Bethany Seminary holds 101st commencement.

Bethany Theological Seminary celebrated her 101st commencement on May 6 in Richmond, Ind. Two observances marked the occasion: a ceremony for conferring degrees in Bethany's Nicarry Chapel, and a worship celebration at nearby Richmond Church of the Brethren. The seminary graduated 10 students with master of divinity or master of arts in theology degrees, and one student received a Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies.

Carol Scheppard, associate professor of Religion at Bridgewater (Va.) College and a member of the seminary's Board of Trustees, gave the commencement address based on scripture texts from the gospels of Matthew and John. She encouraged graduates to consider commencement as a time to take stock of where they have been, and to gaze out on the road ahead. She also reminded them that the road will not always lead to an easy journey, and that they will face difficulties just as Jesus' disciples did. "Jesus is with us as we confront the storms of life, and the ways that Jesus quiets our storms are the stories we tell," she said. "Jesus calms our storms so that we can confront a fallen world."

Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean, spoke for the afternoon worship service. His message based on texts in Genesis and Acts also advised graduates that their lives beyond commencement will include discord. "In the 12th chapter of Genesis, God's call to Abram begins with a promise. But before the chapter is over, there is conflict," he said. "Sisters and brothers, you will fare no better than Abram and Sarai. You also will experience conflict.... Bethany is a seminary rooted in a commitment to critical thinking and deep piety," he said, encouraging graduates to draw on the tenets of their seminary education when encountering conflict and change.

Eight students received master of divinity degrees: Lisa Mary Baker of Union City, Ind., with distinction in Biblical Studies; Bradley Alan Faler of Archbold, Ohio, with distinction in Biblical and Ministry Studies; Diana Lynn Lovett of Medway, Ohio; Jerry John Pokorney of Lucerne, Ind.; Laura Price-Snyder of Waterford, Calif., with an emphasis in Ministry with Youth and Young Adults; Keith Walter Simmons of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Linda Titzell of Mifflintown, Pa.; and Flora L. Williams of Lafayette, Ind.

Two students received master of arts in theology degrees: Dustin Michael Gregg of Nickerson, Kan., with an emphasis in Peace Studies; and Wendi Adele Hutchinson of Lititz, Pa., with an emphasis in Ministry with Youth and Young Adults.

Norman Edward Baker of Union City, Ind., received a Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies.

Graduates' future plans include pastoral and congregational ministry, chaplaincy, college administration, writing, and further graduate education.

During graduation ceremonies, president Eugene Roop shared accomplishments and transitions of Bethany faculty and staff during the 2005-06 academic year, including the retirements of Theresa Eshbach, executive director of Institutional Advancement 1993-2004, and part-time advancement associate 2004 to the present; Warren Eshbach, who since 1997 has directed the programs of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center in Elizabethtown, Pa.; Rick Gardner, the seminary's academic dean 1992-2003, who has been teaching New Testament courses part-time since leaving that position; and Becky Muhl, a member of the Business Office staff since 1994.

Several continuing faculty members were recognized as well, including Dan Ulrich for his service as associate dean and director of the Seminary's distributed education program, returning return to full-time teaching in the 2006-07 academic year; Kathy Royer, director of admissions, for receiving a doctor of ministry degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Ind.; Nadine Pence Frantz, professor of Theological Studies, receiving the Rohrer Book Award for co-editing "Hope Deferred: Heart-Healing Reflections on Reproductive Loss," published by The Pilgrim Press. The award is made possible by the Perry Rohrer Endowment for Faculty Development.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
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