester hours for their degree and who demonstrates stewardship of time, talent, and money.

The Fellowship Seminarian Award | Jayden Groppi This award is given for outstanding leadership in music and/or worship arts.

The Hoyt Hickman Award | Tracy Ann Winters The Hoyt Hickman Award for Outstanding Liturgical Scholarship and Practice is awarded by The Order of Saint Luke. The award is given to the graduating student who, in the judgment of the selection committee, both (1) has given evidence of a high quality of scholarship in the study of liturgy, and (2) is an effective leader of Christian worship.

The Missionary Interpretation Award | Ashray Matha The Missionary Interpretation Award is given each year to assist a student in interpreting to the American Church its worldwide Christian responsibility. The award is made possible by an endowment established by the Youth Fellowship of the Memorial United Methodist Church, Silver Spring, Maryland. ·

3

·

The Kendall McCabe Award in Preaching | Scott Meeker The McCabe Award in Preaching is given each year to a senior student in the master’s programs. The awardee will demonstrate in a submitted sermon exegetical skill in interpreting the text and an awareness of the liturgical, congregational, and missional context of the homiletical occasion. The awardwinning sermon will serve as an exemplar of preaching as a liturgical act.

The Dr. Won Byung Roh Award | Leonard Frieson This award for excellence in pastoral care-giving is given to a student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship and practice in the field of Pastoral CareGiving and has completed two-thirds of the required semester hours for their degree.

The Dr. Hervin U. Roop Award | Mister Raby Through the generosity of the late Hervin U. Roop, former president of Lebanon Valley College, an award is given to recognize and encourage students in the leadership of worship and the public reading of Scriptures.

The August Thomas Memorial Award | Jayden Groppi The August Thomas Memorial Award is given to a student who shows special promise in church administration.

The Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel Award | Stefanie Pitts Sadler The Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel Award is presented annually to the student who shows special promise in ecumenical and social justice ministries. The award is made possible by a gift from the New York West Area of The United Methodist Church in recognition of Bishop Yeakel’s twelve years of distinguished episcopal leadership in that area.

The Corda E. Smith Award | Casey Nawman The Corda E. Smith Award is given every other year to a student who excels in the study of the New Testament in the Greek language.

The Dr. Kenneth H. Pohly Award | Modupe Ogunlaja Armstead The Dr. Kenneth H. Pohly Scholarship is given to a student who has completed at least one year of seminary education and shows an exceptional promise in leadership for the local church.

DMin Outstanding Project in Church Renewal | Beatrice Aghali The DMin Outstanding Project on Church Renewal award is given each year to a Doctoral student with an outstanding project in church renewal.

Project: Intercultural Encounter: Developing a Training Model That Prepares Clergywomen of Color to Cross-Cultural Leadership Ministry Mentor: Dr. Dexter Cannon DMin Outstanding Project in Justice and Mercy | Damon Horton The DMin Outstanding Project in Justice and Mercy award is given each year to a Doctoral student with an outstanding project in justice and mercy.

Project: Prophetic Activism: Equipping Mentors to Improve Student Cognitive Behavior Through Spiritual and Cultural Identity Mentor: Dr. D. Anthony Everett DMin Outstanding Project in Proclamation of the Gospel | Valerie Mize The DMin Outstanding Project in Proclamation of the Gospel award is given each year to a Doctoral student with an outstanding project in proclamation of the Gospel.

Project: Focusing Corporate Singing as an Intentional Spiritual Practice that Creates Space for Holy Spirit Encounter Mentors: Drs. Sue Nilson Kibbey and Brian Law 2025 Commencement

ALUMNI/AE AWARDS

President Millard

Effective Ministry Award|Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo (DMin ’14) Established in 1976, this award is given to a person who has developed outstanding new or unique ministries, who is engaged in a particular local expression of ministry and witness or who serves in challenging areas of ministry defined by characteristics such as geographic region or cross-cultural appointments.

Distinguished Alumnus/a Award|Dr. Boise Kimber (DMin ’01) Established in the mid-1980s, the Distinguished Alumnus/a Award honors those who have obtained denominational, ecumenical or professional distinction.

Outstanding Doctoral Alumnus/a Award|Rev. Dr. C. Duh Kam (DMiss '97) and Dr. Robert Walker (DMin '95) Established in 2012, this award honors those who have developed an outstanding program or ministry outreach as a result of effective work in one of United’s doctoral programs.

RECOGNITION OF 2020 GRADUATES A virtual commencement was held in 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19. On the fifth anniversary of the occasion, United invited 2020 graduates to walk at this year’s commencement ceremony.

Abigail Feltz

Cara Watkins

India Barnes Andrew Donner

Kevin Little

Justin Shamell

Joseph Chandler, Jr.

Master of Arts in Christian Ministries Master of Arts in Christian Ministries Master of Divinity Master of Divinity Master of Divinity Doctor of Ministry Doctor of Ministry

AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES President Millard

PRESENTED BY

HISPANIC CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Maria D. Cerda

United Methodist Church

Carla Lozano United Methodist Church Emmanuel Lopez Membrilla

United Methodist Church

CERTIFICATE IN SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP David Castillo Aguilar Enrique Sanchez

Global Methodist Church

Chelsea Dawn Witherspoon

Global Methodist Church

CERTIFICATE IN THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY Christopher Cartwright, II

Global Methodist Church

·

5

·

THE AWARDING OF ACADEMIC DEGREES * Degree to be conferred August 2025

PRESENTED BY

Dr. Kent Millard, President Dr. David Watson, Academic Dean Dr. Vivian Johnson, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Elvin Sadler, Associate Dean for Doctoral Studies

Mrs. Karen Clark, Registrar

MASTER OF ARTS Kevin Doerksen

The Alliance Canada

Seunghwa Kim Southern Baptist Convention

MASTER OF MINISTRY Anne Blasdel Non-denominational Thurman Davis Clark Wesleyan Brenda Lynn Crouch

Charismatic / Pentecostal

Harrison B. Dush

Global Methodist Church

Ralph Griffin, III

Weslyan Methodist

D'Andre William James-Daniels, I

African Methodist Episcopal Zion

Timothy Zane Krug

Global Methodist Church

Marlon C. Mack, Sr.

Baptist

Barbara King Runnels Non-denominational Michael James Warschauer Suzanne Marie Werthmann

Great Plains Conference of The UMC

Arnold Leonard Windham

Pentecostal

MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Kathleen Faye Dickman

Indiana Conference of The UMC

Naw Awng Hpauroi Baptist Nancy J. Maier

Wisconsin Conference of The UMC

David Alan Rosenblatt

Non-denominational

Joyce H. Snide

Global Methodist Church

Michael E. Swetman

Rio Texas Conference of The UMC

Cherie Cutler Whitehurst

Interdenominational

MASTER OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES Alfonso A. Carter

Baptist

Cory Wasson

MASTER OF DIVINITY Kathryn Biggs

Indiana Conference of The UMC

Adriana Bustamante

West Ohio Conference of The UMC

Robert Donald Clinger

Global Methodist Church

Angela Marie Hoover Cunigan-Turner

Iowa Conference of The UMC

Kevin Dean Draper Evers

Iowa Conference of The UMC

Trisha Ann W. Farrell

Michigan Conference of The UMC 2025 Commencement

Jeffrey Miles Fisher

Horizon Texas Conference of The UMC

Anna Gennrich

Holston Conference of The UMC

Jayden A. Groppi

West Ohio Conference of The UMC

Michael Joseph Holcomb

Global Methodist Church

Melissa Koenig

Indiana Conference of The UMC

Ashray Kumar Matha

Disciples of Christ

Scott D. Meeker

Global Methodist Church

Janelle Marie Moser G. Lance Moyer

West Ohio Conference of The UMC

Dennis Lee Myers, Jr.

Florida Conference of The UMC

Stefanie Renee Pitts Sadler

African Methodist Episcopal Zion

David Richards Non-denominational Daniel Ridgeway Baptist Chad M. Sherman

Global Methodist Church

Michael Ezra Smith

Global Methodist Church

Dale Robert Stufflebeam

West Ohio Conference of The UMC

Paula Jean Taylor

Horizon Texas Conference of The UMC

Joanne Catherine Thomas

American Baptist

Shunda Rae Townsel Baptist Ryan Whisel

Susquehanna Conference of The UMC

*Tracy Ann Winters

Global Methodist Church

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY Fresh Expressions and Church Renewal Faculty Mentors: Michael Beck, DMin; Rosario Picardo, DMin Luke Stephen Edwards Associate Director of Church Development – Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC, Huntersville, NC Equipping Clergy to Lead Their Congregations in Spiritual Listening Robert James Hutchinson, Jr. Director of Church Development – Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC, Huntersville, NC Equipping Church Leadership Teams to Prioritize Spiritual Discernment in Strategic Visioning Andrew Suite Lead Pastor – First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka, Mishawaka, IN Launching Intentional Intergenerational Communities as a Pathway for Missional Vitality Supernatural Ministry Faculty Mentor: Frank Billman, DMin Faculty Consultant: Scott Kisker, PhD Van Lal Chhuanga Executive Secretary – Mission and Ecumenism Department, Myanmar Council of Churches, Yangon, Myanmar The Cross Amidst the Pagodas: Toward Effective Cross-Cultural Evangelism That Includes Supernatural Ministry

·

7

·

Prophetic Preaching and Praxis Faculty Mentors: Brenda Braam, DMin; Kenneth Cummings, DMin; Robert Walker, DMin Faculty Consultant: Al Kennon, DMin Andral Revel Gooden Minister – Montgomery Avenue Church of Christ, Springfield, OH Leadership Education for Adolescent Development Antonio D. Neely Senior Pastor – Pleasant Green Baptist Church, Portsmouth, OH Transforming How We Understand “Community” in an Effort to Revitalize Pleasant Green Baptist Church Engaging and Growing Congregations through Creative Pastoral Preaching and Leadership Models Faculty Mentors: Danielle Brown, DMin; Charles Goodman, DMin, PhD; Philip Pointer, DMin Faculty Consultants: Wendy Deichmann, PhD; Ian Edwards, DMin; Darlene Cook, DMin Dominique U. Allen Associate Minister – Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Houston, TX Effectuating Grief, Trauma, and Sudden Loss in the African American Church Context Alfie S. Lewis Bishop – Restoration Bible Church International, Brandywine, MD Connected for The Commission: Hybrid Worship with a Missional Purpose Kim Yvonne Troy-Richardson Associate Pastor – St. Paul United Methodist Church, Winston Salem, NC Cultivating the Next Generation: A Model for Youth Discipleship Ministry In The Twenty-First Century Innovative Leadership: Building Leaders and Congregations for Effective Change Faculty Mentors: Dexter Cannon, DMin; Charles Jackson, DMin Faculty Consultant: Anthony Le Donne, PhD Beatrice Aleyo-Sagala Alghali Clergy – Beverly Hills United Methodist Church, Beverly Hills, MI Intercultural Encounter: Developing a Training Model That Prepares Clergywomen of Color for Cross-Cultural Leadership Ministry Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu Enefazu-Ossai Assistant Pastor – Shekina House of Worship, Queens, NY Developing A Ministry Model That Fosters Unity in A Multicultural Church Carlene Smith Pastor – Warren United Methodist Church, Dallas, TX Developing A Training Model for Evangelism at St. Paul United Methodist Church Bishop Cho Scholars: Cross-Cultural Ministry and Spiritual Leadership Faculty Mentors: Young Jin Cho, DMin; Sungho Lee, PhD Faculty Consultant: Woo Min Lee, PhD Seonghyun Kweon Young Adult and Praise Pastor – Daejeon SeoKwang Methodist Church, Daejeon, South Korea Experiencing the Power of Praise Through Praise Workshops Clara Hannah Kwon Lead Pastor – Sharonville United Methodist Church, Cincinnati, OH Fellowship as a Means of Grace for Faith Formation: Practicing Deeper Interpersonal Connections Pastoral Care and Counseling Faculty Mentors: Anita Coleman, DMin; Jonathan McReynolds, DMin Faculty Consultant: Reggie Abraham, PhD Gypsie LaVue Moore Murdaugh Senior Pastor – Greater Piney Grove United Methodist Church, Maxton, NC Equipping the Black Church to Discern and Identify Generational Family Dysfunction

2025 Commencement

Gardner C. Taylor Scholars: Prophetic Leadership – Social Justice and Political Action Faculty Mentors: Leroy Cothran, DMin Faculty Consultant: Harold Hudson, DMin Valerie Elaine King Minister – Bethel United Holy Church, Trenton, NJ Intersection of Christ and Culture: A Model for Spiritual Formation that Examines Biblical Principles and Cultural Influences Strategic Leadership for Black Congregations Faculty Mentors: William H. Curtis, DMin; Lance Watson, Sr., DMin Faculty Consultant: Yvette Lovett Martin, DMin Richard Azell Boone, IV Senior Pastor – Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Fayetteville, NC Equipping Leaders: Cultivating Engagement, Discipleship and Connection in Youth Ministry Adrian Ray Davis Senior Pastor – Bethel Free Methodist Church, Mount Dora, FL Equipping Ministry Leaders for the Evolving Needs of the Church Georges Job Fleurimond Lead Pastor – First University Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Tampa, FL Unveiling Pastoral Wellness: A Deep Dive In The Seventh-Day Adventist Itinerant Model Stephen Goldsmith Lead Pastor – Journey of Faith Church, Humble, TX Doing Life Together Boot Camp: A Discipling Model for Cultural Change Justin Edward Hunt Reverend – First Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD Strategic Planning for African American Congregations Tristan Salley Pastor – St. Paul AME Church, Rockville Centre, NY Disciplined Discipleship for St. Paul AME Church Debnam, Solomon, Weah Scholars: Building Church & Community Wholeness by Reimagining Ministry for the Post Pandemic Era Faculty Mentors: Dwayne Debnam, DMin; Carl Solomon, DMin; Lisa Weah, DMin Faculty Consultant: Kevin Taylor, DMin Tracy L. Boles Pastor – Timothy Baptist Church and New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church, Athens, GA Debt Management in a Post-Pandemic Era Christin Nikole Thorpe Director, Thriving Black Church Initiative – Our Daily Bread Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI Opening the Doors to the Church Family: Developing a Culture of Belonging and Inclusion for Effective Discipleship Millicent Adora Waterman Associate Minister – St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Brooklyn, NY The Abrupt and Unforeseen Closure of Local Churches Within the Denomination Is Exposing Members to Grief and Trauma Randy Clark Scholars: Presenting the Gospel as Jesus Intended – In Love, Authority and Signs and Wonders Faculty Mentors: Ian Dunn, DMin Faculty Consultant: Andrew Park, PhD Julie Alsip Pastor – Lindenwald Community Church, Hamilton, OH Transformative Discipleship Practices: Bridging Theoretical Knowledge of God to Experiential Knowledge of God Frederick Osei-Manu Pastor – Christ Global Methodist Church, Cambridge, OH Healing Through Deliverance: A Six-Week Training and Equipping Model ·

9

·

Prophetic Activism – From the Cross to the Community Faculty Mentor: D. Anthony Everett, DMin Faculty Consultant: Xavier Johnson, PhD Rodney James Lynch Reverend and Founder/Chief Executive Officer – LJD Atonement Ministry, Lafayette, IN Racial Atonement as Prophetic Activism: Growing The ‘Kindom’ Of God Through Conciliation Damon Horton Chief Executive Officer – Non-profit Within My Father's House, Inc., Lexington, KY Prophetic Activism: Equipping Mentors to Improve Student Cognitive Behavior Through Spiritual and Cultural Identity Builders and Bridgers: Transformational Approaches to Pastoral Leadership, Prophetic Preaching, and Spiritual Formation Faculty Mentors: Donald Hilliard, DMin; Christopher M. Jones, DMin Faculty Consultant: Thomas Cotton, DMin Cassandra Denise Foster Associate Pastor to the Youth – First Baptist Church of Hillside, Hillside, NJ Identifying Youth Who have been Mishandled in a Post-Pandemic Era David Brian Trawick Pastor – New Life Church, Edison, NJ Shining Light on the Darkness: The Creation of a Focus Group to Address Human Trafficking in Edison, New Jersey Patricio Wilson Senior Pastor – Christ Family Church, Cary, NC Spiritual Renewal: A Model for Church Revitalization Preaching and Leadership to Small and Mid-Size Congregations Faculty Mentors: Jamison Hunter, DMin; George L. Parks, DMin Faculty Consultant: Tesia Mallory, DMin Bianca Danielle Canley Director – African Methodist Episcopal Church FD, Nashville, TN Bridging the Gap Between Millennial Pastors and Baby Boomer Congregants Anwar Carter Pastor – Highland Heights Church of Christ, Memphis, TN Transformational Preaching and Leadership to Foster the Unity Necessary to Facilitate Effective Ministry in a Local Congregation Michelangelo Clark Preaching Assistant – Westside Baptist Church, Lewisville, TX Exploring Transformational Leadership at Westside Baptist Church Vernon Shazier Senior Pastor – River of Life Fellowship, Fort Pierce, FL A Theology That Manages Trauma Eric Rendell Tarver Pastor – Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Beeville, TX Transforming Leadership Cultivating Community Within the Church Terrick Williams, Sr. Senior Pastor – Progressive Morningstar Baptist Church, Jackson, MS Transformational Leadership to Facilitate a Congregation's Spiritual Revitalization Living the Historic Faith: Christian Wisdom for Today’s Church Faculty Mentors: Justus Hunter, PhD; Michael Lowry, DMin; David Watson, PhD Faculty Consultant: Vivian Johnson, PhD James Mallory Reverend – United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH Implementing an Online Orientation Course to Prepare Master’s Students of United Theological Seminary for Academic Writing

2025 Commencement

Open the Floodgates: Mobilize a Spiritual Movement Faculty Mentors: Brian Law, DMin Faculty Consultant: Calvin Lane, PhD Rebecca Borke Pastor – First United Methodist Church, Wausau, WI Reestablishing Trust in Church Leadership by Identifying and Overcoming Spiritual Abuse by Former Pastors Lisa Fox Pastor – Reedsville United Methodist Church, Reedsville, WV A Pathway of Healing Through the Art of Creative Writing for Rural Congregations Valerie Bennett Mize Pastor – Derby Global Methodist Church, Johnstown, PA Focusing Corporate Singing as an Intentional Spiritual Practice that Makes Space for Holy Spirit Encounter Sue Nilson Kibbey Director – Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH Equipping Pastors and Church Leaders to Launch Congregation-Wide Prayer Seeking God’s New Possibilities Effective Leadership for Creative Ministry in the Post-Modern Church Faculty Mentors: Sir Walter Mack, Jr., DMin; Herbert Miller II, DMin Jarvis Ellis Senior Pastor – Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Dayton, OH Preparing and Developing Effective Leaders for Transition and Succession at Macedonia Baptist Church Carlos M. Rosa-Laguer Pastor/Planter – Jesús Esperanza Viva / Jesus Living Hope, Rochester, NY A Creative and Innovative Discipleship Process for the 21st Church: Integrating Sanctifying Theology, Spiritual Formation, and Neuroplasticity in Disciple Development Philip Demetrius Williams Senior Pastor – Fresh Wind Christian Center Church, Memphis, TN From the Seat to Service: Developing a Model of Increasing Servant Volunteers in the Church to Increase the Efforts of Reaching the Community Sadler Fellows: Embracing the Shift: 21st Century Leadership Development for Innovation and Transformation Faculty Mentors: David M. Nelson, DMin; J. Elvin Sadler, DMin Faculty Consultant: Madeline Henners, DMin Henry A. Gregory, III Pastor–New Home AME Zion Church, York, SC Can’t We All Get Along? A Transformative Leadership Model for Developing Spiritual Maturity Through Forgiveness and Reconciliation Tonya Elaine Hawkins Jackson Pastor – Trinity AME Zion Church, Whitmire, SC Developing The Leader Within: A Transformational Leadership Model to Address Healing When Wounded Chaplaincy for All Ministries Faculty Mentors: Moses Taiwo, PhD Hassan Ayiku Dicks Chaplain – AccentCare Hospice and Palliative Care, Madison Heights, MI Faith Crisis: A Pastoral Care for Traumatized Families Due to Terrorism in Jebbu-Miango Plateau State, Nigeria

·

11

·

CERTIFICATE OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Derrick T. Jones (1969-2025)

President Millard

*PRAYER FOR GRADUATES

President Millard

*HYMN

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Verse 1 Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven, to earth come down; fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown!

Jesus thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art; visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.

Verse 3 Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all thy life receive; suddenly return and never, nevermore thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above, pray and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.

Verse 2 Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast!

Let us all in thee inherit; let us find that second rest.

Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be; end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.

Verse 4 Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be.

Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee; changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place, till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Dean Watson President Millard

*DISMISSAL AND BLESSING Brothers and sisters in Christ, be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Philippians 1:6 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

2 Corinthians 13:14 *THE RECESSIONAL

Please remain at your seats until all the graduates have recessed.

2025 Commencement

HONORED ALUMNI REV. DR. ROSARIO "ROZ" PICARDO Roz Picardo grew up in western New York as a first-generation Sicilian-American. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Houghton College in 2003, a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2007, a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in 2014, and an MBA from Dakota Wesleyan University in 2021.

Roz began his ministry during his senior year of college as a military chaplain, serving four years in the Marine Reserves and five years in the Navy Reserves. While in seminary, he felt a call to serve the local church and has since gained experience in every facet of church life—working as a church custodian, associate pastor, church planter, and executive pastor of church planting at Ginghamsburg Church, where he helped lead a multi-campus ministry with over 4,000 worshippers. He was also one of the founding pastors of Mosaic Church, a vibrant, multicultural congregation in Dayton, Ohio (www.wearemosaic.org).

Beyond his pastoral work, Roz is a national speaker and founder of Picardo Coaching LLC, a consulting group for church planters and pastors. He also serves as a faculty consultant in United Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program and as an affiliate faculty member.

Roz is an author of ten books, focusing on church leadership, discipleship and ministry innovation.

REV. DR. BOISE KIMBER At the tender age of 15, the Reverend Dr. Boise Kimber was called to the Gospel ministry.

In 1986, he started First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven, Connecticut, having served four congregations prior. Under his spirited and energetic leadership for the last 39 years, First Calvary Baptist Church remains committed to loving, teaching, preaching and reconciliation.

Dr. Kimber has served in the life and work of the Baptist denomination for the expansion of the Kingdom of God since becoming a member in 1977, and he is currently president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Dr. Kimber’s unwavering voice echoes as a call for justice across Connecticut and the nation. Locally, Dr. Kimber is President Emeritus of the Greater New Haven Clergy Association, a consultant to the office of Multicultural Affairs and the Multicultural Center at Southern Connecticut State University, a Fire Commissioner for the City of New Haven, a Director for Aids Interfaith Network, Inc., an advisor to local labor unions, and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Dr. Kimber completed his undergraduate studies at Johnson C. Smith University. He earned a Master of Arts degree at Hartford Seminary, Connecticut, a Master of Sacred Theology at Yale University, and a Doctor of Ministry at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

Dr. Kimber summarizes his life in this way: “I believe I was always destined to be a preacher. The emerging Black Churches need preachers who will respond to the constant challenges we face.

I have gratefully followed the path which the Lord set for me, so I can follow in His footsteps and lead His people to liberation.”

Dr. Kimber is married to Shevalle T. Kimber and is the proud father of seven adults.

·

13

·

REV. DR. C DUH KAM I am profoundly honored to accept the 2025 Outstanding Doctoral Alumnus Award from United Theological Seminary. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my distinguished professor, the Reverend Dr. Norman Thomas, as well as to United for this esteemed recognition. I extend my prayers for God’s blessings upon United and all individuals dedicated to the advancement of His Kingdom.

I was born in Thau, a small village situated along the India-Burma border. After graduating from high school in 1975, I taught in elementary and middle schools for five years. Throughout this time, I experienced a profound divine calling to serve God and in 1980 began my theological education at the Myanmar Institute of Theology (MIT) in Yangon, Myanmar. I earned my Bachelor of Theology degree in March 1985 and my Master of Divinity degree in March 1988. After three years of pastoral service within the Baptist Church in my hometown, God opened the door for me to further my studies in the United States.

In September 1991, I immigrated to the United States from Chin State, Myanmar, to pursue my academic studies at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, graduating with my Master of Theology in June 1992. I then enrolled at United Theological Seminary and in May 1997 became the inaugural recipient of the Doctor of Missiology degree from United.

Although I initially intended to return to Myanmar to assume the role of principal at Chin Christian College (currently Chin Christian University) in Hakha, the prevailing political situation in my country posed considerable challenges. Consequently, I accepted a chaplaincy position at Spohn Memorial Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. I then worked for the Texas State Mental Health and Mental Retardation Service for six years. In March 2005, I was invited to serve as a pastor at the Chin Baptist Mission Church, a thriving Chin refugee church in Washington, D.C., where I have actively engaged in ministry for the past 20 years.

Furthermore, I played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Chin Baptist Churches USA (CBCUSA), serving as the Executive Minister and subsequently as General Secretary for 13 years, from its inception in January 2002 until it expanded to 102 churches. Under my leadership, we founded the International Chin Baptist Mission and dispatched over 100 local missionaries to Southern Chin State, Myanmar. Additionally, I was instrumental in forming the International Chin Literature Society (ICLS), which encompasses six national Chin religious organizations from Myanmar, Mizoram, India, Bangladesh, Australia, Europe, and the United States. I served as the President of ICLS and organized the inaugural International Chin Christian Youth Conference held in 2017 in Lawngtlai, Mizoram, India. This event marked the first instance of reunification among the Chin community since their division into three separate countries in 1937. I am grateful to God for His continued blessings. My church, Chin Baptist Mission Church in Baltimore, Maryland, celebrated my Pearl Jubilee, commemorating 30 years of ministry, on October 17, 2021.

DR. ROBERT C. WALKER, SR. Dr. Robert C. Walker, Sr. is a native of Woodlawn, Texas, and a graduate of Wiley College in Marshall, Texas; Scarret Bennett Seminary, now Scarret Bennett Center, in Nashville, Tennessee; and United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where he earned his Doctor of Ministry with a focus on urban ministry.

For nearly 40 years, Dr. Walker served as the Executive Director of the Wesley Community Center in Dayton, Ohio, where he championed essential community services, including elder care, job training, and educational resources. His leadership extended beyond the center, influencing the Dayton community as President of the Dayton Public School Board and as a coach and mentor in youth athletics. His heart for overlooked populations also led him to ministry in rural Ohio and mission fields in Haiti.

Dr. Walker has been a guiding force for future faith leaders at United Theological Seminary for more than three decades, serving as an adjunct instructor for master’s programs and a mentor in the Doctor of Ministry program.

2025 Commencement

·

15

·

Thank you for attending the Commencement Celebration for 2025 Graduates Graduates and guests are invited to a reception immediately following the ceremony

Special thanks and appreciation to the organizations, staff and faculty who participated and contributed to the 2025 Commencement program: Christian Life Center for hosting Oakwood Brass for their gift of music United’s Alumni/ae Association for sponsoring the student reception All the staff and faculty

Our Mission: United prepares faithful and fruitful Christian leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

United Theological Seminary communications and marketing professionals will be gathering still images and video for use on seminary social media and websites, as well as for other marketing and news purposes. Your participation in the public ceremony grants United Theological Seminary permission to use your likeness in such material.