The 163rd E-Commencement of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

from Aware Magazine | Summer 2021

by Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Presidential Perspective with Javier A. Viera

THE 163RD E-COMMENCEMENT OF GARRETT-EVANGELICAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

A first in the seminary’s 168-year history, GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary held its 163rd Commencement online on Friday, May 14, 2021. Following the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and the State of Illinois to decrease the spread of COVID-19, the seminary opted for an online experience to commemorate and celebrate the Class of 2021.

Though the online format presented new challenges, administrators worked diligently to preserve the order and traditions of the service. All from the seminary community were able to watch the 163rd Commencement together via a watch party on the seminary’s YouTube channel.

The seminary awarded six doctor of philosophy, 12 doctor of ministry, two master of arts in Christian education, four master of arts in pastoral care and counseling, one master of arts in public ministry, three master of theological studies, and 30 master of divinity degrees. Additionally, the seminary recognized one student who completed the advanced course of study, seven students who completed the basic graduate theological studies, and two students who completed certificates.

In addition to this being the first commencement service held online, it was President Javier A. Viera’s first time to preside. In his opening remarks to the graduates he said, “In you we place our hopes, aspirations, and dreams for a more better, more peaceful, and more just world and church.”

During the service, the seminary recognized members of the classes of 1970, 1971, 1995, and 1996. Due to the global pandemic, the classes of 1970 and 1995 were unable to celebrate their 25th and 50th reunions in 2020 and were invited to participate in 2021. In addition, distinguished alum awards were presented to Rev. Sue Laurie, who received her master of divinity from GarrettEvangelical in 1995, and Bishop Bruce Ough, who received his master of divinity from GarrettEvangelical in 1978 (see pages six and seven for more on the distinguished alums and the reunion classes). The seminary was honored to have Bishop William J. Barber II (pictured top left on page five) as the commencement speaker. In addition, Barber was awarded an honorary doctorate of divinity. In the citation for the honorary degree, Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, associate professor of formation, leadership, and culture, said, “Bishop Barber, you are a voice of hope, a scholar of light and truth, you are a repairer of the breach, and we are humbled to present you with this degree.”

“I am so honored today to be with you GarrettEvangelical for the 2021 commencement,” said Barber. “Thank you to the Board of Trustees for honoring me with this honorary degree; I never take things like this for granted.”

A pastor, professor, organizer, author, and soughtafter speaker, Barber is the architect of the Moral Movement, which began with weekly Moral Monday protests at the North Carolina General Assembly in 2013. In 2018, Barber helped relaunch the Poor People’s Campaign, which was begun by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, starting with an historic wave of protests in state capitals and in Washington, D.C., calling for a moral agenda and a moral budget.

In his address, Barber focused on the danger of trying to worship God without a conscience. “Worshiping God is more than a praise song, worshiping God is more than a hallelujah,” said Barber. “To worship God is to be born again with a deep conscience and concern for the plight of others. And any concept of Christianity that doesn’t teach this is actually a dangerous form of false religion, a theological malpractice and downright idolatry.” Barber concluded by reminding the graduates to not only serve the Lord, but also to serve the Lord with a conscience.

After the conferring of the degrees, the service concluded with a final blessing upon the Class of 2021 by eight members of the faculty.

To watch the 163rd Commencement service in its entirety, go to YouTube.com/GarrettSeminary.