Post on 09-May-2018
Friday, the FiFteenth oF May
two thousand FiFteen
ten o’clock in the Morning
First united Methodist church
evanston, illinois
158 th Commencement
Garrett-evanGelical theoloGical Seminary
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school of theology related to The United Methodist Church. Degree programs offered by the seminary are: master of divinity (M.Div.), four master of arts (M.A.) degrees, master of theological studies (M.T.S.), doctor of ministry (D.Min.), and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), as well as programs to prepare United Methodist candidates for certification and for ordination as deacons.
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is the result of the interweaving of three institutions: Garrett Biblical Institute (1853) in Evanston, Illinois; Chicago Training School (1885) in Chicago, Illinois; and Evangelical Theological Seminary (1873) in Naperville, Illinois.
Garrett Biblical Institute was founded by Mrs. Eliza Garrett, widow of real estate tycoon and former mayor of Chicago, Augustus Garrett. Mrs. Garrett’s desire to invest her inheritance in the founding of a theological school stemmed from her opinion that the Methodist preachers of her day were “equaled by none as to zeal, but surpassed by many as to training.”
The Chicago Training School, established in 1885, was an important force for women in ministry and for developing service agencies throughout Chicago. The school merged with Garrett Biblical Institute in 1934. The integration of the two schools meant that the scope of Garrett’s vision for training Christian leaders expanded to include significant numbers of women and leaders of church-based institutions for the betterment of social conditions.
Evangelical Theological Seminary was founded in 1873 by the Evangelical United Brethren Church. One of its founders, in fact, was a Garrett graduate, I. W. Heidner. As a result of the union of the Methodist Church with the Evangelical United Brethren Church by action of the United Methodist General Conference in 1968, Evangelical Theological Seminary merged with Garrett Theological Seminary (formerly Garrett Biblical Institute) in 1974. Now, as Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, it is the second oldest United Methodist seminary in the country and the oldest in the Midwest.
The Seminary
PRELUDE..........................................................................................................................................................Millar Brass Ensemble
* PROCESSIONAL: Rigaudon......................................................................................................................................André Campra
* INVOCATION Lisl Michelle Heymans Paul, Doctor of Ministry Ornella Umubyeyi, Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling
* HYMN: God, Whose Love Is Reigning O’er Us.........................................................................................................LAUDA ANIMA
WORDS: William Boyd Grove, 1980
* COLLECT Reader: Fernando Rivera, Master of Divinity
Merciful and gracious God,
by your Spirit you grace your church with diverse gifts
and in Christ you make it one body.
May your gifts to this community
make your church more fully a place of welcome and hospitality,
strengthen it in hope, patience, and perseverance,
and contribute to its unity and well-being,
that our work, our worship, and our witness
may be always holy and acceptable to you;
through Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all glory and honor, now and forever.
Amen.
The 158Th CommenCemenT of
GarreTT-evanGeliCal TheoloGiCal Seminary
1. God, whose love is reigning o’er us, source of all, the ending true; hear the universal chorus raised in joyful praise to you: Alleluia, Alleluia, worship ancient, worship new.
2. Holy God of ancient glory, choosing man and woman, too; Abr’am’s faith and Sarah’s story formed a people bound to you. Alleluia, Alleluia, to your covenant keep us true.
3. Covenant, new again in Jesus, Starchild born to set us free; sent to heal us, sent to teach us how love’s children we might be. Alleluia, Alleluia, risen Christ, our Savior he!
(Interlude)
4. Lift we then our human voices in the songs that faith would bring; live we then in human choices lives that, like our music, sing: Alleluia, Alleluia, joined in love our praises ring!
* Please stand as you are able.
GREETING AND INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER Lallene J. Rector, President
RECOGNITION OF ARRIVALS, LEAVE-TAKINGS, AND DISTINCTIONS
RECOGNITION OF MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1965
BLESSING OF MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1965 Linda Lee, United Methodist Bishop and Bishop-in-Residence
PRESENTATION OF DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS Franz S. Rigert, Master of Divinity, 1992, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, presented by Michelle Cobb, Board of Trustees, and Ruth Duck, Emeritus Professor of Worship
Samuel Phillips, Master of Divinity, 1958, Garrett Biblical Institute, presented by Sharon Zimmerman Rader, Board of Trustees, Rob Phillips, Board of Trustees and son of Samuel Phillips, Amy Phillips, daughter of Samuel Phillips and Tim Eberhart, Assistant Professor of Theology and Ecology
CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREES Jerre M. Stead, Chair, Board of Trustees; Lallene J. Rector, President; and Luis R. Rivera, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, presiding
Doctor of Humane Letters conferred upon Alex Kotlowtiz, Award-Winning Journalist and Best-Selling Author, Presented by Anne Driscoll, Board of Trustees, and Angela Cowser, Assistant Professor in the Sociology of Religion
THE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS “Tell Me a Story” Alex Kotlowitz, Award-Winning Journalist and Best-Selling Author
*HYMN: Creating God, Your Fingers Trace....................................................................................................LASST UNS ERFREUEN
WORDS: Jeffery Rowthorn, 1974. © 1979 The Hymn Society of the United States and Canada. Used by permission.
1. Creating God, your fingers trace the bold designs of farthest space; Alleluia, Alleluia! Let sun and moon and stars and light and what lies hidden praise your might. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia!
2. Sustaining God, your hands uphold earth’s myst’ries known or yet untold; Alleluia, Alleluia! Let water’s fragile blend with air, enabling life, proclaim your care. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia!
3. Redeeming God, your arms embrace all now despised for creed or race; Alleluia, Alleluia! Let peace descending like a dove make known on earth your healing love. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia!
4. Indwelling God, your gospel claims one family with a billion names; Alleluia, Alleluia! Let every life be touched by grace until we praise you face to face. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia!
* Please stand as you are able.
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES Luis R. Rivera, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean
AUTHORIZATION Jerre M. Stead, Chair, Board of Trustees
HOODING David A. Hogue, Director, Doctor of Philosophy Program Mark R. Teasdale, Director, Doctor of Ministry Program
CONFERRING OF DEGREES Lallene J. Rector, President Doctor of Philosophy Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling Doctor of Ministry Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Evangelism Master of Arts in Christian Education Master of Theological Studies Master of Arts in Music Ministry Master of Divinity
RECOGNITION OF RECORDS OF COMPLETION Deacon Studies (Basic Graduate Theological Studies) Advanced Course of Study
BLESSING OF GRADUATES Sally Dyck, United Methodist Bishop, Northern Illinois Conference
* LITANY Reader: AHyun Lee, Doctor of Philosophy, and Young Tae Lee, Doctor of Ministry
Holy one,
You call us together and gift us by your Spirit;
unite us by your grace so that in Christ we may be one with each other.
You inspire our vision and order our lives through faith and prayer;
open our eyes so that we might see you in every person.
You empower us to teach and lead with honor and mutual affection;
guide us so that we may care for others with love and generosity.
You direct our service through prophetic words of wisdom and call us to live as the beloved community;
move us to acts of mercy and compassion, and help us, in our life together, and in the world, to show hospitality to friend and stranger.
Bless us and use us to the glory of God, in Christ’s name we pray.
Amen.
* BENEDICTION Carmen C. Manalac-Scheuerman, Doctor of Philosophy Jake M. Ohlemiller, Master of Divinity
* Please stand as you are able.
PreSenTaTion of DeGreeS
* RECESSIONAL HYMN: Hope of the World...........................................................................................................................VICAR
(Interlude)
WORDS: Georgia Harkness, 1954. Words © 1954. Renewal 1982 by The Hymn Society. Used by permission of Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL. Reprinted under License No. 52807
* POSTLUDE: Trumpet Tune..........................................................................................................................................Henry Purcell
Marshals Reginald Blount, Assistant Professor of Formation, Youth, and Culture Osvaldo Vena, Professor of New Testament Interpretation Brent P. Waters, Jerre and Mary Joy Stead Professor of Christian Social Ethics
registrar W. Vincent McGlothin-Eller, Director of Academic Studies and Registrar
director oF Music E. Byron Anderson, Ernest and Bernice Styberg Professor of Worship
Music Kathleen K. Heetland, Seminary Organist Millar Brass Ensemble
collect and litany E. Byron Anderson, Ernest and Bernice Styberg Professor of Worship Gennifer Brooks, Ernest and Bernice Styberg Professor of Preaching Ruth Duck, Emeritus Professor of Worship
A reception will follow immediately in the Great Hall.
1. Hope of the world, thou Christ of great compassion, speak to our fearful hearts by conflict rent. Save us, thy people, from consuming passion, who by our own false hopes and aims are spent.
2. Hope of the world, God’s gift from highest heaven, bringing to hungry souls the bread of life, still let thy spirit unto us be given, to heal earth’s wounds and end all bitter strife.
3. Hope of the world, afoot on dusty highways, showing to wandering souls the path of light, walk thou beside us lest the tempting byways lure us away from thee to endless night.
4. Hope of the world, who by thy cross didst save us from death and dark despair, from sin and guilt, we render back the love thy mercy gave us; take thou our lives, and use them as thou wilt.
5. Hope of the world, O Christ o’er death victorious, who by this sign didst conquer grief and pain, we would be faithful to thy gospel glorious; thou art our Lord! Thou dost forever reign.
* Please stand as you are able.
DoCTor of PhiloSoPhy
maSTer of arTS in ChriSTian eDuCaTion
GarreTT-evanGeliCal TheoloGiCal Seminary
2015 GraDuaTeS
This program does not constitute an official certification of graduation.
Walter S. Augustine IIITowards a Christological Economic Ethic of Investment
Marc Jonathan BoswellGod in White Face: White Supremacy, Salvific Myths, and Ironic Redemption
Tanya Marie EustaceExperiencing God Together: A Practical Theology for Ministry with Children
Barbara Annette FearsA Liberatory Pedagogy: The Underground Railroad as a Model for Christian Education
Gene L. LankfordThe Immigrant as ‘Other’: A Critical, Theological, and Ethical Analysis of Immigrants as a Perceived Threat to American National Identity
AHyun LeeNarrative Therapy, Postcolonial and Transcultural Pastoral Care and Counseling: Perspectives on the Experience of Korean Clergy Women
Annie A. Lockhart-GilroyA Way Forward: Nurturing Imagination at the Intersection of Race, Class, Gender and Age
Carmen C. Manalac-ScheuermanPamilamu-lamu: Scripture of the Indigenous, Pathway to Indigenous Filipino Christian Education
James Donald McLeod, Jr.Dignity Denied: A Theological Anthropology of Whiteness
William Edward MillerA Christian Practice Theory for Christian Moral Education: Changing the Stake and Issues in The Valparaiso Project Literature
William Paul RussellThe God That Died: The Counterculture and the Rise of the God of Love in the 1960s American Protestant Church
Amihan Robin Valdez BarkerSpiritual Generativity: The Ecology of Faith Formation in the Wesleyan Tradition
Eric Arden WeedThe American Image: The Specter of Theology and Race in the History of the United States
Bernard Kwok-Wai WongBeginning from Man and Woman: Witnessing Christ’s Love in the Family
DoCTor of miniSTry
Listowel Ayensu-MensahBecoming an Effective Preacher in a Cross-Cultural Setting
Dorothy Clare BiedenharnA Study of Critical Care Nurses’ Listening Behavior through the Application of the Quaker Listening Model
Patricia A. EfiomCan a Theology of Table Bring Healing and Reconciliation in a Wounded African American Congregation?
Heather Heinzman LearReclaiming Evangelism: Evaluating the Effect of Evangelism in Selected United Methodist Congregations on Fulfilling the Denominational Mission to Make Disciples
Mi Hyeon LeeThe Effectiveness of a Collaborative Leadership Style for Lead Associate Pastors during the Transition of the Lead Pastors: A Focus on the Process of Vision Development
Young Tae LeeAbiding in God: The Response to Contemplative Prayer in Korean Methodist Churches
Lisl Michelle Heymans PaulDoing Justice: Collaborative Inquiry, Laity in a Local Church and the Biblical Imperative to do Justice
Eric Zinna SayonkonMeasuring Local Congregation’s Community Outreach as a Result of Participating in the Healthy Church Initiative in The Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church
Patrick W. SchultzPreaching for Healing in the Broken Church
Sherry Sheffer Brady
Peter Constantine Capoyianes
Brian Walter Fenwick
Sarah Kathryn Gregory
Robert Daniel Smith
Maria Kenney Wilcox
DeaCon STuDieS (BaSiC GraDuaTe TheoloGiCal STuDieS)
maSTer of DiviniTy
maSTer of TheoloGiCal STuDieS
Shanna Terese BudeHistory of Christianity
Dwayne CraigTheology & Ethics
Hyewon Sophia HyonTheology & Ethics
Ji-Tae ParkLiturgy
Joseph E. Boggs
J. Paige Robinson Boyer
Caitlyn Butler
Kihwan Choi
Douglas Kenneth Clement
Edward Crise
James W. Denton
Natalie Virginia Ferguson
Calvin B. Haines, Jr.
Laura McVetty Harris-Adam
Julia R. Humenik
Wallace G. Kelley
Hogun Kim
Kookho Kim
Amy Kiray
Annie Jeanne MacNeal
TiShaunda R. McPherson
Mallory Ray Moore
Jacob M. Ohlemiller
Gwang Hyun Jacob Park
Pamela Lee Pirtle
Mary Stenzel Rawlinson
Kyle Edwin Reynolds
Fernando M. Rivera
Tina N. Shelton
Erin Michelle Simmons
Brian E. Smith, Sr.
Scott Phares Sumner
Tiggs Eugene Washington
Jeremy David Westrick
Ellen Williams-Masson
Daegyu Yim
Lance R. Zaerr, Jr.
This program does not constitute an official certification of graduation.
Kendra D. Swartzendruber
maSTer of arTS in SPiriTual formaTion anD evanGeliSm
Tanya Geffrard Angela K. Kidd
maSTer of arTS in PaSToral Care anD CounSelinG
Geoffrey Daniel AshmunClinical Licensing Track
John Micah Baker-Streevy
Deidre Evell HinesClinical Licensing Track
Ornella Umubyeyi
maSTer of arTS in muSiC miniSTry
Seongae Kim
aDvanCeD CourSe of STuDy
Rafael Antonio Cubilette Sánchez
franz S. riGerT
maSTer of DiviniTy, 1992GarreTT-evanGeliCal TheoloGiCal Seminary
Franz S. Rigert grew up the son of a United Church of Christ pastor. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1989 where he studied pre-law and religion. After receiving a master of divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1992, Rigert served as associate pastor at Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. In 1995, he received a call to Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Grafton, Wisconsin, where he served until being called to be conference minister for the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ in January 2015.
The pastoral, spiritual, and relational gifts that Rigert brings to ministry empower laity to take seriously their call from God to be Christian leaders. He encourages members to take ownership
and lead many ministries within the church. Under his leadership, the Pilgrim congregation grew from 300 to more than 700 active members. The members undertook 25 mission trips, participated in several Habitat for Humanity projects, and sponsored a refugee resettlement family. The congregation also passed an “Open and Affirming” resolution stating that all people will be welcomed at Pilgrim. Rigert was also instrumental in founding Common Ground, a group of 40,000 members dedicated to identifying pressing social problems and responding with creative solutions.
Rigert’s wife, Trinn, has taught early childhood special education for 19 years. They have two sons and a daughter: Mitchell, a college student in Colorado; Jordan, a high school senior; and Marianna, a high school freshman.
Samuel PhilliPS
maSTer of DiviniTy, 1958GarreTT BiBliCal inSTiTuTe
Samuel Phillips graduated from Garrett Biblical Institute with a master of divinity degree and was ordained an elder in the Northwest Indiana Conference in 1958. Prior to studying for the ministry, he worked in business and industry and served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Phillips has served as a pastor to numerous congregations including LaPorte Methodist Church; Lakeville Methodist Church; Monticello Methodist Church; and senior pastor to Methodist Temple United Methodist Church. Phillips was among the first in the 1960s and 1970s in Indiana to publicly endorse and support civil rights, gay rights, women’s rights, and the peace movement.
He served as a district superintendent and director of missions and church extension for the South Indiana Conference. He has also been a board member on the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the General Board of Global Ministries, Committee on the Status and Role of Women, the United Methodist Children’s Home, and DePauw University Board of Trustees, among many others. Phillips embodies the work of the church in his various mission and outreach efforts, which have taken place both at home and abroad. He organized a “Mission Motorcycle” tour group for motorcycle enthusiasts to tour regional United Methodist mission sites. Internationally, Phillips has spent decades leading outreach and relief work in numerous countries including: Bolivia, Zimbabwe, Belize, the Soviet Union, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Congo, Philippines, Nepal, Honduras, Vietnam, and Bosnia.
Although Phillips retired from professional ministry in 1993, he never stopped his love of and commitment to missions, justice, and peace. After moving to San Francisco following the passing of his beloved wife, Marie in 1998, Phillips joined Glide Memorial United Methodist Church and became very active in local causes. In 1999, he mastered accounting and became, and still is, the Chief Financial Officer at his son’s law firm as well as spearheading the firm’s zeal for public service, which includes funding three minority scholarships at universities, funding for veteran’s organizations, providing scholarships for women in Africa, among others. He has never forgotten the reason behind his call to ministry, which is shaped by God’s justice and compassion.
Amy and Robert, Marie and Samuel’s two children, were born in Evanston, Illinois when Samuel attended Garrett.
DiSTinGuiSheD alum awarD reCiPienTS
Annually, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary presents a distinguished alum award to two persons who have rendered extraordinary service in their ministries. One award is given to an alum who graduated 25 years ago or less and another is presented to one who graduated more than 25 years ago.
alex KoTlowiTz
awarD-winninG JournaliST anD BeST-SellinG auThor
Alex Kotlowitz has devoted over twenty years of his life to the exploration of race and poverty issues in the United States. His most recent documentary film, The Interrupters, offers an examination of pervasive urban violence, while also remaining “heroically life-affirming,” according to Time Magazine. The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, and was considered one of the best films of the year by The New Yorker, The Chicago Tribune, The LA Times, and Entertainment Weekly. The Interrupters received an Emmy Award in 2013 for Outstanding Informational Programming – Long Form, and the Independent Spirit Award in 2012 for Best Documentary.
Kotlowitz grew up in New York City and is a graduate of Wesleyan University. He has served as visiting professor at the University of Notre Dame, the University of Chicago, and as a
Montgomery Fellow at Dartmouth College. He is currently a writer-in-residence at Northwestern University. He has given lectures on social work, education, social policy, urban affairs, and race at hundreds of colleges and universities across the nation, and has received seven honorary degrees.
Among Kotlowitz’s many titles, There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America, was selected by The New York Public Library as one of the 150 Most Important Books of the 20th Century. It has sold 700,000 copies since its initial publication in 1991, and continues to be taught in high schools and colleges, selling over 15,000 copies each year. In 2004, Kotlowitz published Never a City So Real, about the heart, soul, and beauty of the city of Chicago.
Kotlowitz is a prolific journalist, having published articles in The Wall Street Journal, where he was a staff writer from 1984 to 1993, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, and others. His awards for writing include a George Foster Peabody Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, the George Polk Award. Kotlowitz also received The Chicago Tribune’s Heartland Prize for Nonfiction for his book, The Other Side of the River, about the death of a black teenager in the mostly white town of St. Joseph, Michigan, across the river from the teen’s mostly black hometown of Benton Harbor.
Kotlowitz is married to Maria Woltjen, director of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. They live outside Chicago with their children, Mattie and Lucas.
The CommenCemenT SPeaKer anD reCiPienT of The honorary
DoCTor of humane leTTerS DeGree