Colgate Rochester Crozer May/June 2026 Newsletter Magazine

PEACE. SERVICE. JUSTICE.

MAY/JUNE 2026 IN THIS EDITION:

CLASS OF 2026 COMMENCEMENT

2026 ALUMNI/AE AWARDS

ALUMNI/AE & FRIENDS REUNION HIGHLIGHTS

HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS PATHWAYS FOR PENTECOSTAL LEADERS

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING SERIES

ALUMNI/AE NEWS AND MORE!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WWW.CRCDS.EDU

FROM THE PRESIDENT

CLASS OF 2026 COMMENCEMENT

ALUMNI/AE & FRIENDS REUNION HIGHLIGHTS 2026 ALUMNI/AE AWARDS HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE REV. DR. SAMUEL B. MCKINNEY

FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

2025 - 2026 ACADEMIC YEAR THEME:

HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS PATHWAYS FOR PENTECOSTAL LEADERS

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, the Lord’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope.” Lamentations 3: 21 - 24, NRSVUE

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING SERIES

IN MEMORIAM

ALUMNI/AE NEWS

CRCDS ON THE ROAD

YOU CAN EMPOWER FUTURE GENERATIONS

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Good morning and welcome to Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School’s 2026 Commencement. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Administration, Faculty, Staff, Students, and Distinguished Alumni/ae, thank you for gathering with us today at Covenant United Methodist Church or via live-stream and a word of appreciation for persons who will watch the recording. Thank you, Rev. Dr. Ann Kemper and Covenant UMC for hosting this year’s commencement. For more than two centuries, Colgate Rochester Crozer has taken seriously its founding purpose “to furnish means of education to those who are preparing for the Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service.” Formed by an educational program that takes seriously a gospel mandate to love God with heart, soul, and mind (Mat 22.37), Colgate Rochester Crozer alumni/ae live, serve, and get into good trouble as modeled by the late Congressman John Lewis, in communities that are a kaleidoscopic representation of God’s always unfolding kin-dom. Our graduates are activists, attorneys, community leaders, community organizers, educators, entrepreneurs, nonprofit executives, pastors, and physicians. Your presence with us at today’s commencement – this moment when we pause to recognize accomplishments and acknowledge that the work / the ministry to which our graduates are called is yet evolving – is a gift. This opportunity to gather at a defining moment in the life of our graduates, is a timely reminder that “for everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecc 3.1). A time to study and to demonstrate proficiency; a time to worship and form meaningful relationships; a time to reflect and give thanks for the journey; a time to process the consequences of elections and commit to living out commitments to peace, service, and justice; a time to rejoice and honor with integrity God’s call to family, church, and world. As I conclude my seventh year as President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, I continue to be surprised by the many ways God reveals God’s self in the life of this beloved institution. Beyond balance sheets, beyond metrics, and beyond dashboards - there is something deeper at work here. God continues to gift us with an expanded capacity: to comprehend truth, to dream boldly, to ask hard questions, to imagine new possibilities, to listen, to hear, and to trust - even when, and perhaps particularly when, the way forward is not marked by certainty. This is no small thing. And it is only possible because of you - because of your prayers, your presence, your advocacy, and your financial gifts. Each of you plays a part in making this educational ministry not only possible, but relevant. On behalf of our faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees: thank you for your steadfast support of the seminary and our students. Today, we welcome and celebrate those at the heart of this occasion - our graduates, the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Class of 2026, and your families, friends, and loved ones. It is indeed a glorious day, and I give thanks to God for each of you. The following are the opening remarks of Dr. Angela D. Sims, President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS), delivered during the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026 on May 16, 2026, at Covenant United Methodist Church in Rochester, New York.

TO FORM STUDENTS IN THEOLOGICAL AND MULTI-RELIGIOUS STUDIES TO SERVE, CARE, AND ADVOCATE FOR ALL PEOPLES AND THE EARTH.

OUR MISSION:

Commencement invites us into a sacred pause. It’s a time to look back with gratitude, to stand firmly in the present, and to dare to look ahead with hope. It reminds us that what is not yet… is still possible. This season in the life of our school is marked not only by transition, but also by testimony. It is a time to remember the voices and visions that joined our learning community this year- students, faculty, staff, trustees, and partners- each bringing with them gifts that have deepened and enriched who we are. So today, we pause to give thanks. We celebrate accomplishments, yes - but more than that, we celebrate faithfulness. We celebrate resilience. We celebrate growth. Class of 2026: we are excited for you. We rejoice with you. And we walk with you in spirit as you go forward to serve a world marked by cruelty, genocide, greed, war - with wisdom, with courage, and with love. Today we give thanks for persons who joined our learning community this year: 1) 20 new students this fall and spring, 2) Rev. Dr. Emilio Alvarez, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean; Rev. Dr. J. J. Warren, Assistant Professor of (Queer Theology) and Lead of the Gender, Sexuality, and Racial Justice Program; Mr. Douglas Finch, Chief Financial Officer; Ms. Johnice Hall, Coordinator of Enrollment and Institutional Operations; Mr. Jourdan Hill, Communications Manager; 3) Rev. Dr. Bonita L. Bates and Rev. Dr. Michael Ford, Governing Trustees. I ask you all to join me in thanking the Rev. Dr. Michael Laver and Mr. Peter Abdella as they conclude their service as governing trustees on June 30 . th With a mission to form students in theological and multi-religious studies to serve, care, and advocate for all peoples and the earth, I am grateful that in a time marked increasingly by politicization, polarization, intolerance, and hate our students strive to live the school’s core values of community, compassion, collaboration, flexibility, and respect through their interactions with others. For this, I am thankful! We honor you, graduates and family and friends, with every prayer, scripture, song, and remembrance shared today.

Yours in peace, service, and justice,

Rev. Angela D. Sims, Ph.D. President

OUR CORE VALUES

COMMUNITY

COLLABORATION

COMPASSION

FLEXIBILITY

RESPECT

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, more than 175 family members, friends, and community supporters gathered at Covenant United Methodist Church in Rochester, New York, to honor the graduating Class of 2026 from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. The ceremony, held in the church where the Rev. Dr. Ann C. Kemper, CRCDS ’07, serves as senior pastor, celebrated the achievements of 18 graduates now poised to begin new chapters of service, ministry, and leadership.

The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Aana Marie Vigen, Professor of Christian Social Ethics at Loyola University Chicago. In a powerful message titled “Ministry in Wild Times,” Dr. Vigen reflected on the realities of living and leading in a world marked by uncertainty, division, and injustice. Challenging graduates to move beyond asking “Who is my neighbor?” and instead ask “What kind of neighbor will I be?” she called them to embody compassion, courage, and faithful action. Her message reminded graduates that even in difficult and changing times, God’s faithfulness remains constant, and ministry is lived not only through words but through acts of love and service. Drawing on scripture, personal experience, and the realities of our present moment, Dr. Vigen encouraged graduates to resist fear and complacency and instead become people who actively participate in healing and hope. She reminded those gathered that ministry often happens beyond church walls, in everyday encounters where people choose love over indifference, courage over comfort, and community over division. Her address served as both an affirmation and a challenge for graduates preparing to enter ministry and leadership in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Emilio Alvarez, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, took the stage to present the graduate awards. In his remarks, he emphasized the honor and responsibility that accompany these recognitions awarded to the following: The Gene and Jean Bartlett Preaching Prize was awarded to Aaron Carlson. This prize honors Dr. Gene Bartlett, a 1935 alumnus and past president of CRCDS, and his wife, Jean, for their dedication to justice and mercy. The Theodore Louis Trost Memorial Prize was awarded to Erika Godfrey. This prize recognizes a student with exceptional promise in pastoral ministry and is named after the revered librarian Theodore Louis Trost. The Winthrop Hudson Scholar Award was awarded to Nicole Brown. This prize honors a student committed to academic excellence, either in doctoral studies or pastoral ministry and is named after distinguished historian Winthrop Hudson. As the Class of 2026 begins the next stage of their journey, they leave Colgate Rochester Crozer with more than degrees and accomplishments. They carry with them lessons of faith, community, and purpose that will continue to shape the ways they serve and lead. In a year centered around the theme “Great is God’s Faithfulness,” graduates were reminded that they step into the future sustained by the same faithfulness that has guided them thus far. For those who could not attend, or who wish to relive these inspiring moments, the full commencement service and recordings are available on CRCDS ON-DEMAND on our website.

Service of Holy Communion during the Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Dr. Emilio Alvarez delivers the Baccalaureate Address to the Class of 2026 on May 15, 2026.

Dr. Aana Marie Vigen delivers Commencement Address to the Class of 2026 on May 16, 2026.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2026!

CLASS OF 2026! CONGRATULATIONS

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

Jonathan J. Dukes Jr.

Jessica Floissac

Kathleen Karhnak-Glasby

Delia L. Mitchell

MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

MASTER OF DIVINITY

Elaine M. Wilson Edwards

Nicole Ann-Marie Brown

Abijah Adams

Patrisha A. Blue

MASTER OF DIVINITY

Aaron Z. Carlson

Mark D. Leary

Judy Lieber-Butler

Michael A. Marshall

MASTER OF DIVINITY

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY

Sharon L. Rayford

Suwan M. Steele

Erika Godfrey

Susan B. Luke (St. John)

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY

Jonathan Pemberton

Darius Moore

CLASS OF 2026! CONGRATULATIONS

The 2026 Alumni/ae & Friends Reunion at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School offered far more than a weekend of events. It became a meaningful gathering of memory, mission, worship, and vision as alumni/ae, students, faculty, friends, and community leaders came together in Rochester to celebrate the school’s enduring witness and evolving future. Across several days, the reunion reflected the very heart of Colgate Rochester Crozer — a community committed to preparing leaders for lives of ministry, justice, compassion, and public engagement. A particularly moving moment of the reunion came during the annual Alumni/ae Chapel and Service of Remembrance on Thursday afternoon. Rev. Dr. Jesse Wendell Mapson Jr., CTS ’70, Senior Pastor of Monumental Baptist Church in Philadelphia, delivered a powerful sermon titled “This Ministry,” rooted in 2 Corinthians 4:1–6. Reflecting on his own journey through theological education during the Civil Rights era, Dr. Mapson spoke honestly about the realities of ministry in times marked by division, uncertainty, injustice, and rapid cultural change. Yet even amid these challenges, he reminded listeners that the call of God remains steadfast. He encouraged graduates, alumni/ae, and church leaders to remain grounded in compassion, mercy, courage, and justice, emphasizing that ministry is not about status or power, but about faithfully serving others through the transformative love of Jesus Christ. The chapel service also provided sacred space to remember members of the Colgate Rochester Crozer community who passed away during the year, honoring their lives, ministries, and enduring contributions with gratitude and prayer. Following the chapel service and a meaningful time of fellowship and reconnection, alumni/ae and guests gathered for Theology in Conversation: A Roundtable with the Faculty . Designed as an engaging and interactive discussion, the session created space for thoughtful dialogue around theology, ministry, scholarship, and the pressing questions shaping faith and public life in today’s world. Five members of the Colgate Rochester Crozer faculty participated in the conversation, offering insights from their areas of teaching, research, ministry, and lived experience. One of the signature gatherings of the reunion was the “Voices in the City: Leadership & Impact Celebration,” which brought together leaders from across faith communities, education, nonprofit organizations, business, and civic life. The evening highlighted the importance of thoughtful leadership, ethical reflection, and public engagement while also recognizing distinguished alumni/ae whose ministries and leadership continue to embody the mission of Colgate Rochester Crozer. During the celebration, the Rev. Dr. Keith A. Russell, CRDS ’67, received the Distinguished Alumni/ae Award; Dr. Melany J. Silas-Chandler, CRCDS ’06, received the Peace, Service, and Justice Award; and Rev. Eileen O. Casey-Campbell, CRCDS ’17, received the Emerging Leader Award. The evening also included a special tribute honoring the life and legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney during his centennial year. The reunion also highlighted the deep spiritual roots and enduring vision of the institution itself. During the 4th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast, participants reflected on the founding of the seminary in 1819, when a small group gathered with faith, prayer, and determination to establish what they called a “school of prophets” with just 13 people, $13, and 13 prayers. In recognition of that history, faith and community leaders offered prayers for the Church, the world, students, faculty, and the future of theological education. The weekend concluded with Baccalaureate and Commencement celebrations honoring the Class of 2026, whose graduates now prepare to carry their gifts and callings into congregations, classrooms, nonprofit organizations, chaplaincy settings, advocacy work, and communities across the globe. Altogether, the 2026 Alumni/ae & Friends Reunion served as a vibrant reminder that the mission of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, to form students in theological and multi- religious studies to serve, care and advocate for all peoples and the earth.

Rev. Dr. Jesse Wendell Mapson, Jr., CTS ‘70, Senior Pastor at Monumental Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA delivers the Alumni/ae & Friends Chapel sermon.

Dr. Muhammad Shafiq, Executive Director of the Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue at Nazareth University participates during the Community Prayer Breakfast.

Colgate Rochester Crozer Faculty discuss theology, ministry, scholarship, and pressing questions shaping faith and public life today during the faculty roundtable.

Dr. Lesli Myers-Small, Executive Director of the Rochester Police Accountability Board provides a prayer during the Community Prayer Breakfast.

Students, faculty, and alumni/ae gather in the Community Room on the 20 East Avenue Campus.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI/AE AWARD

The Distinguished Alumni/ae Award recognizes a graduate whose scholarship, teaching, leadership, and contributions to vocational formation for ministry reflect excellence in theological education. This year’s recipient is the Rev. Dr. Keith A. Russell, CRDS ’67. Dr. Russell’s ministry spans nearly six decades of faithful service in urban contexts across New York and beyond. Joining the faculty of New York Theological Seminary in 1978, he later served as its President from 1982 to 1992, guiding the institution in preparing leaders for ministry in complex and evolving communities. From 1997 to 2008, he served as President of the American Baptist Seminary of the West (now Berkeley School of Theology), where he also held the role of Professor of Pastoral Theology and was later named Professor Emeritus. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Russell has bridged academy and congregation, serving churches in the Bronx, Albany, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia while mentoring generations of clergy. Even in retirement, he continues to teach and preach, recently serving as a faculty affiliate in Colgate Rochester Crozer’s Doctor of Ministry program. His recently published memoir, The Witness of the Wounded: Reflections on a Life of Ministry , reflects a lifetime devoted to pastoral care, faithful witness, and theological leadership grounded in service.

Rev. Dr. Keith A. Russell CRDS ’67

PEACE, SERVICE, AND JUSTICE AWARD

The Peace, Service, and Justice Award honors an alumna whose leadership reflects a deep and sustained commitment to community transformation. This year’s recipient is the Rev. Dr. Melany J. Silas-Chandler, CRCDS ’06 . A Rochester native, Dr. Silas-Chandler integrates faith, scholarship, and justice in every dimension of her work. She holds degrees from the University of Rochester, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and Syracuse University. For more than 20 years, she has served as a Professor at Monroe Community College, shaping thousands of students through innovative and culturally responsive courses such as Death & Dying and Black Women’s Mental Health and Wellness . In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was named the College’s 2025 Commencement Keynote Speaker. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Silas-Chandler is Founder and Executive Director of BreatheDeep, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to mental health advocacy and trauma-informed community care. As Pastor of Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Rochester, she leads with theological depth and prophetic conviction, mobilizing congregants toward justice and spiritual renewal. Through writing, publishing, and cultural production—including Sacred Ground Collective and other works —she continues to create spaces where healing, scholarship, and faith converge. Her ministry reflects a dynamic embodiment of peace, service, and justice in action.

Rev. Dr. Melany J. Silas-Chandler CRCDS ’06

EMERGING LEADER AWARD

The Emerging Leader Award celebrates alumni/ae within the past decade whose ministry demonstrates exceptional dedication and promise in Church and society. The 2026 recipient is the Rev. Eileen O. Casey-Campbell, CRCDS ’17 . A 2017 graduate of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Rev. Casey-Campbell serves as Senior Minister of First Universalist Church of Rochester. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to inclusive worship, LGBTQ+ advocacy, youth and young adult ministry, and innovative approaches to congregational vitality. She previously served the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canandaigua and has extensive experience in church growth and membership development across denominational contexts. Rev. Casey-Campbell brings a holistic approach to spiritual care. A certified yoga teacher and birth doula, she integrates embodied spirituality and community wellness into her pastoral leadership. Rooted in creativity, justice-centered faith, and courageous hope, her ministry represents a new generation of clergy leadership —grounded in tradition while boldly responsive to contemporary realities.

Rev. Eileen O. Casey-Campbell CRCDS ’17

CHECK OUT THE SERVICES AND PROGRAM RECORDINGS AT: CRCDS ON-DEMAND www.crcds.edu/ON-DEMAND

HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE REV. DR. SAMUEL B. MCKINNEY

In the classrooms and community life of Colgate Rochester Divinity School, a young seminarian named Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney was being formed for a ministry that would reach far beyond the walls of the academy. Earning his Master of Divinity in 1952 and later his Doctor of Ministry in 1975 from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, during a time shaped by the enduring legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., CTS ‘51, Dr. McKinney carried with him a deep conviction that faith must be lived publicly, shaped by peace, grounded in service, and driven by justice. Those years were not simply about study; they were about calling, preparing him to become both pastor and prophet in a world urgently in need of both. His theological voice was further shaped through his engagement in the Martin Luther King Fellows in Black Religious Studies program, where he contributed to the emerging field of Black religious studies, including his thesis work Church Administration in the Black Perspective , co written with Rev. Dr. Floyd Massey Jr. His ministry took root in Seattle, Washington, where Rev. Dr. McKinney served for decades as pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, becoming a prominent voice for faith based community engagement and racial equality. In the face of entrenched injustice, he stood alongside communities willing to act, leading boycotts of major downtown businesses with a clear and uncompromising message, “Do not shop where you cannot work.” These were not just words, but a strategy rooted in dignity and economic justice, one that helped open doors of employment and opportunity for African Americans. His ministry became a living testimony that the church could be both a spiritual home and a force for transformation in society. Throughout his life, Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney embodied the sacred call to ministry as pastor, activist, community organizer, and visionary. From the halls of Colgate Rochester to the streets of Seattle and beyond, his witness carried the fire of a movement rooted in faith and fueled by courage. Now, in what would be his 100th birthday, his Centennial Year, we, alongside his family, friends, classmates, and the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School community, remember and honor Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney as a lasting legacy, a giant of the faith, whose life continues to call us to be agents of peace, servants of compassion, and seekers of justice, participating faithfully in God’s ongoing work of renewal in the world.

Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney

VOICES IN THE CITY LEADERSHIP CELEBRATION SPONSORS

We are grateful to the many sponsors who made this year’s event possible:

Signature Leadership Sponsor American Baptist Home Mission Societies

Neighborhood Partner Sponsors American Baptist Churches of the Rochester/ Genesee Region Wegmans Keidel’s Janitorial Services Mr. Thomas A. Tupitza Mr. Peter H. Abdella Rev. Beverly Murrell-Frasier, CRCDS ‘20 Friend of Colgate Rochester Crozer Sponsors Rev. Angela D. Sims, Ph.D. and Mr. Terron D. Sims Rev. Dr. Michael J. Ford, CRCDS ‘12 and Mrs. Lara Ford Mark Arnold, Ph.D. Rev. Dr. Michael S. Laver, CRCDS ‘17 Young Prophets Collective

Visionary Partner Sponsor Alesco Advisors

Impact Partner Sponsors CMIT Solutions of Rochester Jerry E. Fisher, Ph.D. & Jonathan Rosenfeld Rev. Stuart J. Mitchell III, CRDS ‘70 & Martha Neubert Rev. Sue Forsyth, CRDS '95 Heritage Sponsors Mrs. Elizabeth Osta and Mr. David VanArsdale Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, CRCDS ‘00 and Ms. Brenda D. Lee Rev. Dr. Bonita L. Bates, CRCDS '05, '11, '24 Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA

Dr. Mark Arnold co edited the recently released devotional Inside Out: 20 Principles of Biblical Manhood (Sims Publishing Group), featuring a foreword by the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. He was reelected as a 2026 District Chaplain serving the Northeast Region of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and attended the Black Church Conference honoring Clayborn Carson, Martin Luther King Jr. Centennial Professor Emeritus. Dr. Jin Young Choi contributed the chapter “Dancing Through the Fire: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Gale A. Yee” to the forthcoming volume Crossing Shores and Horizons: Asian and Asian American Transnational Feminist Theologies (Westminster John Knox Press). She also submitted an article titled “Reading the Roman Fasces in Times of Tyranny,” forthcoming in Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology (July 2026), and continues to serve on the editorial board of the Journal of Biblical Literature . Dr. Jamie Eaddy, CRCDS ‘20 authored ReMembering Ourselves: A Womanist Guide for BeFriending Grief (Wipf & Stock/Cascade Books), scheduled for release in August 2026. A second forthcoming work, Swallowed Grief: Black Women and Embodied Grief Suppression in Faith Formation , is currently under contract with Routledge. She also served as a featured speaker at the Association for Death Education and Counseling Annual Conference and the Association of Practical Theology Biennial Conference. Additionally, Dr. Eaddy was invited by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to travel to Manila, Dumaguete, and Apo Island in the Philippines to support the Young Adult Volunteer program through conversations on grief, collective transformation, and conflict resolution, with additional facilitation taking place in Seoul, South Korea. Dr. Julia M. McMillan delivered the plenary address “Pentecostal Integrity: The Ethics of Formation” for the Joint College of Bishops in March 2026. Prof. Jackie Nelson was hooded in May 2026 with an anticipated August 2026 completion of her doctoral program in Human Development at the Warner School of Education, University of Rochester. Dr. J.J. Warren presented the paper “Religion and Experience: (Queer) Questions of Meaning and Being in Tillich’s Harvard Lectures” a t the International Paul Tillich Workshop in Vienna and preached at Mountain Rise United Church of Christ in Rochester in May 2026 as part of the Collective’s community engagement efforts. Dr. Michael Woodcock served as board chair for the American Baptist Theological Center in Pasadena, California, and for Wings of Grace Global Ministries in Pomona, California. He also created and taught asynchronous courses and supervised doctoral dissertation work at the International Theological Seminary in West Covina, California. In addition, he celebrated the 99th anniversary of First Baptist Church of North Hollywood through community centered outreach and commemorative activities honoring the legacy of Rev. Jerrell Walls.

Dr. Mark Arnold

Dr. Jin Young Choi

Dr. Julia M. McMillan

Prof. Jackie Nelson

Dr. Emilio Alvarez was the Guest Resident Theologian for the 2026 General Assembly Synod at Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA.

Dr. JJ Warren

Dr. Emilio Alvarez

Rev. Dr. Jamie Eaddy, CRCDS ‘20

Dr. Michael Woodcock

HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS PATHWAYS FOR PENTECOSTAL LEADERS Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School is honored to announce the signing of a historic Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU) with the Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops. The agreement was signed during the Joint College of Bishops Congress 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 18, 2026. This groundbreaking partnership represents an important step forward in strengthening relationships between theological education and Pentecostal leadership across the United States. Through this agreement, registrants of the Joint College of Bishops Congress will be eligible to receive graduate-level academic credit from Colgate Rochester Crozer for their participation in the annual conference.

Participants may earn up to nine graduate credits, equivalent to three elective courses, that can be applied toward any program at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. These courses are designed to deepen the theological reflection and ministerial formation already taking place through the annual Congress while creating a pathway for continued academic and vocational development. In addition, participants will be invited to apply for matriculation into Colgate Rochester Crozer degree programs. Approved by the Executive Board of the Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops, the MOU will take effect during the 2026–2027 academic year and will remain in place for an initial three-year period. The agreement was formally signed during the Joint College of Bishops Congress by Rev. Angela D. Sims, Ph.D., President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School; The Most Rev. Emilio Alvarez, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School; Archbishop David Michael Copeland, Metropolitan of the Joint College of Bishops; and Bishop Liston Page Sr., Chief Executive Officer of the Joint College of Bishops. Reflecting on the significance of the partnership at the conclusion of the signing in St. Louis, President Dr. Angela D. Sims, stated: “This moment represents the very best of ecumenical collaboration. For more than two centuries, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School has been committed to forming leaders who are learned, pastoral, and prophetic leaders prepared to serve the church, the academy, and the wider society. This partnership with the Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops reflects the power of relationship and shared mission. Together, we are cultivating a learning community that honors tradition, engages critical inquiry, and forms leaders who love God with heart, soul, and intellect. At such a time as this, we give thanks for the opportunity to deepen our collaboration and to prepare leaders equipped to serve a world that is ever changing.” This historic agreement signals a shared commitment to reimagining theological education for a changing world—one that recognizes the wisdom of lived ministry, strengthens the voices of Pentecostal leadership, and expands opportunities for faith leaders to deepen their theological formation while continuing their work in communities across the nation and world. Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, The Most Rev. Emilio Alvarez, Ph.D., added: “Partnerships such as this remind us that theological education is never the work of a single institution alone, but a shared endeavor between the academy and the church, between tradition and lived ministry. The Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops represents a vibrant stream of church leadership whose wisdom, spiritual vitality, and pastoral experience enrich the broader theological community. By creating pathways for these leaders to engage in graduate theological study, we not only honor that tradition but also strengthen the future of theological education, ensuring that our classrooms remain places where the church’s many voices, histories, and experiences learn from one another for the sake of the Gospel and the world.”

On May 12 - 13, 2026, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School joined together with The Center for the Study of African American Religious Life at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture and Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church to present the 2026 Historically Speaking Series — a powerful collaborative initiative centered on preserving, examining, and celebrating the enduring legacy of the Black church. Bringing together scholars, clergy, community leaders, archivists, and members of the public, the series created meaningful space for dialogue, education, reflection, and hands-on engagement around the intersections of race, religion, memory, justice, and public life. Designed to honor sacred traditions while equipping a new generation to preserve them, the series explored how faith communities carry forward stories, artifacts, histories, and practices that shape both local communities and the broader American experience. The series opened on May 12th at Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church in Rochester, NY with Holding Sacred Things: Preserving the Legacy of the Black Church , an interactive workshop gathering focused on practical approaches to preserving the stories and treasures of Black religious communities. Following a public reception, participants engaged in a hands-on preservation workshop exploring how congregations and community members can safeguard historical records, artifacts, photographs, and oral traditions for future generations. One of the most engaging components of the workshop centered on oral history collection, where attendees received practical training on documenting stories and memories using accessible, everyday tools such as cell phones. The workshop emphasized that preservation work does not solely belong to museums or archives, but can begin within congregations, families, and communities themselves. The following evening, on May 13th, the series continued at the downtown campus of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School with This Far by Faith: Race, Religion, and Rochester Then & Now . The evening began with an exhibition and reception examining the events surrounding the March 1969 Lock Out led by the Black Student Caucus at Colgate Rochester Divinity School — a watershed moment in the institution’s history and in the broader story of theological education in America. Through archival photographs, newspaper coverage, correspondence, and historical materials, attendees were invited to engage the courage, advocacy, and demands for racial justice that shaped the movement and left a lasting impact on the seminary and its mission. Following the exhibition, participants gathered for a public panel conversation focused on the relationship between religion, civic leadership, community formation, and the preservation of Black religious traditions in Rochester and beyond. The discussion explored the ways faith institutions have historically shaped neighborhoods, movements, public policy, and social engagement, while also examining the importance of preserving oral histories, sacred artifacts, congregational memory, and models of community care for future generations. The conversation featured opening remarks from Malik D. Evans, Mayor of the City of Rochester; Erika D. Gault, Ph.D., CRCDS ’06, Director and Lilly Endowment Curator of African American Religious Life at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture; Angela D. Sims, Ph.D., President and John Price Crozer Professor of Social Ethics at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School; Conā S. M. Marshall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of American Religions at the University of Rochester; and Simeon Banister, President and CEO of the Rochester Area Community Foundation. Together, panelists reflected on the ongoing intersections of race, religion, memory, leadership, and public life while emphasizing the critical importance of preserving the stories and sacred traditions that continue to shape communities today. The 2026 Historically Speaking Series ultimately demonstrated the power of partnership and collaboration across institutions, congregations, museums, and communities. By bringing together voices from faith communities, higher education, civic leadership, and the nonprofit sector, the initiative offered a meaningful reminder that the stories, memories, and witness of Black religious life continue to shape both Rochester and the broader public square.

IN MEMORIAM

Since July 1, 2025 A SPACE TO REMEMBER AND HONOR ALUMNI/AE AND FRIENDS WHO HAVE PASSED

Rev. Clifford H. Haskins, CRDS ‘53 01/24/2026

Rev. Dr. James A. Braker, CRDS ‘58 11/13/2025

Rev. Lamont D. Robinson, CRDS ‘69 07/19/2025

Ms. Olga Sandman, BMTS ‘52 01/27/2026

Rev. Gary D. Bryant, CRDS ‘70 07/29/2025

Bishop Troy Anthony Bronner, CRDS ‘92 11/16/2025

Mrs. Bettye Jean Franks Forbes 02/06/2026

Ms. Marilyn Saunders, BMTS ‘54 07/30/2025

Rev. D. Diane Kimpland, CRDS ‘93 11/17/2025

Dr. Dean G. Van Dussen, CRDS ‘72 02/08/2026

Ms. Linda L. Hardwick, CRDS ‘64 07/30/2025

Ms. Marian Gerecke, BMTS ‘52 11/19/2025

Rev. Dr. William J. Shaw, CRDS ‘75 03/07/2026

Rev. Arthur G. Broadhurst, CRDS ‘62 08/15/2025

Mr. Jay T. Holmes, Life Trustee 11/28/2025

Rev. Gordon W. Knapp, CRDS ‘59 03/11/2026

Rev. Eric C. B. Nelson, CRDS ‘69 08/16/2025

Ms. Margaret Mead, BMTS ‘56 11/29/2025

Mr. Nebraski Carter, CRDS ‘92 03/19/2026

Rev. Lewis E. Robbins, CTS ‘57 08/23/2025

Mr. James K. Hoffmeister, CRDS ‘58 12/04/2025

Rev. Nancy L. Guenther, CRDS ‘89 03/28/2026

Mrs. Camilla L. Shaw 09/10/2025

Rev. Marjorie Scott, CRDS ‘79 12/11/2025

Rev. Louis E. Drew, CRDS ‘72 04/09/2026

Miss Emma Enoch, BMTS ‘51 09/15/2025

Rev. King D. Lewis, CRDS ‘99 12/14/2025

Rev. Dr. Darryl M. Trimiew 04/09/2026

Ms. Virgina Graham, BMTS ‘50 10/02/2025

Rev. Mary A. Brooks, CRDS ‘98 12/30/2025

Rev. Dr. Anthony Bonds, CRCDS ‘02 05/03/2026

Ms. Margery J. Hill, BMTS ‘56 10/04/2025

Rev. Richard E. McCollum, CRDS ‘69 01/08/2026

IF YOU KNOW OF AN ALUMNI/AE OR FRIEND OF CRCDS WHO IS DECEASED, PLEASE EMAIL US AT ADVANCEMENT@CRCDS.EDU WITH A COPY OF THE OBITUARY SO THAT WE CAN UPDATE OUR RECORDS.

ALUMNI/AE NEWS & UPDATES

Rev. Cheryl M. Frank, CRCDS '16 is the new Associate Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of New York State (ABC-NYS). Rev. Frank began her service to ABCNYS on February 1, 2026. Rev. Frank will be traveling to churches throughout upstate New York, providing support and encouragement to churches and leaders. Rev. Dr. Youngjae Jee, CRCDS '11 Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez has appointed the Rev. Dr. Jee to Covenant United Methodist Church in Rochester, NY effective, July 1, 2026. Mr. James Richard White, CRDS '85 recently performed with the Altoona Symphony Orchestra as a guest artist for the holiday concert. Rev. Kimberly B. Gladden, CRDS '89 is currently serving as President of Urban Ministry Advancement Program (UMAP), a specialized initiative designed to strengthen community outreach, leadership, and ministry within urban areas.

Rev. Dr. Johnny Turner, CRDS '86 recently published a book, titled, The Purpose Driven Disciple: “Implementing Wisdom Pearls for Spiritual Growth.” This book is about genuine disciples of Christ being passionate about what drives them. Rev. Dr. Keith A. Russell, CRDS '67 recently published his memoir titled “The Witness of the Wounded: Reflections on a Life of Ministry.” The book reflects on his nearly sixty years of ministry and a pastor, seminary president, and professor. Mr. Michael Okinczyc-Cruz, CRCDS '15 co-authored a recently published book with Mr. John Dominic Crossan titled Jesus and Justice: “Organizing for God’s Reign on Earth Then and Now.” Rev. Chester Freeman, CRDS '80 recently published an article in February 2026 on CureToday.com titled , Chemo Brain is Real: "My Experience with a Clinical Study and What it Can Teach Us."

Rev. Steven C. Law, CRDS '77 recently published a book February 2026, The Story of Bob: “The Life and Times of the Rev. Robert W. Wood.” Rev. Dr. Robert K. Hoggard, CRCDS '16 successfully defended his dissertation for a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from the University of Rochester Warner School of Education. His dissertation is titled “A Lifeline? Investigating the Intersection of Race- Based Trauma and Healing of African American Males at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs).” Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Wright, CRCDS '20 was inducted into the 2026 class of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College. Rev. Julius D. Jackson, Jr., CRCDS '13 was honored as the Community Impact Honoree at the 2026 Black Heritage Gala sponsored by the City of Rochester in Rochester, New York.

ALUMNI/AE NEWS & UPDATES CONTINUED

Throwback to 1974 | The “Bible Belters”

Rev. Deborah L. Hughes, CRDS '87 retired in December 2025 as President and CEO of the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester, New York, having served in this role since 2007. Rev. Dr. Richard Douglass, CRDS '85 and Rev. Dr. Grace Douglass celebrated their 25 wedding anniversary in November 2025. th Ms. Nancy E. Krody was honored at the 2025 LGBTQ Religious Archives Network during the annual LGBTQ- RAN Holy Troublemakers Online Gala Celebration in October 2025. Evann Hasenauer, CRCDS '25 began serving on the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB) Board of Directors in Fall 2025. Mr. Roque Javier Cabrera Feliciano, CRCDS '14 recently published an online article titled “The Footbridge of James 2:1–26: Vultures, Dead Women, and Other ‘Men of Faith.’” The article is featured in Conexión Queer, a peer-reviewed academic online journal published annually.

Members of the “Bible Belters” pose for a team photo in Rochester, New York, as part of the University of Rochester intramural league. And yes—these seminarians could play. Many brought high school football experience to the field… and it showed. We’re told they made it all the way to the championship game—just missing the title!

While we haven’t identified everyone (yet!), we’re grateful to recognize a few familiar faces:

Back row (left to right): Rev. Douglas Deer, CRDS ’76 (far left); Rev. Dr. Anthony L. Evans, CRDS ’76 (third from left); Jesse Doyle (second from right); Rev. Thomas G. Bayes, Jr., CRDS ’75 (far right). Front row (left to right): Tony Green; Rev. Dr. W. Kenneth Williams, CRDS ’76 (second from left); Rev. Dr. B. James Walter, CRDS ’75 (fourth from left); Bill Meier (second from right); and Dr. Curt A. Torell, CRDS ’74 (far right). Not pictured (and likely behind the camera!): Rev. George “Nick” Carter, CRDS ’74

To update your alumni/ae information scan the QR code, e-mail: advancement@crcds.edu or phone: 585.340.9500

Photo sent to us by Rev. Thomas G. Bayes, Jr. and Dr. Curt A. Torell

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Hampton Ministers Conference June 7 - 11, 2026 Hampton, Virginia CRCDS ON THE ROAD

The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM) Leadership Conference July 22 - 25, 2026 Charlotte, North Carolina

Honor the memory of someone special with a donation in remembrance. We’ll notify their loved ones of your gift, which allows their legacy to live on by making a lasting impact. Tribute gifts may be made to honor someone who is ill, to thank someone, or to celebrate a birthday, wedding, or other occasion. To make a memorial or tribute gift, please select the tribute gift option when making your gift online. CREATE A MEMORIAL OR TRIBUTE GIFT TODAY: www.crcds.edu/give

IF YOU ARE ATTENDING ONE OF THESE EVENTS, OR ARE IN THE AREA, LET US KNOW BY EMAILING ADVANCEMENT@CRCDS.EDU. WE WOULD LOVE TO CATCH UP WITH COLGATE ROCHESTER CROZER ALUMNI/AE AND FRIENDS!

YOU CAN EMPOWER FUTURE GENERATIONS

You can help Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School students pursue their dreams by breaking down barriers to theological education with a scholarship. You can make a theological degree more accessible for everyone who seeks it — so our students can reach their full potential and improve our society for the better. With a legacy gift in the form of a scholarship, you can amplify your values and lend a helping hand that will create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our our community and the world. Do you have a passion for theological education and an appreciation for the value it can bring to one’s life?

Ways to Fund Your Lasting Impact:

Making a gift of cash is a straightforward method, allowing you to qualify for an income tax deduction and immediately support students in need. Recommending a grant from your donor advised fund is almost as easy — you do it as often as you like on your own time and don’t need to keep track of receipts. Donating appreciated assets, such as stocks or real estate, can provide additional tax benefits to you and create educational opportunities for Colgate Rochester Crozer students. Including Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in your will or naming the institution as a beneficiary of your retirement plan assets allows you to seamlessly weave your charitable goals into your legacy, ensuring that your values and generosity endure. Beyond financial impact, you can make a profound difference in the trajectory of someone’s life and ministry. By shaping the future through scholarships, you establish a legacy that transcends time. Let your philanthropy pave the way for generations of learners.

BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR OUR STUDENTS DISCUSS SMART WAYS TO ENGAGE OR TO SHARE YOUR VALUES BY LIFTING UP A STUDENT IN NEED. DAVID RIDDELL, CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AT 585.689.1007 OR E-MAIL: DRIDDELL@CRCDS.EDU. THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF EDUCATION!

20 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14604

585-271-1320

www.crcds.edu

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