Bethany Theological Seminary celebrated its one hundred third commencement on May 3, 2008. Two observances marked the occasion. A ceremony for conferring degrees took place in Bethany’s Nicarry Chapel. A public worship celebration was held at the Richmond Church of the Brethren.

Dr. Steven L. Longenecker, Professor and Department Chair of History and Political Science at Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, Vir., spoke at the conferring of degrees ceremony. In his address “The Useful Dunker Past,” Longenecker shared the story of Howard Sollenberger, who immediately after graduating from Manchester College in 1938 persuaded the Church of the Brethren General Mission Board to send him to China, providing relief for the Chinese during their war with Japan. “Quite obviously, Sollenberger provides a strong role model,” Longenecker said. “Admittedly, God calls only a few to flirt with danger on a distant continent or in a war zone, but God summons all to faithfulness. Those of great faith, like Sollenberger, inspire the rest of us to walk our humble but still vital walks.”

Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, associate professor of Preaching and Worship, was the speaker for the afternoon worship service. In her message, “Where the River Goes,” based on Ezekiel 47:1-12, Dr. Wilhelm also referenced the Church of the Brethren 300th anniversary, including a specific mention of the eight founders of the denomination. “When eight persons stepped into the Eder River 300 years ago, they counted well the cost of giving their lives to Jesus Christ, of giving up their homes and wealth in mutual support, of moving into unchartered waters. But little did they know where the baptismal waters of the Eder would take them,” said Wilhelm. “You can count the cost however you will, but you can never figure where the water is going to take you. It is not ours to plot the course.”

President Ruthann Knechel Johansen noted significant events in the past year related to Seminary personnel. Dan Ulrich, New Testament Studies, was promoted to full professor. Appreciation was expressed to Delora Roop, Steven Breck Reid, and Jonathan Shively. Delora Roop, Coordinator of the Office of Institutional Advancement, will retire in the summer of 2008 after 23 years of service. Reid, Academic Dean, has accepted a position as Professor of Hebrew Bible at George Truett Theological Seminary, Waco, Texas. Shively, Director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, has accepted a position as Executive Director of Congregational Life Ministries for the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Sixteen students received degrees or certificates. Eleven students received a Master of Divinity degree, one with an Emphasis in Peace Studies. Two students received a Master of Arts in Theology degree and three received a Certificate in Theological Studies.

Those who received degrees, and their home congregations, are:
Master of Divinity, Peace Studies Emphasis:
Brandon Grady, Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren, York, Pennsylvania
Master of Divinity:
David Beebe, Bear Creek Church of the Brethren, Dayton, Ohio
Nan Lynn Alley Erbaugh, Lower Miami Church of the Brethren, Dayton, Ohio
Stephen Carl Hershberger, Roaring Spring Church of the Brethren, Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Jacqueline Keller, Richmond Church of the Brethren, Richmond, Indiana
Jason Michael Kreighbaum, Nettle Creek Church of the Brethren, Hagerstown, Indiana
Matthew Eugene McKimmy, Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren, Blacksburg, Virginia
V. Christina Singh, Richmond Church of the Brethren, Richmond, Indiana
Karl Edward Stone, Richmond Church of the Brethren, Richmond, Indiana
Paula Ziegler Ulrich, Richmond Church of the Brethren, Richmond, Indiana
Douglas Eugene Osborne Veal, Richmond Church of the Brethren, Richmond, Indiana
Master of Arts in Theology:
Marla Bieber Abe, First Church of the Brethren, Akron, Ohio
Susan Marie Ross, Churubusco United Methodist Church, Churubusco, Indiana
Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies:
Mildred F. Baker, Diehls Cross Roads Church of the Brethren, Martinsburg, Pennsylvania
Nicholas Edward Beam, Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren, Pleasant Hill, Ohio
Jerry M. Sales, Peoria Church of the Brethren, Peoria, Illinois

Nan Erbaugh received distinction for her academic work in Biblical Studies. Matthew McKimmy received distinction for his work in Ministry Studies. Karl Stone received distinction for his work in Biblical Studies and Ministry Studies, and Paula Ulrich received distinction for her work in Theological and Historical Studies, and Ministry Studies.

Graduates’ future endeavors include careers in pastoral and congregational ministry and as staff for educational and non-profit organizations.

(posted 5.6.08)